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Keithley 6430 Instruction Manual

Other manuals for 6430: Quick Results Manual
Manual is about: sub-femtoamp remote sourcemeter

Summary of 6430

  • Page 1

    Model 6430 sub-femtoamp remote sourcemeter instruction manual a g r e a t e r m e a s u r e o f c o n f i d e n c e test equipment depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 washington street melrose, ma 02176 - testequipmentdepot.Com.

  • Page 2: Warranty

    Warranty keithley instruments, inc. Warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 year from date of shipment. Keithley instruments, inc. Warrants the following items for 90 days from the date of shipment: probes, cables, rechargeable batteries, diskettes...

  • Page 3

    Model 6430 sub-femtoamp remote sourcemeter instruction manual ©1999, keithley instruments, inc. All rights reserved. Cleveland, ohio, u.S.A. Fourth printing, june 2001 document number: 6430-901-01 rev. D.

  • Page 4: Manual Print History

    Manual print history the print history shown below lists the printing dates of all revisions and addenda created for this manual. The revision level letter increases alphabetically as the manual undergoes subsequent updates. Addenda, which are released between revisions, contain important change inf...

  • Page 5: Safety Precautions

    Safety precautions the following safety precautions should be observed before using this product and any associated in- strumentation. Although some instruments and accessories would normally be used with non-hazardous voltages, there are situations where hazardous conditions may be present. This pr...

  • Page 6

    For maximum safety, do not touch the product, test cables, or any other instruments while power is applied to the circuit under test. Always remove power from the entire test system and discharge any capacitors before: connecting or disconnecting cables or jumpers, installing or removing switching c...

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Table of contents 1 getting started general information ................................................................... 1-2 warranty information .......................................................... 1-2 contact information ............................................................ 1-2 man...

  • Page 8: Connections

    2 connections connection overview .................................................................. 2-2 connecting remote preamp to the mainframe .................. 2-2 source-measure terminals ................................................... 2-3 test fixture interlock .............................

  • Page 9: Ohms Measurements

    4 ohms measurements ohms configuration menu .......................................................... 4-2 ohms measurement methods ..................................................... 4-3 selecting ohms measurement method ................................. 4-4 auto ohms measurements ..................

  • Page 10: Relative And Math

    6 range, digits, speed, and filters range and digits ......................................................................... 6-2 range ................................................................................... 6-2 digits .......................................................................

  • Page 11: Sweep Operation

    9 sweep operation sweep types ................................................................................ 9-2 linear staircase sweep ........................................................ 9-2 logarithmic staircase sweep ............................................... 9-3 custom sweep ...........

  • Page 12: Limit Testing

    11 limit testing types of limits .......................................................................... 11-2 pass/fail information .......................................................... 11-2 data flow ........................................................................... 11-3 limit 1 te...

  • Page 13: Remote Operations

    13 remote operations differences: remote vs. Local operation .................................... 13-2 operation enhancements (remote operation) .................... 13-2 local-to-remote transition ................................................ 13-2 remote-to-local transition ........................

  • Page 14: Status Structure

    14 status structure overview .................................................................................. 14-2 status byte and srq .......................................................... 14-2 status register sets ............................................................. 14-2 queues .......

  • Page 15: Scpi Command Reference

    16 scpi signal-oriented measurement commands command summary ................................................................. 16-2 configuring measurement function .......................................... 16-2 :configure: .................................................... 16-2 acquiring reading...

  • Page 16

    Sense1 subsystem ................................................................. 17-54 select measurement functions ......................................... 17-54 select measurement range ............................................... 17-57 select auto range ........................................

  • Page 17: Performance Verification

    Query timestamp ............................................................. 17-97 reset timestamp .............................................................. 17-98 auto reset timestamp ...................................................... 17-98 auto range change mode .............................

  • Page 18: Calibration

    Remote preamp verification .................................................. 18-17 connecting remote preamp to the mainframe .............. 18-17 remote preamp output voltage accuracy ....................... 18-18 remote preamp voltage measurement accuracy ............ 18-19 remote preamp output cu...

  • Page 19: Specifications

    A specifications accuracy calculations ............................................................... A-7 measure accuracy ............................................................... A-7 source accuracy ................................................................. A-7 source-delay-measure (...

  • Page 20: Measurement Considerations

    E ieee-488 and scpi conformance information introduction ............................................................................... E-2 f measurement considerations floating measurement safety concerns ...................................... F-2 low current measurements ............................

  • Page 21: List Of Illustrations

    List of illustrations 1 getting started figure 1-1 front panel ............................................................................. 1-7 figure 1-2 model 6430 rear panel ........................................................... 1-9 figure 1-3 remote preamp ....................................

  • Page 22: Relative And Math

    6 range, digits, speed, and filters figure 6-1 speed configuration menu tree ............................................... 6-8 figure 6-2 3-stage filtering ....................................................................... 6-9 figure 6-3 repeat filter (count 10) .................................

  • Page 23: Remote Operations

    Figure 11-7 binning system - single element devices ........................... 11-12 figure 11-8 binning system - multiple element devices ....................... 11-13 figure 11-9 digital output auto-clear timing example .......................... 11-15 figure 11-10 limits configuration menu tree ...

  • Page 24: Performance Verification

    18 performance verification figure 18-1 test resistor construction ...................................................... 18-5 figure 18-2 connections for mainframe voltage verification tests ........ 18-11 figure 18-3 connections for mainframe current verification tests ........ 18-13 figure 18-4 c...

  • Page 25: Ieee-488 Bus Overview

    D ieee-488 bus overview figure d-1 ieee-488 bus configuration .................................................. D-3 figure d-2 ieee-488 handshake sequence ............................................. D-6 figure d-3 command codes .................................................................. D-...

  • Page 27: List Of Tables

    List of tables 1 getting started table 1-1 line frequency remote commands ....................................... 1-14 table 1-2 basic display commands ...................................................... 1-16 table 1-3 factory default settings ........................................................

  • Page 28: Relative And Math

    6 range, digits, speed, and filters table 6-1 model 6430 ranges ................................................................. 6-2 table 6-2 range and digits commands ................................................... 6-6 table 6-3 range and digits programming example ..............................

  • Page 29: Remote Operations

    12 digital i/o port, interlock, and output configuration table 12-1 digital output line settings ................................................... 12-5 table 12-2 output configuration commands .......................................... 12-9 table 12-3 output configuration programming example ........

  • Page 30: Performance Verification

    18 performance verification table 18-1 recommended verification equipment ................................. 18-4 table 18-2 maximum compliance values ............................................... 18-9 table 18-3 mainframe output voltage accuracy limits ......................... 18-11 table 18-4 ma...

  • Page 31: Ieee-488 Bus Overview

    D ieee-488 bus overview table d-1 ieee-488 bus command summary ....................................... D-7 table d-2 hexadecimal and decimal command codes ........................ D-10 table d-3 typical addressed multiline command sequence ................ D-12 table d-4 typical addressed common com...

  • Page 33

    1 getting started • general information — covers general information that includes warranty informa- tion, contact information, safety symbols and terms, inspection, and available options and accessories. • product overview — summarizes the features of the model 6430 sub-femtoamp remote sourcemeter....

  • Page 34: General Information

    1-2 getting started general information warranty information warranty information is located at the front of this manual. Should your model 6430 require warranty service, contact the keithley representative or authorized repair facility in your area for further information. When returning the instru...

  • Page 35: Inspection

    Getting started 1-3 inspection the sourcemeter was carefully inspected electrically and mechanically before shipment. After unpacking all items from the shipping carton, check for any obvious signs of physical damage that may have occurred during transit. (there may be a protective film over the dis...

  • Page 36

    1-4 getting started model 237-trx-t adapter — this is a 3-slot male to dual 3-lug female triax tee adapter for use with triax cables. Model 7078-trx-bnc adapter — this is a 3-slot male triax to female bnc adapter. This adapter lets you connect a bnc cable to the triax input of the model 6430. Model ...

  • Page 37

    Getting started 1-5 cables and adapters ca-176-1d preamp cable — connects the remote preamp to the model 6430 mainframe. Models 7007-1 and 7007-2 shielded gpib cables — connect the sourcemeter to the gpib bus using shielded cables and connectors to reduce electromagnetic interference (emi). The mode...

  • Page 38: Product Overview

    1-6 getting started product overview the sourcemeter combines a precise, low-noise, highly stable dc power supply with a low- noise, highly repeatable, high-impedance multimeter and a remote preamplifier for ultra low current measurements. It has 0.012% basic accuracy with 5½-digit resolution. At 5½...

  • Page 39

    Getting started 1-7 mainframe and remote preamp familiarization the following information should be reviewed before operating the instrument and is orga- nized as follows: • mainframe front panel summary — provides an overview of front panel controls and the display. • mainframe rear panel summary —...

  • Page 40

    1-8 getting started operation keys: edit select source or compliance reading for editing. Toggle toggle display positions of source and measure readings, or display v and i measurements. Local cancel remote operation. Rel enable/disable relative reading on present function. Filter display digital fi...

  • Page 41

    Getting started 1-9 mainframe rear panel summary the rear panel of the model 6430 is shown in figure 1-2. Source-measure connectors: caution when using the remote preamp, do not use the input/output hi and 4-wire sense hi banana jacks. Using these source-measure banana jacks will result in errors an...

  • Page 42: Remote Preamp Summary

    1-10 getting started high voltage differentials — exceeding the high voltage differentials (42v peak and 250v peak) could damage the instrument and create a shock hazard. Remote preamp connector: remote preamp connect the remote preamp to the mainframe using the supplied preamp cable (ca-176-1d). In...

  • Page 43

    Getting started 1-11 preamp connector: mainframe connect the remote preamp to the mainframe using the supplied preamp cable. Triax connectors: caution when using the remote preamp, do not use the input/output hi and 4-wire sense hi banana jacks on the mainframe. Using these source-measure banana jac...

  • Page 44: Power-Up

    1-12 getting started power-up warning to prevent electric shock, power must be off when connecting the remote preamp to the mainframe. If you wish to connect the remote preamp at this time, proceed to section 2, connecting remote preamp to the mainframe. Important safety precautions are included wit...

  • Page 45: Power-Up Sequence

    Getting started 1-13 power-up sequence on power-up, the sourcemeter performs self-tests on its eprom and ram and momen- tarily lights all segments and annunciators. If a failure is detected, the instrument momentarily displays an error message, and the err annunciator turns on. Error messages are li...

  • Page 46: Fuse Replacement

    1-14 getting started 2. Using the right arrow key, select ad-ctrl then press enter to display a/d controls. 3. Select line-freq, then press enter to display line frequency. 4. Place the cursor on 50hz, 60hz, or auto, and press enter. (use 50hz for 400hz operation.) 5. Press exit to return to normal ...

  • Page 47: Display

    Getting started 1-15 display display format the sourcemeter display is used primarily to program source and compliance values and display measured readings. Annunciators, which are located along the top of the reading/ message display, indicate various states of operation, as covered previously in f...

  • Page 48: Status And Error Messages

    1-16 getting started status and error messages status and error messages are displayed momentarily. During sourcemeter operation and programming, you will encounter a number of front panel messages. Typical messages are either status or error in nature and are listed in appendix b. Remote display pr...

  • Page 49: Default Settings

    Getting started 1-17 front panel control front panel display circuitry is controlled from the disable display configuration menu, which is accessed by pressing config and then edit (or toggle). To select an option (now, never, sweep, or store), use the and keys to place the cursor on the desired opt...

  • Page 50: Power-On Configuration

    1-18 getting started restoring setups 1. Press the menu key, select savesetup, then press enter. 2. From the savesetup menu, select global, then press enter. 3. From the global setup menu, select restore, then press enter. 4. Select the setup position (0-4) to restore, then press enter to complete t...

  • Page 51

    Getting started 1-19 table 1-3 factory default settings setting bench default gpib default a/d controls: auto-zero on on line frequency no effect no effect beeper on on data store no effect no effect digital output* 15 or 7 15 or 7 digits 5.5 5.5 fctn power (off) power (off) filter: on on auto filte...

  • Page 52: Remote Setups

    1-20 getting started remote setups you can also save and recall setups via remote using the following scpi commands: • save and recall user setups using *sav and *rcl (section 15). • restore gpib defaults using *rst (section 15). • restore bench defaults using :system:preset (section 17). • save the...

  • Page 53: Menus

    Getting started 1-21 menus the following paragraphs discuss the main menu, configuration menus, and rules to navi- gate menus. Main menu use the menu key to access the main menu to select, configure, and/or perform various instrument operations. These include default setup conditions, communications...

  • Page 54

    1-22 getting started menu item 1 description parameters cal 3 test display tests 4 keys display patterns char set a/d ctrl auto zero 5 disable enable once line freq nplc cache disable enable refresh reset general digout serial# timestamp numbers beeper calibrate sourcemeter. (see section 19.) perfor...

  • Page 55

    Getting started 1-23 press menu key (use and to select item, then press enter) ▲ ▲ savesetup global save restore poweron bench gpib user-setup-number reset source memory save restore communication gpib rs-232 bits parity terminator flow-ctrl cal* unlock execute view-dates save lock change-password t...

  • Page 56: Rules To Navigate Menus

    1-24 getting started rules to navigate menus many source-measure functions and operations are configured from the front panel menus. Use the following rules to navigate through these configuration menus: note rules to edit source and compliance values are found in section 3, “basic source- measure p...

