Agilent E3640A E3641A E3642A Power Supply Service Manual

User’s Guide
Part Number: E3640-90001

January 2000.
For Safety information, Warranties, and Regulatory information,

see the pages behind the Index.
© Copyright Agilent Technologies 1999 - 2000

All Rights Reserved.
Agilent E364xA Single Output

DC Power Supplies
The Agilent Technologies E3640A/E3641A (30 watt), E3642A/E3643A (50 watt),
and E3644A/E3645A (80 watt) are high performance single-output dual range
programmable DC power supplies with GPIB and RS-232 interfaces. The
combination of bench-top and system features in these power supplies
provides versatile solutions for your design and test requirements.
Convenient bench-top features

• Single-output dual range
• Output on/off
• High accuracy and high resolution
• Excellent load and line regulation
• Low ripple and noise
• Overvoltage protection
• Five Operating states storage
• Easy-to-use controls
• Remote voltage sensing
• Front and Rear output terminals
• Portable, ruggedized case with non-skid feet
• Highly visible vacuum-fluorescent displays
• Error messages available on the display
Flexible system features

• GPIB (IEEE-488) and RS-232 interfaces are standard
• SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) compatibility
• I/O setup easily done from front-panel
• Software calibration, no internal physical adjustments
Agilent Technologies E364xA

Single Output DC Power Supplies
The Front Panel at a Glance
1 Low voltage range selection Key 7 State storage menu/Local Key

2 High voltage range selection Key 8 View menu/Calibrate Key
3 Overvoltage protection Key 9 I/O Configuration menu/Secure Key
4 Display limit Key 10 Output On/Off Key
5 Voltage/Current adjust selection Key 11 Resolution selection Keys
6 Stored state Recall/Reset Menu 12 Knob
2
Front-Panel Menu/Key Reference
This section gives an overview of the front-panel keys/menus. The menus are
designed to automatically guide you through all parameters required to
configure a particular function or operation.
1 Low voltage range selection key Selects the low voltage range and allows
its full rated output to the output terminals.
2 High voltage range selection key Selects the high voltage range and allows
its full rated output to the output terminals.
3 Overvoltage protection key Enables or disables the overvoltage protection
function, sets trip voltage level, and clears the overvoltage condition.
4 Display limit key Shows voltage and current limit values on the display and
allows the knob adjustment for setting limit values.
5 Voltage/Current adjust selection key Selects the knob control function for
voltage or current adjustment.
6 Stored state recall menu Recalls a stored operating state from location ‘‘1’’
through ‘‘5’’ and resets the power supply to the power-on state (*RST
command) from the front panel by selecting the ‘‘RESET’’ from this menu.
7 State storage menu / Local key 1 Stores up to five power supply’s states in
non-volatile memory and assigns a name to each of the storage locations / or
returns the power supply to local mode from remote interface mode.
8 View menu / Calibrate key2 Views the error codes and the text of the error
message, calibration string, and system firmware revision / or enables
calibration mode.
9 I/O Configuration / Secure key 3 Configures the power supply for remote
interfaces / or secures or unsecures the power supply for calibration.
10 Output On/Off key Enables or disables the power supply output. This key
toggles between on and off.
11 Resolution selection keys Move the flashing digit to the right or left and
adjust the scrolling speed of the text being displayed in the View menu.
12 Knob Increases or decreases the value of the flashing digit by turning
clockwise or counter clockwise.
1
The key can be used as the ‘‘Local’’ key when the power supply is in the remote
interface mode.
2You can enable the ‘‘calibration mode’’ by holding down this key when you
turn on the power supply.
3You can use it as the ‘‘Secure’’ or ‘‘Unsecure’’ key when the power supply is
in the calibration mode.
3
Front-Panel Voltage and Current Limit Settings
You can set the voltage and current limit values from the front panel using the
following method.
Use the voltage/current adjust selection key, the resolution selection keys,
and the control knob to change the voltage and current limit values.
Low
Or +
High
1 Select the desired voltage range using the voltage range selection keys after
turning on the power supply.
2 Press Display
Limit key to show the limit values on the display.
3 Move the blinking digit to the appropriate position using the resolution
selection keys and change the blinking digit value to the desired voltage limit
by turning the control knob. If the display limit times out, press Display
Limit key again.
Voltage
4 Set the knob to current control mode by pressing Current key.
5 Move the blinking digit to the appropriate position using the resolution
selection keys and change the blinking digit value to the desired current limit
by turning the control knob.
6 Press Output
On/Off key to enable the output. After about 5 seconds, the display will
go to output monitoring mode automatically to display the voltage and current

at the output.
Note All front panel keys and controls can be disabled with remote interface commands.
The power supply must be in "Local" mode for the front panel keys and controls to
function.
4
Display Annunciators
Adrs Power supply is addressed to listen or talk over a remote interface.

Rmt Power supply is in remote interface mode.
8V* Shows the low voltage range is selected.
20V* Shows the high voltage range is selected.
35V** Shows the low voltage range is selected.
60V** Shows the high voltage range is selected.
OVP The overvoltage protection function is enabled when the
annunciator turns on or the overvoltage protection circuit has
caused the power supply to shutdown when the annunciator blinks.
CAL The power supply is in calibration mode.
Limit The display shows the limit values of voltage and current.
ERROR Hardware or remote interface command errors are detected and
the error bit has not been cleared.
OFF The output of the power supply is disabled (See page 54 for more
information).
Unreg The output of the power supply is unregulated (output is neither CV
nor CC).
CV The power supply is in constant voltage mode.
CC The power supply is in constant current mode.
Display
To review the display annunciators, hold down Limit key as you turn on
the power supply.
*For E3640A/42A/44A model. **For E3641A/43A/45A model.
5
The Rear Panel at a Glance
Note: The supplier code of the C-Tick for the E3643A/45A is N10149.
1 AC inlet 4 RS-232 interface connector

2 Power-line fuse-holder assembly 5 GPIB (IEEE-488) interface connector
3 Power-line module 6 Rear output terminals
I/O
Use the front-panel Config key to:
• Select the GPIB or RS-232 interface (see chapter 3).
• Set the GPIB address (see chapter 3).
• Set the RS-232 baud rate and parity (see chapter 3).
6
In This Book
Quick Start Chapter 1 helps you get familiar with a few of the power supply’s
the front panel feature.
General Information Chapter 2 contains a general description of your
power supply. This chapter also provides instructions for installation of your
power supply and the output connections.
Front-Panel Operation Chapter 3 describes in detail the use of front-panel

keys and how they are used to operate the power supply from the front panel.
This chapter also shows how to configure the power supply for the remote
interface and gives a brief introduction to the calibration features.
Remote Interface Reference Chapter 4 contains reference information to

help you program the power supply over the remote interface. This chapter
also explains how to program for status reporting.
Error Messages Chapter 5 lists the error messages that may appear as you
are working with the power supply. Each listing contains information to help
you diagnose and solve the problem.
Application Programs Chapter 6 contains some remote interface

applications to help you develop programs for your application.
Tutorial Chapter 7 describes basic operation of linear power supplies and

gives specific details on the operation and use of your power supply.
Specifications Chapter 8 lists the power supply’s specifications.
Service Information Contains guidelines to return your power supply to

Agilent Technologies for servicing, procedures for verification & calibration,
and replaceable parts list and component locator diagram & schematics.
If you have questions relating to the operation of the power supply, call
1-800-452-4844 in the United States, or contact your nearest Agilent
Technologies Sales Office.
If your power supply fails within three years of purchase, Agilent will repair
or replace it free of charge. Call 1-800-258-5165 ("Express Exchange") in
the United States, or contact your nearest Agilent Technologies Sales Office.
7
8
Contents
Chapter 1 Quick Start

Preliminary Checkout- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 17
Output Checkout- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 18
Voltage Output Checkout - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 18
Current Output Checkout - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 19
If the Power Supply Does Not Turn On - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 20
Line Voltage Conversion- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 21
To Adjust the Carrying Handle- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 23
To Rack Mount the Instrument - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 24
Chapter 2 General Information
Safety Considerations- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 29
Safety and EMC Requirements - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 29
Options and Accessories - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30
Options- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30
Contents
Accessories - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30
Description - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31
Installation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 33
Initial Inspection - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 33
Cooling and Location - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 33
Output Connections - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 34
Current Ratings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 34
Voltage Drops - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 35
Load Consideration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 35
Remote Voltage Sensing Connections - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 36
Multiple Loads - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 38
Chapter 3 Front-Panel Operation and Features
Front-Panel Operation Overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 41
Constant Voltage Operation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 42
Constant Current Operation- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 44
Configuring the Remote Interface - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 46
GPIB Configuration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 46
RS-232 Configuration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 47
Storing and Recalling Operating States - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 48
Programming Overvoltage Protection - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 50
Setting the OVP Level and Enable the OVP Circuit - - - - - - - - 50
Checking OVP Operation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 51
Clearing the Overvoltage Condition - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 51
Disabling the Output- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 54
Disconnecting the Output Using an External Relay - - - - - - - 54
9
Contents
System-Related Operations- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 55
State Storage - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 55
Self-Test - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 56
Error Conditions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 56
Firmware Revision Query - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 57
SCPI Language Version - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 57
GPIB Interface Reference - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 58
RS-232 Interface Reference- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 59
RS-232 Configuration Overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 59
RS-232 Data Frame Format - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 59
Connection to a Computer or Terminal - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 60
RS-232 Troubleshooting- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 61
Calibration Overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 62
Calibration Security - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 62
To Unsecure for Calibration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 63
To Secure Against Calibration - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 64
Calibration Count- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 65
Contents
Calibration Message- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 66
Chapter 4 Remote Interface Reference
SCPI Command Summary- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 69
Simplified Programming Overview- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 74
Using the APPLy Command - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 74
Using the Low-Level Commands- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 74
Reading a Query Response - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 75
Selecting a Trigger Source- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 75
Power Supply Programming Ranges- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 76
Using the APPLy Command - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 77
Output Setting and Operation Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 78
Triggering- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 82
Trigger Source Choices - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 82
Triggering Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 84
System-Related Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 85
State Storage Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 88
Calibration Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 89
Interface Configuration Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 92
The SCPI Status Registers- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 93
What is an Event Register? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 93
What is an Enable Register? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 93
SCPI Status System - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 94
The Questionable Status Register - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 95
The Standard Event Register- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 96
10
Contents
The Status Byte Register - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 97

Using Service Request (SRQ) and Serial POLL - - - - - - - - - - - 98
Using *STB? to Read the Status Byte - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 99
Using the Message Available Bit (MAV) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 99
To Interrupt Your Bus Controller Using SRQ - - - - - - - - - - - - 99
To Determine When a Command Sequence is Completed - 100
Using *OPC to Signal When Data is in the Output Buffer - - 100
Status Reporting Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 101
An Introduction to the SCPI Language - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 103
Command Format Used in This Manual- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 104
Command Separators - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 105
Using the MIN and MAX Parameters - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 105
Querying Parameter Settings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 106
SCPI Command Terminators - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 106
IEEE-488.2 Common Commands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 106
SCPI Parameter Types - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 107
Halting an Output in Progress - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 108
Contents
SCPI Conformance Information- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 109
IEEE-488 Conformance Information - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 112
Chapter 5 Error Messages
Execution Errors - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 115
Self-Test Errors - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 120
Calibration Errors - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 121
Chapter 6 Application Programs
Example Program for C and C++- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 125
Example Program for Excel 97 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 129
Chapter 7 Tutorial
Overview of this Power Supply Operation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 137
Output Characteristics - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 139
Unregulated State - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 141
Unwanted Signals - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 141
Extending the Voltage and Current Range - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 143
Series Connections - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 143
Parallel Connections - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 143
Remote Programming- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 144
Chapter 8 Specifications
Performance Specifications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 149
Supplemental Characteristics - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 151
11
Contents
Appendix Service Information

Operating Checklist- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 157
Is the Power Supply Inoperative? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 157
Does the Power Supply Fail Self-Test? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 157
Types of Service Available - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 158
Standard Repair Service (worldwide)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 158
Express Exchange (U.S.A. only) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 158
Repacking for Shipment - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 159
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 160
Surface Mount Repair - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 160
To Replace the Power-Line Fuse - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 160
Troubleshooting Hints- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 161
Unit Reports Errors 740 to 750 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 161
Unit Fails Self-Test- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 161
Bias Supplies Problems - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 161
Self-Test Procedures - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 162
Power-On Self-Test - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 162
Contents
Complete Self-Test- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 162

General Disassembly - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 164
Recommended Test Equipment - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 165
Test Considerations- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 166
Operation Verification and Performance Tests - - - - - - - - - - - - - 166
Measurement Techniques - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 167
Setup for Most Tests - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 167
Current-Monitoring Resistor - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 167
General Measurement Techniques - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 168
Electronic Load - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 168
Programming - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 168
Constant Voltage (CV) Verifications- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 169
Constant Voltage Test Setup - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 169
Voltage Programming and Readback Accuracy - - - - - - - - - - 169
CV Load Effect (Load Regulation) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 170
CV Source effect (Line Regulation)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 171
CV PARD (Ripple and Noise) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 171
Load Transient Response Time - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 173
Constant Current (CC) Verifications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 174
Constant Current Test Setup - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 174
Current Programming and Readback Accuracy - - - - - - - - - - 174
CC Load Effect (Load Regulation) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 175
CC Source Effect (Line Regulation) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 176
CC PARD (Ripple and Noise) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 177
Common Mode Current Noise - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 178
12
Contents
Performance Test Record for Your Power Supply - - - - - - - - - - 179

CV Performance Test Record - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 179
CC Performance Test Record - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 180
Calibration Reference- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 181
Agilent Technologies Calibration Services- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 181
Calibration Interval - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 181
To Unsecure the Power Supply Without the Security Code 181
General Calibration/Adjustment Procedure - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 182
Front Panel Voltage and Current Calibration- - - - - - - - - - - - 183
Calibration Record for Your Power Supply - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 187
Calibration Error Messages - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 188
Replaceable Parts - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 189
To Order Replaceable Parts - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 189
Schematics and Diagrams - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 189
E3640A/41A/42A/43A/44A/45A Power Supply Assembly - - - 190
Contents
Manufacturer’s List - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 191
13
Contents
Contents
14
1
Quick Start
Quick Start
One of the first things you will want to do with your power supply is to become
acquainted with the front panel. The exercises in this chapter prepare the
power supply for use and help you get familiar with some of its front-panel
operations.
This chapter is intended for both the experienced and the inexperienced user
because it calls attention to certain checks that should be made prior to
operation.
Throughout this chapter the key to be pressed is shown in the left margin.
16
Preliminary Checkout
1
Preliminary Checkout
The following steps help you verify that the power supply is ready for use.
1 Check the list of supplied items.
Verify that you have received the following items with your power supply. If
anything is missing, contact your nearest Agilent Technologies Sales Office.
One power cord for your location.
This User’s Guide.
Quick Reference Guide.
Certificate of Calibration.
2 Connect the power cord and turn on the power supply.
The front-panel display will light up briefly while the power supply performs
its power-on self-test. The GPIB address is also displayed. To review the power-
on display with all annunciators turned on, hold down Display
Limit as you turn on
the power supply. If the power supply does not turn on properly, see page 20.
3 Perform a complete self-test.
The complete self-test performs a more extensive set of tests than those
performed at power-on. Hold down Display
Limit as you turn on the power supply and
hold down the key until you hear a long beep. The self-test will begin when
you release the key following the beep.
If the self-test fails, see the Service Information for instructions on returning
the power supply to Agilent Technologies for service.
Note The power supply is shipped from the factory with a power-line cord that has a plug
appropriate for your location. Your power supply is equipped with a 3-wire grounding
type power cord; the third conductor being the ground. The power supply is grounded
only when the power-line cord is plugged into an appropriate receptacle. Do not
operate your power supply without adequate cabinet ground connection.
17
Output Checkout
Output Checkout
The following procedures check to ensure that the power supply develops its
rated outputs and properly responds to operation from the front panel. For
complete performance and verification tests, refer to the Service Information.
Note: If an error has been detected during the output checkout procedures,
the ERROR annunciator will turn on. See "Error Messages" starting on page
113 in chapter 5 for more information.
Voltage Output Checkout

The following steps verify basic voltage functions with no load.
Power
1 Turn on the power supply.

The power supply will go into the power-on / reset state; the output is disabled
(the OFF annunciator turns on); its low voltage range is selected, and the OVP
annunciator and low voltage range indication annunciator turn on (for
example, 8V annunciator turns on for the E3640A model); and the knob is
selected for voltage control.
Output
On/Off
2 Enable the outputs.
The OFF annunciator turns off and the CV annunciator turns on. Notice that
the display is in the meter mode. ‘‘Meter mode’’ means that the display shows
the actual output voltage and current.
3 Check that the front-panel voltmeter properly responds to knob

control for both low and high voltage range.
Turn the knob clockwise or counter clockwise to check that the voltmeter
responds to knob control and the ammeter indicates nearly zero. The flashing
digit can be adjusted by turning the knob.
1
4 Ensure that the voltage can be adjusted from zero to the full rated
value by adjusting the knob.
1You
can use the resolution selection keys to move the flashing digit to the
right or left when setting the voltage.
18
Output Checkout
1
Current Output Checkout
The following steps check basic current functions with a short across the
power supply’s output.
Power

Make sure that the output is disabled. The OFF annunciator is on
2 Connect a short across (+) and (-) output terminals with an insulated
test lead.
Use a wire size sufficient to handle the maximum current (See "Table 2-1 Wire
Rating" on page 34 in chapter 2).
Output
On/Off
3 Enable the output.
The CV or CC annunciator turns on depending on the resistance of the test
lead. Notice that the display is in the meter mode.
Display
Limit
4 Adjust the voltage limit value to 1.0 volt.
Set the display to the limit mode (the Limit annunciator will be flashing).
Adjust the voltage limit to 1.0 volt to assure CC operation. The CC annunciator
will turn on. To go back to normal mode, press the Display
Limit key again or let the
display time out after several seconds.
Voltage
Current
5 Set the knob to the current control to check that the front-panel
ammeter properly responds to knob control.
Turn the knob clockwise or counter clockwise when the display is in the meter
mode (the Limit annunciator is off). Check that the ammeter responds to knob
control and the voltmeter indicates nearly zero (the voltmeter will show the
voltage drop caused by the test lead). The flashing digit can be adjusted by
turning the knob.
1
6 Ensure that the current can be adjusted from zero to the full rated
value.
7 Turn off the power supply and remove the short from the output
terminals.
1
You can use the resolution selection keys to move the flashing digit to the
right or left when setting the current.
19
If the Power Supply Does Not Turn On
If the Power Supply Does Not Turn On

Use the following steps to help solve problems you might encounter when
turning on the instrument. If you need more help, refer to chapter 5 for
instructions on returning the instrument to Agilent Technologies for service.
1 Verify that there is ac power to the power supply.
First, verify that the power cord is firmly plugged into the power receptacle on
the rear panel of the power supply. You should also make sure that the power
source you plugged the power supply into is energized. Then, verify that the
power supply is turned on.
2 Verify the power-line voltage setting.
The line voltage is set to the proper value for your country when the power
supply is shipped from the factory. Change the voltage setting if it’s not correct.
The settings are: 100, 115, or 230 Vac.
3 Verify that the correct power-line fuse is installed.
The correct fuse is installed for your country when the power supply is shipped
from the factory. See the table below to replace the fuse for your power supply.
Model Agilent Part Number Part Description

E3640A/41A 2110-1069 Fuse 1.5A T 125V for 100 and 115 Vac
E3640A/41A 2110-0457 Fuse 1A T 250V for 230 Vac
See the next page if you need to change the line voltage setting and the power-
line fuse.
20
Line Voltage Conversion
1
Warning Shock Hazard Operating personnel must not remove power supply covers.
Component replacement and internal adjustments must be made only by
qualified service personnel.
Line voltage conversion is accomplished by adjusting two components: the line
voltage selection switch and the power-line fuse on the rear panel.
1 Remove AC line power.

2 Remove the cover (Refer to General Disassembly on page 164).
3 Set two sections of the line voltage selector switch on the PC board for the
desired line voltage (See Figure 1-1 below).
4 See the next page to check the rating of the power-line fuse and replace with
the correct one if necessary.
5 Replace the cover and mark the power supply clearly with a tag or label
indicating the correct line voltage and fuse that is in use.
100V
115V
230V
(TOP VIEW)
Figure 1-1. Line Voltage Selector (set for 115Vac)
21
1 Remove the power cord. Remove 2 Remove the fuse-holder from the
the fuse-holder assembly with a flat- assembly.
blade screwdriver from the rear panel.
3 Replace with the correct fuse. 4 Replace the fuse-holder assembly in

rear panel.
Verify that the correct line voltage is selected and the power-line fuse is good.
22
To Adjust the Carrying Handle
1
To Adjust the Carrying Handle
To adjust the position, grasp the handle by the sides and pull outward. Then,
rotate the handle to the desired position.
Bench-top viewing positions Carrying position
23
To Rack Mount the Instrument

You can mount the power supply in a standard 19-inch rack cabinet using one
of three optional kits available. Instructions and mounting hardware are
included with each rack-mounting kit. Any Agilent Technologies System II
instrument of the same size can be rack-mounted beside the Agilent E3640A,
E3641A, E3642A, E3643A, E3644A, or E3645A.
Note: Remove the carrying handle, and the front and rear rubber bumpers,
before rack-mounting the instrument.
To remove the handle, rotate it to the vertical position and pull the ends outward.
Front Rear (bottom view)
To remove the rubber bumper, stretch a corner and then slide it off.
24
To rack mount a single instrument, order adapter kit 5063-9240.
To rack mount two instruments side-by-side, order lock-link kit 5061-9694 and
flange kit 5063-9212. Be sure to use the support rails inside the rack cabinet.
To install two instruments in a sliding support shelf, order support shelf 5063-9255,
and slide kit 1494-0015.
25
26
2
General Information
General Information
This manual describes the operation of the Agilent Technologies Model

E3640A, E3641A, E3642A, E3643A, E3644A and E3645A DC power supplies.
This chapter contains a general description of your power supply. This chapter
also provides instructions for installation of your power supply and the output
connections. Unless otherwise stated, the information in this manual applies
to all the six models. This chapter is divided into the following sections:
• Safety Considerations‚ on page 29

• Options and Accessories‚ on page 30
• Description‚ starting on page 31
• Installation‚ on page 33
• Output Connections‚ on page 34
28
Safety Considerations
Safety Considerations
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29
Options and Accessories
Options and Accessories
Options
Options 0EM, 0E3, and 0E9 determine which power-line voltage is selected at
the factory. The standard unit is configured for 115 Vac ± 10%, 47-63 Hz input
voltage. For more information about changing the power-line voltage setting,
see Line Voltage Conversion on page 21.
Option Description
0EM 115 Vac ± 10%, 47-63 Hz input voltage
0E3 230 Vac ± 10%, 47-63 Hz input voltage
0E9 100 Vac ± 10%, 47-63 Hz input voltage
1CM Rack mount kit (Agilent part number 5063-9240)
0L2 Extra English manual set (local language manual files are included
on the CD-ROM, Agilent part number 5964-8251)
Accessories
The accessories listed below may be ordered from your local Agilent
Tecnologies Sales Office either with the power supply or separately.
Agilent No. Description
10833A GPIB cable, 1 m (3.3 ft.)
10833B GPIB cable, 2 m (6.6 ft.)
34398A RS-232, 9 pin (f) to 9 pin (f), 2.5 m (8.2 ft.) cable; plus 9 pin (m) to
25 pin (f) adapter
34399A RS-232 adapter kit (contains 4 adapters):
9 pin (m) to 25 pin (m) for use with PC or printer
9 pin (m) to 25 pin (f) for use with PC or printer
9 pin (m) to 25 pin (m) for use with modem
9 pin (m) to 9 pin (m) for use with modem
30
Description
Description
This power supply features a combination of programming capabilities and
2
linear power supply performance that makes it ideal for power systems
applications. The power supply may be programmed locally from the front
panel or remotely over the GPIB and RS-232 interfaces. This power supply has
two ranges, allowing more voltage at a lower current or more current at a lower
voltage. The output range is selected from the front panel or over the remote
interfaces.
Operational features include:

• Single-output dual range
• Constant voltage (CV) or constant current (CC) operation
• Overvoltage protection (OVP)
• Five storage locations (1 to 5) for user-defined operating states
• Automatic turn-on self-test
• Remote sense at rear panel terminals
• User calibration from the front panel or over the remote interfaces
The front panel operation permits:

• Easy-to-use control features
• Output range selection
• Enabling or disabling OVP
• Setting the OVP trip levels
• Clearing OVP conditions
• Setting and displaying the voltage and current limit values
• Operating state storage/recall
• Resetting the power supply to power-on state
• Returning the power supply to local mode from remote mode
• Retrieving/Scrolling error messages on the display
• Reading calibration message or system firmware revision
• Calibrating the power supply, including changing the calibration secure
code
• Enabling the remote interfaces
• Enabling or disabling the output
31
Description
When operated over the remote interface, the power supply can be both a
listener and a talker. Using an external controller, you can instruct the power
supply to set the output and to send the status data back over the GPIB or
RS-232. Capabilities include the following features:
• Voltage and current programming

• Voltage and current readback
• Present and stored status hardback
• Programming syntax error detection
• Complete self-test
The front-panel VFD (Vacuum-Fluorescent Display) includes:
• Displaying actual values of output voltage and current (meter mode)

• Or displaying the limit values of voltage and current (limit mode)
• Checking the operating status from the annunciators
• Checking the type of error from the error codes (messages)
Front panel binding posts are available to connect load wires for bench
operation. Connections to the power supply’s output and to chassis ground are
made to the rear output terminals.
Warning Floating the power supply output more than ±60 Vdc from the chassis presents an
electric shock hazard to the operator. Do not float the outputs more than ±60 Vdc
when uninsulated sense wires are used to connect the (+) output to the (+) sense and
the (-) output to the (-) sense terminals on the back of the unit.
1. Float voltage +/-60 Vdc Max to (

(shorting conductors without insulation)
2. Float voltage +/-240 Vdc Max to (

(Insulated shorting conductors)
(Rear Output Terminals)
32
Installation
Installation
Initial Inspection
When you receive your power supply, inspect it for any obvious damage that 2
may have occurred during shipment. If any damage is found, notify the carrier
and the nearest Agilent Technologies Sales Office immediately. Warranty
information is shown in the front of this manual.
Keep the original packing materials in case the power supply has to be returned
to Agilent Tecnologies in the future. If you return the power supply for service,
attach a tag identifying the owner and model number. Also include a brief
description of the problem.
Mechanical Check
This check confirms that there are no broken terminals or knob and that the
cabinet and panel surfaces are free of dents and scratches. Verify that the
display is not scratched or cracked.
Electrical Check
Chapter 1 describes quick operation procedure that verifies to a high level of
confidence that the power supply is operating in accordance with its
specifications. More complete verification procedures are included in the
Service Information.
Cooling and Location

