Step Mode Modification - Ametek Amrel PLA Series Operation Manual

5. Step Mode Modification

The Step Operation for the eLoad has been modified to provide 256 set points for the step operation. In the
older version firmware, the 256 set points are separated into 4 profiles of 256 steps, which limited the amount
of total programmable step set points. The latest firmware revision combines all set points into a single profile
of 256 steps
STEP MODE
In step mode, the eLoad generates customized sequence of different input levels up to a maximum of 256 steps (points)
for each mode, with dwell times from 1ms to 65535 ms. The step sequence can be cycled for one up to 65535 count(s) or
infinity for unlimited repeat. At the end of the step cycle count, turn transient level off and then on to restart the step
cycle and count.
i
T
n+1
t0 t1 t2 t3 T4 t5 t6 t7 t8
STEP: The Step mode will repeat the step cycle until the end of the dwell time without the need for a trigger
signal. Once transient level is activated, the STEP mode will start as well.
STEP AUTO: The Step Auto mode will traverse through the user-defined step cycle until the end of the dwell
time upon the receiving a trigger signal.
Note: When triggering the STEP AUTO function via the front panel, when the step is activated (it will show "AUTO"),
the step cycle will repeat itself until the end of the Step Parameter setting. If the STEP AUTO function is triggered via
PC, the step has to be triggered using a *TRG or TRIG command af ter the transient level is turned on.
STEP ONCE: The STEP ONCE function will only activate the first step in the step cycle until the next
trigger signal is received.
Note: For front panel operation, the STEP ONCE function will only activate the first step in the step cycle. For PC
operation, by sending a *TRG or TRIG command with transient on, the next step in the step cycle can be activated.
Typical Application: Simulating battery drain for testing portable, battery powered products. A cellular phone, for
example, has complex battery discharge characteristics due to its different operating modes. A load profile can be created
using the eLoad load to simulate those characteristics.
M470039-01 REV-F Page 117