New entry-level R&S NGE100 Power Supply Series - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: pascal_sweden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2017, 02:12:42 pm
content: Anybody out here who can do a video review about this new entry-level power supply series from R&S?https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/us/product/nge100-productstartpage_63493-387267.html?rusprivacypolicy=1

author: norks
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2017, 03:04:28 pm
content: Elektor has a video review of the bigger brother HMC8043. The NGE appears to be a stripped down version of this so performance and operation is probably very similar, with fewer features.https://www.elektormagazine.com/news/elektor-tv-RS-HMC8043-PSU

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2017, 03:18:33 pm
content: It's pretty neat that all 3 channels are floating and all are 0-32V. You can string them all in series to get 96V.OTOH, it's odd that there is no chassis ground jack.

author: pascal_sweden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2017, 03:21:31 pm
content: Maybe the ground jack is available on the back connector with screws?Is the jitter acceptable on switched-mode power supplies these days?Or is it still better to go for a linear power supply?

author: kwass
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2017, 03:41:48 pm
content: Quote from: pascal_sweden on April 01, 2017, 03:21:31 pmFrom what I read on the R&S site, this seems to use a double regulation circuit -- switched mode followed by linear mode. The new Keysignt low-power supplies work the same way. It should be a very clean output but they don't state any noise specs on their datasheet. I like the look and functionality on these new R&S supplies, but I hate that they have a cooling fan inside. I'd like to know what the fan noise is.

author: slurry
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2017, 03:58:26 pm
content: Farnell have them in stock, NGE102 and NE103, there is a light price difference but it sure is great to have that third channel sometimesI have used the HMC8041 which i could not fault and it sure is a brilliant little supply for the money,a wealth of funcions and LXI and quite good performance, i love the possiblity to see wattage at the same time as voltage and current.I can not see that this cute NGE-series could be less good?Datasheet says ripple is less than 1.5mV rms and 2mA rms, what i really look forward to is the arb-funtion, i may have to buy me one of those supplies...

author: ebclr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2017, 04:04:13 pm
content: It's amazing call a USD 890 power supply entry LevelI would imagine what the Top Layer Level will be a million?

author: norks
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2017, 04:18:53 pm
content: Quote from: ebclr on April 01, 2017, 04:04:13 pmThey use the same language around their new oscilloscope and spectrum analyzer in the "value instruments" class, which are equally as pricey from the hobbyist point of view. They're competing with the likes of keysight and tektronix. Whether you think they deserve to be in that class is your prerogative. I think they're marketing towards educational institutions, where tek has long had strong presence.

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2017, 02:23:46 pm
content: The other thing that is missing, compared to the 8043, is sense terminals. (The HMC8043 doesn't have sense terminals but it has sense connections on the multi pin connector round the back and I see with the NGE100 series the connector has been removed).This is a pity as with low voltage high current (3A) the voltage drop may be significant. Having said that, my present supply has sense terminals and I leave them permanently connected to the output terminals so perhaps it is not that vital to have them in practice.

author: TheAmmoniacal
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 02, 2017, 02:43:07 pm
content: The NGE103 is $1234 here (incl. VAT) ...Specifications attached.

author: Octane
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2017, 03:32:12 pm
content: I ordere the NGE103 last Thursday from testequipment.com. No expected shipping date yetI'm just building up my new lab here, so won't have much to test it with, but maybe I can do the one or other thing for whom is interested.

author: jpb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2017, 04:15:08 pm
content: Looking at the spec sheets and prices on Farnell UK and comparing the NGE103 at £687 + VAT to the HMC8043 at £836 + VAT, the extra 22% of the HMC8043 seems to buy you:four times better ripple (450uVrms 4mVpp vs 1.5mVrms 20mVpp), two times better current ripple (1mA vs 2mA) but worse response time (1msec vs 200 usecs). The extra connector on the back of the 8043 is more useful for permanently wiring in a rack and provides voltage sense to compensate for long cables.Arbitrary points are reduced from 512 (8043) to 128 in the NGE103.In round numbers, the UK prices with VAT are £1000 for the HMC8043 and £180 less for the NGE103. Neither of them are exactly cheap - personally I'd probably go for a bulky but lower ripple and higher output like a TTi PL series.

