Keysight N6701C Low-Profile Modular Power System Mainframe (600 W)

Key Features At A Glance

• True 1U (single-rack-unit) low-profile height for high-density ATE rack integration; up to four outputs in 1U of rack space
• Mix and match over 30 DC power and electronic load modules across basic, high-performance, precision, source/measure (SMU), application-specific, and electronic load types
• Three mainframe sizes — 400 W, 600 W, and 1200 W — to match total output power to the application
• Output power ratings from 18 W to 500 W per module, with DC output voltages spanning 0–5 V up to 0–150 V across the series
• Stable DC outputs up to 150 V and up to 50 A, with up to 350 V in series and up to 100 A in parallel
• GPIB, USB 2.0, and 10/100/1000 LAN standard, with LXI compliance, a built-in web server, and SCPI / IEEE 488.2 programming; VXIplug&play and IVI-COM drivers for ATE integration
• Each module protected against over-voltage, over-current, and over-temperature; built-in voltage and current measurement standard on every module
• Source/Measure Unit modules available in 2-quadrant and 4-quadrant configurations for both sourcing and sinking power
• Electronic load modules offer voltage, current, power, and resistance priority modes with programmable slew rates
• Simultaneous voltage and current measurement with seamless autoranging on select precision and source/measure modules
• List-mode arbitrary waveform sequencer (arb) standard; built-in digitizer scope mode optional (Option 054)
• Universal AC input 100–240 VAC, 50/60/400 Hz with power factor correction; optional output and sense disconnect relays (Option 761) and polarity reversal (Option 760)

The Keysight N6700 Low-Profile Modular Power System (MPS) is a 1U-high, multiple-output programmable DC power supply and electronic load system designed for ATE (automated test equipment) applications. A single low-profile mainframe accepts a mix of interchangeable DC power, high-performance, precision, source/measure, and electronic load modules, so one chassis can deliver several independent outputs from a true 1-rack-unit (1U) height. It lets test-system integrators mix and match from over 30 different DC power and electronic load modules to build a one- to four-channel system optimized to match specific test needs, balancing performance, power, and price. Mainframes are available in 400 W, 600 W, and 1200 W versions.

Power supplies and electronic loads are a fundamental component of every test system across aerospace and defense, consumer electronics, computers and peripherals, communications, semiconductor, and automotive electronics. The N6700 is built for ATE systems in R&D, design validation, and manufacturing, where designers must reduce the rack space occupied by multiple supplies or loads while increasing test system throughput. The Source/Measure Unit modules address optimizing power consumption and maximizing battery life of battery-powered devices and their components, and the application-specific modules serve mobile-device designers and the testing of battery-powered mobile devices in manufacturing or automated test environments.

The platform targets a broad set of test tasks. Listed example applications include PC motherboard power on/off using output sequencing for proper turn on and turn off; sleep-mode current measurement for RF power amplifiers using microamp current capability; military and police radio and base-station power amplifier testing that pairs high power (up to 500 W) with low-level (mA) measurement accuracy; automotive “crank” testing using the built-in arbitrary waveform generator; battery simulation and charging, current-drain analysis, and battery run-down testing using fast output response, programmable output resistance, and seamless measurement; advanced functional test; and general-purpose discrete component test using 4-quadrant operation as a bipolar power source and bipolar electronic load.

ValueTronics stocks and holds its own test-and-measurement inventory in a 20,000-square-foot secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive in Elgin, Illinois. Holding inventory on hand lets us match the right configuration to your bench or ATE rack and ship it quickly.

Brand Heritage

Keysight Technologies traces its test-and-measurement roots to Hewlett-Packard, founded in 1939. Hewlett-Packard spun off its test-and-measurement business as Agilent Technologies in 1999, and that business was established as Keysight Technologies in 2014, the brand under which this product family is offered today.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The N6700 series is a modular system rather than a single fixed power supply. It pairs a low-profile mainframe — the N6700C (400 W), N6701C (600 W), or N6702C (1200 W) — with a user-selected set of DC power modules and electronic loads, all within a true 1U height, each holding one to four modules. The result is a configurable multi-output instrument tailored to the channel count, voltage, current, and measurement performance an application requires. Module capability depends not only on the module's own hardware but also on the mainframe in which it is installed; modules placed in an N6705C DC Power Analyzer gain front-panel scope view, arbitrary waveform generation, and data logging that are not present in the lower-profile N6700C-series mainframes.

Modules span several performance levels and series: the basic N6730/40/70 DC power modules, the N6750 high-performance autoranging modules, the N6760 precision modules, the N6780 source/measure units (SMUs), the N6783 application-specific modules, and the N6790 electronic loads. Because modules mix and match across more than 30 options in a single mainframe, the family supports everything from straightforward DC sourcing to simultaneous high-power output with low-level current measurement and 4-quadrant source/load operation. Most modules occupy a single slot, while the higher-power 300 W and 500 W DC modules and the 200 W load occupy two slots.

Each model below links to its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing. Select the mainframe or module that fits your configuration — your channel count, output rating, and interface needs — to see the specifications and current availability for that exact part number.

