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2 - General Information
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Operating Modes
The three modes of operation are:
♦ Constant current (CC).
♦ Constant voltage (CV).
♦ Constant resistance (CR).
When programmed to a mode, a module remains in that mode until the mode is changed or until a fault
condition, such as an overpower or overtemperature, occurs.
The current, resistance, and voltage mode parameters described in subsequent paragraphs can be programmed
whether or not the mode is presently selected. When a mode is selected via the front panel or via the GPIB or
RS-232, most of the associated parameters will take effect at the input (exceptions are noted in the mode
descriptions).
Constant Current CC (Mode)
In this mode, the module will sink a current in accordance with the programmed value regardless of the input
voltage (see Figure 2-1). The CC mode can be set with front panel keys or via the GPIB or RS-232. The CC
mode parameters are discussed in the following paragraphs.
Figure 2-1. Constant Current Mode
Ranges
Current may be programmed in either of two overlapping ranges, a Low range and a High range. The low range
provides better resolution at low current settings. The range can be set at the front panel or via the GPIB
(CURR:RANG command). When you program a current value, the electronic load automatically selects the
range that corresponds to the value that you program. If the value falls in a region where ranges overlap, the
electronic load selects the Low range. If the present input setting is outside the Low range, the electronic load
will automatically adjust the input setting to the highest value available in the Low range. If you subsequently
program an input value that is outside the Low range, an OUT OF RANGE message will appear on the front
panel display.
Immediate Current Level
The current level can be set at the front panel or via the GPIB (CURR command). If the CC mode is the active
mode, the new setting immediately changes the input at a rate determined by the slew setting (described below).
If the module is not in the CC mode, the new setting is saved for use when the mode is changed to CC.