8. System settings

8.1. System protection

Parameters in this section define channel output states on power up and options when a protection mode is tripped to prevent or reduce the possibility of damaging the connected loads.

Additionally, the system password that is used to unlock the display and calibration password can be defined or changed here.

Force disabling of all outputs on power up

Active by default this option ensures that all channel outputs will be switched off on power up to prevent connected loads from being damaged unintentionally.

SCPI

SYSTem:PON:OUTPut:DISable ON

Shutdown when protection tripped

When selected, any protection mode that is tripped on any channel will automatically put the EEZ BB3 in standby mode.

SCPI

SYSTem:POWer:PROTection:TRIP ON

Switch off all outputs when protection tripped

Similar to the previous option except instead of entering standby mode all channel outputs will be turned off.

SCPI

OUTPut:PROTection:COUPle ON

Prohibit output enable if external voltage detected

DCP405 power module only: active by default this option enables the voltage on the output terminals to be monitored even when the output is disabled. When it is active, the output cannot be turned on as long as the measured voltage is greater than 500 mV.

It is strongly recommended that this option be active when the DCP405 module is used to charge batteries. In this case, it will not be possible to enable power output with the battery connected, because that will lead to an OVP trip, and if HW OVP is selected, it may damage the crowbar circuit. This option will force you to first enable the output and only then connect the battery you want to charge.

SCPI

OUTPut:PROTection:MEASure ON

Change password

The system password is used to unlock the display. By default system password is not defined (“”) and it may contain up to 16 characters. Minimum length is 4 characters. The new password is automatically stored in non-volatile memory.

When selected an on-screen keyboard will appear. Characters entered will be replaced with * shortly after entry. The new password has to be entered twice.

SCPI

SYSTem:PASSword:NEW {<old>}, {<new>}

Change calibration password

The calibration password is used to secure access to calibration data. Unlike a system password this password is defined by default (eezbb3) and has to be entered first before new password can be entered.

The calibration password may contain up to 16 characters. Minimum length is 4 characters.

The new password is automatically stored in non-volatile memory.

SCPI

CALibration:PASSword:NEW {<old>}, {<new>}

8.2. USB settings

Mode

Defines the operating mode or turns off the USB interface.

SCPI

SYSTem:COMMunicate:ENABle {<bool>}, USB

SYSTem:COMMunicate:USB:MODE

Virtual COM Port

Defines activity of the serial interface over USB connection (i.e. Virtual COM port).

When selected serial communication parameters will be displayed (Baud, Bits, Parity and Stop bits).

SCPI

SYSTem:COMMunicate:USB:CLAss VCOM

Mass storage device

When this class is selected the operating system of the connected computer will see the installed SD card as a mass storage device. It will be possible to work with the SD card as well as other disks (browse, read, write, delete, create new folders, rename, etc.)

The selection of this class will be valid until the next restart when it will return to Virtual COM port again.

IMPORTANT: when the SD card is in this mode, EEZ BB3 cannot save events to log, access file manager, user profiles, etc.

For this reason, there will also be disabled icons in the status bar, and the system settings icon will turn red because the status of the SD card will change to Not present.

SCPI

SYSTem:COMMunicate:USB:CLAss MSTO

Host

When this mode is selected the EEZ BB3 provides VBUS power for connected USB device (e.g. mouse, keypad, foot pedal, etc.).

The USB Class will be automatically set to HID.

USB mouse (wired or wireless) is supported and if connected, the cursor will appear and information on the cursor coordinates will be displayed.

The USB keyboard is partially supported so that the following functions are enabled:

• [Tab] + [Space]/[Enter] as navigation and selection
• [Print Scrn] for taking screenshot
• [Home] returns to home page
• [Esc] can be used as exit/cancel option
• Numeric keys [1] to [6] as Ch1 to Ch6 output state toggle (on/off)

SCPI

SYSTem:COMMunicate:USB:MODE HOST

When a USB mouse is used for navigation, the clickable item on which the cursor is positioned will get a magenta box.

OTG

“On-the-go” mode allows detection of USB ID pin (set by USB cable or

adapter) and adopt its USB mode and class in accordance with detected device.

For example if mouse is connected with OTG adapter cable, the USB Mode will be set automatically to Host and Class to HID and mouse cursor will appear.

SCPI

SYSTem:COMMunicate:USB:MODE OTG

8.3. Ethernet

Enable/disable

Defines activity of the serial interface. When LAN cable is disconnected or network communication is not yet established, Connecting … will be displayed until communication is established again.