author: Octane
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2017, 03:33:57 am
content: I got my NGE103 today and already thought I would have issues. At first channel 2 always showed an output voltage about 300mV above the set point. Slowly decreasing from 300mV to 200mV over about 30s. I didn't measure it longer.On channel 3 the current set point was way off. I set it to 500mA and measured about 600mA with the ampere meter. When I set the current set point to 20mA it immediately went into CC mode without anything connected to the terminals.I turned it off and did other stuff. Now that I tried it again, everything seems to work. All voltages are on and the current limits work on all three channels. Although the current measurement sometimes oscillates between 0 and 40mA when set to 20mA, but the multimeter shows 20mA delivered at all time. The display settles eventually after a few seconds. Let's see if that keeps happening.Other things: the box contains 4 power cords (US, European, UK, Australia), this is nice.But the US cable is barely a meter long (didn't look at the other ones, but they seem about the same). Come on R&S.The power supply was set to 230V input and the T2.5A fuses were fit. But two T5A are in the box.Anyways, let's see if it works the next days, of if I have to send it back.Michael

author: Octane
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2017, 01:16:01 pm
content: I played a little further with the power supply. I didn't have much time the last days.So it seems that all the voltage offsets are gone and now those are spot on on all three channels.There are only two issues left:Whenever the voltage is above roughly 5 volt, and I short the output with the multimeter measuring current, the voltage drops immediately to zero, but also the current is zero for about a second or a little less until it rises to the set value. I measured this once with max min hold and the max value showed about 150mA for a set current of 50mA. So it overshoots quite dramatically. Below 5 volts every channel behaves as i would expect. The current basically flows instantaneously when I short the outputs. This behavior is the same for all set currents. As I said it depends on the set voltage.The second thing is, that sometimes, although the delivered current is correct (Multimeter measurement) the display on the supply jumps around the real value for a few seconds until it settles to the correct one. For example, for a set current of 50mA it jumps around between 10 and 80 mAor thereabouts.So I'm not sure if this is a hardware problem, or can be fixed in software. Right now I can do only those basic tests since I have no power resistors or any other stuff for testing at hand. I also didn't have time to hook up the scope to see the transient behavior in detail. If Rich from R&S is reading this, maybe he can forward this to the power supply guys at Rohde for a comment.Michael

author: Joel_l
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2017, 01:23:35 pm
content: Happens I've been looking for a power supply. To me, these are a miss at only 66W, 100W, and 10mV steps at the price point.Try again

author: Octane
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2017, 01:28:30 pm
content: You may be right, I thought this would be R&S quality, but it behaves and feels more like a cheap Chinese Rigol or Siglent. Also the banana posts have kind of the feel of cheap brittle plastic.I'm really tempted to send it back. Bummer.

author: Rich@RohdeScopesUSA
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2017, 03:17:47 pm
content: Quote from: Octane on April 29, 2017, 01:16:01 pmHi Michael - I'm just seeing this. I'll get your feedback to the NGE design team.-Rich

author: Octane
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 01:14:05 am
content: Hi,I tried the supply again today and after switching the outputs on, channel 2 was set to 5V but startet out with 5.3xV and dropped slowly over half a minute to the set point. I didn't have a multimeter connected, but even if it's only a display problem it is not how a ~US$1000 tool should behave.Overall I'm really disappointed by how this Rohde & Schwarz NGE103 performs.Again, I thought even though the specs are low for a supply in this price range I support a private German company that i admired for their quality tools. I hoped the performance would be solid (no overshooting currents or voltages). Not for this NGE103. It is pathetic if that is how it is supposed to behave, especially the behavior with the current limiting that I described in an earlier post.I guess I will send it back and go for a BK precision one with higher specs for 2/3 of the price.Rohde & Schwarz: I understand that you usually sell quality gear (I got one of the RTB2004 fully loaded and really like it, and will love it if the next firmware version fixes the bugs), but this power supply is not what it should be. Too pricey, especially if it doesn't workMichael

author: TheAmmoniacal
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 06:51:39 am
content: Quote from: Octane on May 01, 2017, 01:14:05 amWould you be willing to characterize the behaviour with the scope? Does it really overshoot on CC? How fast is it?

