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9. System functions

Functions that are not related to a specific module or channel are called system functions and most are accessible from the status bar of the home page.

 

9.1. Event viewer

During operation, EEZ BB3 will record the time of events of certain user activities, as well as events that require user attention (i.e. warnings and errors). Events are saved in an event log that can be accessed by tapping the event view icon. The number of events stored in the event log is limited only by available space on the SD Card.

 

The appearance of a new event that requires user attention and occurred after the last review of the event log will result in a change in the color of the icon.

bb3_man_event_view.png

 

 

If SD card is not present or dysfunctional only the latest 50 events will be accessible via Event viewer. That events will not be written to non-volatile memory, and will be lost after the restart.

9.1.1. Events filtering

Four types of logged events exists and their appearance in the event viewer depends of the selected filter. The Debug filter represents the most comprehensive view that contains all type of events will Error filter allows appearance of error messages.

bb3_man_event_filtering.png

 

 

Events types identification is simplified by using different icons and colors.

bb3_man_events.png

 

 

If the content of the message cannot be displayed in one line due to its size, an expansion option will appear.

bb3_man_log_long_message.jpg

 

 

9.2. File manager

File manager lets you access and work with files on a SD card. The working data is organized into multiple folders (directories) as follows:

  • Scripts – contains MicroPythons scripts (.py files) and related resources (.res files )
  • Screenshots – contains all screenshots taken (see User SW)
  • Recordings – data logging function use this folder to store recorded data
bb3_man_file_manager.png

 

  • Lists – contains program lists that can be executed on the selected channel
  • Profiles – location for user profiles
  • Logs – recorded events that are accessible via Event viewer.
  • Updates – contains firmware binary images that can will can be selected from module’s firmware download section.

 

Folders and files in File manager can be displayed as list.

bb3_man_file_manager_list.png

 

 

Files and folders displayed can be sorted by name, size and time in descending order and ascending order. Selecting the Sort icon will display a menu through which you can select the sorting method.

 

SCPI

MMEMory:CATalog?

MMEMory:CATalog:LENgth?

MMEMory:INFOrmation?

MMEMory:TIME? {<filename>}

 

bb3_man_file_filters.png

 

 

Clicking on a file name will open a menu whose options will be enabled or disabled depending on the file type and whether a computer connection is established.

 

Open

Displays an image in .jpg format, or opens a viewer for logged data in .dlog format

 

Upload

Initiates file transfer to the computer. If the file is large, the progress percentage will be displayed.

 

bb3_man_file_options.jpg

 

SCPI

MMEMory:UPLoad? {<filename>}

 

Rename

Rename a file or folder.

SCPI

MMEMory:MOVE {<source>}, {<destination>}

 

Delete

Deleting a file or folder.

 

SCPI

MMEMory:DELete {<filename>}

 

9.3. User profiles

User profiles are used to store and recall system parameters and parameters of installed modules.

There are 10 profiles available that are displayed by number and name.

 

The profile 0 has a special status, i.e. it contains the current parameter states. Its name cannot be defined, but when a recall is made from a profile, it will receive its name.

 

SCPI

MEMory:STATe:CATalog?

bb3_man_user_profiles.png

 

Autorecall on power-on

Defines whether or not to load parameter states from the selected user profile at power up.

When selected, a Power-on profile number is also displayed, that is set by default to user profile 0.

If this option is off, the power up parameters will be set to initial values (i.e. “factory settings”).

Parameters stored in an empty user profile cannot be selected as an auto-recall profile.

SCPI

MEMory:STATe:RECall:AUTO ON

 

Save

Saving the parameter state can be done in an empty user profile or one that has already been used.

The following system states and parameters will be stored in non-volatile memory at the position of the selected user profile:

  • Calibration status
  • Output enable state
  • Output track state
  • Channel coupling state
  • Remote sense state
bb3_man_user_profiles2.jpg

 

  • Output set voltage, voltage limit, and voltage step
  • OVP status, and OVP delay
  • Output set current, current limit, and current step
  • OCP status and OCP delay
  • Output power limit, OPP level, OPP status and OPP delay
  • OTP level, OTP status and OTP delay
  • Power on state

SCPI

*SAV {<profile>}

 

When saving a user profile, it is necessary to define its name (i.e. Remark as shown on next picture). In case of saving to an empty user profile, the name will be offered as a combination of Saved at and the current date and time. If saved to previously used profiles, an existing name will be offered.

