Products > Test Equipment
Show Us Your Curve Tracer
THDplusN_bad:
Good Day,
here are some details about the latest addition to my labs, an Agilent N3280A "component test DC source". Which I have turned into a curve tracer with some Python magic :-+
* There is surprisingly little information on this unit available on the internet. The official data sheet specs, user guide and an App Note on "Optimizing Power Product Usage to Speed Design Validation Testing" are available on the Keysight website https://www.keysight.com/us/en/product/N3280A/component-test-dc-source-5-w-4-outputs.html
* The unit basically provides four isolated, independent voltage/current sources, up to +/-10.25V and +/-512mA each. It sports four-wire outputs with current and voltage sensing and programming of both with 0.1% basic accuracy.
* It features four quadrant bipolar outputs, and it has exactly *one* front panel knob. Which is the POWER ON/OFF switch. ;)
Which means that you have to program the device via GPIB to use it.
* The output connectors are a bit unusual, these fit 6 pole connectors, Würth Elektronik type 3673 male for custom cabling.
* I suspect these are the main reasons why this unit was offered at a relatively low price by a US-based surplus dealer. I have paid about as much for shipment and import duties as for the item itself...
* I have inspected the unit upon arrival, changed the line voltage to 230VAC and some basic cleaning of the housing was all it needed. I have replaced the noisy Pabst type 612 fan with a Noctua NF-A6x25 FLX 60 mm fan, which has slightly less air flow. This has reduced the noise emissions from a "screamin', I do not want this"-noise to a still noticeable, but completely acceptable level.
* The attached photos provide a few details, i.e. a XILINX Spartan XC2S50 as the digital brain, AD677 16-Bit 100 kSPS ADC from Analog Devices. The output power amplifiers are from APEX, type PA46.
Most datecodes are from 1999. Note the massive toroid transformer.
* A closer inspection revealed that the input section of one power supply has been repaired in the past, apparently with original-spec'd components; but the solder joints do not like this was completed by Agilent/Keysight. ::)
Anyway, all power supply units were found to be well within specs.
* I have also replaced the Schaffer line filter, which is another story on its own.
* The mounting screws for the GPIB-connector always need some moderate re-tightening. It pays back to use some quality 9/32 inch-/imperial tools for this.
* It is nice to see that the old HP plastic feet still fit this.
I have started to familiarize with the user guide, then to program the unit using Python and my NI USB GPIB-adapter about four weeks ago. I am quite pleased that the program creates some pretty nice plots such as the one included below.
That is more than 2,100 readings, from testing a standard BC547 NPN transistor. 8)
Cheers,
THDplusN_bad
THDplusN_bad:
Added screenshot in PNG format
Ground_Loop:
--- Quote from: THDplusN_bad on March 18, 2021, 11:22:32 pm ---Good Day,
@Ground loop, I totally agree that the Heathkit IT-1121/3121 is a joy to work with. Both types are virtual identical, but have different colours and front panel knobs.
I have repaired my unit back in 2014, and modified it with BNC-output connectors for the outputs to the oscilloscope (to replace the 4mm/banana connectors), added a fuse holder for base step currents with a "fuse fail" indicator lamp and a custom scale.
I have also made a simple adapter with a ZIF-socket for the A/B testing of components, which has proven its value. Matching transistors is a joy with this. :-+
Photos attached.
I also enjoy using a Tektronix 5CT1N (basically the Tektronix 7CT1N's little brother for the Tektronix 51xx/54xx oscilloscopes). And the latest addition to my labs is an Agilent N3280A DC component tester. More of the latter soon...
Cheers,
THDplusN_bad
--- End quote ---
Nice mods. Got me thinking now.
THDplusN_bad:
Curve tracing - or at least looking at those lovely curves --- it surely can turn into an obsession.
I have been using Python for programming an (inexpensive) USB-6008 DAQ box from National Instruments.
Guess what my hands grabbed for the creation of two input signals for testing two inputs...
An "Octopus" tester (a crude form of a component tester, well known, but still useful). That is not a curve tracer, but I just had to see a diode's I/V curve like in the attached screenshot... :D
I cannot help it! :-DD
Pls. ignore the voltage scaling; as it's irrelevant in this case.
Cheers,
THDplusN_bad
Johnny10:
B&K Model 501A
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