.jpg "GX3116e Board (side view)")
The GX3116e is a four quadrant, 16 channel Device Power Supply (DPS) in a 3U PXIe card footprint. This instrument is capable of forcing and measuring precise voltages and currents on all 16 channels. The GX3116e DPS provides two electrically isolated groups of eight independent programmable voltage/current source and measurement channels.
The voltage output range is dictated by the current range. In low current ranges (25.6mA and below), the DPS can force between -2V and 10.5V. In high current mode (512mA range), the DPS can force between 0V and 9.5V. There are three current ranges – 2.56mA, 25.6 mA, and 512mA
In constant voltage mode, the DPS forces a voltage whose current output is limited by programmable source/sink current limits. There are two methods of sensing the output voltage of a channel: local and remote sense. In local sense, the voltage is sensed locally at the board. Local sense does not compensate for voltage losses in the force wires connecting the channel to the DUT. Remote sense uses sense wires connected to the DUT to provide the best voltage accuracy at the DUT. Each channel has a ground sense. The ground sense can be connected to local ground or to the DUT ground. The ground sense, when connected to the DUT is capable of tracking the DUT ground level and adjust its output accordingly.
In constant current mode, the DPS forces a current and the voltage output is limited by the programmable high and low voltage limits.
The output voltage and current can be set with 16 bits of resolution and read back with 24 bits of resolution.
Each channel can be protected and disabled when over current, over voltage, or over temperature condition is detected.
An external connections provided at the output connector can inhibit channels 0 to 7 and channels 8 to 15.
Adequate cooling of the module is essential in order to ensure reliable operation. For high power applications, it is recommended that the module be used with a PXI chassis that supplies sufficient air flow / cooling for a PXI module that consumes 45 watts in a single slot. Recommended chassis for high power applications include Marvin Test Solutions’ GX720X or GX710X, PXI and PXIe chassis respectively.
Each channel includes a thermal sensor which monitors each power opamp’s junction temperature. If an over temperature condition occurs on any of the channels, the channel’s output will disconnect and voltage / current values will be programmed to zero. To reset the module, the user must call the reset function (GxSmuReset) or clear the fault function (GxSmuClearFaults) . To correct the thermal shutdown condition, the output current / power must be reduced or better cooling of the module is required. Note: The thermal monitoring function is always enabled.
Channels 0-7: User should not draw the maximum allowed current (sink/source) of 512mA from any adjacent channel, but rather have one unused channel inbetween, i.e. up to 4 channels can supply 512mA at the same time.
Channels 8-15: User should not draw the maximum allowed current (sink/source) of 512mA from any adjacent channel, but rather have one unused channel inbetween, i.e. up to 4 channels can supply 512mA at the same time.
The Figure below shows the GX3116e and the front panel interface J3 connector:
GX3116e Board (side view)