Siglent 3303x-e power supply: some How To ??s. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: n3mmr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2019, 08:15:34 am
content: Just got my new 3303x-e.Hmm.It does its basic functions the way it should.Serial mode is not very well documented: it seems this is the only way to use this PS as a dual tracking ±V supply, but the manual makes no mention of this.Serial mode even seems to connect ch+ to ch2- internally.Still, people who should know say this is not recommended!Why not?The EasyPower SW leaves me wondering.Is there an easy way to write a sequence of SCPI commands and send to the scope?Is there a recommended way to write a program, in python maybe, that can send commands to the PS and then act according to values read from the PS? Maybe even some template to be used in some development tool?EasyPower can find the scope in the usb space, but with a network connection the sw cannot even remember the ip address between two connect attempts.The GUI is not very well thought out, and adds very little that could be considered "useful additions" over and above just reaching for the PS front panel.Can the software do logging? Can it read the "waveform display"(?) data from the PS?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2019, 09:59:10 am
content: Quote from: n3mmr on February 28, 2019, 08:15:34 amThe terminal configuration for serial mode is printed on the front panel below the output terminals and the Quick Start manual would seem clear enough for most.It says:In the series mode, CH1 and CH2 are linked internally into one channel which is controlled by CH1.Further:3. Set voltage and current value:a)Press “1” button to select the channel 1b) Move the cursor through direction button to select the wanted parameter(voltage, current),c) Press “Fine” to select the digit position and then revolve the multi-function knob to change the corresponding parameter.4. Press “on/off”button corresponding CH1 to turn on the outputNote,mine:Channel 1 becomes the master channel in both series and parallel modes.QuoteSCPI command syntax, examples and the command list start in Ch 3, p34/45 of the Quick Start.https://www.siglenteu.com/download/2512/QuoteDid you follow the LAN setting instructions on p24/45 ?Which versions of both firmware and EasyPower do you have ?SPD3303X-E Firmware - 1.01.01.02.05https://www.siglenteu.com/download/4433/EasyPower - 1.01.01.16https://www.siglenteu.com/download/4323/QuoteHave a look here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/this-graph-brings-tears-to-my-eye/Jump into that thread and ask member HendriXML for some samples of his scripts.

author: n3mmr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2019, 11:13:38 am
content: The thing that is not mentioned concerning serial mode in the manual is that the ch1+/ch2- terminals could be used as a centre terminal in a tracking ±30V tracking supply.Since I have a need for just that, I'd like to know if using serial mode like that is advisable.Why do you give me a link to a QSG with a (very incomplete) SCPI command list when I ask how to construct a way to automate using the power supply by writing a program or some other way?Yes I followed the QSG instructions on IP, p16, I think, and software and firmware are both current as of today.I'll jump in and ask, yes! Thanks.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2019, 07:27:05 pm
content: Quote from: n3mmr on February 28, 2019, 11:13:38 amI'll do some research on this ^.QuoteThe SCPI command set in the QSG are the only ones available AFAIK.QuoteHmm, it shouldn't be dropping you LAN settings. I'll get a unit out and check these couple of things.......gimme a couple of days.

author: n3mmr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2019, 06:23:24 am
content: Quote from: tautech on February 28, 2019, 07:27:05 pmBut I was asking about a suitable method or tool to send complex scpi command sequences to the 3303! Or some way to script scpi to control the 3303.

author: vidya31
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 01, 2019, 11:37:53 am
content: Really don't have any idea

author: n3mmr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2019, 12:47:57 pm
content: I myself now think NI-VISA+Python+PyVisa and writing in Python would be a good way.Python could possibly manage doing things like graphing stuff, too.I'm not well versed in Python, but supposedly it's not too difficult for someone that used to write C and shellscripts.

author: prasimix
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 01, 2019, 04:21:48 pm
content: Quote from: n3mmr on February 28, 2019, 08:15:34 amPerhaps, people had some bad experience with combining two (or more) outputs on unit that does not comes with "balancing" function accomplished in hardware or firmware. If you have a nerve to listen to my voice feel free to check this video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?Ukn1K1G0pJUIn short, one could expect troubles when PSU has to change mode of operation from CV to CC when coupled in series or vice versa when coupled in parallel.

author: n3mmr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 02, 2019, 12:19:11 pm
content: Quote from: n3mmr on March 01, 2019, 12:47:57 pmI have NI-VISA and EasyPower installed, and I can send a single SCPI command and I see a response come back, but trying Python 3.7.2 64 bits and PyVISA 1.9.1 was a confusing experience.It worked, then didn't, and then did and then didn't... And that was repeating the same python line using the history mechanism under upArrow in a command window.Huh?Error messages were like locating information was missing, or no such resource existed, and other messages indicating strings or values were not what they seemed.This is on Windows 10.

author: n3mmr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2019, 01:20:51 pm
content: Quote from: prasimix on March 01, 2019, 04:21:48 pmThat was a most enlightening videoFor a split, tracking and balanced voltage supply, current limiting must be specifically designed to maintain tracking and balance at all times.And that isn't necessarily the case for a serial mode of a multiple power supply.

author: TheDefpom
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2019, 05:46:33 am
content: I don't know if my video is of any help to you...