Agilent 6800 Series Output Transients

A programmable output value of the ac power source/analyzer can operate in one of four modes: FIXED, Step, Pulse, or List. The default setting is FIXED mode, where the output will stay “fixed” at the programmed value until another command is sent to change it. The remaining three operating modes constitute the Transient Subsystem. Output transients are used to:

•synchronize output changes with a particular phase of the voltage waveform

•synchronize output changes with trigger signals

•simulate ac line disturbances with precise dura- tion and phase control

•create sequences of output changes

Output transients are triggered actions and will cause the output of the ac power source/analyzer to react in a manner defined by the selected mode.

What Programmable Functions can be Controlled by the Transient Subsystem?

The 6800 series provides control of many output parameters. Most of these can be programmed as an output transient. The following output parame- ters are subject to transient control:

•ac output voltage

•dc output voltage (Agilent 6812A and 6813A only)

•frequency

•phase (Agilent 6834A only)

•waveform shape

•ac voltage slew rate

•dc voltage slew rate (6812A and 6813A only)

•frequency slew rate

•peak current limit (6812A and 6813A only)

•rms current limit

•dwell time (List mode only)

Upon receipt of a trigger, an output parameter set to Step, Pulse, or List mode will transition from an immediate level (its initial output setting) to one or more levels (successive output settings). The num- ber of successive output settings is, in part, what differentiates one transient mode from another.

What is a STEP Transient?

A Step transient generates a single triggered out- put change (from an immediate output level to ONE successive output level) of one or more of the output parameters subject to transient control. Only output parameters programmed to Step mode will be part of the triggered action. The output will remain at the final output level once the Step transient is complete.

What is a PULSE Transient?

A Pulse transient generates a triggered output change that returns to its immediate output level after a programmed time period. A Pulse transient can also be programmed to repeat the output change more than once or continuously.

What is a LIST Transient?

A List transient generates a sequence of output changes. Each output change of the sequence is called a List point. All parameters subject to tran- sient control can be programmed at each List point.

A List can contain up to one hundred points. The list of points can be programmed to execute once or to repeat from one to an infinite number of times.

Agilent’s 6800 series List points can be paced by external triggers. When paced by triggers, the out- put will remain at a particular List point until a trigger is received. Only then will it proceed to the next programmed point.

List points can also be paced by individual pro- grammable dwell time parameters associated with every point. Only when the dwell time for a partic- ular List point expires will it proceed to the next List point.

Once the List is completed, the output returns to the immediate levels.