SCPI

SYSTem:COMMunicate:ENABle {<bool>}, ETHernet

The parameters that follows should be defined when DHCP is not selected. All values should be specified in IPv4 address format (four values from 0 to 255 separated by dots).

IP address

Static local area network (LAN) address of the BB3.

SCPI

SYSTem:COMMunicate:ETHernet:ADDRess {<ip_address>}

DNS

IP address of the DNS (Domain Name Service) server that translates domain names into IP addresses.

SCPI

SYSTem:COMMunicate:ETHernet:DNS {<ip_address>}

8.4. MQTT

When MQTT is enabled, the following parameters should be defined to establish communication:

• Host – The name of MQTT server (aka broker)
• Port – TCP/IP port for MQTT communication (standard port is 1883)
• Username – login name of a valid account on the MQTT server
• Password – login password of a valid account on the MQTT server
• Period – MQTT messages publishing frequency

8.5. System temp and fan

Current temp.

The "system" temperature is measured on the AUX-PS module and can be used for over-temperature protection (OTP).

SCPI

MEASure:TEMPerature? AUX

OTP active

Enable or disable over-temperature protection associated with the system (AUX) temperature sensor.

8.6. General trigger settings

The BB3’s triggering system allows a change in output state, voltage and current or start internal data logging when receiving a trigger from selected trigger source.

One common triggering system is used to control all available channels, but will only affect those channels that are not in Fixed trigger mode (see Channel trigger settings for channel trigger mode settings).

Source

• Bus – enables LAN and serial (via USB) triggering using the *TRG command. When this mode is selected, TRG text will blink when you turn on channels that have triggers defined (e.g. List or Step).
• Immediate – the EEZ BB3 executes a complete trigger operation immediately after executing the INITiate command without delay.

• Manual – allows you to manually trigger with the User SW (if assigned this function, see User SW) or by selecting the flashing TRG text that will appear on the screen as it shows the example in the picture to the right (Ch2 to Ch4 have triggers defined).
• Pin<n> – selects a digital port pin configured as a trigger input. <n> specifies the pin number.

8.7. Ramp & delay

This page will show all output channels that have support for ramp and delay.

Select the channel you want to define ramp and delay settings for.

Tap on the parameter that you want to set (e.g. voltage).

The graph above the list shows the output profile of the selected channel.

The channel list will reflect coupling in series. For example, the voltage ramp is able to be set at twice the value (up to 80 V).

This screenshot shows an example of a complex ramp and delay setup where the first two output modules are coupled in parallel and the last two modules turn on after a delay of 20 ms.

8.8. Tracking

Tracking is a convenient way to manage two or more channels simultaneously, i.e. there is no “master-slave” configuration, when changes can only be made via the master channel.

Only one tracking group can be set up. Channels that are in the tracking group will be able to define the following parameters at the same time:

• Output set current and limit
• Output set voltage and limit
• Output power limit
• OCP, OVP, OTP and OPP parameters (activity, delay, status)

• Tripped protection clear
• Trigger type, source and delay
• Output list definitions (dwell, current, voltage)

When channels are in a tracking group, some of their options will be disabled (e.g. calibration). The Untrack option can be used for clear selections and will become visible only if two or more channels are selected.

SCPI

OUTPut:TRACk[:STATe] (@<chanlist>)

8.8.1. Power outputs coupling

Coupling provides a safe and convenient way to combine power outputs to increase capacity and offer output configurations.

Four power relays are used to combine the power outputs, avoiding the possibility of poor connections or accidental loss of connection, which could have detrimental effects on the connected load.

Furthermore, in the case of coupling into series or parallel, when doubling the output values, this will be taken into account, thus avoiding errors in the interpretation of the set and measured values.

By default all outputs are independent, i.e. separated from each other and “floating” or isolated in reference to MCU ground or PE (Protection Earth) potential.

Please note that regardless of the set coupling mode all channel outputs will remain isolated from the MCU ground and PE.

SCPI

INSTrument:COUPle:TRACking NONE

Series

Coupling is series is only possible between DCP405 modules on the first two slots. When coupled, the output connectors of the module in slot 2 will be disabled, and the output voltage on the connectors of the module in slot 1 will be able to be set to twice the value (i.e. 80 V for DCP405).

The maximum output current will remain unchanged (5 A).

Access to the module in slot 2 will be disabled on display. All set and measured output voltage and power values shown on the display for the module in slot 1 will be doubled.

Please note that according to many standards, voltage of 50 V and above are considered to be hazardous regardless of additional factors such as air humidity and temperature, skin moisture, etc.

