Test equipment and power supplies

Agilent 6030A: troubleshooting and error codes

The ServiceForge knowledge base holds 44 documented symptoms for the Agilent 6030A, with 63 ranked causes, 146 diagnostic checks with test points and expected values, and 15 error codes. Each symptom below shows its causes and the first check; the rest is one connection away. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Symptoms

Power supply malfunction or self-test failure high voltage

Unit fails power-on self-test, exhibits abnormal operation, or does not function correctly on startup

Ranked causes

1. Input power unavailable or power cord/breaker issue (common)
2. Incorrect mode switch A2S1 settings (common)
3. Loose or interrupted connections to supply or external devices (occasional)
4. Incorrect GPIB address switch A8S1 setting (occasional)

First check

Verify input AC power availability at wall outlet

Test point: AC mains connection point
Expected: 110-120 VAC at wall outlet
Tools: DMM or known working device

5 more checks with pass and fail actions, 4 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Primary interface clock or address/data signals not toggling caution

Clock signals at Y2 or U14 oscillator output absent, incorrect frequency, or amplitude; address and data lines A0-A15, D0-D7 stuck high or low; system not processing data correctly.

Ranked causes

1. Clock oscillator defective or oscillation not starting (rare)
2. Data or address line shorted to logic high or low (common)
3. Socketed IC defective (U6, U8, U12, U14, U16, U17, U36) (occasional)
4. GPIB (A8) assembly defective (rare)

First check

Measure clock frequency at Y2 oscillator output (12 MHz)

Test point: C7+, C8+
Expected: 12MHz (see waveform Figure 3-3)
Tools: Oscilloscope

4 more checks with pass and fail actions, 4 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Signature analysis procedure for microprocessor circuits

Method to compress bit stream into four-character signature for each node to isolate faults in microprocessor-based power supply

Ranked causes

1. Incorrect signature at input pin with correct source signature (occasional)
2. Node shorted to Vcc or ground (occasional)
3. Two pins shorted together (occasional)
4. Faulty component or loading short circuit (occasional)

First check

Verify unit enters SA mode correctly

Test point: Front panel display
Expected: SA SA displayed, all LEDs on

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 4 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Bias supply +15V out of regulation caution

Output voltage not 15V or regulation poor. Downstream analog circuits fail or operate erratically.

Ranked causes

1. +15V load shorted to ground (common)
2. Zener diode A2VR3 open or degraded (occasional)

First check

Measure reference voltage at A2U11-3 (ADJ)

Test point: A2U11-3 (ADJ)
Expected: 1.25 Vdc, ±0.05 V
Tools: Multimeter

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Bias supply +5V out of regulation caution

Output voltage not 5V or ripple/noise excessive on +5V supply. PWM or downstream circuits fail to operate.

Ranked causes

1. +5V load shorted to ground (common)
2. PWM regulator A2U22 failure (occasional)

First check

Measure +5V output at A2U22-7

Test point: A2U22-7
Expected: ≈ 2 to 4 Vdc sawtooth, 40 KHz, 2-4V
Tools: Oscilloscope

3 more checks with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration: Constant current programming and readback accuracy high voltage

Verify current programming and readback functions within specification using GPIB controller; measure shunt resistor voltage to confirm output current setting and readback

Ranked causes

1. Current programming calibration (low current setpoint) (common)
2. Current programming calibration (full current setpoint) (common)

First check

Measure shunt voltage at low setpoint

Test point: Across shunt resistor Rm
Expected: 4.75 to 5.25mV for 6030A, 4.75-5.25mV
Tools: DMM

3 more checks with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration: Power limit high voltage

Adjustment of A2R25 and A2R26 potentiometers to set lower and upper power limit knee voltages

Ranked causes

1. Power limit knee calibration required (A8R55 must be within spec) (unknown)
2. Upper power limit knee calibration required (common)

First check

Connect autotransformer to AC input; set DVM across input power rails

Test point: A1R3 rear (positive) to A1R1 rear (negative)
Expected: 240Vdc on input power rail during entire calibration

9 more checks with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

DC-to-DC converter FET drive failure high voltage

FET switches A4Q1-Q4 not switching properly or PWM on/off pulses not present at gate drives. Output voltage not regulating.

