44 Front Panel Operation
Programming the Output
Important These instructions show how to program a single Agilent SAS from the front panel. These instructions
apply primarily when the unit is set to operate in Fixed mode. For example, any voltage and current values
that you enter from the front panel will have no effect on the unit while it is in Simulator or Table modes
but will take effect as soon as the unit is placed in Fixed mode. Likewise, the OCP function only takes
effect in Fixed mode. There are also special considerations when you have two or more supplies
connected in series or in parallel. See chapter 4 - User Connections and Considerations.
The Agilent SAS accepts values directly in volts and amperes. Values will be rounded off to the nearest multiple of the
output resolution (see “Average Resolution" in appendix A). If you attempt to enter a value not in a valid range, the entry
will be ignored and OUT OF RANGE appears on the display.
Figure 1-1 on page 1-3 shows the general response of a typical unit in Fixed mode. Always keep the output voltage and
current within the boundaries of its operating line for the specified mode of operation (CV or CC).
Establishing Initial Conditions
Set the Agilent SAS to its *RST state by pressing
. This state was stored in location 0 at the factory. If it
has since been changed, you can restore it as directed under “Turn-on Conditions”, later in this chapter. *RST results in the
following operating conditions:
■ Zero voltage output.
■ Minimal current output.
■ Output disabled (Dis annunciator on).
■ Overvoltage protection set to its maximum value.
■ Overcurrent protection off (OCP annunciator off).
■ Hardware overcurrent protection set to its maximum value.
■ Protection circuits cleared (Prot annunciator off).
Programming Voltage
To program the output for 45 volts, proceed as follows:
■ Press . The display will change from meter mode to indicate VOLTS.
■ Press . If you discover a mistake before pressing , erase the incorrect value with the backspace key
.
■ The display will return to the meter mode and indicate 00.00 volts.
■ Press
to enable the output (Dis annunciator turns off). The VOLTS display will indicate 45.0 volts.
Note The Agilent SAS must be programmed for a minimal current in order to increase the output voltage
beyond zero. If the Agilent SAS does not respond or the CC annunciator turns on, go to “Programming
Current” and set the current to a small value.
■ Now raise the voltage by pressing . Note that the voltage increases by a specific increment (depending on the
voltage programming resolution) each time you press the key and increases rapidly as you hold down the key. To lower
the voltage, press
.
■ Try raising and lowering the voltage by rotating the Voltage control clockwise and then counterclockwise. Note how the
output responds as compared to using the Entry keys.
Try to program a voltage greater than the maximum voltage rating for your unit (see Supplemental Characteristics in
appendix A). Note that the display shows OUT OF RANGE.