  • Page 57

    Getting started 1-25 editing source and compliance values use the following keys to edit source and compliance values: • edit: selects the source or compliance display field for editing. A blinking cursor will appear in the field to be edited. If no key is pressed within a few seconds, the edit mode...

  • Page 58: Configuration Menus

    1-26 getting started configuration menus there are a number of configuration menus that can be accessed by pressing the config key followed by the appropriate function or mode key. For example, you can configure the volt- age source by pressing config then source v. Configuration menus, which are su...

  • Page 59

    Getting started 1-27 table 1-5 measurement configuration menus configuration menu item description config meas Ω configure ohms measure. Config ohms source select manual or auto source for ohms. Manual auto guard select ohms or cable guard. Ohms cable src rdbk enable/disable source readback. Disable...

  • Page 60

    1-28 getting started table 1-6 source and range configuration menus configuration menu item description config source v configure v source. Configure v source protection select voltage protection. Delay program delay between source and measure. Auto delay enable/disable auto delay. Disable enable gu...

  • Page 61

    Getting started 1-29 table 1-7 rel, filter, and limit configuration menus configuration menu item description config rel program rel value. Config filter configure filter. Auto filter enable/disable auto filter. Disable enable config limit configure limit tests. Configure limits menu digout program ...

  • Page 62

    1-30 getting started table 1-8 trigger configuration menu configuration menu item description config trig configure triggering. Configure trigger arm layer configure trigger model arm layer. Arm in select arm layer detection event. Immediate immediate event detection. Gpib gpib get or *trg. Timer af...

  • Page 63

    Getting started 1-31 table 1-9 sweep, digits, speed, and data store configuration menus configuration menu item description config sweep configure sweeps. Configure sweeps type select sweep type. Stair staircase sweep, program start, stop, step. Log log sweep, program start, stop, # points. Custom c...

  • Page 64

    1-32 getting started table 1-10 output and display configuration menus configuration menu item description config on/off output configure output. Configure output off state set up output off state. Normal normal off state. Zero zero off state. Guard guard mode off state. Auto off enable disable auto...

  • Page 65

    2 connections • connection overview — explains how to connect the remote preamp to the main- frame, provides basic information on the input/output connectors, and discusses using a test fixture interlock. • connections to dut — covers various methods for making connections to the dut, including 4-wi...

  • Page 66: Connection Overview

    2-2 connections connection overview warning to prevent electric shock, test connections must be configured such that the user cannot come in contact with conductors or any dut that is in contact with the conductors. Safe installation requires proper shields, bar- riers, and grounding to prevent cont...

  • Page 67: Source-Measure Terminals

    Connections 2-3 3. At the rear panel of the mainframe, remove the plastic safety cover from the preamp connector. This connector is labeled “remote preamp.” the plastic cover is secured to the connector with two screws. Hold on to the plastic cover and the retaining screws. Whenever the remote pream...

  • Page 68

    2-4 connections remote preamp triax connectors the electrical configuration of each triax connector is shown in figure 2-1a. The center conductor of the connector (and triax cable) is hi (input/output or sense), and the inner shield is cable guard. The outer shield (shell) of each triax connector is...

  • Page 69: Test Fixture Interlock

    Connections 2-5 input/output lo and chassis ground input/output lo is not directly connected to chassis ground. For test circuits that require input/output lo connected to chassis ground, you can use the supplied chassis ground plug. Connect the lug end of the cable to the chassis ground screw on th...

  • Page 70: Connections To Dut

    2-6 connections connections to dut note connection drawings in this manual are shown using the remote preamp. If not using the remote preamp, make connections to the equivalent banana jack termi- nals on the rear panel of the mainframe. Warning to prevent injury from electric shock, do not touch the...

  • Page 71

    Connections 2-7 warning there is no direct internal connection between earth ground and the input/output lo terminal of the sourcemeter. Therefore, hazardous voltages (>30v rms) can appear on the lo terminal. Typically, this can occur when the sourcemeter is operating in any mode where the output ch...

  • Page 72

    2-8 connections 2-wire sensing when using 2-wire sensing to source and/or measure voltage, the error associated with ir drops in the test leads could be significant. The ratio between the test lead resistance and dut resistance determines the error that is introduced. If the error introduced by the ...

  • Page 73: Guarding Methods

    Connections 2-9 • the model 6430 will perform to rated specification with up to 1v drop per source lead on the 100µa through 100ma ranges. On the 10µa range and below (when using the remote preamp), the allowable voltage drop in each source lead is limited as follows: guarding methods cable guard us...

  • Page 74: Ohms Guard

    2-10 connections ohms guard use ohms guard for the following source-measure operation: • in-circuit resistance measurements on the dut where other parasitic leakage devices are present. Note that ohms guard must be selected for this connection scheme. See guard selection to select ohms guard. Note o...

  • Page 75

    Connections 2-11 the basic connection scheme for guarded ohms measurements is shown in figure 2-5. If the guard resistance path (r g ) is the guard voltage at the resistor network is significantly less than the output voltage at the dut. This results in leakage current and will corrupt the measureme...

  • Page 76

    2-12 connections note that if the dut is ing) by connecting sense hi and lo to the dut (figure 2-7). Note guard current (i g ) must never exceed 50ma. If it does, guard voltage will become less than the output voltage and corrupt the measurement. Warning: no internal operator servicable parts,servic...

  • Page 77: Guard Selection

    Connections 2-13 guard selection cable guard is used for high-impedance guarding for cables (i.E., coax and triax) and test fixtures. Ohms guard provides a high-current guard output, which allows in-circuit guarded ohms measurements. The guard setting (cable or ohms) only applies to mainframe guard ...

  • Page 78

    2-14 connections.

  • Page 79

    3 basic source-measure operation • operation overview — discusses source-measure capabilities, compliance limit, and fundamental source-measure configuration. • operation considerations — covers warm-up, auto zero, v-source protection, and source delay. • basic source-measure procedure — describes t...

  • Page 80: Caution

    3-2 basic source-measure operation caution excessive heat could damage the sourcemeter and at the very least, degrade its perfor- mance. The sourcemeter must be operated in an environment where the ambient temperature does not exceed 50°c. The sourcemeter uses a heat sink to dissipate heat. The left...

  • Page 81: Operation Overview

    Basic source-measure operation 3-3 operation overview source-measure capabilities from the front panel, the sourcemeter can be configured to perform the following operations: • source voltage — display current and/or voltage measurement • source current — display voltage and/or current measurement •...

  • Page 82: Compliance Limit

    3-4 basic source-measure operation not e load regulation – the voltage specification for v-source mode load changes is 0.01% +100µv. This means that on the 200mv range, the load current can be changed from zero to full scale with less than 1.02mv of error. Calculation: error = (0.01% × 0.2v) + 100µv...

  • Page 83

    Basic source-measure operation 3-5 setting the compliance limit front panel compliance limit set the compliance limit from the front panel as follows: 1. Select the desired source and measure functions using the meas and source keys. 2. Press the edit key until the cursor flashes in the compliance (...

  • Page 84: Operation Considerations

    3-6 basic source-measure operation basic circuit configuration the fundamental source-measure configuration for the sourcemeter (with remote preamp) is shown in figure 3-1, where the source is either the v-source or the i-source. If not using the remote preamp, input/output hi and lo is accessed at ...

  • Page 85: Nplc Caching

    Basic source-measure operation 3-7 temperature changes across components within the instrument can cause the reference and zero values for the a/d converter to drift due to thermo-electric effects. Auto zero acts to negate the effects of drift in order to maintain measurement accuracy over time. Wit...

  • Page 86: V-Source Protection

    3-8 basic source-measure operation nplc cache setup follow the steps below to enable and use nplc caching with a source memory sweep: 1. Press the menu key, select a/d-ctrl, then press enter. 2. Select auto-zero, then press enter. 3. Choose disable, then press enter to disable auto zero. 4. From the...

  • Page 87: Source Delay

    Basic source-measure operation 3-9 front panel v-source protection to program v-source protection from the front panel: 1. Press config then source v. 2. Select protection from the displayed choices, then press enter. 3. Select the desired protection value, then press enter. 4. Press exit to return ...

  • Page 88: Output Control

    3-10 basic source-measure operation front panel source delay to set the manual source delay from the front panel: 1. Press config then source v (or source i). 2. Select delay from the displayed choices, then press enter. 3. Enter the desired delay value, then press enter. 4. Press exit to return to ...

  • Page 89

    Basic source-measure operation 3-11 current measurements and capacitive loads when measuring current in a test circuit that has high capacitance, ringing may occur. Ring- ing is the fluctuation of current readings that is initiated by a voltage step. This fluctuation eventually decays to a settled c...

  • Page 90

    3-12 basic source-measure operation front panel source-measure procedure refer to section 4 to measure ohms. Not e the following procedure assumes that the sourcemeter is already connected to the dut as explained in section 2. Step 1: select source. Press source v to select the v-source or press sou...

  • Page 91

    Basic source-measure operation 3-13 perform the following steps to edit the source and compliance values: 1. Press edit to enter the edit mode. The flashing digit indicates which reading (source or compliance) is presently selected for editing. If you wish to edit the other field, press edit again. ...

  • Page 92

    3-14 basic source-measure operation measuring voltage — when sourcing current, you can use the range ▲ and ▼ keys to manually select the voltage measurement range. You can also press auto to select autorang- ing. When sourcing voltage, the range keys are inoperative. Measuring current — when sourcin...

  • Page 93

    Basic source-measure operation 3-15 remote command source-measure procedure basic source-measurement procedures can also be performed via remote by sending appro- priate commands in the right sequence. The following paragraphs summarize the basic com- mands and give a simple programming example. Bas...

  • Page 94

    3-16 basic source-measure operation source-measure programming example table 3-7 summarizes the command sequence for a basic source-measure procedure. Note that the steps correspond to those listed previously in front panel source-measure procedure. These commands set up the sourcemeter as follows: ...

  • Page 95: Measure Only

    Basic source-measure operation 3-17 measure only front panel measure only in addition to being used for conventional source-measure operations, the sourcemeter can also be used to measure only voltage or current. Perform the following steps to use the sourcemeter to measure voltage or current: 1. Se...

  • Page 96

    3-18 basic source-measure operation remote command measure only table 3-8 summarizes the basic command sequence for measure only. The steps outlined correspond to those in the front panel measure only sequence above. These commands set up the sourcemeter for measure only voltage measurements up to 2...

  • Page 97: Sink Operation

    Basic source-measure operation 3-19 sink operation overview when operating as a sink (v and i have opposite polarity), the sourcemeter is dissipating power rather than sourcing it. An external source (i.E., battery) or an energy storage device (i.E., capacitor) can force operation into the sink regi...

  • Page 98

    3-20 basic source-measure operation.

  • Page 99

    4 ohms measurements • ohms configuration menu — outlines the ohms configuration menu that allows you to set up various ohms measurement aspects. • ohms measurement methods — discusses auto and manual ohms measurement methods and how to select them. • ohms sensing —covers 2-wire and 4-wire ohms sensi...

  • Page 100: Ohms Configuration Menu

    4-2 ohms measurements ohms configuration menu press config then Ω to access the ohms configuration menu. Use the rules to navigate menus in section 1 to select the various items in the menu tree, which is shown in figure 4-1. Menu items include: • source — select auto or manual source mode. • guard ...

  • Page 101: Ohms Measurement Methods

    Ohms measurements 4-3 ohms measurement methods there are two methods to measure ohms: auto ohms and manual ohms. When using auto ohms, the sourcemeter operates as a conventional constant current source ohmmeter. To use this method, simply select an ohms measurement range (or use autorange), and take...

  • Page 102: Auto Ohms Measurements

    4-4 ohms measurements selecting ohms measurement method on power-up, auto ohms is the default method for the ohms function. Perform the following steps to check and/or change the ohms measurement method: 1. Press config and then Ω to display the ohms configuration menu. 2. Using left and right arrow...

  • Page 103: Manual Ohms Measurements

    Ohms measurements 4-5 3. Select measurement range. Use the range ▲ and ▼ keys to select a range appropriate for the expected ohms reading, or use autorange by pressing auto. When using manual ranging, selecting the most sensitive (lowest) range provides the best accuracy. Autorange automatically goe...

  • Page 104: Ohms Sensing

    4-6 ohms measurements 4. Select measurement range. Using the range ▲ and ▼ keys, select the lowest possible fixed range or use auto range. Note that if sourcing current, you will be setting the voltage measurement range. Conversely, if sourcing voltage, you will be setting the current measurement ra...

  • Page 105: Offset-Compensated Ohms

    Ohms measurements 4-7 offset-compensated ohms the presence of thermal emfs (v emf ) can adversely affect low-resistance measurement accuracy. To overcome these unwanted offset voltages, use the offset-compensated ohms mea- surement method. In general, this method measures resistance (v/i) at a speci...

  • Page 106

    4-8 ohms measurements enabling/disabling offset-compensated ohms offset-compensated ohms is enabled or disabled from the offset compensation option of the config ohms menu as follows: 1. Press config and then Ω to display the ohms configuration menu. 2. Place the cursor on offset compensation, and p...

