The Keysight E4351B Solar Array Simulator is a one-box DC power source engineered to emulate solar array output characteristics with high fidelity. Operating as a current source with less than 100 nF output capacitance, it delivers precise I-V curve simulation across varying temperature and operating conditions. The instrument supports three distinct modes: Simulator Mode using four-parameter algorithms (Voc, Isc, Imp, Vmp), Table Mode with user-defined point arrays up to 4000 points per table, and Fixed Mode for standard rectangular power supply operation.
Technical Specifications
Output Ratings:
• Maximum Power: 480 W
• Maximum Open Circuit Voltage (Voc): 130 V
• Maximum Short Circuit Current (Isc): 4 A
• Rated Voltage Range: 0–120 V
• Rated Current Range: 0–4 A
Programming Accuracy (25°C ±5°C):
• Voltage (Fixed Mode): 0.075% + 20 mV
• Current (Simulator and Fixed Mode): 0.2% + 10 mA
• Load Regulation: ±0.01% + 0.1 mV
• Line Regulation: ±0.01% + 0.1 mV
Ripple and Noise (20 Hz to 20 MHz):
• Voltage RMS: 24 mV; Peak-to-Peak: 195 mV
• Current RMS: 4 mA; Ripple < 10 mArms
• Voltage Ripple: < 5 mVrms
Dynamic Performance:
• Output Capacitance: < 100 nF
• Load Switching Recovery Time: < 5 µs
• Maximum Capacitive Load (Fixed Mode): 2000 µF
– Key Features
• Table Mode stores up to 30,000 points in volatile memory; 3,500 points non-volatile
• Programmable current and voltage offsets for condition simulation
• IEEE-488.2 bus control with GPIB, RS-232, and LAN interfaces
• Serial linking supports up to 16 outputs on a single IEEE-488.2 address
• Unconditional stability in Simulator and Table Modes at all capacitive loads
• Overvoltage protection integrated
– Typical Applications
Photovoltaic system development, array validation testing, quality control in solar energy manufacturing, and research environments requiring dynamic I-V characteristic emulation.
– Compatibility & Integration
GPIB, RS-232, and LAN connectivity enable integration into automated test systems. IEEE-488.2 programmability supports scripted array simulation workflows.
