Xantrex Technology XDL 35-5TP manual Initial Operation, Switching On, Output On/Off, Keypad

Initial Operation

This section of the manual is a general introduction to the controls and operation of the instrument and is intended to be read before using the power supply for the first time.

In this manual front panel keys, connections and display indicators are shown in capitals,

e.g. STORE, ESCAPE, OUTPUT, JOG. Messages shown on the 7-segment display are printed in a different type-font, e.g. StorE, GPIb, triP in upper or lower case to represent the characters as they are shown on the 7-segment display.

Switching On, Output On/Off

The power switch is located at the bottom left of the front panel.

At power-up the default behaviour is for the instrument's settings to be restored to those automatically saved when it was switched off, but with all Outputs always off. However, the user can change the default setting such that selected Outputs are restored at power-up to their status at power-down, see the Extra Functions section.

The DC outputs are switched electronically with their respective ON/OFF keys; the key illuminates when the output is on. In addition, all outputs can be switched on and off together using the ALL ON and ALL OFF keys.

Synchronous Output On/Off Switching

Pressing ALL OFF at any time will synchronously turn off any outputs that are on; under the same load conditions outputs will typically turn off within 1ms of each other. With all outputs off the ALL OFF key is illuminated green. Pressing the ALL ON key when all the outputs are off will turn all the outputs on synchronously; outputs with identical settings and load conditions will typically turn on within 1ms of each other. However, if one output is already on, pressing ALL ON will turn the remaining outputs on but the turn-on delay between the outputs will be up to 80ms, even with the same output setting and load conditions.

Keypad

Only the principles of operation are outlined here; the setting of individual parameters is given in detail in later sections.

The paramount consideration in designing the user interface has been to make changing settings as 'safe' as possible (i.e. with minimal risk of accidentally applying excessive voltages to a target system) whilst achieving ease of use. This has been achieved by requiring the user to confirm (OK) new numeric settings, with the option to ESCAPE at any point or even to simply pause until the operation times-out and the instrument returns to its orginal settings.

In addition a buzzer, illuminated keys, LED indicators and display messages prompt, guide or warn the user such that entry or control errors are minimised. Where some of these features (e.g. beeps or flashing indicators) are considered unnecessary by regular users, the option exists to disable them, see the Extra Functions section.

The ability to change settings from the keypad or by using the Jog controls is assigned to Output 1, Output 2 or both by using the 1, 2 or LINK CONTROL keys respectively. The key (1 or 2) associated with the selected output illuminates to show which output is under control. In LINK mode (both keys lit) both outputs are controlled at the same time, including some of the shifted operations (RANGE, STORE, RECALL and V x A). The further descriptions that follow apply to either or both main outputs as appropriate to the setting indicated by the illumination of the CONTROL keys.

Under normal conditions the numeric keypad is disabled; pressing any key will cause the buzzer to make a double beep, indicating an illegal operation. To set a voltage or current with the keypad press the V or I NUMERIC SET key; the appropriate display shows 0·000V or 0·000A with the digit to the left of the decimal point flashing. Digits are entered in response to the flashing prompt, together with the decimal point at the appropriate time, and the entry is confirmed with the OK key. If OK is not pressed within 10 seconds of the last numeric key the entry is cancelled and the display returns to its original setting. If ESCAPE is pressed anywhere in the entry procedure, entry is cancelled and the display returns to its original setting.

14