  • Page 107: Ohms Source Readback

    Ohms measurements 4-9 ohms source readback with ohms source readback enabled, the instrument measures the actual source value used for ohms measurements and then uses that measured value for reading calculations. Normally, ohms source readback should be left enabled for optimum measurement accuracy....

  • Page 108: Remote Ohms Programming

    4-10 ohms measurements remote ohms programming the following paragraphs summarize those basic command necessary for remote ohms pro- gramming and also give a programming example for a typical ohms measurement situation. Remote ohms commands table 4-2 summarizes the remote commands for making basic o...

  • Page 109

    5 source-measure concepts • compliance limit — discusses compliance limit including real and range compli- ances, maximum compliance values, and how to determine compliance limit. • overheating protection — explains how to keep the sourcemeter from overheating. • source-delay-measure cycle — describ...

  • Page 110: Compliance Limit

    5-2 source-measure concepts compliance limit when sourcing voltage, the sourcemeter can be set to limit current (from 1fa to 105ma). Conversely, when sourcing current, the sourcemeter can be set to limit voltage (from 200µv to 210v). The sourcemeter output will not exceed the compliance limit. Note ...

  • Page 111: Maximum Compliance Values

    Source-measure concepts 5-3 maximum compliance values the maximum compliance values for the measurement ranges are summarized in table 5-1. Compliance examples when the sourcemeter goes into real compliance, the “cmpl” label for the compliance dis- play will flash. When the sourcemeter goes into ran...

  • Page 112: Compliance Principles

    5-4 source-measure concepts compliance principles compliance acts as a clamp. If the output reaches the compliance value, the sourcemeter will attempt to prevent the output from exceeding that value. This action implies that the source will switch from a v-source to an i-source (or from an i-source ...

  • Page 113: Overheating Protection

    Source-measure concepts 5-5 over the bus, use the appropriate scpi commands to determine the measurement range and the compliance setting. Once those parameters are known, compare them as previously explained to determine the compliance in effect. When sourcing current, use the following commands to...

  • Page 114: Source-Delay-Measure Cycle

    5-6 source-measure concepts source-delay-measure cycle in addition to static source and/or measure operation, sourcemeter operation can consist of a series of source-delay-measure (sdm) cycles (figure 5-1). During each sdm cycle, the fol- lowing occurs: 1. Set the source output level. 2. Wait for th...

  • Page 115

    Source-measure concepts 5-7 the manually set delay (up to 9999.999 sec) is available to compensate for longer settling required by external circuitry. The more capacitance seen at the output, the more settling time is required for the source. The actual delay period needed can be calculated or deter...

  • Page 116: Sweep Waveforms

    5-8 source-measure concepts sweep waveforms there are four basic sweep types to select from: linear staircase, logarithmic staircase, cus- tom, and source memory. Three of the sweeps are shown in figure 5-3. The linear staircase sweep goes from the start level to the stop level in equal linear steps...

  • Page 117: Operating Boundaries

    Source-measure concepts 5-9 typical applications for staircase sweeps include: i-v curves for two- and three-terminal semiconductor devices, characterization of leakage versus voltage, and semiconductor break- down. Pulse sweeps are used in applications where thermal response is measured or where su...

  • Page 118

    5-10 source-measure concepts the general operating boundaries for the sourcemeter are shown in figure 5-4. In this draw- ing, the 100ma, 20v and 10ma, 200v magnitudes are nominal values. The actual maximum output magnitudes of the sourcemeter are 105ma, 21v and 10.5ma, 210v. Also note that the bound...

  • Page 119

    Source-measure concepts 5-11 voltage compliance limit line current source limit line i source v measure source i limit v 210v 21v 10.5ma 105ma a) output characteristics b) limit lines figure 5-5 i-source boundaries.

  • Page 120

    5-12 source-measure concepts where within the boundaries the sourcemeter operates depends on the load (dut) that is connected to its output. Figure 5-6 shows operation examples for resistive loads that are 50Ω and 200Ω, respectively. For these examples, the sourcemeter is programmed to source 100ma ...

  • Page 121

    Source-measure concepts 5-13 voltage limit load line operating point current source load line i-source (i s ) i-source (i s ) v-meter (v m ) v-meter (v m ) 5v 10v 100ma 50Ω dut load line (r) a) normal i-source operation voltage limit load line operating point current source load line 10v 100ma b) i-...

  • Page 122

    5-14 source-measure concepts v-source operating boundaries figure 5-7 shows the operating boundaries for the v-source. Only the first quadrant of oper- ation is covered. Operation in the other three quadrants is similar. Figure 5-7a shows the output characteristics for the v-source. As shown, the so...

  • Page 123

    Source-measure concepts 5-15 current compliance limit line voltage source limit line v source i measure source v limit i 105ma 10.5ma 21v 210v a) output characteristics b) limit lines figure 5-7 v-source boundaries.

  • Page 124

    5-16 source-measure concepts where within the boundaries the sourcemeter operates depends on the load (dut) that is connected to the output. Figure 5-8 shows operation examples for resistive loads that are 2kΩ and 800Ω, respectively. For these examples, the sourcemeter is programmed to source 10v an...

  • Page 125

    Source-measure concepts 5-17 current limit load line operating point voltage source load line v-source (v s ) i-meter (i m ) 5ma 10ma 10v 2kΩ dut load line (r) i m = v s / r v s = i m • r = 10v/2kΩ = 5ma a) normal v-source operation current limit load line operating point voltage source load line i-...

  • Page 126: Source I

    5-18 source-measure concepts source i measure i and source v measure v the sourcemeter can measure the function it is sourcing. When sourcing a voltage, you can measure voltage. Conversely, if you are sourcing current, you can measure the output current. For these measure source operations, the meas...

  • Page 127

    Source-measure concepts 5-19 mainframe i-meter v-meter i-source guard cable guard local local remote remote _ + x1 4-wire sense lo input/output lo guard sense v,Ω guard remote a sense in/out high preamp hi (input/output) guard (cable) lo (input/output) hi (sense) guard (cable) lo (input/output) prea...

  • Page 128: Source V

    5-20 source-measure concepts source v when configured to source voltage (v-source) as shown in figure 5-10, the sourcemeter functions as a low-impedance voltage source with current limit capability and can measure cur- rent (i-meter) or voltage (v-meter). Sense circuitry is used to continuously moni...

  • Page 129: Measure Only (V Or I)

    Source-measure concepts 5-21 measure only (v or i) figure 5-11 shows the configurations for using the sourcemeter exclusively as a voltmeter or ammeter. As shown in figure 5-11a, the sourcemeter is configured to measure voltage-only by setting it to source 0a and measure voltage. Caution v-complianc...

  • Page 130: Guard

    5-22 source-measure concepts guard warning guard is at the same potential as input/output hi. Thus, if hazardous voltages are present at input/output hi, they are also present at the guard terminals. The driven guard is always enabled and provides a buffered voltage that is at the same level as the ...

  • Page 131

    Source-measure concepts 5-23 inside the test fixture, a triaxial cable can be used to extend guard to the dut. The center conductor of the cable is used for in/out hi, the inner shield is used for guard, and the outer shield is used for in/out lo and is connected to the safety shield (which is conne...

  • Page 132: Ohms Guard

    5-24 source-measure concepts ohms guard the ohms guard selection provides a low-impedance ( driven guard. This lets you perform in-circuit ohms measurements of the dut where other par- allel resistive paths are present. These measurements are typically performed in delta or wye configurations. Note ...

  • Page 133

    Source-measure concepts 5-25 the guard test lead ir drop is compensated for by connecting guard sense as shown in figure 5-14b. Sensing allows the guard voltage to be sensed (measured) at the resistor network for better guard voltage regulation. If the remotely sensed guard voltage is less than the ...

  • Page 134: Data Flow

    5-26 source-measure concepts data flow data flow for front panel operation is summarized by the block diagrams provided in figure 5-15. Note that if rel is enabled, the result of the rel operation is sent to the other blocks. Note see appendix c for remote operation data flow information. With math ...

  • Page 135

    Source-measure concepts 5-27 measurement conversions measurement conversions measurement conversions v, i, Ω v, i, Ω v, i, Ω data store display buffer and statistics readings display buffer and statistics readings display buffer and statistics readings display readings a. Math (fctn) and limit tests...

  • Page 136: Buffer Considerations

    5-28 source-measure concepts buffer considerations when the sourcemeter is in the process of storing readings, configuration changes affect what gets stored in the buffer. These storage considerations and restrictions are summarized in table 5-3. The first column of table 5-3 shows the sourcemeter c...

  • Page 137

    Source-measure concepts 5-29 changing math function • if you started with only a basic measurement function selected, you can enable a math function, but only the voltage, current, or resistance component of the calcula- tion will be stored in the buffer. The results of the math function will not be...

  • Page 138

    5-30 source-measure concepts.

  • Page 139

    6 range, digits, speed, and filters • range and digits — discusses available ranges, maximum readings, ranging limita- tions, manual and autoranging, and display resolution. • speed — discusses speed settings, which are used to control the integration period of the a/d converter. • filters — provide...

  • Page 140: Range And Digits

    6-2 range, digits, speed, and filters range and digits range the selected measurement range affects the accuracy of the measurements as well as the maximum signal that can be measured. Note that with the output off, dashed lines are displayed (i.E., --.---- µa), to indicate that measurements are not...

  • Page 141

    Range, digits, speed, and filters 6-3 maximum readings the full scale input for each voltage and current measurement range is 105.5% of the selected range. For example, ±2.11v is the full scale reading for the 2v range, ±105.5ma is the full scale reading for the 100ma range. The full scale reading f...

  • Page 142

    6-4 range, digits, speed, and filters auto ranging for the source v measure i, source i measure v, and ohms configurations, press auto range to enable auto ranging. The auto annunciator turns on when auto ranging is selected. With auto ranging selected, the instrument automatically chooses the best ...

  • Page 143: Digits

    Range, digits, speed, and filters 6-5 auto range limits auto range limits are included to support the auto range change mode. For voltage and cur- rent, the upper limit is controlled by the compliance range and cannot be programmed. For the auto ohms mode, however, the upper limit is adjustable. The...

  • Page 144

    6-6 range, digits, speed, and filters remote range and digits programming table 6-2 summarizes the commands necessary to control range and digits. See section 17 for more details on these commands. Table 6-2 range and digits commands commands description :sense:current:range :sense:current:range:aut...

  • Page 145: Speed

    Range, digits, speed, and filters 6-7 range and digits programming example table 6-3 shows a programming example for controlling range and digits. The sourcemeter is set up as follows: • source function: volts • source level: 10v • measure function: amps • amps range: 10µa • display digits: 5½ speed...

  • Page 146: Remote Speed Programming

    6-8 range, digits, speed, and filters speed-accuracy menu press speed or config speed to display the menu. • fast — sets speed to 0.01 plc and sets display resolution to 3½ digits. • med — sets speed to 0.10 plc and sets display resolution to 4½ digits. • normal — sets speed to 1.00 plc and sets dis...

  • Page 147: Filters

    Range, digits, speed, and filters 6-9 filters filtering stabilizes noisy measurements caused by noisy input signals. However, the more filtering that is used, the slower the measurement process becomes. The sourcemeter uses three stages of filtering; repeat, median, and moving. The displayed, stored...

  • Page 148

    6-10 range, digits, speed, and filters repeat filter the repeat filter places the specified number of measurement conversions into a stack and averages them to yield a single repeat filter reading. The stack is then cleared, and the process starts over. For example, if the repeat count (stack size) ...

  • Page 149

    Range, digits, speed, and filters 6-11 from the above equation, it can be seen that the minimum number of sample readings is 1 (n=0) and the maximum number is 11 (n=5). The following table shows the number of sample readings for each rank setting. The first-in, first-out stack for the median filter ...

  • Page 150

    6-12 range, digits, speed, and filters moving filter the moving average filter uses a first-in, first-out stack. When the stack (filter count) becomes full, the readings are averaged, yielding a filtered reading. For each subsequent read- ing placed into the stack, the oldest reading is discarded. T...

  • Page 151: Auto Filter

    Range, digits, speed, and filters 6-13 auto filter when auto filter is enabled, it automatically selects filter settings that provide heavy filter- ing on the low current ranges, and less filtering as the current range increases. See tables 6-5 through 6-7. Note enabling auto filter disables the adv...

  • Page 152

    6-14 range, digits, speed, and filters table 6-6 auto filter settings where nplc = 0.11 to 1.00 current range repeat count median rank moving count 00 1pa 0 10pa 100pa 00 1na 0 10na 100na 00 1µa 0 10µa 100µa 00 1ma 0 10ma 100ma 10 10 10 10 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 5 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 34 15 5 5 1 1 1 1 1 ...

  • Page 153: Filter Configuration

    Range, digits, speed, and filters 6-15 filter configuration 1. Press the config key and then the filter key to access the filter configuration menu. The blinking cursor will indicate the state of auto filter. 2. Use the or key to place the cursor on the desired auto filter selection (disable or enab...

  • Page 154: Filter Control

    6-16 range, digits, speed, and filters filter control when filtering is being applied to the input signal, the filt annunciator will be on. When auto filter is enabled, the filt annunciator will turn on to indicate that the auto filter config- uration is being applied. The filter key is used to cont...

