MDL Series Programmable DC Electronic Load Models: MDL001, MDL002, MDL200, MDL252, MDL305, MDL400, MDL505, MDL600 PROGRAMMING MANUAL
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. We assume no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these requirements. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS This instrument is intended for indoor use, pollution degree 2 environments.
Safety Symbols Direct current Alternating current Both direct and alternating current Protective earth (ground) terminal Attention (refer to accompanying documents) WARNING The WARNING sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure, practice, or the like, which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met. CAUTION The CAUTION sign denotes a hazard.
Compliance Statements Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems) This product is subject to Directive 2002/96/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), and in jurisdictions adopting that Directive, is marked as being put on the market after August 13, 2005, and should not be disposed of as unsorted municipal waste.
Table of Contents Safety Summary .........................................................................................2 Compliance Statements..............................................................................4 Chapter 1 ...................................................................................................6 Introduction to Programming .....................................................................6 1.1 GPIB Capabilities of the Electronic Load ...............................
Chapter 1 Introduction to Programming This guide contains programming information for the B&K Precision MDL Series DC Electronic Load. Models in this series include the MDL001, MDL002, MDL200, MDL252, MDL305, MDL400, MDL505, and MDL600. Unless otherwise noted, this document will refer to all of these instruments as “electronic load”. 1.1 GPIB Capabilities of the Electronic Load All electronic load functions except for setting the communication parameters are programmable over the GPIB. The IEEE 488.
Device Clear The electronic load responds to the Device Clear (DCL) and Selected Device Clear (SDC) interface commands. They cause the electronic load to clear any activity that would prevent it from receiving and executing a new command (including *WAI and *OPC?). DCL and SDC do not change any programmed settings. DCL,SDC GPIB Address The electronic load operates from a GPIB address that is set from the front panel.
Baud Rate The System menu (Shift + ⑦) lets you select one of the following baud rates, which are stored in nonvolatile memory: 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, or 115200. Parity None - eight data bits without parity Even - seven data bits with even parity Odd - seven data bits with odd parity RS-232 Flow Control The RS-232 interface supports the following flow control options. For each case, the electronic load will send a maximum of five characters after hold-off is asserted by the controller.
Pin 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Signal NC TXD RXD NC GND NC CTS RTS NC Description No Connection Transmit Data Receive Data No Connection Ground No Connection Clear to Send Ready to Send No Connection RS-232 Troubleshooting If you are having trouble communicating over the RS-232 interface, check the following: • The computer and the electronic load must be configured for the same baud rate, parity, number of data bits, and flow control options.
1.4 Programming the Status Registers You can use status register programming to determine the operating condition of the electronic load at any time. For example, you may program the electronic load to generate an interrupt (assert SRQ) when an event such as a current protection occurs. When the interrupt occurs, your program can then act on the event in the appropriate fashion. The following table defines the status bits. Figure shows the status register structure of the electronic load.
OP Overpower. An overpower condition has occurred. This occurs if the unit exceeds the max power or it exceeds the user-programmed power protection level. Removing the overpower condition clears the bit. If the condition persists beyond the user programmable delay time, PS bit is also set and the input is turned off. Both bits remain set until the condition is removed and INP:PROT:CLE is programmed. 4 OT Overtemperature. An overtemperature condition has occurred.
Questionable Status Group Same as Channel Status Group Standard Event Status Group Bit Signal 0 OPC Operation Complete. The load has completed all pending operations. *OPC must be programmed for this bit to be set when pending operations are complete. 2 QYE Query Error. The output queue was read with no data present or the data was lost. Errors in the range of 499 through 400 can set this bit. 3 DDE Device-Dependent Error. Memory was lost or self-test failed.
Figure 2 - Load Status Register Structure 13
Condition registers All status register sets have a condition register. A condition register is a real-time, read-only register that constantly updates to reflect the current operating conditions of the instrument. Use the :CONDition? query commands in the STATus Subsystem to read the condition registers. See Chapter 3 for more information. Event registers Each status register set has an event register.