Ranked causes

1. FET gate drive pulse missing or malformed (common)
2. FET switches shorted or open (occasional)

First check

Measure PWM-ON pulse at A2J7-26

Test point: A2J7-26
Expected: 1.7 µs, 20 KHz pulse
Tools: Oscilloscope

3 more checks with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Incorrect output voltage or overrange condition high voltage

Output voltage does not match expected value during OVP and PWM testing; overrange or incorrect CV mode response

Ranked causes

1. OVP comparator circuit failure or incorrect threshold (common)
2. PWM or clock circuit malfunction (common)

First check

Measure bias voltages on OVP circuit

Test point: A2J7-7
Expected: 0.1V (6030A)
Tools: DMM

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Maximum output voltage below specification

Output voltage cannot reach rated maximum

Ranked causes

1. CV circuit fault or low ac mains (common)
2. Transformer A1T1 primary or secondary failure (occasional)

First check

Measure ac mains input voltage

Test point: Input transformer primary
Expected: Nominal mains (e.g., 115V or 230V per configuration)
Tools: Voltmeter with isolation transformer per Figure 3-5

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

No output from power supply high voltage

Supply produces no output voltage; PFETs or control circuits may have failed

Ranked causes

1. A4 PFET failure (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) (common)
2. Control circuit failure (CV or CC oneshots) (occasional)

First check

Verify 320 Vdc rail voltage present

Test point: rear end of A1R3 (+), rear end of A1R1 (-)
Expected: 320 Vdc
Tools: Voltmeter with floating inputs

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Output short circuit or overcurrent protection active

Supply enters current limit or shuts down; no load draws full current

Ranked causes

1. CC circuit failure preventing normal operation (common)
2. Power limit comparator failure (occasional)

First check

Measure CC CONTROL voltage

Test point: A2CR11 cathode
Expected: Voltage indicating CC operation when overloaded
Tools: DMM

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Primary SA jumper setup failure

Unit does not enter SA mode with J5 jumper set, display does not show SA SA

Ranked causes

1. Data or address line shorted high or low (occasional)
2. U14 display processor faulty (occasional)

First check

Set J5 jumper to SA mode position

Test point: J5 pins 3 and 4
Expected: Jumper pins 3 and 4 connected for SA mode

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

AC turn-on circuits malfunction high voltage

Issues with AC fault detection, relay closure timing, or PWM enablement during power-up sequence. Measured via AC FAULT signal and relay control nodes.

Ranked causes

1. AC power supply voltage out of spec (common)

First check

Measure 5V supply at A2J7-24

Test point: A2J7-24
Expected: 5.0 Vdc
Tools: Multimeter

3 more checks with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Bias supply -15V out of regulation caution

Output voltage not -15V or regulation poor. Analog circuits requiring negative supply fail.

Ranked causes

1. -15V load shorted to ground or regulator failed (common)

First check

Measure regulator setpoint at A2U12-3 (ADJ)

Test point: A2U12-3 (ADJ)
Expected: - 1.25 Vdc, ±0.05 V
Tools: Multimeter

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration or component adjustment needed after repair high voltage

After component replacement, voltage levels or waveforms are out of specification and require calibration

Ranked causes

1. Component replacement alters circuit calibration (common)

First check

Measure voltage at control board test fingers

Test point: Test fingers on control board (see Table 3-9)
Expected: Voltage levels per Chapter 6 schematic diagrams
Tools: DMM, oscilloscope per Chapter 2

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration: Common Mode high voltage

Set common mode calibration on A2 control board constant voltage circuit

Ranked causes

1. Common mode calibration adjustment needed (common)

First check

Set control commands

Test point: Via GPIB
Expected: VSET 0; ISET 0; OUT OFF

4 more checks with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration: Constant current full scale caution