 

SCPI

MEMory:STATe:NAME {<profile>}, {<name>}

bb3_man_user_profiles3.jpg

 

 

Use as Power-up profile

Specifies whether the initial states will be loaded or not from the profile if the Autorecall on power-on option is selected.

 

SCPI

MEMory:STATe:RECall:SELect {<profile>}

 

Recall

Use this option to load immediately the parameter status from user profile.

bb3_man_user_profiles4.jpg

 

 

SCPI

*RCL {<profile>}

 

Delete

Empty user profile and reset its name (remark) to –Empty–.

 

SCPI

MEMory:STATe:DELete {<profile>}

 

9.4. Function generator

A simple built-in function generator makes it easy to define some common waveforms on sourcing channels such as DCP and DCM power modules or analog outputs on SMX and MIO modules. It can also be used to define patterns on the digital outputs of the MIO module.

 

IMPORTANT: since the function generator dynamically changes the voltage and current, make sure that they are within the limits that the connected load can withstand. If it is a sensitive load, it is recommended to set voltage and current limits (see Channel protections section) because the function generator will take them into account (together with set max. power) while it is active.

 

See also the Hardware OVP section to find out how it can affect this function.

 

When open the Function generator choose the Select channels option to display a list of all resources supported in the current firmware version will appear.

 

bb3_man_func_generator1.png

 

 

In the example in the picture on the right, these are the DCP (current and voltage) two analog outputs on the SMX and the digital and analog outputs of the MIO module.

 

 

 

bb3_man_func_generator2.jpg

 

 

Upon confirmation, the selected resources will appear in the list of the main configuration page of the function generator.

 

Using checkboxes, you can choose which resources will be displayed, which can give a clearer view if more resources with e.g. significantly different frequencies are selected.

 

 

bb3_man_func_generator3.jpg

 

 

Waveform:

The waveform shape can be selected separately for each of the selected resources from the list of currently supported shapes:

  • DC – this is the default shape that generates a signal with a constant amplitude
  • Sine – generating a sinusoidal signal. It is possible to define amplitude, offset and phase shift.
bb3_man_func_generator4.jpg

 

  • Half rectified – useful for simulating a discrete power rectifier with the difference that both its voltage and current can be controlled. Positive half of the AC wave is passed, while the negative half is blocked. Adding DC offset is also possible if needed.
  • Full rectified – similar to half rectification but both half of the AC wave is passed with positive polarity (it corresponds to the absolute value function in mathematics).
  • Triangle – symmetrical triangular signal
  • Square – a rectangular signal that has a duty cycle fixed at 50%.
  • Pulse – a rectangular signal with variable duty cycle (default is 25%).
  • Sawtooth – asymmetrical triangular signal with gradual rising edge and steep falling edge

Important notice: don’t expect that a combination of say two half rectified signals shifted 180 degrees in phase will result in a bipolar (AC) signal. This is not possible with single quadrant DC sources such as DCP or DCM no matter how you connect their outputs (at best you can get a full rectified signal, at worst damage to one or both power channels).

 

Due to the technical limitations on the modules as well as the way the signal is generated, signal distortions as well as jitter can be expected. The final appearance of the generated signal should therefore be checked on an oscilloscope. Also note that generating signals on power channels can generate audible sound.

 

SCPI

[SOURce[<n>]]:VOLTage:FUNCtion:SHAPe {DC|SINe|HALFrectified|FULLrectified|TRIangle|SQUare|PULSe|SAWTooth}

[SOURce[<n>]]:CURRent:FUNCtion:SHAPe {DC|SINe|HALFrectified|FULLrectified|TRIangle|SQUare|PULSe|SAWTooth}

SOURce:FUNCtion:SHAPe {DC|SINe|HALFrectified|FULLrectified|TRIangle|SQUare|PULSe|SAWTooth}

SOURce:DIGital[:OUTPut]:FUNCtion:SHAPe {pin}, {SQUare|PULSe}

 

Depending on the selected waveform shape, it will be possible to set one or more of the following parameters:

  • Freq / Period – frequency or period of generated signal. The maximum value depends on the selected resource.
  • Ampl / Min – the amplitude of the generated signal (this is always a positive value). In case that Min is selected, then depending on the selected resource it can be positive and negative value (e.g. analog outputs of MIO modules which are all bipolar).
bb3_man_func_generator5.jpg

