USER’S GUIDE Agilent Technologies Model N3280A Component Test DC Source 5 Agilent Part No. 5964-8248 Microfiche No.
Warranty Information CERTIFICATION Agilent Technologies certifies that this product met its published specifications at time of shipment from the factory. Agilent Technologies further certifies that its calibration measurements are traceable to the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology, to the extent allowed by the Bureau's calibration facility, and to the calibration facilities of other International Standards Organization members.
Safety Summary The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation of this instrument. Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Agilent Technologies assumes no liability for the customer's failure to comply with these requirements. GENERAL This product is a Safety Class 1 instrument (provided with a protective earth terminal).
SAFETY SYMBOLS Direct current Alternating current Both direct and alternating current Three-phase alternating current Earth (ground) terminal Protective earth (ground) terminal Frame or chassis terminal Terminal is at earth potential. Used for measurement and control circuits designed to be operated with one terminal at earth potential.
Declaration Page DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY According to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and CEN/CENELEC EN 45014 Manufacturer’s Name: Manufacturer’s Address: declares that the product: Product Name: Model Number: Product Options: Responsible Party Agilent Technologies, Inc. Power Products PGU 140 Green Pond Road Rockaway, New Jersey 07866 U.S.
Acoustic Noise Information Herstellerbescheinigung Diese Information steht im Zusammenhang mit den Anforderungen der Maschinenläminformationsverordnung vom 18 Januar 1991. * Schalldruckpegel Lp <70 dB(A) * Am Arbeitsplatz * Normaler Betrieb * Nach EN 27779 (Typprüfung). Manufacturer's Declaration This statement is provided to comply with the requirements of the German Sound Emission Directive, from 18 January 1991.
Table of Contents Warranty Information Safety Summary Declaration Page Acoustic Noise Information Printing History Table of Contents 2 3 5 6 6 7 GENERAL INFORMATION 13 Document Orientation Safety Considerations Options and Accessories Description Remote Programming Output Characteristics Voltage Priority Operation Current Priority Operation Measurement Characteristics Start of a Measurement 13 13 14 14 14 15 15 16 17 18 INSTALLATION Inspection Damage Packaging Material Additional Items Cleaning Locati
INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING External References GPIB References SCPI References GPIB Capabilities of the DC Source Introduction to SCPI Conventions Used in This Guide Types of SCPI Commands Multiple Commands in a Message Moving Among Subsystems Including Common Commands Using Queries Types of SCPI Messages The Message Unit Channel List Parameter Headers Query Indicator Message Unit Separator Root Specifier Message Terminator SCPI Data Formats Numerical Data Formats Suffixes and Multipliers Response Data Typ
Pre-trigger and Post-trigger Data Acquisition Programming the Status Registers Operation Status Group Questionable Status Group Standard Event Status Group Status Byte Register Determining the Cause of a Service Interrupt Servicing Operation Status and Questionable Status Events LANGUAGE DICTIONARY Introduction Subsystem Commands Common Commands Programming Parameters SCPI Programming Commands - At a Glance Calibration Commands CALibrate:CURRent CALibrate:CURRent:LIMit[:POSitive] CALibrate:CURRent:LIMit:NE
STATus:OPERation:NTR STATus:OPERation:PTR STATus:PRESet STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]? STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition? STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle STATus:QUEStionable:NTR STATus:QUEStionable:PTR System Commands SYSTem:ERRor? SYSTem:VERSion? Trigger Commands ABORt INITiate:NAME TRIGger:ACQuire TRIGger:ACQuire:SOURce TRIGger[:TRANsient]:SOURce TRIGger[:TRANsient] Common Commands *CLS *ESE *ESR? *IDN? *OPC *OPT? *RST *SRE *STB? *TRG *TST? *WAI SPECIFICATIONS Introduction PERFORMANCE TESTS AND CALIBRATION Introdu
Current Priority, Constant Current Source Effect Ripple and Noise Tests Voltage Priority Ripple and Noise Current Priority Ripple and Noise Transient Response Tests Voltage Priority, Transient Recovery Time Current Priority Transient Recovery Time Performance Test Equipment Form Performance Test Record Form Performing the Calibration Procedure Enable Calibration Mode Voltage Priority Mode Programming and Measurement Calibration Negative Current Limit Calibration Positive Current Limit Calibration 0.
1 General Information Document Orientation This manual describes the operation of the Agilent Model N3280A Component Test DC Source. Unless otherwise noted, the unit will be referred to by the description "dc source" throughout this manual. The following Getting Started Map is a general guide to the location of information in this manual. Refer to the table of contents or index for a complete list of information.
1 - General Information Options and Accessories Table 1-1. Options Option 100 220 230 8ZL AXS1 1CM1 Description 87−106 Vac, 47−63 Hz 191−233 Vac, 47−63 Hz 207−253 Vac, 47−63 Hz Add instrument feet - for bench mounting (p/n 5041-9167) Rack mount kit for two side-by-side N3280A units. Consists of: Lock-link kit (p/n 5061-9694), Flange kit (p/n 5063-9212), Tie bracket (p/n 5002-1587) Rack mount kit for one unit (p/n 5063-9240) 1 Support rails are required when rack mounting units.