Adjustment of A8R55 potentiometer to calibrate constant current output at full scale

Ranked causes

1. CC full scale calibration required (A8R29 and A2R9 must be within spec) (unknown)

First check

Connect Rm current-monitoring shunt across output terminals

Test point: Power supply output terminals
Expected: 1mΩ (6031A); 10mΩ (6030A, 6032A); 100mΩ (6035A); 0.05% or better

3 more checks with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration: Constant current load effect (load regulation) high voltage

Measure change in output current resulting from load resistance change from short-circuit to full-load in constant current mode; verify current stability

Ranked causes

1. Load regulation adjustment (common)

First check

Verify CC mode operation at preset load resistance

Test point: Unit CC LED and AMPS display
Expected: CC LED lit, AMPS display reads approximately current setting

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration: Constant current PARD ripple and noise measurement high voltage

Measure root-mean-square (RMS) output current noise in frequency range 20Hz to 20MHz in constant current operation; verify ripple and noise within specification

Ranked causes

1. Constant current PARD measurement setup (common)

First check

Verify CC LED lit at full output current

Test point: Unit CC LED
Expected: CC LED illuminated

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration: Constant current source effect (line regulation) high voltage

Measure change in output current resulting from variation of AC input voltage from minimum to maximum; verify current stability across line voltage range

Ranked causes

1. Line regulation adjustment (common)

First check

Verify CC mode at nominal line voltage with adjusted load

Test point: Unit CC LED
Expected: CC LED lit

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration: Constant current zero caution

Adjustment of A8R29 potentiometer to calibrate constant current zero offset using test circuit

Ranked causes

1. CC zero offset out of specification (unknown)

First check

Connect test circuit per Figure 2-3

Test point: Power supply output and test load
Expected: Test circuit connected as shown in Figure 2-3

3 more checks with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration: Constant voltage full scale caution

Adjustment of A8R58 potentiometer to calibrate constant voltage output at full scale for 6030/6031/6032/6035A

Ranked causes

1. CV full scale calibration required (unknown)

First check

Remove external test circuits

Test point: Power supply output terminals
Expected: No external loads connected

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration: Constant voltage zero caution

Adjustment of A8R40 potentiometer to calibrate constant voltage zero offset with external power supply connected

Ranked causes

1. CV zero offset out of specification (unknown)

First check

Send VSET 0 command

Test point: Device command interface
Expected: Command accepted; output voltage set to 0V

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration: Current monitor full scale caution

Adjustment of A2R9 potentiometer to calibrate current monitor output at full scale

Ranked causes

1. I-MON full scale calibration required (A2R8 must be within spec first) (unknown)

First check

Connect Rm current-monitoring shunt across output terminals

Test point: Power supply output terminals
Expected: 1mΩ (6031A); 10mΩ (6030A, 6032A); 100mΩ (6035A); 0.05% or better

4 more checks with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration: Current monitor zero caution

Adjustment of A2R8 potentiometer to calibrate current monitor zero offset

Ranked causes

1. Current monitor zero offset out of specification (unknown)

First check

Send command to set voltage and current to zero with output off

Test point: Device command interface
Expected: VSET 0; ISET 0; OUT OFF command accepted

3 more checks with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration: Load transient recovery time measurement high voltage

Measure time for output voltage to return within specified band after step load change in constant voltage operation; displayed on oscilloscope with ac coupling

Ranked causes

1. Load transient recovery test setup (common)

First check

Configure load for transient variation

Test point: Electronic load output
Expected: Current variation between 15.3 and 17Adc at 30Hz for 6030A
Tools: Electronic load with programmable capability

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration: Peak-to-peak PARD voltage measurement high voltage

Verify output voltage ripple and noise (PARD) in peak-to-peak measurement using oscilloscope differential setup with blocking capacitors and matched coaxial cables