  • Page 155

    Range, digits, speed, and filters 6-17 filter programming example table 6-9 summarizes the command sequence to program filter aspects as follows: • auto filter off • repeat filter off • median filter on, rank 5 • moving filter on, count 20, advanced filter off table 6-9 filter programming example co...

  • Page 156

    6-18 range, digits, speed, and filters.

  • Page 157

    7 relative and math • relative — discusses the relative (rel) mode that can be used to null offsets or sub- tract a baseline value from readings. • math operations — provides detailed information on the following math (fctn) operations: power, offset-compensated ohms, varistor, alpha, voltage coeffi...

  • Page 158: Relative

    7-2 relative and math relative the rel (relative) feature can be used to null offsets or subtract a baseline reading from present and future readings. With rel enabled, subsequent readings will be the difference between the actual input value and the rel value as follows: displayed reading = actual ...

  • Page 159: Remote Rel Programming

    Relative and math 7-3 remote rel programming rel commands table 7-1 summarizes rel commands. See section 17 for additional information. Rel programming example table 7-2 lists commands for setting up and enabling rel. These commands set up the sourcemeter as follows: • rel value: 5 • rel state: enab...

  • Page 160: Math Operations

    7-4 relative and math math operations math functions the sourcemeter has built-in math functions to calculate the following: • power • offset compensated Ω • varistor alpha • voltage coefficient • percent deviation the power and percent deviation math functions use a single voltage and/or current me...

  • Page 161

    Relative and math 7-5 measuring high resistance devices — when using offset-compensated ohms to measure high resistance values, an appropriate source delay must be used to provide settled readings. There is a rise time associated with high ohms measurements. For normal ohms measurements, you can wat...

  • Page 162

    7-6 relative and math percent deviation this calculation provides the percent deviation between the normal display reading and the user set reference value: where: x is the normal display measurement reading (v, i, or Ω). Y is the reference value. When prompted to enter the reference value (y), you ...

  • Page 163

    Relative and math 7-7 front panel math operations perform the following steps to select and enable a math expression. Figure 7-1 shows the math configuration menu tree. 1. Select the appropriate source (v or i) for the math expression. 2. Press config and then fctn to display the math expression sel...

  • Page 164: Remote Math Operations

    7-8 relative and math remote math operations math commands table 7-3 summarizes commands to control the math functions. See section 17 for more detailed information on these and other math commands. Math programming example table 7-4 summarizes the basic command sequence for voltage coefficient test...

  • Page 165

    Relative and math 7-9 table 7-4 voltage coefficient programming example command description *rst :sens:func:on:all :sens:res:mode man :sour:func volt :sour:volt:star 10 :sour:volt:stop 50 :sour:volt:mode swe :sour:swe:poin 2 :trig:coun 2 :calc:math:name “voltcoef” :calc:stat on :outp on :init :calc:...

  • Page 166

    7-10 relative and math user-defined math functions in addition to the pre-defined math functions, you can also define your own functions by using appropriate remote commands (user-defined math functions are not available from the front panel). The following paragraphs summarize the basic commands fo...

  • Page 167

    Relative and math 7-11 user-defined math function programming example table 7-6 shows the command sequence for a typical user-defined math function. This example defines a percent deviation math function. Table 7-6 user-defined math function programming example command description *rst :sens:func:of...

  • Page 168

    7-12 relative and math.

  • Page 169

    8 data store • data store overview — outlines basic data store (buffer) capabilities. • storing readings — discusses the procedure for storing readings in the internal buffer. • recalling readings — provides detailed information for recalling readings stored in the buffer. • buffer statistics — disc...

  • Page 170: Data Store Overview

    8-2 data store data store overview the sourcemeter has a data store (buffer) to store from 1 to 2500 source-measure readings. The instrument stores the source-measure readings that are displayed during the storage pro- cess. Each source-measure reading also includes the buffer location number and a ...

  • Page 171: Buffer Statistics

    Data store 8-3 timestamp the first source-measure reading stored in the buffer (#0000) is timestamped at 0000000.000 seconds. Subsequent readings can be recalled in absolute or delta timestamp for- mat. For the absolute format, the timestamp references readings to zero seconds. For the delta format,...

  • Page 172: Timestamp Format

    8-4 data store average the average mode displays the mean (average) of all measured readings stored in the buffer. The following equation is used to calculate mean: where: y is the average. X i is a stored reading. N is the number of stored readings. Standard deviation this mode displays the standar...

  • Page 173: Buffer Considerations

    Data store 8-5 the timestamp is based on an oscillator with a frequency of approximately 8khz. This oscil- lator is used as the system clock and is divided by eight to generate system “ticks” every milli- second. Therefore, the timestamp should provide lms resolution for test timing. However, since ...

  • Page 174: Remote Command Data Store

    8-6 data store remote command data store data store commands table 8-1 summarizes commands associated with data store operation. See trace sub- system and calculate3 in section 17 for more detailed information on these commands. Table 8-1 data store commands command description :trace:data? :trace:c...

  • Page 175

    Data store 8-7 data store programming example table 8-2 summarizes the commands for basic data store operation. These commands set up the sourcemeter as follows: • reading source: raw readings. • number of points: 10. • acquired data: buffer readings, mean (average), and standard deviation. Note you...

  • Page 176

    8-8 data store.

  • Page 177

    9 sweep operation • sweep types —describes the four basic sweep types: linear staircase, logarithmic staircase, custom, and source memory sweep. • configuring and running a sweep — discusses the procedure for setting up and per- forming sweeps including selecting and configuring a sweep, setting the...

  • Page 178: Sweep Types

    9-2 sweep operation sweep types the four basic sweep types described in the following paragraphs include: • linear staircase • logarithmic staircase • custom • source memory note only voltage or current sweeps can be performed. Sweep readings are automatically stored in the buffer. See section 8 for...

  • Page 179

    Sweep operation 9-3 logarithmic staircase sweep this sweep is similar to the linear staircase sweep. The steps, however, are done on a loga- rithmic scale as shown in the example sweep in figure 9-2. This is a 5-point log sweep from 1 to 10v. As with the staircase sweep, the delay period is the same...

  • Page 180: Custom Sweep

    9-4 sweep operation thus, the five log steps for this sweep are 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00. The actual v-source levels at these points are listed in table 9-1 (the v-source level is the anti-log of the log step). When this sweep is triggered to start, the output will go from the bias level to the...

  • Page 181: Source Memory Sweep

    Sweep operation 9-5 figure 9-4 shows a custom sweep example with different pulse widths. In this example, the first two points are configured with the same source value so that the duration of the first pulse is effectively doubled. Source memory sweep for a source memory sweep, up to 100 setup conf...

  • Page 182

    9-6 sweep operation saving and restoring source memory setups source memory setups are saved in memory and restored from the savesetup (source memory) option of the main menu. (see section 1, main menu.) note source memory setups are different from the power-on and user-defined setups, which are pro...

  • Page 183

    Sweep operation 9-7 commands. The scpi command reference tables, tables 17-1 through 17-11, also list source memory parameters. Table 9-2 source memory saved configurations mode remote command current integration rate resistance integration rate voltage integration rate concurrent functions enable f...

  • Page 184

    9-8 sweep operation sweep branching when using a source memory sweep while performing limit tests, the normal sequence of sweep memory points can be changed. This is useful when, based on the results of an initial test, a different set of tests are needed. The sweep can branch to a specified memory ...

  • Page 185

    Sweep operation 9-9 if, for example, your test requires that the diode be forward biased, you can configure the compliance limit test (limit 1) to fail if out of compliance. This fail condition would indicate that the diode is forward biased, and the memory sweep will proceed to the next source mem-...

  • Page 186

    9-10 sweep operation testing process — the test uses seven smls (source memory locations). However, only four memory locations are used for each tested diode. If the diode is installed correctly, tests at locations 001, 002, 003, and 004 are performed. If the diode is installed backwards, tests at l...

  • Page 187

    Sweep operation 9-11 sml 007 — leakage current test • source +v, measure i. • limit 2 test – min/max limits for current reading. • summary – this test is the same as the test at memory location 004, except the source voltage is reversed to properly bias the diode that was installed backwards. Test r...

  • Page 188

    9-12 sweep operation • sweep count – use this menu item to specify how many sweeps to perform: - finite – use this option to enter a discrete number of sweeps to perform with the results stored in the data store buffer. The maximum number of finite sweeps that can be performed is determined as follo...

  • Page 189: Performing Sweeps

    Sweep operation 9-13 setting delay generally, the time duration spent at each step (or point) of a sweep consists of the source delay and the time it takes to perform the measurement (nplc setting). The source delay is part of the sdm cycle and is used to allow the source to settle before the measur...

  • Page 190

    9-14 sweep operation performing a linear staircase sweep step 1: configure source-measure functions. Configure the sourcemeter for the desired source-measure operations as follows: 1. Select the desired source function by pressing source v or source i. 2. Set the source level and compliance limit to...

  • Page 191

    Sweep operation 9-15 step 5: run sweep. To run the sweep, press the sweep key. After the sweep is completed, turn the output off by pressing the on/off output key. Step 6: read buffer. Use the recall key to access the source-measure readings stored in the buffer. Use the toggle to display statistica...

  • Page 192

    9-16 sweep operation step 5: run sweep. To run the sweep, press the sweep key. After the sweep is completed, turn the output off by pressing the on/off output key. Step 6: read buffer. Use the recall key to access the source-measure readings stored in the buffer. Use the toggle to display statistica...

  • Page 193

    Sweep operation 9-17 step 4: turn output on. Press the on/off output key to turn the output on (output indicator turns on). The sourcemeter will output the programmed bias level. Step 5: run sweep. To run the sweep, press the sweep key. After the sweep is completed, turn the output off by pressing t...

  • Page 194: Remote Sweep Operation

    9-18 sweep operation step 3: turn output on. Press the on/off output key to turn the output on (output indicator turns on). Step 4: run sweep. To run the sweep, press the sweep key. After the sweep is completed, turn the output off by pressing the on/off output key. Step 5: read buffer. Use the reca...

  • Page 195

    Sweep operation 9-19 staircase sweep programming example as an example of linear staircase sweep operation, assume the sourcemeter is to be used to generate the i-v characteristics of a diode. Many diode tests, such as breakdown voltage and leakage current, require only single-point measurements. So...

  • Page 196

    9-20 sweep operation table 9-4 lists the command sequence for the diode programming example. Custom sweep commands table 9-5 summarizes remote commands used for custom sweep operation. See section 17, configure list , for more details on these commands. Table 9-4 staircase sweep programming example ...

  • Page 197

    Sweep operation 9-21 custom sweep programming example as an example of custom sweep operation, assume a five-point sweep with the following parameters: source function: volts sense function: current voltage sweep mode: list (custom sweep) sweep voltage points: 7v, 1v, 3v, 8v, 2v current compliance: ...

  • Page 198

    9-22 sweep operation source memory sweep programming example as an example of source memory sweep operation, assume a three-point sweep with the fol- lowing operating modes: source memory location #1: source voltage, measure current, 10v source value source memory location #2: source current, measur...

  • Page 199

    Sweep operation 9-23 sweep branching program example the code fragment below is a visual basic sweep branching subroutine. This example sets up source memory locations 1-3 as indicated in code comments. Location 100 is used as a dummy location. Failure at any one of locations 1-3 causes a branch to ...

  • Page 200

    9-24 sweep operation ‘setup source memory location 2 ‘------------------------------ call outputcmd(intgpib, “*rst”) ‘restore gpib default conditions. Call outputcmd(intgpib, “:sour:func volt”) ‘current source function. Call outputcmd(intgpib, “:sens:func ‘curr:dc’”) ‘current sense function. Call ou...

  • Page 201

    Sweep operation 9-25 ‘setup source memory location 100 (dummy location) ‘turn off everything to increase speed. ‘------------------------------------------------------ ‘ using a dummy location allows the source memory ‘ sweep to stop testing the dut as quickly as possible. ‘ this allows the test set...

  • Page 202

    9-26 sweep operation.

  • Page 203

    10 triggering • trigger model — discusses the trigger model, including various layers, event detec- tion, delay, and device action. • trigger link — discusses the trigger link, including input triggers, output triggers, and external triggering example. • configuring triggering — details how to confi...

  • Page 204: Idle

    10-2 triggering trigger model (front panel operation) the flowchart in figure 10-1 summarizes triggering for front panel operation. The trigger model is modeled after the remote commands used to control triggering. Refer to trigger model (remote operation) later in this section. Key trigger model se...

  • Page 205

    Triggering 10-3 never arm-in event immediate gpib timer manual tlink once never idle bypass arm event detector ? Arm event detector once source event detector trigger delay source action delay event detector delay action* measure event detector measure action immediate trigger link no yes turn outpu...

  • Page 206: Event Detection

    10-4 triggering event detection in general, operation is held up at an event detector until the programmed event occurs. Note however, that if an event detector has a bypass, operation can be programmed to loop around the event detector. Arm layer event detector bypass — as shown in figure 10-1, the...

  • Page 207: Trigger Delay

    Triggering 10-5 trigger layer the trigger layer uses three event detectors; one for each action (source, delay, and measure). Event detector bypass — as shown in figure 10-1, there is a bypass for the source event detector. This bypass is in effect only if trigger link is the selected trigger-in sou...