Take all necessary precautions when the set output voltage exceeds this value.

SCPI

INSTrument:COUPle:TRACking SERies

Parallel

Coupling is parallel is only possible between DCP405 modules on the first two slots. When coupled, the output connectors of the module in slot 2 will be disabled, and the output current on the connectors of the module in slot 1 will be doubled (i.e. 10 A for DCP405).

The maximum output voltage will remain unchanged (40 V).

Access to the module in slot 2 will also be disabled on display. The set and measured output current and power values shown on the display for the module in slot 1 will be doubled.

SCPI

INSTrument:COUPle:TRACking PARallel

Split rails

This type of coupling is similar to serial coupling except the output of both channels is still active and the coupling between the first and second channels is used as a common ground. In this way, a symmetrical output is obtained where Vout + of the first channel represents a positive rail and Vout of the second negative rail.

Channels can still be individually controlled, but since this configuration often requires the same output values (e.g. for powering operational amplifiers) a default is offered that places these two channels into a tracking group.

SCPI

INSTrument:COUPle:TRACking SRAil

Common GND

This is the simplest way of coupling the output and results in the connection of Vout- all channels on all slots to a common potential.

As mentioned in the beginning, the Vout- coupled output potential will still not be at the MCU ground or PE potential.

This coupling is not required for Vout- connections between two channels on the DCM220 or DCM224 because they are already internally connected.

SCPI

INSTrument:COUPle:TRACking CGND

8.9. Digital I/O settings

Two protected/buffered digital input pins plus two digital output pins are available on the EEZ BB3 front panel. Their function and polarity can be set on this page which also displays their current state.

Function

Input pins may be assigned with one of the following functions:

• Input – The pin is in digital input mode.

• Inhibit – When pin is configured as an inhibit input, a true signal at the pin will disable all power output channels.
  If the channel outputs were turned on, all output values will flash in red when entering inhibit mode, as shown in the figure to the right.
• System trigger – When configured as a trigger input, the pin can be selected as the source for trigger signals.
• UART RX – The pin becomes a UART receiver (see subsection 8.10.1 below).

8.9.1. UART settings

Configuring a DIN1 pin for a UART will automatically change the DOUT1 pin function and vice versa. It is possible to define the UART operating mode as well as the communication parameters.

• Buffer – data received via the UART is not interpreted as SCPI but stored in input buffer which can be retrieved by using the SYSTem:COMMunicate:UART:RECeive? query
• SCPI – received data via UART will be passed to the SCPI parser and interpreted. In this mode, the external device can take control of BB3.
• Bookmark – the received string will be added as a new bookmark to the active DLOG session.

Baud:

Communication speed in bits per second (baud). Select from a list of available speeds.

Data bits:

Data size in bits. Select from a list of available sizes.

Parity:

Parity check, could be None, Even or Odd.

Stop bits:

Number of stop bits, select 1 or 2.

8.10. Display settings

Display color theme selection, brightness, luminosity, animation duration and status of display can be selected on this page.

An option for entering screen calibration (that is run by default on first start) is also available.

Theme

The EEZ BB3 comes with three color themes that apply to every page. The default theme is Dark.

Anim. duration

Define how long the animation effect lasts when transitioning between pages. Default is 250 ms. Set this parameter to 0 ms if you want to disable the effect.

Brightness

Controls the intensity of the display backlight. The range of the parameter is 1 to 20, where 20 is full intensity and 1 is backlight off. Default value is 10.

SCPI

DISPlay:BRIGhtness {<value>}

Lightness

This parameter defines the lightness of displayed colors if they are represented in so called HSL color space (hue, saturation, lightness). By increasing this value all colors will appear “lighter” or washed away. Similarly, when decreased all colors will appear “darker” or more dull. Lightness is not affected when set to 10. However, due to limitation of the LCD display (color representation is reduced to 16-bit) a default value is set to 5 to effectively compensate color difference.

The effect of changing this parameter can be observed by the color of three screen “widgets” (Background, Status, Pop up).

Touchscreen calibration

Screen calibration is required to give the firmware the necessary information about its geometry, which will increase the accuracy of data entry.

Initiate this procedure as necessary if you notice that the accuracy of data entry is no longer satisfactory.

New screen calibration can be initiated

also by touching the screen anywhere and hold for more then 15 seconds.

SCPI

CALibration:SCReen:INIT

For a successful calibration, you have to use stylus or similar rounded tip object and touch the three dots on the screen as accurately as possible.

After successfully defining the three points, a new page will appear where you can choose between saving calibration data, repeating or canceling the calibration.