 

  • Offs / Max – the offset can be set when Ampl is selected and determines the DC level of the signal center. For example, if the amplitude of the voltage sinusoidal signal on the DCP channel is 20 V, in order to generate a complete period it will be necessary to set the offset to 10 V or more. For a smaller offset the lower half of the signal period will be zero, i.e. it will completely disappear if the offset is set to 0. Also on the other side if the offset increases above 30 V the positive half will start to be set to max. value (40 V) until it completely disappears at an offset of 40 V. The Max can be used in combination with the Min option. It specifies the maximum value of the generated signal.
  • Psft – phase shift (0 – 360 degrees) of the signal that is repeated periodically (all except DC).
  • Duty / PWdt – Duty cycle of the pulse waveform when the frequency is set (0 to 100%) or pulse width when the period is set.
  • Mode – choice of generating Voltage or Current (MIO module AOUT1 and AOUT2 only).

 

When more than one periodic signal is defined, the display will adapt to the signal with the lowest frequency so that two of its periods are displayed.

bb3_man_func_generator6.jpg

 

 

9.5. Display lock / unlock

Tap the lock icon (hold about 3 sec) to lock display. When locked the icon changes color and lock state is saved in non-volatile memory. Therefore, the front panel remains locked even after power is cycled.

 

SCPI

SYSTem:KLOCk

 

Unlocking is performed by tap on the lock icon (hold about 3 sec), and may require system password for unlock if it is defined.

 

SCPI

SYSTem:LOCal

bb3_man_display_lock.png

 

 

9.6. Power / reset control

Default (*RST)

Initiate so-called soft reset procedure. All outputs are set to OFF, and voltage and current are programmed to 0.

 

SCPI

*RST

 

Standby

Results in disconnecting of AC power for all installed peripheral modules.

bb3_man_power_control.jpg

 

Standby mode keeps the MCU module powered that is indicated with the Standby indicator on the front panel. The power up can be initiated by tap and hold action anywhere on the screen.

 

SCPI

SYSTem:POWer OFF

 

Restart

This action is equivalent to recycling input power. On power up all modules will be initialized, self test will be performed and initial values will be set depending on the selected user profile and Autorecall on power-on status as defined in User profiles.

 

SCPI

SYSTem:RESet

 

Shutdown

Initiates a graceful shutdown that ensures that the latest information are stored in non-volatile memory. Wait until a message appears on the screen that EEZ BB3 can be safely turned off.

 

Display off

While the display is off, future user interaction will be disabled until it is turned on again. Turn the display back on by tap and hold action anywhere on the screen.

 

SCPI

DISPlay OFF

 

9.7. User SW

Once an option is assigned to the user switch it will be necessary to press and hold the button for about 1 second for the menu to reappear.

 

None

If selected, no function is assigned to the user switch. A short push of the user switch will open the menu showing available options. Press the button once again if no changes is needed.

bb3_man_user_sw_menu.jpg

 

Encoder Step

Cycle through the sensitivity of the encoder to change the selected output value (voltage, current or power). Initially, the encoder is set to Auto mode when the change will depend on the speed at which it will rotate. Its turn sensitivity in one direction or the other can be changed in the Encoder settings.

 

Screenshot

Take screenshots of current screen content and save to SD card in the screenshots folder. The image will be saved in jpeg format and its name formatted as yyyy_mm_dd-hh_mm_ss.jpg

 

Taking a screenshot is not possible while DLOG recording is in progress.

 

Manual Trigger

Allows the user switch to be used to initiate the trigger system (see General trigger settings).

 

Output Enable

When two or more channels are in tracking mode, this option allows their outputs to be switched on and off simultaneously

 

Home/Back

When this option is selected, user switch can be used as an option to return to the previous or main page. It can also be used to exit maximized channel view.

 

Inhibit

This option is selected by default, when user switch can be used to enter inhibit mode when all active outputs will be temporarily disabled that is indicated with INH text. To exit inhibit mode, you will need to press the button once again.

 

 

bb3_man_inhibit_output.jpg

 

Standby

If EEZ BB3 is turned on and this option is selected, the first time a button is pressed, it goes into standby mode. The next time the button is pressed, it exits standby mode.

 

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