Five Easy Steps to Create a DC Power Supply with Data Logging

Most applications with a bench power supply use an external data acquisition instrument, such as a digital multimeter or data logger, to capture measurement data points. This process is cumbersome because you need an additional instrument. Also, you must take the time to synchronize the power supply and data logging equipment. This additional setup can turn a simple task on the bench into a complex project.

Keysight’s E36000 Series DC power supply with built-in data logger capability allows you to record voltage and current pairs over time. Having the data logger capability integrated into the power supply eliminates the need to add an instrument to the test setup for data logging.\

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Data Logging, Output Sequencing, and Slew Rate Adjustment for Increased Productivity

Logging data is key to reviewing test setups and repeating test conditions. The E36000 Series DC power supply simultaneously logs data on all DC outputs, both voltage and current measurements, spaced by a programmable sample period, to the large color display and a file. Export the data logger display in PNG and BMP file formats, or export the time-stamped data as a CSV file for reports and documentation.

The E36000 Series includes a built-in battery backup real-time clock. It allows proper time stamping of logged data and tagging of files with correct creation dates. You can simulate power problems or normal operation with either sequencing or list mode. Generate complex sequences of output changes with rapid, precise timing synchronized with internal or external signals by using LIST mode. The adjustable voltage slew rate allows easy control of the speed at which the output slews from one voltage to another. All these are programmable through the front panel or computer control for maximum productivity.

Data Logging Setup in Five Easy Steps

Follow these five steps to generate a voltage sequence on three DC outputs:

Step 1: Determine the number of channels, voltage sequence, and delay times for each output channel

Step 2: Set up each channel’s voltage and current limit settings

Program channel 1 for 5 V, channel 2 for 15 V, and channel 3 for 20 V. In this example, we used the default current limit settings. The color-coded display lets you see all three channel voltage and current settings.

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Step 3: Configure the channel turn-on and turn-off delays, and then couple the outputs together

In the Output Settings display, the channels are color-coded for a clear graphical representation of the programmed on and off delays. Since we are using all three DC outputs, we can use the On / Off Coupling button to turn on all three channels. All three channels are coupled into the sequence and will respond to the trigger command using the front-panel All On / Off key.

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Step 4: Set up the data logger properties and waveform settings

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Select the channels you want to see (in our example, we selected V1, V2, and V3). Next, program the data logger selections, the duration for the data capture, the sample period, and the trigger source.

The system automatically calculates the data file size based on the settings. In this example, the required memory is 1.76 KB. When performing a data log, connect a USB drive in the front-panel USB port to store the data log results. \

Step 5: Start the data logger by pressing the Run / Stop key, then press the Back key

Start the power-up sequence by pressing the front-panel All On / Off key, wait about 10 seconds, then press the front-panel All On / Off key again to initiate the power-off sequence. The data logger captures all three DC outputs and displays the power-up and power-down voltage sequence.

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Summary

The E36000 Series DC power supply with built-in data logger allows you to do the following:
• easily set up and view from the front panel
• display voltage, current, and calculated power for each output
• quickly save readings and transfer them with a USB drive
• combine with an output LIST to capture results with a varying output voltage
• set up, record, and store data with remote programming \

For more information on the Keysight E36000 Series, please visit these pages:
E36300 Series Triple-Output Power Supply
E36200 Series Autoranging Power Supply

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