IB011521

Oct. 2006

PLZ DetachVer. 1.0

User’s ManualKFM SeriesSoftware Application

Use of This ManualPlease read through and understand this User’s Manual before operating the product. After reading, always keep the manual nearby so that you may refer to it as needed. When moving the product to another loca-tion, be sure to bring the manual as well.If you find any misplaced or missing pages in this manual, they will be replaced. If the manual gets lost or soiled, a new copy can be provided for a fee. In either case, please contact Kikusui distributor/agent, and provide the “Kikusui Part No.” given on the cover.This manual has been prepared with the utmost care; however, if you have any questions, or note any

errors or omissions, please contact Kikusui distributor/agent.

Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or

other countries.

Pentium is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the United States.

Other company names and product names used in this manual are generally trademarks or registered trade-

marks of the respective companies.

Reproduction and reprinting of this manual, in whole or in part, without written permission is prohibited.

Both unit specifications and manual contents are subject to change without notice.

Copyright© 2006 Kikusui Electronics Corporation

PLZ Detach i

For Safe UseBefore starting tests using this software application, please thoroughly read the following operation manuals describing the hardware. Use extreme caution to make correct connections and handle the components of the system properly. Improper connections or handling may cause serious accidents such as damage or fire.

• Fuel Cell Impedance Measurement System KFM2150SYSTEM

• FC Scanner KFM2151 (when using the scanner)

• Electronic Load Unit PLZ-4W Series

• KFM Series Application Software FCTester

!

ii PLZ Detach

How to Read This Manual

General description

This manual is intended for first-time users of the application. It describes installation procedures, various settings, basic operations, safety precautions, etc.

Read this manual thoroughly to use the functions of the software application effectively. You can also review this manual when you are confused about an operation or when a problem occurs.

For details on the hardware of the impedance measurement system, read the operation manual of the respective product.

How to read this manual

This manual is designed to be read from beginning to end. We recommend that you read the manual thoroughly from the beginning before using this software application for the first time.

Related manuals

For details on the impedance measurement system, see the respective operation manual of the impedance measurement system.

Intended readers of this manual

This manual is intended for operators that control the impedance measurement system using the KFM2150 or persons teaching other users on how to operate the system.

PLZ Detach iii

1

2

Structure

Below is the structure of the manual. A summary of each chapter is provided.

Chapter 1 General DescriptionThis chapter gives a general description and introduces the features of PLZ Detach.

Chapter 2 Detaching or Attaching the PLZ-4WThis chapter describes the detachment and attachment of the PLZ-4W.

iv PLZ Detach

Notations

• The word “PC” indicates a personal computer in this manual.

• The KFM2150 FC Impedance Meter is also referred to as the KFM2150 in this manual.

• PLZ-4W Series Electronic Load Unit is also referred to as the PLZ-4W or the PLZ-4W Series in this manual.

• The following markings are used in the explanations in the text.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if ignored, may result in damage to the product and other property.

Indicates information that you should know or convenient tips.

Indicates reference to detailed information.

CAUTION

See

PLZ Detach v

Contents

1

2

3

4

5

Contents

For Safe Use - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - i

How to Read This Manual - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ii

Contents - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - v

Chapter 1 General Description

1.1 Overview- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-2

1.2 System Requirements - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-2

1.3 Installing PLZ Detach - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-2

Chapter 2 Detaching or Attaching the PLZ-4W

2.1 Connecting a PC to the PLZ-4W - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-2

2.2 Detaching the PLZ-4W from the KFM2150 System - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-2

2.3 Attaching the PLZ-4W to the KFM2150 System - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-9

vi PLZ Detach

Contents

General Description

This chapter gives a general description and introduces the features of PLZ Detach.

1-2 PLZ Detach

1.1 Overview

PLZ Detach is a software application used to temporarily detach the PLZ-4W from the KFM2150 system. Detaching the PLZ-4W from the system allows you to directly control the PLZ-4W and take advantage of its abundant functions. PLZ Detach is also used to reconnect the PLZ-4W to the KFM2150 system.

1.2 System RequirementsThe following hardware and software are required to use PLZ Detach.

● IBM-PC/AT compatible personal computer with a 600-MHz Pentium III CPU (or its equivalent) or higher (Pentium 4 or higher recommended).

● Microsoft Windows 2000 (Windows 2000 SP4 or higher), Microsoft Windows XP (Windows XP SP2 or higher).

● 256 MB memory or more (512 MB or more recommended).

● SVGA resolution or higher (800 × 600 dots or higher).

● 20 MB free disk space.

● CD-ROM drive.

● Mouse or pointing device.

● VISA library NI-VISA3.0 or later, Agilent I/O Library M01.00 or later, or KI-VISA 2.5 or later.

