FAQ: Can I use the sense terminals as a DVM?

The sense terminals cannot be used as an independent DMM. The sense terminals are only used to regulate the output voltage of the power supply at the DUT.

In case the user forgets to connect the sense leads to the output terminals (or the user's load), internal resistors provide a connection between the sense leads and their respective output terminal. In this way if the sense connection is lost or not connected, the output voltage only increases a small amount above the programmed setting. These internal resistors are usually between a couple of hundred ohms to a couple of thousand ohms. This is what causes them to generate a voltage even when they are not attached to anything.

Applies to: All models

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