  • Page 208: Counters

    10-6 triggering measure action — during this phase of the sdm cycle, the measurement process takes place. If the repeat filter is enabled, as shown in the blow-up drawing for measure action, the instrument samples the specified number of reading conversions to yield a single filtered read- ing (meas...

  • Page 209: Bench Defaults

    Triggering 10-7 bench defaults the bench defaults are listed as follows. They are also denoted in figure 10-1 by the “✛” symbol. • arm-in event = immediate • trigger-in source = immediate • arm count = 1 • trigger count = 1 • trigger delay = 0.0 sec • delay action = 0.001 sec • source trigger in eve...

  • Page 210: Trigger Link

    10-8 triggering trigger link input and output triggers are received and sent via the rear panel trigger link connec- tor. The trigger link has four lines. At the factory, line #2 is selected for output triggers, and line #1 is selected for input triggers. These input/output line assignments can be c...

  • Page 211

    Triggering 10-9 output trigger specifications the sourcemeter can be programmed to output a trigger after various trigger model actions. See trigger model. The output trigger provides a ttl-compatible output pulse that can be used to trigger other instruments. The specifications for this trigger pul...

  • Page 212

    10-10 triggering the trigger link connections for this test system are shown in figure 10-6. Trigger link of the sourcemeter is connected to trigger link (in or out) of the switching mainframe. Note that with the default trigger settings of the switching mainframe, line #1 is an input, and line #2 i...

  • Page 213

    Triggering 10-11 step 6: set trigger out events to meas=on (all others to off) select events, then press enter. Select meas=off and toggle the value to on using the ▲ and ▼ keys. Press enter, and then press exit to return to the configure trig- layer menu. Step 7: set trigger count to 10 use the rig...

  • Page 214

    10-12 triggering operation 1. To store the readings in the sourcemeter buffer, press store, and set the buffer size for 10. When enter is pressed, the asterisk (*) annunciator will turn on to indicate the buffer is enabled. See section 8 for details. 2. Turn the sourcemeter output on. The sourcemete...

  • Page 215: Configuring Triggering

    Triggering 10-13 c) for the first pass through the model, the scanner does not wait at point b. Instead, it closes the first channel (point c). D) after the relay settles, the model 7001/2 outputs a trigger pulse. Since the instrument is programmed to scan 10 channels, operation loops back to point ...

  • Page 216

    10-14 triggering / ↓stest — event detection occurs when the sot line of the digital i/o port is pulsed low. After selecting this arm event, you will be prompted to select the state of the event detection bypass. With once selected, operation will loop around the arm event detector on each new pass t...

  • Page 217

    Triggering 10-15 • halt — use to return the sourcemeter to the idle state. Halt does not turn off the output. The programmed source level will still be available at the output terminals. The following actions will take the sourcemeter out of idle: - turn the output off and then on again. - re-select...

  • Page 218: Remote Triggering

    10-16 triggering remote triggering trigger model (remote operation) the trigger model flowchart in figure 10-9 summarizes remote trigger operation. Operation is controlled by scpi commands from the trigger subsystem. Key remote commands are included in the trigger model. Also note that the gpib defa...

  • Page 219

    Triggering 10-17 arm-in event immediate bus timer manual tlink nstest pstest bstest arm event detector source event detector trigger delay source action delay event detector delay** action measure event detector measure action no yes idle another arm ? Another trigger ? Yes no arm layer trigger laye...

  • Page 220: Event Detection

    10-18 triggering while operating within the trigger model (arm indicator on), most commands will not be executed until the sourcemeter completes all of its programmed source-measure operations and returns to the idle state. The ifc (interface clear), sdc (selected device clear) and dcl (device clear...

  • Page 221: Trigger Layer

    Triggering 10-19 nstest — event detection occurs when the sot (start of test) line of the digital i/o port is pulsed low. This pulse is received from the handler to start limit testing. See section 11. Pstest — event detection occurs when the sot (start of test) line of the digital i/o port is pulse...

  • Page 222: Trigger Delay

    10-20 triggering trigger delay a programmable delay is available before the source action. The trigger delay can be manually set from 0.00000 to 999.99990 seconds. Note that this delay is separate from the delay action of the sdm cycle. The delay action is discussed next. Source, delay, and measure ...

  • Page 223: Counters

    Triggering 10-21 counters programmable counters are used to repeat operations within the trigger model layers. For example, if performing a 10-point sweep, the trigger counter would be set to 10 (trigger: count 10). Operation will stay in the trigger layer until the 10 source-delay-measure points of...

  • Page 224: Gpib Defaults

    10-22 triggering gpib defaults the gpib defaults are listed as follows. They are also denoted in figure 10-9 by the “✛” symbol. • arm-in event = immediate • trigger-in source = immediate • arm count = 1 • trigger count = 1 • trigger delay = 0.0 sec • delay action = 0.001 sec • enabled event detector...

  • Page 225: Remote Trigger Commands

    Triggering 10-23 remote trigger commands table 10-1 summarizes remote trigger commands. These commands are covered in more detail in section 17 except for *trg, a common command covered in section 15. Table 10-1 remote trigger command command description :initiate take sourcemeter out of idle state....

  • Page 226: Remote Trigger Example

    10-24 triggering remote trigger example table 10-2 summarizes the command sequence for basic trigger operation. These commands set up the sourcemeter as follows: • arm layer source: bus • arm layer count: 2 • trigger layer delay: 0.1s • trigger layer count: 10 • trigger layer output events: source a...

  • Page 227

    11 limit testing • types of limits — discusses the three types of limits: compliance, coarse limits, and fine limits. Also summarizes the two operating modes; grading and sorting. • operation overview — covers binning control and pass/fail conditions. • binning systems — details the handler interfac...

  • Page 228: Types Of Limits

    11-2 limit testing types of limits as shown in figure 11-1, there are 11 limit tests that can be performed on a dut. • limit 1: compliance test • limit 2: course limits • limits 3, 5-12: fine limits a test is only performed if it is enabled. Thus, you can perform one, two, or all 11 tests. The tests...

  • Page 229: Data Flow

    Limit testing 11-3 data flow all limit tests are part of the calc2 data block. See appendix c for an overview on how limit testing fits into the overall data flow through the sourcemeter. Limit 1 test (compliance) this hardware (h/w) test checks the compliance state of the sourcemeter. It uses the p...

  • Page 230: Limit Test Modes

    11-4 limit testing limit test modes there are two modes of operation for limit tests; grading and sorting. For limit 1 test (com- pliance), operation is similar for both limit test modes. If limit 1 test fails, the “fail” message is displayed and the testing process for that dut (or dut element) is ...

  • Page 231

    Limit testing 11-5 perform limit 1 test ? Yes no pass ? No yes display “fail” perform limit 2 test ? Yes no pass ? No yes perform limit 3, 5-12 tests ? Yes no pass ? No yes another test cycle ? No yes start turn output on and press limit key. Output first fail pattern test another device ? No yes st...

  • Page 232

    11-6 limit testing binning control the binning control selection determines when the testing process stops and the appropriate binning operation occurs. The results are communicated through the digital i/o port based on limit test data. (see binning systems later in this section.) there are two type...

  • Page 233

    Limit testing 11-7 pass condition for this discussion, assume that all grading mode limit tests pass. After the three limit tests pass, the “pass” message is displayed, and operation drops down to the binning control deci- sion block. (note that the pass condition can also be determined with the :ca...

  • Page 234: Sorting Mode

    11-8 limit testing sorting mode sorting mode limits operation is detailed by the flowchart in figure 11-5. A test is only per- formed if it is enabled. If disabled, operation proceeds to the next test. The following assumes the digital output of the sourcemeter is connected to a component handler fo...

  • Page 235

    Limit testing 11-9 perform limit 1 test ? Yes no pass ? No yes display “fail” perform limit 2 test ? Yes no pass ? No yes perform limit 3, 5-12 tests ? Yes no pass ? No yes start turn output on and press limit key. Output fail pattern test another device ? No yes stop press limit wait for sot pulse ...

  • Page 236: Binning Systems

    11-10 limit testing binning systems the sourcemeter can be used with a component handler to perform binning operations on dut packages. With this system, you can test single-element devices (i.E., resistor). Adding a scanner to the system allows binning operations on multiple-element dut packages. S...

  • Page 237: Handler Types

    Limit testing 11-11 sot line the input line (sot) of the digital i/o is used to control the start of the testing process. When ↓stest is the selected arm event of the trigger model, the testing process will start when the sot line is pulsed low. When ↑stest is the selected arm event, the testing pro...

  • Page 238: Basic Binning Systems

    11-12 limit testing category register component handler when using this type of handler, the sourcemeter sends a bit pattern to three handler lines when a pass or fail condition occurs. This bit pattern determines the bin assignment for the dut. With the pass/fail pattern on the output, line #4 is t...

  • Page 239

    Limit testing 11-13 multiple-element device binning figure 11-8 shows a basic binning system to test three-element resistor networks. Note that this system requires a scanner card that is installed in a switching mainframe. Scanner card switching is controlled through the trigger link. End binning c...

  • Page 240: Auto-Clear Timing

    11-14 limit testing digital output clear pattern after every binning operation, the digital output needs to be reset to a clear pattern, which serves as a “no action” condition for the component handler. The sourcemeter can be programmed to automatically clear the digital output after the pass or fa...

  • Page 241: Configuring Limit Tests

    Limit testing 11-15 configuring and performing limit tests configuring limit tests press config and then limits to display the config limits menu. The limits con- figuration menu is structured shown below and in figure 11-10. The limits configuration menu is structured as follows. Note that bullets ...

  • Page 242

    11-16 limit testing in sorting mode, a reading will fail if it fails the compliance test, or is not within any of the digital i/o bands. If the tests pass and only limit 1 is enabled, the associated pass pattern will be output. Otherwise, the first limit test band that passes will output its lower l...

  • Page 243: Performing Limit Tests

    Limit testing 11-17 • eot mode — use this menu item to control the operation of digital i/o line 4 to act as an eot (end of test) or busy signal: - eot — in 3-bit mode, automatically output a hi pulse on digital i/o line 4 at end of test. In 4-bit mode, eot is not automatically controlled. - /eot — ...

  • Page 244

    11-18 limit testing 3. Press meas v or meas i to select the desired measurement function, then choose the desired measurement range. Refer to the basic source-measure procedure in section 3 for more information. Step 3: configure limit tests. Select and configure the following limit tests parameters...

  • Page 245: Remote Limit Testing

    Limit testing 11-19 remote limit testing limit commands table 11-1 summarizes remote commands to control limit testing. See calculate2 and source2 in section 17 for more details on these commands. T a ble 11-1 limit commands command* description* :calculate2:feed select limit test input path (name =...

  • Page 246

    11-20 limit testing limit test programming example diode breakdown voltage test is an example that readily lends itself to pass/fail analysis. This test verifies the reverse and often the forward voltage at which the device begins to show a large deviation in current for a small deviation in voltage...

  • Page 247

    Limit testing 11-21 table 11-2 summarizes the basic scpi command sequence for performing a limit test for the diode breakdown and table 11-3 summarizes pass/fail parameters. Note additional programming steps will be necessary to test the values returned by the :calc2:lim2:fail? And :calc:lim3:fail? ...

  • Page 248

    11-22 limit testing.

  • Page 249

    12 digital i/o port, interlock, and output configuration • digital i/o port — discusses the various input/output lines on the digital i/o port as well as the +5v line that can be used to power external logic circuits. • safety interlock — describes how to use the digital i/o port as a safety interlo...

  • Page 250: Digital I/o Port

    12-2 digital i/o port, interlock, and output configuration digital i/o port the sourcemeter has a digital input/output port that can be used to control external digital circuitry, such as a handler that is used to perform binning operations when testing limits. Port configuration the digital i/o por...

  • Page 251

    Digital i/o port, interlock, and output configuration 12-3 eot/busy line line 4 can be used for a normal bit pattern, eot (end-of-test), or busy signal, depending on the selected end of test mode. Note see section 11 for details on performing limit tests and section 10 for information on programming...

  • Page 252

    12-4 digital i/o port, interlock, and output configuration source operation figure 12-3 shows the basic output configuration for source operation. In this case, the external relay coil is connected between the digital output line (pins 1 to 4) and ground (pin 9). With this configuration, the digital...

  • Page 253

    Digital i/o port, interlock, and output configuration 12-5 remote digital output control use the :source:ttl command to control the digital output line logic levels, where is the decimal value shown in table 12-1. For example, send the following com- mand to set the output lines to l, h, l, h: :sour...

  • Page 254: Safety Interlock

    12-6 digital i/o port, interlock, and output configuration safety interlock the digital i/o port provides an interlock line for use with a test fixture interlock switch. When properly used, the output of the sourcemeter will turn off when the lid of the test fixture is opened. See connections in sec...

  • Page 255: Configure Output Menu

    Digital i/o port, interlock, and output configuration 12-7 front panel output configuration the output is configured from the configure output menu and is structured as fol- lows. Note that bullets indicate the primary items of the sweep menu, while dashes indicate options. Use section 1, rules to n...

  • Page 256: Output-Off States

    12-8 digital i/o port, interlock, and output configuration output-off states normal when in this relatively high-impedance output-off state, the v-source is selected and set to 0v. Current compliance is set to 0.5% full scale of the present current range. In theory, with the v-source set to zero, th...