General Information - 1 Output Characteristics Voltage Priority Operation Each Agilent N3280A output is a four-quadrant bipolar dc source that can be operated in either voltage or current priority mode. In voltage priority mode the output is controlled by a bi-polar constant voltage feedback loop, which maintains the output voltage at its positive or negative programmed setting.
1 - General Information If the output voltage exceeds either the positive or negative overvoltage set point, the output will shut down and be disabled, automatically opening the output and sense relays. This leaves the output in a high-impedance state. The full ±512.5 milliampere output current is available only in voltage priority mode. In this mode, the output voltage should be programmed to the desired positive or negative value. A positive current limit value should also be programmed.
General Information - 1 The heavy line illustrates the locus of possible operating points as a function of the output load, which may be purely resistive, or possibly include external voltage or current sources. In current priority mode, the constant current loop will regulate the output current as the load changes, until the positive or negative voltage limit is reached. A CC (constant current) status flag indicates when the current loop is controlling the output.
1 - General Information measurement ranges to make fast measurements. The Hanning window can be used to reduce errors caused by other periodic noise sources, provided that the sample period is long enough to capture three or more noise waveform cycles. Using a Hanning window will result in slower measurement speed. Start of a Measurement The dc source delays the start of a measurement until a previous output voltage or current change has settled.
2 Installation Inspection Damage When you receive your dc source, inspect it for any obvious damage that may have occurred during shipment. If there is damage, notify the shipping carrier and the nearest Agilent Sales and Support Office immediately. The list of Agilent Sales and Support Offices is at the back of this guide. Warranty information is printed in the front of this guide.
2 - Installation Location Figure 2-1 gives the dimensions of your dc source. The dc source must be installed in a location that allows enough space at the sides and back of the unit for adequate air circulation (see Bench Operation). NOTE: This dc source generates magnetic fields that may affect the operation of other instruments. If your instrument is susceptible to operating magnetic fields, do not locate it in the immediate vicinity of the dc source.
Installation - 2 Power Connections Connect the Power Cord Connect the power cord to the IEC 320 connector on the rear of the unit. If the wrong power cord was shipped with your unit, contact your nearest Agilent Sales and Support Office to obtain the correct cord (refer to the list at the back of this guide). Check the line voltage rating label on the back of the unit to make sure that it agrees with your ac mains voltage.
2 - Installation Output Connections Turn the unit off before connecting any wires. Outputs 1 - 4 Disconnect the mating plug from the unit by pulling it straight back. The output connectors (outputs 1-4) have a termination for the Hi and Lo output terminals, the Hi and Lo sense terminals, a guard terminal, and an earth ground terminal (see figure 2-3). For proper operation of the dc source, you must connect the Hi sense and Lo sense terminals to their respective high and low monitoring points.
Installation - 2 OUTPUT 1 MATING PLUG SHOWN TIGHTEN SCREWS Hsen Hi LOCKING SCREW Lo Lsen INSERT WIRES TWIST LEADS TWIST PAIR KEEP RESISTNCE AND INDUCTANCE LOW. USE TWISTED PAIR OR SANDWICHED PCB TRACKS. LOAD _ + ADDITION OF LOW-LEAKAGE RC NETWORK MAY IMPROVE TRANSIENT RESPONSE IN VOLTAGE PRIORITY MODE. FIXTURE CONNECTIONS Figure 2-4.
2 - Installation NOTE: Any voltage drop in the load leads must be subtracted from the full-scale voltage available at the output terminals. Coaxial Guard Connections An active guard connection is available at the output connector. When the guard connection is extended to a test fixture for example, it can be used to eliminate the effects of leakage current that can exist between the Hi and Lo output terminals when testing high-impedance devices.
Installation - 2 Maintaining Stability In voltage priority mode, the constant voltage loop has the following three compensation bandwidths: ♦ 30 kHz, 20 kHz; and 10 kHz In current limit operation, only two compensation bandwidths are available: ♦ 30 kHz and 10 kHz If the output of your unit is being shut down by the oscillation protection circuit because of long load wires or a high Q load impedance, you can reprogram the output compensation bandwidth to try and eliminate the oscillation.
2 - Installation GPIB Address Each dc source has its own GPIB bus address, which can be set using the rear panel Address switch. The dc source is shipped with its GPIB address set to 5. Refer to the following table for additional address switch positions. 4 3 2 1 0 1 Handle 0 Address = 5 GPIB Address 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 26 Table 2-3.
3 Turn-On Checkout Front Panel Description N3280A 10V, 0.5A Component Test DC Source 1 2 3 Figure 3-1. Front Panel, Overall View Q Line AC mains power switch. R Unit Unit indicators light to indicate the following operating conditions: Power The dc source is turned on. Active The dc source is addressed to talk or listen. Error There is a message in the SCPI error queue. S Channel Channel indicators light to indicate the following channel conditions: On The specified output channel is enabled.
