Power Supply User Manual
Power Supply User Manual
Power Supply
User Manual
(Æ1=>2)
5601.1314.02 ─ 04
User Manual
This manual describes the following R&S®NGE100 models and options:
● R&S®NGE102 2-Channel PSU (5601.1414.02)
● R&S®NGE103 3-Channel PSU (5601.1414.03)
● R&S®NGE-K101 Ethernet Remote Control (5601.2204.03)
● R&S®NGE-K102 Wireless LAN Remote Control (5601.2210.03)
● R&S®NGE-K103 Digital Trigger I/O (5601.2227.03)
The following abbreviations are used throughout this manual: R&S®NGE100 is abbreviated as R&S NGE100. R&S® is abbreviated
as R&S.
R&S®NGE100 Contents
Contents
1 Preface.................................................................................................... 9
1.1 Documentation Overview............................................................................................. 9
1.2 Conventions Used in the Documentation.................................................................10
1.2.1 Typographical Conventions...........................................................................................10
1.2.2 Other Conventions........................................................................................................ 10
3 Important Notes....................................................................................12
3.1 Symbols....................................................................................................................... 12
3.2 Ambient Conditions.................................................................................................... 12
3.3 Measurement Categories........................................................................................... 13
3.4 Mains Voltage.............................................................................................................. 13
3.5 Limits............................................................................................................................14
4 Quick Start............................................................................................ 15
4.1 Putting into Operation................................................................................................ 15
4.1.1 Safety............................................................................................................................ 16
4.1.2 Intended Operation....................................................................................................... 17
4.1.3 Unpacking and Checking the Instrument...................................................................... 18
4.1.4 Setting Up the Instrument............................................................................................. 19
4.1.4.1 Bench Operation........................................................................................................... 19
4.1.4.2 Rack Mounting.............................................................................................................. 20
4.2 Instrument Tour...........................................................................................................20
4.2.1 Overview of Controls.....................................................................................................21
4.2.1.1 Front Panel....................................................................................................................21
4.2.1.2 Rear Panel.................................................................................................................... 22
4.2.2 Switching On the Instrument......................................................................................... 23
4.3 Trying Out the Instrument.......................................................................................... 24
4.3.1 Selecting the Channels................................................................................................. 24
4.3.2 Setting the Output Voltage and Current Limit............................................................... 24
4.3.3 Activating the Channels Output.....................................................................................25
4.3.4 Storing / Recalling of Instrument Settings..................................................................... 25
4.4 Maintenance................................................................................................................ 25
5 Instrument Functions.......................................................................... 27
5.1 User Interface.............................................................................................................. 27
5.1.1 Screen Layout............................................................................................................... 27
5.1.2 Function Keys............................................................................................................... 30
5.1.3 Virtual Keyboard............................................................................................................31
5.1.4 Navigation Controls.......................................................................................................32
5.1.4.1 Rotary Knob.................................................................................................................. 32
5.1.4.2 Arrow Keys....................................................................................................................33
5.1.4.3 Live-Mode..................................................................................................................... 33
5.1.5 Menu............................................................................................................................. 33
5.2 Power Derating............................................................................................................35
5.3 Output Modes.............................................................................................................. 36
5.4 Basic Functions.......................................................................................................... 37
5.4.1 Setting the Channels Voltage and Current....................................................................37
5.4.2 Tracking Function..........................................................................................................38
5.4.3 Activating Fuse..............................................................................................................39
5.4.4 Activating the Channels Output.....................................................................................40
5.4.5 Store and Recall............................................................................................................40
5.5 Advanced Functions...................................................................................................42
5.5.1 Protection...................................................................................................................... 43
5.5.2 Fuse.............................................................................................................................. 44
5.5.3 EasyArb.........................................................................................................................45
5.5.4 EasyRamp.....................................................................................................................46
5.5.5 Digital Trigger I/O.......................................................................................................... 48
5.6 Connecting to a Network............................................................................................51
5.6.1 LAN Connection............................................................................................................ 51
5.6.1.1 Wired Connection..........................................................................................................51
5.6.1.2 Wireless Connection..................................................................................................... 53
5.6.2 USB Connection............................................................................................................54
5.7 General Instrument Settings...................................................................................... 55
5.7.1 Instrument Information.................................................................................................. 55
5.7.2 General Instrument Settings......................................................................................... 55
6 Remote Control.................................................................................... 61
6.1 Interfaces and Protocols............................................................................................ 61
6.1.1 USB...............................................................................................................................61
6.1.1.1 USB VCP...................................................................................................................... 61
6.1.1.2 USB TMC...................................................................................................................... 62
6.1.2 LAN............................................................................................................................... 63
6.1.3 WLAN............................................................................................................................63
6.1.4 LXI.................................................................................................................................64
6.1.5 SCPI..............................................................................................................................65
6.1.6 VISA.............................................................................................................................. 66
6.2 Setting Up Remote Control Connection....................................................................66
6.3 Instrument Model and Command Processing..........................................................67
6.3.1 Input Unit.......................................................................................................................67
6.3.2 Command Recognition..................................................................................................68
6.3.3 Data Base and Instrument Hardware............................................................................68
6.3.4 Status Reporting System.............................................................................................. 69
6.3.5 Output Unit.................................................................................................................... 69
6.4 SCPI Command Structure and Syntax...................................................................... 69
6.4.1 Structure of a Command............................................................................................... 69
6.4.1.1 Common Commands.................................................................................................... 70
6.4.1.2 Device-Specific Commands.......................................................................................... 70
6.4.1.3 Overview of Syntax Elements....................................................................................... 73
6.4.2 Parameters....................................................................................................................74
6.4.2.1 Numeric Values.............................................................................................................74
6.4.2.2 Special Numeric Values................................................................................................ 74
6.4.2.3 Boolean Parameters..................................................................................................... 75
6.4.2.4 Text............................................................................................................................... 75
6.4.2.5 Strings........................................................................................................................... 75
7 Applications........................................................................................110
7.1 Parallel and Serial Mode...........................................................................................110
7.1.1 Serial Mode................................................................................................................. 110
7.1.2 Parallel Mode.............................................................................................................. 111
Index....................................................................................................113
1 Preface
User manual
The user manual contains the description of all instrument modes and functions. It also
provides an introduction to remote control, a complete description of the remote control
commands with programming examples, and information on maintenance, instrument
interfaces and error messages.
Service manual
The service manual is available for registered users on the global Rohde & Schwarz
information system (GLORIS, https://gloris.rohde-schwarz.com).
Brochure
The brochure provides an overview of the R&S NGE100 and shows its specific charac-
teristics. The technical specifications of the R&S NGE100 are included in the brochure.
It also lists the options and their order numbers as well as optional accessories.
Convention Description
"Graphical user interface elements" Names of graphical user interface elements on the
screen, such as dialog boxes, menus, options, but-
tons, and softkeys are enclosed by quotation marks.
Filenames, commands, program code File names, commands, coding samples and screen
output are distinguished by their fonts.
3 Important Notes
3.1 Symbols
Ground
PE terminal
ON (supply voltage)
Ground terminal
Air circulation
Do not obstruct the ventilation holes!
circuiting the fuse holder is prohibited. Resulting damages are not covered by the war-
ranty.
Safe operation
If the instrument is to remain unattended for a longer time period, it must be switched
off at the mains switch for safety reasons.
3.5 Limits
The R&S NGE100 is equipped with a protective overload feature. The protective over-
load feature prevents damage to the instrument and is intended to protect against a
possible electrical shock. The maximum values for the instrument must not be excee-
ded. The protection limits are listed on the front panel of the R&S NGE100 to ensure
the safe operation of the instrument.
These protection limits must be adhered to:
● Max. output voltage: 32 VDC
● Max. output current: 3 A (max 33.6 W per channel)
● Max. voltage against earth: 150 VDC
● Max. reverse voltage: 33 VDC
● Max. inverse voltage: 0.4 VDC
● Max. permitted current in case of inverse voltage: 3 A
● Power supply: 115 VAC / 230 VAC (tolerance ± 10%)
● Frequency: 50 Hz / 60 Hz
● Max. power output: 100 W (R&S NGE103), 66 W (R&S NGE102)
4 Quick Start
The following chapters under Quick Start are identical to the printed R&S NGE100
Quick Start manual.
● Putting into Operation............................................................................................. 15
● Instrument Tour.......................................................................................................20
● Trying Out the Instrument....................................................................................... 24
● Maintenance............................................................................................................25
● Safety......................................................................................................................16
● Intended Operation................................................................................................. 17
● Unpacking and Checking the Instrument................................................................ 18
● Setting Up the Instrument....................................................................................... 19
4.1.1 Safety
This instrument was built in compliance with DIN EN 61010-1 (VDE 0411 part 1),
safety regulations for electrical instruments, control units and Iaboratory equipment. It
has been tested and shipped from the plant in safe condition. It is also in compliance
with the regulations of the European standard EN 61010-1 and the international stan-
dard IEC 61010-1.
To maintain this condition and ensure safe operation, you must observe all instructions
and warnings given in this user manual. Casing, chassis and all measuring ports are
connected to a protective earth conductor. The instrument is designed in compliance
with the regulations of protection class I.
For safety reasons, the instrument may only be operated with authorized safety sock-
ets. The power cord must be plugged in before signal circuits may be connected.
Never use the product if the power cable is damaged. Check regularly that the power
cables are in perfect condition. Choose suitable protective measures and installation
types to ensure that the power cord cannot be damaged and that no harm is caused by
tripping hazards or from electric shock, for instance.
If it is assumed that a safe operation is no longer possible, the instrument must be shut
down and secured against any unintended operation.
Safe operation can no longer be assumed as follows:
● Instrument shows visible damage
● Instrument includes loose parts
● Instrument no longer functions properly
– After an extended period of storage under unfavorable conditions (e.g. out-
doors or in damp rooms)
– After rough handling during transport (e.g. packaging that does not meet the
minimum requirements by post office, railway or forwarding agency)
Prior to switching on the product, it must be ensured that the nominal voltage setting
on the product matches the nominal voltage of the AC supply network. If it is necessary
to set a different voltage, the power fuse of the product must be changed accordingly.
The instrument is intended only for use by personnel familiar with the potential risks of
measuring electrical quantities.
For safety reasons, the instrument may only be connected to properly installed safety
socket outlets. Separating the ground is prohibited.
The power plug must be inserted before signal circuits may be connected.
Use only the power cord included in the delivery package. See "Delivery package"
on page 19.
Before each measurement, measuring cables must be inspected for damage and
replaced if necessary. Damaged or worn components can damage the instrument or
cause injury.
The product may be operated only under the operating conditions and in the positions
specified by the manufacturer, without the product's ventilation being obstructed. If the
manufacturer’s specifications are not observed, this can result in electric shock, fire
and/or serious personal injury, and in some cases, death.
Applicable local or national safety regulations and rules for the prevention of accidents
must be observed in all work performed.
The instrument is designed for use in the following sectors: Industrial, residential, busi-
ness and commercial areas and small businesses.
The instrument is designed for indoor use only. Before each measurement, you need
to verify at a known source if the instrument functions properly.
To disconnect from the mains, the low-heat device socket on the back panel has to be
unplugged.