author: Octane
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2017, 02:19:48 pm
content: Quote from: TheAmmoniacal on May 01, 2017, 06:51:39 amSure, I'll try to get a few basic measurements done. I can't do much since I don't have many resistors or other parts. I'm just building my lab.Michael

author: Octane
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 01:15:31 am
content: Hi,I did a quick test with the scope: 20V output voltage, current limit set to 50mA. Putting a 330R resistor across the output and capturing the resulting voltage with the scope. That outcome can be seen in the image attached below. Pretty pathetic. The voltage stays at the 20V when the resistor is connected (around 60mA, remember 50mA limit is set) and then drops a little bit after ~150ms staying at one level for about 600ms before it drops to the 50mA it is set to. So from connecting the load to reaching the set current it "only" took about 1s. Pretty bad.Now a few videos:https://youtu.be/CVJEZAvv9l4In this video I short the output with the amp range on the multimeter. Voltage set to 20V, current limit of 50mA. As soon as I connect the meter, the voltage drops to 0 volts and it takes about a second to rise up to the current limit of 50mA. You also see the current display wildly fluctuating until it sets to the 50mA, whereas the meter shows the 50mA as soon as the output rises.https://youtu.be/VKatT8dCHn0Here I have a current limit of 50mA with an output voltage of 12V. Again connecting the amp meter across the output. Same delay as before, but now it also supplies almost 80mA and is steady but slowly dropping. So again, total fail.https://youtu.be/cyDhJy3BPScNow I'm using the 330R resistor again. Voltage set point is 12V, current limit is 30mA. When I connect the load 37mA are supplied without ever limiting to 30mA.https://youtu.be/KFM-quOGaLYSame settings as in video before. Shorting with amp meter. Now it supplies 60mA on a set point of 30mA.Ok, so I registered for a youtube account only to be able to post those videos here, so please let me know if they don't work, or any other thing is wrong.I think with this testing, the fate of the supply is sealed. It will go back and I will be looking for another brand.About US$1000 is ridiculous for this supply, I only would pay the premium if I would have gotten R&S quality.Anyways, hope this is informative.MichaelEdit: Grammar...

author: colorado.rob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2017, 03:42:37 am
content: What's it cost to enable the Ethernet port on one of the NGE103? I'm looking for a 2-3 channel LAN/LXI benchtop supply under $1000. This seemed to fit the bill until I noticed it had "optional ethernet". I'm guessing that'll put it out of the running and close to the price of the HMC8043.

author: Octane
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2017, 03:15:59 pm
content: On Testequity it is US$150. So yeah, the HMC might be a better deal. In hindsight I don't really understand why they have the NGE103. The HMC8043 seems to have better specs and more standard features for essentially the same price.Michael

author: Hensingler
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2017, 04:43:02 pm
content: Think I would rather pay 20% more for this much more capable PSUhttp://uk.farnell.com/aim-tti-instruments/mx100tp/power-supply-3ch-70v-6a-programmable/dp/2457410315W, 16v/6A through 70v/3A, remote sense, earth terminal, keypad, all remote options standard, and really nice binding posts with integral 4mm safety sockets.

author: colorado.rob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2017, 03:45:43 am
content: Quote from: Hensingler on May 08, 2017, 04:43:02 pmNice recommendation! I just pulled the trigger on that puppy. Saelig are having a sale on these units and with the EEVBLOG discount, it was just a hair above my budget. It seemed well worth the stretch. I really like the sense ports in the front, even if some find them hard to use.

author: JanJansen
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2018, 03:31:43 pm
content: Hi, i like to know : does this PSU still have problems today when you buy it ?It seems nobody is buying it, i cant find many youtube movies.