3 – Turn-On Checkout Checkout Procedure Successful tests in this chapter provide a high degree of confidence that your unit is operating properly. Complete performance tests are given in Appendix B. NOTE: To perform the checkout procedure, you will need a computer with a GPIB interface. You will also need a digital multimeter for making voltage and current measurements. If you have not already done so, connect your unit to the computer's GPIB interface.
Turn-On Checkout - 3 In Case of Trouble Dc source failure may occur during power-on selftest or during operation. Either the Error or the Prot indicator on the front panel may be lit to indicate that a failure has occurred. If this occurs, turn the power off and then back on to see if the error persists. If the error persists, the dc source requires service. Selftest Error Messages Error numbers and messages are read back with the SYSTem:ERRor? query.
4 Introduction to Programming External References GPIB References The most important GPIB documents are your controller programming manuals - BASIC, GPIB Command Library for MS DOS, etc. Refer to these for all non-SCPI commands (for example: Local Lockout). The following are two formal documents concerning the GPIB interface: ♦ ANSI/IEEE Std. 488.1-1987 IEEE Standard Digital Interface for Programmable Instrumentation. Defines the technical details of the GPIB interface.
4 - Introduction to Programming Introduction to SCPI SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) is a programming language for controlling instrument functions over the GPIB. SCPI is layered on top of the hardware-portion of IEEE 488.2. The same SCPI commands and parameters control the same functions in different classes of instruments. Conventions Used in This Guide Angle brackets Vertical bar { Parentheses > [ ] Items within square brackets are optional. The representation [SOURce:].
Introduction to Programming - 4 Multiple Commands in a Message Multiple SCPI commands can be combined and sent as a single message with one message terminator. There are two important considerations when sending several commands within a single message: ♦ Use a semicolon to separate commands within a message. ♦ There is an implied header path that affects how commands are interpreted by the dc source. The header path can be thought of as a string that gets inserted before each command within a message.
4 - Introduction to Programming Types of SCPI Messages There are two types of SCPI messages, program and response. ♦ A program message consists of one or more properly formatted SCPI commands sent from the controller to the dc source. The message, which may be sent at any time, requests the dc source to perform some action. ♦ A response message consists of data in a specific SCPI format sent from the dc source to the controller.
Introduction to Programming - 4 Headers Headers, also referred to as keywords, are instructions recognized by the dc source. Headers may be either in the long form or the short form. In the long form, the header is completely spelled out, such as VOLTAGE, STATUS, and DELAY. In the short form, the header has only the first three or four letters, such as VOLT, STAT, and DEL. Query Indicator Following a header with a question mark turns it into a query (VOLTage?, VOLTage:TRIGgered?).
4 - Introduction to Programming Suffixes and Multipliers Class Current Amplitude Time Suffix A V S 1E3 1E-3 1E-6 Unit Unit with Multiplier ampere MA (milliampere) volt MV (millivolt) second MS (millisecond) Common Multipliers K kilo M milli U micro Response Data Types Character strings returned by query statements may take either of the following forms, depending on the length of the returned string: Character Response Data. Permits the return of character strings.
Introduction to Programming - 4 *OPC This sets the OPC status bit when all pending operations have completed. Since your program can read this status bit on an interrupt basis, *OPC allows subsequent commands to be executed. NOTE: The trigger subsystem must be in the Idle state for the status OPC bit to be true. As far as triggers are concerned, OPC is false whenever the trigger subsystem is in the Initiated state.
5 Programming the DC Source Introduction This chapter contains examples on how to program your dc source. Simple examples show you how to program: K output voltage and current functions K internal and external triggers K measurement functions K the status and protection functions NOTE: The examples in this chapter show which commands are used to perform a particular function, but do not show the commands being used in any particular programming environment.
5 - Programming the DC Source Overvoltage Protection The dc source will turn off its output and open the output relays if the output voltage exceeds +11.5V ( ±0.3V) or −11.5V ( ±0.3V) when measured at the output terminals. Overvoltage protection is only available when operating in voltage priority mode. It is enabled with: VOLT:PROT:STAT,(@) where is the protection state (0 | OFF; 1 | ON).
Programming the DC Source - 5 Oscillation Protection Oscillation protection is a built in function that shuts down the output in about 10 milliseconds if a persistent and severe oscillation condition is detected. Oscillation protection can be enabled or disabled using the following command: OUTP:OSCP ,(@) where is the protection state (0 | OFF | 1 | ON).
5 - Programming the DC Source Setting the Voltage and Current Trigger Levels You can program a trigger level (or alternate value) that the output voltage, output current, or output current limit function will go to when a trigger is received. To use the output trigger function, you must first specify a voltage or current trigger level that the output will go to once a trigger signal is received.
Programming the DC Source - 5 Generating Output Triggers After you have specified the appropriate trigger source, you can generate triggers as follows: GPIB Triggers Send one of the following commands over the GPIB: TRIG:IMM (not affected by the trigger source setting) *TRG an IEEE-488 Group Execute Trigger bus command EXTernal Triggers Provide a negative-going TTL signal to the trigger input.