See Table 4-1 for the general data on the instrument specification. For more informa-
tion, see the instrument product brochure (PN: 5214.8748.12).
Table 4-1: General data on instrument specification
General data
Humidity Non-condensing 5 % to 80 %
Check the equipment for completeness using the delivery note and package contents
list for the various items. Check the instrument for any damage and loose parts. If there
is any damage, immediately contact the carrier who delivered the instrument.
Packing material
Retain the original packing material. If the instrument needs to be transported or ship-
ped at a later date, you can use the material to protect the control elements and con-
nectors.
Delivery package
The package contents contain the following items:
● R&S NGE100 power supply preloaded with two 230 V fuses
● Four power cables
● Two 115 V fuses (replace the preloaded fuses with these fuses depending on the
mains voltage, see Chapter 4.2.2, "Switching On the Instrument", on page 23 for
more information)
● One Getting Started manual
● One document folder containing safety instructions and calibration certificate
On a benchtop, the R&S NGE100 can either lie flat or stand on its feet. As shown in
Figure 4-1, feet on the bottom can be folded out to set the instrument in an inclined
position.
Positioning of instrument
The instrument must be positioned in a manner that allows the user to disconnect the
unit from the mains at any time and without restrictions.
The instrument can be installed in a 19" rack-mount using a rack adapter kit.
Ambient temperature
Place the R&S NGE100 in an area where the ambient temperature is within +0 °C to
+40 °C. The R&S NGE100 is fan-cooled and must be installed with sufficient space on
the top to ensure a free flow of air. Required minimum distance: 1 rack unit (RU).
The front panel of the R&S NGE100 is as shown in Figure 4-3. The function keys and
navigation controls are located beside the display. The various connectors are located
below the display and function keys.
1 = Display
2 = Function keys
3 = Rotary knob and arrow keys
4 = Output channels (three for NGE103 and two for NGE102)
5 = USB connector
6 = Power key
Display
The display is a color LCD screen. Depending on the instrument type, up to three
channels are shown on the screen. The respective measurement settings and func-
tions are displayed in the individual channel section. There is a status bar above the
channels to show whether a certain function is enabled, disabled or operating in a cer-
tain mode.
For a detailed description on-screen layout, see section "Screen Layout" in the User
Manual.
Function keys
Function keys are means of input for manual operation of the instrument functions.
When a function key is pressed, all the related keys are also illuminated.
For detailed description on function keys, see section "Function Keys" in the User Man-
ual.
Output channels
Depending on the instrument type, up to three output channels are available for output
of power to the connected load. They are Ch 1, Ch 3 and Ch 3 (0 V to 32 V / 0 A to 3
A).
USB connector
The USB connector is a Type-A connector. You can connect a USB flash drive to this
connector to perform a firmware update. See section "Firmware Update" in the release
notes for the update procedure.
For screenshot and firmware update, USB flash drive file system supports FAT32 only.
Power key
The Power key switches the instrument on and off.
Figure 4-4 shows the rear panel of the R&S NGE100 with its connectors.
For safety reasons, the instrument can only be operated with authorized safety sock-
ets.
The power cable must be plugged in before signal circuits can be connected. Never
use the product if the power cable is damaged. See Chapter 4.2.2, "Switching On the
Instrument", on page 23 for more information.
Voltage selector
The voltage selector selects the mains voltage between 115 V and 230 V.
Ethernet connector
This connector is used for establishing remote control via SCPI or LXI. See section
"Ethernet Setup" in the user manual for more information on the connection setup.
The Ethernet option NGE-K101 must be installed for this function to be available in the
instrument.
USB connector
The USB connector is a Type-B connector for remote control operation.
Prior to switching on the instrument, check if the value on the voltage selector corre-
sponds to the mains voltage (115 V or 230 V). Switch it, if necessary, and change the
power fuse of the instrument accordingly.
2. Pull out the fuse holder which is located directly on top of the socket.
4. Check the caps of both fuses that you want to change to for their ratings. There
should be written either T5A250V for 115 V or T2.5A250V for 230 V. The fuse size
is 5 x 20 mm.
5. Once verified, insert the fuses into each groove of the fuse holder.
1. Connect the power cable to the AC inlet and switch on the mains power.
To select a channel, press the corresponding channel key. The key illuminates.
Alternatively:
1. Press Voltage or Current key on the front panel.
2. Press the desired channel key to activate the respective voltage or current limit set-
ting for that channel. The value on the respective channel becomes editable (in
blue) and the digit for adjustment is indicated by a cursor.
4. Press the up / down arrow key or turn the rotary knob to change the value of the
digit indicated by the cursor. The new value registers immediately.
The output voltages can be switched on or off irregardless of the operating mode the
instrument is in.
To activate the channel output, press Output key on the front panel followed by the
desired channel key or vice versa. The font color of that channel section changes to
green or red depending on the operating mode the instrument is in.
The instrument settings can be stored in the instrument memory by long pressing
Store Recall key and selecting the memory location (M1 to M5) key. The previous set-
ting is overwritten.
To retrieve the desired saved settings, press Store Recall key and select the memory
location (M1 to M5) key.
4.4 Maintenance
Before cleaning the instrument, ensure that it has been switched off and power cable is
disconnected.
Clean the outer case of the instrument at regular intervals, using a soft, lint-free dust
cloth.
The display may only be cleaned with an appropriate glass cleaner. Rub the display
down with a dry, clean and lint-free cloth. Do not allow cleaning fluid to enter the instru-
ment.
5 Instrument Functions
The following chapters describe the operating procedures of the R&S NGE100 user
interface and functions.
Status bar
Function Description
DIO:xxxx Digital Trigger I/O (Digital Trigger I/O option NGE-K103 must be installed).
The "xxxx" refers to I/O status for DIO1, DIO2, DIO3, DIO4.
Wireless LAN connection with LXI service for remote control operation
(WLAN option R&S NGE-K102 must be installed).
LXI Wired LAN connection with LXI service for remote control operation
(Ethernet option R&S NGE-K101 must be installed).
Function Description
The status bar shows the state of some of the instrument functions. The state can be
enabled, disabled, switched on, switched off or operating in a certain mode. The state
is indicated by the icon color.
Table 5-2: Summary of function status
Enabled Yellow
In use Green
Enabled Yellow
In use Green
Enabled Green
Figure 5-2: Channel display area for 3-channel and 2-channel instrument
Parameter Description
Voltage Voltage in Volt. The display resolution for voltage is two digits after the decimal
point.
Current Current limit in Ampere. The display resolution for current is three digits after the
decimal point.
Fuse Indicator to show the fuse status (on or off). When triggered, the indicator shows
flashing and displays in red.
OVP/OPP/OTP Indicator to show that the overload voltage or current protection is triggered.
Different font colors on the screen are used to differentiate the various output status
and operating condition of the instrument. It is easy to know and confirm the different
output status and operating conditions of the instrument by looking at the colors.
● Active outputs are shown in green when working in the constant voltage mode
(CV) and in red when working in constant current mode (CC). See Chapter 5.3,
"Output Modes", on page 36.
● Inactive outputs are shown in yellow.
● Whenever a channel is in the setting mode, the font color changes to blue, irre-
gardless of the output status and operating conditions.
1 = Memory functions
2 = Output settings and functions
3 = Navigation keys
Memory functions
These keys are dedicated for a specific preprogrammed function.
Store Recall Saves/loads instrument settings. See Chapter 5.4.5, "Store and Recall",
on page 40.
Instrument functions
These keys control the channel output settings and instrument functions.
Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Selects the respective channel for settings. See Chapter 5.4.1, "Setting the Chan-
nels Voltage and Current", on page 37.
Output Toggles the output of the selected channel on or off. See Chapter 4.3.3, "Activating
the Channels Output", on page 25.
Voltage Sets the output voltage for the channel. See "Set output voltage and current"
on page 37.
Current Sets the output current limit for the channel. See "Set output voltage and current"
on page 37.
Track Configures the tracking function. See Chapter 5.4.2, "Tracking Function",
on page 38.
Menu Main menu of the instrument. See Chapter 5.1.5, "Menu", on page 33.
Long press on Menu key to capture screenshot on the USB stick. The default
screenshot filename starts with a prefix nge100_scr_ follows by an ascending
index 000-999 (e.g. nge100_scr_001.bmp).
Remote Long press on Remote key to switch from remote to local control mode.
Fuse Toggles the fuse on/off. See Chapter 5.5.2, "Fuse", on page 44.
Navigation keys
These keys provide navigation control in the instrument.
Back Returns to the previous menu level or exit the menu mode. In the menu dialog,
press the Back key to discard changes and restore the previous value.
In setting mode, press on Back key exit the setting mode and keep the changes
made.
In a 2 channel instrument, long press on Back key also reset the channel history
information. See Table 5-3
2. Press the rotary knob or Enter key. The virtual keyboard appears.
3. Once on the keyboard screen, press the arrow keys or turn the rotary knob to go to
the desired character.
Navigation and value setting are done via the rotary knob and arrow keys.
1 = Rotary Knob
2 = Arrow keys
3 = Live-mode
Step size changes of the numeric value correspond to the speed of the rotary knob.
The rotary knob has several functions depending on the mode it is in.
● Increments (clockwise direction) or decrements (counter-clockwise direction) any
kind of numeric value when in setting mode.
5.1.4.3 Live-Mode
When the instrument goes into the Live-mode, all the arrow keys are illuminated.
The instrument automatically sets the Ch 1 voltage to setting mode. See Figure 5-3.
You can navigate to other channel settings by using the arrow keys to edit the voltage
and current values.
The duration of Live-mode depends on the General Instrument Settings. Set a longer
fallback time if you need more time in this mode.
To exit Live-mode, press the rotary knob.
5.1.5 Menu
The R&S NGE100 menu provides access to the instrument's advanced functions and
some general settings. You can also obtain the instrument and service information via
the menu.
3. Press the rotary knob or Enter key to enter into the submenu.
4. Press key to return to the previous menu level or exit the menu mode if it is
already at the main menu level. Alternatively, press Menu key to exit the menu
mode from any menu level.
Menu Descriptions
Device Menu items related to the instrument's general settings, reset function and infor-
mation about the instrument.
Utilities Menu items such as system test, firmware update function and information for
serving.
Output Protection Configures the OVP and OPP protection settings for the
instrument. See Chapter 5.5.1, "Protection", on page 43.
Fuse Configures the fuse delay and fuse linking function of the
channel. See Chapter 5.5.2, "Fuse", on page 44.
Utilities System Test Provides self-test function for display screen, keypad back-
light, beeper and fan. See Chapter 5.7.5, "System Test",
on page 58.
Similar to NGE103, the NGE102 provides an output power of 33.6 W for Ch 1 and Ch
2 respectively.
Combination of the set voltage and current limit results in the following output perform-
ance graph.
According to the electrical basis formula for power (P) = current (I) x voltage (V), the
following results for the maximum power per channel:
● NGE102: 33.6 W per channel (67 W max for the combination of two channels.)
● NGE103: 33.6 W per channel (100 W max for the combination of three channels.)
For more information on the combination of channels, see Chapter 7.1, "Parallel and
Serial Mode", on page 110.
