When this feature is enabled, the instrument in the off state will turn on when external DC power is applied. The instrument turns off when external power is removed, even if a battery is installed. This is useful for high-reliability remote operation, where the instrument may need to be rebooted using a remotely-controlled power switch.
If the instrument is turned on with the power switch, then external power is removed, the instrument will continue to run until the battery is depleted. It will come on and the battery will begin recharging when external power is applied. This state is useful when the instrument is in a location where the power source may be interrupted.