● GPIB board (only when using the GPIB) A GPIB board made by National Instruments, Agilent Technologies, Contec Co.,LTD., or Interface Corporation.

■ Handling precautions

Do not perform the following operation while PLZ Detach is running.

• Operate a software application that controls the PLZ-4W or the KFM2150.

1.3 Installing PLZ DetachPLZ Detach is installed automatically when FCTester is installed. For details, see “Installing FCTester” in the FCTester User’s Manual.

■ Installing the VISA Driver

You must install a VISA driver to use PLZ Detach. The VISA driver that is required varies depending on the I/O interface that is to be used. For details, see “Installing the VISA Driver” in the FCTester User’s Manual.

Detaching or Attaching the

PLZ-4W

This chapter describes the detachment and attachment of the PLZ-4W.

2-2 PLZ Detach

2.1 Connecting a PC to the PLZ-4W

To use PLZ Detach, make a direct interface connection between the PC and the PLZ-4W that is separate from the interface connection between the KFM2150 system and the PC.

Fig. 2-1 Connection between the PLZ-4W and a PC

1 Connect the PC directly to the PLZ-4W via the USB or GPIB interface.

RS232C cannot be used because it is used by the KFM2150 system. If you are using multiple PLZ-4Ws, connect the PC to the master unit.

2.2 Detaching the PLZ-4W from the KFM2150 System

This section describes how to detach the PLZ-4W from the KFM2150 system. The PLZ-4W is used with the mutual wiring between the devices in the KFM2150 system connected and with the KFM2150 system turned on.

If you complete the detachment procedure by carrying out the steps below and shut off the KFM2150 system power supply, the detached condition is stored. If you turn the KFM2150 system back on, the system powers up with the PLZ-4W detached. To attach the PLZ-4W to the KFM2150 system, see section 2.3, “Attaching the PLZ- 4W to the KFM2150 System”.

1 On the taskbar, click the Start button, and then choose Programs > kikusui Fuel Cell Tester 1.1 > Tools > PLZ Detach.PLZ Detach starts.

Fuel cell

–

+

+

–

KFM2150

PLZ-4W (master unit)

PCUSB or GPIB

USB, GPIB, or RS232C

Connection betweenthe PLZ-4W and PC

PLZ Detach 2-3

Detach

ing

or A

ttachin

g th

e PL

Z-4W

2

Fig.2-2 Startup dialog box

2 Click Next.If the program is started for the first time or if the KFM2150 interface has been changed, you must select the KFM2150 VISA resource. Select the VISA resource or type it directly in the textbox.

Fig. 2-3 Selecting the KFM2150 VISA Resource

● Selecting the VISA resource

Select or enter the VISA resource.The selectable VISA resources are shown. Click Find Resource to search the VISA resource again.

2-4 PLZ Detach

Table 2-1 VISA Resource Expression Example

● Checking the connection with the KFM2150

After selecting the VISA resource, click Check to check the connection.If the connection is detected correctly, the impedance meter name appears, and the Next button becomes available.

If the connection is not correct, the dialog box shown in Fig. 2-4 appears. Check that the POWER switch of impedance meter (KFM2150) is turned on and that the interface connection is correct.

After checking and correcting the connection, click OK to proceed to the next step.

Fig. 2-4 Incorrect Connection

3 Click Next.

Fig. 2-5 Detach/Attach the PLZ-4W (detach in this procedure)

Type SyntaxVISA Resource

ExampleDescription

GPIB GPIB Board :: PrimaryAddress :: INSTR

GPIB0 :: 3 :: INSTR Measuring instrument connected to GPIB0 with a primary address set to 3

Serial ASRL Board :: INSTR ASRL1 :: INSTR Measuring instrument connected to serial port COM1

USB USB0 :: VendorID :: ProdutID :: SerialNumber :: INSTR

USB0 :: 0x0B3E :: 0x1008 :: ABC12345 :: INSTR

USBTMC measuring instrument with vendor ID: 2878 (Kikusui),

product:*1 ID1008 (KFM2150), and serial number: ABC12345.

*1. The PLZ-4W Series is ID1004.

PLZ Detach 2-5

Detach

ing

or A

ttachin

g th

e PL

Z-4W

2

Select the PLZ-4W interface. If the interface is GPIB, also select the GPIB address. The interface selected here will be automatically switched.

After detaching the PLZ-4W from the KFM2150 system, communication is performed between the PLZ-4W and PC for confirmation.

If the communication between the PLZ-4W and the PC is confirmed

If the communication is confirmed, the dialog box shown in Fig. 2-6 appears.

If not, the Unable to detect the PLZ-4W dialog box appears. See “When Starting PLZ Detach for the First Time or When Communication Is Not Confirmed” on page 2-6.