CV mode
Figure 5-8 shows that in the range of voltage regulation, the output voltage Vout
remains constant while the current may increase to its maximum value Imax when the
connected load is increasing. In CV mode, the font text in the channel display area
changes to green. See Figure 5-3.
CC mode
The current Imax corresponds to the current setting adjustable via Current.
If Iout reaches Imax, the instrument switches to CC mode, i.e. the output current remains
constant and limited to Imax even if the load increases. Instead, the output voltage Vout
will decrease to almost zero with a short circuit. In CC mode, the font text in the chan-
nel display area changes to red. See Figure 5-3.
NGE103 comes with three channels and NGE102 comes with two channels.
Toggle the respective channel key (Ch 1, Ch 2 or Ch 3) on the front panel to select
these channels. When a channel is selected, the respective channel key illuminates.
See Figure 5-9.
4. Press the rotary knob, Voltage/Current or Enter key to confirm the value.
The selected channel font text changes to yellow.
See Chapter 5.1.4.3, "Live-Mode", on page 33 for alternative way to configure the volt-
age and current values.
See also General Instrument Settings on the keypad for setting the fallback time.
For power supplies with multiple channels, the channels can be linked such that
changes made on one channel are applied to the tracked channel.
For example, the channel 1 output supplies 0 V to 6 V, intended for digital logic. The
other two supplies 0 V to 20 V, which can be used with bipolar analog circuitry. The
tracking adjustments are applied to the two 20 V supplies so that the + and - 20 V sup-
plies can be adjusted together.
To protect a connected, sensitive output in general, the R&S NGE100 power supply
includes an electronic fuse which can be switched on individually for each channel.
To switch on the fuse for each channel, first ensure that the output is turned off.
A delay can be applied to every channel fuse. Also, individual electronic fuses (Fuse-
Link) can be logically linked so as to switch off the interlinked channels.
For more information, see Fuse for the fuse delay and FuseLink configuration.
The outputs of all the channels (Ch 1, Ch 2, Ch 3) can be switched on or off by tog-
gling the Output key on the front panel.
By default, the output is switched off when the instrument is switched on. The output is
also automatically switched off when no channel is selected. This design prevents a
connected load from being damaged unintentionally.
Multiple outputs can be switched on at the same time. See more information in Chap-
ter 7.1, "Parallel and Serial Mode", on page 110.
See also Power Derating.
Upon power-up, the instrument loads the stored setting from memory location M1 with
the exception on EasyArb parameters. Auto saved parameters are also applied during
startup.
The R&S NGE100 output state of all channels (Ch 1, Ch 2, Ch 3) are disabled when
the recall function is activated.
The instrument settings can be stored or recalled from memory locations M1 to M5.
The following instrument settings are stored or recalled in the memory location:
● Fuse settings
● Protection settings
● EasyRamp settings
● Set voltage level
● Set current level
● 1EasyArb settings
● 2Digital IO settings
1The EasyArb settings can only be saved in the EasyArb dialog environment and all
other above instrument settings are not saved when a store function is made.
When a recall function is made on the same stored memory location, only the EasyArb
settings are recalled.
2The DIO settings can only be saved in the DIO dialog environment and all other above
instrument settings are not saved when a store function is made.
When a recall function is made on the same stored memory location, only the DIO set-
tings are recalled.
2. Press any of the memory keys (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5) to store the instrument set-
tings.
The R&S NGE100 stores the instruments settings in the selected memory location.
2. Press any of the memory keys (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5) to recall the instrument set-
tings.
The R&S NGE100 recalls the instruments settings from the selected memory loca-
tion.
5.5.1 Protection
The R&S NGE100 provides individual overvoltage protection (OVP) and overpower
protection (OPP) settings for each channel. With both function activated, the R&S
NGE100 protects itself and the load in case of voltage or power overloads.
When protection (OVP/OPP) is tripped, a red flashing OVP or OPP indicator displays
on the respective channel. See Figure 5-13.
A beep is sounded if buzzer is enabled. See Figure 5-25.
5.5.2 Fuse
Fuse delay and fuse linking functions provide the flexibility to handle a fuse tripped
event when it occurs. When a fuse tripped event triggered, the affected channels are
turned off according to the settings configured in the fuse delay and fuse linking.
The fuse delay function is intended to ignore the current peaks set above the current
limit that occur during the time set in the fuse delay. This prevents the fuse to be trig-
gered in case of a capacitive load.
With fuse linking function, it allows you to logically interlink channels with their elec-
tronic fuses. During operation, if the fuse trips, all channels interlinked with this channel
will be turned off. See Chapter 5.4.3, "Activating Fuse", on page 39 for more informa-
tion.
The fuse is activated via the Fuse key on the front panel. See Chapter 5.1.2, "Function
Keys", on page 30
5.5.3 EasyArb
EasyArb function
The arbitrary function is available only in Ch 1.
The R&S NGE100 series allows you to generate freely programmable waveforms
which can be reproduced within the limits set by the instrument for voltage and current.
5. Configure the EasyArb table with the desired values for voltage, current and dura-
tion.
12. Long press on the Enter key to stop the EasyArb function.
Data Points Set the number of data points in the EasyArb table.
Each data point contains the settings for "Voltage",
"Current" and "Duration".
EasyArb table Configures the EasyArb data table. Use the arrow
keys to navigate the "Voltage", "Current" and "Dura-
tion" settings.
5.5.4 EasyRamp
With EasyRamp, the R&S NGE100 provides you the operating condition to output a
constant rise of the supply voltage. The output voltage can be increased continuously
within a 10 ms to 10 s timeframe. See Figure 5-17.
R&S NGE-K103 (order number: 5601.2227.03) option is required for the Digital Trigger
I/O.
The four data lines of the digital I/O interface are mutually independent and can be
used as trigger input or trigger output separately. See Figure 4-4.
● Trigger input
The data lines of the digital I/O interface receive external trigger signal. The exter-
nal trigger signal triggers the selected channel (Ch 1, Ch 2, Ch 3) with the set
response when the trigger condition (Active High or Active Low) is met.
● Trigger output
The data lines of the digital I/O interface output an "Active Low" or "Active High"
signal when the trigger condition of the selected channel (Ch 1, Ch 2, Ch 3) is met.
Table 5-11: Trigger in parameters and conditions
Logic Active High Set the logic level of the trigger in sig-
nal.
Active Low
Condition Trigger Output On Level Output the selected logic level when
the Output is turned on at the
selected channel.
Voltage Level >= "set value" Output the selected logic level when
the voltage level of the selected chan-
nel is greater or equal to the set level.
Current Level >= "set value" Output the selected logic level when
the current level of the selected chan-
nel is greater or equal to the set level.
Logic Active High Set the logic level of the trigger out
signal.
Active Low
3. Select "Trigger In" to accept external trigger signal or "Trigger Out" to output the
trigger signal.
R&S NGE-K101 (order number: 5601.2204.03) option is required to connect the R&S
NGE100 to a network via LAN connection.
There are two methods to establish a local area network (LAN) connection with the
R&S NGE100 for remote control operation.
The network card can be operated with a 10 Mbps Ethernet IEEE 802.3 or a 100 Mbps
Ethernet IEEE 802.3u interface.
To establish a network connection, connect a commercial RJ-45 cable to the LAN port
of the instrument and to a PC.
Depending on the network capacities, the TCP/IP address information for the instru-
ment can be obtained in different ways.
● If the network supports dynamic TCP/IP configuration using the Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol (DHCP), and a DHCP server is available, all address infor-
mation can be assigned automatically.
● Otherwise, the address must be set manually. Automatic Private IP Addressing
(APIPA) is not supported.
By default, the instrument is configured to use dynamic TCP/IP configuration and
obtain all address information automatically. This means that it is safe to establish a
physical connection to the LAN without any previous instrument configuration.
1. Connect a LAN cable to the LAN port (see Figure 4-4 for the location of the LAN
port).
2. Configure the connection settings manually or have the network configure the set-
tings for you via menu. By default, automatic configuration is set in the instrument.
For manual configuration, configure the settings as follows:
a) Select "Interface > Ethernet" menu item.
The R&S NGE100 displays the "Ethernet" dialog. See Figure 5-20.
R&S NGE-K102 (order number: 5601.2210.03) option is required to connect the R&S
NGE100 to a network via WLAN connection.
WLAN connection
The LAN connection has a higher priority over WLAN.
If LAN is connected, the WLAN connection will be disconnected. When LAN is discon-
nected, WLAN will reconnect automatically.
Alternatively, connect a USB cable to the USB port (see Figure 4-4 for the location of
the USB port and PC for a USB connection. The R&S NGE100 supports USB TMC
and USB VCP connection.
For more information, see Chapter 6.1.1, "USB", on page 61.
The R&S NGE100 displays message to prompt the user to restart the instrument to
apply the changes.
Calibration Date The last registered date when calibration was car-
ried out on the instrument.
General instrument settings such as keypad fallback time, screen display brightness
and buzzer setting are provided.
2. Connect the USB flash drive to the USB port of the instrument.
3. Select "Install".
If the installation is successful, the option is marked as "Installed" under Installation
Status.
2. Enter the key code (30-digit number) of the option in the entry box.
3. Select "Install".
If the correct key code is entered, the option is marked as "Installed".
If an invalid key code is entered, an error message is displayed. Re-enter the cor-
rect key code.
This function provides a system test to check the instrument working conditions for
screen color display, key backlight, beeper and cooling fan.
Screen Test Test that the display is working. RGB and a list of
supported colors should appear on the screen dur-
ing the test.
Key Backlight Test Test that the key backlight is working. All the keys
on the front panel except the softkeys (M1, M2, M3,
M4, M5) and Store Recall key should illuminate
during the test.
The latest firmware file can be found from the product homepage http://www.rohde-
schwarz.com/product/nge100.
For firmware update using SCPI command, see "Firmware update via SCPI command"
on page 59.
Do not power off or operate the instrument during a firmware update. Power cycle the
device only when prompted.
Do not rename the firmware filename "NGE100FWRelease.tar.gz.enc".
2. Connect the USB flash drive to the USB port of the instrument
5. Select "Update".
The R&S NGE100 reboots immediately and checks the firmware file on the USB
flash drive.
8. When the update is successful, you will be prompted to restart the instrument.
2. Connect the USB flash drive to the USB port of the instrument
3. Connect to the instrument via LAN or USB. See Chapter 5.6.1.1, "Wired Connec-
tion", on page 51 and Chapter 5.6.2, "USB Connection", on page 54.
5.7.7 Help
2. Use a QR code reader to scan the QR code to link to the online product home
page.
Alternatively, you could enter the address: http://www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/
nge100 into a browser to access the latest help information.
6 Remote Control
This chapter provides information on operating an instrument via remote control.
6.1.1 USB
The R&S NGE100 includes a USB device port. See Chapter 5.6.2, "USB Connection",
on page 54.
The USB virtual COM port (USB-VCP) is a software interface that allows the communi-
cation to the R&S NGE100 using any terminal program (e.g. HMExplorer) via SCPI
commands once the corresponding Windows drivers have been installed. The actual
USB-VCP driver and software HMExplorer can be downloaded for free from the prod-
uct homepage (http://www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/nge100).