  • Page 257

    Digital i/o port, interlock, and output configuration 12-9 guard with this output-off state, the current source is selected and set to 0a. Voltage compliance is set to 0.5% full scale of the present voltage range. This output-off state should be used when performing 6-wire guarded ohms measurements ...

  • Page 258

    12-10 digital i/o port, interlock, and output configuration output configuration programming example table 12-3 lists the command sequence for output configuration. These commands set up the sourcemeter as follows: • interlock: enabled • output-off mode: normal • auto-off mode: on note connect pins ...

  • Page 259

    13 remote operations • differences: remote vs. Local operation — summarizes remote operation enhance- ments and local-to-remote and remote-to-local transitions. • selecting an interface — describes how to select between the gpib and rs-232 interfaces. • gpib operation — covers gpib bus standards, bu...

  • Page 260: Local-to-Remote Transition

    13-2 remote operations differences: remote vs. Local operation operation enhancements (remote operation) there are some source-measure operations you can do over the ieee-488 bus and rs-232 interface that you cannot do from the front panel; these are summarized below. Math expressions there are five...

  • Page 261: Remote-to-Local Transition

    Remote operations 13-3 remote-to-local transition when changing from remote to local operation, the following actions occur. • the sourcemeter stops performing source-measure operations and returns to the idle state (arm annunciator off). • all sweep operations are aborted. • all user-defined displa...

  • Page 262: Gpib Operation

    13-4 remote operations gpib operation this section contains information about gpib standards, bus connections, and primary address selection. Gpib standards the gpib is the ieee-488 instrumentation data bus with hardware and programming stan- dards originally adopted by the ieee (institute of electr...

  • Page 263

    Remote operations 13-5 figure 13-2 shows a typical connecting scheme for a multi-unit test system. To avoid possible mechanical damage, stack no more than three connectors on any one unit. Note to minimize interference caused by electromagnetic radiation, use only shielded ieee-488 cables. Available...

  • Page 264: Primary Address

    13-6 remote operations 3. Connect any additional connectors from other instruments as required for your application. 4. Make sure the other end of the cable is properly connected to the controller. Most con- trollers are equipped with an ieee-488 style connector, but a few may require a differ- ent ...

  • Page 265: Ren (Remote Enable)

    Remote operations 13-7 ren (remote enable) the remote enable command is sent to the sourcemeter by the controller to set up the instru- ment for remote operation. Generally, the instrument should be placed in the remote mode before you attempt to program it over the bus. Setting ren true does not pl...

  • Page 266: Dcl (Device Clear)

    13-8 remote operations dcl (device clear) use the dcl command to clear the gpib interface and return it to a known state. Note that the dcl command is not an addressed command, so all instruments equipped to implement dcl will do so simultaneously. When the sourcemeter receives a dcl command, it cle...

  • Page 267: Error And Status Messages

    Remote operations 13-9 front panel gpib operation this section describes aspects of the front panel that are part of gpib operation, including messages, status indicators, and the local key. Error and status messages see appendix b for a list of status and error messages associated with ieee-488 pro...

  • Page 268: Local Key

    13-10 remote operations local key the local key cancels the remote state and restores local operation of the instrument. Pressing the local key also turns off the rem indicator and returns the display to normal if a user-defined message was displayed. If the llo (local lockout) command is in effect,...

  • Page 269

    Remote operations 13-11 parameter types — the following are some of the more common parameter types: boolean — used to enable or disable an instrument operation. 0 or off dis- ables the operation, and 1 or on enables the operation. Example: :calculate1:state on enable calc 1 math expression name par...

  • Page 270: Query Commands

    13-12 remote operations angle brackets — angle brackets () are used to denote a parameter type. Do not in- clude the brackets in the program message. For example: :output the indicates a boolean-type parameter is required. Therefore, to enable the selected source, you must send the command with the ...

  • Page 271: Short-Form Rules

    Remote operations 13-13 short-form rules use the following rules to determine the short-form version of any scpi command: • if the length of the command word is four letters or less, no short form version exists. Example: :auto = :auto these rules apply to command words that exceed four letters: • i...

  • Page 272

    13-14 remote operations single command messages the above command structure has three levels. The first level is made up of the root command (:status) and serves as a path. The second level is made up of another path (:operation) and a command (:preset). The third path is made up of one command for ...

  • Page 273: Response Messages

    Remote operations 13-15 • when the path pointer detects a colon (:) that immediately follows a semicolon (;), it resets back to the root level. • the path pointer can only move down. It cannot be moved up a level. Executing a com- mand at a higher level requires that you start over at the root comma...

  • Page 274: Message Exchange Protocol

    13-16 remote operations multiple response messages if you send more than one query command in the same program message (multiple com- mand messages ), the multiple response messages for all the queries are sent to the computer when the sourcemeter is addressed to talk. The responses are sent in the ...

  • Page 275: Baud Rate

    Remote operations 13-17 baud rate the baud rate is the rate at which the sourcemeter and the programming terminal communi- cate. Choose one these available rates: • 57600 • 38400 • 19200 • 9600 • 4800 • 2400 • 1200 • 600 • 300 the factory selected baud rate is 9600. When you choose a baud rate, make...

  • Page 276: Rs-232 Connections

    13-18 remote operations flow control (signal handshaking) signal handshaking between the controller and the instrument lets the two devices commu- nicate with each other about readiness to receive data. The sourcemeter does not support hard- ware handshaking (flow control). Software flow control is ...

  • Page 277: Error Messages

    Remote operations 13-19 table 13-3 provides pinout identification for the 9-pin (db-9) or 25-pin (db-25) serial port connector on the computer (pc). Error messages see appendix b for rs-232 error messages. Table 13-2 rs-232 connector pinout pin number description 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 not used txd, tran...

  • Page 278: Programming Example

    13-20 remote operations programming example the following quickbasic 4.5 programming example will control the sourcemeter via the rs-232 com2 port. Place the sourcemeter into the rs-232 mode from the front panel main menu (press menu, select communication, select rs-232). When the communication sett...

  • Page 279

    14 status structure • overview — provides an operational overview of the status structure for the sourcemeter. • clearing registers and queues — covers the actions that clear (reset) registers and queues. • programming and reading registers — explains how to program enable registers and read any reg...

  • Page 280: Overview

    14-2 status structure overview the sourcemeter provides a series of status registers and queues allowing the operator to monitor and manipulate the various instrument events. The status structure is shown in figure 14-1. The heart of the status structure is the status byte register. This register ca...

  • Page 281

    Status structure 14-3 3 5 6 cal 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 condition register (always zero) 3 5 6 9 10 12 13 14 15 event register 3 5 6 9 10 12 13 14 15 event enable register & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & & logical or 7 8 12 13 15 condition register 7 8 12 13 15 event register 7 8 12 13 15 event enable reg...

  • Page 282

    14-4 status structure clearing registers and queues when the sourcemeter is turned on, the bits of all registers in the status structure are cleared (reset to 0), and the two queues are empty. Commands to reset the event and event enable regis- ters, and the error queue are listed in table 14-1. In ...

  • Page 283

    Status structure 14-5 programming and reading registers programming enable registers the only registers that can be programmed by the user are the enable registers. All other reg- isters in the status structure are read-only registers. The following explains how to ascertain the parameter values for...

  • Page 284: Reading Registers

    14-6 status structure the (non-decimal numeric) parameter type is used to send non-decimal values. These values require a header (#b, #h, or #q) to identify the data format being sent. The letter in the header can be upper or lower case. The (numeric representation format) parame- ter type is used t...

  • Page 285

    Status structure 14-7 status byte and service request (srq) service request is controlled by two 8-bit registers; the status byte register and the service request enable register. Figure 14-3 shows the structure of these registers. Table 14-2 data format commands for reading status registers command...

  • Page 286: Status Byte Register

    14-8 status structure status byte register the summary messages from the status registers and queues are used to set or clear the appropriate bits (b0, b2, b3, b4, b5, and b7) of the status byte register. These summary bits do not latch, and their states (0 or 1) are solely dependent on the summary ...

  • Page 287: Serial Polling And Srq

    Status structure 14-9 service request enable register the generation of a service request is controlled by the service request enable register. This register is programmed by you and is used to enable or disable the setting of bit b6 (rqs/ mss) by the status summary message bits (b0, b2, b3, b4, b5,...

  • Page 288

    14-10 status structure status byte and service request commands the commands to program and read the status byte register and service request enable register are listed in table 14-3. For details on programming and reading registers, see pro- gramming enable registers and reading registers. Note to ...

  • Page 289: Status Register Sets

    Status structure 14-11 status register sets as shown in figure 14-1, there are four status register sets in the status structure of the sourcemeter: standard event status, operation event status, measurement event status, and questionable event status. Note see appendix b for details on which regist...

  • Page 290

    14-12 status structure • bit b4, execution error (exe) — set bit indicates that the sourcemeter detected an error while trying to execute a command. • bit b5, command error (cme) — set bit indicates that a command error has occurred. Command errors include: - ieee-488.2 syntax error — sourcemeter re...

  • Page 291

    Status structure 14-13 swp (b3) — (b2) — (b1) cal (b0) — (b4) trig (b5) arm (b6) — (b9 - b7) idle (b10) — (b15 - b11) operation condition register operation event register operation event enable register & & & & & or to operation summary bit (osb) of status byte register (figure 14-3) stat: oper: co...

  • Page 292

    14-14 status structure measurement event register the used bits of the measurement event register (shown in figure 14-6) are described as follows: • bit b0, limit 1 fail (l1) — set bit indicates that the limit 1 test has failed. • bit b1, low limit 2 fail (ll2) — set bit indicates that the low limit...

  • Page 293

    Status structure 14-15 ll3 (b3) hl2 (b2) ll2 (b1) l1 (b0) hl3 (b4) lp (b5) rav (b6) rof (b7) bav (b8) bfl (b9) (b10) ot (b12) measurement condition register bfl (b9) (b10) measurement event register (b10) measurement event enable register & & & & & & or to measurement summary bit (osb) of status byt...

  • Page 294: Condition Registers

    14-16 status structure questionable event register the used bits of the questionable event register (shown in figure 14-7) are described as follows: • bits b0 through b7 — not used. • bit b8, calibration summary (cal) — set bit indicates that an invalid calibration con- stant was detected during the...

  • Page 295: Event Registers

    Status structure 14-17 event registers as figure 14-1 shows, each status register set has an event register. When an event occurs, the appropriate event register bit sets to 1. The bit remains latched to 1 until the register is reset. Reading an event register clears the bits of that register. *cls ...

  • Page 296

    14-18 status structure programming example - program and read register set the command sequence in table 14-8 programs and reads the measurement register set. Registers are read using the binary format (which directly indicates which bits are set). The command to select format (format:sregister) is ...

  • Page 297: Queues

    Status structure 14-19 queues the sourcemeter uses two queues, which are first-in, first-out (fifo) registers: • output queue — used to hold reading and response messages. • error queue — used to hold error and status messages. (see appendix b.) the sourcemeter status model (figure 14-1) shows how t...

  • Page 298

    14-20 status structure on power-up, all error messages are enabled and will go into the error queue as they occur. Status messages are not enabled and will not go into the queue. As listed in table 14-9, there are commands to enable and/or disable messages. For these commands, the parameter is used ...

  • Page 299

    15 common commands • command summary — lists the ieee-488.2 common commands used by the sourcemeter. • command reference — provides a detailed reference for all common commands except for those associated with the status structure, which are discussed in section 14..

  • Page 300: Command Summary

    15-2 common commands command summary common commands (summarized in table 15-1) are device commands that are common to all devices on the bus. These commands are designated and defined by the ieee-488.2 stan- dard. Most of these commands are described in detail in this section. Note the following co...

  • Page 301: Command Reference

    Common commands 15-3 command reference *idn? — identification query reads identification code the identification code includes the manufacturer, model number, serial number, and firm- ware revision levels and is sent in the following format: keithley instruments inc., model 6430, xxxxxxx, yyyyy/zzzz...

  • Page 302: *sav  — Save

    15-4 common commands *opc programming example the command sequence in table 15-2 will perform 10 measurements. After the measure- ments are completed (in approximately 10 seconds), an ascii “1” will be placed in the output queue and displayed on the computer crt. Note that additional codes must be a...

  • Page 303: *rst — Reset

    Common commands 15-5 *sav, *rcl programming example table 15-3 summarizes the basic command sequence for saving and recalling a setup. The present setup is stored in memory location 2, gpib defaults are restored, and the memory loca- tion 2 setup is recalled. *rst — reset return sourcemeter to gpib ...

  • Page 304: *tst? — Self-Test Query

    15-6 common commands *trg programming example the command sequence in table 15-4 configures the sourcemeter to be controlled by bus triggers. The last command, which sends a bus trigger, triggers one measurement. Each subse- quent bus trigger will also trigger a single measurement. Note with :arm:so...

  • Page 305

    16 scpi signal-oriented measurement commands • command summary — summarizes those commands used to configure and acquire readings. • configuring measurement function — provides detailed information on commands to configure the measurement function. • acquiring readings — describes commands to acquir...

  • Page 306: Command Summary

    16-2 scpi signal-oriented measurement commands command summary the signal-oriented measurement commands are used to acquire readings. You can use these high-level instructions to control the measurement process. These commands are summarized in table 16-1. Configuring measurement function :configure...

