Using the Protection Functions
Set the Over-Voltage Protection
Set the Over-Current Protection
Couple Output Protection
Set the Over-Power Protection
Query the Over-Temperature Margin
Set the Oscillation Protection
Watchdog Timer Protection
Clear Output Protection
Protection Functions
Each output has independent protection functions. A front panel status indicator will turn on when a
protection function has been set. Protection functions are latching, which means that they must be
cleared once they have been set. As explained under Couple Output Protection you can configure the
instrument so that when a protection fault occurs on one output, ALL outputs will be turned off. Of the
following protection functions, only OV, OV-, OC, OSC, PROT, and INH are user- programmable.
OV - Over-voltage protection is a hardware OVP whose trip level is a programmable value. The OVP is
always enabled.
OV− - Negative voltage protection is a hardware OVP. Only applies to Keysight N6784A and N6783A.
OC - Over-current protection is a programmable function that can be enabled or disabled. When
enabled, the output will be disabled when the output current teaches the current limit setting.
OT - Over-temperature protection monitors the temperature of each output and shuts down the
output if any temperature exceeds the maximum factory-defined limits (see
OUTPut:PROTection:TEMPerature:MARGin?).
OSC - Oscillation protection shuts down the output if an oscillation is detected on the output. Only
applies to Keysight N678xA SMU.
PF - PF indicates that a power fail condition on the AC mains has disabled the output.
CP+ - CP+ indicates that a positive power limit condition has disabled the output. This protection
function does not apply to all power modules. Refer to Power Limit Operation for further information.
CP− - CP− indicates that a negative power limit condition has disabled the output. This protection
function does not apply to all power modules. Refer to Power Limit Operation for further information.
PROT - Prot indicates that the output is disabled, either because of a coupled protection signal from
another output, or because the programmed watchdog time has expired.
INH - The Inhibit input (pin 3) on the rear panel digital connector can be programmed to act as an
external shutdown signal. Refer to Inhibit Input for further information.
4 Operating the Power System
154 Keysight N6700C Operating and Service Guide