Cooling
The power supply can operate at rated specifications within the temperature
range of 0 °C to 40 °C, Power supply loading is derated from 40 °C to 55 °C. A
fan cools the power supply by drawing air through the sides and exhausting it
out the back. Using an Agilent rack mount will not impede the flow of air.
Bench Operation
Your power supply must be installed in a location that allows sufficient space
at the sides and rear of the power supply for adequate air circulation. The
rubber bumpers must be removed for rack mounting.
Cleaning
No cleaning is required for this product. If you wish to remove dust from the
enclosure, use a dry cloth.
33
Output Connections
Output Connections
Warning Before attempting to connect wires to the rear output terminals, make sure to turn
off the power supply first to avoid damage to the circuits being connected.
Front panel binding posts are available to connect load wires for bench
operation and are paralleled with the rear panel (+) and (-) connections. Both
front and rear panel terminals are optimized for noise, regulation, and transient
response as documented in chapter 8.
Available connections on the rear output terminals include the (+) and (-)
output, the (+) and (-) sense terminals, and an earth ground terminal. The rear
output terminals accept wire sizes from AWG 24 to AWG 14.
Note: For the E3644A/45A models, when making load connections from the
rear output terminals, four load wires should be used to keep good CV load
regulation if carrying full-rated current of the power supply.
Current Ratings
The following table lists the characteristics of AWG (American Wire Gage)
copper wire.
Table 2-1 Wire Rating
AWG 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28
Suggested maximum 40 25 20 13 10 7 5 3.5 2.5 1.7
Current(amps)*
mW/ft 1.00 1.59 2.53 4.02 6.39 10.2 16.1 25.7 40.8 64.9
mW/m 3.3 5.2 8.3 13.2 21.0 33.5 52.8 84.3 133.9 212.9
*Single conductor in free air at 30 °C with insulation
Warning To satisfy safety requirements, load wires must be heavy enough not to overheat when
carrying the maximum short-circuit output current of the power supply. If there is
more than one load, then any pair of load wires must be capable of safety carrying
the full-rated current of the power supply.
34
Output Connections
Voltage Drops
The load wires must also be large enough to avoid excessive voltage drops due
to the impedance of the wires. In general, if the wires are heavy enough to carry
the maximum short circuit current without overheating, excessive voltage
drops will not be a problem. The voltage drops across the load wires should
be limited to less than two volts. Refer to Table 2-1 to calculate the voltage drop
2
for some commonly used AWG copper wire.
Load Consideration
Capacitive Loading
The power supply will be stable for almost any size load capacitance. However,
large load capacitors may cause transient response ringing. Certain
combinations of load capacitance, equivalent series resistance, and load lead
inductance may result in instability (oscillation). If this occurs, the problem
may often be solved by either increasing or decreasing the size of the capacitive
load.
A large load capacitor may cause the power supply to cross into CC or
unregulated mode momentarily when the output voltage is reprogrammed. The
slew rate of the output voltage will be limited to the current setting divided by
the total load capacitance (internal and external).
Inductive loading
Inductive loads present no loop stability problems in constant voltage mode.
In constant current mode, inductive loads form a parallel resonance with the
power supply’s output capacitor. Generally this will not affect the stability of
the power supply, but it may cause ringing of the current in the load.
Pulse Loading
In some applications the load current varies periodically from a minimum to
a maximum value. The constant current circuit limits the output current. Some
peak loading exceeding the current limit can be obtained due to the output
capacitor. To stay within the specifications for the output, the current limit
should be set greater than the peak current expected or the supply may go into
CC mode or unregulated mode for brief periods.
35
Output Connections
Reverse Current Loading

An active load connected to the power supply may actually deliver a reverse
current to the supply during a portion of its operating cycle. An external source
can not be allowed to pump current into the supply without risking loss of
regulation and possible damage. These effects can be avoided by pre-loading
the output with a dummy load resistor. The dummy load resistor should draw
at least the same amount of current from the supply as the active load may
deliver to the supply. The value of the current for the dummy load plus the
value of the current the load draws from the supply must be less than the
maximum current of the supply.
Remote Voltage Sensing Connections

Remote voltage sensing is used to maintain regulation at the load and reduce
the degradation of regulation that would occur due to the voltage drop in the
leads between the power supply and the load.
When the power supply is connected for remote sensing, the OVP circuit senses
the voltage at the sensing points (load) and not the output terminals.
Connections between the power supply sensing and output terminals should
be removed, and using shielded two-wire cable, the power supply sensing
terminals should be connected to the load as shown in Figure 2-1. Do not use
the shield as one of the sensing conductors and the other end should be left
unconnected. Connect one end of the sensing lead shield to the chassis ground
( ) only. Opening a sensing lead causes the power supply output voltage to
decrease at the load leads. Observe polarity when connecting the sensing leads
to the load.
Figure 2-1. Remote Voltage Sensing Connections Figure 2-2. Local Sensing Connections
36
Output Connections
Stability
Using remote sensing under certain combinations of load lead lengths and
large load capacitances may cause your application to form a filter, which
becomes part of the voltage feedback loop. The extra phase shift created by
this filter can degrade the power supply’s stability, resulting in poor transient
response or loop instability. In severe cases, it may cause oscillations. To 2
minimize this possibility, keep the load leads as short as possible and twist
them together. As the sense leads are part of the power supply’s programming
feedback loop, accidental open-connections of sense or load leads during
remote sensing operation have various unwanted effects. Provide secure and
permanent connections.
CV Regulation
The voltage load regulation specification in chapter 8 applies at the output
terminals of the power supply. When remote sensing, add 5 mV to this
specification for each 1 V drop between the positive sensing point and (+)
output terminal due to the change in load current. Because the sense leads are
part of the power supply’s feedback path, keep the resistance of the sense leads
at or below 0.5 per lead to maintain the above specified performance.
Output Rating
The rated output voltage and current specifications in chapter 8 apply at the
output terminals of the power supply. With remote sensing, any voltage
dropped in the load leads must be added to the load voltage to calculate
maximum output voltage. The performance specifications are not guaranteed
when the maximum output voltage is exceeded. If the excessive demand on
the power supply forces the power supply to lose regulation, the Unreg
annunciator will turn on to indicate that the output is unregulated.
Output Noise
Any noise picked up on the sense leads also appears at the output of the power
supply and may adversely affect the voltage load regulation. Twist the sense
leads to minimize external noise pickup and run them parallel and close to the
load leads. In noisy environments it may be necessary to shield the sense leads.
Ground the shield at the power supply end only. Do not use the shield as one
of the sense conductors.
37
Output Connections
Multiple Loads
When connecting multiple loads to the power supply, each load should be
connected to the output terminals using separate connecting wires. This
minimizes mutual coupling effects between loads and takes full advantage of
the low output impedance of the power supply. Each pair of wires should be
as short as possible and twisted or bundled to reduce lead inductance and noise
pick-up. If a shield is used, connect one end to the power supply ground
terminal and leave the other end disconnected.
If cabling considerations require the use of distribution terminals that are
located remotely from the power supply, connect output terminals to the
distribution terminals by a pair of twisted or shielded wires. Connect each load
to the distribution terminals separately.
38
3
Front-Panel Operation and Features

Front-Panel Operation and Features
So far you have learned how to install your power supply and do quick start.
During the quick start, you were briefly introduced to operating from the front
panel as you learned how to check basic voltage and current functions. This
chapter describes in detail the use of the front-panel keys and shows how they
are used to accomplish power supply operation.
This chapter is divided into the following sections:
• Front-Panel Operation Overview‚ on page 41

• Constant Voltage Operation‚ starting on page 42
• Constant Current Operation‚ starting on page 44
• Configuring the Remote Interface‚ starting on page 46
• Storing and Recalling Operating States‚ starting on page 48
• Programming Overvoltage Protection‚ starting on page 50
• Disabling the Output‚ on page 54
• System-Related Operations‚ starting on page 55
• GPIB Interface Reference‚ on page 58
• RS-232 Interface Reference‚ starting on page 59
• Calibration Overview‚ starting on page 62
Throughout this chapter the key to be pressed is shown in the left margin.
Note See ‘‘Error Messages’’, starting on page 113 in chapter 5 if you encounter any errors
during front-panel operation.
40
Front-Panel Operation Overview
Front-Panel Operation Overview

The following section describes an overview of the front-panel keys before
operating your power supply.
• The power supply is shipped from the factory configured in the front-panel
operation mode. At power-on, the power supply is automatically set to
operate in the front-panel operation mode. When in this mode, the front-
panel keys can be used.
• When the power supply is in remote operation mode, you can return to front-
panel operation mode at any time by pressing the Store (Local) key if you
Local
did not previously send the front-panel lockout command. A change 3
between front-panel and remote operation modes will not result in a change
in the output parameters.
• When you press Display
Limit key (the Limit annunciator flashes), the display of
the power supply goes to the limit mode and the present limit values will
be displayed. In this mode, you can also observe the change of the limit
values when adjusting the knob. If you press the Display
Limit key again or let the
display time-out after several seconds, the power supply will return the
display to the meter mode (the Limit annunciator turns off). In this mode,
the actual output voltage and current will be displayed.
• The output of the power supply can be enabled or disabled from the front
panel by pressing Output
On/Off key. When the output is off, the OFF annunciator
turns on and the output is disabled.

• The display provides the present operating status of the power supply with
annunciators and also informs the user of error codes. For example, the
power supply is operating in CV mode in the 8V/3A range and controlled
from the front panel, then the CV and 8V annunciators will turn on. If,
however, the power supply is remotely controlled, the Rmt annunciator will
also turn on, and when the power supply is being addressed over GPIB
interface, the Adrs annunciator will turn on. See ‘‘Display Annunciators’’,
starting on page 5 for more information.
• The display provides the present operating status of the power supply with
annunciators and also informs the user of error codes.
41
Constant Voltage Operation

To set up the power supply for constant voltage (CV) operation, proceed as
follows.
• Front-panel operation:
1 Connect a load to the output terminals.
With power-off, connect a load to the (+) and (-) output terminals.
Power

(the OFF annunciator turns on); its low voltage range is selected (annunciator
for the range presently selected turns on, for example, the 8V annunciator turns
on for the E3640A model); and the knob is selected for voltage control.
Press High to operate the power supply in the high voltage range before
proceeding to the next step. The 20V or 60V annunciator turns on depending
on which power supply you are using.
Display
Limit
3 Set the display to the limit mode.
Notice that the Limit annunciator flashes, indicating that the display is in the
limit mode. When the display is in the limit mode, you can see the voltage and
current limit values of the power supply.
In constant voltage mode, the voltage values between the meter and
limit modes are the same, but the current values are not. Moreover, if the
display is in the meter mode, you cannot see the change of current limit
value when adjusting the knob. We recommend that you should set the
display to “limit” mode to see the change of current limit value in the
constant voltage mode whenever adjusting the knob.
1
Voltage
Current
4 Adjust the knob for the desired current limit.
Check that the Limit annunciator still flashes. Set the knob for current control.
The flashing digit can be changed using the resolution selection keys and the
flashing digit can be adjusted by turning the knob. Adjust the knob to the
desired current limit.
1You can use the resolution selection keys to move the flashing digit to the
right or left when setting current.
42
1
Voltage
Current
5 Adjust the knob for the desired output voltage.
Check that the Limit annunciator still flashes. Set the knob for voltage control.
Change the flashing digit using the resolution selection keys and adjust the
knob for the desired output voltage.
Display
Limit
6 Return to the meter mode.
Press Display
Limit or let the display time-out after several seconds to return to the
meter mode. Notice that the Limit annunciator turns off and the display shows
“OUTPUT OFF” message.
3
Output
On/Off
The OFF annunciator turns off and the CV annunciator turns on. Notice that
the display is in the meter mode.
8 Verify that the power supply is in the constant voltage mode.
If you operate the power supply in the constant voltage (CV) mode, verify that
the CV annunciator is lit. If the CC annunciator is lit, choose a higher current
limit.
Note During actual CV operation, if a load change causes the current limit to be exceeded,
the power supply will automatically crossover to the constant current mode at the
preset current limit and the output voltage will drop proportionately.
• Remote interface operation:

CURRent {<current>|MIN|MAX} Set the current
VOLTage {<voltage>|MIN|MAX} Set the voltage
OUTPut ON Enable the output
right or left when setting voltage.
43
Constant Current Operation

To set up the power supply for constant current (CC) operation, proceed as
follows.
1 Connect a load to the output terminals.
With power-off, connect a load to the (+) and (-) output terminals.
Power

(the OFF annunciator turns on); its low voltage range is selected (annunciator
for the range presently selected turns on, for example, the 8V annunciator turns
on for the E3640A model); and the knob is selected for voltage control.
Press High to operate the power supply in the high voltage range before
proceeding to the next step. The 20V or 60V annunciator turns on depending
on which power supply you are using.
Display
Limit
3 Set the display to the limit mode.
Notice that the Limit annunciator flashes, indicating that the display is in the
limit mode. When the display is in the limit mode, you can see the voltage and
current limit values of the selected supply.
In constant current mode, the current values between the meter mode
and limit mode are the same, but the voltage values are not. Moreover, if
the display is in the meter mode, you cannot see the change of voltage
limit value when adjusting the knob. We recommend that you should set
the display to “limit” mode to see the change of voltage limit value in the
constant current mode whenever adjusting the knob.
4 Adjust the knob for the desired voltage limit.

Check that the Limit annunciator still flashes and the knob is selected for
voltage control. The flashing digit can be changed using the resolution keys
and the flashing digit can be adjusted by turning the knob. Adjust the knob for
the desired voltage limit.
right or left when setting the voltage.
44
1
Voltage
Current
5 Adjust the knob for the desired output current.
Check that the Limit annunciator still flashes. Set the knob for current control.
Change the flashing digit using the resolution selection keys and adjust the
knob to the desired output current.
Display
Limit
6 Return to the meter mode.
Press Display
Limit or let the display time-out after several seconds to return to the
meter mode. Notice that the Limit annunciator turns off and the display shows
“OUTPUT OFF” message.
3
Output
On/Off
The OFF annunciator turns off and the CC annunciator turns on. Notice that
the display is in the meter mode.
8 Verify that the power supply is in the constant current mode.
If you operate the power supply in the constant current (CC) mode, verify that
the CC annunciator is lit. If the CV annunciator is lit, choose a higher voltage
limit.
Note During actual CC operation, if a load change causes the voltage limit to be exceeded,
the power supply will automatically crossover to constant voltage mode at the preset
voltage limit and the output current will drop proportionately.

VOLTage {<voltage>|MIN|MAX} Set the voltage
CURRent {<current>|MIN|MAX} Set the current
OUTPut ON Enable the output
right or left when setting the current.
45
Configuring the Remote Interface

This power supply is shipped with both a GPIB (IEEE-4888) interface and an
RS-232 interface. The GPIB interface is selected when the power supply is
shipped from the factory. Only one interface can be enabled at a time. To exit
I/O
the I/O configuration mode without any changes, press Config key until the ‘‘NO
CHANGE’’ message is displayed.
• You can set the GPIB address, parity, and baud rate from the front panel
only.
• The current selection is highlighted for emphasis. All other choices are
dimmed.
• The interface selection is stored in non-volatile memory, and does not
change when power has been off or after a power-on reset (*RST
command).
GPIB Configuration
I/O
Config
1 Turn on the remote configuration mode.
GPIB / 488
If “RS-232” appears, select “GPIB / 488” by turning the knob.

I/O
Config
2 Select the GPIB address.
ADDR 05
You can set the power supply’s address to any value between 0 and 30. The
factory setting is address ‘‘5’’.
I/O
Config
3 Save the change and exit the menu.
SAVED
Note Your computer's GPIB interface card has its own address. Be sure to avoid
using the computer's address for any instrument on the interface bus.
Agilent Technologies GPIB interface cards generally use address ‘‘21’’.
46
RS-232 Configuration
I/O
Config
1 Turn on the remote configuration mode.
GPIB / 488
Notice that if you changed the remote interface selection to RS-232 before,
“RS-232” message is displayed.
2 Choose the RS-232 interface.

3
RS-232
You can choose the RS-232 interface by turning the knob.

I/O
Config
3 Select the baud rate
Select one of the following: 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, or 9600 (factory setting)
baud.
9600 BAUD
I/O
Config
4 Select the parity and number of stop bits.
Select one of the following: None (8 data bits, factory setting), Odd (7 data
bits), or Even (7 data bits). When you set the parity, you are also indirectly
setting the number of the data bits.
NONE 8 BITS
I/O
Config
5 Save the change and exit the menu.
SAVED
47
Storing and Recalling Operating States

You can store up to five different operating state in non-volatile storage
locations. When shipped from the factory, storage locations ‘‘1’’ through ‘‘5’’
are empty. You can name a location from the front panel or over the remote
interface but you can only recall a named state from the front panel.
The following steps show you how to store and recall an operating state.
To cancel the store/recall operation, select the ‘‘EXIT’’ menu by turning the
knob then press the key pressed or let the display time-out.
Storing Operating State
1 Set up the power supply for the desired operating state.

The storage feature “remembers” output voltage range selection, the limit
value settings of voltage and current, output on/off state, OVP on/off state, and
OVP trip levels.
Store
2 Turn on the storage mode.
STORE STATE
From the front panel, you can assign names (up to 10 characters) to each of
the five stored states. Turn the knob until the ‘‘NAME STATE’’ appears and
press Store to select the locations, then press Store to name the locations.
Name STATE
1:p15v_test
Store
3 Select the storage location.
Turn the knob to the right to specify the memory location 2.
2: STatE2
48
Store
4 Save the operating state
DONE
Recalling a Stored State

Recall
1 Turn on the recall mode.
3
Memory location “1” will be displayed in the recall mode.
1: p15v_test
2 Select the stored operating state.
2: state2
reset
You can select the above RESET mode to reset the power supply to the power-
on state without turning power off/on or without using ‘‘*RST’’ command over
the remote interface. See page 87 for more details on ‘‘*RST’’ command.
Recall
3 Recall the stored operating state.
done

Use the following commands to store and recall power supply state.
*SAV {1|2|3|4|5} Store an operating state to a specified location
*RCL {1|2|3|4|5} Recall a previously stored state from a specified
location
‘‘MEM:STATE:NAME 1, ‘P15V_TEST’’’
Name the storage location 1 as ‘‘P15V_TEST’’.
49
Programming Overvoltage Protection

Overvoltage protection guards the load against output voltages reaching values
greater than the programmed protection level. It is accomplished by shorting
the output via an internal SCR when the trip level is set to equal or greater than
3 volts, or by programming the output to 1 volt when the trip level is set to less
than 3 volts.
The following steps show how to set the OVP trip level, how to check OVP
operation, and how to clear overvoltage condition.
Setting the OVP Level and Enable the OVP Circuit

Power

Over
Voltage
2 Enter the OVP menu and set the desired trip level.
2.0V (E3640A)
LEVEL 22
Use the knob and the resolution selection key < or > to set the desired
trip level. Note that you cannot set the trip levels to lower than 1.0 volt.
Over
Voltage
3 Enable the OVP circuit.
OVP ON
Over
Voltage
4 Exit the OVP menu.
CHANGED
If the OVP settings are not changed, “NO CHANGE” will be displayed. The
power supply will exit the OVP menu and the display will return to the meter
mode. Check that the OVP annunciator turns on.
50
Checking OVP Operation

To check OVP operation, raise the output voltage to near the trip point. Then
very gradually increase the output by turning the knob until the OVP circuit
trips. This will cause the power supply output to drop to near zero, the OVP
annunciator to flash, and the CC annunciator to turn on. The “OVP TRIPPED”
message also appears on the display.
Clearing the Overvoltage Condition

When the OVP condition occurs, the OVP annunciator flashes. When it was
caused by an external voltage source such as a battery, disconnect it first. Clear
the overvoltage condition by adjusting output voltage level or by adjusting OVP
trip level. 3
The following steps show you how to clear the overvoltage condition and get
back to normal mode operation. In the following steps, the display will go back
to “OVP TRIPPED” if you let the display time out after about several seconds.
By Adjusting output voltage level
Display
Limit
1 Lower the output voltage level below the OVP trip point.
The OVP and Limit annunciators are flashing after Display
Limit key is pressed.
Over
Voltage
2 Check that you lowered the voltage level below the OVP trip point.
The OVP trip point is displayed. Do not adjust the trip point at this step.
Over
Voltage
3 Select the OVP CLEAR mode by turning the knob.
OVP ON
OVP CLEAR
Over
Voltage
4 Clear the overvoltage condition and exit this menu.
done
The OVP annunciator will not flash any more. The output will return to meter
mode.
51
By Adjusting OVP trip level
Over
Voltage
1 Raise the OVP trip level higher than the level tripped.
Over
Voltage
2 Select the OVP CLEAR mode by turning the knob.
OVP ON
OVP CLEAR
Over
Voltage
3 Clear the overvoltage condition and exit this menu.
done
The OVP annunciator will not flash any more. The output will return to the
meter mode.

VOLT:PROT {<voltage>|MIN|MAX} Set the OVP level
VOLT:PROT:STAT {OFF|ON) Disable or enable the OVP circuit
VOLT:PROT:CLE Clear the tripped OVP circuit
52
Note The power supply’s OVP circuit contains a crowbar SCR, which effectively shorts the
output of the power supply whenever the overvoltage condition occurs. If external
voltage source such as a battery is connected across the output, and the overvoltage
condition inadvertently occurs, the SCR will continuously sink a large current from
the source; possibly damaging the power supply. To avoid this a diode must be
connected in series with the output as shown in Figure 3-1.
Figure 3-1. Recommended Protection Circuit for Battery Charging
53
Disabling the Output
Disabling the Output

The output of the power supply can be disabled or enabled from the front panel.
• When the power supply is in the “Off” state, the OFF annunciator turns on
and the output is disabled. The OFF annunciator turns off when the power
supply returns to the “On” state. When the output is disabled, the voltage
value is 0 volts and the current value is 0.02 amps. This gives a zero output
voltage without actually disconnecting the output.
• The output state is stored in volatile memory; the output is always disabled
when power has been off or after a remote interface reset.
• While the output is disabled, the control knob is locked to prevent from any
unwanted changes occurring. But the other front panel keys are working.
• To lock the control knob, move the flashing digit to the right or left using
< or > resolution selection keys until the flashing digit disappears.
Display
To see or check the changes while the output is disabled, press Limit before
returning to meter mode.
Output
On/Off output Off

OUTP {OFF|ON}
Disconnecting the Output Using an External Relay

To disconnect the output, an external relay must be connected between the
output and the load. A TTL signal of either low true or high true is provided to
control an external relay. This signal can only be controlled with the remote
command OUTPut:RELay {OFF|ON}. The TTL output is available on the RS-
232 connection pin 1 and pin 0.
When the OUTPut:RELay state is “ON”, the TTL output of pin 1 is high
(4.5 V) and pin 9 is low (0.5 V). The levels are reversed when the
OUTPut:RELay state is “OFF”. The TTL output of pin 1 or pin 9 of the RS-232
connector is available only after installing two jumpers (JP102 and JP103)
inside the power supply. See the Service Information to locate them.
Note Do not use the RS-232 interface if you have configured the power supply to output
relay control signals. Internal components on the RS-232 circuitry may be damaged.
54
System-Related Operations
This section gives information on system-related topics such as storing power
supply states, reading errors, running a self-test, displaying messages on the
front panel, and reading firmware revisions.
State Storage
The power supply has five storage locations in non-volatile memory to store
power supply states. The locations are numbered 1 through 5. You can assign
3
a name to each of the locations for use from the front panel.
• You can store the power supply state in any of the five locations. However,
you can only recall a state from a location that contains a previously stored
state.
• The power supply stores the following: the state of output range selection,
flashing digit position on the display, the limit value settings of voltage and
current, output on/off state, OVP on/off state and trip levels.
• When shipped from the factory, storage locations ‘‘1’’ through ‘‘5’’ are empty.
• You can assign a name to the storage locations. You can name a location
from the front panel or over the remote interface but you can only recall a
named state from the front panel. From the remote interface, you can only
recall a stored state using a number (1 through 5).
• The name can contain up to 9 characters. A letter (A-Z) or numbers (0-9)
can be used for the first character to name a state. The underscore character
(‘‘_ ’’) can be used for the remaining 8 characters. Blank spaces are not
allowed. An error is generated if you specify a name with more than 10
characters.
• A power-on reset (*RST command) does not affect the configurations
stored in memory. Once a state is stored, it remains until it is overwritten.
• Front-Panel Operation:
Store STORE STATE, NAME STATE, EXIT
To reset the power supply to the power-on reset state without using the
*RST command or turning power off/on, select the ‘‘RESET’’ from the
following.
Recall 5 states, RESET, exit
55
• Remote Interface Operation:

Use the following commands to store and recall power supply state.
*SAV {1|2|3|4|5}
*RCL {1|2|3|4|5}
To assign a name to a stored state to be recalled from the front panel, send
the following command. From the remote interface, you can only recall a
stored state using a number (1 through 5).
‘‘MEM:STATE:NAME 1, ‘P15V_TEST’’’
Self-Test
A power-on self-test occurs automatically when you turn on the power supply.
This test assures you that the power supply is operational. This test does not
perform the extensive set of tests that are included as part of the complete self-
test described below. If the power-on self-test fails, the ERROR annunciator
turns on.
A complete self-test performs a series of tests and takes approximately 2
seconds to execute. If all tests pass, you can have a high confidence that the
power supply is operational.
If the complete self-test is successful, “PASS” is displayed on the front panel.
If the self-test fails, ‘‘FAIL’’ is displayed and the ERROR annunciator turns on.
See the Service Information for instructions on returning the power supply to
Agilent Technologies for service.
To perform the complete front panel self-test, hold down the Display
Limit key as
you turn on the power supply and hold down the key until you hear a long
beep. The self-test will begin when you release the key following the beep.
‘‘*TST?’’
Returns “0” if the complete self-test passes or “1” if it fails.
Error Conditions
When the front-panel ERROR annunciator turns on, one or more command
syntax or hardware errors have been detected. A record of up to 20 errors can
be stored in the power supply’s error queue. See ‘‘Error Messages’’ for more
information starting on page 113 in chapter 5.
56
Firmware Revision Query

The power supply has three microprocessors for control of various internal
systems. You can query the power supply to determine which revision of
firmware is installed for each microprocessor.
• The power supply returns three revision numbers. The first number is the
firmware revision number for the main processor; the second is for the
input/output processor; and the third is for the front-panel processor.
View REV X.X-Y.Y-Z.Z
Press View twice to read the system firmware revision numbers.

