There are some problems that can potentially severely limit the amount of working stations in the 308 lab and inconvenience yourself as well as everyone else.
Through carelessness and lack of focus, the users cause fuses to be blown in the DMM's (Digital MultiMeters) and in the Function Generator, which cannot readily be replaced.This removes the units from service until I am able to repair them. On the other hand, we have found, that once the situation is carefully and clearly explained, the incidents go practically to zero! So we appreciate everyone’s cooperation.In the case of the DMM's,please clearly understand the difference between measuring voltage and current, so that you do not hook the current function directly across a power source, as this will blow the fuse. I can replace these with some difficulty, but at least I do not have to move the table, to remove the cable that ties down all the equipment.
In the case of the HP33120 Function Generator, the problem is very serious because I have to completely remove the unit, and take it to the shop to replace an internal fuse that is soldered in! So please be cautious to carefully check your circuits and NEVER connect a voltage source such that it feeds back into the OUTPUT of the generator! This includes power supplies as well as another generator, even if the subject generator is OFF!
Incidentally, scope probes do not have any really usable bandwidth in the x1 mode. They have much more bandwidth in the x10 mode, but they need to be calibrated to be useful. The scopes have calibration signals on the front panels which give you a way of checking that both the probe and scale factor of the scope are correct. Calibration procedures are explained on a large HP "poster" to the right of the chalk board in the front of the room, and the little “tools” are in the stockroom tray.
If you suspect there is a problem with your generator or DMM, the Lab Assistant in the stockroom has a loose-leaf “Operations and Information Manual” in which there are some troubleshooting sheets that may help you diagnose the problem. Also see the more detailed instructions below. There are also some labels on the instruments themselves. But if things still don’t work, please send email including the table number to help@eecs.cwru.edu
Troubleshooting the 34401A DMM
Follow these instructions if you think your H-P DMM is not functioning.
Troubleshooting the 33120A Function Generator
Follow these instructions if you think your H-P Function Generator is not functioning.
RESETing the 33120A Function Generator
Follow these instructions ONLY if you think someone has re-programmed the menus of your H-P Function Generator.
Oscilloscope Probe Manual . This document describes the electrical behavior of the LF-210E oscilloscope probes used in the circuits lab. (4 pages)
Agilent 5460XB Oscilloscopes. This is the User and Serivce Manual for the HP 54600B, 54601B, 54602B and 54603B oscilloscopes. (182 pages)
Agilent 33120A Waveform Generator. This is the User's Manual for the HP 33120A Waveform Generator. (312 pages)
Agilent 34401A Digital Multimeter. This is the User's Manual for the HP 34401A Digital Multimeter. (236 pages)
Agilent E3631A Triple Output DC Power Supply. This is the User's Manual for the HP E3631A DC Power Supply. (166 pages)
IntuiLink Waveform Editor. This is the documentation for the IntuiLink Waveform Editor which allows you to specify and download waveforms of your design to the HP 33120 waveform generator. (28 pages)