If a connection between PC and the instrument has been established and no NGE100
USB-VCP driver is installed, the PC operating system displays a "Found New Hard-
ware" wizard. In this case, the NGE100 USB-VCP driver must be installed.
The HMExplorer window application provides the R&S NGE100 a terminal function and
also the option to create screenshots and editor function to create the EasyArb table.
For more information of the driver installation and HMExplorer window application, see
the installation guide of the driver file and the internal HMExplorer help.
The USB Test & Measurement class (USB-TMC) is a protocol that allows GPIB-like
communication via USB interfaces and is a separate instrument class of the USB spec-
ification. The USB-TMC protocol supports service queries, triggers, and other GPIB-
specific instructions. With USB-TMC, the connected instrument can be recognized
without special Windows drivers if VISA drivers are installed and that it can be used
directly in the corresponding environments. The driver is included in the NI-VISA pack-
age and can be downloaded at http://www.ni.com/downloads/ni-drivers/.
A major benefit of the USB TMC class is that by sampling specific registers the control-
ling software can determine if commands have been terminated and if they have been
processed correctly. With USB-TCP, communication with instrument requires analysis
and polling mechanisms within the controlling software which may significantly strain
the interface of the measurement instruments. The TMC status registers solve this
problem with the USB TMC in the same manner as in the case with the GPIB interface
for the hardware via the corresponding control lines.
HMExplorer
The window application supports the communication via LAN, USB VCP and WLAN
only.
For more information of the VISA driver installation, see the installation guide of the
VISA driver file.
Once the driver is installed, the following entry is displayed in the Windows Device
Manager dialog, see Figure 6-1.
6.1.2 LAN
For direct connection to a host (PC) or indirect connection via a switch, a double shiel-
ded network cable (e.g. CAT.5, CAT.5e, CAT.5 +, CAT.6 or CAT.7) is required and
equipped with an Ethernet plug type (RJ-45 type connector) on both sides. As a net-
work cable, either an uncrossed or a cross-over cable can be used.
It is possible to perform a complete parameter setting via the manual assignment of a
fixed IP address or automatic assignment of a dynamic IP address allocation. Please
contact your IT administrator to make the correct settings.
6.1.3 WLAN
Equipped with option R&S NGE-K102, the R&S NGE100 provides an alternative to
remote control the instrument via the web. With the presence of an authenticated Wi-Fi
signal, the instrument automatically connects to a network and navigation can be made
via the web browser according to the WLAN IEEE 802.11 b/g/n standards. See Fig-
ure 6-2.
For more information on the WLAN settings, see Chapter 5.6.1.2, "Wireless Connec-
tion", on page 53.
6.1.4 LXI
LAN extension for Instrumentation (LXI) is a platform for measuring devices and test
systems based on standard Ethernet technology. LXI is to be the LAN-based succes-
sor to GPIB and combine the advantages of Ethernet with the simple and familiar fea-
tures of the GPIB. This standard provides a new standard for network configuration of
front panel devices via a WEB interface. The central tool for this type of configuration is
a browser such as The Microsoft Internet Explorer. But other browsers like Firefox can
be used.
LXI-compatible devices are divided into three classes, A, B and C, where the function-
ality of the classes is based on each other hierarchically:
work 4 of Microsoft. LabView and LabWindows / CVI drivers built on LabWindows / CVI
2012 are also available. The latest copy of the IVI.NET driver is available for download
form the product homepage http://www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/nge100.
In addition to the features described above, the device provides the following LXI-rela-
ted functions:
● Displays the current device settings.
● Remote control of the device within the WEB-Browser.
The Ethernet interface has an integrated web server, you can access the instrument
with its corresponding IP address in the address line of the browser (i.e. http://
172.25.57.65). See Figure 6-2.
6.1.5 SCPI
6.1.6 VISA
VISA is a standardized software interface library providing input and output functions to
communicate with instruments. The I/O channel (LAN or USB) is selected at initializa-
tion time by means of a channel-specific resource string. For more information about
VISA, refer to its user documentation.
USB
The following shows the resource string format used when setting up a remote connec-
tion via the USB interface:
● USB TMC
USB0::0x0AAD::0x0197::
5601.1414<device_variant>-<device_serial_number>::INSTR where
k03 is used for 3-ch device, k02 for 2-ch device. (e.g. USB0::0x0AAD::
0x0197::5601.1414k03-100689::INSTR)
● USB VCP
ASRL<COM>::INSTR, where "COM" refers to the COM port number shown on the
controlling PC. (e.g. ASRL15::INSTR)
LAN
Refer to Chapter 5.6.1.1, "Wired Connection", on page 51 for configuring the LAN
parameters.
To set up the connection the IP address of the instrument is required. It is part of the
resource string used by the program to identify and control the instrument. The
resource string has the form:
TCPIP::‹IP_address›::INST
Example: If the instrument has the IP address 192.1.2.3; the valid resource string is:
TCPIP::192.1.2.3::INST
Higi-Speed LAN INstrument Protocol (HiSLIP) is a TCP/IP-based protocol for remote
instrument control of LAN-based test and measurement instruments. It was specified
by the IVI Foundation and is intended to replace the older VXI-11 protocol. To start
remote control session with HiSLIP, the valid resource string is:
TCPIP::192.1.2.3::HISLIP
Remote
Press Remote to set the instrument in the remote control mode. In this mode, all front
panel keys on the instrument are disable and the Remote is illuminated. To switch
back to the Local mode, press Remote to release the remote control mode.
● Input Unit.................................................................................................................67
● Command Recognition............................................................................................68
● Data Base and Instrument Hardware......................................................................68
● Status Reporting System........................................................................................ 69
● Output Unit..............................................................................................................69
The input unit receives commands character by character from the controller and col-
lects them in the input buffer. The input unit sends a message to the command recog-
nition as soon as the input buffer is full or as soon as it receives a delimiter, <PRO-
The command recognition analyses the data received from the input unit. It proceeds
in the order in which it receives the data. Only DCL is serviced with priority, for exam-
ple GET (Group Execute Trigger) is only executed after the commands received
before. Each recognized command is immediately transferred to the internal instrument
settings data base but not executed immediately.
The command recognition detects syntax errors in the commands and transfers them
to the status reporting system. The rest of a program message after a syntax error is
analyzed further if possible and serviced. After the syntax test, the value range of the
parameter is checked, if necessary.
If the command recognition detects a delimiter, it passes the command to an execution
unit that performs the instrument settings. In the meantime, the command recognition
is ready to process new commands (overlapping execution). A DCL command is pro-
cessed in the same way.
Here the expression "instrument hardware" denotes the part of the instrument fulfilling
the actual instrument function - signal generation, measurement etc. The controller is
not included. The term "data base" denotes a database that manages all the parame-
ters and associated settings required for setting the instrument hardware.
Setting commands lead to an alteration in the data set. The data set management
enters the new values (e.g. frequency) into the data set, however, only passes them on
to the hardware when requested by the command recognition. This only takes place at
the end of a program message.
The data are checked for compatibility with the current instrument settings before they
are transmitted to the instrument hardware. If the execution is not possible, an "execu-
tion error" is signaled to the status reporting system. The corresponding settings are
discarded.
Before passing on the data to the hardware, the settling bit in the STATus:OPERation
register is set (refer to section Chapter 6.7.3.1, "STATus:OPERation Register",
on page 105). The hardware executes the settings and resets the bit again as soon as
the new state has settled. This fact can be used to synchronize command servicing.
Queries induce the data set management to send the desired data to the output unit.
The output unit collects the information requested by the controller, which it receives
from the data base management. The output unit processes the information according
to the SCPI rules and makes it available in the output buffer.
If the instrument is addressed as a talker without the output buffer containing data or
awaiting data from the data base management, the output unit sends error message
"Query UNTERMINATED" to the status reporting system. No data are sent to the con-
troller, the controller waits until it has reached its time limit. This behavior is defined by
IEEE 488.2 and SCPI.
● Structure of a Command......................................................................................... 69
● Parameters..............................................................................................................74
● Structure of a Program Message............................................................................ 76
● Responses to Queries.............................................................................................76
The commands consist of a so-called header and, in most cases, one or more parame-
ters. Header and parameter are separated by a "white space" (ASCII code 0 to 9, 11 to
32 decimal, e.g. blank). The headers may consist of several key words. Queries are
formed by directly appending a question mark to the header.
● Common Commands.............................................................................................. 70
● Device-Specific Commands.................................................................................... 70
● Overview of Syntax Elements................................................................................. 73
Common commands consist of a header preceded by an asterisk "*" and one or sev-
eral parameters, if any.
Table 6-1: List of supported common commands
● Hierarchy.................................................................................................................70
● Multiple keywords....................................................................................................71
● Optional Keywords.................................................................................................. 71
● Long and Short Form.............................................................................................. 72
● Parameter............................................................................................................... 72
● Special Characters..................................................................................................72
● Numeric Suffix.........................................................................................................73
Hierarchy
Device-specific commands are of hierarchical structure. The different levels are repre-
sented by combined headers. Headers of the highest level (root level) have only one
key word. This key word denotes a complete command system.
Example:
SOURce
This key word denotes the SOURce command system.
For commands of lower levels, the complete path has to be specified, starting on the
left with the highest level, the individual key words being separated by a colon ":".
Example:
SOURce:VOLTage:PROTection:LEVel 30
This command lies in the fourth level of the SOURce system. It sets the Overvoltage
Protection (OVP) level.
Figure 6-4: Tree structure the SCPI command systems using the SOURce system as example
Multiple keywords
Some key words occur in several levels within one command system. Their effect
depends on the structure of the command, i.e. at which position in the header of a
command they are inserted.
Example:
SYSTem:COMMunicate:WLAN:[:STATe]
This command contains key word STATe in the fourth command level. It enables or
disables the wireless.
Example:
SYSTem:COMMunicate:WLAN:DHCP[:STATe]
This command contains key word STATe in the fifth command level. It defines the sta-
tus of DHCP.
Optional Keywords
Some command systems permit certain key words to be inserted into the header or
omitted. These key words are marked by square brackets in the description. The full
command length must be recognized by the instrument for reasons of compatibility
with the SCPI standard. Some commands are considerably shortened by these
optional key words.
Example:
[SOURce]:POWer:PROTection[:STATe]
This command activates or deactivates the Overpower Protection (OPP) for the previ-
ous selected channel. The following command has the same effect:
POWer:PROTection
Example:
STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle 1
is equivalent to
STAT:QUES:ENAB 1
Parameter
The parameter must be separated from the header by a "white space". If several
parameters are specified in a command, they are separated by a comma ",". A few
queries permit the parameters MINimum, MAXimum and DEFault to be entered. Refer
to Chapter 6.4.2, "Parameters", on page 74 for a detailed description of the various
parameters.
Example:
FUSE:DELay? MAX
Response: 250 ms
The query requests the fuse delay time for the previous selected channel.
Special Characters
● Vertical stroke |
A vertical stroke in parameter definitions indicates alternative possibilities in the
sense of "or". The effect of the command differs, depending on which parameter is
used.
● Square Brackets [ ]
Key words in square brackets can be omitted when composing the header. The full
command length must be accepted by the instrument for reasons of compatibility
with the SCPI standards.
