Agilent Technologies N3280A manual Electronic Load, Programming, Test Setup

Performance and Calibration Procedures

Electronic Load

Many of the test procedures require the use of a variable load capable of dissipating the required power. For most tests, an electronic load is considerably easier to use than load resistors, but it may not be fast enough to test transient recovery time and may be too noisy for the noise (PARD) tests.

NOTE: When using an electronic load with a bi-polar dc source, be sure to reverse the polarity of the load connections to match the appropriate polarity.

Fixed load resistors may be used in place of a variable load, with minor changes to the test procedures. If resistors are used, switches should also used to connect, disconnect, or short the load resistors.

Programming

You can only program the dc source from a GPIB controller when performing the tests. The test procedures are written assuming that you know how to program the dc source remotely from an GPIB controller. Also, when performing the verification tests from a GPIB controller, you may have to consider the relatively slow settling times and slew rates of the dc source as compared to computer and system voltmeters. Suitable WAIT statements can be inserted into the test program to give the dc source time to respond to the test commands.

Test Setup

	OUTPUT 1 MATING PLUG SHOWN
		Hsen Hi		Lo Lsen		Hsen Hi	Lo Lsen			Hsen Hi	Lo Lsen
		I
		+		-
		DC voltmeter
				or		+	-			+	-
		DC ammeter
				or		DC voltmeter				DC ammeter
	A.		Scope		B.				C
	Hsen Hi		Lo Lsen			Hsen Hi	Lo Lsen			Hsen Hi	Lo Lsen
						I
				Current
				Probe						I
				(optional)		+	-
		50
						Electronic		Current
						Load
								Probe
	+	-				+	-			+	-
	Scope					Scope				Function
		or
D					E			F		Generator
	RMS meter

Figure B-1. Verification and Calibration Test Setup

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