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AUTO TRACKING OPERATION
Auto-Tracking or automatic tracking operation of power supplies is similar to Auto-Series operation except that
the master and slave supplies have the same output polarity with respect to a common bus or ground. Figure 68
shows two supplies connected in Auto-Tracking with their negative output terminals connected together as a
common or ground point. A fraction R2/(R1 + R2) of the output of the master supply is provided as one of the
inputs to the comparison amplifier of the slave supply, thus controlling the slave's output. The master supply in
an Auto-Tracking system must be the positive supply having the largest output voltage. Auto-Series addition of
still more slaves permits the expansion of an Auto-Tracking system to both positive and negative power
supplies.
Figure 68. Auto-Tracking of Two Supplies
Like Auto-Series operation, Auto-Tracking permits simultaneous turn-on and turn-off of power supplies in the
same system, thereby preventing accidental application or removal of main power sources without proper bias
potentials being present.
CONVERTING A CONSTANT VOLTAGE POWER SUPPLY TO CONSTANT CURRENT
OUTPUT
Many, but not all, Agilent power supplies are capable of constant current operation. Those which are not
designed for normal operation as a constant current source can readily be converted, provided the supply has
remote programming capability.