Example
– [SOURce]:POWer:PROTection[:STATe]?
is equivalent to
POW:PROT
Parameters in square brackets can be incorporated optionally in the command
or omitted as well
● Braces { }
Parameters in curly brackets are optional and can be inserted once or several
times, or omitted.
Example
– APPly {<voltage> | MIN | MAX} [, {<current> | MIN | MAX}]
The following are valid commands:
APPly
APPly 6
APPly 6,2
Numeric Suffix
If a device features several functions or features of the same kind, e.g. inputs, the
desired function can be selected by a suffix added to the command. Entries without
suffix are interpreted like entries with the suffix 1. Optional keywords must be specified
if they select a function with the suffix.
Suffix counting
In case of remote control, suffix counting may differ from the numbers of the corre-
sponding selection used in manual operation. SCPI prescribes that suffix counting
starts with 1. Suffix 1 is the default state and used when no specific suffix is specified.
Some standards define a fixed numbering, starting with 0. With GSM, for instance,
slots are counted from 0 to 7. In the case of remote control, the slots are selected with
the suffixes 1 to 8. If the numbering differs in manual operation and remote control, it is
indicated with the respective command.
6.4.2 Parameters
Numeric values can be entered in any form, i.e. with sign, decimal point and exponent.
Values exceeding the resolution of the instrument are rounded up or down. The man-
tissa may comprise up to 255 characters, the exponent must lie inside the value range
-32000 to 32000. The exponent is introduced by an "E" or "e". Entry of the exponent
alone is not permissible. In the case of physical quantities, the unit can be entered.
Permissible unit prefixes are G (giga), MA (mega), MOHM and MHZ are also possible),
K (kilo), M (milli), U (micro) and N (nano). If the unit is missing, the basic unit is used.
The texts MINimum, MAXimum, DEFault, UP and DOWN are interpreted as special
numeric values. In case of a query, the numeric value is returned.
● MIN/MAX
MINimum and MAXimum denote the minimum and maximum value.
● DEF
DEFault denotes a preset value which has been stored in the EPROM. This value
conforms to the default setting, as it is called by the *RST command
● UP/DOWN
UP, DOWN increases or reduces the numerical value by one step. The step width
can be specified via an allocated step command for each parameter which can be
set via UP, DOWN.
● INF/NINF
INFinity, Negative INFinity (NINF) Negative INFinity (NINF) represent the numerical
values -9.9E37 or 9.9E37, respectively. INF and NINF are only sent as device
response.
● NAN
Not A Number (NAN) represents the value 9.91E37. NAN is only sent as device
response. This value is not defined. Possible causes are the division of zero by
zero, the subtraction of infinite from infinite and the representation of missing val-
ues.
Example:
Setting command: FUSE:DELay MAXimum
Query: FUSE:DELay?, Response: 250
Boolean parameters represent two states. The ON state (logically true) is represented
by ON or a numerical value unequal to 0. The OFF state (logically untrue) is represen-
ted by OFF or the numerical value 0. The numerical values are provided as response
for query.
Example:
Setting command: POWer:PROTection OFF
Query: POWer:PROTection?, Response: 0
6.4.2.4 Text
Text parameters observe the syntactic rules for key words, i.e. they can be entered
using a short or long form. Like any parameter, they have to be separated from the
header by a white space. In the case of a query, the short form of the text is provided.
Example:
Setting command: VOLTage:PROTection:MODE MEASured
Query: VOLTage:PROTection:MODE?, Response: MEAS
6.4.2.5 Strings
Example:
SYSTem:LANGuage "SCPI" or SYSTem:LANGuage 'SCPI'
Block data are a transmission format which is suitable for the transmission of large
amounts of data. A command using a block data parameter has the following structure:
Example:
HEADer:HEADer #45168xxxxxxxx
ASCII character # introduces the data block. The next number indicates how many of
the following digits describe the length of the data block. In the example, the four fol-
lowing digits indicate the length to be 5168 bytes. The data bytes follow. During the
transmission of these data bytes all end or other control signs are ignored until all
bytes are transmitted.
A query is defined for each setting command unless explicitly specified otherwise. It is
formed by adding a question mark to the associated setting command. According to
SCPI, the responses to queries are partly subject to stricter rules than in standard
IEEE 488.2.
● The requested parameter is transmitted without header.
Example
VOLTage:PROTection:MODE?
Response: PROT
● Maximum values, minimum values and all further quantities, which are requested
via a special text parameter are returned as numerical values.
Example
FUSE:DELay? MAX
Response: 250
● Numerical values are output without a unit. Physical quantities are referred to the
basic units or to the units set using the Unit command.
Example
FUSE:DELay? MIN
Response: 0 (for 0 ms)
● Truth values <Boolean values> are returned as 0 (for OFF) and 1 (for ON).
Example
POWer:PROTection?
Response: 0 (for OFF)
● Text (character data) is returned in a short form.
Example
VOLTage:PROTection:MODE?
Response: MEAS (for Measured)
*OPC Sets the Operation Complete bit ● Setting bit 0 in the ESE
in the ESR after all previous com- ● Setting bit 5 in the SRE
mands have been executed. ● Waiting for service request
(SRQ)
*OPC? Stops command processing until Sending *OPC? directly after the
1 is returned. This is only the command whose processing
case after the Operation Com- should be terminated before other
plete bit has been set in the ESR. commands can be executed.
This bit indicates that the previous
setting has been completed.
*WAI Stops further command process- Sending *WAI directly after the
ing until all commands sent command whose processing
before *WAI have been executed. should be terminated before other
commands are executed.
The common commands are taken from the IEEE 488.2 (IEC 625-2) standard. A par-
ticular command has the same effect on different devices. The headers of these com-
mands consist of an asterisk "*" followed by three letters. Some of the common com-
mands refer to the Chapter 6.7, "Status Reporting System", on page 101.
● *CLS on page 78
● *ESE on page 78
● *ESR? on page 78
● *IDN? on page 79
● *OPC on page 79
● *OPT? on page 79
● *RST on page 79
● *STB? on page 79
● *WAI on page 79
*CLS
Clear status
Sets the status byte (STB), the standard event register (ESR) and the EVENt part of
the QUEStionable and the OPERation registers to zero. The command does not
alter the mask and transition parts of the registers. It clears the output buffer.
Usage: Setting only
*ESE <Value>
Event status enable
Sets the event status enable register to the specified value. The query returns the con-
tents of the event status enable register in decimal form.
Parameters:
<Value> Range: 0 to 255
*ESR?
Event status read
Returns the contents of the event status register in decimal form and subsequently
sets the register to zero.
Return values:
<Contents> Range: 0 to 255
Usage: Query only
*IDN?
Identification
Returns the instrument identification.
Return values:
<ID> "Rohde&Schwarz,<device type>,<part number>/serial num-
ber>,<firmware version>"
Example: Rohde&Schwarz,NGE103,5601.1414k03/100421,1.20
*OPC
Operation complete
Sets bit 0 in the event status register when all preceding commands have been execu-
ted. This bit can be used to initiate a service request. The query form writes a "1" into
the output buffer as soon as all preceding commands have been executed. This is
used for command synchronization.
*OPT?
Option identification query
Queries the options included in the instrument. For a list of all available options and
their description refer to the data sheet.
Usage: Query only
*RST
Reset
Sets the instrument to a defined default status. The default settings are indicated in the
description of commands.
Usage: Setting only
*STB?
Status byte query
Reads the contents of the status byte in decimal form.
Usage: Query only
*WAI
Wait to continue
Prevents servicing of the subsequent commands until all preceding commands have
been executed and all signals have settled (see also command synchronization and
*OPC).
Usage: Event
The following commands perform the various system test and configure the communi-
cation interface (LAN, WLAN) for the instrument.
SYSTem:BEEPer[:IMMediate]
The instrument returns a single beep immediately.
Usage: Event
SYSTem:LOCal
This command sets the system to front panel control. The front panel control is
unlocked.
Usage: Event
SYSTem:REMote
This command sets the system to remote state. The front panel control is locked. By
pressing Remote, the front panel control will be activated.
Usage: Event
SYSTem:RWLock
This command sets the system to remote state. The front panel control is locked. You
are only able to unlock the front panel control via SCPI command SYSTem:LOCal
on page 80.
Usage: Event
SYSTem:OPTion?
This command returns the list of options installed on the instrument.
Return values:
<arg0>
Usage: Query only
SYSTem:TEST:BEEPer
The instrument runs the system test: Beeper Test.
Usage: Event
SYSTem:TEST:FANCtrl
The instrument runs the system test: Fan Control Test.
Usage: Event
SYSTem:TEST:KEYBacklight
The instrument runs the system test: Keypad Backlight Test.
Usage: Event
SYSTem:TEST:SCReen
The instrument runs the system test: Screen Color Test.
Usage: Event
SYSTem:COMMunicate:SOCKet:DHCP[:STATe] <arg0>
This command sets or queries LAN interface mode. ON: automatic IP address from
DHCP server; OFF: manually set IP address.
Available only if option R&S NGE-K101 is installed.
Parameters:
<arg0>
SYSTem:COMMunicate:SOCKet:IPADdress?
This command queries IP address of the LAN interface.
Available only if option R&S NGE-K101 is installed.
Return values:
<arg0>
Usage: Query only
SYSTem:COMMunicate:WLAN:CONNect
The instrument connects to the predefined wireless access point.
Available only if option R&S NGE-K102 is installed.
Usage: Event
SYSTem:COMMunicate:WLAN:DISConnect
The instrument stops the connection to the predefined wireless access point.
Available only if option R&S NGE-K102 is installed.
Usage: Event
SYSTem:COMMunicate:WLAN:IPADdress?
This command queries the IP address of the device when the wireless interface works
as a client.
Available only if option R&S NGE-K102 is installed.
Return values:
<arg0>
Usage: Query only
SYSTem:COMMunicate:WLAN[:STATe] <arg0>
This command activates/deactivates or queries the enable state of the wireless inter-
face.
Available only if option R&S NGE-K102 is installed.
Parameters:
<arg0>
SYSTem:COMMunicate:WLAN:DHCP[:STATe] <arg0>
This command sets or queries WLAN interface mode.
Parameters:
<arg0> {OFF | ON}
ON
Automatic IP address from DHCP server.
OFF
Manually set IP address and other parameters.
SYSTem:COMMunicate:WLAN:PASSword <arg0>
This command defines the password string of the Access Point when the wireless
interface works as a client.
Available only if option R&S NGE-K102 is installed.
Parameters:
<arg0>
Usage: Setting only
SYSTem:COMMunicate:WLAN:SSID <arg0>
This command defines or queries the SSID string of the access point when the wire-
less interface works as a client.
Available only if option R&S NGE-K102 is installed.
Parameters:
<arg0>
DIAGnostic:SERVice:FWUP <arg0>
Starts instrument firmware update remotely.
The downloaded firmware needs to be copied into the root folder of usb stick. If valid
firmware is found, firmware update screen will be shown.
Keep the firmware filename as "NGE100FWRelease.tar.gz.enc".