  • Page 307: Acquiring Readings

    Scpi signal-oriented measurement commands 16-3 warning when :configure is sent, the output will turn on. Beware of hazardous voltage that may be present on the output terminals. Note this command is automatically asserted when the :measure? Command is sent. Acquiring readings :fetch? Description thi...

  • Page 308: [:sense[1]]:data[:latest]?

    16-4 scpi signal-oriented measurement commands [:sense[1]]:data[:latest]? Description this command works exactly like fetch?, except that it returns only the most recent reading. :read? Description this command is used to trigger and acquire readings. The number of read- ings depends on how the trig...

  • Page 309: :measure[:]?

    Scpi signal-oriented measurement commands 16-5 :measure[:]? Parameters = current[:dc] amps function voltage[:dc] volts function resistance ohms function description this command combines other signal-oriented measurement commands to perform a “one-shot” measurement and acquire the reading. Note that...

  • Page 310

    16-6 scpi signal-oriented measurement commands.

  • Page 311

    17 scpi command reference • reference tables — summarizes each scpi command subsystem. • scpi subsystems — provides detailed information on all commands in each scpi subsystem..

  • Page 312: Reference Tables

    17-2 scpi command reference reference tables tables 17-1 through 17-10 summarize the commands for each scpi subsystem. The follow- ing list includes the scpi subsystem commands, the table number where each command is summarized, and the reference page where detailed information begins. General notes...

  • Page 313

    Scpi command reference 17-3 table 17-1 calculate command summary command description default parameter scpi source memory :calculate[1] :math [:expression] [:expression]? :catalog? :name :name? [:define] :delete [:selected] :all :units :units? :state :state? :data :latest? :data? :calculate2 :feed :...

  • Page 318

    17-8 scpi command reference table 17-2 display command summary command description default parameter scpi :display :enable :enable? :cndisplay [:window[1]] :text :data :data? :state :state? :data? :attributes? :window2 :text :data :data? :state :state? :data? :attributes? :digits :digits? Turn on or...

  • Page 319

    Scpi command reference 17-9 table 17-3 format command summary command description default parameter scpi :format :sregister :sregister? [:data] [] [:data]? :border :border? :elements [:sense[1]] [:sense[1]]? :calculate :calculate? :source2 :source2? Select data format for reading status event regist...

  • Page 325

    Scpi command reference 17-15 command description default parameter scpi source memory :source[1] :voltage :start :start? :stop :stop? :step :step? :span :span? :center :center? :soak :soak? :sweep :spacing :spacing? :points :points? :direction :direction? :ranging :ranging? :list :current :append :p...

  • Page 326

    17-16 scpi command reference command description default parameter scpi source memory :source[1] :memory :save :recall :points :points? :start :start? :source2 :bsize :bsize? :ttl [:level] [:default] , :actual? [:default]? :ttl4 :mode :mode? :bstate :bstate? :clear [:immediate] :auto :auto? :delay :...

  • Page 327

    Scpi command reference 17-17 table 17-7 status command summary command description default parameter scpi :status :measurement [:event]? :enable or :enable? :condition? :operation [:event]? :enable or :enable? :condition? :questionable [:event]? :enable or :enable? :condition? :preset :queue [:next]...

  • Page 328

    17-18 scpi command reference table 17-8 system command summary command description default parameter scpi memory :system :preset :posetup :posetup? :version? :error [:next]? :all? :count? :code [:next]? All? :clear :key :key? :guard :guard? :beeper [:immediate] :state :state? :azero [:state] [:state...

  • Page 329

    Scpi command reference 17-19 command description default parameter scpi memory :system :time :reset :auto :time? :memory :initialize :local :remote :rwlock :rcmode :rcmode? :mep [:state]? :holdoff timestamp: reset timestamp to zero seconds. Enable/disable timestamp reset on exiting idle. Query times...

  • Page 330

    17-20 scpi command reference table 17-10 trigger command summary command description default parameter scpi :initiate[:immediate] :abort :arm [:sequence[1]] [:layer[1]] :count :count? :source :source? :timer :timer? [:tconfigure] :direction :direction? [:asynchronous] :iline :iline? :oline :oline? :...

  • Page 331

    Scpi command reference 17-21 command description default parameter scpi :trigger [:sequence[1]] [:tconfigure] :direction :direction [:asynchronous] :iline :iline? :input :input? :oline :oline? :output :output? Enable (source) or disable (acceptor) bypass. Query state of bypass. Configure output trig...

  • Page 332: Calculate Subsystems

    17-22 scpi command reference calculate subsystems there are three calculate subsystems. The calc1 subsystem is used for math expressions, calc2 is used for limit tests, and calc3 provides statistical data on readings stored in the buffer. The commands in these subsystems are summarized in table 17-1...

  • Page 333

    Scpi command reference 17-23 when you want to create a new user-defined math expression, perform the following steps in order: 1. If desired, assign units to the calculation result. See :units. Units is stored for the calculation. 2. Assign a name to the expression (using up to 10 ascii characters) ...

  • Page 334

    17-24 scpi command reference +817 “unknown token” — attempted to define an expression using an invalid function name. +818 “error parsing mantissa” — occurs when a floating point number has an invalid mantissa. +819 “error parsing exponent” — occurs when a floating point number has an invalid expone...

  • Page 335

    Scpi command reference 17-25 :sour:swe:poin 2 :trig:coun 2 :calc:math:expr:name “offcompohm” :calc:stat on :output on :init :calc:data? Resistor voltage coefficient *rst :sens:func:on:all :sens:res:mode man :sour:func:on voltor curr if :sour:func volt then :sour:volt:star ; stop ; mode swe if :sour:...

  • Page 336

    17-26 scpi command reference *rst :sens:func:off:all :sens:func:on or “res” :calc:math:unit “%” :calc:math:expr:name “per_dev” :calc:math:expr ((res - 10e3) / 10e3) * 100 :calc:math:expr:name “per_dev” (optional command) :calc:stat on :output on :init :calc:data? Note parameter referenced in the :so...

  • Page 337: Assign Unit Suffix

    Scpi command reference 17-27 assign unit suffix :units :calculate[1]:math:units specify units for user-defined calculation parameters = three ascii characters enclosed in single or double quotes query :units? Query units for user-defined calculation description this command is used to specify the un...

  • Page 338

    17-28 scpi command reference note the log and ln operations are performed on the absolute value of the specified num- ber. For example, log (100) = 2 and log (-100) = 2. Expressions are evaluated according to the following precedence rules: 1. Enclosed by parentheses 2. Unary operators (+ and -) 3. ...

  • Page 339

    Scpi command reference 17-29 tions, the calculation will yield one result every 10 sdm cycles. The fourth voltage reading (vector 3) and the 10th voltage reading (vector 9) are used for the calculation. Now assume that the sourcemeter is configured to perform 20 source- measure operations. Since the...

  • Page 340

    17-30 scpi command reference enable and read math expression result :state :calculate[1]:state control calc1 parameters = 0 or off disable calc1 calculation 1 or on enable calc1 calculation query :state? Query state (on or off) of calc1 description this command is used to enable or disable the calc1...

  • Page 341: Calculate2

    Scpi command reference 17-31 calculate2 configure and control limit tests the following commands are used to configure and control the three limit tests for dut. When used with a handler to provide binning operations, communication between the sourcemeter and the handler is provided via the digital ...

  • Page 342: Read Calc2

    17-32 scpi command reference :acquire :calculate2:null:acquire automatically acquire rel value description this command automatically acquires the null offset value. The next avail- able reading will become the offset value. :state :calculate2:null:state control null offset parameters = 1 or on enab...

  • Page 343

    Scpi command reference 17-33 configure and control limit tests :compliance:fail :calculate2:limit[1]:compliance:fail parameters = in fail limit 1 test when unit goes into compliance out fail limit 1 test when unit comes out of compliance query :fail? Query when limit 1 test failure occurs descriptio...

  • Page 345

    Scpi command reference 17-35 use the following table to determine the parameter value for the desired decimal digital output pattern. For non-decimal parameters, convert the dec- imal value to its binary, octal, or hexadecimal equivalent. The sourcemeter can be configured to place the defined “fail”...

  • Page 346

    17-36 scpi command reference query :source2? Query programmed source value description this command is used to define the 3-bit or 4-bit output pattern for the digital i/o port when a test (limit 2, 3, 5-12) for the sorting mode passes. Note that the output value can be specified in binary, octal, d...

  • Page 349: Clear Test Results

    Scpi command reference 17-39 :mode :calculate2:climits:mode control digital i/o port pass/fail output parameters = grading output graded “pass/fail” pattern sorting output sorted “pass/fail” pattern query :mode? Query digital i/o pass/fail mode description this command controls how limit calculation...

  • Page 350: Calculate3

    17-40 scpi command reference calculate3 provides statistical data on buffer readings select statistic :format :calculate3:format specify calc3 format parameters = mean mean value of readings in buffer sdeviation standard deviation of readings in buffer maximum largest reading in buffer minimum lowes...

  • Page 351: :display Subsystem

    Scpi command reference 17-41 2. If there are a lot of readings stored in the buffer, some statistic operations may take too long and cause a bus time-out error. To avoid this, send the :calc3:data? Command and then wait for the mav (message available) bit in the status byte register to set before ad...

  • Page 352

    17-42 scpi command reference :enable :display:enable control display circuitry parameters = 0 or off disable display circuitry 1 or on enable display circuitry query :enable? Query state of display description this command is used to enable and disable the front panel display cir- cuitry. When disab...

  • Page 353: Read Display

    Scpi command reference 17-43 read display :data? :display[:window[1]]:data? Read top display :display:window2:data? Read bottom display description these query commands are used to read what is currently being displayed on the top and bottom displays. After sending one of these commands and addressi...

  • Page 354: Format Subsystem

    17-44 scpi command reference :state :display[:window[1]]:text:state control message; top display :display:window2:text:state control message; bottom display parameters = 0 or off disable text message for specified display 1 or on enable text message for specified display query :state? Query state of...

  • Page 355

    Scpi command reference 17-45 note regardless of which data format for output strings is selected, the sourcemeter will only respond to input commands using the ascii format. Ascii format the ascii data format is in a direct readable form for the operator. Most basic languages easily convert ascii ma...

  • Page 356: Data Elements

    17-46 scpi command reference during binary transfers, never un-talk the sourcemeter until after the data is read (input) to the computer. Also, to avoid erratic operation, the readings of the data string (and terminator) should be acquired in one piece. The header (#0) can be read separately before ...

  • Page 357

    Scpi command reference 17-47 voltage — this element provides the voltage measurement or the pro- grammed voltage source reading. If sourcing voltage and measuring volt- age, this element will provide the voltage measurement (measure reading takes priority over source reading). If voltage is not sour...

  • Page 358

    17-48 scpi command reference bit 13 (Ω-meas) — set to 1 if Ω-measure is enabled. Bit 14 (v-sour) — set to 1 if v-source used. Bit 15 (i-sour) — set to 1 if i-source used. Bit 16 (range compliance) — set to 1 if in “range” compliance. Bit 17 (offset compensation) — set to 1 if offset compensated ohms...

  • Page 359

    Scpi command reference 17-49 grading mode status bit values: example reading string the example ascii reading string shown in figure 17-1 shows a measure- ment of a 10kΩ resistor, with the sourcemeter configured to source i mea- sure v. The voltage reading is the voltage measurement (1.000236v), the...

  • Page 360: Calc Data Elements

    17-50 scpi command reference :source2 :format:source2 set sour2 and ttl response formats parameters = ascii ascii format hexadecimal hexadecimal format octal octal format binary binary format query :source2? Query response format description this command controls the response format for all calc2:xx...

  • Page 361: Byte Order

    Scpi command reference 17-51 byte order :border :format:border specify binary byte order parameters = normal normal byte order for binary formats swapped reverse byte order for binary formats query :border? Query byte order description this command is used to control the byte order for the ieee-754 ...

  • Page 362: Output Subsystem

    17-52 scpi command reference output subsystem this subsystem is used to control the output of the selected source, and the interlock. These commands are summarized in table 17-4. Turn source on or off [:state] :output[1][:state] turn source on or off parameters = 0 or off turn source off (standby) 1...

  • Page 363: Output-Off States

    Scpi command reference 17-53 :tripped? :output[1]:interlock:tripped? Description this query command is used to determine if the enabled interlock has been tripped. The tripped condition (“1”) means that the source can be turned on (interlock line at logic low level). A “0” will be returned if the so...

  • Page 364: Sense1 Subsystem

    17-54 scpi command reference sense1 subsystem the sense1 subsystem is used to configure and control the measurement functions of the sourcemeter. Many of the commands are global, where a single command affects all functions. Some commands are unique to a specific function. For example, you can progr...

  • Page 365

    Scpi command reference 17-55 query [:on]? Query functions that are enabled :off? Query functions that are disabled description when concurrent measurements are enabled, these commands are used to enable or disable functions to be measured. The [:on] command is used to include (enable) one or more me...

  • Page 366

    17-56 scpi command reference note the function name must be enclosed in double or single quotes (i.E., :func:stat? “volt”). Description this command is used to query the state of the specified measurement func- tion. A returned response message of “0” indicates that the specified func- tion is disab...

