Agilent E3631a | Rigol DP832 | |
Price | $340 | $449 |
Ch1 Output | 0 to +25V, 1A | 0 to +30V, 3A |
Ch2 Output | 0 to -25V, 1A | 0 to +30V, 3A |
Ch3 Output | 0 to +6V, 5A | 0 to +5V, 3A |
Resolution | Ch1 10mV/1mA Ch2 10mV/1mA Ch3 1mV/1mA | Ch1 10mV/1mA Ch2 10mV/1mA Ch3 10mV/1mA |
Ch1 Accuracy | .05% + 20mV .15% + 4mA | .05% + 20mV .20% + 5mA |
Ch2 Accuracy | .05% + 20mV .15% + 4mA | .05% + 20mV .20% + 5mA |
Ch3 Accuracy | .10% + 5mV .20% + 10mA | .10% + 5mV .20% + 5mA |
Ch1 Readback | .05% + 10mV .15% + 4mA | .05% + 10mV .15% + 5mA |
Ch 2 Readback | .05% + 10mV .15% + 4mA | .05% + 10mV .15% + 5mA |
Ch 3 Readback | .10% + 5mV .20% + 10mA | .10% + 5mV .15% + 5mA |
Load Regulation | .01% + 2mV .01% + 250uA | .01% + 2mV .01% + 250uA |
Line Regulation | .01% + 2mV .01% + 250uA | .01% + 2mV .01% + 250uA |
Other | GPIB Included | USB Lan RS232 GPIB option Programmable |
- you can buy options for smaller voltage steps, control outputs, ... later
E3631A is considerably better quality than the Rigol if a little less fancy.
Regardless of the price I'd still go for the E3631 for these reasons:
1. Rigol known overshoot. Think that is resolved but you don't ship a power supply that overshoots in this century ever.
2. Rigol filed off chip identification limiting repair options.
3. Rigol noisy as hell.
4. Rigol spikes on power up
5. Rigol crappy banana sockets on some units
6. Rigol outstanding bugs
I was going to buy one recently but decided to stick with my TTi supplies for now until something like an E3633A with some wumph comes along cheap.
E3631 has been on the market for a long time. You can still buy new ones and parts now. A second hand unit is a very good investment. So you miss readout for all channels? Not bothered myself.
Note that an E3631, even an old one was a $1000+ supply when it was new.
E3631A is considerably better quality than the Rigol if a little less fancy. Also to note, you can occasionally pick up an E3631A for very little money if you're prepared to wait around. Have seen them going for equivalent of $150 here in the UK (usually when I have no money!).
I can't stand the DP832 because it has not 3 isolated channels. The CH2 negative is connected with the CH3 negative and knowing me I will burn something one day because of that.Is this really the case? How about using the outputs in series then to create 0 to 60V ?
Is this really the case? How about using the outputs in series then to create 0 to 60V ?
I'm not so sure about that. I wouldn't buy a PSU which has such a connection because I'm pretty sure it will become a nuisance at some point.Is this really the case? How about using the outputs in series then to create 0 to 60V ?No problem, CH3 is the 0-5V channel.
I'm currently in the market for a new power supply. I was all set to purchase a Rigol DP832 when I was approached locally with an offer to purchase an Agilent E3631a for $330.For a bit less than a new 832 is a SPD3303X-E and while the X-E of the series has got 10mV/mA resolution it's $389 and can do all the Rigol can do.
I'm not sure if the extra $120 is worth the differences or not. The Rigol would have a warranty as well.
Thoughts?
Seems dumb they would design and build like that when if you really needed it you could just add a link between binding posts. :-//I'm not so sure about that. I wouldn't buy a PSU which has such a connection because I'm pretty sure it will become a nuisance at some point.Is this really the case? How about using the outputs in series then to create 0 to 60V ?No problem, CH3 is the 0-5V channel.
I'm not so sure about that. I wouldn't buy a PSU which has such a connection because I'm pretty sure it will become a nuisance at some point.Is this really the case? How about using the outputs in series then to create 0 to 60V ?No problem, CH3 is the 0-5V channel.
For a bit less than a new 832 is a SPD3303X-E and while the X-E of the series has got 10mV/mA resolution it's $389 and can do all the Rigol can do.
I agree that a fully isolated 6V channel would be better for the RIGOL, but for what I need (analog work, with +/-12-15V, and digital stuff at 3.3 to 5V) the digital ground normally sits at the 0V level. It can be different, but this is rare ... :)
I agree that a fully isolated 6V channel would be better for the RIGOL, but for what I need (analog work, with +/-12-15V, and digital stuff at 3.3 to 5V) the digital ground normally sits at the 0V level. It can be different, but this is rare ... :)
The Agilent has a VFD display, which would be a no-go for me. There are many on ebay with a faded display, some are completely unreadable.
Also, I think they are not as robust as people think, imho, there some broken on ebay :). I agree with people who say it is over-engineered (https://gerrysweeney.com/agileent-e3631a-power-supply-teardown-repair/). It uses a multi-layer pcb, ridiculously thin traces (that tend to break after years of thermal cycling), custom ICs.... The mosfet (IRFP044) on +6V rail seems not specified for linear operation...
The Agilent has a VFD display, which would be a no-go for me. There are many on ebay with a faded display, some are completely unreadable.
Try replacing a DP832 power supply LCD in ten years.
Buy one now and put it away.
A PSU needs to delievers good quality current and voltage... and be easy to use, the rest comes after...
Mastech
DP832 overshoots like fuck. Long enough to cost you a nice board full of AD and LT ICs.