The mainframes differ primarily in total available output power: 400 W on the N6700C, 600 W on the N6701C, and 1200 W on the N6702C. The 1200 W mainframe automatically senses the AC line and limits output to 600 W on a standard outlet, drawing full power only when operated at the higher AC input. The modules differ by performance tier — basic, high-performance, precision, SMU, application-specific, and electronic load — which sets each module's power, voltage, current, and measurement accuracy. DC Power modules provide general-purpose output at 50 W, 100 W, and 300 W; High-Performance and Precision modules extend ratings to 500 W and add autoranging output and low-range measurement; Source/Measure Units operate in two or four quadrants at 20 W to 80 W; the application-specific N6783A modules target battery and mobile-communications testing at 18 W to 24 W; and the electronic load modules absorb rather than source power, at 100 W and 200 W input ratings. Across the DC power modules, output ratings span 5 V to 150 V and 50 W to 500 W, with the autoranging high-performance and precision series providing full power across a range of voltage and current combinations up to 60 V.

Use the comparison table below to align mainframe power and per-module voltage, current, and accuracy specifications with your application. Outputs can be combined in series for higher voltage (up to 350 V) and in parallel for higher current (up to 100 A), so the right combination depends on the channel count and performance each test requires. High-Speed Test Extensions are optional on the basic, high-performance, and 300 W modules and standard on the precision, SMU, application-specific, and load modules.

Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.

Product Core & Specifications

Important: The mainframe is a modular chassis; DC power and electronic load modules (N6731B-N6792A) are selected and ordered separately and must be installed for the system to produce output. The modules are not standalone instruments and require an N6700C, N6701C, N6702C, or N6705C mainframe (or N6710C/N6711C/N6712C build-to-order system), sold separately, to operate.

Important: Built-in digitizer (scope mode) requires Option 054 on all modules except the N6760 series and N6780 series SMUs. The arbitrary waveform generator (arb/list mode) and scope functions require code that must be written by the user; programming examples are available online.

Important: Arbitrary waveform generation, scope view, and the related N6705 oscilloscope measurement capabilities apply only when the power modules are installed in a Keysight N6705 DC Power Analyzer. For R&D applications, the datasheet recommends the N6705C DC Power Analyzer (a separate product).

Important: Output terminal isolation: no output terminal may be more than ±240 VDC from any other terminal or chassis ground.

Important: A 500 W module installed in the 400 W N6700C mainframe cannot be operated at its full rated output power.

Important: For proper operation, you must fill any empty module slots with filler panels. When configuring a mainframe with fewer than four filled module slots, you must order a filler panel kit (N6708A); each kit contains three filler panels.

Important: If you will be rack mounting your N6700, you must order the rack mount kit (N6709C). Standard rack mount hardware will not work; standard rack rails or slides are not compatible with the N6700 because of its 1U size and airflow requirements.

Important: Option 760 (Output Disconnect/Polarity Reversal Relays) limits the output current to 10 A maximum on Models N6742B and N6773A, and Option 760 is not available on Models N6741B, N6751A, N6752A, N6761A, N6762A, and N6781A-N6786A.

Important: When you first turn on the N6702C 1200 W mainframe it senses the available AC line power and will limit output power to 600 W so the high-power mainframe can be plugged into any standard outlet. For the N6702C, an AC mains rated at 100-180 VAC cannot supply enough current to power the mainframe at its full rated power; internal circuits limit the module power to 600 W maximum at that input. For model N6712C, the maximum output power is limited to 600 W at 100 VAC; to achieve full output power of 1200 W, you must use option 929 and operate at 200 VAC.

Important: The Keysight N6791A and N6792A Electronic Load Modules are not supported on the previous Keysight mainframes N6700B, N6701A, N6702A, N6705A, and N6705B.

Important: Keysight N6783A modules cannot be used in series with other N6783A modules or any other N67xx module.

Important: When sinking power, Model N6784A can operate at the maximum rated output power for only a limited time; when the internal temperature exceeds its safe limit, the output latches off and a protect clear is required to resume operation.

Important: Mainframe output power rating differs between datasheet sections for the N6700C (the front-page ordering callout and key-features list state 400 W, while the specification matrix states 300 W); verify the rating on the specific unit.

Important: This data sheet does not include a comprehensive list of all power module specifications and characteristics; complete performance specifications and supplemental characteristics for all power modules are in the Keysight N6700 Modular Power System Family Specifications Guide, part number N6700-90001.

About this Pre-Owned unit

This is a pre-owned (used) Keysight N6701C mainframe. Before it ships, every used unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house at our 20,000 sq ft secure facility in Elgin, Illinois, so you receive a unit confirmed to work. Because the N6700 is a modular system, the exact configuration, installed modules, available options, included accessories, and calibration can vary from unit to unit — our Test Architects can confirm the details and help you select the condition, calibration, and configuration that fit your application before you order.

ValueTronics supplies both new and used test and measurement equipment. Holding our own inventory on hand lets us match the right mainframe-and-module combination to your bench or ATE rack and ship it quickly from Elgin, Illinois.

Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.