9.1. Event viewer

During operation, EEZ BB3 will record the time of events of certain user activities, as well as events that require user attention (i.e. warnings and errors). Events are saved in an event log that can be accessed by tapping the event view icon. The number of events stored in the event log is limited only by available space on the SD Card.

The appearance of a new event that requires user attention and occurred after the last review of the event log will result in a change in the color of the icon.

Four types of logged events exists and their appearance in the event viewer depends of the selected filter. The Debug filter represents the most comprehensive view that contains all type of events will Error filter allows appearance of error messages.

Events types identification is simplifed by using different icons and colors.

If the content of the message cannot be displayed in one line due to its size, an expansion option will appear.

9.2. Tracking

Tracking is a convenient way to manage two or more channels simultaneously, i.e. there is no “master-slave” configuration, when changes can only be made via the master channel.

Only one tracking group can be set up. Channels that are in the tracking group will be able to define the following parameters at the same time:

• Output set current and limit
• Output set voltage and limit
• Output power limit
• OCP, OVP, OTP and OPP parameters (activity, delay, status)

• Tripped protection clear
• Trigger type, source and delay
• Output list definitions (dwell, current, voltage)

When channels are in a tracking group, some of their options will be disabled (e.g. calibration). The Untrack option can be used for clear selections and will become visible only if two or more channels are selected.

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OUTPut:TRACk[:STATe] (@<chanlist>)

9.3. File manager

File manager lets you access and work with files on a SD card. The working data is organized into multiple folders (directories) as follows:

• Scripts – contains MicroPythons scripts (.py files) and related resources (.res files )
• Screenshots – contains all screenshots taken (see User SW)
• Recordings – data logging function use this folder to store recorded data

Folders and files in File manager can be displayed as list.

Files and folders displayed can be sorted by name, size and time in descending order and ascending order. Selecting the Sort icon will display a menu through which you can select the sorting method.

SCPI

MMEMory:CATalog?

MMEMory:CATalog:LENgth?

MMEMory:INFOrmation?

MMEMory:TIME? {<filename>}

Clicking on a file name will open a menu whose options will be enabled or disabled depending on the file type and whether a computer connection is established.

Open

Displays an image in .jpg format, or opens a viewer for logged data in .dlog format

Upload

Initiates file transfer to the computer. If the file is large, the progress percentage will be displayed.

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MMEMory:UPLoad? {<filename>}

Rename

Rename a file or folder.

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MMEMory:MOVE {<source>}, {<destination>}

Delete

Deleting a file or folder.

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MMEMory:DELete {<filename>}

9.4. Power outputs coupling

Coupling provides a safe and convenient way to combine power outputs to increase capacity and offer output configurations.

Four power relays are used to combine the power outputs, avoiding the possibility of poor connections or accidental loss of connection, which could have detrimental effects on the connected load.

Furthermore, in the case of coupling into series or parallel, when doubling the output values, this will be taken into account, thus avoiding errors in the interpretation of the set and measured values.

By default all outputs are independent, i.e. separated from each other and “floating” or isolated in reference to MCU ground or PE (Protection Earth) potential.

Please note that regardless of the set coupling mode all channel outputs will remain isolated from the MCU ground and PE.

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INSTrument:COUPle:TRACking NONE

Series

Coupling is series is only possible between DCP405 modules on the first two slots. When coupled, the output connectors of the module in slot 2 will be disabled, and the output voltage on the connectors of the module in slot 1 will be able to be set to twice the value (i.e. 80 V for DCP405).

The maximum output current will remain unchanged (5 A).

Access to the module in slot 2 will be disabled on display. All set and measured output voltage and power values shown on the display for the module in slot 1 will be doubled.

Please note that according to many standards, voltage of 50 V and above are considered to be hazardous regardless of additional factors such as air humidity and temperature, skin moisture, etc.

Take all necessary precautions when the set output voltage exceeds this value.

