how do I verify a used HP E3610A is fully functional?

[emit]

I bought a used E3610A  (old enough to have the original Hewlett Packard branding...) and I'm wondering if someone can outline a procedure which can verify that the unit is fully functional.

As you probably know from Dave's video, this model is rated at 0-8V 3A, 0-15V 2A.
One thing I'm puzzled about is that no matter which max amp setting I use... 3A or 2A, I can dial the voltage from pretty close to 0 (but not quite all the way 0) to 16.xx. I measure the voltage difference across this range with a voltmeter and it's spot on perfect. As a beginner, I don't really know how to safely test the max amp rating. Shouldn't the display max out at around 8V when I have the 2A/3A button depressed? Anyway, that alone is pretty much worth the price I paid, so I wouldn't be too disappointed if the rest of it is busted.

The above "test" was done with the amp dial turned all the way clockwise. I have no idea how to test the constant current feature. I hold down the cc button and dial the right dial, but the right-side display hardly changes and certainly does not go anywhere near 3.00.

[Bored@Work]

I bought a used E3610A  (old enough to have the original Hewlett Packard branding...) and I'm wondering if someone can outline a procedure which can verify that the unit is fully functional.

The manual and/or the service manual should contain a section or chapter called something like "performance testing", "verifying operation", "verifying principle operation" or similar. This part of the manual should outline a number of tests and procedures to check the instrument's principle operation with respect to its specification.

Typically you will need some additional test equipment to perform these tests, for example a dummy load to apply a controlled load to the PSU.

One can argue if a performance test really verifies if an instrument is "fully functional", because they usually don't cover every tiny specificationdetail. On the other hand, a manufacturer is supposed to have selected the tests in a way they cover a wide range of instrument functions and verifies the most important specifications. And HP will certainly have done so.

One thing I'm puzzled about is that no matter which max amp setting I use... 3A or 2A, I can dial the voltage from pretty close to 0 (but not quite all the way 0) to 16.xx. I measure the voltage difference across this range with a voltmeter and it's spot on perfect. As a beginner, I don't really know how to safely test the max amp rating.

You need to apply a controlled load to the PSU. A voltmeter is not much of a load and there is hardly any current flowing.

[free_electron]

the supply will give you more than what is stated on the front panel... it's got some 'breathing room'.

if you can adjust the voltage and the output follows you are 50% sure it is ok
Dial the current all the way down. short the output of the supply.
slowly dial the current up .. you should see the current display go up ... The meters show the REAL current and voltage ( not what you set )

if that works the supply is good. the E3610 is virtually indestructible. If you fry it ( very hardd.... ) it ieasy to repair. only an LM393  and a couple of LF411 opamps ... not much to go wrong with it...

[bingo600]

I just got a E3610A also.

But i hope i can test it via my HP 6632B PSU.
Couldn't i set the 6632B @ 0v 2A , and be able to load the E3610 with 2A.

/Bingo

[alm]

I believe the downprogrammer in the 6632B is a able to sink current, so it might work as a constant voltage source. Not sure if you can limit the current of the downprogrammer, i.e. a constant current sink.

What does the performance verification procedure of the manual suggest? They might just suggest some power resistors, which should be easy to get.

[saturation]

You mean the other way around? Use the 6632B as a load for the 3610?  6632B is a superb PSU with a downprogrammer, so could sink current to set levels.

If you want a full test of a PSU, you can rig one up using these doc as a guide:

http://cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/5952-4190.pdf

Agilent is trying to sell you on electronic loads, but you can perform most of these tests without it; you'll need power resistors, a scope, DMM and a variac.

I just got a E3610A also.

But i hope i can test it via my HP 6632B PSU.
Couldn't i set the 6632B @ 0v 2A , and be able to load the E3610 with 2A.

/Bingo

[bingo600]

You mean the other way around? Use the 6632B as a load for the 3610?  6632B is a superb PSU with a downprogrammer, so could sink current to set levels.

Yes i bought 2 x 6632B a while ago , and they are really nice.
But if doing a 200+ hour , burn in of a voltage reference. I need something less noisy than the 6632B's , my workspace is beside our bedroom. And the W... can hear "the grass grow".

So it got a E3610A , for doing longtime testing.

If you want a full test of a PSU, you can rig one up using these doc as a guide:

http://cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/5952-4190.pdf

Agilent is trying to sell you on electronic loads, but you can perform most of these tests without it; you'll need power resistors, a scope, DMM and a variac.

That's a nice paper .... Thanx Saturation.
I still need a variac in my Lab , i have power resistors , a 34401A , a Rigol DS1102E , and the 6632B's.

It is my understanding that i can operate the 6632B in CC mode and by "some button magic" tell it to load the E3610 with ie. 1A over the full E3610 voltage range.

/Bingo

[saturation]

So it got a E3610A , for doing longtime testing.

That's a nice paper .... Thanx Saturation.
I still need a variac in my Lab , i have power resistors , a 34401A , a Rigol DS1102E , and the 6632B's.

Enjoy bingo.  The variac is not critical, with what you have, you can do most all tests except the line regulation.  A variac an last you forever if you use it just for testing.  I just have a cheapo Chinese one that I use <= 50% its rated load.

It is my understanding that i can operate the 6632B in CC mode and by "some button magic" tell it to load the E3610 with ie. 1A over the full E3610 voltage range.
/Bingo

I don't have a 6632B but IIRC its capacity, when you set it to "X mA" source current, it will also sink X mA current .  Please check manual!