5 - Programming the DC Source Power Line Cycles After a power-on or *RST, the dc source automatically makes measurements based on a 0.00912 power line cycles (for 60 Hz line). This results in a default measurement sample of 5 points separated by 30.4 microsecond time intervals. The easiest way to increase the data acquisition time is to increase the number of power line cycles in the measurement.
Programming the DC Source - 5 Current Ranges The dc source has three current measurement ranges. The command that controls the ranges is: SENS:CURR:RANG , (@) Enter the value of the current that you expect to measure. When the range is set to MAX, the maximum current that can be measured is the maximum rating of the unit. Other measurement ranges are: Range 0.5 A 15 mA 0.5 mA Value to select range values greater than 0.015A values greater than 0.0005A up to 0.
5 - Programming the DC Source Measurement Trigger Model Figure 5-3 is a model of the measurement trigger system. The rectangular boxes represent states. The arrows show the transitions between states. These are labeled with the input or event that causes the transition to occur. ABOR *RST IDLE STATE INITiate:NAME ACQ INITIATED STATE TRIGGER RECEIVED IS AN OUTPUT CHANGE IN PROGRESS? YES NO SETTLING DELAY DATA ACQUIRED Figure 5-3.
Programming the DC Source - 5 To select GPIB bus triggers, use: TRIG:ACQ:SOUR BUS To select external triggers use: TRIG:ACQ:SOUR EXT Selecting the Sensing Function Each output channel has its own measurement buffer. Since both voltage and current measurements are supported, you must specify a measurement function before you generate a measurement trigger.
5 - Programming the DC Source When the acquisition finishes, any of the FETCh queries can be used to return the results. Once the measurement trigger is initiated, if a FETCh query is sent before the data acquisition is triggered or before it is finished, the response data will be delayed until the trigger occurs and the acquisition completes. This may tie up the computer if the trigger condition does not occur immediately.
Programming the DC Source - 5 Programming the Status Registers Status register programming lets you determine the operating condition of the dc source at any time. For example, you may program the dc source to generate an interrupt (SRQ) when an event such as a current limit occurs. When the interrupt occurs, your program can act on the event in the appropriate fashion. Figure 5-5 shows the status register structure of the dc source. Table 5-1 defines the status bits.
5 - Programming the DC Source Bit Signal 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 CV CL+ CLCC VL+ VLOFF 0 1 2 4 10 12 14 OV+ OVPCLR OT UNR OSC MeasOvld 0 2 3 4 5 7 OPC QYE DDE EXE CME PON 2 3 4 5 6 WTG QUES MAV ESB MSS RQS OPER 7 Table 5-1.
Programming the DC Source - 5 Questionable Status Group The Questionable Status registers record signals that indicate abnormal operation. As shown below, the group consists of the same register types as the Status Operation group. The outputs of the Questionable Status group are logically-ORed into the QUEStionable summary bit (3) of the Status Byte register.
5 - Programming the DC Source Determining the Cause of a Service Interrupt You can determine the reason for an SRQ by the following actions: Step 1 Determine which summary bits are active. Use: *STB? or serial poll Step 2 Read the corresponding Event register for each summary bit to determine which events caused the summary bit to be set. Use: STAT:QUES:EVEN? (@) STAT:OPER:EVEN? (@) ESR? When an Event register is read, it is cleared.
6 Language Dictionary Introduction This section gives the syntax and parameters for all the IEEE 488.2 SCPI commands and the Common commands used by the dc source. It is assumed that you are familiar with the material in chapter 4, which explains the terms, symbols, and syntactical structures used here and gives an introduction to programming. You should also be familiar with chapter 5, in order to understand how the dc source functions. The programming examples are simple applications of SCPI commands.
6 – Language Dictionary SCPI Programming Commands - At a Glance Table 6-1.
Language Dictionary - 6 Table 6-1.
6 – Language Dictionary Table 6-2.
Language Dictionary - 6 Calibration Commands Calibration commands let you enable and disable the calibration mode, change the calibration password, calibrate current and voltage programming, and store new calibration constants in nonvolatile memory. Only one output channel may be calibrated at a time. NOTE: If calibration mode has not been enabled with CALibrate:STATe, programming the calibration commands will generate an error.
6 – Language Dictionary CALibrate:DATA This command enters a calibration value that you obtain by reading an external meter. You must first select a calibration level (with CALibrate:LEVel) for the value being entered. Command Syntax Parameters Unit Examples Related Commands CALibrate:DATA A or V (amperes or volts) CAL:DATA 3222.3 MA CAL:DATA 5.000 CAL:STAT CAL:LEV CALibrate:DATE This command stores the date the unit was last calibrated.
Language Dictionary - 6 CALibrate:SAVE This command saves any new calibration constants after a calibration procedure has been completed in nonvolatile memory. If CALibrate:STATe OFF is programmed without a CALibrate:SAVE, the previous calibration constants are restored.. Command Syntax Parameters Examples Related Commands CALibrate:SAVE None CAL:SAVE CAL:PASS CAL:STAT CALibrate:STATe This command enables and disables calibration mode.
