1 General Information
10 Series E4360 User’s Guide
The Keysight E4360 SAS – At a Glance
The Keysight E4360 Modular Solar Array Simulator (SAS) is a DC current
source with very low output capacitance that simulates the output
characteristics of a solar array. It is capable of simulating the I-V curve of
a solar array under different conditions such as temperature and age.
The I-V curve is programmable over the GPIB, LAN, and USB interface as
well as from the front panel. The following paragraphs describe the SAS
operating modes:
Fixed Mode
This is the default mode that occurs when the unit is first powered up.
The I-V output has the rectangular characteristics of a standard power
supply, but with excellent high speed constant current characteristics
and low output capacitance. Fixed mode is convenient when, in certain
applications, the I-V curve is not needed, and when calibrating or
verifying the instrument.
SAS Mode
In SAS mode, the output has an I-V characteristic that follows an
exponential model of a solar array. The exponential model is specified
using four model parameters: open circuit voltage (Voc), short circuit
current (Isc), current at the approximate maximum power point on the
curve (Imp), and voltage at the approximate maximum power point on
the curve (Vmp). When operating in immediate mode, the model
characteristic is changed by modifying any of the Voc, Isc, Imp, or Vmp
settings. When operating in list mode, the four model parameters are
stored in a curve list, and the exponential model changes when a trigger
signal steps the list through its programmed curves. Lists are best used
when the application requires multiple output channels to be
synchronized.
Table Mode
The SAS provides a Table mode for a fast and accurate I-V simulation of
solar arrays. In this mode, a table of I-V points specifies the curve. The
SAS provides up to 60 tables with a maximum of 4,000 I-V points per
table. Tables are easily stored and recalled. A portion of table storage is
allocated in non-volatile memory, which may contain up to 30 tables
with a maximum of 4,000 I-V points per table. These are retained when
power is turned off. In Table mode, current and voltage offsets can be
applied to the selected table to simulate a change in the operating
conditions of the solar array.
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