Modular Power System Migration Guide

Overview

The Keysight Technologies N6700 series is a Low-Profile Modular Power system (MPS) designed to replace the 66000A power supplies. With a smaller, more compact, and robust design, the N6700C is an adequate replacement to increase both workspace and test efficiency. However, it is important to note that the N6700C MPS does not serve as a direct replacement for its predecessor and may have drawbacks and advantages simultaneously when being compared.

This document is intended for pre-existing users of the 66000A migrating to the N6700 series as a replacement product. In addition, engineers looking for suitable automated testing equipment (ATE) may find this guide useful for comparisons. This migration guide will compare the specifications and capabilities of the N6700 and 66000A power supplies and aid users in finding suitable replacement models. To get the most out of this guide, ensure that it is used in conjunction with external documents referenced across the content.

Introduction

The Keysight 66000A Modular Power System (MPS) is designed to simplify test systems' programming, cabling, and operation. The 66000A MPS consists of an 8-slot mainframe and a selection of single-wide DC power modules—with varying voltage and current outputs—that can be installed into the mainframe. The Keysight N6700C models are advanced, more efficient power supplies compared to the 66000A series; The smaller N6700 lets you mix and match modules of varying power, performance, and precision levels. As a result, users have much more flexibility in designing power systems to match test needs.

Features of the N6700C MPS

Interactive front panel

With the N67000 MPS comes built-in keys on the front panel of the mainframe. Hence, users can directly send commands, make measurements directly from the front panel and view the current conditions of the modules conveniently.

As an added feature, users can either decide to view one channel on the display (single channel view) or all four channels at once (multiple-channel view). Press the “Meter” button on the system keys to toggle between both views.

Enabled BenchVue Software

The pathway BenchVue Software has been integrated into the N6700 MPS as an additional feature. BenchVue allows users to easily control the power supplies without the need to directly program them; it contains an interactive feature that allows one to set parameters and run automated tests from an external device.

Built-in web server

The N6700 power system comes with a web server that allows users to control the mainframe directly from an internet browser. Connected over the LAN, interface, you can access the control functions on the front panel and change parameters from the internet to reflect on the actual device.

NOTE: The Built-in server requires Netscape 6.2 + as well as the Java plug-in to run over. Refer to Sun Microsystem’s website for more information.

Connectivity and interface

The standard connectivity for the 66000 MPS is via a General-Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB). In the N6700C MPS, GPIB capability is offered in addition to USB and Ethernet I/O compatibility. With these additional options, users can now take advantage of the availability, speed, and ease of use of common computer industry-standard interfaces.

Power management

The N6700 mainframe provides users with power management functionality across its modules. Where the 66000A mainframe has fixed, equal outputs from each module, the N6700 allows the user to allocate mainframe power at different levels to the output, providing flexibility in the configuration.

Autoranging capability

The high-performance and precision power modules provide users additional flexibility in operation via an Autoranging function.

An Autoranging power supply can vary its voltage and current to fall within its maximum power; This allows the supply to produce a higher voltage and current combination compared to a standard rectangular output.

With Autoranging, N6700C power modules can do the job of several fixed power modules as their operating range covers both low current—high voltage and low voltage—high current regions.

Keyboard

The 66000 MPS requires a keyboard to control the instrument, as it cannot be controlled from the front panel. The N670xC power supplies can be directly controlled from its mainframe with its integrated,

interactive front panel. However, the 66000A and N6700 mainframes are both SCPI programmable.