6 – Language Dictionary Measurement Commands Measurement commands consist of fetch, measure, and sense commands. Measure commands measure the output voltage or current. Measurements are performed by digitizing the instantaneous output voltage or current for a specified number of samples, storing the results in a buffer, and calculating the measured result. Two types of measurement commands are available: MEASure and FETCh. MEASure commands trigger the acquisition of new data before returning the reading.
Language Dictionary - 6 MEASure:ARRay:CURRent? MEASure:ARRay:VOLTage? These queries initiate and trigger a measurement and return an array containing either the digitized output current in amperes or output voltage in volts. The output voltage or current is digitized whenever a measurement command is sent or an acquisition trigger occurs. The time interval is set by SENSe:SWEep:TINTerval. The position of the trigger relative to the beginning of the data buffer is determined by SENSe:SWEep:OFFSet.
6 – Language Dictionary SENSe:FUNCtion This command configures the sensing function for triggered measurements. The dc source has two measurement sensors as described below. The query returns the function setting.
Language Dictionary - 6 SENSe:SWEep:POINts This command defines the number of points in a measurement. Command Syntax Parameters *RST Value Examples Query Syntax Returned Parameters Related Commands SENSe:SWEep:POINts 1 through 4096 5 SENS:SWE:POIN 1024 SENSe:SWEep:POINts? SENS:SWE:TINT SENS:SWE:OFFS MEAS:ARR SENSe:SWEep:TINTerval This command defines the time period between samples. The value that you enter for the time interval will be rounded to the nearest 30.4 microsecond increment.
6 – Language Dictionary Output Commands Output commands consist of output and source commands. Output commands enable the output and oscillation functions. Source commands program the actual output voltage and current settings. OUTPut This command enables or disables the dc source output. The state of a disabled output is a condition of zero output voltage and a model-dependent minimum source current (see *RST).
Language Dictionary - 6 [SOURce:]CURRent[:IMMediate] [SOURce:]CURRent:TRIGgered These commands set the immediate and the pending triggered current level of the dc source. They only apply in current priority mode. The immediate level is the output current setting. The pending triggered level is a stored value that is transferred to the output when a trigger occurs. To respond to a trigger, the [SOUR:]CURR:MODE must be set to STEP, and the trigger system must be initiated.
6 – Language Dictionary [SOURce:]CURRent:MODE [SOURce:]CURRent:LIMit:MODE These commands determine what happens to the output current and current limit during a triggered event. The output current and output current limit is unaffected when a trigger occurs. The output current is set by the CURR:TRIG value when a trigger occurs. The current limit is set by the CURR:LIM:TRIG value when a trigger occurs.
Language Dictionary - 6 [SOURce:]FUNCtion:MODE This comand configures the output operating mode. Note that if the output is on, changing the output mode will cause the output to cycle OFF, then ON.
6 – Language Dictionary [SOURce:]VOLTage:MODE This command determines what happens to the output voltage during a triggered event. FIXed STEP The output voltage is unaffected when a trigger occurs. The output voltage is programmed to the value set by VOLT:TRIG when a trigger occurs.
Language Dictionary - 6 Status Commands Status commands program the dc source status registers. The dc source has three groups of status registers; Operation, Questionable, and Standard Event. The Standard Event group is programmed with Common commands as described later in this section. The Operation and Questionable status groups each consist of the Condition, Enable, and Event registers and the NTR and PTR filters.
6 – Language Dictionary STATus:OPERation:NTR STATus:OPERation:PTR These commands set or read the value of the Operation NTR (Negative-Transition) and PTR (PositiveTransition) registers.
Language Dictionary - 6 STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition? This query returns the value of the Questionable Condition register. That is a read-only register, which holds the real-time (unlatched) questionable status of the dc source. Query Syntax Parameters Examples Returned Parameters STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition? (@) None STAT:QUES:COND? (@1) (register value) STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle This command and its query set and read the value of the Questionable Enable register.
6 – Language Dictionary System Commands System commands control system functions that are not directly related to output control or measurement functions. SYSTem:ERRor? This query returns the next error number followed by its corresponding error message string from the remote programming error queue. The queue is a FIFO (first-in, first-out) buffer that stores errors as they occur. As it is read, each error is removed from the queue. When all errors have been read, the query returns 0,NO ERROR.
Language Dictionary - 6 Trigger Commands Trigger commands consist of trigger and initiate commands. Initiate commands initialize the trigger system. Trigger commands control the remote triggering of the dc source. They are used to generate output and measurement triggers. NOTE: Before you generate a measurement trigger, you must specify either a voltage or current measurement acquisition using the SENSe:FUNCtion command. ABORt This command cancels any trigger actions presently in process.
6 – Language Dictionary TRIGger:ACQuire:SOURce This command selects the trigger source for the measurement trigger system. External trigger input signal GPIB device, *TRG, or (Group Execute Trigger) EXT BUS Command Syntax Parameters *RST Value Examples Query Syntax Returned Parameters TRIGger:ACQuire:SOURce BUS | EXTernal BUS TRIG:ACQ:SOUR EXT TRIGger:ACQuire:SOURce? TRIGger[:TRANsient]:SOURce This command selects the trigger source for the output trigger system.