When data is placed in the output queue, the Message Available (MAV) bit in the Status Byte Register gets set. A data message is cleared from the output queue when it is read. The output queue is considered cleared when it is empty. An empty output queue clears the MAV bit in the Status Byte Register. Error queue The error queue holds error and status messages. When an error or status event occurs, a message that defines the error/status is placed in the error queue. This queue will hold up to 10 messages.
polling causes bit B6 (RQS) to reset. Serial polling is discussed in more detail later in this section entitled “Serial Poll and SRQ.” Any of the following operations clear all bits of the Status Byte Register: • • Cycling power Sending the *CLS common command Note: The MAV bit may or may not be cleared. Service request enable register This register is programmed by you and serves as a mask for the Status Summary Message bits (B0, B2, B3, B4, B5, and B7) of the Status Byte Register.
Trigger model operation Once the instrument is taken out of idle, operation proceeds through the trigger model down to the device action. Control Source — As shown in Figure 3, a control source is used to hold up operation until the programmed event occurs. The control source options are explained as follows: • HOLD — Only the TRIG:IMM command will generate a trigger in HOLD mode. All other trigger commands are ignored. • MANual — Event detection is satisfied by pressing the TRIG key.
Chapter 2 Introduction to SCPI SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) is a programming language for controlling instrument functions over GPIB, RS-232, USB, and Ethernet interface. 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 <> Items within angle brackets are parameter abbreviations.
Figure 4 - Partial Command Tree 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 electronic load.
Moving Among Subsystems In order to combine commands from different subsystems, you need to be able to reset the header path to a null string within a message. You do this by beginning the command with a colon (:), which discards any previous header path.
Note: Each command word must be in long-form or short-form, and not something in between. For example, :SYSTe:PRESe is illegal and will generate an error. The command will not be executed. Using Queries Observe the following precautions with queries: • Set up the proper number of variables for the returned data. For example, if you are reading back a measurement array, you must dimension the array according to the number of measurements that you have placed in the measurement buffer.
Message Unit The simplest SCPI command is a single message unit consisting of a command header (or keyword) followed by a message terminator. The message unit may include a parameter after the header. The parameter can be numeric or a string. VOLTage 20 Headers Headers, also referred to as keywords, are instructions recognized by the electronic load. 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.
Command Execution Rules • Commands execute in the order that they are presented in the program message. • An invalid command generates an error and is not executed. • Valid commands that precede an invalid command in a multiple command program message are executed. • Valid commands that follow an invalid command in a multiple command program message are ignored. 2.3 SCPI Data Formats All data programmed to or returned from the electronic load is ASCII. The data may be numerical or a character string.
Suffixes and Multipliers Class Suffix Unit Unit with Multiplier Amplitude V volt MV (millivolt) Current A amps MA (milliamp) Power W watt MW (milliwatt) Resistance OHM ohm MOHM (megohm) R ohm MR(megohm) Slew Rate A/uS amps/microsecond Time S second MS (millisecond) Common Multipliers 1E3 K kilo 1E-3 M milli 1E-6 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 stri
that contains four single item query commands: 0; 1; 1; 0 Response Message Terminator (RMT) Each response is terminated with an LF (line feed) and EOI (end or identify). The following example shows how a multiple response message is terminated: 0; 1; 1; 0; Message Exchange Protocol Two rules summarize the message exchange protocol: Rule 1. You must always tell the electronic load what to send to the computer.
*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 system must be in the Idle state in order for the status OPC bit to be true. Therefore, as far as triggers are concerned, OPC is false whenever the trigger system is in the Initiated state.
Chapter 3 SCPI Commands This chapter explains in detail the SCPI commands used by the electronic load. The electronic load conforms to SCPI Version 1995.0. 3.1 Language Dictionary This section describes the syntax and parameters for all the IEEE 488.2 SCPI subsystem and common commands used by the electronic loads. Since the SCPI syntax remains the same for all programming languages, the examples given for each command are generic.
Subsystem Commands Subsystem commands are specific to functions. They can be a single command or a group of commands. The groups are comprised of commands that extend one or more levels below the root. The subsystem command groups are arranged according to function: Calibration, Channel, Input, List, Measurement, Port, Status, System, Transient, and Trigger. Commands under each function are grouped alphabetically under the subsystem. Commands followed by a question mark (?) take only the query form.
Common Command Table (cont.) Mnemonic Name *OPC? Operation complete query *RCL Recall command Returns the electronic load to the setup configuration stored in the specified memory location. *RST Reset command Returns the electronic load to the *RST default conditions. *SAV Save command Saves the current setup to the specified memory location.
