AMETEK PLA-PLW - Manual (Page 125)

4. Step Mode Modification
The Step Operation for the eLOAD has been modified to provide 128 set points for the
step operation. In the older version firmware, the 128 set points are separated into 4
profiles of 128 steps, which limited the amount of total programmable step set points.
The latest firmware revision combines all set points into a single profile of 128 steps
STEP MODE
In step mode, the eLOAD generates customized sequence of different input levels up to a maximum of 128
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.
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 after 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.
Step Remote Operation
STEP Ÿ Step Programming Functions
This subsystem programs the stepping functions for stepping mode. The number of loops, step values, and
dwell times are programmed for a specified operating mode.
i
T
n+1 t0 t1 t2 t3 T4 t5 t6 t7 t8
C-5