Keysight E4360A – Modular Solar Array Simulator Mainframe (Modules Sold Separately)

• Modular solar array simulator mainframe
• Includes option 903 power cord (USA, 120V)
• If option 904 power cord is needed (USA, 240V), please contact us at (833) 763-7837
• Modules sold separately (required for operation)
• Contains slots for up to two E4360 series modules

The Keysight E4360A 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 E3460A contains two slots on its rear panel for up to two modules.

Please click here for detailed specifications beginning on page 6 – product output will differ based on input voltage.

Keysight offers the E4361A and E4362A module series for use with this mainframe. Each series can be viewed through the links below.

• E4361A modules
• E4362A modules

***If you are using less than two modules, an E4369A filler module must be installed in the empty slot. E4369A sold separately.***

When you first turn on the E4360A Modular SAS mainframe, the mainframe automatically senses the voltage available from the AC line. If the AC line voltage is < 180 Vac, the mainframe automatically scales back the available output power to prevent overloading the AC line cord.

The E4360A will limit the mainframe output power to 600 W allowing the high-power mainframe to be plugged into any standard outlet. If there is only one module installed then full power will be available from that module. When two modules are installed, the output power of each module would be cut in half (300W per module). This is very convenient for the initial bench checkout of the SAS. It is also very convenient for test development, which is typically done on the bench when DUT is not yet driven to full power.

The E4360 SAS provides three operating modes, Simulator (SAS), Table, and Fixed modes. To accurately simulate the I-V curve of a solar array, use SAS or table modes. When a standard power supply is needed, use fixed mode.

The E4360 SAS internally generates a 4,096 I-V point table. An internal algorithm is used to approximate an I-V curve. This can be done via the I/O interfaces or from the front panel where a PC is not needed. These four input parameters are needed to establish a curve in this mode:

Vₒ꜀ – open circuit voltage

Iₛ꜀ – short circuit voltage

Iₘₚ – current at the peak power point on the curve

Vₘₚ – voltage at the peak power point on the curve

The I-V curve is determined by a user-defined table of points. A table can have a minimum of 3 points, up to a maximum of 4000 points. A point corresponds to a specific value of I and V. As many as 30 tables may be stored in each of the E4360 SAS built-in volatile and non-volatile memory. The tables (I-V curve) stored in this non-volatile memory will be retained when the power is turned off, while those stored in volatile memory will be erased after the power is removed.

Additionally, current and voltage offsets can be applied to the selected table to simulate a change in the operating conditions of the solar array.

This is the default mode when the unit is powered on. The unit has the rectangular I-V characteristics of a standard power supply.

The E4360 offers fast curve changes to enable better simulation of solar arrays under various environmental conditions, like eclipse and spin. The resolution of the I-V curve can be set to optimize the I-V curve for resolution or fast curve change.

In simulation (SAS) mode and table mode, you can select high resolution which uses a 4,096 point table to generate a smoother I-V curve within 350 msec. For fast I-V curve generation, you can select the 256-point table that quickly generates an I-V curve within 30 msec. All the E4360 SAS in the system can be synchronized to change their I-V curves at the same time using the hardware trigger, such that I-V curves can be changed on up to 100 outputs within 30 msec or 350 msec based on the resolution setting.

The E4360 offers a LIST mode that lets you pre-program a LIST of up to 512 I-V curves. Program up to 512 sets of points, where each set of points includes curve parameters: Voc, Vmp, Isc, and Imp. A dwell time of 30 ms to 33,554 seconds with 1 ms resolution can be specified and the E4360 SAS will stay (i.e. dwell) at the set point for the programmed dwell time value. Alternately, the LIST can be paced (advanced to the next set point) by a bus trigger or it can be paced by a trigger signal which enables synchronization of the LIST with an external event. Utilizing I-V curve lists speeds up test execution by removing the computer I/O from the process and simplifies I-V curve change more easily simulating the solar array under various conditions.