Owner manual

6
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 488.2 capabilities of the electronic load are described in the table below.
GPIB Capabilities Response
Interface
Function
Talker/Listener
All electronic load functions except for setting the communication
parameters are programmable over the GPIB. The electronic load can
send and receive messages over the GPIB. Status information is sent
using a serial poll.
AH1, SH1,
T6, L4
Service Request
The electronic load sets the SRQ line true if there is an enabled service
request condition.
SR1
Remote/Local
In local mode, the electronic load is controlled from the front panel but
will also execute commands sent over the GPIB. The electronic load
powers up in local mode and remains in local mode until it receives a
command over the GPIB. Once the electronic load is in remote mode,
the front panel REM annunciator turns on, all front panel keys (except
Shift + Local) are disabled, and the display is in normal metering mode.
Pressing Shift + Local on the front panel returns the electronic load to
local mode. This can be disabled using local lockout so that only the
controller or the power switch can return the electronic load to local
mode.
RL1
Device Trigger The electronic load will respond to the device trigger function. DT1
Group Execute
Trigger
The electronic load will respond to the group execute trigger function.
GET