4 Click Next.

Fig. 2-6 PLZ Detach Complete

5 Click Finish.

PLZ Detach closes.The detachment of the PLZ-4W from the KFM2150 system is complete. You can now directly control the PLZ-4W.

• Leave the POWER switch of the KFM2150 turned on. If you turn the power off, an alarm will occur on the PLZ-4W. If you turn off the KFM2150 and then back on, the load on the PLZ-4W will be turned on.

2-6 PLZ Detach

When Starting PLZ Detach for the First Time or When Communication Is Not Confirmed

4 Click Next.The PLZ-4W is detached from the KFM2150 system.

If PLZ Detach is started for the first time or the PLZ-4W cannot be detected in the communication check between the PLZ-4W and the PC, the dialog box shown in Fig. 2-7 appears. The dialog box shown in Fig. 2-7 appears when PLZ Detach is started for the first time, because the correct VISA resource is not yet selected.

Fig. 2-7 Unable to detect the PLZ-4W

Several remedies are indicated. Follow the remedy that applies to your case.

After taking a remedy indicated in the dialog box, click Next. Then, select the PLZ- 4W VISA resource.

Table 2-2 Cause and Remedy

5 Click Next.

Type Cause Remedy

1A correct VISA resource is not selected.

Click Next to select the VISA resource.

2

A different interface was selected. Change the interface connection on the PLZ-4W. After switching, turn the PLZ-4W off and then back on. When the PLZ-4W is ready, click Next to select the VISA resource.

3The selected interface and PC are not connected.

Connect the selected interface and PC. After making the connection, click Next to select the VISA resource.

PLZ Detach 2-7

Detach

ing

or A

ttachin

g th

e PL

Z-4W

2

Fig. 2-8 Selecting the PLZ-4W VISA Resource

● Selecting the VISA resource

Select or enter the VISA resource.The selectable VISA resources are shown. Click Find Resource to search the VISA resource again.

Table 2-3 VISA Resource Expression Example

● Checking the connection to the PLZ-4W

After selecting the VISA resource, click Check to check the connection.If the connection is detected correctly, the PLZ-4W name appears, and the Next button becomes available.

6 Click Next.

Type SyntaxVISA Resource

ExampleDescription

GPIB GPIB Board :: PrimaryAddress :: INSTR

GPIB0 :: 3 :: INSTR Measuring instrument connected to GPIB0 with a primary address set to 3

USB USB0 :: VendorID :: ProdutID :: SerialNumber :: INSTR

USB0 :: 0x0B3E :: 0x1008 :: ABC12345 :: INSTR

USBTMC measuring instrument with vendor ID: 2878 (Kikusui),

product:*1 ID1008 (KFM2150), and serial number: ABC12345.

*1. The PLZ-4W Series is ID1004.

2-8 PLZ Detach

Fig. 2-9 PLZ Detach Complete

7 Click Finish.

PLZ Detach closes.

The detachment of the PLZ-4W from the KFM2150 system is complete. You can now directly control the PLZ-4W.

• Leave the POWER switch of the KFM2150 turned on. If you turn the power off, an alarm will occur on the PLZ-4W. If you turn off the KFM2150 and then back on, the load on the PLZ-4W will be turned on.

PLZ Detach 2-9

Detach

ing

or A

ttachin

g th

e PL

Z-4W

2

2.3 Attaching the PLZ-4W to the KFM2150 System

Use PLZ Detach to reattach the PLZ-4W that has been detached from the KFM2150 system. The PLZ-4W is used with the mutual wiring between the devices in the KFM2150 system connected and with the KFM2150 system turned on.

1 On the taskbar, click the Start button, and then choose Programs > kikusui Fuel Cell Tester 1.1 > Tools > PLZ Detach.PLZ Detach starts. The same dialog box shown in Fig.2-2 opens.

Fig. 2-10 Startup dialog box

2 Click Next.

Fig. 2-11 Detach/Attach the PLZ-4W (attach in this procedure)

2-10 PLZ Detach

3 Click Next.The communication between the PC and the KFM2150 and between the PC and the PLZ-4W is checked.

If the communication is detected correctly, Fig. 2-13 appears.

If the connection is not correct, the dialog box shown in Fig. 2-12 appears. Check that the POWER switches of KFM2150 and PLZ-4W are turned on and that the interface connection is correct.

After checking and correcting the connection, click OK to proceed to the next step.

Fig. 2-12 Communication Failure

Fig. 2-13 PLZ Detach Complete

4 Click Finish.

PLZ Detach closes.

The connection of the PLZ-4W to the KFM2150 system is complete.

You can now perform impedance measurements on the KFM2150 system.

　

PLZ

Detach

User’s M

anual