*ESE — Event Enable This command programs the Standard Event Status Enable register bits. The programming determines which events of the Standard Event Status Event Register (see *ESR?) are allowed to set the ESB (Event Summary Bit) of the Status Byte register. A "1" in the bit position enables the corresponding event. All of the enabled events of the Standard Event Status Event register are logically ORed to cause the Event Summary Bit (ESB) of the Status Byte Register to be set. See Section 1.
*RDT? This query requests the types of electronic load module. If channel does not exist, it returns 0. If channel exists, it returns the type. Query Syntax Parameters Returned Parameters Example *RDT? None MDL200, 0, MDL305, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 *OPC This command causes the interface to set the OPC bit (bit 0) of the Standard Event Status register when the electronic load has completed all pending operations. (See *ESE command for the bit configuration of the Standard Event Status registers.
NOTE: The device state stored in location 0 is automatically recalled at power turn-on.
NOTE: • *RST does not clear any of the status registers or the error queue, and does not affect any interface error conditions. • *RST sets the trigger system to the Idle state. • *RST clears the presently active list. Command Syntax *RST Parameters None Related Commands *PSC *SAV *SAV This command stores the present state of the electronic load to a specified location in memory. Up to 101 states can be stored. If a particular state is desired at power-on, it should be stored in location 0.
*STB? This query reads the Status Byte register, which contains the status summary bits and the Output Queue MAV bit. Reading the Status Byte register does not clear it. The input summary bits are cleared when the appropriate event registers are read (see Section 1.4 Programming the Status Registers for more information). A serial poll also returns the value of the Status Byte register, except that bit 6 returns Request for Service (RQS) instead of Master Status Summary (MSS).
• sent to the electronic load. The *WAI command prevents subsequent commands from being executed before any overlapped commands have been completed. All triggered actions are completed and the trigger system returns to the Idle state. *WAI can be aborted only by sending the electronic load a GPIB DCL (Device Clear) command. Command Syntax WAI? Parameters None Related Commands *OPC 3.
Channel Commands These commands program the channel selection capability of the electronic load. The CHANnel and INSTrument commands are equivalent. CHANnel This command selects the multiple electronic load channels to which all subsequent channel-specific commands will be directed. If the specified channel number does not exist or is outside the MIN/MAX range, an error code is generated (see Chapter 5).
Trigger Commands The trigger subsystem is made up of a series of commands and subsystems to configure the trigger model. TRIGger:SOURce This command selects the trigger source. This command is not channel specific and applies to the entire mainframe. BUS Accepts a GPIB signal or a *TRG command as the trigger source. This selection guarantees that all previous commands are complete before the trigger occurs. EXTernal Selects the electronic load’s trigger input as the trigger source.
*RST Value Examples Query Syntax Returned Parameters Related Commands 0.001 TRIG:TIM 0.25 TRIG:TIM MAX TRIGger:TIMer? [ MINimum | MAXimum | DEFault ] ABOR TRIG TRIG:SOUR TRIG:DEL System Commands System commands control the system-level functions of the electronic load that are not directly related to input control or measurement functions. SYSTem:PRESet This command returns the instrument to states optimized for front panel operation.
Examples SYST:VERS? Returned Parameters 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”. If more errors are accumulated than the queue can hold, the last error in the queue is “-350, Too Many Errors”.
Command Syntax Parameters Examples Related Commands SYSTem:REMote None SYST:REM SYST:LOC SYST:RWL SYSTem:RWLock This command places the electronic load in remote mode during RS-232 operation. All front panel keys including the Local key are disabled. Use SYSTem:LOCal to return the front panel to the local state. Command Syntax Parameters Examples Related Commands SYSTem:RWLock None SYST:RWL SYST:REM SYST:LOC Status Commands These commands program the electronic load’s status registers.
Parameters Examples Returned Parameters Related Commands None STAT:CHAN:EVEN? (register value) *CLS STATus:CHANnel:CONDition? Channel Specific This query returns the value of the Channel Condition register. The particular channel must first be selected by the CHAN command.
Examples STAT:CSUM:EVEN? Returned Parameters (register value) Related Commands *CLS STATus:CSUMmary:ENABle This command sets or reads the value of the Channel Enable summary register. This command is not channel specific and applies to the entire mainframe.