author: Rich@RohdeScopesUSA
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2019, 04:42:23 pm
content: Quote from: Octane on May 02, 2017, 01:15:31 amSorry for the late response to this - this issue has been resolved with FW 1.51.-Rich

author: Octane
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2019, 06:04:09 pm
content: Hi Rich,Thanks for pointing that out. Sadly too late for me now. But who knows, maybe I’ll buy it again some day.But besides that, how can something like this be overlooked?That’s the very most basic functionality of such a PSU.Thanks,Michael

author: skench
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 02:08:14 pm
content: Hi Rich,I have a NGE103 and the firmware upgrade page does not list FW 1.51 only 1.40.I see the newer version the NGE103B has FW 1.51. Will the NGE103 be upgraded to the same level?ThanksStephen

author: Rich@RohdeScopesUSA
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 03:28:56 pm
content: Quote from: skench on January 30, 2019, 02:08:14 pmHi Stephen - yes, same FW between the two. You can load 1.51 on your NGE100.-Rich

author: skench
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2019, 03:59:17 pm
content: Thanks Rich,Firmware updated to 1.51 and all appears to be working.-Stephen

author: Gearbuilder
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 19, 2019, 07:57:49 pm
content: I have three units with 1.52 and they do have issues:This is a great little supply but the digital IO option absolutely does not work! It has the following problems:1) The IO lines latch up frequently and the digital IO needs to be manually disabled and then re-enabled.2) The IO lines are very sensitive to RF and interference from nearby ESD events. Adding filters and shielding does not seem to help.3) The IO lines draw current when they are disabled. They draw 44 ma when driven by 5 V.4) The IO inputs cannot be enabled while they are being driven from another logic source. The input must be low when enabling an input. Otherwise the input latches up and draws current to a voltage part way between 0 and 5 V. This means that the drivers must be physically disconnected every time an input line is enabled.5) The individual digital IO lines are always disabled when the unit is turned on. Enabling them is a long and involved (75-step) procedure. Issue 4 makes this even more problematic.6) Recalling the digital IO settings turns the each of the digital IO lines off. Again, enabling them is a long and involved procedure. Issue 4 makes this even more problematic.7) The digital IO fails even when no wires are attached. Connecting pin 1 (configured as an output) to pin 2 (configured as an input) will result in an interface that fails after a few minutes of operation.The Ethernet, WiFi, and Digital IO options are now bundled together in a promotional package for about $995 through the end of 2019. Just beware of the fact that the Digital IO is completely non functional! It may still be a good deal, but I was expecting to be able to use the digital IO.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2019, 09:28:47 pm
content: Quote from: Gearbuilder on July 19, 2019, 07:57:49 pmSo just one input is drawing 44mA, not three as you've shown tied together in the photo right?Thats wild if it is drawing that much but somehow is still sensitive as an input.. Can't imagine what circuit would be there. I didn't see any specs in the manual other than "don't exceed 5.25V".The Rigol is a bunch of resistors and transistors but I haven't actually tried using it yet:https://www.flickr.com/photos/eevblog/9607780666A good input I would expect to have an opto-isolated I/O but that probably adds too much to the cost.

author: Gearbuilder
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 22, 2019, 02:41:31 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on July 19, 2019, 09:28:47 pmYes, each IO line draws 44 mA when disabled (if you attempt to drive it to 5 V).I didn't have a photo of digital IO 1 driving digital IO 2. In the photo I was attempting to drive DIO2 and DIO3 from DIO1. The purpose was to trigger channels 2 and 3 when channel 1 turned on.The biggest problem is that the inputs randomly start drawing current several minutes after being enabled. This can only be corrected by disabling the inputs, allowing them to drop to ground, and then re-enabling the inputs. If the inputs are actively driven high or are pulled up with a resistor, the inputs will not reset (they remain latched up, drawing current from an intermediate voltage level between 2 and 3 volts).It is amazing that this interface doesn't work given the fact that you have to pay $150 to turn it on. You then have to enter a long license code that unlocks the feature. R&S spent more time figuring out how to license the feature than they ever spent on making sure that it works. Unbelievable! If I didn't have three units, I would think that I had a bad unit.I feel like I am the first person that ever tried to use this interface.