Language Dictionary - 6 Common Commands *CLS This command causes the following actions (see chapter 5 for the descriptions of all registers): K Clears the Standard Event Status, Operation Status Event, and Questionable Status Event registers K Clears the Status Byte and the Error Queue K If *CLS immediately follows a program message terminator (), then the output queue and the MAV bit are also cleared.
6 – Language Dictionary *IDN? This query requests the dc source to identify itself. It returns a string composed of four fields separated by commas. Query Syntax *IDN? Returned Parameters Field Information Agilent Technologies Manufacturer xxxxxA model number followed by a letter suffix 0 zero or the unit's serial number if available .xx.xx Revision levels of firmware. AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES,N3280A,0,A.00.
Language Dictionary - 6 *RST This command resets the dc source to a factory-defined state as defined in the following table. *RST also forces an ABORt command. CAL:STAT OUTP OUTP:OSCP SENS:CURR:RANG SENS:FUNC SENS:SWE:NPLC SENS:SWE:POIN SENS:SWE:OFFS:POIN SENS:SWE:TINT SENS:WIND [SOUR:]CURR [SOUR:]CURR:TRIG [SOUR:]CURR:MODE Table 6-7. *RST Settings OFF [SOUR:]CURR:LIM OFF [SOUR:]CURR:LIM:TRIG ON [SOUR:]CURR:LIM:BWID .5 [SOUR:]CURR:LIM:MODE VOLT [SOUR:]FUNC:MODE .00912 (60 Hz); [SOUR:]DEL .
6 – Language Dictionary Table 6-8.
A Specifications Introduction Table A-1 lists the specifications of the dc source. Unless otherwise noted, specifications are warranted at 25°C ± 5°C after a 30-minute warm-up period. Sense terminals must be connected to their respective output terminals. Table A-1.
A - Specifications Table A-2 lists the supplemental characteristics, which are not warranted but are descriptions of typical performance determined either by design or type testing.
Specifications - A Table A-2 Supplemental Characteristics (continued) Parameter 11 Programming Output Voltage (90% to 10% Fall Time @10kHz): 12 +Curr Lim (90% to 10%): 13 -Curr Lim (90% to 10%): 14 Current (-80% to +80%): Maximum Output Cable Impedance Overvoltage Protection 15 Output Common Mode 16 Current Trigger in Trigger latency GPIB Interface Capabilities Output Derating Lead R: Lead L: Positive: Negative: (shorting either Hi or Low terminal to the chassis) Secondary Isolation RFI Safety Regulato
A - Specifications 90 o 8 45 o 128 2 Phase 1 90 o 64 0.5 45 o 32 0.25 0 0.125 o 8 4 M n ag -90 de itu o -90o 16 o 2 Ma gn itu de 1 1k 10k 100k 1k 1M 10k FREQUENCY (Hz) FREQUENCY (Hz) 100k 1M CURRENT LIMIT (bandwidth = 30kHz) VOLTAGE PRIORITY (bandwidth = 30kHz) 8 90 o 4 45 o 0 Phase 1 90 o 64 0.5 45 o 32 0.25 0 0.
B Performance Tests and Calibration Introduction This appendix contains test procedures to verify that the dc source is operating normally and is within published specifications. There are three types of tests as follows: Built-in Self Tests These tests run automatically when the dc source is turned on. They check most of the digital circuits and the programming and readback DACs.
B - Performance and Calibration Procedures Table B-1. Equipment Required (continued) Oscilloscope Sensitivity: 1 mV/div. Bandwidth Limit: 20 to 30 MHz Probe: 1:1 with RF tip Agilent Infinium or equivalent RMS voltmeter True RMS Bandwidth: 20 Mhz min. Sensitivity: 100 µV Rhode & Schwartz Model URE3 RMS-P-P Voltmeter Variable-voltage transformer or ac source Adjustable to highest rated input voltage range.
Performance and Calibration Procedures Electronic Load Many of the test procedures require the use of a variable load capable of dissipating the required power. For most tests, an electronic load is considerably easier to use than load resistors, but it may not be fast enough to test transient recovery time and may be too noisy for the noise (PARD) tests.
B - Performance and Calibration Procedures Voltage Priority Tests Voltage Programming and Readback Accuracy These tests verify that the voltage programming and GPIB readback functions are within specifications. Action Program Commands 1. Reset the dc source and connect a DVM as shown in Figure B-1a. Connect the DVM directly across the HI and LO sense terminals. (*RST resets the dc source to its default settings with the output off.) “*RST” 2. Turn on the dc source and program the current limit to 0.
Performance and Calibration Procedures 5. Set the ammeter to the 1A range, and record the output current reading on the ammeter. The ammeter reading should be within the limits specified in the test record card under Voltage Priority Programming Accuracy + 0.5A Current limit. The difference between the ammeter reading and the measurement query result should be within the limits specified under Readback Accuracy + 0.5A current. 6.