3
*IDN?
The above command returns a string in the form:
‘‘Agilent Technologies,E3640A,0,X.X-Y.Y-Z.Z’’ (E3640A)
Be sure to dimension a string variable with at least 40 characters.
SCPI Language Version

This power supply complies with the rules and regulations of the present
version of SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments). You
can determine the SCPI version with which the power supply is in compliance
by sending a command from the remote interface.
You can query the SCPI version from the remote interface only.
‘‘SYST:VERS?’’ Query the SCPI version
Returns a string in the form “YYYY.V” where the “Y’s” represent the year
of the version, and the “V” represents a version number for that year
(for example, 1997.0).
57
GPIB Interface Reference
GPIB Interface Reference

The GPIB connector on the rear panel connects your power supply to the
computer and other GPIB devices. Chapter 2 lists the cables that are available
from Agilent Technologies. A GPIB system can be connected together in any
configuration (star, linear, or both) as long as the following rules are observed:
Each device on the GPIB (IEEE-488) interface must have a unique address.
You can set the power supply’s address to any value between 0 and 30. The
address is set to ‘‘5’’ when the power supply is shipped from the factory. The
GPIB address is displayed at power-on.
You can set the GPIB address from the front panel only.
• The address is stored in non-volatile memory, and does not change when
power has been off or after a power-on reset (*RST command).
• Your computer's GPIB interface card has its own address. Be sure to avoid
using the computer's address for any instrument on the interface bus.
Agilent Technologies GPIB interface cards generally use address ‘‘21’’.
• The total number of devices including the computer is no more than 15.
• The total length of all the cables used is no more than 2 meter times the
number of devices connected together, up to a maximum of 20 meters.
• Do not stack more than three connector blocks together on any GPIB
connector. Make sure that all connectors are fully seated and that the lock
screws are firmly finger tightened.
See page 46 for more information on configuring the power supply for remote
interface from the front panel.
Note IEEE-488 states that you should exercise caution if your individual cable
lengths exceed 4 meters.
58
RS-232 Interface Reference

The power supply can be connected to the RS-232 interface using the 9-pin
(DB-9) serial connector on the rear panel. The power supply is configured as
a DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) device. For all communications over the
RS-232 interface, the power supply uses two handshake lines: DTR (Data
Terminal Ready, on pin 4) and DSR (Data Set Ready, on pin 6).
The following sections contain information to help you use the power supply
over the RS-232 interface. The programming commands for RS-232 are
explained on page 92.
3
RS-232 Configuration Overview
Configure the RS-232 interface using the parameters shown below. Use the
I/O
front-panel Config key to select the baud rate, parity, and number of data bits
(See page 46 for more information).
• Baud Rate: 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, or 9600 (factory setting)
• Parity and Data Bits: None / 8 data bits (factory setting)
Even / 7 data bits, or
Odd / 7 data bits
• Number of Start Bits: 1 bit (fixed)
• Number of Stop Bits: 2 bits (fixed)
RS-232 Data Frame Format

A character frame consists of all the transmitted bits that make up a single
character. The frame is defined as the characters from the start bit to the last
stop bit, inclusively. Within the frame, you can select the baud rate, number of
data bits, and parity type. The power supply uses the following frame formats
for seven and eight data bits.
59
Connection to a Computer or Terminal

To connect the power supply to a computer or terminal, you must have the
proper interface cable. Most computers and terminals are DTE (Data Terminal
Equipment) devices. Since the power supply is also a DTE device, you must
use a DTE-to-DTE interface cable. These cables are also called null-modem,
modem-eliminator, or crossover cables.
The interface cable must also have the proper connector on each end and the
internal wiring must be correct. Connectors typically have 9 pins (DB-9
connector) or 25 pins (DB-25 connector) with a “male” or “female” pin
configuration. A male connector has pins inside the connector shell and a
female connector has holes inside the connector shell.
If you cannot find the correct cable for your configuration, you may have to
use a wiring adapter. If you are using a DTE-to-DTE cable, make sure the
adapter is a “straight-through” type. Typical adapters include gender changers,
null-modem adapters, and DB-9 to DB-25 adapters.
The cable and adapter diagrams shown below can be used to connect the
power supply to most computers or terminals. If your configuration is different
than those described, order the Agilent 34399A Adapter Kit. This kit contains
adapters for connection to other computers, terminals, and modems.
Instructions and pin diagrams are included with the adapter kit.
DB-9 Serial Connection If your computer or terminal has a 9-pin serial

port with a male connector, use the null-modem cable included with the
Agilent 34398A Cable Kit. This cable has a 9-pin female connector on each
end. The cable pin diagram is shown below.
5182-4794
Cable
Instrument PC
DCD 1 1 DCD
RX 2 2 RX
TX 3 3 TX
DTR 4 4 DTR
GND 5 5 GND
DSR 6 6 DSR
RTS 7 7 RTS
CTS 8 8 CTS
RI 9 9 RI
DB9 DB9 DB9 DB9

Male Female Female Male
60
DB-25 Serial Connection If your computer or terminal has a 25-pin serial

port with a male connector, use the null-modem cable and 25-pin adapter
included with the Agilent 34398A Cable Kit. The cable and adapter pin
diagram are shown below.
5182-4794 5181-6641
Cable Adapter
Instrument PC
DCD 1 1 1 2 TX
RX 2 2 2 3 RX
TX 3 3 3 4 RTS
DTR 4 4 4 5 CTS
GND 5 5 5 6 DSR
3
DSR 6 6 6 7 GND
RTS 7 7 7 8 DCD
CTS 8 8 8 20 DTR
RI 9 9 9
DB9 DB9 DB9 DB9 DB25 DB25

Male Female Female Male Female Male
RS-232 Troubleshooting
Here are a few things to check if you are having problems communicating over
the RS-232 interface. If you need additional help, refer to the documentation
that came with your computer.
• Verify that the power supply and your computer are configured for the same
baud rate, parity, and number of data bits. Make sure that your computer is
set up for 1 start bit and 2 stop bits (these values are fixed on the power
supply).
• Make sure to execute the SYSTem:REMote command to place the power
supply in the remote mode.
• Verify that you have connected the correct interface cable and adapters.
Even if the cable has the proper connectors for your system, the internal
wiring may be incorrect. The Agilent 34398A Cable Kit can be used to
connect the power supply to most computers or terminals.
• Verify that you have connected the interface cable to the correct serial port
on your computer (COM1, COM2, etc.).
61
Calibration Overview
This section gives an overview of the calibration features of the power supply.
For more detailed discussion of the calibration procedures, see the Service
Information.
Calibration Security
This feature allows you to enter a security code to prevent accidental or
unauthorized calibrations of the power supply. When you first receive your
power supply, it is secured. Before you can calibrate the power supply, you
must unsecure it by entering the correct security code.
• The table 3-1 below shows the security code for each model when the power
supply is shipped from the factory. The security code is stored in non-
volatile memory, and does not change when power has been off or after a
power-on reset (*RST command).
• The security code may contain up to 11 alphanumeric characters or
underscore character (‘‘_’’). A letter (A-Z) or number (0-9) can be used for
the first character. You do not have to use all 11 characters.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (11 characters)
• When you secure the power supply from the remote interface, use maximum
8 alphanumeric characters to unsecure the power supply from the front
panel also. For example,
e3640A (less than 9 characters)
If you forget your security code, you can disable the security feature by
adding a jumper inside the power supply, and then entering a new code.
See the Service Information for more information.
Table 3-1. Factory setting security codes

Model Security Model Security Model Security
Code Code Code
E3640A 003640 E3641A 003641 E3642A 003642
E3643A 003643 E3644A 003644 E3645A 003645
62
To Unsecure for Calibration

You can unsecure the power supply either from the front panel or over the
remote interface. The power supply is secured when shipped from the factory.
See the table 3-1 for the factory setting secure code for your power supply.
Power
View
Calibrate 1 Select the calibration mode.
SECURED
If the power supply is secured, the above message is displayed as you turn on
the power supply by holding down View (Calibrate) key and hold down the
Calibrate
3
key until you hear a long beep. And a message ‘‘CAL MODE’’ is displayed.
I/O
Config
Secure 2 Enter the security code.
000000
Enter the security code using the control knob and resolution selection keys.
Power
I/O
Config
Secure 3 Save the change and exit the menu.
UNSECURED
You will see the above message if the security code is correct. And a message
‘‘CAL MODE’’ is displayed. To exit the calibration mode, turn the power off
and on.
Notice that if you enter the wrong secure code, “INVALID” is displayed and
the code entering mode is displayed for you to enter the correct code.
CAL:SEC:STAT {OFF|ON},<code> Secure or unsecure the power supply
To unsecure the power supply, send the above command with the same
code used to secure. For example,
‘‘CAL:SEC:STAT OFF, ‘003640’’’ (E3640A model)
63
To Secure Against Calibration

You can secure the power supply against calibration either from the front panel
or over the remote interface. The power supply is secured when shipped from
the factory.
Be sure to read the security code rules on page 62 before attempting to secure
the power supply.
Power
View
Calibrate 1 Select the calibration mode.
UNSECURED
If the power supply is unsecured, the above message is displayed as you turn
on the power supply by holding down View (Calibrate) key and hold down the
Calibrate
key until you hear a long beep. And a message ‘‘CAL MODE’’ is displayed.
I/O
Config
Secure 2 Enter the security code.
000000
Enter the desired security code using the control knob and resolution selection
keys.
Power
I/O
Config
Secure 3 Save the change and exit the menu.
secured
The secured setting is stored in non-volatile memory, and does not change
when power has been off or after a power-on reset (*RST command).
CAL:SEC:STAT {OFF|ON},<code> Secure or unsecure the power supply
To secure the power supply, send the above command with the same code
as used to unsecure. For example,
‘‘CAL:SEC:STAT ON, ‘003640’’’ (E3640A model)
64
To Change the Security Code To change the security code, you must first
unsecure the power supply, and then enter a new code. Be sure to read the
security code rules on page 62 before attempting to secure the power supply.
To change the security code, first make sure that the power supply is
I/O
unsecured. Go to the security code entry, press Config (Secure) key after the
Secure
“CAL MODE” message is displayed, enter the new security code using the
I/O
control knob and resolution selection keys, then press Config (Secure) key.
Secure
Changing the code from the front panel also changes the code as seen from
the remote interface.
3
CAL:SEC:CODE <new code> Change the security code
To change the security code, first unsecure the power supply using the old
security code. Then, enter the new code as shown below.
‘‘CAL:SEC:STAT OFF, ‘003640’’’ Unsecure with old code

‘‘CAL:SEC:CODE ‘ZZ001443’’’ Enter new code
‘‘CAL:SEC:STAT ON, ‘ZZ001443’’’ Secure with new code
Calibration Count
You can determine the number of times that your power supply has been
calibrated. Your power supply was calibrated before it left the factory. When
you receive your power supply, read the count to determine its initial value.
The calibration count feature can be performed from the remote interface
only.
• The calibration count is stored in non-volatile memory, and does not change
when power has been off or after a remote interface reset.
• The calibration count increments up to a maximum of 32,767 after which it
wraps-around to 0. Since the value increments by one for each calibration
point, a complete calibration will increase the value by 3 counts.
CAL:COUN? Query the number of times of calibration
65
Calibration Message
The power supply allows you to store one message in calibration memory in
the mainframe. For example, you can store such information as the date when
the last calibration was performed, the date when the next calibration is due,
the power supply’s serial number, or even the name and phone number of the
person to contact for a new calibration.
• You can record a calibration message only from the remote interface and
only when the power supply is unsecured. You can read the message from
either the front-panel or over the remote interface. You can read the
calibration message whether the powers supply is secured or unsecured.
• The calibration message may contain up to 40 characters. From the front
panel, you can view 11 characters of the message at a time.
• Storing a calibration message will overwrite any message previously stored
in memory.
• The calibration message is stored in non-volatile memory, and does not
change when power has been off or after a remote interface reset.
To read calibration message from the front panel, press View and turn the
knob until ‘‘CAL STRING’’ is displayed. Press View to scroll through the
text of the message. Press > to increase the scrolling speed.
View View CAL STRING

To store the calibration message, send the following command.
‘‘CAL:STR ‘CAL 06-01-99’’’
66
4
Remote Interface Reference

Remote Interface Reference
• SCPI Command Summary‚ starting on page 69

SCPI • Simplified Programming Overview‚ starting on page 74
• Using the APPLy Command‚ on page 77
• Output Setting and Operation Commands‚ starting on page 78
• Triggering‚ starting on page 82
• System-Related Commands‚ starting on page 85
• State Storage Commands‚ on page 88
• Calibration Commands‚ starting on page 89
• Interface Configuration Commands‚ on page 92
• The SCPI Status Registers‚ starting on page 93
• Status Reporting Commands‚ starting on page 101
SCPI • An Introduction to the SCPI Language‚ starting on page 103
• Halting an Output in Progress‚ on page 108
• SCPI Conformance Information‚ starting on page 109
• IEEE-488 Conformance Information‚ on page 112
If you are a first-time user of the SCPI language, you may want to refer to
SCPI these sections to become familiar with the language before attempting to
program the power supply.
68
SCPI Command Summary

This section summarizes the SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable
Instruments) commands available to program the power supply over the
remote interface. Refer to the later sections in this chapter for more complete
details on each command.
Throughout this manual, the following conventions are used for SCPI
command syntax.
• Square brackets ([ ]) indicate optional keywords or parameters.
• Braces ({ }) enclose parameters within a command string.
• Triangle brackets (< >) indicate that you must substitute a value or a code
for the enclosed parameter.
• A vertical bar ( | ) separates one of two or more alternative parameters.
4
SCPI First-time SCPI users, see page 103.
69
Output Setting and Measurement Commands
(see page 78 for more information)

APPLy {<voltage>|DEF|MIN|MAX}[,{<current>|DEF|MIN|MAX}]
APPLy?
[SOURce:]
CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]{<current>|MIN|MAX|UP|DOWN}
CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX]
CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement]
{<numeric value> |DEFault}
CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement]? [DEFault]
CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] {<current>|MIN|MAX}
CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX]
VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]
{<voltage>|MIN|MAX|UP|DOWN}
VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX]
VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement]
{<numeric value>|DEFault}
VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement]? [DEFault]
VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] {<voltage>|MIN|MAX}
VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX]
VOLTage:PROTection[:LEVel] {<voltage>|MIN|MAX}
VOLTage:PROTection[:LEVel]? [MIN|MAX]
VOLTage:PROTection:STATe {0|1|OFF|ON}
VOLTage:PROTection:STATe?
VOLTage:PROTection:TRIPped?
VOLTage:PROTection:CLEar
VOLTage:RANGe {P8V*|P20V*|P35V**|P60V**|LOW|HIGH}
VOLTage:RANGe?
MEASure
[:SCALar]
:CURRent[:DC]?
[:VOLTage][:DC]?
*For Agilent E3640A/42/44A Models **For Agilent E3641A/43A/45A Models

70
Triggering Commands

INITiate[:IMMediate]
TRIGger[:SEQuence]
:DELay {<seconds>|MIN|MAX}
:DELay?[MIN|MAX]
:SOURce {BUS|IMM}
:SOURce?
*TRG
System-Related Commands
4
DISPlay[:WINDow]
[:STATe] {OFF|ON}
[:STATe]?
:TEXT[:DATA] <quoted string>
:TEXT[:DATA]?
:TEXT:CLEar
SYSTem
:BEEPer[:IMMediate]
:ERRor?
:VERSion?
:COMMunicate:GPIB:RDEVice:ADDRess <numeric value>
:COMMunicate:GPIB:RDEVice:ADDRess?
OUTPut
:RELay[:STATe] {OFF|ON}
:RELay[:STATe]?
[:STATe] {OFF|ON}
[:STATe]?
*IDN?
*RST
*TST?
71
Calibration Commands

CALibration
:COUNt?
:CURRent[:DATA] <numeric value>
:CURRent:LEVel {MIN|MID|MAX}
:SECure:CODE <new code>
:SECure:STATe {OFF|ON},<quoted code>
:SECure:STATe?
:STRing <quoted string>
:STRing?
:VOLTage[:DATA] <numeric value>
:VOLTage:LEVel {MIN|MID|MAX}
:VOLTage:PROTection
Status Reporting Commands

STATus:QUEStionable
:CONDition?
[:EVENt]?
:ENABle <enable value>
:ENABle?
SYSTem:ERRor?
*CLS
*ESE <enable value>
*ESE?
*ESR?
*OPC
*OPC?
*PSC {0|1}
*PSC?
*SRE <enable value>
*SRE?
*STB?
*WAI
72
Interface Configuration Commands

SYSTem
:INTerface {GPIB|RS232}
:LOCal
:REMote
:RWLock
State Storage Commands

*SAV {1|2|3|4|5}
*RCL {1|2|3|4|5}
MEMory:STATe
:NAME {1|2|3|4|5} ,<quoted name>
:NAME? {1|2|3|4|5} 4
IEEE-488.2 Common Commands

*CLS
*ESR?
*ESE <enable value>
*ESE?
*IDN?
*OPC
*OPC?
*PSC {0|1}
*PSC?
*RST
*SAV {1|2|3|4|5}
*RCL {1|2|3|4|5}
*STB?
*SRE <enable value>
*SRE?
*TRG
*TST?
*WAI
73
Simplified Programming Overview

This section gives an overview of the basic techniques used to program the
power supply over the remote interface. This section is only an overview and
does not give all of the details you will need to write your own application
programs. Refer to the remainder of this chapter and also chapter 6,
‘‘Application Programs’’, for more details and examples. Also refer to the
programming reference manual that came with your computer for details on
outputting command strings and entering data.
Using the APPLy Command

The APPLy command provides the most straightforward method to program
the power supply over the remote interface. For example, the following
statement executed from your computer will set the power supply to an output
of 3 V rated at 1 A:
‘‘APPL 3.0, 1.0’’
Using the Low-Level Commands

Although the APPLy command provides the most straightforward method to
program the power supply, the low-level commands give you more flexibility
to change individual parameters. For example, the following statements
executed from your computer will set the power supply to an output of 3 V
rated at 1 A:
‘‘VOLT 3.0’’ Set output voltage to 3.0 V
‘‘CURR 1.0’’ Set output current to 1.0 A
74
Reading a Query Response

Only the query commands (commands that end with “ ? ”) will instruct the
power supply to send a response message. Queries return either output values
or internal instrument settings. For example, the following statements
executed from your computer will read the power supply’s error queue and
print the most recent error:
dimension statement Dimension string array (80 elements)
‘‘SYST:ERR?’’ Read error queue
bus enter statement Enter error string into computer
print statement Print error string
Selecting a Trigger Source

The power supply will accept a ‘‘bus’’ (software) trigger or an immediate
internal trigger as a trigger source. By default, the ‘‘BUS’’ trigger source is
selected. If you want the power supply to use an immediate internal trigger,
you must select ‘‘IMMediate’’. For example, the following statements
executed from your computer will set to an output of 3 V/1 A immediately: 4
‘‘VOLT:TRIG 3.0’’ Set the triggered voltage level to 3.0 V
‘‘CURR:TRIG 1.0’’ Set the triggered current level to 1.0 A
‘‘TRIG:SOUR IMM’’ Select the immediate trigger as a source
‘‘INIT’’ Cause the trigger system to initiate
75
Power Supply Programming Ranges

The SOURce subsystem requires parameters for programming values. The
available programming value for a parameter varies according to the desired
output range of the power supply. The following table lists the programming
values available and MINimum, MAXimum, DEFault and reset values of your
power supply.
Refer to this table to identify programming values when programming the power
supply.
Table 4-1. Agilent E3640A/42A/44A Programming Ranges

E3640A E3642A E3644A
0 - 8V/3A 0 - 20V/1.5A 0 - 8V/5A 0 - 20V/2.5A 0 - 8V/8A 0 - 20V/4A
Range Range Range Range Range Range
Voltage Programming 0 V to 8.24V 0 V to 20.60 V 0 V to 8.24V 0 V to 20.60 V 0 V to 8.24V 0 V to 20.60 V
Range
MAX Value 8.24 V 20.60 V 8.24 V 20.60 V 8.24 V 20.60 V
MIN Value 0V 0V 0V
DEFault Value 0V 0V 0V
*RST Value 0V 0V 0V
Current Programming 0 A to 3.09 A 0 A to 1.545 A 0 A to 5.15 A 0 A to 2.575 A 0 A to 8.24 A 0 A to 4.12 A
Range
MAX Value 3.09 A 1.545 A 5.15 A 2.575 A 8.24 A 4.12 A
MIN Value 0A 0A 0A
DEFault Value 3A 1.5 A 5A 2.5 A 8A 4A
*RST Value 3.00 A 5.00 A 8.00 A
Table 4-2. Agilent E3641A/43A/45A Programming Ranges

E3641A E3643A E3645A
0 - 35V/0.8A 0 - 60V/0.5A 0 - 35V/1.4A 0 - 60V/0.8A 0 - 35V/2.2A 0 - 60V/1.3A
Range Range Range Range Range Range
Voltage Programming 0 V to 36.05V 0 V to 61.8 V 0 V to 36.05V 0 V to 61.8 V 0 V to 36.05V 0 V to 61.8 V
Range
MAX Value 36.05 V 61.8 V 36.05 V 61.8 V 36.05 V 61.8 V
MIN Value 0V 0V 0V
DEFault Value 0V 0V 0V
*RST Value 0V 0V 0V
Current Programming 0 A to 0.824 A 0 A to 0.515 A 0 A to 1.442 A 0 A to 0.824 A 0 A to 2.266 A 0 A to 1.339 A
Range
MAX Value 0.824 A 0.515 A 1.442 A 0.824 A 2.266 A 1.339 A
MIN Value 0A 0A 0A
DEFault Value 0.8 A 0.5 A 1.4 A 0.8 A 2.2 A 1.3 A
*RST Value 0.8 A 1.4 A 2.2 A
76

The APPLy command provides the most straightforward method to program
the power supply over the remote interface. You can select the output voltage
and current in one command.
APPLy {<voltage>| DEF | MIN | MAX}[,{<current>| DEF | MIN | MAX}]

This command is combination of VOLTage and CURRent commands.
The APPLy command changes the power supply’s output to the newly
programmed values only if the programmed values are valid within the
presently selected range. An execution error will occur if the programmed
values are not valid within the selected range.
You can substitute ‘‘MINimum’’, ‘‘MAXimum’’, or ‘‘DEFault’’ in place of a
specific value for the voltage and current parameters. For more details of
parameters, see Table 4-1 through Table 4-2 for each model.
If you specify only one parameter of the APPLy command, the power supply
regards it as voltage setting value. 4
APPLy?
Query the power supply’s present voltage and current setting values and
returns a quoted string. The voltage and current are returned in sequence as
shown in the sample string below (the quotation marks are returned as part of
the string).
‘‘8.00000,3.00000’’ (E3640A model)
77
Output Setting and Operation Commands

This section describes low-level commands used to program the power supply.
Although the APPLy command provides the most straightforward method to
program the power supply, the low-level output setting commands give you
more flexibility to change the individual parameters.
CURRent{<current>| MINimum | MAXimum | UP | DOWN}

Program the immediate current level of the power supply. The immediate level
is the current value of the output terminals.
The CURRent command changes the output of the power supply to the newly
programmed value regardless of the output range presently selected.
You can substitute ‘‘MINimum’’ or ‘‘MAXimum’’ in place of a specific value for
the current parameter. MIN selects the lowest current values of ‘‘0’’ amps. MAX
selects the highest current values allowed for the selected range.
This command also increases or decreases the immediate current level using
the ‘‘UP’’ or ‘‘DOWN’’ parameter by a predetermined amount. The command
CURRent:STEP sets the amount of increase or decrease. Notice that a new
increment setting will cause an execution error -222 (Data out of range) when
the maximum or the minimum rated current is exceeded.
CURRent? [MINimum | MAXimum]

Return the presently programmed current level of the power supply.
CURR? MAX and CURR? MIN return the highest and lowest programmable
current levels for the selected range.
CURRent:STEP {<numeric value>| DEFault}

Set the step size for current programming with the CURRent UP and CURRent
DOWN commands. See the example in the next page.
To set the step size to the minimum resolution, set the step size to ‘‘DEFault’’.
The minimum resolution of the step size is approximately 0.052 mA (E3640A),
0.015 mA (E3641A), 0.095 mA (E3642A), 0.026 mA (E3643A), 0.152 mA
(E3644A), and 0.042 mA (E3645A), respectively. The CURR:STEP? DEF
returns the minimum resolution of your instrument. The immediate current
level increases or decreases by the value of the step size. For example, the
output current will increase or decrease 10 mA if the step size is 0.01. At *RST,
the step size is the value of the minimum resolution.
78
CURRent:STEP? [DEFault]
Return the value of the step size currently specified. The returned parameter
is a numeric value. ‘‘DEFault’’ gives the minimum resolution of the step size
in unit of amps.
CURRent:TRIGgered {<current>| MINimum | MAXimum}

Program the pending triggered current level. The pending triggered current
level is a stored value that is transferred to the output terminals when a trigger
occurs. A pending triggered level is not affected by subsequent CURRent
commands.
CURRent:TRIGgered? [MINimum | MAXimum]

Query the triggered current level presently programmed. If no triggered level
is programmed, the CURRent level is returned.
Example The following program segments show how to use the CURR UP or CURR DOWN
command to increase or decrease the output current with the CURR:STEP
command.
‘‘CURR:STEP 0.01’’ Set the step size to 0.01 A
4
‘‘CURR UP’’ Increase the output current
‘‘CURR:STEP 0.02’’ Set the step size to 0.02 A
‘‘CURR DOWN’’ Decrease the output current
VOLTage {<voltage>| MINimum | MAXimum | UP | DOWN}

Program the immediate voltage level of the power supply. The immediate level
is the voltage value of the output terminals.
The VOLTage command changes the output of the power supply to the newly
programmed value regardless of the output range presently selected.
This command also increases or decreases the immediate voltage level using
the ‘‘UP’’ or ‘‘DOWN’’ parameter by a predetermined amount. The command
VOLTage:STEP sets the amount of increase or decrease. Notice that a new
increment setting will cause an execution error -222 (Data out of range) when
the maximum or the minimum rated voltage is exceeded.
VOLTage? [MINimum | MAXimum]

Query the presently programmed voltage level of the power supply.
79
VOLTage:STEP {<numeric value> | DEFault}

Set the step size for voltage programming with the VOLT UP and VOLT DOWN
commands. See the example below.
To set the step size to the minimum resolution, set the step size to ‘‘DEFault’’.
The minimum resolution of the step size is approximately 0.35 mV (E3640A),
1.14 mV (E3641A), 0.38 mV (E3642A), 1.14 mV (E3643A), 0.35 mV (E3644A),
and 1.14mV (E3645A), respectively. The immediate voltage level increases or
decreases by the value of the step size. For example, the output voltage will
increase or decrease 10 mV if the step size is 0.01. At *RST, the step size is the
value of the minimum resolution.
VOLTage:STEP? [DEFault]
Return the value of the step size currently specified. The returned parameter
is a numeric value. ‘‘DEFault’’ gives the minimum resolution step size in unit
of volts.
Example The following program segments show how to use the VOLT UP or VOLT DOWN
command to increase or decrease the output voltage with the VOLT:STEP
command.
‘‘VOLT:STEP 0.01’’ Set the step size to 0.01 V
‘‘VOLT UP’’ Increase the output voltage
‘‘VOLT:STEP 0.02’’ Set the step size to 0.02 V
‘‘VOLT DOWN’’ Decrease the output voltage
VOLTage:TRIGgered {<voltage>| MINimum | MAXimum}

Program the pending triggered voltage level. The pending triggered voltage
level is a stored value that is transferred to the output terminals when a trigger
occurs. A pending triggered level is not affected by subsequent VOLTage
commands.
VOLTage:TRIGgered? [MINimum | MAXimum]

Query the triggered voltage level presently programmed. If no triggered level
is programmed, the VOLT level is returned.
VOLTage:PROTection {<voltage>|MINimum|MAXimum}
Set the voltage level at which the overvoltage protection (OVP) circuit will trip.
If the peak output voltage exceeds the OVP level, then the power supply output
is shorted by an internal SCR. An overvoltage condition can be cleared with
the VOLT:PROT:CLE command after the condition that caused the OVP trip
is removed.
80
VOLTage:PROTection? [MINimum | MAXimum]

Query the overvoltage protection trip level presently programmed.
VOLTage:PROTection:STATe {0 | 1 | OFF | ON}

Enable or disable the overvoltage protection function. At *RST, this value is
set to ‘‘ON’’.
VOLTage:PROTection:STATe?
Query the state of the overvoltage protection function. The returned parameter
is ‘‘0’’ (OFF) or ‘‘1’’ (ON).
VOLTage:PROTection:TRIPped?
Return a ‘‘1’’ if the overvoltage protection circuit is tripped and not cleared or
a ‘‘0’’ if not tripped.
VOLTage:PROTection:CLEar
Cause the overvoltage protection circuit to be cleared. After this command,
the output voltage is restored to the state it was in before the protection feature
occurred and the OVP trip level remains unchanged to the value presently 4
programmed. Before sending this command, lower the output voltage below
the trip OVP point, or raise the OVP trip level above the output setting. Note
that the overvoltage condition caused by an external source must be removed
first before proceeding this command.
VOLTage:RANGe {P8V* | P20V* | P35V** | P60V** | LOW | HIGH}

Select an output range to be programmed by the identifier. For example,
‘‘P20V’’ or ‘‘HIGH’’ is the identifier for the 20V/1.5A range and ‘‘P8V’’ or ‘‘LOW’’
is for the 8V/3A range (for E3640A model). At *RST, low voltage range is
selected.
VOLTage:RANGe?
Query the currently selected range. The returned parameter is ‘‘P8V’’ or ‘‘P35V’’
for low voltage range, or ‘‘P20V’’ or ‘‘P60V’’ for high voltage range.
MEASure:CURRent?
Query the current measured across the current sense resistor inside the power
supply.
MEASure[:VOLTage]?
Query the voltage measured at the sense terminals of the power supply.
* For E3640A/42A/44A models **For E3641A/43A/45A models
81
Triggering
Triggering
The power supply’s triggering system allows a change in voltage and current
when receiving a trigger, to select a trigger source, and to insert a trigger.
Triggering the power supply is a multi-step process.
• First, you must specify the source from which the power supply will accept
the trigger. The power supply will accept a bus (software) trigger or an
immediate trigger from the remote interface.
• Then, you can set the time delay between the detection of the trigger on the
specified trigger source and the start of any corresponding output change.
Notice that the time delay is valid for only the bus trigger source.
• Finally, you must provide an INITiate command. If the IMMediate
source is selected, the selected output is set to the triggered level
immediately. But if the trigger source is the bus, the power supply is set to
the triggered level after receiving the Group Execute Trigger (GET) or *TRG
command.
Trigger Source Choices

You must specify the source from which the power supply will accept a trigger.
The trigger is stored in volatile memory; the source is set to bus when the power
supply has been off or after a remote interface reset.
Bus (Software) Triggering

• To select the bus trigger source, send the following command.
‘‘TRIG:SOUR BUS’’
• To trigger the power supply from the remote interface (GPIB or RS-232)
after selecting the bus source, send the *TRG (trigger) command. When the
*TRG is sent, the trigger action starts after the specified time delay if any
delay is given.
• You can also trigger the power supply from the GPIB interface by sending
the IEEE-488 Group Execute Trigger (GET) message. The following
statement shows how to send a GET from a Hewlett-Packard controller.
‘‘TRIGGER 705’’ (group execute trigger)
82
Triggering
• To ensure synchronization when the bus source is selected, send the *WAI
(wait) command. When the *WAI command is executed, the power supply
waits for all pending operations to complete before executing any additional
commands. For example, the following command string guarantees that the
first trigger is accepted and is executed before the second trigger is
recognized.
‘‘TRIG:SOUR BUS;*TRG;*WAI;*TRG;*WAI’’
• You can use the *OPC? (operation complete query) command or the *OPC
(operation complete) command to signal when the operation is complete.
The *OPC? command returns ‘‘1’’ to the output buffer when the operation
is complete. The *OPC command sets the ‘‘OPC’’ bit (bit 0) in the Standard
Event register when the operation is complete.
Immediate Triggering
• To select the immediate trigger source, send the following command.
‘‘TRIG:SOUR IMM’’
4
• When the IMMediate is selected as a trigger source, an INITiate
command immediately transfers the VOLT:TRIG or CURR:TRIG value to
VOLT or CURR value. Any delay is ignored.
83
Triggering
Triggering Commands
INITiate
Cause the trigger system to initiate. This command completes one full trigger
cycle when the trigger source is an immediate and initiates the trigger
subsystem when the trigger source is bus.
TRIGger:DELay {<seconds>| MINimum | MAXimum}

