User Manual – Rev AV    AMETEK Programmable Power 
MX Series    143 
4.7 Transient Programming 
4.7.1 Introduction 
Transient programming provides a precise timing control over output voltage and frequency 
changes. This mode of operation can be used to test a product for susceptibility to common AC 
line conditions such as surges, sags, brownouts and spikes. By combining transient 
programming with custom waveforms [3Pi Controller only], virtually any AC condition can be 
simulated on the output of the AC source. 
The default voltage mode is FIXED which means the output voltage is constant and remains at 
the level set by the user. Changes made to the output voltage made from the PROGRAM 1 
menu take effect immediately. In front panel operation mode, the voltage and frequency slew 
rates (rate of change) are always at their maximum of 1E9 V/s and 1E9 Hz/s. Slew rate 
programming is only possible over the remote control interface. On power up, the AC source 
always reverts to the maximum slew rate for both voltage and frequency. 
4.7.2  Using Transient Modes 
The voltage can be programmed in the following transient operating modes: 
STEP    causes the output to permanently change to its triggered value. 
PULSE   causes the output to change to its triggered value for a specific time, as  
    determined by the Pulse menu parameters. 
LIST    causes the output to sequence through a number of values, as determined by 
    points entered in the List menu. 
FIXED    disables transient operation for the selected function. 
4.7.3 Step Transients 
Step transients let you specify an alternate or triggered voltage level that the AC source will apply 
to the output when it receives a trigger.  Because the default transient voltage level is zero volts, 
you must first enter a triggered voltage before you can trigger the AC source to change the 
output amplitude. Step transients can only be programmed through the bus, not the front panel. 
Refer to the SCPI Programming Manual for more information about programming Step transients 
and triggers.