B - Performance and Calibration Procedures 7. Turn on the output and program the 15mA current readback range. Measure the output current. 8. Set the ammeter to the 10mA range, and record the output current reading on the ammeter. The difference between the ammeter reading and the measurement query result should be within the limits specified Readback Accuracy −15mA Current Limit. 9. Turn off the output and connect a 20k ohm resistor in series with the ammeter across the output as shown in Figure B-1c.
Performance and Calibration Procedures Load Effect Tests The following tests verify the dc regulation of the output voltage and current. To insure that the values read are truly dc and not affected by output ripple, several dc measurements should be made and the average of these readings calculated. An example of how to do this is given below using an Agilent 3458A System Voltmeter programmed from the front panel. Set up the voltmeter and execute the "Average Reading" program follows: a.
B - Performance and Calibration Procedures Voltage Priority, +Current Limit Load Effect This test measures the change in output current resulting from a change in output voltage from about zero volts to about 10 volts. Action Program Commands 1. Turn off the dc source and connect the output as shown in Figure B-1c with an ammeter in series with a 20 ohm load resistor across the Hi and Lo output terminals. Also connect a shorting switch across the resistor. “*RST” 2.
Performance and Calibration Procedures Current Priority Constant Current Test This test measures the change in output current resulting from a change in output voltage from about zero volts to the maximum output voltage. NOTE: The voltage limits in Current Priority Mode are not programmable. Action Program Commands 1. Turn off the dc source and connect the output as shown in Figure B-1c with an ammeter in series with a 16k ohm load resistor across the Hi and Lo output terminals.
B - Performance and Calibration Procedures 4. Read back the N3280A status to be sure that it's in the CV mode. This query should return a Bit value of “1” for CV mode. “STAT:OPER:COND? (@1)” If it is not in CV mode, adjust the load or the output voltage slightly until the unit goes into CV mode. 5. Adjust the transformer to the lowest rated line voltage. (e.g., 104 Vac for a 120 Vac nominal line voltage input). Set the DVM to the 10V range, and record the output voltage reading on the DVM.
Performance and Calibration Procedures 3. Read back the N3280A status to be sure that it’s in the –CL mode. This query should return a Bit value of “4” for –CL mode. 4. Adjust the transformer to the lowest rated line voltage (e.g., 104 Vac for a 120 Vac nominal line voltage input). Set the ammeter to the 1A range, and record the current reading on the ammeter. (low-line value) 5. Adjust the transformer to the highest rated line voltage (e.g., 127 Vac for 120 Vac nominal line voltage input).
B - Performance and Calibration Procedures Ripple and Noise Tests Voltage Priority Ripple and Noise Periodic and random deviations (PARD) in the output (ripple and noise) combine to produce a residual ac voltage superimposed on the dc output voltage. PARD is specified as the rms or peak-to-peak output voltage in the frequency range specified in Appendix A. Action Program Commands 1.
Performance and Calibration Procedures Current Priority Ripple and Noise Periodic and random deviations (PARD) in the output combine to produce a residual ac current, as well as an ac voltage superimposed on the dc output. PARD is specified as the rms output current in a frequency range specified in Appendix A. NOTE: The voltage limits in Current Priority Mode are not programmable. Action Program Commands 1. Turn off the dc source and connect the output as shown in Figure B-1d to an ac rms voltmeter.
B - Performance and Calibration Procedures Figure B-2. Transient Waveform Voltage Priority Current Priority Transient Recovery Time This test measures the time for the output current to recover to within the specified value following a ±1V change in the output voltage. The test setup uses a 0.47µF capacitor across the output of the generator to form an approximate 25µs time constant with the 50 ohm output of the function generator.
Performance and Calibration Procedures Figure B-3. Transient Waveform Current Priority Performance Test Equipment Form Test Facility:_________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ Model ______________________________ Serial No. ____________________________ Options _____________________________ Firmware Revision ____________________ Special Notes: Test Equipment Used: Description Model No.
B - Performance and Calibration Procedures Performance Test Record Form Model Agilent N3280A - Output 1 Test Description Report No ______________ Date __________________ Minimum Results Maximum Specification Specification VOLTAGE PRIORITY TESTS Programming Accuracy (DMM readings) Voltage ( 0V) _________ − 2mV + 2mV Voltage (+10V) _________ 9.988 V 10.012 V Voltage (-10V) _________ − 9.988 V − 10.012 V + 1mA Current limit _________ 0.949mA 1.051mA + 0.5A Current limit _________ 0.49945 A 0.
Performance and Calibration Procedures Performing the Calibration Procedure You can only calibrate the dc source by using SCPI commands within your controller programming statements. The SCPI calibration commands are explained in chapter 8. Calibration error messages that can occur during GPIB calibration are shown in table B-3. Table B-1 lists the equipment required for calibration. Figure B-1 shows the test setup.