Examples STAT:OPER:COND? Returned Parameters (register value) Related Commands STAT:QUES:COND? STATus:OPERation:ENABle This command and its query can be used to set and read the value of the Operation Enable register. This register is a mask for enabling specific bits from the Operation Event register to set the operation summary bit (OPER) of the Status Byte register. The operation summary bit is the logical OR of all enabled Operation Event register bits.
Parameters Examples Returned Parameters Related Commands None STAT:QUES:COND? (register value) STAT:OPER:COND? STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle This command sets or reads the value of the Questionable Enable register. This register is a mask for enabling specific bits from the Questionable Event register to set the questionable summary (QUES) bit of the Status Byte register.
Trace Commands The commands in this subsystem are used to configure and control data storage into the buffer. TRACe:CLEar Channel Specific This action command is used to clear the buffer of readings. If you do not clear the buffer, a subsequent store will overwrite the old readings. If the subsequent store is aborted before the buffer becomes full, you could end up with some “old” readings still in the buffer.
Parameters *RST Value Examples Query Syntax Returned Parameters Related Commands 0 to 1000 | MINimum | MAXimum | DEFault 1000 TRAC:POIN 10 TRACe: POINts? [ MINimum | MAXimum | DEFault ] TRAC:FEED TRACe:FEED Channel Specific This command is used to select the source of readings to be placed in the buffer. With VOLTage selected, voltage readings are placed in the buffer (TRAC:POIN maximum value is 1000).
Channel Specific When this command is sent and the electronic load is addressed to talk, all the readings stored in the buffer are sent to the computer. Query Syntax TRACe:DATA? Returned Parameters {, …etc,} or { , …etc} (if TRACe:FEED TWO is set) TRACe:FILTer Channel Specific This command is used to select whether the data in buffer is filtered data.
Command Syntax Parameters Unit *RST Value Examples Query Syntax Returned Parameters TRACe:TIMer 0.0002 to 3600s | MINimum | MAXimum | DEFault S (second) 1 TRAC:TIM 0.1 TRACe:TIMer? [MINimum | MAXimum | DEFault] Source Commands These commands control the input of the electronic load. The INPut and OUTput commands are equivalent. The CURRent, RESistance, and VOLTage commands program the actual input current, resistance, and voltage.
[SOURce:]INPut:SYNCon Channel Specific This command enables or disables to change the electronic load inputs when INP:ALL command is received. Command Syntax Parameters *RST Value Examples Query Syntax Returned Parameters Related Commands [SOURce:]INPut:SYNCon[:STATe] 0 | 1 | OFF | ON ON INP:SYNC 1 INPut:SYNCon[:STATe]? 0|1 INP:ALL [SOURce:]INPut:SHORt Channel Specific This command programs the specified electronic load module to the maximum current that it can sink in the present operating range.
Query Syntax [SOURce:]REMote:SENSe[:STATe]? Returned Parameters [SOURce:]FUNCtion Channel Specific This command selects the input regulation mode of the electronic load.
Channel Specific This command turns the transient generator on or off. Command Syntax Parameters *RST Value Examples Query Syntax Returned Parameters Related Commands [SOURce:]TRANsient[:STATe] 0 | 1 | OFF | ON OFF TRAN 1 [SOURce:]TRANsient[:STATe]? 0|1 CURR:TRAN:CURR:MODE CURR:TRAN:ALEV [SOURce:]PROTection:CLEar Channel Specific This command clears the latch that disables the input when a protection condition such as overvoltage (OV) or overcurrent (OC) is detected.
This command specifies the timer setting. Command Syntax Parameters Unit *RST Value Examples Query Syntax [SOURce:]INPut:TIMer 1 to 60000s | MINimum | MAXimum | DEFault seconds 10 INP:TIM:DEL 5 [SOURce:]INPut:TIMer:DELay? [ MINimum | MAXimum | DEFault ] Returned Parameters Related Commands INP:TIM [SOURce:]CURRent Channel Specific This command sets the current that the load will regulate when operating in constant current mode.
Command Syntax Parameters Unit *RST Value Examples Query Syntax Returned Parameters Related Commands [SOURce:]CURRent:RANGe 0 through max. Rated current A (amps) max. current (high range) SOUR:CURR:RANGE 5 [SOURce:]CURRent:RANGe CURR CURR:SLEW [SOURce:]CURRent:SLEW Channel Specific This command sets the slew rate for all programmed changes in the input current level of the electronic load. This command programs both positive and negative slew rates.