Set the time delay between the detection of an event on the specified trigger
source and the start of any corresponding trigger action on the power supply
output. Select from 0 to 3600 seconds. MIN = 0 seconds. MAX = 3600 seconds.
At *RST, this value is set to 0 seconds.
TRIGger:DELay?[MINimum | MAXimum]
Query the trigger delay.
TRIGger:SOURce {BUS | IMMediate}

Select the source from which the power supply will accept a trigger. The power
supply will accept a bus (software) trigger or an internal immediate trigger. At
*RST, the bus trigger source is selected.
TRIGger:SOURce?
Query the present trigger source. Returns ‘‘BUS’’ or ‘‘IMM’’.
*TRG
Generate a trigger to the trigger subsystem that has selected a bus (software)
trigger as its source (TRIG:SOUR BUS). The command has the same effect
as the Group Execute Trigger (GET) command. For RS-232 operation, make
sure the power supply is in the remote interface mode by sending the
SYST:REM command first.
84
DISPlay {OFF | ON}
Turn the front-panel display off or on. When the display is turned off, outputs
are not sent to the display and all annunciators are disabled except the ERROR
annunciator.
The display state is automatically turned on when you return to the local mode.
Store
Press Local (Local) key to return to the local state from the remote interface.
DISPlay?
Query the front-panel display setting. Returns ‘‘0’’ (OFF) or ‘‘1’’ (ON).
DISPlay:TEXT <quoted string>

This command displays a message on the front panel. The power supply will
display up to 11 characters in a message; any additional characters are
truncated. Commas, periods, and semicolons share a display space with the
preceding character, and are not considered individual characters.
4
DISPlay:TEXT?
Query the message sent to the front panel and returns a quoted string.
DISPlay:TEXT:CLEar
Clear the message displayed on the front panel.
OUTPut {OFF | ON}

Enable or disable the outputs of the power supply. When the output is disabled,
the voltage value is 0 V and the current value is 1 mA. At *RST, the output state
is OFF.
OUTPut?
Query the output state of the power supply. The returned value is ‘‘0’’ (OFF)
or ‘‘1’’ (ON).
OUTPut:RELay {OFF | ON}

Set the state of two TTL signals on the RS-232 connector pin 1 and pin 9. These
signals are intended for use with an external relay and relay driver. At *RST,
the OUTPUT:RELay state is OFF. See ‘‘Disconnecting the Output Using an
External Relay’’, on page 54 for more information.
Note Do not use the RS-232 interface if you have configured the power supply to output
relay control signals. Internal components on the RS-232 circuitry may be damaged.
85
OUTPut:RELay?
Query the state of the TTL relay logic signals.
SYSTem:BEEPer
Issue a single beep immediately.
SYSTem:ERRor?
Query the power supply’s error queue. A record of up to 20 errors is stored in
the power supply’s error queue. Errors are retrieved in first-in-first-out (FIFO)
order. The first error returned is the first error that was stored. When you have
read all errors from the queue, the ERROR annunciator turns off and the errors
are cleared. See ‘‘Error Messages’’, starting on page 113 for more details.
SYSTem:VERSion?
Query the power supply to determine the present SCPI version. The returned
value is of a string in the form YYYY.V where the ‘‘Y’s’’ represent the year of
the version, and the ‘‘V’’ represents a version number for that year (for example,
1997.0).
SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB:RDEVice
:ADDRess {<numeric value>}
:ADDRess?
Set or query the bus address of the peripheral device. Changing the address
with this does not affect the address of the peripheral device. It does affect the
address to which data is sent by the instrument.
*IDN?
Read the power supply’s identification string. The power supply returns four
fields separated by commas. The first field is the manufacturer’s name, the
second field is the model number, the third field is not used (always ‘‘0’’), and
the fourth field is a revision code which contains three numbers. The first
number is the firmware revision number for the main power supply processor;
the second is for the input/output processor; and the third is for the front-panel
processor.
The command returns a string with the following format (be sure to dimension
a string variable with at least 40 characters):
Agilent Technologies,E3640A,0,X.X-Y.Y-Z.Z (E3640A model)
*TST?
Perform a complete self-test of the power supply. Returns ‘‘0’’ if the self-test
passes or ‘‘1’’ or any non-zero value if it fails. If the self-test fails, an error
message is also generated with additional information on why the test failed.
86
*RST
Reset the power supply to its power-on state. The table below shows the state
of the power supply after a RESET from the Recall menu or *RST command
from the remote interface.
Command E3640A E3641A E3642A E3643A E3644A E3645A

state state state state state state
CURR 3A 0.8 A 5A 1.4 A 8A 2.2 A
CURR:STEP 0.052 mA 0.015 mA 0.095 mA 0.026 mA 0.152 mA 0.042 mA
CURR:TRIG 3A 0.8 A 5A 1.4 A 8A 2.2 A
DISP ON ON
OUTP OFF OFF
OUTP:REL OFF OFF
TRIG:DEL 0 0
TRIG:SOUR BUS BUS
VOLT
VOLT:STEP 0.35 mV
0V
1.14 mV 0.38 mV 1.14 mV
0V
0.35 mV 1.14 mV
4
VOLT:TRIG 0V 0V 0V 0V
VOLT:PROT 22.0 V 66.0 V 22.0 V 66.0 V 22.0 V 66.0 V
VOLT:PROT:STAT ON ON
VOLT:RANG P8V (Low) P35V (Low) P8V (Low) P35V (Low) P8V (Low) P35V (Low)
Note: The voltage and current step sizes listed above are typical value.
87

The power supply has five storage locations in non-volatile memory to store
power supply states. The locations are numbered 1 through 5. You can also
assign a name to each of the locations (1 through 5) for use from the front panel.
*SAV { 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 }
Store (Save) the present state of the power supply to the specified location.
Any state previously stored in the same location is overwritten (no error is
generated).
• A power-on reset (*RST command) does not affect the configurations
stored in memory. Once a state is stored, it remains until it is overwritten
or specifically deleted.
• The state storage feature ‘‘remembers’’ the states or values of the following
commands:
CURR, CURR:STEP, CURR:TRIG, OUTP, OUTP:REL, TRIG:DEL,
TRIG:SOUR, VOLT, VOLT:STEP, VOLT:TRIG, VOLT:PROT,
VOLT:PROT:STAT, and VOLT:RANG
*RCL { 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 }
Recall the power supply state stored in the specified storage location. When
shipped from the factory, storage locations ‘‘1’’ through ‘‘5’’ are empty.
Note: DISP {OFF|ON} can be stored and recalled in remote interface mode
only. Going to local mode automatically sets the display state to ON.
MEMory:STATe
:NAME { 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5} , <quoted name>
:NAME? { 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5}
Assign a name to the specified storage location. From the remote interface,
you can only recall a stored state using a number (1 through 5). The :NAME?
query returns a quoted string containing the name currently assigned to the
specified storage location. If the specified location has no name assigned, an
empty string (‘‘ ’’) is returned. The name can contain up to 11 characters. The
first character can be a alphanumeric. Blank spaces are not allowed. An error
is generated if you specify a name with more than 9 characters. See ‘‘State
Storage’’, on page 55 for more information. An example is shown below.
‘‘MEM:STATE:NAME 1,‘P15V_TEST’’’
If you do not specify a name (note that the name parameter is optional), no
name is assigned to that state. This provides a way to erase a name (however,
the stored state is not deleted).
88
See ‘‘Calibration Overview’’, starting on page 62 for an overview of the
calibration features of the power supply. An example program for calibration
is listed on page 91. For more detailed discussion on the calibration
procedures, see the Service Information.
Note When you calibrate the power supply, you should NOT set the OVP to ON state in
order to prevent OVP from tripping.
CALibration:COUNt?
Query the power supply to determine the number of times it has been
calibrated. Your power supply was calibrated before it left the factory. When
you receive your power supply, read the count to determine its initial value.
Since the value increments by one for each calibration point, a complete
calibration will increase the value by 3 counts.
CALibration:CURRent[:DATA] <numeric value> 4

This command can only be used after calibration is unsecured and the output
state is ON. It enters a current value that you obtained by reading an external
meter. You must first select the minimum calibration level (CAL:CURR:LEV
MIN) for the value being entered, then select the middle and maximum
calibration levels (CAL:CURR:LEV MID and CAL:CURR:LEV MAX) for the
value being entered. Three successive values must be selected and entered.
The power supply then computes new calibration constants. These constants
are then stored in non-volatile memory.
CALibration:CURRent:LEVel {MINimum | MIDdle | MAXimum}

state is ON. It sets the power supply to a calibration point that is entered with
CAL:CURR command. During calibration, three points must be entered and the
low-end point (MIN) must be selected and entered first.
CALibration:SECure:CODE <quoted new code>

Enter a new security code. To change the security code, first unsecure the
power supply using the old security code. Then, enter the new code. The
calibration code may contain up to 11 characters over the remote interface.
See “Calibration Overview” on page 62 for more information.
89
CALibration:SECure:STATe {OFF | ON},<quoted code>

Unsecure or secure the power supply with a security for calibration.
CALibration:SECure:STATe?
Query the secured state for calibration of the power supply. The returned
parameter is ‘‘0’’ (OFF) or ‘‘1’’ (ON).
CALibration:STRing <quoted string>

Record calibration information about your power supply. For example, you
can store such information as the last calibration date, the next calibration due
date, or the power supply’s serial number. The calibration message may
contain up to 40 characters. The power supply should be unsecured before
sending a calibration message.
CALibration:STRing?
Query the calibration message and returns a quoted string.
CALibration:VOLTage[:DATA] <numeric value>

state is ON. It enters a voltage value that you obtained by reading an external
meter. You must first select the minimum calibration level (CAL:VOLT:LEV
MIN) for the value being entered. You must then select the middle and
maximum calibration levels (CAL:VOLT:LEV MID and CAL:VOLT:LEV MAX)
for the value being entered. Three successive values must be selected and
entered. The power supply then computes new voltage calibration constants.
These constants are then stored in non-volatile memory.
CALibration:VOLTage:LEVel {MINimum | MIDdle | MAXimum}

state is ON. It sets the power supply to a calibration point that is entered with
CAL:VOLT command. During calibration, three points must be entered and the
low-end point (MIN) must be selected and entered first.
CALibration:VOLTage:PROTection
Calibrate the overvoltage protection circuit of the power supply. It takes about
10 seconds to execute the command. The calibration must be unsecured and
the output be opened before calibrating the overvoltage protection circuit. The
power supply automatically performs the calibration and stores the new
overvoltage constant in nonvolatile memory. Notice that voltage calibration
precedes before sending this command.
90
Calibration
Example 1 Enable the output of the power supply.
‘‘OUTP ON’’
2 Disable the voltage protection function.
‘‘VOLT:PROT:STAT OFF’’
3 Unsecure the power supply with the secure code before calibration.
‘‘CAL:SEC:STAT OFF, ‘<code>’’’
4 For voltage calibration, connect a digital voltmeter (DVM) across the
power supply’s output terminals.
5 Set the power supply to low-end (MIN) calibration point.
‘‘CAL:VOLT:LEV MIN’’
6 Enter the reading you obtained from the DVM.
‘‘CAL:VOLT:DATA 0.549’’
7 Set the power supply to middle (MID) calibration point.
‘‘CAL:VOLT:LEV MID’’ 4
9 Set the power supply to high (MAX) calibration point.
‘‘CAL:VOLT:LEV MAX’’
11 Set the power supply to overvoltage protection calibration point.
‘‘CAL:VOLT:PROT’’
12 For current calibration, connect an appropriate current monitoring
resistor (shunt) across the output terminals and connect the DVM
across the shunt resistor.
13 Repeat the steps (5) through (9) by substituting ‘‘CURR’’ for ‘‘VOLT’’ for
current calibration. For example, ‘‘CAL:CURR:LEV MIN’’
14 Record calibration information such as next calibration due date or
contact person for future reference. The calibration string may contain
up to 40 characters.
‘‘CALibration:STRing ‘<string>’’’
Notice that you should wait for the DVM reading to stabilize for accurate
calibration.
91

See also "Configuring the Remote Interface" in chapter 3 starting on page 46.
SYSTem:INTerface {GPIB | RS232}

Select the remote interface. Only one interface can be enabled at a time. The
GPIB interface is selected when the power supply is shipped from the factory.
SYSTem:LOCal
Place the power supply in the local mode during RS-232 operation. All keys on
the front panel are fully functional.
SYSTem:REMote
Place the power supply in the remote mode for RS-232 operation. All keys on
the front panel, except the ‘‘Local’’ key, are disabled while in the remote mode.
It is very important that you send the SYST:REM command to place the
power supply in the remote mode. Sending or receiving data over the
RS-232 interface when not configured for remote operation can cause
unpredictable results.
SYSTem:RWLock
Place the power supply in the remote mode for RS-232 operation. This
command is the same as the SYST:REM command except that all keys on the
front panel are disabled, including the ‘‘Local’’ key.
<Ctrl-C>
Clear the operation in progress over the RS-232 interface and discard any
pending output data. This is equivalent to the IEEE-488 device clear action
over the GPIB interface.
92
The SCPI Status Registers

All SCPI instruments implement status registers in the same way. The status
system records various instrument conditions in three register groups: the
Status Byte register, the Standard Event register, and the Questionable Status
register groups. The status byte register records high-level summary
information reported in the other register groups. The diagram on the
subsequent pages illustrates the SCPI status system used by the power supply.
What is an Event Register?

An event register is a read-only register that reports defined conditions within
the power supply. Bits in an event register are latched. Once an event bit is set,
subsequent state changes are ignored. Bits in an event register are
automatically cleared by a query of that register (such as *ESR? or
STAT:QUES:EVEN?) or by sending the *CLS (clear status) command. A reset
(*RST) or device clear will not clear bits in event registers. Querying an event
register returns a decimal value which corresponds to the binary-weighted sum
of all bits set in the register.
4
What is an Enable Register?
An enable register defines which bits in the corresponding event register are
logically ORed together to form a single summary bit. Enable registers are both
readable and writable. Querying an enable register will not clear it. The *CLS
(clear status) command does not clear enable registers but it does clear the
bits in the event registers. To enable bits in an enable register, you must write
a decimal value which corresponds to the binary-weighted sum of the bits you
wish to enable in the register.
93
SCPI Status System
QUEStionable Status
Event Register Enable Registers
Voltage 0
Current 1 Output Buffer
Not Used
Not Used
Temperature 4
Not Used
Not Used "OR"
Not Used
Not Used +
Overvoltage 9
Not Used Status Byte
Not Used Summary Register Enable Register
Not Used Not Used
Not Used Not Used "OR"
Not Used
Not Used
Not Used
QUES 3 +
STAT:QUES? STAT:QUES:ENAB <value> MAV 4
STAT:QUES:ENAB? ESB 5
RQS 6
Not Used
Serial Poll(SPOLL) *SRE <value>

Standard Event *STB? *SRE?
Event Register Enable Registers
Operation Complete OPC 0
Not Used
Query Error QYE 2 "OR" Binary Weight
Device Depenent Error
Execution Error
DDE
EXE
3
4 + 20 = 1
21 = 2
Command Error CME 5
Not Used
Power On PON 7 22 = 4
*ESR? *ESE <value> 23 = 8
*ESE?
24 = 16
25 = 32
26 = 64
27 = 128
28 = 256
29 = 512
210 = 1024
211 = 2048
212 = 4096
213 = 8192
214 = 16384
215 = 32768
94
The Questionable Status Register

The Questionable Status register provides information about voltage and
current regulation. Bit 0 is set when the voltage becomes unregulated, and bit
1 is set if the current becomes unregulated. For example if the power supply
momentarily goes to constant current mode when the power supply is
operating as a voltage source (constant voltage mode), bit 0 is set to indicate
that the voltage output is not regulated.
The Questionable Status register also provides information that the power
supply has an overtemperature condition and that the overvoltage protection
circuits have tripped. Bit 4 reports an overtemperature condition of the fan and
bit 9 reports that the overvoltage protection circuit has tripped. To read the
register, send STATus:QUEStionable?.
Table 4-3. Bit Definitions - Questionable Status Register
Bit Decimal Definition
Value
0 Voltage 1 The power supply is/was in the constant current mode.
1
2-3
Current
Not Used
2
0
The power supply is/was in the constant voltage mode.
Always set to 0.
4
4 Overtemperature 16 The fan has a fault condition.
5-8 Not Used 0 Always set to 0.
9 Over Voltage 512 The overvoltage protection circuit has tripped.
10 Not Used 0 Always set to 0.
The Questionable Status Event register is cleared when:

• You execute the *CLS (clear status) command.
• You query the event register using STAT:QUES? (Status Questionable
Event register) command.
For example, 16 is returned when you have queried the status of the
questionable event register, the temperature condition is questionable.
The Questionable Status Enable register is cleared when:

• You execute STAT:QUES:ENAB 0 command.
95
The Standard Event Register

The Standard Event register reports the following types of instrument events:
power-on detected, command syntax errors, command execution errors, self-
test or calibration errors, query errors, or when an *OPC command is executed.
Any or all of these conditions can be reported in the standard event summary
bit (ESB, bit 5) of Status Byte register through the enable register. To set the
enable register mask, you write a decimal value to the register using the *ESE
(Event Status Enable) command.
An error condition (Standard Event register bit 2, 3, 4, or 5) will always

record one or more errors in the power supply’s error queue. Read the
error queue using the SYST:ERR? command.
Table 4-4. Bit Definitions – Standard Event Register

Value
0 OPC Operation Complete. All commands prior to and
1
including an *OPC command have been executed.
2 QYE Query Error. The power supply tried to read the output
buffer but it was empty. Or, new command line was
4
received before a previous query had been read. Or, both
the input and output buffers are full.
3 DDE Device Error. A self-test or calibration error occurred
8
(see error numbers 601 through 750 in chapter 5).
4 EXE Execution Error. An execution error occurred (see error
16
numbers -211 through -224 in chapter 5).
5 CME Command Error. A command syntax error occurred (see
32
error numbers -101 through -178 in chapter 5).
7 PON Power On. Power has been turned off and on since the
128
last time the event register was read or cleared.
96
The Standard Event register is cleared when:

• You query the event register using the *ESR? (Event Status register)
command.
For example, 28 (4 + 8 + 16) is returned when you have queried the status of
the Standard Event register, QYE, DDE, and EXE conditions have occurred.
The Standard Event Enable register is cleared when:

• You execute the *ESE 0 command.
• You turn on the power and have previously configured the power supply
using the *PSC 1 command.
• The enable register will not be cleared at power-on if you have previously
configured the power supply using the *PSC 0 command.
The Status Byte Register

The Status Byte summary register reports conditions from the other status
registers. Query data that is waiting in the power supply’s output buffer is 4
immediately reported through the “Message Available” bit (bit 4) of Status Byte
register. Bits in the summary register are not latched. Clearing an event register
will clear the corresponding bits in the Status Byte summary register. Reading
all messages in the output buffer, including any pending queries, will clear the
message available bit.
Table 4-5. Bit Definitions – Status Byte Summary Register
Value
3 QUES One or more bits are set in the questionable status
8
register (bits must be “enabled” in the enable register).
4 MAV 16 Data is available in the power supply output buffer.
5 ESB One or more bits are set in the standard event register
32
(bits must be “enabled” in the enable register).
6 RQS 64 The power supply is requesting service (serial poll).
97
The Status Byte Summary register is cleared when:

• Querying the Standard Event register (*ESR? command) will clear only bit
5 in the Status Byte summary register.
For example, 24 (8 + 16) is returned when you have queried the status of the
Status Byte register, QUES and MAV conditions have occurred.
The Status Byte Enable register (Request Service) is cleared when:

• You execute the *SRE 0 command.
• You turn on the power and have previously configured the power supply
using the *PSC 1 command.
• The enable register will not be cleared at power-on if you have previously
configured the power supply using *PSC 0.
Using Service Request (SRQ) and Serial POLL

You must configure your bus controller to respond to the IEEE-488 service
request (SRQ) interrupt to use this capability. Use the Status Byte enable
register (*SRE command) to select which summary bits will set the low-level
IEEE-488 service request signal. When bit 6 (request service) is set in the Status
Byte, an IEEE-488 service request interrupt message is automatically sent to
the bus controller. The bus controller may then poll the instruments on the bus
to identify which one requested service (the instrument with bit 6 set in its
Status Byte).
The request service bit is cleared only by reading the Status Byte using an
IEEE-488 serial poll or by reading the event register whose summary bit is
causing the service request.
To read the Status Byte summary register, send the IEEE-488 serial poll
message. Querying the summary register will return a decimal value which
corresponds to the binary-weighted sum of the bits set in the register. Serial
poll will automatically clear the “request service” bit in the Status Byte
summary register. No other bits are affected. Performing a serial poll will not
affect instrument throughput.
Caution The IEEE-488 standard does not ensure synchronization between your bus controller
program and the instrument. Use the *OPC? command to guarantee that commands
previously sent to the instrument have completed. Executing a serial poll before a
*RST, *CLS, or other commands have completed can cause previous conditions
to be reported.
98
Using *STB? to Read the Status Byte

The *STB? (Status Byte query) command is similar to a serial poll but it is
processed like any other instrument command. The *STB? command returns
the same result as a serial poll but the “request service” bit (bit 6) is not cleared.
The *STB? command is not handled automatically by the IEEE-488 bus
interface hardware and will be executed only after previous commands have
completed. Polling is not possible using the *STB? command. Executing the
*STB? command does not clear the Status Byte summary register.
Using the Message Available Bit (MAV)

You can use the Status Byte “message available” bit (bit 4) to determine when
data is available to read into your bus controller. The power supply
subsequently clears bit 4 only after all messages have been read from the
output buffer.
To Interrupt Your Bus Controller Using SRQ

1 Send a device clear message to clear the power supply’s output buffer
(e.g., CLEAR 705).
4
2 Clear the event registers with the *CLS (clear status) command.
3 Set up the enable register masks. Execute the *ESE command to set up
the Standard Event register and the *SRE command for the Status Byte.
4 Send the *OPC? (operation complete query) command and enter the
result to ensure synchronization.
5 Enable your bus controller’s IEEE-488 SRQ interrupt.
99
To Determine When a Command Sequence is Completed

1 Send a device clear message to clear the power supply’s output buffer
(e.g., CLEAR 705).
2 Clear the event registers with the *CLS (clear status) command.
3 Enable the “operation complete” bit (bit 0) in the Standard Event
register by executing the *ESE 1 command.
4 Send the *OPC? (operation complete query) command and enter the
result to ensure synchronization.
5 Execute your command string to program the desired configuration,
and then execute the *OPC (operation complete) command as the last
command. When the command sequence is completed, the “operation
complete” bit (bit 0) is set in the Standard Event register.
6 Use a serial poll to check to see when bit 5 (standard event) is set in the
Status Byte summary register. You could also configure the power
supply for an SRQ interrupt by sending *SRE 32 (Status Byte enable
register, bit 5).
Using *OPC to Signal When Data is in the Output Buffer

Generally, it is best to use the “operation complete” bit (bit 0) in the Standard
Event register to signal when a command sequence is completed. This bit is
set in the register after an *OPC command has been executed. If you send
*OPC after a command which loads a message in the power supply’s output
buffer (query data), you can use the “operation complete” bit to determine
when the message is available. However, if too many messages are generated
before the *OPC command executes (sequentially), the output buffer will fill
and the power supply will stop processing commands.
100

See diagram ‘‘SCPI Status System’’, on page 94 in this chapter for detailed
information of the status register structure of the power supply.
SYSTem:ERRor?
Query the power supply’s error queue. A record of up to 20 errors is stored in
the power supply’s error queue. Errors are retrieved in first-in-first-out (FIFO)
order. The first error returned is the first error that was stored. When you have
read all errors from the queue, the ERROR annunciator turns off and the errors
are cleared. See ‘‘Error Messages’’, starting on page 113 for more details.
STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition?
Query the Questionable Status condition register to check CV or CC mode of
the power supply. The power supply returns a decimal value which
corresponds to the binary-weighted sum of all bits in the register. These bits
are not latched. If ‘‘0’’ is returned, the power supply is in output off or
unregulated state. If ‘‘1’’ is returned, the power supply is in the CC operating 4
mode and if ‘‘2’’ is returned, the power supply is in the CV operating mode. If
‘‘3’’ is returned, the power supply is in failure.
STATus:QUEStionable?
Query the Questionable Status event register. The power supply returns a
decimal value which corresponds to the binary-weighted sum of all bits in the
register. These bits are latched. Reading the event register clears it.
STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle <enable value>

Enable bits in the Questionable Status enable register. The selected bits are
then reported to the Status Byte.
STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle?
Query the Questionable Status enable register. The power supply returns a
binary-weighted decimal representing the bits set in the enable register.
*CLS
Clear all event registers and Status Byte register.
*ESE <enable value>

Enable bits in the Standard Event enable register. The selected bits are then
reported to the Status Byte.
101
*ESE?
Query the Standard Event enable register. The power supply returns a decimal
value which corresponds to the binary-weighted sum of all bits in the register.
*ESR?
Query the Standard event register. The power supply returns a decimal value
which corresponds to the binary-weighted sum of all bits in the register.
*OPC
Set the ‘‘Operation Complete’’ bit (bit 0) of the Standard Event register after
the command is executed.
*OPC?
Return ‘‘1’’ to the output buffer after the command is executed.
*PSC { 0 | 1 }
(Power-on status clear.) This command clears the Status Byte and the Standard
Event register enable masks when power is turned on (*PSC 1). When
*PSC 0 is in effect, the Status Byte and Standard Event register enable masks
are not cleared when power is turned on.
*PSC?
Query the power-on status clear setting. The returned parameter is ‘‘0’’
(*PSC 0) or ‘‘1’’ (*PSC 1).
*SRE <enable value>

Enable bits in the Status Byte enable register.
*SRE?
Query the Status Byte Enable register. The power supply returns a decimal
value which corresponds to the binary-weighted sum of all bits set in the enable
register.
*STB?
Query the Status Byte summary register. The *STB? command is similar to a
serial poll but it is processed like any other instrument command. The *STB?
command returns the same result as a serial poll but the ‘‘Request Service’’ bit
(bit 6) is not cleared if a serial poll has occurred.
*WAI
Instruct the power supply to wait for all pending operations to complete before
executing any additional commands over the interface. Used only in the
triggered mode.
102
An Introduction to the SCPI Language

SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) is an ASCII-
based instrument command language designed for test and measurement
instruments. Refer to ‘‘Simplified Programming Overview’’, starting on page 74
for an introduction to the basic techniques used to program the power supply
over the remote interface.
SCPI commands are based on a hierarchical structure, also known as a tree
system. In this system, associated commands are grouped together under a
common node or root, thus forming subsystems. A portion of the SOURce
subsystem is shown below to illustrate the tree system.
[SOURce:]
CURRent {<current>|MIN|MAX|UP|DOWN}
CURRent? [MIN|MAX]
CURRent:
TRIGgered {<current>|MIN|MAX}
4
TRIGgered?{MIN|MAX}
VOLTage {<voltage>|MIN|MAX|UP|DOWN}
VOLTage? [MIN|MAX]
VOLTage:
TRIGgered {<voltage>|MIN|MAX}
TRIGgered? {MIN|MAX}
SOURce is the root keyword of the command, CURRent and VOLTage are
second-level keywords, and TRIGgered is third-level keywords. A colon (:)
separates a command keyword from a lower-level keyword.
103
Command Format Used in This Manual