Parameters:
<arg0>
Example: DIAGnostic:SERVice:FWUP "NGE100FWRelease.tar.gz.enc"
Usage: Setting only
6.6.4 HCOPY
HCOPy:DATA?
This command queries current screen content. BMP format is supported.
Return values:
<arg0>
Usage: Query only
HCOPy:SIZE:X?
This command returns the horizontal expansion of the screenshots.
Return values:
<arg0>
Usage: Query only
HCOPy:SIZE:Y?
This command returns the vertical expansion of the screenshots.
Return values:
<arg0>
Usage: Query only
INSTrument:NSELect <arg0>
This command defines or queries the numeric selection of a channel. Each channel of
the power supply is considered as separate "instrument“, which is required by the SCPI
standard.
Parameters:
<arg0> {1 | 2 | 3}
Example: INSTrument 1
Selects the output channel as Ch 1.
Note: Channel 3 is only valid for NGE103.
INSTrument? -> 1
Return the numeric channel selection.
INSTrument[:SELect] <arg0>
This command defines or queries the channel selection. Each channel of the power
supply is considered as separate "instrument", which is required by the SCPI standard.
Parameters:
<arg0> OUTPut1 | OUTPut2 | OUTPut3 | OUTP1 | OUTP2 | OUTP3 |
OUT1 | OUT2 | OUT3
OUTPut1 | OUTP1
Ch 1
OUTPut2 | OUTP2
Ch 2
OUTPut3 |OUTP3
Ch 3
Example: INSTrument OUTPut1
INSTrument OUTP1
Selects the output channel as Ch 1.
INST? -> 2
Return the output channel as Ch 2.
APPLy <arg0>
This command defines or queries the voltage and current value of the selected chan-
nel.
Parameters:
<arg0> {<Voltage> | DEF | MIN | MAX} [, {<Current> | DEF | MIN |
MAX}]
<Voltage>
Set voltage in the range of 0 V to 32 V.
MIN
Set voltage to minimum .
MAX
Set voltage to maximum.
DEF
Set voltage to default.
<Current>
Set current in the range of 1 mA to 3 A.
MIN
Set current to minimum.
MAX
Set maximum current to 3 A.
DEF
Set current to default.
Example: INST OUT1
APPLY "6,2"
Set channel 1 to output 6 V and 2 A.
APPLY? -> 6, 2
Return voltage and current value of the selected channel.
OUTPut[:STATe] <arg0>
This command defines or queries for output state for the previous selected channel.
Parameters:
<arg0> {OFF | ON | 0 | 1}
ON | 1
Output state will be turned on.
OFF | 0
Output state will be turned off.
*RST: OFF | 0
Example: INST OUT1
OUTP ON
Ch 1 and output state will be activated; i.e. Ch 1 and Output key
on the front panel will be illuminated.
OUTP? -> 1
Return the output state.
OUTPut:GENeral <arg0>
This command activates or queries the instrument master output state.
If the master output state is activated, the Output key on the front panel will be illumi-
nated.
Parameters:
<arg0> {OFF | ON | 0 | 1}
ON | 1
Output state will be activated
OFF | 0
Output state will be deactivated
Example: INST OUT1
OUTP:SEL ON
Volt 12
Curr 0.1
Ch 1 is activated.
INST OUT2
OUTP:SEL ON
Volt 12
Curr 0.2
Ch 2 is activated.
OUTP:GEN ON
Ch 1 and Ch 2 and Output state are activated.
OUTP:GEN? -> 1
Return output state of the channel.
OUTPut:SELect <arg0>
This command activates or queries the instrument channel state.
If the selected channel is activated, the respective channel key (i.e. Ch 1, Ch 2, Ch 3)
on the front panel will be illuminated.
Parameters:
<arg0> {OFF | ON | 0 | 1}
ON | 1
Selected channel will be activated.
OFF | 0
Selected channel will be deactivated.
*RST: OFF | 0
Example: INST OUT1
OUTP:SEL ON
Ch 1 is activated.
OUTP:SEL? -> 1
Return the state of the selected channel.
FUSE:DELay <Delay>
This command defines and queries the fuse delay for the previous selected channel.
Parameters:
<Delay> {<Delay> | MIN | MAX}
<delay>
0 ms to 10 s (adjustable in 10 ms steps e.g. FUSE:DEL 10 = 10
ms)
MIN
Set fuse delay to minimum.
MAX
Set fuse delay to maximum.
Default unit: ms
Example: INST OUT1
FUSE:DEL 50
Set fuse delay of channel 1 to 50 ms.
FUSE:DEL? -> 50
Return the fuse delay time of the selected channel.
FUSE:LINK <arg0>
This command defines or queries the channel fuses (fuse linking) for the previous
selected channel.
Parameters:
<arg0> {1 | 2 | 3}
1
channel Ch 1
2
channel Ch 2
3
channel Ch 3
Example: INST OUT1
FUSE:LINK 2
Fuse Ch 1 is linked with Ch 2
FUSE:LINK? 2 -> 1
If the fuse of Ch 1 is linked with Ch 2, a "1" is returned.
FUSE:LINK? 3 -> 0
If the fuse of Ch 1 is not linked with Ch 3, a "0" is returned.
FUSE:TRIPped?
This command queries the fuse tripped of the previous selected channel.
Return values:
<arg0> ON
Fuse is tripped.
OFF
Fuse is not tripped.
Example: INST OUT1
FUSE:TRIP? -> 0
Fuse of Ch 1 has not tripped.
Usage: Query only
FUSE:UNLink <arg0>
This command unlinks the channel fuses (fuse linking) for the previous selected chan-
nel.
Parameters:
<arg0> {1 | 2 | 3}
1
channel Ch 1
2
channel Ch 2
3
channel Ch 3
Example: INST OUT1
FUSE:LINK 2
FUSE:UNL 2
Fuse Ch 1 is unlinked with Ch 2
Usage: Setting only
FUSE[:STATe] <arg0>
This command defines or queries the fuse for the previous selected channel.
Parameters:
<arg0> {0 | 1}
1
Fuse will be activated.
0
Fuse will be deactivated.
*RST: OFF | 0
Example: INST OUT1
FUSE ON
Fuse of Ch 1 is activated
FUSE? -> 1
Return fuse state of the selected channel.
[SOURce:]VOLTage:PROTection:MODE <arg0>
This command defines or queries the OVP mode for the previous selected channel.
Parameters:
<arg0> MEASured | PROTected
MEASured
The OVP switches off if the measured value exceeds the thresh-
old.
PROTected
If the adjusted threshold is exceeded the output of the instru-
ment will be not switched on; additionally the measured value is
monitored (please also refer to function MEASured).
Example: INST OUT1
VOLT:PROT:MODE PROT
Sets OVP protected mode for Ch 1.
VOLT:PROT:MODE? -> PROT
Return the selected channel OVP mode.
[SOURce:]VOLTage:PROTection:TRIPped?
This command queries the OVP tripped status of the previous selected channel.
Return values:
<arg0> ON | OFF
ON
OVP is tripped
OFF
OVP is not tripped
Example: INST OUT1
VOLT:PROT:TRIP? -> OFF
OVP of Ch 1 has not tripped.
Usage: Query only
[SOURce:]VOLTage:PROTection[:STATe] <arg0>
This command defines or queries the OVP state for the previous selected channel.
Parameters:
<arg0> 1|0
1
OVP is activated.
0
OVP is deactivated.
[SOURce:]VOLTage:PROTection:LEVel <Voltage>
This command defines or queries the OVP value of the previous selected channel.
Parameters:
<Voltage> {<Voltage> | MIN | MAX}
<Voltage>
Set the OVP value in the range of 0 mV up to 32 V (adjustable in
100 mV steps)
MIN
Set the OVP value to minimum.
MAX
Set the OVP value to maximum.
Default unit: V
Example: INST OUT1
VOLT:PROT:LEV 5
Set the OVP value of Ch 1 to 5 V.
VOLT:PROT:LEV?
Return the selected channel OVP value.
[SOURce:]VOLTage:PROTection:CLEar
This command resets the OVP state of the selected channel. If the OVP has tripped
the OVP message on the display will be cleared for the selected channel.
Usage: Event
[SOURce:]POWer:PROTection:LEVel <Power>
This command defines or queries the OPP value of the previous selected channel.
Parameters:
<Power> {<Voltage> | MIN | MAX}
<Voltage>
Set the OPP value in the range of 0 W up to 32 W (adjustable in
100 mW steps)
MIN
Set the OPP value to minimum.
MAX
Set the OPP value to maximum
Default unit: W
Example: INST OUT1
POW:PROT:LEV 5
Set the OPP value of channel 1 to 5 W.
POW:PROT:LEV? -> 5
Return the selected channel OPP value.
[SOURce:]POWer:PROTection:TRIPped?
This command queries the OPP tripped status of the previous selected channel
Return values:
<arg0> 1|0
1
OPP is tripped.
0
OPP is not tripped.
Example: INST OUT1
POW:PROT:TRIP? -> 0
OPP state of Ch 1 has not tripped.
Usage: Query only
[SOURce:]POWer:PROTection[:STATe] <arg0>
This command defines or queries the OPP state for the previous selected channel.
Parameters:
<arg0> ON | OFF | 1 | 0
ON | 1
OPP is activated.
OFF | 0
OPP is deactivated.
Example: INST OUT1
POW:PROT ON
OPP of Ch 1 is activated.
POW:PROT?
Return the OPP state of the selected channel.
[SOURce:]POWer:PROTection:CLEar
This command resets the OPP state of the selected channel. If the OPP has tripped
the red blinking OPP message on the display will be cleared for the selected channel.
Usage: Event
MEASure[:SCALar]:CURRent[:DC]?
This command queries the measured current value of the previous selected channel.
Return values:
<Current> <numeric_value>
Return the measured current.
Default unit: A
Example: MEAS:CURR? -> 1.000
Usage: Query only
MEASure[:SCALar]:POWer?
This command queries the measured power value of the previous selected channel.
Return values:
<Power> <Numeric_value>
Return the measured power value.
Default unit: W
Example: MEAS:POW? -> 3.00E+00
Return the measured power value of the selected channel.
Usage: Query only
MEASure[:SCALar][:VOLTage][:DC]?
This command queries the measured voltage value of the previous selected channel.
Return values:
<Voltage> <numeric_value>
Return the measured voltage.
Default unit: V
Example: MEAS? -> 1.000E+00
Usage: Query only
[SOURce:]CURRent[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] <Current>
This command defines or queries the current value of the selected channel.
Parameters:
<Current> <Current>
Set the selected channel to a current range of 0 mA to 3.0 A
Default unit: A
Example: CURR 2
Set the selected channel current to 2 A.
CURR? -> 2
Return current value of the selected channel .
[SOURce:]VOLTage[:LEVel][:IMMediate][:AMPLitude] <Voltage>
This command defines or queries the voltage value of the selected channel.
Parameters:
<Voltage> {<Voltage> | MINimum | MAXimum | DEFault}
<Voltage>
0.0 V to 32.0 V (adjustable in 10 mV steps)
MINimum
0.000E+00
MAXimum
32.000E+01
Default unit: V
Example: VOLT 10
Set the voltage value to 10 V.
VOLT? -> 10
Return the voltage value of the selected channel.
