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Comparing the N6700 Low-Profile and DC Power Analyzer Mainframes

Technical Overviews

Introduction

This technical overview describes the major differences between mainframes in the N6700 Keysight Technologies, Inc. Modular Power System.

Description

The N6700 family is a Modular Power System (MPS) with up to four power outputs. It consists of two groups of mainframes intended for different use-models. The N6700B (400 W), N6701A (600 W), and N6702A (1200 W) are Low-Profile mainframes intended for system racks when rack space is critical. The N6705A (600 W) is the dc Power Analyzer mainframe intended for R&D use thanks to its bench-friendly package and robust user interface.

Both the low-profile and dc power analyzer mainframes use the same power modules grouped into three categories: basic performance, high-performance, and precision performance. It is important to note that most of the source and measurement capa­bilities of the system are built into the power modules. The two groups of mainframes, low-profile and dc power analyzer, provide access to these capabilities through their different user interfaces and programmability.

General Differences

There are a number of differences between the low-profile and dc power analyzer main­frames. The low-profile mainframe is flat and optimal for Automated Test Equipment (ATE) in manufacturing and design validation systems where instruments are rack mounted and space is at a premium. It has a robust command set and is typically controlled by a computer program that sends commands in SCPI (Standard Commands for Program­mable Instruments). The dc power analyzer mainframe is a benchtop instrument and is optimal for R&D environments where engineers need quick answers to various tests on their bench. It has a robust user interface and is typically operated from the front panel.

At a quick glance, here are the major differences between the low-profile mainframes and the dc power analyzer:

Low-Profile Mainframes:

· Size and user interface are optimized for computer control

· Smaller, only 1 U high

· Small display and small keypad suitable for program troubleshooting and debugging

· Rear connectors

· Up to 1200 W per mainframe

· Less expensive

DC Measurements

All power modules have dc voltage and current read back capabilities. The Low-Profile mainframes display average dc voltage and current measurements on the front panel. Measurements can also be fetched over the bus. Similarly, the dc power analyzer displays average dc voltage and current measurements on the front panel or fetches the measurements over the bus.

Digitized Measurements

When installed in the low-profile mainframes, basic and high-performance modules without high-speed test extensions (option 054) can only make integrated dc voltage and current measurements. The high-performance power modules (N675x) with high-speed test extensions and precision power modules (N676x) have built-in digitizers of up to 50 kHz. These digitizers have adjustable sampling rates that are programmable from the front panel or over the bus. Digitized data is available in tabular form by reading back the data stored in the internal buffer of the low-profile mainframe.

When installed in the dc power analyzer, ALL power modules digitize up to 50 kHz regardless of the model number or options installed. The dc power analyzer graphically displays digitized measurements in an oscilloscope-like display or Scope View, as shown in Figure 1. Digitized data is also available in tabular form by reading back the data stored in the internal buffer of the dc power analyzer.

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