The format used to show commands in this manual is shown below:
CURRent {<current>|MINimum|MAXimum|UP|DOWN}
The command syntax shows most commands (and some parameters) as a

mixture of upper- and lower-case letters. The upper-case letters indicate the
abbreviated spelling for the command. For shorter program lines, send the
abbreviated form. For better program readability, send the long form.
For example, in the above syntax statement, CURR and CURRENT are both
acceptable forms. You can use upper- or lower-case letters. Therefore,
CURRENT, curr, and Curr are all acceptable. Other forms, such as CUR and
CURREN, will generate an error.
Braces ( { } ) enclose the parameter choices for a given command string. The
braces are not sent with the command string.
A vertical bar ( | ) separates multiple parameter choices for a given command
string.
Triangle brackets ( < > ) indicate that you must specify a value for the enclosed
parameter. For example, the above syntax statement shows the current
parameter enclosed in triangle brackets. The brackets are not sent with the
command string. You must specify a value for the parameter (such as ‘‘CURR
0.1”).
Some parameters are enclosed in square brackets ( [ ] ). The brackets indicate
that the parameter is optional and can be omitted. The brackets are not sent
with the command string. If you do not specify a value for an optional
parameter, the power supply chooses a default value.
Some portions of commands are enclosed in square brackets( [ ] ). The
brackets indicate that this portion of the command is optional. Most optional
portions of the command are not shown in the command description. For the
full command showing all the options, see ‘‘SCPI Command Summary’’,
starting on page 69.
A colon ( : ) separates a command keyword from a lower-level keyword. You
must insert a blank space to separate a parameter from a command keyword.
If a command requires more than one parameter, you must separate adjacent
parameter using a comma as shown below:
‘‘SOURce:CURRent:TRIGgered’’
‘‘APPLy 3.5,1.5’’
104
Command Separators
A colon ( : ) is used to separate a command keyword from a lower-level keyword
as shown below:
‘‘SOURce:CURRent:TRIGgered’’
A semicolon ( ; ) is used to separate two commands within the same subsystem,

and can also minimize typing. For example, sending the following command
string:
‘‘SOUR:VOLT MIN;CURR MAX’’
... is the same as sending the following two commands:
‘‘SOUR:VOLT MIN’’
‘‘SOUR:CURR MAX’’
Use a colon and a semicolon to link commands from different subsystems. For
example, in the following command string, an error is generated if you do not
use the colon and semicolon:
‘‘DISP:TEXT:CLE;:SOUR:CURR MIN’’
4
Using the MIN and MAX Parameters
You can substitute MINimum or MAXimum in place of a parameter for many
commands. For example, consider the following command:
CURRent {<current>|MIN|MAX}
Instead of selecting a specific current, you can substitute MINimum to set the
current to its minimum value or MAXimum to set the current to its maximum
value.
105
Querying Parameter Settings

You can query the value of most parameters by adding a question mark (?) to
the command. For example, the following command sets the output current
to 5 amps:
‘‘CURR 5’’
You can query the value by executing:
‘‘CURR?’’
You can also query the minimum or maximum value allowed with the present
function as follows:
‘‘CURR? MAX’’
‘‘CURR? MIN’’
Caution If you send two query commands without reading the response from the first, and then
attempt to read the second response, you may receive some data from the first response
followed by the complete second response. To avoid this, do not send a query
command without reading the response. When you cannot avoid this situation, send
a device clear before sending the second query command.
SCPI Command Terminators

A command string sent to the power supply must terminate with a <new line>
character. The IEEE-488 EOI (end-or-identify) message is interpreted as a
<new line> character and can be used to terminate a command string in place
of a <new line> character. A <carriage return> followed by a <new line> is
also accepted. Command string termination will always reset the current SCPI
command path to the root level. The <new line> character has the ASCII
decimal code of 10.
IEEE-488.2 Common Commands

The IEEE-488.2 standard defines a set of common commands that perform
functions like reset, self-test, and status operations. Common commands
always begin with an asterisk ( * ), are four to five characters in length, and
may include one or more parameters. The command keyword is separated
from the first parameter by a blank space. Use a semicolon ( ; ) to separate
multiple commands as shown below:
‘‘*RST; *CLS; *ESE 32; *OPC?”
106
SCPI Parameter Types

The SCPI language defines several different data formats to be used in program
messages and response messages.
Numeric Parameters Commands that require numeric parameters will

accept all commonly used decimal representations of numbers including
optional signs, decimal points, and scientific notation. Special values for
numeric parameters like MINimum, MAXimum, and DEFault are also accepted.
You can also send engineering unit suffixes (V, A or SEC) with numeric
parameters. If only specific numeric values are accepted, the power supply will
automatically round the input numeric parameters. The following command
uses a numeric parameter:
CURR {<current>|MIN|MAX|UP|DOWN}
Discrete Parameters Discrete parameters are used to program settings that

have a limited number of values (like BUS, IMM). Query responses will always
return the short form in all upper-case letters. The following command uses
discrete parameters:
TRIG:SOUR {BUS|IMM} 4
Boolean Parameters Boolean parameters represent a single binary
condition that is either true or false. For a false condition, the power supply
will accept ‘‘OFF’’ or ‘‘ 0 ’’. For a true condition, the power supply will accept
‘‘ON’’ or ‘‘ 1 ’’. When you query a boolean setting, the power supply will always
return ‘‘ 0 ’’ or ‘‘ 1 ’’. The following command uses a boolean parameter:
DISP {OFF|ON}
String Parameters String parameters can contain virtually any set of ASCII
characters. A string must begin and end with matching quotes; either with a
single quote or with a double quote. You can include the quote delimiter as part
of the string by typing it twice without any characters in between. The
following command uses a string parameter:
DISP:TEXT <quoted string>
107
Halting an Output in Progress
Halting an Output in Progress

You can send a device clear at any time to stop an output in progress over the
GPIB interface. The status registers, the error queue, and all configuration
states are left unchanged when a device clear message is received. Device clear
performs the following actions.
• The power supply’s input and output buffers are cleared.
• The power supply is prepared to accept a new command string.
• The following statement shows how to send a device clear over the GPIB
interface using Agilent BASIC.
‘‘CLEAR 705’’ IEEE-488 Device Clear
• The following statement shows how to send a device clear over the GPIB
interface using the GPIB Command Library for C or QuickBASIC.
‘‘IOCLEAR (705)’’
For RS-232 operation, sending the <Ctrl-C> character will perform the
same operation as the IEEE-488 device clear message. The power
supply’s DTR (data terminal ready) handshake line is set true following
a device clear message.
Note All remote interface configurations can be entered only from the front panel. See
‘‘Remote Interface Configuration’’ in chapter 3 to configure for GPIB or RS-232
interface before operating the power supply remotely.
108
SCPI Conformance Information

The power supply conforms to the ‘1996.0’ version of the SCPI standard. Many
of the commands required by the standard are accepted by the power supply
but are not described in this manual for simplicity or clarity. Most of these non-
documented commands duplicate the functionality of a command already
described in this manual.
SCPI Confirmed Commands

The following table lists the SCPI-confirmed commands that are used by the
power supply.
DISPlay
[:WINDow][:STATe] {OFF|ON}
[:WINDow][:STATe]?
[:WINDow]:TEXT[:DATA] <quoted string>
[:WINDow]:TEXT[:DATA]?
[:WINDow]:TEXT:CLEar
4
INITiate[:IMMediate]
MEASure
:CURRent[:DC]?
[:VOLTage][:DC]?
OUTPut
[:STATe] {OFF|ON}
[:STATE]?
[SOURce]
:CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] {<current>|MIN|MAX|UP|DOWN}
:CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]? [MIN|MAX]
:CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement] {<numeric value>|DEFault}
:CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement]? {DEFault}
:CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] {<current>|MIN|MAX}
:CURRent[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]?[MIN|MAX]
109
SCPI Confirmed Commands (continued)
[SOURce]
:VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] {<voltage>|MIN|MAX|UP|DOWN}
:VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude]?[MIN|MAX]
:VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement] {<numeric value>|DEFault}
:VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate]:STEP[:INCRement]? {DEFault}
:VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude] {<voltage>|MIN|MAX}
:VOLTage[:LEVel]:TRIGgered[:AMPLitude]?[MIN|MAX]
:VOLTage:PROTection[:LEVel] {<voltage>|MIN|MAX}
:VOLTage:PROTection[:LEVel]? {MIN|MAX}
:VOLTage:PROTection:STATe {0|1|OFF|ON}
:VOLTage:PROTection:STATe?
:VOLTage:PROTection:TRIPped?
:VOLTage:PROTection:CLEar
:VOLTage:RANGe {P8V|P20V|LOW|HIGH} (E3640A/42A/44A models)
:VOLTage:RANGe {P35V|P60V|LOW|HIGH} (E3641A/43A/45A models)
:VOLTage:RANGe?
STATus
:QUEStionable:CONDition?
:QUEStionable[:EVENt]?
:QUEStionable:ENABle <enable value>
:QUEStionable:ENABle?
SYSTem
:BEEPer[:IMMediate]
:ERRor?
:VERSion
TRIGger
[:SEQuence]:DELay {<seconds>|MIN|MAX}
[:SEQuence]:DELay?
[:SEQuence]:SOURce{BUS|IMM}
[:SEQuence]:SOURce?
110
Device Specific Commands

The following commands are device-specific to your power supply. They are
not included in the ‘1997.0’ version of the SCPI standard. However, these
commands are designed with the SCPI standard in mind and they follow all of
the command syntax rules defined by the standard.
Non-SCPI Commands
APPLy {<voltage>|DEF|MIN|MAX>}[,{<current>|DEF|MIN|MAX}]
APPLy?
CALibration
:COUNt?
:CURRent[:DATA] <numeric value>
:CURRent:LEVel {MIN|MID|MAX}
:SECure:CODE <new code>
:SECure:STATe {OFF|ON},<code>
:SECure:STATe?
:STRing <quoted string>
:STRing?
:VOLTage[:DATA] <numeric value>
4
:VOLTage:LEVel {MIN|MID|MAX}
:VOLTage:PROTection
OUTPut
:RELay[:STATe] {OFF|ON}
:RELay[:STATE]?
SYSTem
:LOCal
:REMote
:RWLock
111
IEEE-488 Conformance Information
IEEE-488 Conformance Information
Dedicated Hardware Lines IEEE-488 Common Commands
ATN Attention *CLS

IFC Interface Clear *ESE <enable value>
REN Remote Enable *ESE?
SRQ Service Request Enable *ESR?
*IDN?
*OPC
Addressed Commands *OPC?
*PSC {0|1}
DCL Device Clear *PSC?
EOI End or Identify *RST
GET Group Execute Trigger *SAV {1|2|3|4|5}
GTL Go To Local *RCL {1|2|3|4|5}
LLO Local Lockout *SRE <enable value>
SDC Selected Device Clear *SRE?
SPD Serial Poll Disable *STB?
SPE Serial Poll Enable *TRG
*TST?
*WAI
112
5
Error Messages
Error Messages
Errors are retrieved in first-in-first-out (FIFO) order. The first error returned
is the first error that was stored. Errors are cleared as you read them. When
you have read all errors from the queue, the ERROR annunciator turns off and
the errors are cleared. The power supply beeps once each time an error is
generated.
If more than 20 errors have occurred, the last error stored in the queue (the
most recent error) is replaced with -350, ‘‘Queue overflow’’. No additional
errors are stored until you remove errors from the queue. If no errors have
occurred when you read the error queue, the supply responds with +0,
‘‘No error’’ over the remote interface or ‘‘NO ERRORS’’ from the front panel.
The error queue is cleared by the *CLS (clear status) command or when power
is cycled. The errors are also cleared when you read the queue.
Note that the *RST (reset command) command does not clear the error queue.
Store
Press Local (Local) key to return to front-panel operation mode if you
operate power supply in remote operation mode.
View ERRORS
If the ERROR annunciator is on, press View to view the errors. Use the
knob to scroll through the error numbers. Press > to view the text of the
error message. Press > to increase the scrolling speed of the text on the
display. All errors are cleared when you exit the menu by pressing the View
or let the display time out for about 30 seconds.
SYSTem:ERRor? Read and clear one error from the error queue
Errors have the following format (the error string may contain up to 80
characters).
-102, ‘‘Syntax error’’
114
Execution Errors
Execution Errors
-101 Invalid character
An invalid character was found in the command string. You may have inserted
a character such as #, $, or % in the command keyword or within a parameter.
Example: OUTP:STAT #ON
-102 Syntax error

Invalid syntax was found in the command string. You may have inserted a blank
space before or after a colon in the command header, or before a comma.
Example: VOLT:LEV ,1
-103 Invalid separator

An invalid separator was found in the command string. You may have used a
comma instead of a colon, semicolon, or blank space - or you may have used
a blank space instead of a comma.
Example: TRIG:SOUR,BUS or APPL 1.0 1.0
-104 Data type error

The wrong parameter type was found in the command string. You may have
specified a number where a string was expected, or vice versa.
-105 GET not allowed

5
A Group Execute Trigger (GET) is not allowed within a command string.
-108 Parameter not allowed

More parameters were received than expected for the command. You may have
entered an extra parameter, or you added a parameter to a command that does
not accept a parameter.
Example: APPL? 10
-109 Missing parameter

Fewer parameters were received than expected for the command. You omitted
one or more parameters that are required for this command.
Example: APPL
115
Execution Errors
-112 Program mnemonic too long

A command header was received which contained more than the maximum 12
characters allowed.
-113 Undefined header

A command was received that is not valid for this power supply. You may have
misspelled the command or it may not be a valid command. If you are using
the short form of the command, remember that it may contain up to four letters.
Example: TRIGG:DEL 3
-121 Invalid character in number

An invalid character was found in the number specified for a parameter value.
Example: *ESE #B01010102
-123 Numeric overflow

A numeric parameter was found whose exponent was larger than 32,000.
-124 Too many digits

A numeric parameter was found whose mantissa contained more than 255
digits, excluding leading zeros.
-128 Numeric data not allowed

A numeric parameter was received but a character string was expected.
Example: DISP:TEXT 123
-131 Invalid suffix

A suffix was incorrectly specified for a numeric parameter. You may have
misspelled the suffix.
Example: TRIG:DEL 0.5 SECS
-134 Suffix too long

A suffix for a numeric parameter contained too many characters.
-138 Suffix not allowed

A suffix was received following a numeric parameter which does not accept a
suffix.
Example: STAT:QUES:ENAB 18 SEC (SEC is not a valid suffix).
116
Execution Errors
-141 Invalid character data

Either the character data element contained an invalid character or the
particular element received was not valid for the header.
-144 Character data too long

The character data element contained too many characters.
-148 Character data not allowed

A discrete parameter was received but a character string or a numeric
parameter was expected. Check the list of parameters to verify that you have
used a valid parameter type.
Example: DISP:TEXT ON
-151 Invalid string data

An invalid character string was received. Check to see if you have enclosed
the character string in single or double quotes.
Example: DISP:TEXT ’ON
-158 String data not allowed

A character string was received but is not allowed for the command. Check
the list of parameters to verify that you have used a valid parameter type.
Example: TRIG:DEL ‘zero’
-160 to -168 Block data errors

5
The power supply does not accept block data.
-170 to -178 Expression errors

The power supply does not accept mathematical expressions.
-211 Trigger ignored

A Group Execute Trigger (GET) or *TRG was received but the trigger was
ignored. Make sure that the trigger source should be selected to the bus and
the trigger subsystem should be initiated by INIT[:IMM] command.
-213 Init ignored

An INITiate command was received but could not be executed because a
measurement was already in progress. Send a device clear to halt a
measurement in progress and place the power supply in the ‘‘idle’’ state.
117
Execution Errors
-221 Settings conflict

Indicates that a legal program data element was parsed but could not be
executed due to the current device state.
-222 Data out of range

A numeric parameter value is outside the valid range for the command.
Example: TRIG:DEL -3
-223 Too much data

A character string was received but could not be executed because the string
length was more than 40 characters. This error can be generated by the
CALibration:STRing command.
-224 Illegal parameter value

A discrete parameter was received which was not a valid choice for the
command. You may have used an invalid parameter choice.
Example: DISP:STAT XYZ (XYZ is not a valid choice).
-330 Self-test failed

The power supply’s complete self-test failed from the remote interface (*TST?
command). In addition to this error, more specific self-test errors are also
reported. See also ‘‘Self-Test Errors’’, starting on page 120.
-350 Queue overflow

The error queue is full because more than 20 errors have occurred. No
additional errors are stored until you remove errors from the queue. The error
queue is cleared when power has been off, or after a *CLS (clear status)
command has been executed.
-410 Query INTERRUPTED

A command was received which sends data to the output buffer, but the output
buffer contained data from a previous command (the previous data is not
overwritten). The output buffer is cleared when power has been off, or after a
*RST (reset) command has been executed.
118
Execution Errors
-420 Query UNTERMINATED

The power supply was addressed to talk (i.e., to send data over the interface)
but a command has not been received which sends data to the output buffer.
For example, you may have executed an APPLy command (which does not
generate data) and then attempted an ENTER statement to read data from the
remote interface.
-430 Query DEADLOCKED

A command was received which generates too much data to fit in the output
buffer and the input buffer is also full. Command execution continues but all
data is lost.
-440 Query UNTERMINATED after indefinite response

The *IDN? command must be the last query command within a command
string.
Example: *IDN?;:SYST:VERS?
501 Isolator UART framing error
502 Isolator UART overrun error
511 RS-232 framing error
512 RS-232 overrun error 5

513 RS-232 parity error
514 Command allowed only with RS-232

There are three commands which are only allowed with the RS-232 interface:
SYSTem:LOCal, SYSTem:REMote, and SYSTem:RWLock.
521 Input buffer overflow
522 Output buffer overflow
550 Command not allowed in local

You should always execute the SYSTem:REMote command before sending
other commands over the RS-232 interface.
119
Self-Test Errors
Self-Test Errors
The following errors indicate failures that may occur during a self-test. Refer
to the Service Information for more information.
601 Front panel does not respond
602 RAM read/write failed
603 A/D sync stuck
604 A/D slope convergence failed
605 Cannot calibrate rundown gain
606 Rundown gain out of range
607 Rundown too noisy
608 Serial configuration readback failed
624 Unable to sense line frequency
625 I/O processor does not respond
626 I/O processor failed self-test
630 Fan test failed
631 System DAC test failed
632 Hardware test failed
120
Calibration Errors
Calibration Errors
The following errors indicate failures that may occur during a calibration.
Refer to the Service Information for more information.
701 Cal security disabled by jumper

The calibration security feature has been disabled with a jumper inside the
power supply. When applicable, this error will occur at power-on to warn you
that the power supply is unsecured.
702 Cal secured

The power supply is secured against calibration.
703 Invalid secure code

An invalid calibration security code was received when attempting to unsecure
or secure the power supply. You must use the same security code to unsecure
the power supply as was used to secure it, and vice versa. The security code
may contain up to 11 alphanumeric characters.
704 Secure code too long

A security code was received which contained more than 12 characters.
705 Cal aborted 5

A calibration in progress is aborted when you press any front-panel key, send
a device clear, or change the local/remote state of the instrument.
706 Cal value out of range

The specified calibration value (CALibration:VALue) is not valid for the
present measurement function and range.
708 Cal output disabled

Calibration is aborted by sending OUTP OFF command during calibrating a
output.
712 Bad DAC cal data

The specified DAC calibration values (CAL:VOLT or CAL:CURR) are out of
range. Note that the new calibration constants are not stored in the non-volatile
memory.
121
Calibration Errors
713 Bad readback cal data

The specified readback calibration values (CAL:VOLT or CAL:CURR) are out
of range. Note that the new calibration constants are not stored in the non-
volatile memory.
714 Bad OVP cal data

The overvoltage protection calibration constant is out of range. Note that the
new calibration constants are not stored in the non-volatile memory.
717 Cal OVP status enabled

Overvoltage protection status is enabled. You must set overvoltage to OFF
before and during the calibration.
718 Gain out of range for Gain Error Correction

The slope of the DAC gain is out of range. Hardware fails.
740 Cal checksum failed, secure state
741 Cal checksum failed, string data
743 Cal checksum failed, store/recall data in location 1
746 Cal checksum failed, DAC cal constants
747 Cal checksum failed, readback cal constants
748 Cal checksum failed, GPIB address
749 Cal checksum failed, internal data
122
6
Application Programs
Application Programs
This chapter contains two application programs that utilize the remote
interface. These examples will help you develop programs for your own
application. Chapter 4 “Remote Interface Reference” starting on page 67 lists
the syntax for the SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments)
commands available to program the power supply.
The examples in this chapter have been tested on a PC running WindowsÒ 3.1,
WindowsÒ 95 or WindowsÒ NT 4.0. The examples are written for use over
GPIB (IEEE 488) or RS-232. But the examples for use over the RS-232 interface
do not work with Windows 3.1. These examples require a VISA (Virtual
Instrument Software Architecture) driver for use with your GPIB interface
card in your PC. You should have the “visa.dll” for WindowsÒ 3.1 or
“visa32.dll” for WindowsÒ 95 or WindowsÒ NT 4.0 in your c:\windows\system
directory to have the examples in this chapter run properly. The examples step
through voltages and make corresponding current readings to characterize a
power diode.
124
Example Program for C and C++

The following C programming example shows you how to send and receive
formatted I/O. This example programming shows you how to use the SCPI
commands for the instrument with the VISA functionality and does include
error trapping. For more information on non-formatted I/O and error trapping,
refer to the Agilent Technologies VISA User’s Guide.
The following C programming example was written in MicrosoftÒ Visual C++
version 1.52 using project type “QuickWin application’’, and using the large
memory model and C++ version 4.x or 5.0 using project type “Windows 32
application’’. Be sure to move the “visa.lib (WindowsÒ 3.1) or visa32.lib
(WindowsÒ 95/NT)” and “visa.h” file to the lib and include development
directory. These are usually found in the c:\vxipnp\win(win95 or winnt)\lib\msc
or c:\vxipnp\win (win95 or winnt)\include directory.
Diode.c
/*Diode.C
This example program steps the power supply through 11 voltages and measures the current
response. It prints the voltage step and the current response as a table. Note that the
GPIB address is the default address from the factory for the power supply.*/
#include <visa.h>
#include <stdio.h>
#include <string.h>
#include <time.h>
#include <conio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
ViSession defaultRM; /* Resource manager id */

ViSession power_supply; /* Identifies power supply */
int bGPIB = 1; /* Set the number to 0 for use with the RS-232 */
long ErrorStatus; /* VISA Error code */
char
char
commandString[256];
ReadBuffer[256];
6
void delay(clock_t wait);
void SendSCPI(char* pString);
void CheckError(char* pMessage);
void OpenPort();
void main()
{
double voltage; /* Value of voltage sent to power supply */
char Buffer[256]; /* String returned from power supply */
double current; /* Value of current output of power supply */
Continued on next page
125
OpenPort();
/* Query the power supply id, read response and print it */

sprintf(Buffer,"*IDN?");
SendSCPI(Buffer);
printf("Instrument identification string:\n %s\n\n",Buffer);
SendSCPI("*RST"); /* Set power-on condition */

SendSCPI("Current 2"); /* Set current limit to 2A */
SendSCPI("Output on"); /* Turn output on */
printf("Voltage Current\n\n"); /* Print heading */
/*Step from 0.6 to 0.8 volt in 0.02 steps */

for(voltage = 0.6; voltage <=0.8001; voltage +=0.02)
{
printf("%.3f",voltage); /* Display diode voltage*/
/* Set output voltage */
ErrorStatus = viPrintf(power_supply,"Volt %f\n",voltage);
if(!bGPIB)
delay(500);/* 500 msec wating for RS-232 port*/
CheckError("Unable to set voltage");
/* Measure output current */
ErrorStatus = viPrintf(power_supply,"Measure:Current?\n");
CheckError("Unable to write device");
delay(500); /* Allow output to wait for 500 msec */
/* Retrieve reading */
ErrorStatus = viScanf(power_supply,"%lf",&current);
CheckError("Unable to read voltage");
printf("%6.4f\n",current); /* Display diode current */
}
SendSCPI("Output off"); /* Turn output off */
ClosePort();
}
/* Build the address required to open commnuication with GPIB card or RS-232.*/
/* The address format looks like this: "GPIB0::5::INSTR". */
/* To use the RS-232 interface using COM1 port, change it to "ASRL1::INSTR" */
/* address format */
void OpenPort()
{
char GPIB_Address[3];
char COM_Address[2];
char VISA_address[40]; /* Complete VISA address sent to card */
if(bGPIB)
strcpy(GPIB_Address,"5"); /* Select GPIB address between 0 to 30*/
else
strcpy(COM_Address,"1"); /* Set the number to 2 for COM2 port */
126
if(bGPIB){ /* For use with GPIB 7 address, use "GPIB::7::INSTR" address format */
strcpy(VISA_address,"GPIB::");
strcat(VISA_address,GPIB_Address);
strcat(VISA_address,"::INSTR");
}
else{ /* For use with COM2 port, use "ASRL2::INSTR" address format */
strcpy(VISA_address,"ASRL");
strcat(VISA_address,COM_Address);
strcat(VISA_address,"::INSTR");
}
/* Open communication session with the power supply */

ErrorStatus = viOpenDefaultRM(&defaultRM);
ErrorStatus = viOpen(defaultRM,VISA_address,0,0,&power_supply);
CheckError("Unable to open port");
if(!bGPIB)
SendSCPI("System:Remote");
}
void SendSCPI(char* pString)

{
char* pdest;
strcpy(commandString,pString);
strcat(commandString,"\n");
ErrorStatus = viPrintf(power_supply,commandString);
CheckError("Can’t Write to Driver");
if (bGPIB == 0)
delay(1000); /* Unit is milliseconds */
pdest = strchr(commandString, ’?’); /* Search for query command */

if( pdest != NULL ){
ErrorStatus = viScanf(power_supply,"%s",&ReadBuffer);
CheckError("Can’t Read From Driver");
}
strcpy(pString,ReadBuffer); 6
}
void ClosePort()
{
/* Close the communication port */
viClose(power_supply);
viClose(defaultRM);
}
127
void CheckError(char* pMessage)

{
if (ErrorStatus < VI_SUCCESS){
printf("\n %s",pMessage);
ClosePort();
exit(0);
}
}
void delay(clock_t wait)

{
clock_t goal;
goal = wait + clock();
while( goal > clock() ) ;
}
End of Program
128
Example Program for Excel 97

This section contains the example program written using Excel Macros (Visual
BasicÒ for Applications) to control your power supply. With Excel you can
take the value of a cell in a spread sheet, send it to the power supply, and then
record the response on the worksheet. The example on the following pages
characterizes a component across the terminals of the power supply. This
example reads 11 voltages from a worksheet, programs the power supply to
that voltage, and then reads the current. The value of current is recorded next
to the voltage on the spread sheet.
Example The following table shows the result of the example program starting on page
program result 131 for characterizing a diode. (Agilent Part number: 1901-1214, Manufacturer
Part number: MUR160, MotorolaÒ Co.)
129
To write an Excel macro you must first open a module in Excel. Go to the View
menu, choose Toolbars, and then select Control Toolbox. The Control Toolbox
dialog box appears. Select the Command button in the dialog box. Click cell
A1 and drag across the cell B3. The “CommandButton1” box is created. To
change the button name, click the right mouse button on that button and then
select Properties. The Properties dialog box appears. In the Properties dialog,
change the “(name)” and “caption” to “Diode”. To try the example for
characterizing a diode, type “Voltages” in cell A4 and “Current” in cell B4. In
cell A5 type 0.6. Fill in the cells A5 to A15 in 0.02 increments so that cell A15
contains 0.8.
To enter the “Diode” macro example in this section, go to the View menu,
choose Toolbars, and then Visual Basic Editor icon. The “Code window”
appears. Then type the text as shown on page 139 into the “[Moudle1 (code)]”
window. To enter the declaration for WindowsÒ 95/NT, go to the Insert menu,
choose Module. The “Module window” appears. Then type the text as shown
starting on page 141. This module will configure all of the overhead required
to communicate with the power supply over the interface. Choose the
preferred interface by setting “bGPIB=” to “True” or “False” and change the
GPIB address or RS-232 port in the routine “OpenPort( )’’ contained in the
module.
To run the macro, return back to the Excel window and select the Run Macro
button in the dialog box and choose the macro name, and then click on the
Run button . The power supply will reset to power on condition and then step
through the voltages in the worksheet. After each step the current is measured,
and recorded in the worksheet.
Make any changes necessary to suit your application in the “Diode’’ module.
You must enter the information in the modules exactly as shown or error will
be generated. If several system errors occur while attempting to run a macro,
you may have to reboot your PC to get the GPIB port or RS-232 port to work
properly.
Note To use the example with WindowÒ 3.1, you will need to modify the declarations at
the top of the module. Change ‘visa32.dll’ to ‘visa.dll’ in all declarations.
130
Diode Macro
'"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
' This is the subroutine first executed. Modify this routine to suit
' your needs. To change the GPIB address, go to the module OpenPort, and
' change the variable GPIB_Address = "5” to the required GPIB address.
' To change the RS-232 port, go to the moudle OpenPort, and change the
' variable COM_Address = "1” to the required port
'"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Global defaultRM As Long ' Resource manager id for VISA GPIB
Global power_supply As Long ' Identifies power supply
Global bGPIB As Boolean ' A flag using of GPIB or RS-232
Global ErrorStatus As Long ' VISA Error code
Sub Diode_Click()
Range("B5:B15").ClearContents
Dim I As Integer
bGPIB = True ' To use RS-232, set the bGPIB to False
OpenPort
SendSCPI "*RST" ' Set power-on condition
SendSCPI "Output on" ' Turn on the output
For I = 5 To 15
SendSCPI "Volt " & Str$(Cells(I, 1))
Cells(I, 2) = Val(SendSCPI("Meas:Current?"))
Next I
SendSCPI "Output off" ' Turn off the output
ClosePort
End Sub
Private Function OpenPort()