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INSTrument:COUPle:TRACking SERies

Parallel

Coupling is parallel is only possible between DCP405 modules on the first two slots. When coupled, the output connectors of the module in slot 2 will be disabled, and the output current on the connectors of the module in slot 1 will be doubled (i.e. 10 A for DCP405).

The maximum output voltage will remain unchanged (40 V).

Access to the module in slot 2 will also be disabled on display. The set and measured output current and power values shown on the display for the module in slot 1 will be doubled.

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INSTrument:COUPle:TRACking PARallel

Split rails

This type of coupling is similar to serial coupling except the output of both channels is still active and the coupling between the first and second channels is used as a common ground. In this way, a symmetrical output is obtained where Vout + of the first channel represents a positive rail and Vout of the second negative rail.

Channels can still be individually controlled, but since this configuration often requires the same output values (e.g. for powering operational amplifiers) a default is offered that places these two channels into a tracking group.

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INSTrument:COUPle:TRACking SRAil

Common GND

This is the simplest way of coupling the output and results in the connection of Vout- all channels on all slots to a common potential.

As mentioned in the beginning, the Vout- coupled output potential will still not be at the MCU ground or PE potential.

This coupling is not required for Vout- connections between two channels on the DCM220 because they are already internally connected.

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INSTrument:COUPle:TRACking CGND

User profiles are used to store and recall system parameters and parameters of installed modules.

There are 10 profiles available that are displayed by number and name.

The profile 0 has a special status, i.e. it contains the current parameter states. Its name cannot be defined, but when a recall is made from a profile, it will receive its name.

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MEMory:STATe:CATalog?

Autorecall on power-on

Defines whether or not to load parameter states from the selected user profile at power up.

When selected, a Power-on profile number is also displayed, that is set by default to user profile 0.

If this option is off, the power up parameters will be set to initial values (i.e. “factory settings”).

Parameters stored in an empty user profile cannot be selected as an auto-recall profile.

Save

Saving the parameter state can be done in an empty user profile or one that has already been used.

The following system states and parameters will be stored in non-volatile memory at the position of the selected user profile:

• Calibration status
• Output enable state
• Output track state
• Channel coupling state
• Remote sense state

• Output set voltage, voltage limit, and voltage step
• OVP status, and OVP delay
• Output set current, current limit, and current step
• OCP status and OCP delay
• Output power limit, OPP level, OPP status and OPP delay
• OTP level, OTP status and OTP delay
• Power on state

SCPI

*SAV {<profile>}

When saving a user profile, it is necessary to define its name (i.e. Remark as shown on next picture). In case of saving to an empty user profile, the name will be offered as a combination of Saved at and the current date and time. If saved to previously used profiles, an existing name will be offered.

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MEMory:STATe:NAME {<profile>}, {<name>}

Use as Power-up profile

Specifies whether the initial states will be loaded or not from the profile if the Autorecall on power-on option is selected.

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MEMory:STATe:RECall:SELect {<profile>}

Recall

Use this option to load immediately the parameter status from user profile.

9.6. Display lock / unlock

Tap the lock icon to lock display. When locked the icon changes color and lock state is saved in non-volatile memory. Therefore, the front panel remains locked even after power is cycled.

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SYSTem:KLOCk

Unlocking is performed by tap on the lock icon, and may require system password for unlock if it is defined.

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SYSTem:LOCal

9.7. Power / reset control

Default (*RST)

Initiate so-called soft reset procedure. All outputs are set to OFF, and voltage and current are programmed to 0.

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*RST

Standby

Results in disconnecting of AC power for all installed peripheral modules.

9.8. User SW

None

If selected, no function is assigned to the user switch. A short push of the user switch will open the menu showing available options. Press the button once again if no changes is needed.

Once an option is assigned to the user switch it will be necessary to press and hold the button for about 1 second for the menu to reappear.

Inhibit

This option is selected by default, when user switch can be used to enter inhibit mode when all active outputs will be temporarily disabled that is indicated with INH text. To exit inhibit mode, you will need to press the button once again.