Four-quadrant operation
Positive and negative output voltages with bidirectional current flow provide source and sink operation at either polarity.
N8361F – Bipolar Four-Quadrant DC Power Supply with 200 W
Four-quadrant laboratory source for analogue circuits, component testing and automotive electronics.
The N8361F is a bipolar programmable DC power supply for developing and testing assemblies that require both positive and negative supply voltages. It is designed for analogue circuits, electronic components, relays, automotive electronics and compact automated test stations where precise and repeatable operating points are required.
Fast voltage transitions
Voltage rise and fall times are below 50 µs at no load and with a purely resistive full load.
Programmable sequences
Up to 10 SEQ files with as many as 200 steps each and external triggering support repeatable test routines.
System integration
LAN, RS232 and CAN together with the PC software enable remote control, visualisation and measurement data logging.
Personal project consultation
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ART. NO.
Description
Current [A]
Power [P]
Voltage [V]
N8361F-20-10-200
|
Description
N8361F Programmable bipolar DC power supply, 200 W, ±20 V, ±10 A, 2U, four-quadrant operation, LAN/RS232/CAN
|
Current [A]
10
|
Power [P]
200
|
Voltage [V]
20
|
4-quadrant DC Source
Technical Data
Product category
DC Bidirectional
DC Electronic Load
DC Power Supply
Type of DC Load
Benchtop Unit
Regenerative
Load + Source
Type of DC source
Standard DC Source
Benchtop Unit
Bidirectional
Source + Sink
N8361F overview
The N8361F is a bipolar programmable DC power supply with an output range of −20 to +20 V, a bidirectional current range of −10 to +10 A and a power rating of 200 W. By combining both voltage polarities with both current directions, the instrument operates in all four quadrants and can either supply the device under test or absorb current depending on the operating point.
The compact design with a 4.3-inch LCD, front terminals and rear system wiring is suitable for both benchtop use and automated test stations. Voltage values are programmed and read back with 0.1 mV resolution, while three current measurement ranges support measurements down to the microampere resolution range. An integrated DVM, four-wire remote sense, programmable sequences, external triggering, LAN, RS232, CAN and PC software support repeatable testing of analogue circuits, electronic components, relays, fast-charging hardware and automotive electronics.
Key benefits
Bipolar four-quadrant output
Voltage and current can assume positive or negative values, allowing the N8361F to source or sink current at either voltage polarity.
Fine voltage programming
Setpoint and readback resolution are 0.1 mV. Voltage setting accuracy is 0.01% + 3 mV.
Three current ranges
Measurement ranges down to ±1 mA provide 0.1 µA resolution for the characterisation of low quiescent currents.
Integrated voltage measurement
The single-channel DVM measures external DC voltages from −30 to +30 V with 0.1 mV resolution at a 4 Hz measurement rate.
Fast voltage transitions
Documented rise and fall times below 50 µs support tests with rapid changes in the programmed voltage value.
Four-wire remote sense
Separate sense lines compensate for voltage drops in the power leads and improve voltage accuracy at the DUT terminals.
Operating principle of the bipolar DC power supply
The N8361F combines a programmable bipolar output voltage with a bidirectional current path. The voltage setpoint can be adjusted within the range of −20 to +20 V. At the same time, current can flow in a positive or negative direction depending on the connected device under test and the configured current limits.
Positive and negative voltage
Polarity is defined by the programmed voltage value, allowing bipolar supply points and ground-offset conditions to be tested without manual rewiring.
Source and sink operation
Current direction can reverse at either voltage polarity. The N8361F therefore supplies energy to the DUT or absorbs current from it.
Four-quadrant operating range: The output supports positive and negative voltages as well as both current directions. Regenerative feedback of absorbed energy into the mains supply is not specified.