Dim GPIB_Address As String
Dim COM_Address As String
If bGPIB Then
GPIB_Address = "5" ' Select GPIB address between 0 to 30
Else
COM_Address = "1"
End If
' Set the number to 2 for COM2 port
6
ErrorStatus = viOpenDefaultRM(defaultRM) ' Open the VISA session
If bGPIB Then
ErrorStatus = viOpen(defaultRM, "GPIB0::" & GPIB_Address & "::INSTR", _
0, 1000, power_supply)
Else
ErrorStatus = viOpen(defaultRM, "ASRL" & COM_Address & "::INSTR", _
0, 1000, power_supply)
SendSCPI "System:Remote"
End If
CheckError "Unable to open port"
End Function
131
'*********************************************************************************
' This routine send a SCPI command string to the GPIB port or RS-232 port.
' If the command contains a question mark, the response is read, and returned
'**********************************************************************************
Private Function SendSCPI(command As String) As string
Dim commandString As String ' Command passed to power supply
Dim ReturnString As String ' Store the string returned
Dim crlfpos As Integer ' Location of any nul’s in Read Buffer
Dim ReadBuffer As String * 512 ' Buffer used for returned string
Dim actual As Long ' Number of characters sent/returned
commandString = command & Chr$(10) ' The instrumented by linefeed
ErrorStatus = viWrite(power_supply, ByVal commandString, Len(commandString), _
actual)
CheckError "Can’t Write to Device"
If bGPIB = False Then
delay 0.5
End If
If InStr(commandString, "?") Then
ErrorStatus = viRead(power_supply, ByVal ReadBuffer, 512, actual)
CheckError "Can’t Read From Device"
ReturnString = ReadBuffer
crlfpos = InStr(ReturnString, Chr$(0))
If crlfpos Then
ReturnString = Left(ReturnString, crlfpos - 1)
End If
SendSCPI = ReturnString
End If
End Function
Private Function ClosePort()

ErrorStatus = viClose(power_supply)
ErrorStatus = viClose(defaultRM)
End Function
Private Function delay(delay_time As Single)

Dim Finish As Single
Finish = Timer + delay_time
Do
Loop Until Finish <= Timer
End Function
Private Function CheckError(ErrorMessage As String)

If ErrorStatus < VI_SUCCESS Then
Cells(5, 2) = ErrorMessage
ClosePort
End
End If
End Function
End of Program
132
Declaration for Windows 3.1
'************************************************************************************
' This routine requires the file VISA.dll. It typically resides in the
' c:\windows\system directory. Additional declations for VISA.DLL are usally in file
' visa.bas under c:\vxipnp\win31\include directory on your PC. This routine uses the
' VTL Library to send commands to an instrument. A description of these and additional
' VTL commands are contained in the Agilent Technologies Visa Transition Library book
' Agilent Part Number E2094-90002.
'************************************************************************************
Declare Function viOpenDefaultRM Lib "VISA.DLL" Alias "#141" (viDefaultRM As Long) As Long
Declare Function viOpen Lib "VISA.DLL" Alias "#131" (ByVal viDefaultRM As Long, ByVal viDesc
As String, ByVal mode As Long, ByVal timeout As Long, vi As Long) As Long
Declare Function viClose Lib "VISA.DLL" Alias "#132" (ByVal vi As Long) As Long
Declare Function viRead Lib "VISA.DLL" Alias "#256" (ByVal vi As Long, ByVal Buffer As
String, ByVal count As Long, retCount As Long) As Long
Declare Function viWrite Lib "VISA.DLL" Alias "#257" (ByVal vi As Long, ByVal Buffer As
String, ByVal count As Long, retCount As Long) As Long
Declare Function viClear Lib "VISA.DLL" Alias "#260" (ByVal vi As Long) As Long
Declaration for Windows 95/NT 4.0
'************************************************************************************
' Additional declations for VISA32.DLL are usally in file visa32.bas under
' c:\vxipnp\win95(or winNT)\include directory on your PC. Also see the VISA manual
'************************************************************************************
Declare Function viOpenDefaultRM Lib "visa32.dll" (instrumentHandle As Long) As Long
Declare Function viOpen Lib "visa32.dll" (ByVal instrumentHandle As Long, _
ByVal viDesc As String, ByVal mode As Long, ByVal timeout As Long, _
vi As Long) As Long
Declare Function viClose Lib "visa32.dll" (ByVal vi As Long) As Long
6
Declare Function viWrite Lib "visa32.dll" (ByVal vi As Long, ByVal Buffer As String, _
ByVal count As Long, retCount As Long) As Long
Declare Function viRead Lib "visa32.dll" (ByVal vi As Long, ByVal Buffer As String, _
ByVal count As Long, retCount As Long) As Long
133
134
7
Tutorial
Tutorial
This chapter describes basic operation of linear power supply and operation
of this power supply. You will also find information to help you better
understand output characteristics of this power supply as well as an ideal
power supply. This chapter is divided into the following sections:
• Overview of this Power Supply Operation, on page 137

• Output Characteristics, on page 139
• Extending the Voltage and Current Range, on page 143
• Remote Programming, on page 144
136
Chapter 7 Tutorial
Overview of this Power Supply Operation

The basic design model for power supplies consists of placing a control
element in series with the rectifier and load device. Figure 7-1 shows a
simplified schematic of a series regulated supply with the phase-controlled
pre-regulator described as a power switch and the series element depicted as
a variable resistor. The phase-controlled pre-regulator minimizes the power
dissipated at the series element by maintaining the voltage drop across the
series element at a low and constant. Feedback control circuits continuously
monitor the output and adjust the series resistance to maintain a constant
output voltage. Because the variable resistance of Figure 7-1 is actually one or
more power transistor operating in the linear (class A) mode, supplies with
this type of regulator are often called linear power supplies. Linear power
supplies have many advantages and usually provide the simplest most effective
means of satisfying high performance and low power requirements.
Figure 7-1. Diagram of Simple Series Power Supply
This power supply has two ranges, allowing more voltage at a lower current
or more current at a lower voltage. Single range supplies can only output
maximum power at full scale voltages and full scale current. This supply can
provide output power that is close to maximum at full scale for both ranges.
The pre-regulator in this power supply uses solid state transformer tap
switches on the secondary winding of the power transformer. This technique
is very effective in reducing the power dissipated in the series element.
7
137
Chapter 7 Tutorial
In terms of performance, a linear regulated supply has a very precise regulating

properties and responds quickly to variations of the line and load. Hence, its
line and load regulation and transient recovery time are superior to supplies
using other regulation techniques. The power supply also exhibits low ripple
and noise, is tolerant of ambient temperature changes, and with its circuit
simplicity, has a high reliability.
This power supply contains a linear regulated power supply. It is controlled by
a control circuit that provides voltages to program the outputs. The power
supply sends back to the control circuits a voltage representing the output at
the terminals. The control circuits receive information from the front panel
and send information to the display. Similarly the control circuits ‘’talk’’ to the
remote interface for input and output with the GPIB and RS-232 interfaces.
The remote interface is at earth ground and optically isolated from the control
circuit and the power supply.
GPIB +
OPTICAL CONTROL POWER
ISOLATION DISPLAY SUPPLY
OUTPUT
RS-232 -
Figure 7-2. Block Diagram of the Power Supply Showing the Optical Isolation
138
Chapter 7 Tutorial
Output Characteristics
An ideal constant-voltage power supply would have a zero output impedance
at all frequencies. Thus, as shown in Figure 7-3, the voltage would remain
perfectly constant in spite of any changes in output current demanded by the
load.
Figure 7-3. Ideal Constant Voltage Figure 7-4. Ideal Constant Current
Power Supply Power Supply
The ideal constant-current power supply exhibits an infinite output impedance

at all frequencies. Thus as Figure 7-4 indicates, the ideal constant-current
power supply would accommodate a load resistance change by altering its
output voltage by just the amount necessary to maintain its output current at
a constant value.
The output of this power supply can operate in either constant-voltage (CV)
mode or constant-current (CC) mode. Under certain fault conditions, the
power supply can not operate in either CV or CC mode and becomes
unregulated.
139
Chapter 7 Tutorial
Figure 7-5 shows the operating modes of the output of this power supply. The
operating point of one supply will be either above or below the line RL = RC.
This line represents a load where the output voltage and the output current are
equal to the voltage and current setting. When the load RL is greater than RC,
the output voltage will dominate since the current will be less then the current
setting. The power supply is said to be in constant voltage mode. The load at
point 1 has a relatively high resistance value (compared to RC), the output
voltage is at the voltage setting, and the output current is less than the current
setting. In this case the power supply is in the constant voltage mode and the
current setting acts as a current limit.
Figure 7-5. Output Characteristics
When the load RL is less than RC, the output current will dominate since the
voltage will be less than the set voltage. The power supply is said to be in
constant current mode. The load at point 2 has a relatively low resistance, the
output voltage is less than the voltage setting, the output current is at the
current setting. The supply is in constant current mode and the voltage setting
acts as a voltage limit.
140
Chapter 7 Tutorial
Unregulated State
If the power supply should go into a mode of operation that is neither CV or
CC, the power supply is unregulated. In this mode the output is not predictable.
The unregulated condition may be the result of the ac line voltage below the
specifications. The unregulated condition may occur momentarily. For
example when the output is programmed for a large voltage step; the output
capacitor or a large capacitive load will charge up at the current limit setting.
During the ramp up of the output voltage the power supply will be in the
unregulated mode. During the transition from CV to CC as when the output is
shorted, the unregulated state may occur briefly during the transition.
Unwanted Signals
An ideal power supply has a perfect dc output with no signals across the
terminals or from the terminals to earth ground. The actual power supply has
finite noise across the output terminals, and a finite current will flow through
any impedance connected from either terminal to earth ground. The first is
called normal mode voltage noise and the second common mode current
noise. Figure 7-6 shows the simplified diagram of common mode and normal
mode sources of noise.
Normal mode voltage noise is in the form of ripple related to the line frequency
plus some random noise. Both of these are of very low value in the power
supply. Careful lead layout and keeping the power supply circuitry away from
power devices and other noise sources will keep these values low.
Common mode noise can be a problem for very sensitive circuitry that is
referenced to earth ground. When a circuit is referenced to earth ground, a low
level line—related ac current will flow from the output terminals to earth
ground. Any impedance to earth ground will create a voltage drop equal to the
current flow multiplied by the impedance. To minimize this effect, the output
terminal can be grounded at the output terminal. Alternately, any impedances
to earth ground should have a complementary impedance to earth ground to
cancel any generated voltages. If the circuit is not referenced to earth ground,
common mode power line noise is typically not a problem.
The output will also change due to changes in the load. As the load increases
the output current will cause a small drop in the output voltage of the power
supply due to the output impedance R. Any resistance in the connecting wire
will add to this resistance and increase the voltage drop. Using the largest
possible hook up wire will minimize the voltage drop. Using the remote sense 7
leads at the load will compensate for lead resistance in the load leads.
141
Chapter 7 Tutorial
NORMAL
MODE
NOISE
R
<5mVpp*
<0.5mVrms* OUTPUT
OUTPUT <8mVpp** TERMINAL
VOLTAGE <1mVrms**
COMMON
MODE
NOISE
<1.5 uArms
*E3640A/41A/44A models
**E3641A/43A/45A models
Figure 7-6. Simplified Diagram of Common Mode and Normal Mode

Sources of Noise
When the load changes very rapidly, as when a relay contact is closed, the
inductance in the hook up wire and in the power supply output will cause a
spike to appear at the load. The spike is a function of the rate of change of the
load current. When very rapid changes in load are expected, a capacitor with
a low series resistance, in parallel with the power supply, and close to the load
is the best way to minimize these voltage spikes.
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Chapter 7 Tutorial
Extending the Voltage and Current Range
Extending the Voltage and Current Range

The power supply may be able to provide voltages and currents greater than
its rated maximum outputs if the power-line voltage is at or above its nominal
value. Operation can be extended up to 3% over the rated output without
damage to the power supply, but performance can not be guaranteed to meet
specifications in this region. If the power-line voltage is maintained in the upper
end of the input voltage range, the power supply will probably operate within
its specifications. The power supply is more likely to stay within specifications
if only one of the voltage or current outputs is exceeded.
Series Connections
Series operation of two or more power supplies can be accomplished up to the
output isolation rating of any one supply to obtain a higher voltage than that
available from a single supply. Series connected power supplies can be
operated with one load across both power supplies or with a separate load for
each power supply. The power supply has a reverse polarity diode connected
across the output terminals so that if operated in series with other power
supplies, damage will not occur if the load is short-circuited or if one power
supply is turned on separately from its series partners.
When series connection is used, the output voltage is the sum of the voltages
of the individual power supplies. The current is the current of any one power
supply. Each of the individual power supplies must be adjusted in order to
obtain the total output voltage.
Parallel Connections
Two or more power supplies being capable of CV/CC automatic cross over
operation can be connected in parallel to obtain a total output current greater
than that available from one power supply. The total output current is the sum
of the output currents of the individual power supplies. The output of each
power supply can be set separately. The output voltage controls of one power
supply should be set to the desired output voltage; the other power supply
should be set for a slightly higher output voltage. The supply with the higher
output voltage setting will deliver its constant current output, and drop its
output voltage until it equals the output of the other supply, and the other
supply will remain in constant voltage operation and only deliver that fraction
of its rated output current which is necessary to fulfill the total load demand.
7
143
Chapter 7 Tutorial
Remote Programming
Remote Programming
During remote programming a constant-voltage regulated power supply is
called upon to change its output voltage rapidly. The most important factor
limiting the speed of output voltage change is the output capacitor and load
resistor.
Figure 7-7. Speed of Response - Programming Up (Full Load)
The equivalent circuit and the nature of the output voltage waveform when the
supply is being programmed upward are shown in Figure 7-8. When the new
output is programmed, the power supply regulator circuit senses that the
output is less than desired and turns on the series regulator to its maximum
value IL, the current limit or constant current setting.
This constant current IL charges the output capacitor CO and load resistor RL
parallel. The output therefore rises exponentially with a time constant RLCL
towards voltage level ILRL, a value higher than the new output voltage being
programmed.
When this exponential rise reaches the newly programmed voltage level, the
constant voltage amplifier resumes its normal regulating action and holds the
output constant. Thus, the rise time can be determined approximately using
the formula shown in Figure 7-8.
144
Chapter 7 Tutorial
Remote Programming
If no load resistor is attached to the power supply output terminal, then the
output voltage will rise linearly at a rate of CO/IL when programmed upward,
and TR = CO(E2 -E1)/IL, the shortest possible up-programming time.
Figure 7-8. Speed of Response - Programming Down
Figure 7-8 shows that when the power supply is programmed down, the
regulator senses that the output voltage is higher than desired and turns off
the series transistors entirely. Since the control circuit can in no way cause the
series regulator transistors to conduct backwards, the output capacitor can
only be discharged through the load resistor and internal current source (IS).
The output voltage decays linearly with slope of IS/CO with no load and stops
falling when it reaches the new output voltage which has been demanded. If
full load is connected, the output voltage will fall exponentially faster.
Since up-programming speed is aided by the conduction of the series regulating
transistor, while down programming normally has no active element aiding in
the discharge of the output capacitor, laboratory power supplies normally
program upward more rapidly than downward.
145
Chapter 7 Tutorial
Remote Programming
146
8
Specifications
Specifications
The performance specifications are listed in the following pages.

Specifications are warranted in the temperature range of 0 to 40°C with a
resistive load. Supplemental characteristics, which are not warranted but
are descriptions of performance determined either by design or testing. The
Service Information contains procedures for verifying the performance
specifications.
148
Performance Specifications
Table 8-1 Performance Specifications
Parameter E3640A E3641A E3642A E3643A E3644A E3645A
Output Ratings Low 0 to +8 V/ 0 to +35 V/ 0 to +8 V/ 0 to +35 V/ 0 to +8 V/ 0 to +35 V/
(@ 0 °C - 40 °C) Range 0 to 3 A 0 to 0.8 A 0 to 5 A 0 to 1.4 A 0 to 8 A 0 to 2.2 A
High 0 to +20 V/ 0 to +60 V/ 0 to +20 V/ 0 to +60 V/ 0 to +20 V/ 0 to +60 V/
Range 0 to 1.5 A 0 to 0.5 A 0 to 2.5 A 0 to 0.8 A 0 to 4 A 0 to 1.3 A
Programming Accuracy [1] Voltage <0.05% + 10 mV
12 months (@ 25 °C ± 5 °C), Current <0.2% + 10 mA
±(% of output + offset)
Readback Accuracy[1] Voltage <0.05% + 5 mV
12 months (over GPIB and Current <0.15% + 5 mA
RS-232 or front panel with
respect to actual output (@ 25 °C
± 5 °C), ±(% of output + offset)
Ripple and Noise Normal <0.5 mVrms <1 mVrms <0.5 mV rms <1 mVrms <0.5mVrms <1 mVrms
(with outputs ungrounded, or mode and and and and and and
with either output terminal voltage 5 mVp-p 8 mVp-p 5 mVp-p 8 mVp-p 5 mVp-p 8 mVp-p
grounded, 20 Hz to 20 MHz) Normal <4 mA rms
mode
current
Common <1.5 uA rms
mode
current
Load Regulation, Voltage <0.01% + 3 mV
±(% of output + offset) Current <0.01% + 250 uA
Line Regulation, Voltage <0.01% + 3 mV
±(% of output + offset) Current <0.01% + 250 uA
Programming Resolution Voltage <5 mV
Current <1 mA
Readback Resolution Voltage <2 mV
Current <1 mA
Front Panel Resolution Voltage 10 mV
Current 1 mA
[1]Accuracy
specifications are after an 1-hour warm-up with no load and
calibration at 25 °C.
149
8
Transient Response Time

Less than 50 msec for output to recover to within 15 mV following a change in
output current from full load to half load or vice versa
Settling Time
Less than 90 msec for the output voltage to change from 1% to 99% or vice versa
following the receipt of VOLTage or APPLy command via direct GPIB or
RS-232 interface.
OVP Accuracy, ±(% of output + offset)

<0.5% + 0.5 V
Activation time: Average time for output to start to drop after OVP condition
occurs.
<1.5 msec when the trip voltage is equal or greater than 3 V
<10 msec when the trip voltage is less than 3 V
150
Supplemental Characteristics
Table 8-2. Supplemental Characteristics
Parameter E3640A E3641A E3642A E3643A E3644A E3645A
Output Low 0 to +8.24 V/ 0 to +36.05 V/ 0 to +8.24 V/ 0 to +36.05 V/ 0 to +8.24 V/ 0 to +36.05 V/
Programming Range 0 to 3.09 A 0 to 0.824 A 0 to 5.15 A 0 to 1.442 A 0 to 8.24 A 0 to 2.266 A
Range High 0 to +20.6 V/ 0 to +61.8V/ 0 to +20.6V/ 0 to +61.8V/ 0 to +20.6 V/ 0 to +61.8V/
(maximum Range 0 to 1.545 A 0 to 0.515 A 0 to 2.575 A 0 to 0.824 A 0 to 4.12 A 0 to 1.339 A
programmable
values) OVP 1 V to 22 V 1 V to 66 V 1 V to 22 V 1 V to 66 V 1 V to 22 V 1 V to 66 V
Remote Sensing Capability

Voltage drop Up to 1 V per each lead
Load regulation Add 5 mV to spec for each 1-volt change in the + output
lead due to load current changes.
Load voltage Subtract voltage drop in load leads from specified output
voltage rating.
Temperature Coefficient, ±(% of output + offset)

Maximum change in output/readback per °C after a 30-minute warm-up
Voltage <0.01% + 3 mV
Current <0.02% + 3 mA
Stability, ±(% of output + offset)

Following 30 minutes warm-up, change in output over 8 hours under constant
load, line, and ambient temperature.
Voltage <0.02% + 2 mV
Current <0.1% + 1 mA
Output Voltage Overshoot

During turn-on or turn-off of ac power, output plus overshoot will not exceed
1 V if the output control is set to less than 1 V. If the output control is set to
1 V or higher, there is no overshoot.
151
8
Programming Language
SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments)
State Storage Memory

Five (5) user-configurable stored states
Recommended Calibration Interval

1 year
Output Terminal Isolation (maximum, from chassis ground)

±60 Vdc when connecting shorting conductors without insulation between the
(+) output and the (+) sense terminals and between the (-) output and the (-)
sense terminals.
±240 Vdc when connecting insulated shorting conductors between the (+)
output and the (+) sense terminals and between the (-) output and the (-) sense
terminals.
AC Input Ratings (selectable via two switches on PC board)

std 115 Vac ± 10%, 47 to 63 Hz
opt 0E3 230 Vac ± 10%, 47 to 63 Hz
opt 0E9 100 Vac ± 10%, 47 to 63 Hz
Maximum Input Power
E3640A E3641A E3642A E3643A E3644A E3645A

105 VA 105 VA 205 VA 175 VA 300 VA 270 VA
Cooling
Fan cooled
Operating Temperature
0 to 40 °C for full rated output.
152
Storage Temperature
-20 to 70 °C for storage environment.
Environmental Conditions
Designed for indoor use in an installation category II, pollution degree 2
environment. Designed to operate at a maximum relative humidity of 95%
and at altitudes of up to 2000 meters.
Weight
E3640A E3641A E3642A E3643A E3644A E3645A
Net 5.3 Kg 5.2 Kg 6.3 Kg 6.2 Kg 6.6 Kg 6.7 Kg
Shipping 7.2 Kg 7.1 Kg 8.2 Kg 8.1 Kg 8.5 Kg 8.6 Kg
Dimensions*
212.8 mmW x 88.3 mmH x 348.3 mmD
*See below and the next page for more detailed information.
Figure 8-1. Dimensions of Agilent E3640A/41A/42A/43A/44A/45A Power Supply
153
8
Figure 8-2. Dimensions for Rack mounting
154
Appendix
Service Information
Service Information
This chapter contains procedures to verify that the power supply is operating
normally and is within published specifications (See page 147). The power
supply must pass the complete self-test before calibration or any of the
verification or performance tests can be performed. If the supply fails any of
the tests or if abnormal test results are obtained, refer to the troubleshooting
hints in this document. This chapter has three main sections for:
• Returning a failed power supply to Agilent Technologies for service
or repair
• Operating Checklist‚ on page 157
• Types of Service Available‚ on page 158
• Repacking for Shipment‚ on page 159
• Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions‚ on page 160
• Surface Mount Repair‚ on page 160
• To Replace the Power-Line Fuse‚ on page 160
• Troubleshooting Hints‚ on page 161
• Self-Test Procedures‚ starting on page 162
• General Disassembly‚ on page 164
• Verification & performance test procedures and calibration
procedure
• Recommended Test Equipment‚ on page 165
• Test Considerations‚ on page 166
• Operation Verification and Performance Tests‚ on page 166
• Measurement Techniques‚ starting on page 167
• Constant Voltage (CV) Verifications‚ starting on page 169
• Constant Current (CC) Verifications‚ starting on page 174
• Common Mode Current Noise‚ on page 178
• Performance Test Record for Your Power Supply‚ starting on page 179
• Calibration Reference‚ on page 181
• General Calibration/Adjustment Procedure‚ starting on page 182
• Calibration Record for Your Power Supply‚ starting on page 187
• Calibration Error Messages‚ on page 188
• Replaceable parts list, component locator diagram, and schematics
156
Information
Service
Operating Checklist
Operating Checklist
Before returning your power supply to Agilent Technologies for service or
repair check the following items:
Is the Power Supply Inoperative?

Verify that the ac power cord is connected to the power supply.
Verify that the front-panel power switch has been pushed.
Verify that the power-line fuse is installed and not open (See page 20):
Verify the power-line voltage setting.
See “If the Power Supply Does Not Turn On” on page 20.
Does the Power Supply Fail Self-Test?

