The HP/Agilent 59501B is an isolated digital-to-analog converter module that interfaces with HP-IB instrumentation to enable automated control of DC power supplies lacking native bus control. It functions as both a dedicated power supply programmer and standalone low-power DC signal source, with 600 Vdc isolation between HP-IB data lines and output terminals to protect connected instrumentation.
Technical Specifications
Interface & Control
• HP-IB (Hewlett-Packard Interface Bus) with Listener and Acceptor Hand-shake capability
• Listening Indicator for operating status confirmation
• Internal circuit holds output near zero until programmed data received
DC Output Voltage
• Selectable unipolar or bipolar modes via rear panel switch
• Unipolar: 0 to 9.99 V (high range); 0 to 0.999 V or 0 to 9.999 V (low range)
• Bipolar: −10 to +9.98 V (high range); −1 to +0.998 V (low range)
• Maximum output current: 10 mA
• D/A conversion: ~250 µsec from zero to 99% of programmed output
Resolution & Accuracy
• Resolution: 10 mV/1 mV unipolar, 20 mV/2 mV bipolar (high/low ranges)
• D/A converter accuracy: 0.1% + 5 mV to 0.1% + 1 mV unipolar; 0.1% + 10 mV to 0.1% + 2 mV bipolar
• Power supply programmer accuracy: 0.05% M + 0.25% P to 0.01% M + 0.25% P unipolar; 0.1% M + 0.25% P to 0.02% M + 0.25% P bipolar (M = calibrated full-scale, P = programmed output)
• Ripple and noise: 2 mV rms / 10 mV peak
– Key Features
• Programmable high/low range selection for 10:1 resolution improvement
• 600 Vdc isolation protects HP-IB instrumentation from power supply transients
• Rapid conversion enables synchronized multi-supply control sequences
• Output defaults to near-zero state until data receipt ensures safe initialization
– Typical Applications
• Automated testing of DC-powered circuits with voltage/current variation requirements
• Remote control of legacy HP power supplies over HP-IB networks
• Multi-supply coordination in test benches and production environments
• Low-power DC signal sourcing for instrumentation calibration
– Compatibility & Integration
Designed for HP power supplies with analog voltage control inputs. Operates within HP-IB ecosystems supporting standard listener protocol.