Ranked causes

1. PARD measurement setup calibration (common)

First check

Set oscilloscope impedance and bandwidth

Test point: Oscilloscope input
Expected: 50Ω impedance, 20MHz bandwidth

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration: Readback zero adjustment caution

Adjustment of A8R51 potentiometer to set readback zero reference voltage for different 6030/6031/6032/6035A models

Ranked causes

1. Readback zero offset out of specification (unknown)

First check

Monitor controller display during A8R51 adjustment

Test point: Controller display readout
Expected: 0 and 50mV (6030A); 0 and 5mV (6031A); 0 and 15mV (6032A); 0 and 125mV (6035A)

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration: Remote readback full scale caution

Adjustment of A8R61 potentiometer to calibrate remote readback output to match actual power supply voltage

Ranked causes

1. Remote readback full scale offset out of specification (unknown)

First check

Run VOUT readback program on controller

Test point: Controller display
Expected: Program executing; VOUT values displayed continuously

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration: Remote Readback Zero high voltage

Perform remote readback zero calibration on A8 GPIB board voltage monitor buffer

Ranked causes

1. Remote readback zero adjustment required (common)

First check

Connect external supply per diagram

Test point: Power supply inputs
Expected: Connected as shown in Figure 2-2

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration: Secondary interface voltage and current DACs caution

Verification and calibration of voltage control DAC (CV DAC), constant current DAC (CC DAC), and readback DAC circuits in secondary interface via front panel controls and measurement at specified nodes.

Ranked causes

1. CV DAC output out of specification (unknown)

First check

Measure CV DAC output at U69-6 with voltage set to zero

Test point: U69-6
Expected: 0V

7 more checks with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration: Voltage monitor full scale caution

Adjustment of A8R75 potentiometer to calibrate voltage monitor output at full scale

Ranked causes

1. Voltage monitor full scale calibration required (unknown)

First check

Attach DVM from M to A2J7 pin 3 (V-MON buffered)

Test point: M rear panel to A2J7 pin 3
Expected: DVM connected per Figure 2-1

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration: Voltage Monitor Zero high voltage

Set voltage monitor zero calibration per procedure on A2 control board

Ranked causes

1. Calibration adjustment required (common)

First check

Set control commands

Test point: Via GPIB
Expected: VSET 0; ISET 0; OUT OFF

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Front panel address latch and decoder signatures

Signature verification at address latches U13-U17 and decoders that enable shift registers

Ranked causes

1. Address latch or decoder fault (unknown)

First check

Measure address control inputs

Test point: U14-26, U14-35, U14-38, U15-9, U17-3,4,5,6
Expected: U14-26 toggling, U14-35 37F8, U14-38 1ABC, latches transition Lo-Hi or Hi-Lo at power cycle

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Front panel LED display driver signatures

Signature measurements at 7-segment display driver registers for current and voltage displays

Ranked causes

1. Incorrect display signature (unknown)

First check

Verify display driver inputs at reset

Test point: U1 to U10 pin 1
Expected: 6H15 after power cycle, Lo to Hi transition at ~160 ms

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Front panel RPG switch and latch signatures

Signature measurements for rotary pulse generator latch U11, flip-flop U12 and gate U18 for status reading

Ranked causes

1. RPG latch or input port fault (unknown)

First check

Measure RPG latch inputs at rest

Test point: U11-1, U11-2, U12-4, U12-10, U16-10
Expected: U11-1 1ABC, U11-2 toggling unstable, U12-4,10 toggling unstable, U16-10 9H84

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Output current oscillation on CC loop caution

CC output oscillates or ripples excessively instead of remaining stable at set point.

Ranked causes

1. CC differentiator circuit instability (occasional)

First check

Measure I-MON current monitor voltage at A2U4-8

Test point: A2U4-8
Expected: 0.88 Vdc (6030A), 0.125 Vdc (6031A), 0.30 Vdc (6032A), 1.00 Vdc (6035A)
Tools: Multimeter

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Output voltage oscillation on CV loop caution

CV output oscillates or ripples excessively instead of remaining stable.

