Agilent N3300 DC Electric Load for Solar Cell testing | Agilent

Login myAgilent United States

Page 1

Enter Search Term

SEARCH

Products & Services

Technical Support

Industries & Technologies

Contact an Expert

Home > Industries & Technologies > Research & University > Educator's Corner > Details

Agilent N3300 DC Electric Load for Solar Cell testing

Solar modules are typically multiple cells connected electrically into a packaged form. They come in a variety of voltage and current ranges, but power generating capabilities are typically between 50 and 300 W. Many of the same parameters that are measured for cells are repeated for modules, such as Voc, Isc, Pmax, and the I-V curve. Electronic loads are a great solution for solar module testing because of their wide input power range and ability to sink large amounts of current as may be needed when testing solar modules versus solar cells. Electronic loads typically have three modes of operation: constant current (CC), constant voltage (CV), and constant resistance (CR). CV mode is the preferred mode of operation for I-V curve tracing because it allows you to step through voltages incrementally and measure the current output of the module under test. To ensure full I-V curve trace capability, the electronic load needs the capability to go down to 0 V to capture the Isc and up to Voc. A limitation of the N3300 series for solar testing is that its specifications begin to degrade at constant voltage levels below 3 V. At 0 V, no current can flow into the load. To overcome this limitation of the N3300A series loads, use a simple power supply as a boost supply. Configuring the additional power supply as shown below will ensure the N3300A load will always operate at or above 3 V, ensuring your solar DUT is tested with the optimum electronic load specifications. If increased measurement accuracy for voltage or current measurements are needed versus what is capable by just using an electronic load, one or two DMMs can be used to monitor the voltage and make current measurements. Current measurements can be made with the DMM and a precision current shunt. Using a precision shunt provides more control over the DC voltage range of the DMM, which can give you higher resolution and accuracy for low-current measurements. Employing the DMMs for additional accuracy for low-range current and voltage measurements also turns an electronic load into a viable solution for solar cell testing. Pairing electronic loads with high-accuracy DMMs essentially provides a highly flexible solar cell and module test system for a relatively low cost. Also this versatile combination with its wide power ranges and high accuracy means a solar test system is much less likely to become obsolete, even in this rapidly changing field. N3300A Specifications and Unique Contributions Constant current mode to control the current in the fuel cell. This feature enables you to easily change the current operating point of the fuel cell to explore how the impedances are affected by current density changes. External programming input to allow an externally generated voltage to modulate the electronic load input current to superimpose a current sine wave on the DC current already being drawn by the load. Built-in synchronized voltage and current digitization capability to digitize its own input voltage and input current waveforms for fuel cell AC impedance measurements. Low-voltage operation to draw current even when a low voltage is applied to its input terminals. Remote voltage sensing to measure the voltage across two terminals that are located a distance away from the load input terminals. Agilent Lab Stimulus Offers (applicable to US and Canada only) Agilent offers product discounts of up to 20% for education customers. You can also take advantage of our trade-in program and re-manufactured instruments. Permission to Reproduce Download the letter Grant Support Letter Download the letter Contact the Solar Cell Test Expert

Related Links
Solar Cells & Modules Researchers Corner Agilent University Relations Environment and Social Responsibility Report

Ron Knight is an Inside Applications Engineer at the Agilent Test and Measurement Technical Contact Center. He has been with Agilent over 14 years supporting a wide range of test instruments and applications, from dc to laser interferometers. Ron has over 30 years of industry and teaching

http://www.home.agilent.com/agilent/editorial.jspx?ckey=1720486&id=1720486&lc=eng&cc=SG

11/20/2013 3:43:15 PM

Agilent N3300 DC Electric Load for Solar Cell testing | Agilent

experience and is considered to be one of the Contact Center's power products experts supporting power supplies, electronic loads and the Solar Array Simulator products. To contact him, click here.

Page 2

Enroll in myAgilent
A personalized view into the information most relevant to you.

Register Your Product

Register your products for service notifications, firmware update alerts, application notes and more

Why Buy Agilent

See how the Agilent Advantage adds value to your purchase.

Products & Services

Oscilloscopes, Analyzers, Meters Generators, Sources, Supplies Software PXI / AXIe / DAQ & Modular Solutions Additional Test & Measurement Products Services

Technical Support
Document Library Drivers, Firmware & Software FAQs Training & Events Discussion Forums Service Notes Parts Calibration Services & Instrument Repair

Industries & Technologies

Basics Cellular Wireless Connectivity Aerospace & Defense Components & Specific Devices Control & Automation Digital Design & Interconnect Standards RF & Microwave Research & University Optical & Photonic

About Agilent
Privacy Statement Terms of Use Trademark Acknowledgements Contact Agilent About Agilent

Agilent 2000-2013

Site Feedback

http://www.home.agilent.com/agilent/editorial.jspx?ckey=1720486&id=1720486&lc=eng&cc=SG

11/20/2013 3:43:15 PM