Keysight E36313A Programming Manual: Controlling the Power Supply From Code

The Keysight E36313A is a triple-output programmable DC power supply, and most engineers reach the E36313A programming manual when they need to control it remotely. This guide covers the SCPI basics for voltage, current, and sequencing from the programming manual, and shows how TestFlow automates the E36313A without writing scripts.

What the E36313A does

The E36313A is a bench programmable DC power supply with three outputs, suitable for powering a device under test and stepping voltage or current under software control. It is controlled over USB, LAN, and GPIB using SCPI.

E36313A SCPI essentials

From the programming manual, the commands you use most:

• •*IDN? confirms the connection.
• •INST:SEL OUT1 selects which output you are configuring.
• •VOLT 5.0 sets the voltage on the selected output.
• •CURR 1.0 sets the current limit.
• •OUTP ON and OUTP OFF enable and disable the output.
• •MEAS:VOLT? and MEAS:CURR? read back the actual voltage and current.

Sequencing voltage and current

Real tests rarely set one voltage and stop. You step the supply through levels, hold at each, and measure. In raw SCPI that means a loop that selects an output, sets a level, enables the output, waits, measures, and moves on. The E36313A also supports list and sequencing features for stepping through values, which the programming manual documents in detail.

The cost of doing it in code

Writing this by hand is straightforward the first time and a burden over the long run. The script is specific to the E36313A and the instruments measuring alongside it, error handling is on you, and a small change in the test means editing and re-debugging the script.

Automating the E36313A with TestFlow

TestFlow generates and runs the supply control for you, driven from the datasheet.

• •Datasheet to sequence. Upload the E36313A datasheet and TestFlow builds the voltage and current steps and the measurement sequence.
• •No SCPI by hand. TestFlow produces and executes the commands, so there is no script to maintain.
• •Vendor-neutral. Drive the E36313A together with a DMM or scope from any vendor in one workflow.
• •Repeatable and shareable. The sequence runs identically every time and can be shared across a team.

Control the supply without the scripting

The programming manual is the reference when you write SCPI directly. When you want the supply sequenced and measured without maintaining code, let TestFlow handle it.

Start free at testflow.io, upload your E36313A datasheet, and get an automated supply test sequence in minutes.