Power range and technical operating area
The documented operating range covers output voltages from −20 to +20 V and currents from −10 to +10 A at 200 W. The corner points of the four-quadrant diagram are the combinations of ±20 V and ±10 A. A separate autoranging or overload range is not specified in the documentation.
| Technical parameter | N8361F | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Output voltage | −20 to +20 V | Bipolar programmable |
| Bidirectional current range | −10 to +10 A | Source and sink current |
| Power | 200 W | Documented rated value |
| Voltage setting resolution | 0.1 mV | Across the complete voltage range |
| Voltage setting accuracy | 0.01% + 3 mV | At 23 ± 5 °C |
| Voltage readback resolution | 0.1 mV | Internal measurement readback |
| Voltage readback accuracy | 0.01% + 2 mV | At 23 ± 5 °C |
| Load regulation | 0.01% | CV operation |
| Line regulation | 0.01% | CV operation |
| Voltage ripple | 1 mV RMS | Measurement bandwidth 20 Hz to 20 MHz |
| Current measurement range | Resolution | Accuracy at 23 ± 5 °C |
|---|---|---|
| −10 to +10 A | 0.1 mA | 0.05% + 4 mA |
| −1 to +1 A | 0.01 mA | 0.05% + 0.4 mA |
| −1 to +1 mA | 0.1 µA | 0.05% + 1 µA |
| DVM characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Channels | 1 |
| Measurement range | −30 to +30 V DC |
| Measurement resolution | 0.1 mV |
| Measurement accuracy | ±0.01% of full scale |
| Measurement rate | 4 Hz |
| Input impedance | 2 MΩ |
The accuracy specifications apply at an ambient temperature of 23 ± 5 °C, after a warm-up time of 30 minutes, within one year after calibration and at a relative humidity of up to 80%.
Dynamics and control behaviour
The technical documentation specifies rise, fall and settling times. These values are time specifications and must not be interpreted as a voltage or current slew rate in V/µs or A/µs.
| Parameter | Test condition | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage rise time | 10% to 90%, unloaded output | <50 µs |
| Voltage rise time | 10% to 90%, full resistive load | <50 µs |
| Voltage fall time | 90% to 10%, unloaded output | <50 µs |
| Voltage fall time | 90% to 10%, full resistive load | <50 µs |
| Transient voltage deviation | Load step from 10% to 90% at full output voltage | 600 mV |
| Transient settling time | Return to within 50 mV of the previous voltage value | <100 µs |
| Communication response time | Remote control | ≤10 ms |
Operating modes and programmable functions
Programmable voltage operation
Power Mode configures the voltage setpoint and separate limits for sourced and absorbed current. Measurement values and the DVM value are shown on the display.
Multi-step test sequences
Up to 10 files with as many as 200 steps each store voltage values, current limits, dwell times, loops and step links.
External triggering
A 5 V TTL trigger input starts the output in automated procedures. A status signal indicates that the output is enabled.
SEQ reversal of voltage polarity: The switching time when changing between positive and negative voltage is 50 ms. Sequence-step dwell times must be configured accordingly. For purely positive sequences, dwell times from 1 ms are possible.
Typical applications
The combination of bipolar output voltage, bidirectional current, fine programming and automated sequences supports a range of development, validation and production tests.
Analogue circuits
Operational amplifiers, sensor paths and signal chains are supplied with positive or negative voltages. Four-quadrant operation reproduces changing current directions at the DUT.
Relays and electronic components
Programmed bipolar voltage sequences test switching, pick-up and release behaviour. SEQ procedures and current limits provide repeatable test conditions.
Ground-drift testing of automotive electronics
Positive and negative ground shifts are simulated at ECU, sensor or signal inputs. Fine voltage programming supports defined threshold testing.
Fast-charging hardware
Low-voltage charging electronics are characterised at programmed voltage and current operating points. The bidirectional current path reproduces different power-flow directions.
Automated production and end-of-line testing
The N8361F provides programmable sourcing and current absorption in the test station. LAN, RS232, CAN, trigger functions and rear connections support integration.
Development and quality assurance
Local operation, the integrated DVM and four-wire remote sense combine supply, loading and voltage measurement in one compact laboratory instrument.