B - Performance and Calibration Procedures Negative Current Limit Calibration Action Program Commands 1. Jumper the High sense terminal to the High output terminal. Jumper the Low sense terminal to the Low output terminal. Connect the current input of the 3458A multimeter directly to output 1. 2. Select negative current limit calibration for output 1. “CAL:CURR:LIM:NEG (@1)” 3. Select the first calibration point.
Performance and Calibration Procedures 15mA Range Current Measurement Calibration Action Program Commands 1. Jumper the High sense terminal to the High output terminal. Jumper the Low sense terminal to the Low output terminal. Connect the current input of the 3458A multimeter directly to output 1. 2. Select the 15mA range current measurement calibration for output 1. “CAL:CURR:MEAS 0.015,(@1)” 3. Select the calibration point.
B - Performance and Calibration Procedures Changing the Calibration Password The factory default password is 0. You can change the password when the dc source is in calibration mode (which requires you to enter the existing password). Proceed as follows: Action Program Commands 1. Reset the unit. “*RST” 2. Enable calibration mode. (0 is the default password) “CAL:STAT ON, 0” 3. Enter the new password. You can use any number with up to six digits and an optional decimal point.
C Error Messages Error Number List This appendix gives the error numbers and descriptions that are returned by the dc source. Errors are indicated in two ways: ♦ The Error or Prot indicators are lit on the front panel. ♦ Error numbers and messages are read back with the SYSTem:ERRor? query. SYSTem:ERRor? returns the error number into a variable and returns two parameters: an NR1 and a string. The following table lists the errors that are associated with SCPI syntax errors and interface problems.
C – Error Messages Table C-1. Error Numbers (continued –131 Invalid suffix [unrecognized units, or units not appropriate] –138 Suffix not allowed –141 Invalid character data [bad character, or unrecognized] –144 Character data too long –148 Character data not allowed –150 String data error –151 Invalid string data [e.g., END received before close quote] –158 String data not allowed –160 Block data error –161 Invalid block data [e.g.
Error Messages - C Table C-1.
D Line Voltage Selection To change the line voltage selection: 1. Remove the line cord. 2. Check if the line voltage displayed in the window must be changed. 3. Open the door using a small flat-bladed screwdriver. 4. Rotate the cylinder so that the correct line voltage appears in the location under the window. 5. Pull the fuse drawer out and check if the fuse is correct for the line voltage that you have selected (see Table 2-1). If the rating is incorrect, replace the fuse with the correct one.
E Earlier Version Output Connectors This appendix documents the earlier version output connectors used on Agilent N3280A units. Earlier style Agilent N3280A units used a different style output connector with ten (10) pins instead of the six used on the present connector. The additional pins were used as guard connection points. The earlier style connector also limited the wire sizes that could be used for output connections. Wires sizes were limited to AWG 24 and AWG 26.
Index —A— AARD, 36 ABORT, 73 accessories, 14 address switch, 21 airflow, 20 averaging measurements, 43 AWG ratings, 23 —C— cables, 14 calibration, 99 equipment, 83 error messages, 102 GPIB, 99 password, 102 saving, 101 setup, 85 calibration commands, 57 CAL CURR, 57 LIM, 57 CAL CURR MEAS, 57 CAL DATA, 58 CAL DATE, 58 CAL LEV, 58 CAL PASS, 58 CAL SAVE, 59 CAL STAT, 59 CAL VOLT, 59 capabilities, 14 channel parameter, 34 range, 34 character strings, 36 characteristics, 79 checkout procedure, 28 cleaning, 19 c
Index IEEE Std for standard codes, 31 IEEE Std for standard digital interface, 31 interface, 25 references, 31 trigger, 43, 47 GPIB connector, 21 ground, earth, 3 guard connections, 24 guide, user’s, 13 —H— Hanning, 45, 63 header, 35 long form, 35 short form, 35 history, 6 —I— indicaror Error, 27 On, 27 Power, 27 Prot, 27 indicator Active, 27 initialization, 39 initiate commands, 73 INIT NAME, 73 input connections, 21 power, 14 inspection, 19 internally triggered measurements, 45 —L— language dictionary,
Index equipment, 83 setup, 85 performance test form, 97 post-event triggering, 48 power cord, 19, 21 power line cycles, 44 power-on initialization, 39 pre-event triggering, 48 print date, 6 programming, 85 programming parameters, 53 programming status registers, 49 —Q— queries, 33 query indicator, 35 questionable status group, 51 —R— rack mount kit, 14 rack mounting, 20 readback accuracy, 86 rear panel connections, 21 Rectangular, 45, 63 remote programming, 14 remote sensing with test fixture, 23 repackin
Index —V— voltage, 39 protection, 40 voltage priority, 15 voltage programming, 86 114 —W— waiting for measurement results, 48 warranty, 2 wire current ratings, 23
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Manual Updates The following updates have been made to this manual since its publication. 6/1/01 Chapter 2 has been updated with information about the new output connector. Chapters 5 and 6 have been updated with a new SCPI command: [SOURce]CURRent:LIMit:BWIDth Appendix A has been updated to include the following information: Programming accuracy temperature coefficients Readback accuracy temperature coefficients Output impedance graphs Appendix E has been added to document the earlier output connector.