author: exe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 23, 2019, 08:56:11 pm
content: Quote from: Gearbuilder link=topic=86058.msg2563614#msg2563614Sounds like they actively pull it down or something about ESD/protective diodes and internal rails. Did you try to drive from lower voltage? Like, from 3.3V?I'd also suggest contact R&S.

author: Rich@RohdeScopesUSA
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2019, 04:54:55 pm
content: Hi Folks - just a quick update to this:We're making a couple changes to the NGE's firmware based on Gearbuilder's feedback (should be released before September):1. The team had erred on the conservative side for the DIO pins and how they were enabled after recalling settings. They were thinking of applications when a customer may not always check DIO or the channels' wiring when they play with the trigger settings or recalling totally different DIO settings from memory. With that said, we've decided to implement a solution where the NGE will store the settings as they used to, but we're adding a button to activate all four Digital I/Os to make that simpler/faster. I think Gearbuilder will have a beta soon for that.2. With respect to the current on the IO lines, there currently is a small amount of current flowing even if the port is not used. While this theoretically shouldn't be an issue, we understand the concern, so we're going to modify the firmware to eliminate this. This will also be in the updated firmware currently expected before September.-Rich

author: thanasisk
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 10:10:21 am
content: Hi,Have the problems in the current limiting and overshooting and not working digital IO been resolved in the new NGE103B (presently bundled as NGE-COM3a)?

author: Rich@RohdeScopesUSA
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 05:27:20 pm
content: Quote from: thanasisk on March 10, 2020, 10:10:21 amYes, those are fixed. There is also a new firmware coming out soon (1.54) with additional updates/fixes. As soon as I have those I'll update here as well.-Rich

author: goaty
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2021, 08:13:38 am
content: Just got the NGE103 running, nice compact unit, seems to work.Besides the price, there are two design choices I really don´t understand:- Why does the three channel model not also display the statistics like the two channel model ?I do not need it, but seems to me like a really strange decision- The tracking function is really a joke. I thought it links channels together 'permanently', but all it doesis let you modify the voltage and current momentarily. As you leave the setting and enter it again,the tracking is not selected anymore.I really wish R&S would improve that and let you link 2 or 3 channels permanently, and then whenever you changevoltage, both setpoints change. (Also in live mode, you need to remember you want channels to be tracked, if not, you just modify the first that comes up )Also, the response of the unit to serial connected channels does not seem to work in all cases.When limiting current to 100mA, and going into overcurrent condition by a certain load,suddenly one channel displayed and drove 3A. (Edit: This seems to happen only if one does not follow the recommendation in manual to set all currents to same value)Seems there is at least one more bug. (Got 1.54 here)And another bug when pressing Track as can be seen in image:The knob modifies current, but the button "Voltage" is illuminated. (IMG_0711)Please R&S: If you really must produce such low-quality software, at least give us the complete sourcecode so we can improve.Edit: There´s more that drives you crazy: You cannot enable Fuse on an currently disabled channel if the output is already switched on with one other channel enabled.First disable output, then select fuse on the new channel, then enable output. But I want the output to stay on. Damn.Oh, and it doesn´t remember the last set voltages as well. It always resets to one of the memory settings. Who has thought that out ? Almost killed my circuit with that "feature"Greetings from Munich/GermanyThomas

author: goaty
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2021, 01:22:43 pm
content: Update: I swapped the NGE103 for a HMC8043 after not being too happy with the user interface of the NGE.The HMC is more expensive, but the features and usability are much better. The options for interfaces and sensing all included, also samefeatures like fuse.Only thing I wasn´t aware of is the reverse polarity protection, which is basically a diode across the terminals. Wasn´t aware of that. Be careful when connecting a battery for example, to connect it the right way around.

author: eevbstedt
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2021, 02:07:13 pm
content: Quote from: Rich@RohdeScopesUSA on March 10, 2020, 05:27:20 pmUpdate?

author: Alex P
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2021, 03:39:58 pm
content: Quote from: eevbstedt on September 30, 2021, 02:07:13 pmIt was released March 16, 2020. Seehttps://www.rohde-schwarz.com/nl/firmware/nge100b/

author: alonsojar
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2022, 05:54:13 pm
content: Hi, there is a new firmware 1.55 released since Friday. I've noticed this is deployed in the R&S Spanish download pagehttps://www.rohde-schwarz.com/es/firmware/nge100b/but not in the English one by now. I imagine it will be generally available soon, but if anyone wants to take a look..... At the first sight looks very close to the previous one, except the fan behaviour that now has more hysteresis (less start-stop cycles).

