External Loads

External Loads (inductors) may be connected to the AC and HV+ terminals on the Test Fixture front panel for Standard Double-Pulse tests. External Load Resistors are not supported in this software release.

You must select Inductor Selection > External under Output Current in the main User Interface and specify the inductor value in the PD100A Control Software. See the PD1550A Software Guide for detailed information.

For the mating plugs, use pin connectors:

  • 5 mm OD and maximum 18.5 mm long

  • Keysight part number: 0363-0370
    Manufacturer (ODU) Part Number:
    181.212.000.301.000     

The External Load sockets on the Test Fixture are rated for:

  • Nominal Current: 90 A

  • Continuous Current 155 A

  • Surge Current 12 kA

Range of External Inductors

The control software has limits that provide for a large range of inductors. Minimum is 1 mH; maximum is 1000000 mH. You need to decide what first pulse length is appropriate for your DUT. Note that self heating and voltage drop in the capacitor bank‘s high range and switching speed limits the low range.

External Inductor Selection

With software version 2023.324 (and later), inductance selection is moved under the Output Current heading. You have the option to have the PD1550A automatically select (Auto) the correct internal inductor for the voltage and current settings, manually select (Manual) an internal inductor from the three inductors in the PD1550A system (25 mH, 100 mH or 600 mH), or use an external inductor (External) connected to the front panel terminals of the PD1550A-010 Test Fixture. If you are using an external inductor, enter the value of the inductor, in mH, in the field next to the selection.