On the same screen is possible to test precision by touching the surface beyond the options mentioned.

Turn display off

By turning display off user interaction is no longer possible. To reactivate it, you have to touch and hold anywhere on the display for a short time.

SCPI

DISPlay OFF

Test

Display test is used to detect defective pixels (aka deal pixels).

After the initial message, with each subsequent touch, the entire screen will be painted in primary colors (red, green, blue) following by white. It will be easy to notice if any of the pixels are defective.

Overlay

Determines whether overlay information is displayed or not. When set to Visible then overlay information will have the option to Minimize or Hide.

If Hide icon is tap and hold for 3 seconds the overlay menu will dissapear and Overlay state will be changed to Hidden. Here you can make it visible again.

When Minimize is selected the icon will change to Maximized and the overlay information will remain visible on the screen in minimized form.

8.11. Labels & colors

Displays a new page where you can customize the labels and colors of the currently installed modules.

Change label

It is possible to define a label for each module. The default label is the name of the module and the ordinal number of its resource (eg DCP405 # 1 if the DCP405 power module is installed in slot 1).

Selecting this option will display the keyboard for entering a new label up to 10 characters long.

In case the peripheral module has additional resources (e.g. relays, analog and digital inputs and outputs) that can be labeled, an additional option will appear to access such resources as shown in the figure on the right when for example PREL6, SMX46 and MIO168 modules are installed.

SCPI

SYSTem:SLOT:LABel {slot}, {label}

Pick color

The header and frame module or resources (as in the case of a DCM module that has two) displayed on the screen will get a default color that can be replaced with one from the 24 color palette.

Once the color has been changed on a new arrival on this page, the Default option will also appear at the bottom in case you want to return to the original color.

SCPI

SYSTem:SLOT:COLor {slot}, {color}

IMPORTANT: Changes to Labels & Colors depend on the user profile selected. If it is Profile 0 and you want the changes to be visible during the next power up then make sure that the Autorecall on Power-on option is set (see User profiles).

8.12. Sound settings

Sound

When the beeper is enabled, the EEZ BB3 generates audible sound in any of the following situations:

• the power is turned on or off
• when error occurs during local (via display) or remote operation
• self-test is failed or
• any of the protection functions are tripped.

SCPI

SYSTem:BEEPer:STATe {<bool>}

Click sound

Select this option to enable or disable generation of an audible “click” sound as confirmation of selected item on the screen.

SCPI

SYSTem:BEEPer:KEY:STATe {<bool>}

8.13. Date & time

Date

Sets the date of the system clock (RTC). Specify the year, month, and day.

SCPI

SYSTem:DATE {<year>}, {<month>}, {<day>}

Time

Sets the time of the system clock (RTC). Specify the hours, minutes, and seconds.

8.14. Encoder & User sw

Confirmation mode

The encoder comes with a tactile switch and if this mode is selected then it will be used to confirm the newly changed value. By definition, the mode is not enabled which means that pressing the switch will instead move the "cursor" to the next editable field.

Acceleration sensitivity moving up/down

The rotation speed of the encoder is measured and defines in what steps the selected value will change.

The reaction (sensitivity) to increasing the rotation speed in one direction or the other (increasing values or decreasing values) can be set by these parameters.

User switch action

Opens a menu with functions that can be assigned to the user switch on the front panel. See User SW.

8.15. Scripting

On this page it is possible to define which MicroPython script will run on the startup.

Auto start script:

The name of the MicroPython script to run.

When the name field is selected, the contents of the SD card Scripts folder are displayed by default.

The currently defined script can be replaced with another by tapping the script name. Use the X button to completely remove the auto start script.

Important: the auto start script is saved in the user profile so it is possible to define different startup scenarios. If you change the name of the script, don’t forget to save it in the selected auto recall user profile (if profile 0 is not selected).

Auto start confirmation required:

Use this parameter if you want additional confirmation of running the selected script on the startup.

If No is selected, then it will still be possible to skip the script on startup by pressing the encoder switch during startup (i.e. when the Welcome page is displayed).

If the Yes option is selected, a dialog box will be displayed during startup.

A different dialog box will appear if the No option is selected and the encoder switch is pressed during startup. If yes is selected here, the currently set auto start script will no longer be selected.

8.16. System information

The page summarized various system information and contains a list of all recognized modules.

Total On time

Total active time of the EEZ BB3 (i.e. MCU module). Resolution is 1 minute and this information is stored every 10 minutes in non-volatile memory. Therefore it’s possible that up to

10 minutes is lost after restart caused by a power outage or ungraceful power shutdown.