author: Electronics404
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 23, 2023, 04:22:41 pm
content: Quote from: Octane on April 26, 2017, 03:33:57 amDoes anyone else have experience with this behavior?When I got my NGE103 I noticed that behavior on CH1 and I got in contact with the R&S support.I was told to send it back and just got a replacement unit delivered today. Unfortunately, it has the same issue but this time on CH3.Video of the issue on my first unit:https://youtu.be/ltwoPL4OYWsI also noticed that CH2 & CH3 enter CC-mode about 15mA before actually reaching the set current.I use an active load to apply a constant resistive load to the supply's output.As you can see in the video, I increase the load until about 85mA where it already shows cc-mode (set current is 100mA). But it looks like it's constantly trying to jump between CV and CC.Only if I increase the load further, it will eventually limit to the set current and decrease the voltage without jumping around.Video:I don't know if this is a hardware issue or software related, I got the unit delivered with FW version 1.56 and tried updating to 1.57, but the same issue still persists.Not sure what to do now, with this being the 2nd unit that has issues and reading previous post in this thread...I mean currently I would trust my two Korad supplies over this any day, and they were like 1/10th the priceEDIT:I turned the supply on today and now I have problemes even with CH1, that I didn't have when I tested yesterday!Video:https://youtu.be/CH3KNrPozwsLike I already mentioned above: CH3 stays at 0V, even with nothing connected to the output, until I increase the set current to above 15mA...But now CH1 won't start limiting the current until around 40mA, with a set current of only 3mA??? It didn't do this yesterday!Video:https://youtu.be/NoL4lNmjB5cAnother test with the set current at 100mA: It won't start limiting until about 135mA!

author: exe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 28, 2023, 03:33:37 pm
content: > I use an active load to apply a constant resistive load to the supply's output.Do you have an oscilloscope to check for oscillations? Which active load do you use?What else you can do is to use resistor and gradually rise the voltage to see at which current the CC mode trips.

author: Electronics404
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 28, 2023, 07:27:20 pm
content: Quote from: exe on August 28, 2023, 03:33:37 pmI use this active load:https://www.tekbox.com/product/tboh02-self-powered-active-load/But I don't think that it has anything to do with the issue, since I did the same exact test with my Siglent SPD3303X supply, which behaved just like you'd expect.I also tried using a decade resistance box instead of the active load, just to be sure and rule out the active load as a potential error source.It switches to CC mode at around 85mA, which I also confirmed with an external multimeter. So what the NGE is showing, are the correct voltage and current values.But like I described in my last post, and can be seen in the video, the output is not constant. It jumps between CV and CC mode while the load current is between ~85mA and 100mA.I also looked at the output with an oscilloscope, looks clean.I've also had issues come and go after rebooting the device:- I've had CH2 working correctly, but instead CH1 wouldn't switch to cc mode until around 40mA above the set current.- I've had the device boot up, but none of the buttons worked.

author: exe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 28, 2023, 07:52:11 pm
content: Based on what you described, things don't look right to me. My internet is very bad, so I can't watch the videos you made. I hope R&S will resolve the issue. Please post here if there are new findings.One speculation: if the unit has multiple current ranges, it might happen that the upper range is not very precise when used at the bottom of the range. I wonder if the unit still misbehaves at higher currents and if the 15mA offset (when CC triggers at 85mA instead of 100mA) is consistent. I.e., if you set current to, say, 500mA, will it trigger CC at 485mA?PS the load looks cute to me, and I think I can recognize the parts it's built from. I must resist the temptation to buy one...

author: mhsprang
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2024, 02:22:24 pm
content: I just purchased this power supply and the overshoot is still there. Set to 20V, 0.050A and loaded with 50 Ohm, the power supply still overshoots to 18V steady during 13 ms, after that the voltage drops exponentially to the expected 2.5V.This behaviour could fry delicate circuits R&S!

