Front Panel Description

The front panel includes a 12-character alphanumeric display, 11 status indicators, and four groups of keypads. Ordinarily the alphanumeric display shows the number of the channel presently under front-panel control, and the input voltage and

current of that channel. By using the key you can sequentially display input power, programming error codes, and protection-circuit status. If any protection circuits are active, that status will be displayed first when you use the

key. If you change channels via the front panel, any fault information will be displayed first for the new channel. Then you can key through the display in the normal sequence. The alphanumeric display also shows what function is being performed when you use the keypads.

The display also includes 11 annunciators that point to the 11 status labels printed on the front panel. The Constant Current, Constant Resistance, Constant Voltage, Transient, and Unregulated status annunciators are specific to the channel displayed. The Protection, Error, Shift, Remote, Address, and Service ReQuest status annunciators are channel independent.

Four of the keys perform two functions, with the alternative function labeled in blue above the key. The alternative function is selected by first pressing the blue (shift) key, which turns on the Shift annunciator and enables the alternative function.

Note that the front-panel display operates independently from the GPIB CHANNEL command. In other words, you can select a channel locally (front panel) for which the display will show the input voltage and current, and the controller can subsequently send commands to other channels without changing the channel being displayed.

Remote Programming

Commands sent to the Electronic Load via GPIB are decoded by the mainframe microprocessor, which detects syntax and range errors. The mainframe processor also prescales data sent to the modules, and maintains status registers for each module. Three commands have aliases for compatibility with other HPSL instruments. MODE can also be called FUNCtion, INPut can also be called OUTPut, and CHANnel can also be called INSTrument. OUTPut and INSTrument would typically be used if you want your program to refer to the load modules in terms of the device or instrument under test. Be careful if using INSTrument for CHANnel in systems that have more than one Electronic Load mainframe; someone looking at the listing in the future may be misled.

Local/Remote Control

Local (front panel) control is in effect immediately after power is applied. The front panel keypad and display allow manual control of each individual module when the Electronic Load is used in bench test applications. Remote (computer) control goes into effect (front panel Rmt annunciator is on) as soon as the mainframe receives a command via the GPIB. A built-in GPIB interface and HPSL compatible commands allow control and readback of all functions when the Electronic Load is used in computer controlled applications.

With remote control in effect, only the computer can control the Electronic Load; the front panel keypad has no effect. You can, however, still use the front panel display to view the input voltage and current readings. You can return the Electronic

Load to local control from remote control by pressing . This will return the Electronic Load to local control, unless the local-lockout command has been received from the GPIB computer.

Most of the functions that can be performed remotely over the GPIB can also be performed locally at the front panel. The names on the keys reflect the HPSL commands that are used to program the various functions. Consequently, learning to operate the Electronic Load from the front panel will aid you when you start to write computer programs.

Details of local operation are covered in Chapter 4 - Local Operation and fundamentals of remote programming are given in Chapter 5 - Remote Operation. Complete HPSL programming details are given in the Agilent Electronic Loads Programming Reference Guide. The remaining paragraphs in this chapter describe the operating modes, transient

16 Operation Overview

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Agilent Technologies 6050A, 6051A manual Front Panel Description, Remote Programming, Local/Remote Control
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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.

The Agilent 6050A is a high-performance RF signal generator known for its frequency range capabilities, which span from 100 kHz to 20 GHz. It offers exceptional phase noise performance and low harmonic distortion, making it ideal for applications that require high signal integrity. The device supports various modulation formats, including AM, FM, and pulse modulation, allowing users to generate a wide range of test signals to simulate real-world conditions.

The 6051A builds upon the robust features of the 6050A with enhanced specifications and additional functionalities. It features a larger frequency modulation bandwidth, pushing the envelope for applications requiring more complex signal generation. The 6051A showcases a superior output power range, ensuring that test signals can be reliably produced at varying power levels. This model also includes advanced output control options that allow for precise signal manipulation, making it particularly suited for testing amplifiers and other RF components.

Both models share core technologies that ensure reliable performance, such as direct digital synthesis (DDS) and phase-locked loop (PLL) architectures. These technologies contribute to the exceptional frequency stability and accuracy that engineers and scientists have come to rely on. Additionally, the user-friendly interface integrated into both models simplifies operation and allows for quick configuration changes, facilitating efficient research and testing workflows.

With comprehensive connectivity options, including GPIB, USB, and Ethernet, the 6050A and 6051A can easily integrate into automated test environments. Their reliability, performance, and flexibility make them a perfect choice for those looking to advance their testing capabilities, whether in academic research, product development, or quality assurance in manufacturing.

In summary, the Agilent Technologies 6050A and 6051A signal generators are powerful tools designed to meet the demands of modern RF testing. Their advanced features, paired with Agilent’s reputation for quality and precision, make them invaluable assets in any engineering or research portfolio. Whether you require sophisticated signal generation for prototype testing or educational purposes, these models will deliver the performance needed to support your objectives.
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