Agilent E4360 Modular Solar Array Simulator

Agilent recently introduced the Agilent E4360 modular solar array simulator. Packed in a compact 2U high package, the new solar array simulator, which is able to accurately simulate I-V curve and able to works under various environmental conditions,  is targeted for R&D engineers, system integrators and manufacturing engineers. Agilent E4360 modular solar array simulator is available as as a full turn-key solar array simulator system and also standalone instrument.

Agilent E4360 Modular Solar Array Simulator

Benefits of Agilent E4360 modular solar array simulator includes:

• Up to 2 outputs of up to 600W per output in 2U of rack space
• Perform fast I-V curve changes to simulate eclipse or spin
• Perform remote programming via GPIB, LAN and USB interfaces with SCPI command set (drivers available)
• Synchronize to other events in your system with advanced hardware and software triggering
• Streamline tasks with front panel control and automated sequencing of up to 512 I-V curves via list mode
• Simplify cabling with built-in measurements
• Ensure DUT safety with protection features
• Available as a custom turn-key system or as individual instruments

Agilent E4360 solar array simulator has the flexibility to operate in two ways. Users can:

• Input the operational parameters (Voc, Isc, Vmp, Imp) needed for the solar array simulator to internally create an I-V curve of a solar array
• Download a user-defined table for the I-V curve of the solar array

The E4360  provides some ways to connect to computer (PC). It has 10/100 Base-T Ethernet, USB 2.0,  and GPIB (General Purpose Interface Bus)  interfaces. The new modular solar array simulator also has a built-in Web server, so it can be remotely operated and monitored from any Web browser.

The Agilent modular solar array simulator offers many system-ready features to simplify the programming and control of the instrument. The system software driver allows a single function call to set up and control multiple E4360s in a system. Multiple solar array simulators can be configured without writing a single line of code. Furthermore, a new capability simplifies parallel operation such that two outputs act as a single synchronized channel of twice the output current and power without having to write software to manage their interaction.

Agilent’s full turn-key solar array simulator system  is built on the Agilent E4360 modular solar array simulator platform. The modular architecture makes it easy to configure, re-configure and support this system since modules can be easily moved and replaced. The system’s components include commercial-off-the-shelf instruments (COTS), a standard PC and standard interconnectivity (LAN, USB) for low-cost, easy support and reduced downtime.

Agilent E4360 modular solar array simulator will be available in June 2008. The Agilent E4360A Modular Solar Array Simulator Mainframe (can hold  two modules) is priced at $3,961. The E4361A 65V, 8.5A, 510W and E4362A 130V, 5A, 600W Solar Array Simulator DC Modules are priced at $5,136 each.

More info: Agilent