Extended Power Operation

operation, protection features, and other operating features of the Electronic Load.

Note: Extended power operation is not available on "B " load modules (Agilent Models 60501B-60507B). In addition, this feature may not be present in "A" modules produced after 1989.

The extended power feature allows a module to dissipate considerably more than its nominal power rating in many cases. The primary factor limiting the amount of power that can be dissipated is the temperature of the current-control pass transistors, as sensed at the heatsink. A module’s nominal power rating is specified for continuous power at high ambient temperature, but in many applications average power is less than 100%, and ambient temperature is considerably lower than the highest specified full-power temperature. In these less-than-extreme applications, each load module can safely dissipate as much as one third more power than its nominal power rating for a limited time.

In effect, each module has two power-limit curves, as shown in Figure 2-1. Whether the module is operating with the nominal power-limit curve or the extended power-limit curve is determined by heatsink temperature. The module turns on with extended power available and extended power continues to be available unless and until the internal temperature rises beyond a safe operating point for extended power. At the point, the module automatically reduces the power-limit curve to the module’s nominal power rating, and sets the Extended Power Unavailable (EPU) bit in the status registers. Extended power is available any time the EPU bit (bit 9) is not set. A graph provided in the module-specific specifications under DC Input Rating shows the typical time that a module can operate at full extended power after having stabilized at a given average power before extended power becomes unavailable.

Figure 2-1. Power Limit Curves

Programmable Features

Modes of Operation

The three modes of operation are:

∙constant current (CC)

∙constant voltage (CV)

∙constant resistance (CR)

Operation Overview 17

6051A, 6050A specifications

Agilent Technologies has long been a leader in providing high-performance test and measurement solutions, and the 6050A and 6051A models exemplify this commitment to quality and innovation. The 6050A and 6051A are versatile signal generators that cater to a diverse range of applications, including research and development, manufacturing, and education, making them essential tools in laboratories and production environments.

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