[SOURce:]CURRent:SLEW:NEGative Channel Specific This command sets the slew rate of the current for negative transitions. MAXimum sets the slew to the fastest possible rate. MINimum sets the slew to the slowest rate. Command Syntax Parameters Unit Examples Query Syntax Returned Parameters Related Commands [SOURce:]CURRent:SLEW:NEGative see specifications A (amps per micro second) CURR:SLEW:NEG 0.
Examples Query Syntax Returned Parameters Related Commands CURR:PROT 2 [SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection:LEVel? CURR:PROT:DEL CURR:PROT:STAT [SOURce:]CURRent:PROTection:DELay Channel Specific This command specifies the time that the input current can exceed the protection level before the input is turned off.
Channel Specific These commands specify the transient level of the input current. The transient function switches between level A and level B. Command Syntax [SOURce:]CURRent:TRANsient:ALEVel [SOURce:]CURRent:TRANsient:BLEVel Parameters 0 through max. Rated current Unit A (amps) Examples CURR:TRAN:ALEV 5 CURR:TRAN:BLEV 0.
Query Syntax [SOURce:]CURRent:HIGH? [SOURce:]CURRent:LOW? Returned Parameters [SOURce:]VOLTage Channel Specific This command sets the voltage that the electronic load will regulate when operating in constant voltage (CV) mode.
Examples VOLT:RANG:AUTO 1 Query Syntax [SOURce:]VOLTage:RANGe:AUTO? Returned Parameters [SOURce:]VOLTage:ON Channel Specific This command sets the voltage of sink current on. Command Syntax Parameters Unit Examples Query Syntax Returned Parameters Related Commands [SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel]:ON 0 through max. rated voltage. V (volts) VOLT 5 [SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel]:ON? VOLT:LATCh [SOURce:]VOLTage:LATCh Channel Specific This command sets the action type of Von.
Examples VOLT:HIGH 5 Query Syntax [SOURce:]VOLTage:HIGH? [SOURce:]VOLTage:LOW? [SOURce:]VOLTage:TRANsient:MODE Channel Specific This command selects the operating mode of the transient generator as follows in constant voltage mode. CONTinuous The transient generator puts out a continuous pulse stream after receipt of a trigger. PULSe The transient generator puts out a single pulse upon receipt of a trigger. TOGGle The transient generator toggles between two levels upon receipt of a trigger.
[SOURce:]VOLTage:TRANsient:BWIDth Channel Specific This command specifies the transient pulse width of the input voltage. Command Syntax [SOURce:]VOLTage:TRANsient:AWIDth [SOURce:]VOLTage:TRANsient:BWIDth Parameters 1 to 65535 us Unit S (second) *RST Value 500uS Examples VOLT:TRAN:AWID 0.001 VOLT:TRAN:BWID 0.
settings are adjusted as follows. If existing settings are within new range, no adjustment is made. If existing settings are outside new range, the levels are set to either the maximum or minimum value of the new range, depending on which they are closest to. Command Syntax Parameters Unit Examples Query Syntax Returned Parameters Related Commands 61 [SOURce:]RESistance:RANGe 0 to max.
[SOURce:]RESistance:HIGH [SOURce:]RESistance:LOW Channel Specific This command is used to set the voltage high and low limit determined when the load is in constant resistance mode. Command Syntax [SOURce:]RESistance:HIGH [SOURce:]RESistance:LOW Parameters 0 to max.
[SOURce:]RESistance:TRANsient:ALEVel [SOURce:]RESistance:TRANsient:BLEVel Channel Specific This command specifies the transient level of the input resistance. The transient function switches between level A and level B. Command Syntax [SOURce:]RESistance:TRANsient:ALEVel [SOURce:]RESistance:TRANsient:BLEVel Parameters 0 to max. rated resistance. Unit Ω (ohms) Examples RES:TRAN:ALEV 5 RES:TRAN:BLEV 0.
Command Syntax Parameters Unit *RST Value Examples Query Syntax Returned Parameters Related Commands [SOURce:]POWer[:LEVel][:IMMediate] 0 to max. rated power W (power) MINimum POW 5 POW:LEV 3.5 [SOURce:]POWer[:LEVel][:IMMediate]? POW:RANG [SOURce:]POWer:RANGe Channel Specific This command sets the power range of the load. This limits the settable range for power. Command Syntax Parameters Unit Examples Query Syntax Returned Parameters [SOURce:]POWer:RANGe 0 to max. rated power.