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2024, 10:31:19 pm
content: Quote from: mhsprang on October 01, 2024, 02:22:24 pmIs this the NGE100 or 100B? The NGE100 is discontinued, so not sure where you bought it from.If its the 100B then I was misinformed:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/power-supply-for-home-lab-do-i-really-need-a-rs/msg5488714/#msg5488714

author: mhsprang
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2024, 06:44:10 am
content: Quote from: thm_w on October 01, 2024, 10:31:19 pmIt is the NGE103B, purchased from Farnell. It's updated to the latest firmware V1.58.

author: kladit
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2024, 09:34:26 am
content: @Rich@RohdeScopesUSAPlease post a link to download the firmware fro the NGE103B from, if possible without the need to register.I have foundhttps://www.rohde-schwarz.com/de/firmware/nge100b/but one needs to register there and the registration software does not work properly and is unresponsive.

author: mhsprang
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2024, 10:22:41 am
content: It did work when I registered last month. It's just like any other system: you sign up, get a confirmation email with a link you have to click. That's all.

author: mkissin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2024, 09:22:51 pm
content: Quote from: mhsprang on October 29, 2024, 10:22:41 amUnfortunately, not always it seems. My registration is also stuck, leaving me unable to get firmware for my LCX200 or NGM202. I was looking at an MXO4 scope as well, but if I'm unable to download firmware, maybe not!

author: mkissin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2024, 10:08:04 pm
content: And I finally had this time-out or something, and now it's complaining about my email not being a "company" one.So they'll sell anybody an instrument on RS or Newark/Element14, but if you want firmware? That's unfortunate.

author: asmi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2024, 10:26:40 pm
content: Entry-level power supply for $1500? I wonder what they were smoking

author: rf-messkopf
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2024, 04:46:53 pm
content: Quote from: mkissin on October 30, 2024, 10:08:04 pmSame for me. This must be new. Can't even download firmware through GLORIS.That's not unfortunate, that's absolutely unacceptable. R&S should fix this as soon as possible.What were they thinking?Edit:Sent a PM to pdenisowski, and will also inquire directly at R&S.

author: rf-messkopf
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2024, 05:28:53 pm
content: Okay, I could register with one of my private email addresses after another address was rejected for not being a "company" one, but firmware download links in GLORIS still end up nowhere, even when I'm logged in. They must have made more than one mistake when revising the website.It's good that tomorrow is a public holiday in Bavaria.

author: electr_peter
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 01, 2024, 01:17:07 pm
content: Recently FW updates and SW were available on R&S product pages, but know "Premium content access" is required.Even Keysight provides FW without much fuss. When did things change in R&S?

author: Rich@RohdeScopesUSA
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2024, 03:32:50 pm
content: Quote from: kladit on October 29, 2024, 09:34:26 amHi Everyone - for some reason I didn't get the tag on this - sorry I didn't catch this earlier. Please don't ever hesitate to PM me directly.With respect to the new log-in requirements, I can only say I'm sorry. It wasn't a choice that any of us wanted (and to be honest, we found out at the same time you all did), but it is something that is a requirement moving forward. Because of so many registrations (and how quickly this happened), there have been some hiccups, but we're working to make it easier/better. Again, I apologize and wish this wasn't something we were required to do.In the end, I hope you all realize that we truly do value each of you as a customer - big or small.-Rich

author: mhsprang
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2024, 10:56:07 am
content: R&S is really messing up their support, it seems.I registered on their support site for downloads and I have been able to download firmware updates recently.Just now I tried to check for a firmware update again and logged in. I now needed to click a button to gain access to "premium content". When I did, I received a confirmation mail that my request was being processed. 6 minutes later I received an e-mail telling me my request was rejected!So, I bought 3 R&S products over the past years and now their system rejects requests for firmware updates. Apparently my business isn't premium enough.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 16, 2024, 11:50:06 pm
content: I just tried to update the firmware on my NGE100 and found that it's discontinued for the 100B, and I can't find the firmware for the 100? Only thing available for download is the software. I'm running v1.5