Ranked causes

1. CV Error Amp feedback or loop instability (occasional)

First check

Measure V-MON voltage at A2U5-1

Test point: A2U5-1
Expected: 3.75 Vdc (with VP=0)
Tools: Multimeter

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Primary processor signature analysis

Signature measurements at processor address, data and control lines for revision A.00.00 through A.00.04 ROM

Ranked causes

1. Incorrect address line signature (unknown)

First check

Measure signature at address line A0

Test point: U16-12 or U6-12 or U8-12 or U12-11 depending on revision
Expected: A46A for rev A.00.04, A46A for A.00.02, A46A for A.00.01, A46A for A.00.00

3 more checks with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Readback DAC circuits not functioning or waveforms incorrect

Readback DAC output and multiplexer waveforms do not match expected oscilloscope traces; voltage readback measurements incorrect during self-test and front panel operation.

Ranked causes

1. Readback DAC defective or multiplexer not routing signals correctly (unknown)

First check

Obtain readback DAC waveform during power-on self-test

Test point: U24-7 (turn-on self-test output)
Expected: Waveform as shown in Figure 3-4
Tools: Oscilloscope

8 more checks with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Secondary processor signature analysis setup

Procedure to place secondary circuit in SA mode by jumper connection and measure circuit signatures

Ranked causes

1. Secondary circuit not entering SA mode (rare)

First check

Configure signature analyzer for secondary circuit

Test point: SA clock, start, stop, ground connections
Expected: Clock at U4 pin 23, start at U4 pin 22, stop at U4 pin 22, ground at U4 pin 20

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Troubleshooting Option 001 blank front panel unit

Power supply has blank front panel with only LINE switch, OVP ADJUST control, and pilot light; front panel unavailable for problem isolation

Ranked causes

1. Unknown defect; front panel unavailable for isolation (unknown)

2 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Troubleshooting Option 001 unit isolation difficulty

Unable to isolate problem to specific section in Option 001 power supply due to blank front panel with no controls or indicators except LINE switch, OVP ADJUST, and pilot light

Ranked causes

1. Blank front panel lacks diagnostic indicators (common)

First check

Use isolation flowchart to identify problem area

Test point: Flowchart decision tree
Expected: Problem isolated to specific supply section

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Error codes

Code	Meaning	Trigger	Severity
`ERROR 10`	Internal ROM Test failure	Self-test failure in internal ROM memory	error
`ERROR 12`	ADC Zero Too High	ADC zero calibration point exceeds acceptable range	error
`ERROR 13`	Voltage DAC Full Scale Low	Voltage DAC full scale output below acceptable range	error
`ERROR 14`	Voltage DAC Full Scale High	Voltage DAC full scale output above acceptable range	error
`ERROR 15`	Voltage DAC Zero Low	Voltage DAC zero point output below acceptable range	error
`ERROR 16`	Voltage DAC Zero High	Voltage DAC zero point output above acceptable range	error
`ERROR 17`	Current DAC Full Scale Low	Current DAC full scale output below acceptable range	error
`ERROR 18`	Current DAC Full Scale High	Current DAC full scale output above acceptable range	error
`ERROR 19`	Current DAC Zero Low	Current DAC zero point output below acceptable range	error
`ERROR 20`	Current DAC Zero High	Current DAC zero point output above acceptable range	error
`ERROR 4`	External RAM Test failure	Self-test failure in external RAM memory	error
`ERROR 5`	Internal RAM Test failure	Self-test failure in internal RAM memory	error
`ERROR 6`	External ROM Test failure	Self-test failure in external ROM memory	error
`ERROR 7`	GPIB Test failure	Self-test failure in GPIB interface	error
`ERROR 8`	GPIB address set to 31	GPIB address configuration error	error

Likely causes and actions for each code are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Community

0 fixes logged by technicians through their AI, with outcomes, for this model.

ServiceForge knowledge base record. Field-unverified unless technicians confirmed it. A teaching summary of the record, not a service manual. Export 2026-10-14.