[SOURce:]POWer:PROTection Channel Specific This command sets the soft power protection level. If the input power exceeds the soft power protection level for the time specified by POW:PROT:DEL, the input is turned off. NOTE: Use POW:PROT:DEL to prevent momentary power limit conditions caused by programmed changes from tripping the overpower protection. Command Syntax Parameters Unit *RST Value Examples Query Syntax Returned Parameters Related Commands [SOURce:]POWer:PROTection[:LEVel] 0 to max.
Command Syntax Parameters Unit Examples Query Syntax Returned Parameters Related Commands [SOURce:]POWer:CONFig[:LEVel] 0 through max. Rated power W (power) POW:CONFig 100 [SOURce:]POWer:CONFig[:LEVel POW:PROT [SOURce:]IMPedance Channel Specific This command sets the resistance value when in CZ mode. Command Syntax Parameters Unit *RST Value Examples Query Syntax Returned Parameters Related Commands [SOURce:]IMPedance[:LEVel][:IMMediate] 0 to 7500 ohms.
This command is used to set series resistance when the load is in CZ mode. Command Syntax Parameters Unit *RST Value Examples Query Syntax Returned Parameters [SOURce:]IMPedance:RESistance 0 through 7500 ohms R (ohms) 0 IMP:RES 5 [SOURce:]IMPedance:RESistance? [SOURce:]IMPedance:INDuction Channel Specific This command is used to set the series inductance when the load is in CZ mode.
Command Syntax [SOURce:]IMPedance:HIGH [SOURce:]IMPedance:LOW Parameters 0 to max. rated voltage Unit V (volts) Examples IMP:HIGH 5 Query Syntax [SOURce:]IMPedance:HIGH? [SOURce:]IMPedance:LOW? Returned Parameters List Commands List commands allow you to program complex sequences of input changes with rapid, precise timing, and synchronized with trigger signals. Each function for which lists can be generated has a list of values that specify the input at each list step.
This command sets the number of times that the list is executed before it is completed. The command accepts parameters in the range 1 through 65536, but 65536 is interpreted as infinity. Command Syntax Parameters Examples Query Syntax Returned Parameters Related Commands [SOURce:]LIST:COUNt 1 to 65536 LIST:COUN 3 [SOURce:]LIST:COUNt? LIST:STEP [SOURce:]LIST:STEP Channel Specific This command sets the total number of steps in the list.
[SOURce:]LIST:SLEW Channel Specific This command sets the slew rate for each step. This command programs both positive and negative going slew rates. MAXimum sets the slew to its fastest possible rate. MINimum sets the slew to its slowest rate. Command Syntax Parameters Unit Examples Query Syntax [SOURce:]LIST:SLEW , See specifications for range None, None LIST:SLEW 1, 1.
Parameters 1 to 7 Examples LIST:SAV 3 Related Commands LIST:RCL [SOURce:]LIST:RCL Channel Specific This command restores a list file that was previously stored in memory with a LIST:SAV command to the specified location. Command Syntax Parameters Examples Related Commands [SOURce:]LIST:RCL 1 to 7 LIST:RCL 3 LIST:SAV Measurement Commands The signal-oriented measurement commands are used to acquire readings. You can use these highlevel instructions to control the measurement process.
you the flexibility to synchronize the data acquisition with a trigger. FETCh commands do not trigger the acquisition of new measurement data, but they can be used to return many different calculations from the data that was retrieved by the acquisition trigger. Making triggered measurements with the acquisition trigger system is discussed in the User Manual. NOTE: For each MEASure form of the query, there is a corresponding query that begins with the header FETCh.
:MEASure:ALLVoltage? :MEASure:ALLCurrent? These commands combine the voltage or current measured at the input of all electronic load modules. :FETch :ALLVoltage? :FETch:ALLCurrent? These commands combine the real-time voltage or current measured at the input of all electronic load modules. Sense Commands The Sense subsystem is used to configure and control the measurement functions of the electronic load. A function does not have to be selected before you program its various configurations.
This command is used to control auto ranging for voltage. With auto ranging enabled, the instrument automatically goes to the most sensitive range to perform the measurement. The auto range command (:RANGe:AUTO) is coupled to the command that manually selects the measurement range (:RANGe ). When auto range is enabled, the parameter value for :RANGe changes to the automatically selected range value. Thus, when auto range is disabled, the instrument remains at the automatically selected range.
