The HP/Agilent 6826A is a bipolar power supply and AC signal amplifier engineered for precision sourcing, sinking, and signal conditioning in automated test systems and research environments. Operating as a constant voltage or constant current source, or as a variable load, it delivers 72 W across dual voltage ranges with remote programmability and fast transient response. The instrument combines stable DC output with AC amplification capability, supporting both fixed and variable gain modes for demanding laboratory and production applications.
Technical Specifications
Output Ratings
• Voltage: DC ±5 V and ±50 V ranges; AC ±12 V and ±120 V
• Current: 0 to 1 A (both DC voltage ranges); sink current limited linearly from 1 A @ 0 V to 0.5 A @ 50 V
• Power Output: 72 W
• Output Isolation: Floatable to 300 V above ground
Performance
• Voltage Ripple & Noise (CV mode): 6 mV rms, 35 mV peak-to-peak
• Current Ripple & Noise (CC mode): 0.8 mA rms, 5 mA peak-to-peak
• Transient Recovery: 100 µs for 50 mV change
• Line Regulation (Voltage): ±0.01% + 5 mV (both ranges)
• Load Regulation (Current): ±1% + 200 µA
• DC Output Accuracy: 3% of full scale
• AC Output Accuracy: 5% full scale at 100 Hz sinusoidal input
• Variable Accuracy (6826A @ 100 Hz): (0.05% + %RF) Vo + 5 mV
Amplifier Mode
• Fixed Gain Frequency Response: DC to 40 kHz (±1, −3 dB)
• Variable Gain Frequency Response: DC to 15 kHz (±1, −3 dB)
• Fixed Gain (6826A): 1 V/V ±0.1% (X1), 10 V/V ±0.1% (X10)
• Constant Current, Voltage Coefficient: 1 A/V ±5%
• Power Amplifier Performance: 80 dB signal-to-noise ratio at full output; 1% maximum total harmonic distortion at 100 Hz and full output (6827A)
Remote Programming
• Switching Speed: 50 µs between 1% and 99% of maximum voltage limits
• Control: Resistance, voltage, or current programming
• System Compatibility: Hewlett-Packard Multiprogrammer Systems
– Key Features
• Bipolar output sourcing and sinking capability
• High-speed remote control with 50 µs response
• Low output noise across constant voltage and constant current modes
• Fast transient recovery for dynamic load changes
• Dual fixed and variable gain amplifier configurations
• Extended frequency response to 40 kHz in fixed gain mode
– Typical Applications
• Automated test equipment and ATE systems
• Research and development bench work
• Production testing requiring stable DC sourcing
• Signal amplification and conditioning
• Load simulation and characterization
– Compatibility & Integration
Remotely programmable via Hewlett-Packard Multiprogrammer Systems integration. Accepts resistance, voltage, or current control inputs for system automation.