[SOURce:]VOLTage:EASYramp[:STATe] <arg0>
This command activates/deactivates or queries the EasyRamp state for the previous
selected channel.
See also SOURce:VOLTage:RAMP:STATe.
Parameters:
<arg0>
[SOURce:]VOLTage:EASYramp:TIME <Time>
This command sets/queries the EasyRamp time of the previous selected channel in
milliseconds. 10 ms to 10 s in steps of 10 ms.
See also SOURce:VOLTage:RAMP:DURation.
Parameters:
<Time> Range: 10 to 10000
*RST: 10
Default unit: ms
[SOURce:]VOLTage:RAMP:DURation <Time>
This command sets/queries the EasyRamp duration of the previous selected channel
in mili seconds. 10ms to 10 seconds in steps of 10 ms.
Parameters:
<Time> Range: 10 to 10000
*RST: 10
Default unit: ms
[SOURce:]VOLTage:RAMP[:STATe] <arg0>
This command defines/queries the EasyRamp state for the previous selected channel.
Parameters:
<arg0> {OFF | ON}
ON
EasyRamp function is activated.
OFF
EasyRamp function is disabled.
ARBitrary:CLEar
This command clears the previous defined arbitrary waveform data for channel 1.
Usage: Event
ARBitrary:DATA <arg0>
Defines or queries the arbitrary points for channel 1. The dwell time between two
points is from 10ms to 600s.
Parameters:
<arg0> <Voltage1, Current1, Time1, Voltage2, Current2, Time2,..., Volt-
age128, Current128, Time128>
Voltage1 ... Voltage128
Defines the arbitrary points of the voltage.
Current1 ... Current128
Defines the arbitrary points of the current.
Time1 ... Time128
Defines the arbitrary points of the time.
Example: ARB:DATA "10.5,3,10,20,2,1000,15,2.1,10000"
ARBitrary:RCL <arg0>
This command recalls EasyArb settings and previous defined arbitrary points from the
respective memory locations M1-M5.
Parameters:
<arg0> Range: 0..4
Usage: Setting only
ARBitrary:REPetitions <Repetitions>
This command defines or queries the repetition of the defined arbitrary waveform for
channel 1.
Note: If the repetition is set to "0", the arbitrary waveform repeats continuously.
Parameters:
<Repetitions> 0..255
Example: ARB:REP 10
Set the repetition rate of the defined arbitrary waveform as 10.
ARB:REP? -> 10
Return the defined repetition rate of the selected channel.
ARBitrary:POINts?
This command returns the number of arbitrary points of EasyArb waveform.
Return values:
<arg0>
Usage: Query only
ARBitrary[:STATe] <arg0>
This command activates/deactivates or queries the EasyArb state. ON: Ch 1 is ready
to run arb waveform.
Parameters:
<arg0>
ARBitrary:SAV <arg0>
This command saves EasyArb settings and previous defined arbitrary points into the
respective memory locations M1-M5.
Parameters:
<arg0> Range: 0..4
Example: INST 1
ARB:DATA 10,1,0,5,0
ARB:REP 10
ARB:SAV 1
Usage: Setting only
ARBitrary:STARt
This command starts the previous transferred EasyArb waveform in channel 1 if Easy-
Arb is enabled.
Usage: Event
ARBitrary:STOP
This command stops the EasyArb waveform in channel 1 if EasyArb is running.
Usage: Event
TRIGger:DIRection:DIO<IO> <arg0>
This command sets or queries the specified Digital I/O line to function as Trigger Input
or Trigger Output.
Suffix: .
<IO> 1..4
Parameters:
<arg0> OUTPut | INPut
Example: TRIG:DIR:DIO2 OUT
TRIGger[:ENABle]:DIO<IO> <arg0>
This command sets or queries the state of the specified Digital I/O line.
The state is disabled when any setting has been changed
Suffix: .
<IO> 1..4
Parameters:
<arg0> {OFF | ON}
ON
Enable the state for Digital I/O line.
OFF
Disable the state for Digital I/O line.
TRIGger:IN:ARBitrary:DIO<IO> <arg0>
This command sets or queries the operation mode when starting EasyArb by Trig IN.
Suffix: .
<IO> 1..4
Parameters:
<arg0> PULSe | LEVel
PULSe
Starts EasyArb when trigger signal activated.
LEVel
Starts EasyArb when trigger signal activated and stops when
trigger signal de-activated.
*RST: PULSe
Example: TRIG:IN:ARB:DIO1 PULS
TRIGger:IN:RESPonse:DIO<IO> <arg0>
This command sets or queries the output response of the trigger input of the specified
Digital I/O line.
Suffix: .
<IO> 1..4
Parameters:
<arg0> ON | OFF | TOGGle | INHibit | ARBitrary
ON
Output is switched on.
OFF
Output is switched off.
TOGGle
Output state is toggled.
INHibit
Output state remains off as long as the TRIG IN signal is activa-
ted.
ARBitrary
Starts the EasyArb function. If level signal is selected, the Easy-
Arb function is stopped when TRIG IN signal is deactivated.
*RST: OFF
TRIGger:IN:SOURce:DIO<IO> <arg0>
This command sets or queries the source under control of the trigger input of the speci-
fied Digital I/O line.
Suffix: .
<IO> 1..4
Parameters:
<arg0> CH1 | CH2 | CH3
CH1
Trigger input source from Ch 1.
CH2
Trigger input source from Ch 2.
CH3
Trigger input source from Ch 3.
*RST: CH1
TRIGger:LOGic:DIO<IO> <arg0>
This command sets or queries the trigger logic (Active High/Active Low) of the speci-
fied Digital I/O line..
Suffix: .
<IO> 1..4
Parameters:
<arg0> LOW | HIGH
*RST: HIGH
TRIGger:OUT:CONDition:DIO<IO> <arg0>
This command sets the trigger condition of the trigger output of the specified Digital I/O
line.
The line triggers when the output of the specified control source is turned off or on
Suffix: .
<IO> 1..4
Parameters:
<arg0> ON | OFF | FUSetrip | CCMode | VOLTlevel | CURRlevel |
CRITevent | ARBitrary
ON
Trigger output is turned on.
OFF
Trigger output is turned off.
FUSetrip
Trigger output is linked to fuse tripped event.
VOLTlevel
Trigger output is linked to a set voltage level event.
CURRlevel
Trigger output is linked to a set current level event.
CRITevent
Trigger output is linked to a critical triggered event.
ARBitrary
Trigger output is linked to a EasyArb event.
*RST: ON
TRIGger:OUT:CRITevent:DIO<IO> <arg0>
This command sets or queries the critical event of the trigger output of the specified
Digital I/O line.
Suffix: .
<IO> 1..4
Parameters:
<arg0> OVP | OPP | OTP
OVP
Trigger output is linked to the OVP event
OVP
Trigger output is linked to the OPP event
OVP
Trigger output is linked to the OTP event
*RST: OVP
TRIGger:OUT:CURRlevel:DIO<IO> <Current>
This command sets or queries the threshold current level of the the trigger output of
the specified Digital I/O line.
Triggers when output current level exceeds or equals to the set level.
Suffix: .
<IO> 1..4
Parameters:
<Current> *RST: 3.000
Default unit: A
TRIGger:OUT:SOURce:DIO<IO> <arg0>
This command sets or queries the control source of the trigger output of the specified
Digital I/O line.
Suffix: .
<IO> 1..4
Parameters:
<arg0> CH1 | CH2 | CH3
*RST: CH1
TRIGger:OUT:VOLTlevel:DIO<IO> <Voltage>
This command sets or queries the threshold voltage level of the the trigger output of
the specified Digital I/O line.
Triggers when output voltage level exceeds or equals to the set level.
Suffix: .
<IO> 1..4
Parameters:
<Voltage> *RST: 0.0
Default unit: V
TRIGger:RCL <arg0>
This command recalls DIO settings from the respective memory locations M1-M5.
Parameters:
<arg0> Range: 0..4
Example: TRIG:RCL 1
Usage: Setting only
TRIGger:SAV <arg0>
This command saves DIO settings into the respective memory locations M1-M5
Parameters:
<arg0> Range: 0..4
Example: TRIG:SAV 1
Usage: Setting only
Each standard SCPI register consists of 5 parts which each have a width of 16 bits and
have different functions. The individual bits are independent of each other, i.e. each
hardware status is assigned a bit number that applies to all five parts. For example, bit
0 of the STATus:OPERation register is assigned to the calibration status of the R&S
NGE100. Bit 15 (the most significant bit) is set to zero for all parts. Thus the contents
of the register parts can be processed by the controller as positive integer.
The CONDition part is directly written into by the hardware or the sum bit of the next
lower register. Its contents reflects the current instrument status. This register part can
only be read, but not written into or cleared. Its contents is not affected by reading.
The Positive-TRansition part acts as an edge detector. When a bit of the CONDition
part is changed from 0 to 1, the associated PTR bit decides whether the EVENt bit is
set to 1.
PTR bit =1: the EVENt bit is set.
PTR bit =0: the EVENt bit is not set.
This part can be written into and read at will. Its contents is not affected by reading.
The Negative-TRansition part also acts as an edge detector. When a bit of the CONDi-
tion part is changed from 1 to 0, the associated NTR bit decides whether the EVENt bit
is set to 1.
NTR-Bit = 1: the EVENt bit is set.
NTR-Bit = 0: the EVENt bit is not set.
This part can be written into and read at will. Its contents is not affected by reading.
With these two edge register parts, you can define which state transition of the condi-
tion part (none, 0 to 1, 1 to 0 or both) is stored in the EVENt part.
The EVENt part indicates whether an event has occurred since the last reading, it is
the "memory" of the condition part. It only indicates events passed on by the edge fil-
ters. It is permanently updated by the instrument. This part can only be read by you.
Reading the register clears it. This part is often equated with the entire register.
The ENABle part determines whether the associated EVENt bit contributes to the sum
bit (see below). Each bit of the EVENt part is ANDed with the associated ENABle bit
(symbol '&'). The results of all logical operations of this part are passed on to the sum
bit via an OR function (symbol '+').
ENABle-Bit = 0: the associated EVENt bit does not contribute to the sum bit
ENABle-Bit = 1: if the associated EVENT bit is "1", the sum bit is set to "1" as well.
This part can be written into and read by you at will. Its contents is not affected by
reading.
As indicated above, the sum bit is obtained from the EVENt and ENABle part for each
register. The result is then entered into a bit of the CONDition part of the higher-order
register.
The instrument automatically generates the sum bit for each register. Thus an event,
e.g. a PLL that has not locked, can lead to a service request throughout all levels of the
hierarchy.
The service request enable register SRE defined in IEEE 488.2 can be taken as
ENABle part of the STB if the STB is structured according to SCPI. By analogy, the
ESE can be taken as the ENABle part of the ESR.
6.7.2 Status Byte (STB) & Service Request Enable Register (SRE)
The STB is already defined in IEEE 488.2. It provides a rough overview of the instru-
ment status by collecting the pieces of information of the lower registers. It can thus be
compared with the CONDition part of an SCPI register and assumes the highest level
within the SCPI hierarchy. A special feature is that bit six acts as the sum bit of the
remaining bits of the status byte.