Query Syntax PROG:ACT:CHAN? Returned Parameters :PROGram:ACTive:SEQuence The command is used to specify the sequence to enable for the program. The sequence number is linked to the instrument settings saved in the internal storage memory. Each sequence number in each programs are linked to one of the instrument settings storage locations. Sequence 1 to 10 of program 1 is linked (in order) to storage locations 1-10. Sequence 1 to 10 of program 2 is linked (in order) to storage locations 11-20. ….
Channel 18-11 represents channels 8 to 1 for MDL002 extended mainframe. 1 – channel will be shorted. 0 – channel will not be shorted. Bit 15 Channel 18 14 17 13 16 12 15 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 14 13 12 11 8 7 6 5 4 Examples PROG:SEQ:SHOR 683 683 = 1000100 Sets channel 3 and 7 for short testing.
:PROGram:SEQuence:PFDTime The command is used to specify the pass/fail delay time for the selected sequence, which controls the delay allowed before checking if the settings passed or failed for a pass/fail test. Command Syntax PROGram:SEQuence:PFDTime , Parameters - Sequence number, 1 to 10. - Pass/Fail Delay, 0.01 to 60.0 seconds. Examples PROG:SEQ:PFDT 4, 5 Sets sequence 4 with pass/fail delay time to 5 seconds.
Examples PROG:STOP:COND COMP Sets the program to stop on completion. Query Syntax PROG:STOP:COND? Returned Parameters COMPletion, FAILure :PROGram:CHAin The command is used to specify the program chain parameter. This specifies the next program to run automatic testing after the current program finishes. If set to 0, no further programs will be tested and test will end. Command Syntax PROGram:CHAin Parameters - Program number, 1 to 10.
Other Commands FAC:MAC? This query command returns the MAC address for the Ethernet interface. Command Syntax FAC:MAC? Return String XX.XX.XX.XX.XX.XX Where XX are alphanumeric characters.
3.4 SCPI Command Tree TRACe Command Summary Commands Description Default Channel Specific :TRACe :CLEar Clear readings from buffer. Y :FREE? Query points available and points in use. Y :POINts Specify size of buffer (2 to 1024). :POINts? Query buffer size. :FEED Select source of readings (VOLTage, CURRent, TWO). TWO Y :CONTrol Select buffer control mode (NEVer or NEXT). NEVer Y :CONTrol? Query buffer control mode. Y Query source of readings for buffer.
SOURce Command Summary Commands Description Default Channel Specific OFF Y [:SOURce] :INPut [:STATe] Set selected channel’s input state. [:STATe]? Query selected channel’s input state. Y :ALL Set all channels’ input states. N :SHORt Set selected channel’s load short state. :SHORt? Query selected channel’s load short state. Y :SYNCon Set the ON/OFF state for trace mode. Y :SYNCon? Query the ON/OFF state for trace mode. Y [:STATe] Set the timer ON/OFF state.
[:LEVel] :RANGe Set constant current range. :RANGe? Query constant current range.
:HIGH? Query the voltage specification of upper limit :LOW Set the voltage specification of lower limit :LOW? Query the voltage specification of lower limit :VOLTage [:LEVel] :ON Set VON level :ON? Query VON level :RANGe Set constant voltage range :RANGe? Query constant voltage range :AUTO Set the auto range mode for the voltmeter :AUTO? Query the auto range mode for the voltmeter :LATCh Enable or disable Von in latch mode :LATCh? Query Von latch mode :HIGH
:PROTection :LEVel Set hardware power protection level :LEVel? Query hardware power protection level :DELay Set the delay time after power protection. :DELay? Query the delay time after power protection. :CONFig Set the hard power protection level. :CONFig? Query the hard power protection level.
:STEP? Query list step :LEVel , Set list step level :LEVel? Query list step level :SLEW [:BOTH] Set list step slew rate [:BOTH]? Query list step slew rate :WIDth , Set list step width :WIDth Query list step width :SAV Save list file to specify filename (1 to 5) :RCL Recall list file :PROTection:CLEar Clear protection SENSe Command Summary Commands Description Default Channel Specific 8 Y :SENSe :AVERage :COUNt Set filter coun
:POWer? Fetch the last measured power Y TRIGger Command Summary Commands Description :TRIGger Path to program trigger layer. [:IMMediate] Generates a trigger signal. :TIMer Set timer interval (0.01 to 999.99sec). :TIMer? Query the programmed timer interval. Default N 0.1 Description N N SYSTem Command Summary Commands Channel Specific Default Channel Specific :SYSTem :PRESet Return to :SYST:PRESet defaults. :POSetup Select power-on setup: (RST or SAV0).