Verify that the correct power-line voltage is selected.
See “If the Power Supply Does Not Turn On” on page 20.
Remove all load connections to the power supply.
Ensure that all terminal connections are removed while the self-test is
performed.
157
Types of Service Available
Types of Service Available

If your power supply fails within three years of original purchase, Agilent
Technologies will repair or replace it free of charge. If your unit fails after your
three year warranty expires, Agilent Technologies will repair or replace it as a
very competitive price. Agilent will make the decision locally whether to repair
or replace your unit.
Standard Repair Service (worldwide)

Contact your nearest Agilent Service Center. They will arrange to have your
power supply repaired or replaced.
Express Exchange (U.S.A. only)

You can receive a replacement power supply via overnight shipment for low
downtime.
1 Call 1-800-258-5165 and ask for ‘‘Express Exchange.’’
• You will be asked for your shipping address and a credit card number to
guarantee return of your failed power supply.
• If you do not return your failed power supply within 45 days, your credit
card will be billed for a new power supply.
• If you choose not to supply a credit card number, you will be asked to send
your failed unit to a designated Agilent Service Center. After the failed unit
is received, Agilent will send your replacement unit.
2 Agilent will immediately send a replacement power supply to you via
overnight shipment.
• The replacement unit will have a different serial number than your failed
unit.
• If you can not accept a new serial number for the replacement unit, use the
Standard Repair Service option described above.
• If your failed unit was ‘‘in-warranty,’’ your replacement unit continues the
original three year warranty period. You will not be billed for the
replacement unit as long as the failed unit is received by Agilent.
• If your three year warranty has expired, Agilent will bill you for the power
supply exchange price - less than a new unit price. Agilent warrants
exchange units against defects for 90 days.
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Repacking for Shipment
Repacking for Shipment

For the Express Exchange Service described on the previous page, return your
failed power supply to the designated Agilent Service Center using the shipping
carton of the exchange unit. A shipping label will be supplied. Agilent will
notify you when your failed unit has been received.
If the instrument is to be shipped to Agilent for service or repair, be sure to:
• Attach a tag to the power supply identifying the owner and indicating the
required service or repair. Include the instrument model number and full
serial number.
• Place the power supply in its original container with appropriate packaging
material.
• Secure the container with strong tape or metal bands.
If the original shipping container is not available, place your unit in a container
which will ensure at least 4 inches of compressible packaging material around
all sides for the power supply. Use static-free packaging materials to avoid
additional damage to your unit.
Agilent Technologies recommends that you always insure shipments.
159
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions

Almost all electrical components can be damaged by electrostatic discharge
(ESD) during handling. Component damage can occur at electrostatic
discharge voltages as low as 50 volts.
The following guidelines will help prevent ESD damage when serving the
power supply or any electronic device.
• Disassemble instruments only in a static-free work area.
• Use a conductive work area to dissipate static charge.
• Use a conductive wrist strap to dissipate static charge accumulation.
• Minimize handling.
• Keep replacement parts in original static-free packaging.
• Remove all plastic, styrofoam, vinyl, paper, and other static-generating
materials from the immediate work area.
• Use only anti-static solder suckers.
Surface Mount Repair

Surface mount components should only be removed using soldering irons or
disordering stations expressly designed for surface mount components.
Use of conventional solder removal equipment will almost always result in
permanent damage to the printed circuit board and will void your Agilent
Technologies factory warranty.
To Replace the Power-Line Fuse

The power-line fuse is located within the power supply’s fuse-holder assembly
on the rear panel (see page 22). See page 20 to check the rating of power-line
fuse and replace with the correct one for your power supply.
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Troubleshooting Hints
Troubleshooting Hints
This section provides a brief check list of common failures. Before
troubleshooting or repairing the power supply, make sure that the failure is in
the power supply rather than any external connections. Also make sure that
the power supply is accurately calibrated. The power supply’s circuits allow
troubleshooting and repair with basic equipment such as a 6½-digital
multimeter.
Unit Reports Errors 740 to 750

These errors may be produced if you accidentally turn off power of the unit
during a calibration or while changing a non-volatile state of the instrument.
Recalibration or resetting the state should clear the error. If the error persists,
a hardware failure may have occurred.
Unit Fails Self-Test

Verify that the correct power-line voltage setting is selected. Also, ensure that
all terminal connections are removed while the self-test is performed. Failure
of the DAC U131 on the PC board will cause many self-test failures.
Bias Supplies Problems

Check that the input to the voltage regulators of the bias supplies is at least
1 V greater than their output. Circuit failures can cause heavy loads of the bias
supplies which may pull down the regulator output voltages. Check the
voltages of bias supplies as tabulated below.
Table A-1 Bias Supplies Voltages

Bias Supply Minimum Maximum Check At
+5V Floating +4.75 V +5.25 V U110 pin 2
-5.1V Floating -4.75 V -5.25 V Anode of CR114
+15V Floating +14.25 V +15.75 V Anode of CR104
-15V Floating -14.25 V -15.75 V Cathode of CR105
Some circuits produce their own local bias supplies from the main bias
supplies. Be sure to check that these local bias supplies are active. In particular,
the ADC (analog-to-digital converter), ac input, and front panel sections have
local bias supplies. Always check that the power supplies are free of ac
oscillations using an oscilloscope. Failure of bias supplies will cause many self-
test failures.
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Self-Test Procedures
Power-On Self-Test
Each time the power supply is powered on, a set of self-tests are performed.
These tests check that the minimum set of logic and measurement hardware
are functioning properly. Failures during the power-on self-test utilize error
codes 601 through 604 and 624 through 632.
Complete Self-Test
Hold any front panel key except the ‘‘View’’ key for more than 5 seconds while
turning on the power to perform a complete self-test. The power supply beeps
when the test starts. The tests are performed in the order shown below.
601 Front Panel Does not respond The main controller U121 attempts to
establish serial communications with the front panel controller U1 on the front
panel board. During this test, the U1 turns on all display segments.
Communication must function in both directions for this test to pass. If this
error is detected during power-on self-test, the power supply will beep twice.
This error is only readable from the remote interface.
602 RAM read/write failed This test writes and reads a 55h and AAh checker
board pattern to each address of ram U125. Any incorrect readback will cause
a test failure. This error is only readable from the remote interface.
603 A/D sync stuck The main controller issues an A/D sync pulse to U121 and
U130 to latch the value in the ADC slope counters. A failure is detected when
a sync interrupt is not recognized and subsequent time-out occurs.
604 A/D slope convergence failed The input amplifier is configured to the
measure zero (MZ) state in the 10 V range. This test checks whether the ADC
integrator produces nominally the same number of positive and negative slope
decisions (±10%) during a 20 ms interval.
605 Cannot calibrate rundown gain This test checks the nominal gain between
integrating ADC and the U121 on-chip ADC. This error is reported if the
procedure can not run to completion due to a hardware failure.
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606 Rundown gain out of range This test checks the nominal gain between the
integrating ADC and the U121 on-chip ADC. The nominal gain is checked to
±10% tolerance.
607 Rundown too noisy This test checks the gain repeatability between the
integrating ADC and the U121 on-chip ADC. The gain test (606) is performed
eight times. Gain noise must be less that ±64 lsb’s of the U121 on-chip ADC.
608 Serial configuration readback failed This test re-sends the last 3 byte serial
configuration data to all the serial path (SERDAT, SERBCK, SERCLK). The
data is then clocked back into U130 and compared against the original 3 bytes
sent. A failure occurs if the data do not match. This tests checks the serial data
path through U138.
624 Unable to sense line frequency This test checks that the LSENCE logic
input U121 is toggling. If no logic input detected, the power supply will assume
a 50 Hz line operation for all future measurements.
625 I/O processor did not respond This test checks that communications can
be established between U121 and U103 through the optically isolated (U108
and U109) serial data link. Failure to establish communication in either
direction will generate an error. If this condition is detected at power-on
self-test, the power supply will beep and the error annunciator will be on.
626 I/O processor failed self-test This test causes the earth referenced
processor U103 to execute an internal, ram test. Failure will generate an error.
630 Fan test failed This test checks if the fan current is flowing. If the current
is not detected at power-on self-test, the power supply will beep and the error
annunciator will be on. Fan test fail could likely induce overtemperature
condition in the power supply.
631 System DAC test failed This test checks if the DAC hardware is functional.
The main controller U121 sends a reference voltage data to DAC and converts
the DAC output to digital data to see if the digital data is within a valid range.
632 Hardware test failed This test checks the status of voltage and current error
amplifiers for the power circuit. If both amplifiers are not operational, the
power supply will beep and the error annunciator will be on.
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General Disassembly
General Disassembly
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Recommended Test Equipment
Recommended Test Equipment

The test equipment recommended for the performance verification and
adjustment procedures is listed below. If the exact instrument is not available,
use the accuracy requirements shown to select substitute calibration
standards. If you use equipment other than that recommended in Table A-2,
you must recalculate the measurement uncertainties for the actual equipment
used.
Table A-2 Recommended Test Equipment

Instrument Requirements Recommended Model Use
GPIB controller Full GPIB or RS-232 Agilent 82341C interface card Programming and readback
capabilities or equivalent accuracy
Oscilloscope 100 MHz with 20 MHz Agilent 54602B Display transient response
bandwidth and ripple & noise waveform
RMS Voltmeter 20 Hz to 20 MHz Measure rms ripple & noise
Cable (BNC to BNC) 50 ohm, 9 inch (23 Cm) Agilent 10502A or 10503A if Measure rms ripple & noise
the 10502A is not available (CV PARD, CC PARD)
BNC (Female) Isolated Ground. Pomona Model 5148 Measure rms ripple & noise
Bulkhead Receptacle Nominal impedance: 50 Ohm (CV PARD, CC PARD)
Split Ferrites For use with round cable Steward Co. 28A2029-0A0 Noise coupling reduction
Digital Voltmeter Resolution: 0.1 mV Agilent 34401A Measure dc voltages
Accuracy: 0.01%
Electronic Load Voltage Range: 240 Vdc Agilent 60503B Measure load and line
Current Range: 10 Adc regulations and transient
Open and Short Switches response time.
Transient On/Off
Resistive Loads (RL) (2.7 , 150 W/13.5 , 150 W)1 (25 , 300 W/75 , 300 W)5 Measure ripple and noise
(43.8 , 300 W/120 , 300 W)2 (15.9, 300W/46.2, 300W)6
(1.6 , 300 W/8.0 , 300 W)3
(1.0 , 300 W/5.0 , 300 W)4
Current monitoring (0.01 , 0.1%)* ISOTEK Co. Model: A-H or Constant current test setup
Resistor (Shunt) - RM1 equivalent
Current monitoring (0.2 W, 0.1%)* ISOTEK Co. Model: RUG-Z Measure current rms ripple &
Resistor (Shunt) - RM2 or equivalent noise
* To find the accurate resistance, it is recommended to use a current monitoring resistor after calibration.
1E3640A
model, 2E3641A model, 3E3642A model, 4E3644A, 5E3643A, 6E3645A model.
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Test Considerations
Test Considerations
To ensure proper power supply operation, verify that you have selected the
correct power-line voltage prior to attempting any test procedure in this
chapter. See page 21 for line voltage conversion.
Ensure that all connections of terminals (both front panel and rear panel) are
removed while the power supply internal self-test is being performed.
For optimum performance verification, all test procedures should comply with
the following recommendations:
• Assure that the calibration ambient temperature is stable and between 20°C
and 30°C.
• Assure ambient relative humidity is less than 80%.
• Allow a 1-hour warm-up period before verification or calibration.
• Use short cables to connect test set-ups.
Caution The tests should be performed by qualified personnel. During performance

verification tests, hazardous voltages may be present at the outputs of the power
supply.
Operation Verification and Performance Tests

Operation Verification Tests
To assure that the power supply is operating properly, without testing all
specified parameters, perform the following test procedures:
• Perform the power-on self-test and check out procedures on page 18.
(See “Self-Test” on page 56 for more information)
• Perform the Voltage Programming and Readback Accuracy test, and the
Current Programming and Readback Accuracy tests in this document.
Performance Tests
The following sections provide test procedures for verifying the supply’s
compliance with the specifications listed in Table 8-1, “Performance
Specifications,” on page 149. All of the performance test specifications and
calculated measurement uncertainties are entered in the appropriate
Performance Test Record Card for your specific model. You can record the
actual measured values in the column provided in this card.
If you use equipment other than that recommended in Table A-1, you must
recalculate the measurement uncertainties for the actual equipment used.
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Measurement Techniques
Setup for Most Tests

Most tests are performed at the front terminals as shown in Figure A-1. Measure
the dc voltage directly at the (+) and (-) terminals on the front panel.
DVM,
Scope, or
RMS
Figure A-1 Performance Verification Test Setup
Current-Monitoring Resistor
To eliminate output current measurement error caused by the voltage drops
in the leads and connections, connect the current monitoring resistor between
the (-) output terminal and the load as a four-terminal device. Connect the
current-monitoring leads inside the load-lead connections directly at the
monitoring points on the resistor element (see RM in Figure A-1).
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General Measurement Techniques

To achieve best results when measuring load regulation, peak to peak voltage,
and transient response time of the power supply, measuring devices must be
connected through the hole in the neck of the binding post at (A) while the
load resistor is plugged into the front of the output terminals at (B). A
measurement made across the load includes the impedance of the leads to the
load. The impedance of the load leads can easily be several orders of the
magnitude greater than the power supply impedance and thus invalidate the
measurement. To avoid mutual coupling effects, each measuring device must
be connected directly to the output terminals by separate pairs of leads.
TO MONITORING
DEVICE
TO LOAD OR
[Front Panel (Side View)] CURRENT (Rear Panel)
RESISTOR
Figure A-2 Front/Rear Panel Terminal Connections
Electronic Load
Many of the test procedures require the use of a variable load resistor capable
of dissipating the required power. Using a variable load resistor requires that
switches should be used to connect, disconnect, and short the load resistor.
An electronic load, if available, can be used in place of a variable load resistor
and switches. The electronic load is considerably easier to use than load
resistors. It eliminates the need for connecting resistors or rheostats in parallel
to handle power, it is much more stable than carbon-pile load, and it makes
easy work of switching between load conditions as is required for the load
regulation and load response tests. Substitution of the electronic load requires
minor changes to the test procedures in this chapter.
Programming
Most performance tests can be performed from the front panel. However, an
GPIB or RS-232 controller is required to perform the voltage and current
programming accuracy and readback accuracy tests.
The test procedures are written assuming that you know how to program the
power supply either from the front panel or from an GPIB or RS-232 controller.
See "Output Setting and Operation Commands" in chapter 4 for complete
instructions on remote programming.
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Constant Voltage (CV) Verifications
Constant Voltage Test Setup

If more than one meter or if a meter and an oscilloscope are used, connect
each to the (+) and (-) terminals by a separate pair of leads to avoid mutual
coupling effects. Use coaxial cable or shielded 2-wire cable to avoid noise
pick-up on the test leads.
Table A-3 Verification Programming Values

Low voltage High voltage Low voltage High voltage
Model range range Model range range
E3640A 8V/3A 20V/1.5A E3643A 35V/1.4A 60V/0.8A
E3641A 35V/0.8A 60V/0.5A E3644A 8V/8A 20V/4A
E3642A 8V/5A 20V/2.5A E3645A 35V/2.2A 60V/1.3A
Voltage Programming and Readback Accuracy

This test verifies that the voltage programming and GPIB or RS-232 readback
functions are within specifications. Note that the readback values over the
remote interface should be identical to those displayed on the front panel.
You should program the power supply over the remote interface for this test
to avoid round off errors.
1 Turn off the power supply and connect a digital voltmeter between the (+) and
(-) terminals of the output to be tested as shown in Figure A-1.
2 Turn on the power supply. Select the high voltage range (20V/1.5A)† and enable
the output by sending the commands:
VOLT:RANG P20V (E3640A model)
OUTP ON
3 Program the output voltage to 0 volt and current to full scale rated value
(1.5 A)† by sending the commands:
VOLT 0
CURR 1.5 (E3640A model)
4 Record the output voltage reading on the digital voltmeter (DVM). The reading
should be within the limit of (0 V ± 10 mV). Also, note that the CV, Adrs, Limit,
and Rmt annunciators are on.
†For
E3640A model, and see Table A-3 for other models
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5 Readback the output voltage over the remote interface by sending the
command:
MEAS:VOLT?
6 Record the value displayed on the controller. This value should be within the
limit of (DVM ±5 mV).
7 Program the output voltage to full scale rated value (20 V)† by sending the
command:
VOLT 20.0 (E3640A model)
8 Record the output voltage reading on the digital voltmeter (DVM). The reading
should be within the limit of (20 V ± 20 mV)* or (60 V ± 40mV)**.
9 Readback the output voltage over the remote interface by sending the
command:
MEAS:VOLT?
limit of (DVM ± 15 mV)* or (DVM ± 35 mV)**.
CV Load Effect (Load Regulation)

This test measures the change in the output voltage resulting from a change in
the output current from full to no load.
(-) terminals of the output as shown in Figure A-1.
2 Turn on the power supply. Select the high voltage range (20V/1.5A)†, enable
the output, and set the display to the limit mode. When the display is in the
limit mode, program the output current to the full scale rated value (1.5A)† and
the voltage to the full rated value (20.0 V)†.
3 Operate the electronic load in constant current mode and set its current to the
(1.5 A)†. Check that the front panel CV annunciator remains lit. If not lit, adjust
the load so that the output current drops slightly until the CV annunciator
lights. Record the output voltage reading on the digital voltmeter.
4 Operate the electronic load in open mode (input off). Record the output voltage
reading on the digital voltmeter again. The difference between the digital
voltmeter readings in steps (3) and (4) is the CV load regulation. The difference
of the readings should be within the limit of (5 mV)* or (9 mV)**.
*For E3640A/42A/44A models. **For E3641A/43A/45A models.

†For E3640A model, and see Table A-3
for other models
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CV Source effect (Line Regulation)

This test measures the change in output voltage that results from a change in
ac line voltage from the minimum value (10% below the nominal input voltage)
to maximum value (10% above the nominal input voltage).
(-) terminals of the output to be tested as shown in Figure A-1.
2 Connect the ac power line through a variable voltage transformer.
limit mode, program the current to the full scale rated value (1.5 A)† and the
voltage to full scale rated value (20.0 V)†.
4 Operate the electronic load in constant current mode and set its current to
(1.5 A)†. Check that the CV annunciator remains lit. If not lit, adjust the load
so that the output current drops slightly until the CV annunciator lights.
5 Adjust the transformer to low line voltage limit (104 Vac for nominal 115 Vac,
90 Vac for nominal 100 Vac, or 207 Vac for nominal 230 Vac). Record the output
reading on the digital voltmeter.
6 Adjust the transformer to high line voltage (127 Vac for nominal 115 Vac, 110
Vac for nominal 100 Vac, or 253 Vac for nominal 230 Vac). Record the voltage
reading on the digital voltmeter. The difference between the digital voltmeter
readings in steps (5) and (6) is the CV line regulation. The difference of the
readings should be within the limit of (5 mV)* or (9 mV)**.
CV PARD (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. CV PARD is specified as the rms or peak-to-peak output voltage in the
frequency range from 20 Hz to 20 MHz.
• VRMS measurement techniques:

When measuring Vrms ripple and noise, the monitoring device should be
plugged into the front of the terminals at (A) in Figure A-2. Use the vertical
mini-probe socket and the "1:1 voltage probe" to connect the monitor device
to the power supply. To reduce the measurement error caused by common
mode noise, it is recommended to twist the connection wire between the mini-
probe and the output terminals. The load resistor is connected to the terminal
at (B) in Figure A-2. Twisted leads between the load resistor and the power
supply helps reduce noise pickup for these measurements.

for other models
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RMS voltmeter
Input
BNC
Receptacle
RMS voltmeter BNC Cable
Split Ferrites*
Input
Load Resistor Load Resistor
(Front Panel Connections) (Rear Panel Connections)
1 Turn off the power supply and connect the output to be tested as shown in
Figure A-1 to an oscilloscope (ac coupled) between (+) and (-) terminals. Set
the oscilloscope to AC mode and bandwidth limit to 20 MHz. Connect a
resistive load (13.5 9)‡ to the terminal at (B) as shown above.
voltage to the full rated value (20.0 V)†.
3 Check that the front panel CV annunciator remains lit. If not lit, adjust the load
down slightly.
4 Note that the waveform on the oscilloscope does not exceed the peak-to-peak
limit of (5 mV)* or (8 mV)**.
5 Disc,onnect the oscilloscope and connect the ac rms voltmeter in its place
according to the VRMS measurement techniques above and as shown above.
The rms voltage reading does not exceed the rms limit of 0.5 mV* or 1 mV**.
Note: For better measurement result, it is recommended to make the connection between
the BNC receptacle and the output terminals shorter as much as possible, and to use
the recommended split ferrites with the cable (BNC to BNC) as shown above.

for other models.
‡
For E3640A model, and see Table A-2 for other models.
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Load Transient Response Time

This test measures the time for the output voltage to recover to within 15 mV
of nominal output voltage following a load change from full load to half load,
or half load to full load.
Figure A-1 with an oscilloscope. Operate the electronic load in constant
current mode.
voltage to the full scale rated value (20.0 V)†.
3 Set the electronic load to transient operation mode between one half of the
output’s full rated value and the output’s full rated value at a 1 kHz rate with
50% duty cycle.
4 Set the oscilloscope for ac coupling, internal sync, and lock on either the
positive or negative load transient.
5 Adjust the oscilloscope to display transients as shown in Figure A-4. Note that
the pulse width (t2 - t1) of the transients at 15 mV from the base line is no more
than 50 msec for the output.
Figure A-4 Transient Response Time
†For E3640A model, and see Table A-3 for other models
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Constant Current (CC) Verifications
Constant Current Test Setup

Follow the general setup instructions in the General Measurement Techniques‚
on page 168, and the specific instructions will be given in the following
paragraphs.
Current Programming and Readback Accuracy

This test verifies that the current programming and GPIB or RS-232 readback
functions are within specifications. Note that the readback values over the
remote interface should be identical to those displayed on the front panel. The
accuracy of the current monitoring resistor must be 0.01% or better.
You should program the power supply over the remote interface for this test
to avoid round off errors.
1 Turn off the power supply and connect a 0.01 9 current monitoring resistor
(RM1) across the output to be tested and a digital voltmeter across the current
monitoring resistor (RM1) as shown in Figure A-1.
2 Turn on the power supply. Select the low voltage range (8V/3A)† and enable
the output by sending the commands:
VOLT:RANG P8V (E3640A model)
OUTP ON
3 Program the output voltage to full scale rated voltage (8.0 V)† and output
current to zero amps by sending the commands:
VOLT 8 (E3640A model)
CURR 0
4 Divide the voltage drop (DVM reading) across the current monitoring resistor
(RM) by its resistance to convert to amps and record this value (IO). This value
should be within the limit of (0 A ± 10 mA). Also, note that the CC, Adrs, Limit,
and Rmt annunciators are on.
5 Readback the output current over the remote interface by sending the
command:
MEAS:CURR?
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limit of (IO ± 5 mA).
7 Program the output current to the full scale rated value (3 A)† by sending the
command:
CURR 3.0 (E3640A model)
8 Divide the voltage drop (DVM reading) across the current monitoring resistor
(RM) by its resistance to convert to amps and record this value (IO). This value
should be within the limit of:
E3640A E3641A E3642A E3643A E3644A E3644A
3 A ± 16 mA 0.8 A ± 11.6 mA 5 A ± 20 mA 5 A ± 20 mA 8 A ± 26 mA 8 A ± 26 mA
9 Readback the output current over the remote interface by sending the
command:
MEAS:CURR?
limit of:
E3640A E3641A E3642A E3643A E3644A E3642A
(IO ± 9.5 mA) (IO ± 6.2 mA) (IO ± 12.5 mA) (IO ± 7.1 mA) (IO ± 17 mA) (IO ± 8.3 mA)
CC Load Effect (Load Regulation)

This test measures the change in output current resulting from a change in the
load from full rated output voltage to short circuit.
1 Turn off the power supply and connect the output to tested as shown in
Figure A-1 with the digital voltmeter connected across the 0.01 9 current
monitoring resistor (RM1).
2 Turn on the power supply. Select the low voltage range (8V/3A)†, enable the
output, and set the display to the limit mode. When the display is in the limit
mode, program the output voltage to the full scale rated value (8.0 V)† and the
output current to the full rated value (3 A)†.
3 Set the voltage of the electronic load to (8.0 V)† to operate it in constant voltage
mode since a voltage drop occurs on the load wires. Check that the CC
annunciator is on. If it is not, adjust the load so that the output voltage drops
slightly. Record the current reading by dividing the voltage reading on the
digital voltmeter by the resistance of the current monitoring resistor.
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4 Operate the electronic load in short (input short) mode. Record the current
reading again by dividing the voltage reading on the digital voltmeter by the
resistance of the current monitoring resistor. The difference between the
current readings in step (3) and (4) is the load regulation current. The
difference of the readings should be within the limit of:
E3640A E3641A E3642A E3643A E3644A E3645A
0.55 mA 0.33 mA 0.75 mA 0.39 mA 1.05 mA 0.47 mA
CC Source Effect (Line Regulation)

This test measures the change in output current that results from a change in
ac line voltage from the minimum value (10% below the nominal input voltage)
to the maximum value (10% above nominal voltage).
Figure A-1 with the digital voltmeter connected across the current monitoring
resistor (RM1).
2 Connect the ac power line through a variable voltage transformer.
mode, program the voltage to the full scale rated value (8.0 V)† and the current
to the full scale rated value (3 A)†.
4 Operate the electronic load in constant voltage mode and set its voltage to
(8.0 V)†. Check that the CC annunciator remains lit. If not lit, adjust the load
so that the output voltage drops slightly until the CC annunciator lights.
5 Adjust the transformer to low line voltage limit (104 Vac for nominal 115 Vac,
90 Vac for nominal 100 Vac, or 207 Vac for nominal 230 Vac). Record the output
current reading by dividing the voltage reading on the digital voltmeter by the
resistance of the current monitoring resistor.
6 Adjust the transformer to 10% above the nominal line voltage (127 Vac for a
115 Vac nominal input, 110 Vac for a 100 Vac nominal input or 253 Vac for a
230 Vac nominal input). Record the current reading again by dividing the
voltage reading on the digital voltmeter by the resistance of the current
monitoring resistor. The difference between the current readings in step (5)
and (6) is the load regulation current. The difference of the readings should be
within the limit of:
E3640A E3641A E3642A E3643A E3644A E3645A
0.55 mA 0.33 mA 0.75 mA 0.39 mA 1.05 mA 0.47 mA
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CC PARD (Ripple and Noise)

Periodic and random deviations (PARD) in the output (ripple and noise)
combine to produce a residual ac current, as well, as an ac voltage
superimposed on the dc output. CC PARD is specified as the rms output current
in a frequency range 20 Hz to 20 MHz with the power supply in constant current
operation.
RMS voltmeter
Input
Current RMS voltmeter Current

Monitoring Monitoring
Resistor Resistor
Split Input
Ferrites
BNC BNC Cable

Receptacle
(Front Panel Connections) (Rear Panel Connections)
1 Turn off the power supply and connect the output to be tested as shown above
with the current monitoring resistor 0.2 9 (RM2) across output terminals.
Connect a rms voltmeter across the current monitoring resistor as shown
above.
mode, program the current to full scale rated value (3 A)† and the voltage to
the full scale rated value (8.0 V)†.
3 Divide the reading on the rms voltmeter by the load resistance to obtain rms
current. The readings should be within the limit of 4 mA.
Note: For better measurement result, it is recommended to make the connection between
the BNC receptacle and the output terminals shorter as much as possible, and to use
the recommended split ferrites with the cable (BNC to BNC) as shown above.
†For
177
Common Mode Current Noise
Common Mode Current Noise

The common mode current is that ac current component which exists between
the output or output lines and chassis ground. Common mode noise can be a
problem for very sensitive circuitry that is referenced to earth ground. When
a circuit is referenced to earth ground, a low level line-related ac current will
flow from the output terminals to earth ground. Any impedance to earth ground
will create a voltage drop equal to the output current flow multiplied by the
impedance.
1 Turn off the power supply and connect a 100 k9 resistor (RS) and a 2200 pF
capacitor in parallel between the (-) terminal and chassis ground at the rear
output terminals.
2 Connect a digital voltmeter across RS.
mode, program the output to the full scale rated value (8.0 V and 3 A)†.
4 Record the voltage across RS and convert it to current by dividing by the
resistance (DVM reading/100 k9). Note that the current is less than 1.5 mA.
†For
178
Information
Service
Performance Test Record for Your Power Supply
CV Performance Test Record

Specifications
Test Description Models Actual Result
Upper Limit Lower Limit
CV Programming Accuracy all +0.0100 V -0.0100 V
@ 0 volts (DVM reading)
CV Readback Accuracy all DVM +0.0050 V DVM -0.0050 V
@ 0 volts
CV Programming Accuracy E3640A/42A/44A +20.0200 V +19.9800 V
@ Full Scale (DVM reading)
E3641A/43A/45A +60.0400 V +59.9600 V
CV Readback Accuracy E3640A/42A/44A DVM + 0.0150 V DVM - 0.0150 V
@ Full Scale
E3641A/43A/45A DVM + 0.0350 V DVM - 0.0350 V
CV Load Effect (Load E3640A/42A/44A Maximum change: < 5 mV
Regulation)
E3641A/43A/45A Maximum change: < 9 mV
CV Source Effect (Line E3640A/42A/44A Maximum change: < 5 mV
Regulation)
E3641A/43A/45A Maximum change: < 9 mV
CV PARD (Normal mode) E3640A/42A/44A < 5 mVp-p / 0.5 mVrms
E3641A/43A/45A < 8 mVp-p / 1 mVrms
Load Transient Response all < 50 msec
Time
179
CC Performance Test Record

Actual Specifications
Test Description Models
Result Upper Limit Lower Limit
CC Programming Accuracy all +0.0100 A -0.0100 A
@ 0 amps (IO)
CC Readback Accuracy @ 0 amps all IO + 0.0050 A IO - 0.0050 A
CC Programming Accuracy (E3640A) 3.01600 A 2.9840 A
@ Full Scale (IO)
(E3641A) 0.8116 A 0.7884 A
(E3642A) 5.02 A 4.98 A
(E3643A) 1.4128 A 1.3872 A
(E3644A) 8.026 7.974 A
(E3645A) 2.2144 2.1856 A
CC Readback Accuracy @ Full Scale (E3640A) IO + 0.0095 A IO - 0.0095 A
(E3641A) IO + 0.0062 A IO - 0.0062 A
(E3642A) IO + 0.0125 A IO - 0.0125 A
(E3643A) IO + 0.0071 A IO - 0.0071 A
(E3644A) IO + 0.0170 A IO - 0.0170 A
(E3645A) IO + 0.0083 A IO - 0.0083 A
CC Load Effect (Load Regulation) (E3640A) Maximum change: < (0.55 mA)
(E3641A) Maximum change: < (0.33 mA)
CC Source Effect (Line Regulation) (E3640A) Maximum change: < (0.55 mA)
CC PARD (Normal mode) all < 4 mA rms
CC PARD (Common mode) all < 1.5 mA rms
180
Information
Service
Calibration Reference
Calibration Reference
Before you calibrate the power supply, you must unsecure it by entering the
correct security code. See “Calibration Overview”, starting on page 62, for
more detailed procedures to unsecure or secure the power supply.
Agilent Technologies Calibration Services

When your power supply is due for calibration, contact your local Agilent
Technologies Service Center for a low-cost calibration. The Agilent E3640A/
41A/42A/43A/44A and E3645A power supplies are supported on calibration
processes which allow Agilent Technologies to provide this service at
competitive prices.
Calibration Interval
Recommended calibration interval for this power supply is 1 year. This will
ensure that your power supply will remain within specification for the next
calibration interval. Agilent Technologies does not recommend extending
calibration intervals beyond 1 year for any application. This criteria for re-
adjustment provides the best long-term stability.
To Unsecure the Power Supply Without the Security Code

To unsecure the power supply without the correct security code (when you
forget the security code), follow the steps below. See “Electrostatic Discharge
(ESD) Precautions” on page 160 before beginning this procedure.
1 Disconnect the power cord and all load connections from the power supply.
2 Remove the instrument cover. Refer to the disassembly drawing on page 164.
3 Connect the power cord and turn on the calibration mode by holding down the
Calibrate key as you turn on the power supply and hold down the key until you
hear a long beep. Be careful not to touch the power line connections.
4 Apply a short between the two exposed metal pads on JP107 (located near
U121). The JP107 is outlined with a circle on the Main Board Component
Locator (top side) drawing.
5 While maintaining the short, move to the security code and enter any unsecure
code in the calibration mode. The power supply is now unsecured.
6 Remove the short at JP107. (An error occurs if not removed.)
7 Turn off and reassemble the power supply.
Now you can enter a new security code. Be sure you take note of the new
security code.
181
General Calibration/Adjustment Procedure
Note The power supply should be calibrated after 1-hour warm-up with no load connected.
And Perform the voltage calibration prior to the OVP calibration.
The front panel calibration procedures are described in this section.