The STATUS BYTE is read using the command *STB? or a serial poll.
The STB is linked to the SRE. The latter corresponds to the ENABle part of the SCPI
registers in its function. Each bit of the STB is assigned a bit in the SRE. Bit 6 of the
SRE is ignored. If a bit is set in the SRE and the associated bit in the STB changes
from 0 to 1, a service request (SRQ) is generated, which triggers an interrupt in the
controller if this is appropriately configured and can be further processed there. The
SRE can be set using the command "*SRE" and read using the command *SRE?
0 to 1 Not used
5 ESB bit
Sum bit of the event status register. It is set if one of the bits in the event status register is set
and enabled in the event status enable register.
Setting of this bit indicates a serious error which can be specified in greater detail by polling the
event status register.
6.7.3 Event Status Register (ESR) and Event Status Enable Register
(ESE)
The ESR is defined in IEEE 488.2. It can be compared with the EVENt part of an SCPI
register. The event status register can be read out using command *ESR?.
The ESE is the associated ENABle part. It can be set using the command *ESE and
read using the command *ESE?.
0 Operation Complete
This bit is set on receipt of the command *OPC exactly when all previous commands have been
executed.
1 Not used
2 Query Error
This bit is set if either the controller wants to read data from the instrument without having sent a
query, or if it does not fetch requested data and sends new instructions to the instrument
instead. The cause is often a query which is faulty and hence cannot be executed.
3 Device-dependent Error
This bit is set if a device-dependent error occurs. An error message with a number between -300
and -399 or a positive error number, which denotes the error in greater detail, is entered into the
error queue.
4 Execution Error
This bit is set if a received command is syntactically correct but cannot be performed for other
reasons. An error message with a number between -200 and -300, which denotes the error in
greater detail, is entered into the error queue.
5 Command Error
This bit is set if a command is received, which is undefined or syntactically incorrect. An error
message with a number between -100 and -200, which denotes the error in greater detail, is
entered into the error queue.
6 Not used
In the CONDition part, this register contains information on which actions the instru-
ment is being executing or, in the EVENt part, information on which actions the instru-
ment has executed since the last reading. It can be read using the commands
STATus:OPERation:CONDition? or STATus:OPERation[:EVENt]?.
Table 6-5: Meaning of the bits in the STATus:OPERation register
0 CALibrating
This bit is set as long as the instrument is performing a calibration.
1 to 14 Not used
In order to be able to effectively use the status reporting system, the information con-
tained there must be transmitted to the controller and further processed there. There
are several methods which are represented in the following.
Under certain circumstances, the instrument can send a service request (SRQ) to the
controller. Usually this service request initiates an interrupt at the controller, to which
the control program can react appropriately.
An SRQ is always initiated if one or several of bits 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 of the status byte are
set and enabled in the SRE. Each of these bits combines the information of a further
register, the error queue or the output buffer. The ENABle parts of the status registers
can be set so that arbitrary bits in an arbitrary status register initiate an SRQ. In order
to make use of the possibilities of the service request effectively, all bits should be set
to "1" in enable registers SRE and ESE.
After its settings have been completed, the instrument generates an SRQ.
The SRQ is the only possibility for the instrument to become active on its own. Each
controller program should set the instrument in a way that a service request is initiated
in the case of malfunction. The program should react appropriately to the service
request.
In a serial poll, just as with command *STB, the status byte of an instrument is queried.
However, the query is realized via interface messages and is thus clearly faster. The
serial-poll method has already been defined in IEEE 488.1 and used to be the only
standard possibility for different instruments to poll the status byte. The method also
works with instruments which do not adhere to SCPI or IEEE 488.2.
The VISUAL BASIC command for executing a serial poll is IBRSP(). Serial poll is
mainly used to obtain a fast overview of the state of several instruments connected to
the controller.
Each part of any status register can be read by means of queries. The individual com-
mands are listed in the description of the STATus Subsystem. The returned value is
always a number that represents the bit pattern of the queried register. This number is
evaluated by the controller program.
Queries are usually used after an SRQ in order to obtain more detailed information on
the cause of the SRQ.
Each error state in the instrument leads to an entry in the error queue. The entries of
the error queue are detailed plain-text error messages that can be displayed via man-
ual operation using the setup menu or queried via remote control using the command
SYSTem:ERRor?. Each call of SYSTem:ERRor? provides one entry from the error
queue. If no error messages are stored there any more, the instrument responds with
0, "No error".
The error queue should be queried after every SRQ in the controller program as the
entries describe the cause of an error more precisely than the status registers. Espe-
cially in the test phase of a controller program the error queue should be queried regu-
larly since faulty commands from the controller to the instrument are recorded there as
well.
The following commands control the status-reporting system *RST does not influence
the status registers.
The OPERation status register contains information about the calibration status of the
instrument.
The QUEStionable status register contains information about the status of the refer-
ence and local oscillator, possible overloads of the instrument and the status of limit
checks and limit margins.
The commands are independent from the operating mode.
List of commands
● STATus:QUEue[:NEXT]? on page 107
● STATus:OPERation[:EVENt]? on page 108
● STATus:OPERation:CONDition? on page 108
● STATus:OPERation:ENABle on page 108
● STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]? on page 108
● STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition? on page 108
● STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle on page 108
STATus:QUEue[:NEXT]?
This command returns the earliest entry to the error queue and deletes it.
Positive error numbers indicate device-specific errors, negative error numbers are error
messages defined by SCPI. If the error queue is empty, the error number 0, "no error",
is returned. This command is identical with the command SYSTem:ERRor.
Example: STAT:QUE?
Usage: Query only
STATus:OPERation[:EVENt]?
This command reads out the EVENt section of the OPERation register.
The command at the same time deletes the contents of the EVENt section.
Usage: Query only
STATus:OPERation:CONDition?
This command reads out the CONDition section of the OPERation register.
The command does not delete the contents of the EVENt section.
Usage: Query only
STATus:OPERation:ENABle <DecimalValue>
This command controls the ENABle part of the OPERation register.
The ENABle part allows true conditions in the EVENt part of the status register to be
reported in the summary bit. If a bit is 1 in the enable register and its associated event
bit transitions to true, a positive transition occurs in the summary bit reported to the
next higher level.
Parameters:
<DecimalValue> Range: 0 to 65535
STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]?
This command reads out the EVENt section of the QUEStionable register.
The command at the same time deletes the contents of the EVENt section.
Usage: Query only
STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition?
This command reads out the CONDition section of the QUEStionable register.
The command does not delete the contents of the EVENt section.
Usage: Query only
STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle <DecimalValue>
This command controls the ENABle part of the QUEStionable register.
The ENABle part allows true conditions in the EVENt part of the status register to be
reported in the summary bit. If a bit is 1 in the enable register and its associated event
bit transitions to true, a positive transition will occur in the summary bit reported to the
next higher level.
Parameters:
<DecimalValue> Range: 0 to 65535
7 Applications
It is assumed that only qualified and trained personnel service the power supplies and
the connected loads.
Use only the R&S NGE100 power supply series when operating the channels in a
serial or parallel mode to increase the output voltage and current.
Serial connection
A serial connection may cause dangerous voltages.
To increase output voltage and currents, it is possible to operate the channels in serial
or parallel mode. In general, the output voltages of R&S NGE100 to be combined are
independent.
This type of interconnection adds the individual output voltages. The same current
flows through all outputs. The current limits for the outputs wired in series should be
set to the identical value. If one of the outputs exceeded the current limit, the total volt-
age will naturally collapse. See Chapter 5.3, "Output Modes", on page 36.
It is advisable to set the voltages of all connected channels voltages to a similar value
to distribute the loads evenly (not absolutely necessary). When all three channels are
connected in a serial mode and if a (low resistance) load is connected; there is a
chance of damaging a channel when that channel is switch off. This is due to the pro-
tection diode working as a bypass to connect the other channel in a serial mode. Once
the protection diode is shorted, the channel will be defective.
Therefore, it is necessary to always have all channels or no channel at all switched on.
If the instrument switches to constant current output mode (CC) during a serial connec-
tion, the voltage display becomes inaccurate.
If it is necessary to increase the total current, the power supply outputs must be wired
in parallel. The maximum total current is the sum of the individual currents of all sour-
ces connected in parallel. The output voltages for the individual outputs should be set
to the same voltage value as precisely as possible. For slight voltage differences, it is
common in this operating mode to first charge a voltage output up to the current limit;
the other voltage output provides the remaining current. See "Principles of operation in
parallel mode" on page 112.
For power supplies that are connected in parallel, it is possible that compensating cur-
rents flow within the power supplies. The use of power supplies by other manufactur-
ers, which are potentially not overload proof, can cause destruction of these units as
currents may be distributed unevenly.
Index
A Keypad ........................................................................ 55
Sound ......................................................................... 55
Activating Fuse .................................................................. 39 Getting Started .................................................................... 9
Activating the Channels Output ......................................... 40
Application cards ................................................................. 9 H
Application notes ................................................................. 9
Help ................................................................................... 60
B
I
Brochure .............................................................................. 9
Identification
C Remote ....................................................................... 79
Information ........................................................................ 55
Clear status Instrument Model and Command Processing ................... 67
Remote ....................................................................... 78
Command sequence M
Remote ....................................................................... 79
Command Sequence and Command Synchronization ..... 77 Maintenance ......................................................................25
Connecting to a Network ................................................... 51 Menu ................................................................................. 33
LAN Connection .......................................................... 51 Mode
USB Connection ......................................................... 51 Output Modes ............................................................. 36
Wired Connection ....................................................... 51
Wireless Connection ................................................... 51 N
Controls ............................................................................. 21
Conventions ...................................................................... 10 Navigation Controls
Arrow Keys ................................................................. 32
D Rotary Knob ................................................................ 32
S
Safety instructions ............................................................... 9
SCPI Command Structure and Syntax .............................. 69
Screen Layout ................................................................... 27
Selecting the Channels ..................................................... 37
Service manual ................................................................... 9
Setting Up the Instrument
Bench Operation ......................................................... 19
Rack Mounting ............................................................ 19
Status byte
Remote ................................................................. 78, 79
Status Reporting System ........................................ 101, 107
Application of the Status Reporting Systems ............ 101
Event Status Register (ESR) and Event Status Enable
Register (ESE) .......................................................... 101
Overview of the Status Register ............................... 101
Reset Values of the Status Reporting System .......... 101
Status Byte (STB) & Service Request Enable Register
(SRE) ........................................................................ 101
Structure of an SCPI Status Register ....................... 101
Store and Recall ................................................................ 40
Switching On the Instrument ............................................. 23
System Test ...................................................................... 58
T
Tracking Function .............................................................. 38
Trying Out the Instrument
Activating the Channels Output .................................. 24
Selecting the Channels ............................................... 24
Setting the Output Voltage and Current Limit ............. 24
Storing / Recalling of Instrument Settings ................... 24
U
Unpacking and checking the instrument ........................... 18
Update ...............................................................................59
User Manual ........................................................................ 9
V
Virtual Keyboard ................................................................ 31
W
Wait
Remote ....................................................................... 79
White papers ....................................................................... 9