:ENABle? Read the enable register. Y :CONDition? Read the condition register. Y :CSUMary Path to control channel summary status. [:EVENt]? Read the event register. (note 2) N :ENABle Program the enable register. (note 3) N :ENABle? Read the enable register. :OPERation N Path to control operation status register. [:EVENt]? Read the event register. (note 2) N :ENABle Program the enable register. (note 3) N :ENABle? Read the enable register.
:SHORt , Set the short channel for the selected seq. N :SHORt? Query the short channel for the selected seq. N :ONTime , Set the on time for the selected seq. N :ONTime? Query the on times for the selected seq. N :OFFTime , Set the off times for the selected seq. N :OFFTime? Query the off times for the selected seq. N :PFDTime , Set the pass/fail delay time N :PFDTime? Query the pass/fail delay time N :PAUSe Set the pause sequence.
• • • Measurement functions Status and protection functions Transient functions, including lists 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. 4.2 Programming the Input Power-on Initialization When the electronic load is first turned on, it wakes up with the input state set OFF.
All models have a programmable current function. The command to program the current is: CURRent where is the input current in amps. Overcurrent Protection The electronic load can also be programmed to turn off its input if the current protection level is reached. As explained in Section 3.
Continuous Transients In continuous operation, a repetitive pulse train switches between two load levels. The rate at which the level changes is determined by the slew rate. In addition, use the following commands to program continuous transients: CURRent:TRANsient:MODE CONTinuous CURRent:TRANsient:ALEVel 5 CURRent:TRANsient:AWIDth 0.4 mS CURRent:TRANsient:BLEVel 10 CURRent:TRANsient:BWIDth 0.
transient level setting (5 amps) is reached, it stays there for the remainder of the time determined by the pulse width setting (10 ms). After this time has elapsed, the input level decreases to the main level again at the rate specified by the slew setting and remains there until another trigger is received. Any triggers that occur during the time the transient level is in effect will re-trigger the pulse, extending the pulse by another pulse-width value.
LIST:WIDth 1,10ms LIST:LEVel 4,15 7. Specify the current setting for step 2. LIST:LEVel 2,10 14. Set the current slew rate for step 4. LIST:SLEW 4,1 8. Set the current slew rate for step 2. LIST:SLEW 2,1 15. Set the width for step 4. LIST:WIDth 4,10ms 9. Set the width for step 2. LIST:WIDth 2,10ms 16. Save the list to memory location 2. LIST:SAV 2 10. Specify the current setting for step 3. LIST:LEVel 3,20 17. Set the input regulation mode to be controlled by values in a list.
Table 1 - Error Numbers Error Error String [Description/Explanation/Examples] Command Errors 100 through 199 (sets Standard Event Status Register bit #5 CME) 101 DESIGN ERROR: Too many numeric suffices in Command Spec 110 No Input Command to parse 114 Numeric suffix is invalid value 116 Invalid value in numeric or channel list, e.g.
-277 Macro redefinition not allowed System Errors –300 through –399 (sets Standard Event Status Register bit #3 DDE) -310 System error [generic] -350 Too many errors [errors beyond 9 lost due to queue overflow] Query Errors -400 through -499 (sets Standard Event Status Register bit #2) -400 Query error [generic] -410 Query INTERRUPTED [query followed by DAB or GET before response complete] -420 Query UNTERMINATED [addressed to talk, incomplete programming message received] -430 Query DEADLOCKED
213 RS-232 buffer overrun error 216 RS-232 receiver framing error 217 RS-232 receiver parity error 218 RS-232 receiver overrun error 220 Front panel UART overrun 221 Front panel UART framing 222 Front panel UART parity 223 Front panel buffer overrun 224 Front panel timeout 225 Front CRC check error 226 Front cmd Error 401 CAL switch prevents calibration 402 CAL password is incorrect 403 CAL not enabled 404 Computed readback cal constants are incorrect 405 Computed programming
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