• For voltage calibration, disconnect all loads from the power supply and
connect a DVM across the output terminals.
• For current calibration, also disconnect all loads from the power supply,
connect an appropriate current monitoring resistor 0.01 9 across the output
terminals, and connect a DVM across the terminals of the monitoring
resistor.
• You can abort a calibration at any time by turning the power supply off from
the front panel, by issuing a remote interface device clear message, or by
pressing the front-panel ‘‘Local’’ key.
The following table shows calibration parameters and points which should be
used to calibrate the output voltage and current.
Table 3-2 Parameters for Calibration

Calibration Voltage/ Calibration Point
Parameter Current mnemonic
V LO
VOLTAGE CAL Voltage V MI
V HI
OVP CAL OVP None
I LO
CURRENT CAL Current I MI
I HI
182
Information
Service
Front Panel Voltage and Current Calibration
Note Before attempting to calibrate the power supply, you must unsecure the power supply,
and disconnect all loads from the power supply and connect a DVM across the output
terminals. See “Calibration Overview”, starting on page 62 to unsecure.
In the following procedure, the Agilent E3640A model is referenced to describe

the calibration procedure as an example, so a different calibration value for
each calibration point may be prompted to be adjusted for your specific model.
Power
View
Calibrate 1 Turn on the calibration mode.
CAL MODE
View
Turn on the calibration mode by holding down Calibrate (Calibrate) key as you
turn on the power supply and hold down the key until you hear a long beep.
Make sure that the power supply is in ‘‘CV’’ mode. If the power supply is not
in ‘‘CV’’ mode, an error occurs.
Voltage and OVP Calibration

View
Calibrate
2 Move down a level to the voltage calibration mode.
voltage cal
View
Calibrate 3 Select the low-end voltage calibration point.
2000
V LO 0.2
4 Enter the reading you obtained from the DVM by using the knob and
resolution selection keys.
V LO 0.4500
183
View
Calibrate
5 Save the changes and select the middle voltage calibration point.
0.000
V MI 10
If the entered number is within an acceptable range, an ‘‘ENTERED’’ message

appears for a second. If the entered number is not correct, an error message
will be displayed for a second and you will hear a beep, and then go back to
the low, middle, or high voltage calibration point again as proceeding.
V MI 11.058
View
Calibrate
7 Save the changes and select the high voltage calibration point.
9.500
V HI 19
V HI 19.495
View
Calibrate
9 Save the changes and go to the OVP calibration mode.
ovp cal
If the calibration fails, an error message will be displayed for a second and go
back to the voltage calibration mode again. A ‘‘VOLTAGE CAL’’ message is
displayed. Above message is displayed to indicate that the power supply is
ready for the OVP calibration.
184
Information
Service
View
Calibrate 10 Run the OVP calibration.
CALibrating
Above message is displayed to indicate that the calibration is progressing. It

takes approximately 10 seconds to complete the calibration. If the calibration
fails, an error message will be displayed for a second and you will hear a beep,
and then go back to the OVP calibration mode again.
Current Calibration
Connect an appropriate shunt 0.01 across the output terminals, and

connect a digital voltmeter across the shunt resistor for the current
calibration.
View
Calibrate
11 Select the low-end current calibration point.
Current cal
2000
I LO 0.2
12 Enter the computed value (DVM reading by shunt resistance) by

using the knob and resolution selection keys.
Notice that you should wait for the DVM reading to be stabilized for accurate
calibration during the current calibration.
I LO 0.1900
185
View
Calibrate
13 Save the changes and select the middle current calibration point.
5000
I MI 1.5
If the entered number is within an acceptable range, an ‘‘ENTERED’’ message

appears for a second. If the entered number is not correct, an error message
will be displayed for a second and you will hear a beep, and then go back to
the low, middle, or high current calibration point again as proceeding.
14 Enter the computed value (DVM reading ¸ by shunt resistance) by

I MI 1.5400
View
Calibrate
15 Save the change and select the high current calibration point.
8000
I HI 2.8
16 Enter the computed value (DVM reading ¸ by shunt resistance) by

I HI 2.789 A
Power
View
Calibrate
17 Save the new current calibration constants and exit the calibration
mode.
CAL mode
If the calibration fails, an error message will be displayed for one second and
you will hear a beep, and then go back to the current calibration mode again.
A ‘‘CURRENT CAL’’ message is displayed.
186
Information
Service
Calibration Record for Your Power Supply
Calibration Record for Your Power Supply
Measurement Supply Being

Step Calibration Description
Mode (DVM) Adjusted
Turn on the calibration mode by holding down the "Calibrate" key as you
1
turn on the power supply until you hear a long beep.
2 Unsecure the power supply if secured. (See page 62)
3 Press "Calibrate" key to move down menu to voltage calibration menu. Voltage
A "VOLTAGE CAL" is displayed. Press "Calibrate" key to select the Calibration
low voltage calibration point.
A low voltage calibration point is displayed. Enter the DVM reading by
Low voltage
4 using the knob and resolution keys. Press "Calibrate" key to save the V
calibration
changes and select the middle calibration point.
A middle voltage calibration point is displayed. Enter the DVM reading Middle voltage
5 by using the knob and resolution selection keys. Press "Calibrate" key to V calibration
save the changes and select the high calibration point.
A high voltage calibration point is displayed. Enter the DVM reading by High voltage
6 using the knob and resolution selection keys. Press "Calibrate" key to V calibration
save the changes and select the OVP calibration.
7 "OVP CAL" is displayed. Press "Calibrate" key to run the overvoltage OVP calibration
calibration. A "CALIBRATING" is displayed to indicate that the V
calibration is progressing.
Connect shunt resistor (0.01 9) across the output terminals. And press
8 Current calibration
"Calibrate" key to select the current calibration.
A low current calibration point is displayed. Enter the computed value
(DVM reading / by shunt resistance) by using the knob and resolution Low current
9 A
keys. Press "Calibrate" key to save the changes and select the middle calibration
calibration point.
A middle current calibration point is displayed. Enter the computed value
(DVM reading / by shunt resistance) by using the knob and resolution Middle current
10 A
keys. Press "Calibrate" key to save the changes and select the high calibration
calibration point.
A high current calibration point is displayed. Enter the computed value
High current
11 (DVM reading / by shunt resistance) by using the knob and resolution A
calibration
keys. Press "Calibrate" key to save the changes
13 Turn off the "Power" switch to exit the calibration menu. Exit CAL MODE
187
Calibration Error Messages

The following tables are abbreviated lists of error messages for the E3640A,
E3641A, E3642A, E3643A, E3644A, and E3645A. The errors listed below are
the most likely errors to be encountered during calibration and adjustment. A
more complete list of error messages and descriptions is contained in chapter
5.

Error Error Messages
701 Cal security disabled by jumper
702 Cal secured
703 Invalid secure code
704 Secure code too long
705 Cal aborted
706 Cal value out of range
708 Cal output disabled
712 Bad DAC cal data
713 Bad readback cal data
714 Bad OVP cal data
717 Cal OVP status enabled
718 Gain out of range for gain error correction
740 Cal checksum failed, secure state
741 Cal checksum failed, string data
746 Cal checksum failed, DAC cal constants
747 Cal checksum failed, readback cal constants
748 Cal checksum failed, GPIB address
749 Cal checksum failed, internal data
188
Information
Service
Replaceable Parts
Replaceable Parts
This chapter contains information ordering replacement parts for your power
supply.
• E3640A/41A/42A/43A/44A/45A Power Supply Assembly‚ on page 190

• Manufacturer’s List‚ on page 191
The parts lists include a brief description of the part with applicable Agilent
part numbers and manufacturer part number.
To Order Replaceable Parts

You can order replaceable parts from Agilent Technologies using the Agilent
part number or directly from the manufacturer using the manufacturer’s part
number. Note that not all parts listed in this chapter are available as field-
replaceable parts. To order replaceable parts from Agilent, do the following:
1 Contact your nearest Agilent Sales Office or Agilent Service Center.
2 Identify parts by the Agilent part number shown in the replaceable parts lists.
Note that not all parts are directly available from Agilent; you may have to order
certain parts from the specified manufacturer.
3 Provide the power supply model number and serial number.
Schematics and Diagrams

This chapter contains a block diagram, schematics, and component locator
drawings for the power supply.
• Component Locator (top) for main board assembly, on page 197.
• Component Locator (bottom) for main board assembly, on page 198.
• Power and Protection Schematic, on page 199.
• AC Input and Bias Supply Schematic, on page 200.
• Floating Logic Schematic, on page 201.
• A/D and D/A Converter, on page 202.
• Earth Reference Logic Schematic, on page 203.
• Component Locator for front panel, on page 204.
• Display and Keyboard Schematic, on page 205.
189
Replaceable Parts
E3640A/41A/42A/43A/44A/45A Power Supply Assembly
Reference Agilent Part Part Description Mfr. Mfr. Part Number

Q’ty
Designator Number code
F100-F102 0699-2715 3 FUSIBLE RES 1 OHM 5% 1/2W 01542 FN1/2
S102 3101-2976 1 SW-PB DPST 6A 250V 04486 NE18-2A-EE-SP
8120-8767 1 POWER CORD FOR STD/0E9 GY-062 or 22631 SP-305+IS-14
8120-8768 1 POWER CORD FOR 0E3 GY-062 22631 SP-022+IS-14
(E3640A/41A) 2110-1069 1 FUSE 1.5A T 125V FOR 100 AND 115 Vac 01542 51S015L
(E3640A/41A) 2110-0457 1 FUSE 1A T 250V FOR 230 Vac 01542 50T010H
(E3642A/43A) 2110-0457 1 FUSE 1A T 250V FOR 230 Vac 01542 50T010H
(E3644A/45A) 2110-1068 1 FUSE 2A 50 T 250V FOR 230 Vac 02805 50T020H
34401-45011 1 HANDLE-FRONT 02362 34401-45011
34401-86011 1 BUMPER-FRONT 02362 34401-86011
34401-86012 1 BUMPER-REAR 02362 34401-86012
34401-88304 1 REAR BEZEL 02362 34401-88304
E3640-40002 1 PUSH ROD 01542 E3640-40002
E3640-40003 1 KNOB 01542 E3640-40003
E3640-60030 1 PROGRAMMED ROM (IC 2M-BIT OTP 150NS CMOS) 01542 E3640-60030
E3640-60011 1 FRONT FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR E3640A 01542 E3640-60011
E3640-60013 1 TRANSFORMER ASSEMBLY FOR E3640A 01542 E3640-60013
E3640-60016 1 TERMINAL BLOCK ASSEMBLY 01542 E3640-60016
E3644-60006 1 DC Fan ASSEMBLY 01542 E3644-60006
190
Information
Service
Replaceable Parts
Manufacturer’s List
Mfr. code Manufacturer’s name Manufacturer’s Address

01542 Agilent DIV 01 SAN JOSE COMPONENTS SAN JOSE, CA, USA
02805 COOPER INDUSTRIES INC HOUSTON, TX, USA
02362 Agilent DIV 09 LID COMPONENTS LOVELAND, CA, USA
22631 I SHENG ELECTRIC WIRE & CABLE CO KUEI-SHAN, TW
191
Replaceable Parts
192
Index
If you have questions relating to the operation of the power supply,
call 1-800-452-4824 in the United States, or contact your nearest
Agilent Technologies Sales Office.
A commands(Interface Configuration) STATus:QUEStionable:EN-

<Ctrl-C> 92 ABle? 101
AC input ratings 152 SYSTem:INTerface 92 STATus:QUEStionable? 101
accessories 30 SYSTem:LOCal 92 SYSTem:ERRor? 101
activation time 150 SYSTem:REMote 92 commands(system-related)
active load 36 SYSTem:RWLock 92 *IDN? 86
annunciators, display 5 commands(output setting and *RST 87
application programs 124 measurement) *TST? 86
asterisk ( * ) 106 APPLy 77 DISPlay {OFF | ON} 85
APPLy? 77 DISPlay:TEXT 85
B CURRent 78
CURRent:STEP 78
DISPlay:TEXT:CLEar 85
DISPlay:TEXT? 85
basic tests CURRent:STEP? 79 DISPlay? 85
output checkout 18, 19 CURRent:TRIGgered 79 OUTPut {OFF | ON} 85
preliminary checkout 17 CURRent:TRIGgered? 79 OUTPut:RELay {OFF | ON} 85
battery charging 53 CURRent? 78 OUTPut:RELay? 86
bus controller, interrupt 99 MEASure:CURRent? 81 OUTPut? 85
MEASure[:VOLTage]? 81 SYSTem:BEEPer 86
C VOLTage 79
VOLTage:PROTection 80
SYSTem:COMMunicate:GPIB
RDEVice 86
Index
C programming example 125 VOLTage:PROTection:CLEar 81 SYSTem:ERRor? 86
calibration 62 VOLTage:PROTection:STATe 81 SYSTem:VERSion? 86
disable security code 62 VOLTage:PROTection:STATe? commands(triggering)
interval (recommended) 152 81 *TRG 84
message (string) reading 66 VOLTage:PROTec- INITiate 84
calibration commands 89 tion:TRIPped? 81 TRIGger:DELay 84
carrying handle 23 VOLTage:PROTection? 81 TRIGger:DELay? 84
character frame 59 VOLTage:RANGe 81 TRIGger:SOURce 84
checkout VOLTage:RANGe? 81 TRIGger:SOURce? 84
current output 19 VOLTage:STEP 80 common commands (IEEE-488.2) 106
preliminary 17 VOLTage:STEP? 80 common mode current noise 141
voltage output 18 VOLTage:TRIGgered 80 connection to a computer or terminal
colon 105 VOLTage:TRIGgered? 80 DB-25 Serial Connection 61
command format 104 VOLTage? 79 DB-9 Serial Connection 60
command separators commands(state storage) GPIB connector 58
colon 105 *RCL { 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 } 88 connections(power supplies)
semicolon 105 *SAV { 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 } 88 parallel connections 143
command syntax 104 MEMory:STATe:NAME { 1 | 2 | series connections 143
commands(calibration) 3 | 4 | 5} 88 connector
CALibration:COUNt? 89 commands(status reporting) GPIB 58
CALibration:CURRent:LEVel *CLS 101 RS-232 (serial) 59
89 *ESE 101 constant current (CC) mode 139, 140
CALibration:CURRent[:DATA] *ESE? 102 constant current operation 44, 45
89 *ESR? 102 constant voltage (CV) mode 139, 140
CALibration:SECure:CODE 89 *OPC 102 constant voltage operation 42, 43
CALibration:SECure:STATe 90 *OPC? 102 cooling 33, 152
CALibration:SECure:STATe? *PSC { 0 | 1 } 102 coupling effects 38
90 *PSC? 102 current limit 44
CALibration:STRing 90 *SRE 102 Current Ratings 34
CALibration:STRing? 90 *SRE? 102
CALibration:VOLTage:LEVel *STB? 102
90 *WAI 102
CALibration:VOLTage:PRO- STATus:QUEStionable:CONDi-
Tection 90 tion? 101
CALibration:VOLTage[:DATA] STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle
90 101
193
Index
D I M
device specific commands 111 ideal constant-current power supply macro 130
dimensions of power supply 153 139 message available bit (MAV) 99
distribution terminals 38 ideal constant-voltage power supply meter 41
down-programming response 145 139 meter mode 18
dummy load resistor 36 ideal power supply 141 MIN and MAX Parameters 105
IEEE-488 multiple loads 38
conformance information 112 mutual coupling effects 38
E IEEE-488.2
common commands 106
enable register? 93
environmental conditions 153 initial inspection N
error conditions 56 electrical check 33 noise
error messages 114 mechanical check 33 common mode 142
error queue 114 input power (maximum) 152 normal mode 142
error string 114 installation 33 non-SCPI commands 111
error trapping 125 interface cable non-volatile memory 48
errors DB-25 connector 60 normal mode voltage noise 141
calibration 121 DB-9 connector 60
excution 115 gender changers 60
self-test 120 GPIB cable 30 O
Index
event register 93 HP 34399A adapter Kit 60 operating temperature 152

example for calibration 91 null-modem adapters 60 output buffer 97
example program for C and C 125 RS-232 cable 30 output characteristics 139
example program for Excel 97 129 wiring adapter 60 output disabling 54
Excel Macros 129 output impedance 139
K output programming range 151
F key descriptions (front panel) 3
output ratings 149
output setting and operation commands
feedback control circuits 137 keyword(s) 78
firmware revision query 57 lower-level 103 output state (on,off) 54
first-in-first-out (FIFO) order 114 root 103 output terminal isolation 152
float voltage second-level 103 output voltage overshoot 151
without insulation 32 third-level 103 OVP (Overvoltage Protection)
front panel knob locking 54 checking OVP Operation 51
annunciators 5 clearing overvoltage condition 51
key descriptions 3
layout 2 L enabling OVP 50
remote interface operation 52
operation overview 41 limit mode 41, 42 setting OVP level 50
front panel resolution 149 line regulation 149 trip level setting 50
fuse ratings 20 line voltage conversion 21 OVP accuracy 150
load capacitors 35
load consideration
G capacitive loading 35 P
GPIB inductive loading 35 parallel connections 143
connector 58 pulse loading 35 parameter types (SCPI) 107
reverse current loading 36 performance specifications 149
load regulation 149 phase-controlled pre-regulator 137
H loop stability 35 power-line cord 17
halting an output 108 low-level commands 74 power-line fuse 20
hierarchical structure 103 power-on reset (*RST command) 87,
HP-IB 88
interface configuration 58 preliminary checkout 17
pre-regulator 137
programming accuracy 149
194
Index
programming language 152 S assing a name 55

programming ranges (voltage/current) locations 55
76 safety information 29 recall a stored state 55
programming resolution 149 SCPI subsystems 103
command terminators 106 supplemental characteristics 151
confirmed commands 109, 110 system firmware revision 57
Q conformance information 109 system-related commands 85
query data 97 device-specific 111
language introduction 103
query response reading 75
questionable status register 95 non-SCPI commands 111 T
status registers 93 temperature coefficient 151
version 57, 109 transient response time 150
R version query 57 tree system 103
SCPI parameters triangle brackets 69
rack mounting 24 Boolean 107
reference dimension 154 trigger source
Discrete 107 bus (software) 75
rack-mounting kit 24
Numeric 107 immediate internal trigger 75
readback accuracy 149
String 107 Trigger Source Choices
readback resolution 149
scrolling speed, error text 114 Bus (Software) Triggering 82
rear panel
self-test Immediate Triggering 83
GPIB (IEEE-488) interface connec-
complete 17, 56
Index
tor 6
power-on 56
layout 6
output terminals 6
to perform 56 U
semicolon 105
RS-232 interface connector 6 unregulated state (condition) 141
series element 137
recalling operating states 48 up-programming response 144
series operation, connection 143
register
enable register 93 series regulated supply 137
event register 93
series resistance 137 V
service request (SRQ) interrupt 98
event status enable command 96 variable resistor 137
questionable status 95 settling time 150
speed of response vertical bar 69
questionable status enable 95 VFD 32
down programming 145
questionable status event 95 VISA 124
up-programming 144
standard event 96 VISA functionality 125
square brackets 69
status byte 97 visa.dll 124
stability 35, 151
status byte summary 97 visa32.dll 124
standard event register 96
remote programming 144 Visual Basic 129
start bits (RS-232) 59
remote sensing capability 151 Voltage Drops 35
State Storage Memory 152
remote voltage sensing voltage limit 42
status byte query (*STB) 99
connections 36 voltage spikes 142
status byte summary register 97
reverse current 36
status reporting commands 101
reverse polarity diode 143
ripple and noise 149
stop bits (RS-232) 59 W
storage temperature 153
RS-232 weight of power supply 153
storing operating states 48
Configuration 59 wire rating 34
storing power supply states 55
Data Frame Format 59
storing state
troubleshooting 61
195
Copyright© 1999 - 2000 Warranty Service Exclusive Remedies Safety Information
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All Rights Reserved. repair, this product must be local law, the remedies pro- parts or perform any
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Edition 2, January 2000 For products returned to Agilent shall not be liable for product to an HP Sales and
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the Buyer shall prepay ship- incidental, or consequential and repair to ensure that
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Certification unauthorized modification for a particular purpose.
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ment. Agilent further tal or consequential Earth ground symbol.
certifies that its calibration The design and implementa- damages in connection with
measurements are trace- tion of any circuit on this the furnishing, performance,
able to the United States product is the sole responsi- or use of this material. No
National Institute of Stan- bility of the Buyer. Agilent part of this document may
dards and Technology (for- does not warrant the be photocopied, repro-
merly National Bureau of Buyer’s circuitry or malfunc- duced, or translated to
Standards), to the extent tions of Agilent products another language without
allowed by that organiza- that result from the Buyer’s the prior written consent of Chassis ground symbol.
tion’s calibration facility, circuitry. In addition, Agilent Agilent.
and to the calibration facili- does not warrant any dam-
!
ties of other International age that occurs as a result of Restricted Rights
Standards Organization the Buyer’s circuit or any The Software and Documen-
members. defects that result from tation have been developed
Buyer-supplied products. entirely at private expense.
Warranty They are delivered and Refer to the manual for
To the extent allowed by
This Agilent product is war- local law, Agilent makes licensed as “commercial specific Warning or Caution
ranted against defects in no other warranty, computer software” as information to avoid per-
materials and workmanship expressed or implied, defined in DFARS 252.227- sonal injury or equipment
for a period of three years whether written or oral 7013 (Oct 1988), DFARS damage.
from date of shipment. with respect to this prod- 252.211-7015 (May 1991), or Hazardous voltages may be
Duration and conditions of uct and specifically dis- DFARS 252.227-7014 (Jun present.
warranty for this product claims any implied 1995), as a “commercial
may be superseded when warranty or condition of item” as defined in FAR
the product is integrated merchantability, fitness 2.101(a), or as “restricted Warning
into (becomes a part of) for a particular purpose computer software” as
other Agilent products. or satisfactory quality. defined in FAR 52.227-19 No operator serviceable
During the warranty period, (Jun 1987) (or any equiva- parts inside. Refer servicing
Agilent will, at its option, For transactions in Austra- lent agency regulation or to service-trained personnel.
either repair or replace lia and New Zealand: The contract clause), whichever
products which prove to be warranty terms contained in is applicable. You have only
this statement, except to the Warning
defective. The warranty those rights provided for
period begins on the date of extent lawfully permitted, such Software and Docu- For continued protection
delivery or on the date of do not exclude, restrict, or mentation by the applicable against fire, replace the line
installation if installed by modify and are in addition FAR or DFARS clause or the fuse only with a fuse of the
Agilent. to the mandatory statutory Agilent standard software specified type and rating.
rights applicable to the sale agreement for the product
of this product. involved.
Manual Part Number: E3640-90001 Printed: April 2000 Edition 3

Printed in Korea
Front Inside for E3640A (2 of 2)

Warranty Statement (English Manual)
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
According to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and CEN/CENELEC EN 45014
Manufacturer’s Name and Addresss

Responsible Party Alternate Manufacturing Site
Agilent Technologies, Inc. Agilent Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd
550 Clark Drive, Suite 101 Malaysia Manufacturing
Budd Lake, New Jersey 07828 Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, PH III
USA 11900 Penang,
Malaysia
Declares under sole responsibility that the product as originally delivered
Product Name: a) Single Output dc Power Supplies

b) Multiple Output dc Power Supplies
c) Single Output System Power Supply
Model Nu mber: a) E3640A, E3641A, E3642A, E3643A, E3644A, E3645A

b) E3646A, E3647A, E3648A, E3649A
c) E3633A, E3634A
Product Options: This declaration covers all options of the above product(s).
Complies with the essential requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and the EMC
Directive 89/336/EEC (including 93/68/EEC) and carries the CE Marking accordingly .
EMC Information ISM Group 1 Class A Emissions
As detailed in Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), Certificate of Conformance Number

CC/TCF/00/102 based on Technical Construction File (TCF) ANJ12, dated Dec
20, 2000.
Assessed by: Celestica Ltd, Appointed Competent Body

Westfields House, West Avenue
Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent
Straffordshire, ST7 1TL
United Kingdom
Safety Information and Conforms to the following safety standards.
IEC 61010-1:2001 / EN 61010-1:2001

CSA C22.2 No. 1010.1:1992
This DoC applies to above-listed products placed on the EU market after:
January 1, 2004
Date Bill Darcy/ Regulations Manager
For further information, please contact your local Agilent Technologies sales office, agent or distributor, or
Agilent Technologies Deutschland GmbH, Herrenberger Straβe 130, D71034 Böblingen, Germany
Revision: B.00.00 Issue Date: Created on 11/24/2003 3:07 Document No. KIO_40-49.11.24.doc
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User’s Guide

Part Number: E3640-90001

For Safety information, Warranties, and Regulatory information,

© Copyright Agilent Technologies 1999 - 2000

Agilent E364xA Single Output

Convenient bench-top features

Flexible system features

Agilent Technologies E364xA

1 Low voltage range selection Key 7 State storage menu/Local Key

go to output monitoring mode automatically to display the voltage and current

Adrs Power supply is addressed to listen or talk over a remote interface.

*For E3640A/42A/44A model. **For E3641A/43A/45A model.

1 AC inlet 4 RS-232 interface connector

Front-Panel Operation Chapter 3 describes in detail the use of front-panel

Remote Interface Reference Chapter 4 contains reference information to

Application Programs Chapter 6 contains some remote interface

Tutorial Chapter 7 describes basic operation of linear power supplies and

Specifications Chapter 8 lists the power supply’s specifications.

Service Information Contains guidelines to return your power supply to

Chapter 1 Quick Start

The Status Byte Register - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 97

Appendix Service Information

Complete Self-Test- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 162

Performance Test Record for Your Power Supply - - - - - - - - - - 179

Voltage Output Checkout

1 Turn on the power supply.

3 Check that the front-panel voltmeter properly responds to knob

1 Turn on the power supply.

If the Power Supply Does Not Turn On

Model Agilent Part Number Part Description

1 Remove AC line power.

Figure 1-1. Line Voltage Selector (set for 115Vac)

3 Replace with the correct fuse. 4 Replace the fuse-holder assembly in

Bench-top viewing positions Carrying position

To Rack Mount the Instrument

Front Rear (bottom view)

To rack mount a single instrument, order adapter kit 5063-9240.

This manual describes the operation of the Agilent Technologies Model

• Safety Considerations‚ on page 29

Safety and EMC Requirements

Options and Accessories

Operational features include:

The front panel operation permits:

• Voltage and current programming

The front-panel VFD (Vacuum-Fluorescent Display) includes:

• Displaying actual values of output voltage and current (meter mode)

1. Float voltage +/-60 Vdc Max to ( 

2. Float voltage +/-240 Vdc Max to ( 

(Rear Output Terminals)

Cooling and Location

Reverse Current Loading

Remote Voltage Sensing Connections

Front-Panel Operation and Features

This chapter is divided into the following sections:

• Front-Panel Operation Overview‚ on page 41

Front-Panel Operation Overview

turns on and the output is disabled.

Constant Voltage Operation

2 Turn on the power supply.

• Remote interface operation:

1. Float voltage +/-60 Vdc Max to (

2. Float voltage +/-240 Vdc Max to (