Interfaces, software and automation
| Function | Status | Technical scope |
|---|---|---|
| LAN | Standard | Standard communication port for remote control; factory IP address 192.168.0.123. |
| RS232 | Standard | DB-9 interface; selectable baud rates of 9,600, 19,200, 38,400, 57,600 and 115,200 baud. |
| CAN | Standard | CANH and CANL connection for remote control; CAN termination adjustment can be switched in the system menu. |
| External trigger and status signal | Standard | External trigger input for 5 V TTL levels and output signal indicating the active output state. |
| USB | Standard | Front USB connection for USB storage media; not described as a remote-control interface. |
| Four-wire remote sense | Standard | Separate S+ and S− lines compensate for voltage drops in the output leads. |
| PC software | Available | LAN connection, online and offline control, diagrams for voltage, current, power and time, plus data logging in NDAT format. |
| Software function areas | Available | Power Mode, SEQ Mode, system parameters, protection configuration, error display and historical measurement data. |
Installation and infrastructure
| Requirement | Documented specification |
|---|---|
| Mains connection | Single-phase, 100 to 240 V AC, 47 to 63 Hz |
| Mains current | ≤2 A at 220 V AC and ≤4 A at 110 V AC |
| Protective earth | Operation is intended only from a properly grounded outlet with protective conductor. |
| Operating temperature | 0 to 40 °C |
| Storage temperature | −20 to +60 °C |
| Relative humidity | 5 to 90% RH, non-condensing |
| Altitude | Below 2,000 m |
| Air pressure | 80 to 110 kPa |
| Form factor | 2 U, 88.0 mm high and 214.0 mm wide |
| Depth | The instrument depth is specified as 388.0 mm or 398.0 mm. The current dimension should be confirmed before mechanical integration. |
| Weight | Approx. 4 kg |
| Output connections | Banana sockets on the front and system connection on the rear; the two connection sides must not be used simultaneously. |
| Cooling | Air cooling with rear air outlet |
When using four-wire remote sensing, the sense leads must be connected directly to the DUT and the instrument sense mode set to Remote. The output must be switched off before changing the output wiring.
Protection and safety functions
Overvoltage protection
When the configured OVP threshold is reached, the instrument switches off the output immediately and displays the OVP status.
Overcurrent protection
The OCP threshold monitors both sourced and absorbed current. When triggered, the output is switched off.
Overpower protection
The programmable OPP threshold limits the permissible power range and switches off the output when triggered.
Before commissioning, the mains voltage, protective-earth connection and permissible operating range of the DUT must be checked. The enclosure may only be opened by qualified personnel. Operation in flammable or explosive environments is not permitted.
N8361F FAQ
What voltage, current and power range does the N8361F provide?
The output range is −20 to +20 V, the bidirectional current range is −10 to +10 A and the documented power rating is 200 W.
Can the N8361F source and absorb current?
Yes. The bipolar output voltage and bidirectional current enable source and sink operation in all four quadrants.
Is a separate CC control mode documented?
The documentation describes programmable voltage operation with separate current limits for source and sink current. A separate CC control mode is not specified.
How quickly does the N8361F change its output voltage?
The documented rise and fall times are each below 50 µs, both with no load and with a full resistive load.
What does SEQ mode provide?
Up to 10 sequence files can be created, each containing as many as 200 steps, dwell times, current limits, loops and step links.
Are a DVM and remote sense integrated?
Yes. The DVM measures −30 to +30 V DC with 0.1 mV resolution. Four-wire remote sense compensates for voltage drops in the output leads.
Which interfaces are available for automated test stations?
LAN, RS232, CAN, an external 5 V TTL trigger, a status signal and PC software with measurement visualisation and data logging are available.
Are regenerative mains feedback or multi-unit parallel operation specified?
No. The documentation confirms bidirectional current flow but does not specify regenerative mains feedback or parallel or series operation of multiple instruments.
Technical consultation and project enquiry
For selection and integration of the N8361F, we review operating points, current direction, dynamic requirements, measurement ranges, trigger sequences, interfaces and wiring with you. Integration into laboratory, ATE or end-of-line systems can also be adapted to your test application.
Contact ET System technical consultation