If the hardware power-limit circuit becomes active, it attempts to limit power by limiting the current drawn by the load.

Once the power has been returned to the safe operating area, the protective circuit allows the current to rise again. This protective sequence can turn on and off (approximately 5% of full scale peak-to-peak) at rates from 2 kHz to 12 kHz. It will continue until the overpower condition ceases, or the module’s heatsink temperature rises enough to cause the module to impose the nominal power limit. With the nominal power limit in effect, the module’s input circuit will open after the 3- second delay. Note that this oscillation is a design feature that protects your instrument while preventing nuisance shutdowns caused by transient conditions.

Overtemperature

Each module has an overtemperature (OT) protection circuit which will turn off the input if the internal temperature exceeds safe limits. If the OT circuit activates, the OT and PS status register bits are set and will remain set until they are reset. If the OT condition still exists when the reset is executed, the module’s input will remain off. You must wait until the module cools down before you can reset the OT circuit. The fan(s) will continue to operate to cool the unit as quickly as possible.

Reverse Voltage

This feature protects the load module in case the input dc voltage lines are connected with the wrong polarity. If a reverse voltage (RV) condition is detected, turn off power to the dc source and the Electronic Load and make the correct connections.

The Electronic Load conducts reverse current when the polarity of the DC source connection is incorrect. The maximum safe reverse current is specified in the module-specific pages. The reverse voltage (RV) and voltage fault (VF) bits in the status register are set when reverse voltage is applied. When the reverse voltage is removed the RV bit is cleared.

However, the VF bit remains set until it is reset. As previously described, the Fault output signal at the control connector tracks the state of the VF bit. The Fault signal can be used to control an external relay in order to disconnect the module from the dc source if an RV condition occurs.

Control Connector

Each module has a 10-pin connector mounted on its rear panel. These signals are described in the following paragraphs. See Chapter 3 for connection details.

Remote Sensing

The remote sensing inputs, + S and - S, can be used in CV or CR modes. By eliminating the effect of the inevitable voltage drop in the load leads, remote sensing provides greater accuracy by allowing the load to regulate directly at the source’s output terminals, as well as measure the voltage there.

Monitor Outputs

The IMON and VMON output signals indicate the input current and voltage. A 0-to-10V signal at the appropriate output indicates the zero-to-full scale input current or voltage. An external DVM or oscilloscope can be connected to monitor the input voltage and current.

30 Operation Overview

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Agilent Technologies 6050A, 6051A Control Connector, Overtemperature, Reverse Voltage, Remote Sensing, Monitor Outputs
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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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