  • Page 367: Select Measurement Range

    Scpi command reference 17-57 select measurement range notes: 1. You cannot select a current measurement range if sourcing current. Conversely, you cannot select a voltage measurement range if sourcing voltage. Also, autorange cannot be enabled for those source-measure configurations. The programmed ...

  • Page 368: Select Auto Range

    17-58 scpi command reference select auto range :auto [:sense[1]]:current[:dc]:range:auto control auto ranging for amps [:sense[1]]:voltage[:dc]:range:auto control auto ranging for volts [:sense[1]]:resistance:range:auto control auto ranging for ohms parameters = 0 or off disable auto range 1 or on e...

  • Page 369: Set Compliance Limit

    Scpi command reference 17-59 set compliance limit [:level] [:sense[1]]:current[:dc]:protection[:level] set current compliance [:sense[1]]:voltage[:dc]:protection[:level] set voltage compliance parameters = -105e-3 to 105e-3 current compliance limit -210 to 210 voltage compliance limit default 105ua,...

  • Page 370: Set Measurement Speed

    17-60 scpi command reference set measurement speed :nplcycles [:sense[1]]:current[:dc]:nplcycles set speed (plc) [:sense[1]]:voltage[:dc]:nplcycles set speed (plc) [:sense[1]]:resistance:nplcycles set speed (plc) parameters = 0.01 to 10 power-line cycles per integration default 10 minimum 0.01 maxim...

  • Page 371

    Scpi command reference 17-61 repeat filter commands :repeat:count [:sense[1]]:average:repeat:count set repeat filter count parameters = 1 to 100 specify repeat filter count default 1 minimum 1 maximum 100 query :count? Query filter count :count? Default query the *rst default filter count :count? Mi...

  • Page 372

    17-62 scpi command reference :median[:state] [:sense[1]]:median[:state] enable/disable median filter parameters = 0 or off disable repeat filter 1 or on enable repeat filter query [:state]? Query state of repeat filter description this command is used to enable or disable the median filter. When ena...

  • Page 373

    Scpi command reference 17-63 :advanced:ntolerance [:sense[1]]:average:advanced:ntolerance set moving filter noise filter parameters = 0 to 105 specify filter noise filter in % query :ntolerance? Query filter noise filter value description when the advanced filter is enabled, using the next command, ...

  • Page 374: Source Subsystem

    17-64 scpi command reference source subsystem this subsystem is used to configure and control the i-source and v-source, and to set the logic level (high or low) of each digital output line. The commands for this subsystem are sum- marized in table 17-6. Source[1] use the following commands to confi...

  • Page 375: Select Function Mode

    Scpi command reference 17-65 select function mode [:mode] :source[1]:function[:mode] select source mode parameters = voltage select voltage mode current select current mode memory select memory mode query [:mode]? Query selected source description this command is used to select the source mode. With...

  • Page 376: Select Range

    17-66 scpi command reference select range :range :source[1]:current:range select range for i-source :source[1]:voltage:range select range for v-source parameters = -105e-3 to 105e-3 specify i-source level (amps) -210 to 210 specify v-source level (volts) default i-source: 100µa range v-source: 20v r...

  • Page 377

    Scpi command reference 17-67 :auto :source[1]:current:range:auto select auto range for i-source :source[1]:voltage:range:auto select auto range for v-source parameters = 0 or off disable auto range 1 or on enable auto range query auto? Query state of auto range description this command is used to en...

  • Page 378

    17-68 scpi command reference if a manual source range is presently selected, then the specified amplitude cannot exceed that range. For example, if the v-source is on the 2v range (auto range disabled), you will not be able to set the v-source amplitude to 3v. In auto range, the amplitude can be set...

  • Page 379: Set Voltage Limit

    Scpi command reference 17-69 set voltage limit [:level] :source[1]:voltage:protection[:level] set voltage limit for v-source parameters = -210 to 210 specify v-source limit 20 set limit to 20v 40 set limit to 40v 60 set limit to 60v 80 set limit to 80v 100 set limit to 100v 120 set limit to 120v 160...

  • Page 380: Set Delay

    17-70 scpi command reference set delay :delay :source[1]:delay manually set source delay parameters = 0 to 999.9999 specify delay in seconds minimum 0 seconds maximum 999.9999 seconds default 0.003 query :delay? Query delay :delay? Default query *rst default delay :delay? Minimum query lowest allowa...

  • Page 381

    Scpi command reference 17-71 configure voltage and current sweeps there are two methods to configure the start and stop levels of a sweep. You can use either the :start and :stop commands or you can use the :center and :span commands. Note in order to run a sweep, the selected source must be in the ...

  • Page 382

    17-72 scpi command reference :start :stop :source[1]:current:start specify start current level (current sweep) :source[1]:voltage:start specify start voltage level (voltage sweep) :source[1]:current:stop specify stop current level (current sweep) :source[1]:voltage:stop specify stop voltage level (v...

  • Page 383

    Scpi command reference 17-73 :center :span :source[1]:current:center specify center point of current sweep :source[1]:voltage:center specify center point of voltage sweep :source[1]:current:span specify span of the current sweep :source[1]:voltage:span specify span of the voltage sweep parameters = ...

  • Page 384

    17-74 scpi command reference :step :source[1]:current:step specify step size (current sweep) :source[1]:voltage:step specify step size (voltage sweep) parameters = -210e-3 to 210e-3 set i-source level (amps) -420 to 420 set v-source level (volts) default 0a or 0v minimum -210e-3a or -420v maximum +2...

  • Page 385

    Scpi command reference 17-75 :points :source[1]:sweep:points set source-measure points for sweep parameters = 1 to 2500 specify number of source-measure points minimum 1 maximum 2500 default 2500 query :points? Query number of sweep points :points? Default query *rst default number of sweep points :...

  • Page 386: Configure List

    17-76 scpi command reference configure list :current :voltage :source[1]:list:current define i-source list :source[1]:list:voltage define v-source list parameters = nrf, nrf … nrf nrf = -105e-3 to 105e-3 i-source value -210 to 210 v-source value query :current? Query i-source list :voltage? Query v-...

  • Page 387: Configure Memory Sweep

    Scpi command reference 17-77 :points? :source[1]:list:current:points? Query length of i-source list :source[1]:list:voltage:points? Query length of v-source list description this command is used to determine the length of the specified source list. The response message indicates the number of source...

  • Page 388

    17-78 scpi command reference sense[1]:resistance:mode sense[1]:resistance:ocompensated sense[1]:average:state sense[1]:average:tcontrol sense[1]:average:count source[1]:function:mode source[1]:delay source[1]:delay:auto source[1]...X...:triggered:sfactor source[1]...X...:triggered:sfactor:state wher...

  • Page 389: Set Scaling Factor

    Scpi command reference 17-79 :points :source:memory:points specify number of sweep points to exe- cute parameters = 1 to 100 number of sweep points description this command is used to specify the number of points for the sweep. For example, if you saved setups in memory locations 1 through 12 for a ...

  • Page 390

    17-80 scpi command reference :triggered:sfactor:state :source[1]:current[:level]:triggered:sfactor:state enable/disable current scaling :source[1]:voltage[:level]:triggered:sfactor:state enable/disable voltage scaling parameters = 1 or on enable scaling 0 or off disable scaling query :sfactor:state?...

  • Page 391

    Scpi command reference 17-81 logarithmic current sweep logarithmic current sweep from 1ma to 100ma in 20 points: *rst sour:func:mode curr sour:swe:spac log sour:curr:star .001 sour:curr:stop .1 sour:swe:poin 20 trig:coun 20 sour:curr:mode swe outp on init to determine the source values that will be ...

  • Page 392: Soak Time

    17-82 scpi command reference current list the previous log current sweep can instead be performed by using the sweep values in a current list as follows: *rst sour:func:mode curr sour:list:curr 0.001,0.001274,0.001623,0.002069,0.002637,0.003360,0.004281 sour:list:curr:app 0.005456,0.006952,0.008859,...

  • Page 393

    Scpi command reference 17-83 #bx binary format: 3-bit: x = 000 to 111 4-bit: x = 0000 to 1111 #hx hexadecimal format: 3-bit: x = 0 to 7 4-bit: x = 0 to f #qx octal format: 3-bit: x = 0 to 7 4-bit: x = 0 to 17 query :ttl? Query digital output value description this command is used to set the logic le...

  • Page 394: Clearing Digital Output

    17-84 scpi command reference :mode :source2:ttl4:mode control digital i/o port line 4 mode parameters = eotest use line 4 as eot signal busy use line 4 as busy signal query :mode? Query digital i/o line 4 mode description this command controls the operation of digital i/o line 4 to act as either an ...

  • Page 395

    Scpi command reference 17-85 :auto :source2:clear:auto control auto-clear for digital output parameters = 0 or off disable auto-clear 1 or on enable auto-clear query :auto? Query auto-clear description this command is used to enable or disable auto-clear for the digital output lines. When enabled, t...

  • Page 396: Status Subsystem

    17-86 scpi command reference status subsystem the status subsystem is used to control the status registers of the sourcemeter. The com- mands in this subsystem are summarized in table 17-7. Note these registers and the overall status structure are fully explained in section 14. Read event registers ...

  • Page 397: Read Condition Registers

    Scpi command reference 17-87 read condition registers :condition? :status:measurement:condition? Read measurement condition :status:questionable:condition? Read questionable register :status:operation:condition? Read operation condition description these query commands are used to read the contents ...

  • Page 398

    17-88 scpi command reference enable :status:queue:enable enable messages for error queue parameters = (numlist) where numlist is a specified list of messages that you wish to enable for the error. Query :enable? Query list of enabled messages description on power-up, all error messages are enabled a...

  • Page 399: :system Subsystem

    Scpi command reference 17-89 :system subsystem the system subsystem contains miscellaneous commands that are summarized in table 17-8. Default conditions :preset :system:preset return to :system:preset defaults description this command returns the instrument to states optimized for front panel opera...

  • Page 400: Select Guard Mode

    17-90 scpi command reference select guard mode :guard :system:guard select guard mode parameters = ohms ohms guard mode cable cable guard mode query :guard? Query guard mode description this command is used to select the guard mode. Ohms guard is a low- impedance guard drive used for in-circuit resi...

  • Page 401: Control Beeper

    Scpi command reference 17-91 control beeper [:immediate] :system:beeper[:immediate] parameters freq = 65 to 2e6 specify frequency in hz time = 0 to 7.9 specify time duration note the frequency and time values must be separated by a comma (i.E., :syst:beep 100, 3). Description the beeper of the sourc...

  • Page 402: Control Auto Zero

    17-92 scpi command reference control auto zero :state :system:azero:state control auto zero parameters = on enable auto zero off disable auto zero once force immediate auto zero update query :state? Query state of auto zero description this command is used to enable or disable auto zero, or to force...

  • Page 403

    Scpi command reference 17-93 following these general steps to program and use nplc caching: 1. Send this command to disable auto zero: syst:azer off. 2. Enable nplc caching by sending: syst:azer:cach on. 3. Set up and run your source memory sweep with the :sour:mem com- mands along with the various ...

  • Page 404: Error Queue

    17-94 scpi command reference error queue note see section 14 for details on the error queue. [:next]? :system:error[:next]? Read oldest error (code and message) description as error and status messages occur, they are placed in the error queue. The error queue is a first-in, first-out (fifo) registe...

  • Page 405: Simulate Key Presses

    Scpi command reference 17-95 simulate key presses :key :system:key simulate key-press parameters = 1 range up arrow key 2 source down arrow key 3 left arrow key 4 menu key 5 fctn key 6 filter key 7 speed key 8 edit key 9 auto key 10 right arrow key 11 exit key 12 v (source) key 13 limits key 14 stor...

  • Page 406

    17-96 scpi command reference the queue for the :key? Query command can only hold one key-press. When :key? Is sent over the bus, and the sourcemeter is addressed to talk, the key-press code number for the last key pressed (either physically or with :key) is sent to the computer. The key-press code n...

  • Page 407: Rs-232 Interface

    Scpi command reference 17-97 rs-232 interface :local :system:local take sourcemeter out of remote description normally, during rs-232 communications, front panel keys are operational. However, the user may wish to lock out front panel keys during rs-232 communications. See :rwlock. This action comma...

  • Page 408: Reset Timestamp

    17-98 scpi command reference reset timestamp :reset :system:time:reset reset timestamp description this action command is used to reset the absolute timestamp to 0 seconds. The timestamp also resets to 0 seconds every time the sourcemeter is turned on. Auto reset timestamp :reset:auto :system:time:r...

  • Page 410

    17-100 scpi command reference :points :trace:points specify buffer size parameters = 1 to 2500 specify buffer size minimum 1 maximum 2500 default 100 query :points? Query buffer size :points? Minimum query smallest allowable buffer size :points? Maximum query largest allowable buffer size :points? D...

  • Page 411: Select Timestamp Format

    Scpi command reference 17-101 :control :trace:feed:control start or stop buffer parameters = next fills buffer and stops never disables buffer storage query :control? Query buffer control description this command is used to select the buffer control. When next is selected, the asterisk (*) annunciat...

  • Page 412: Trigger Subsystem

    17-102 scpi command reference trigger subsystem the trigger subsystem is made up of a series of commands and subsystems to configure the trigger model. These commands and subsystems are summarized in table 17-10. Note see section 10 for more details on triggering and the trigger model. Clear input t...

  • Page 413: Abort Source/measure Cycle

    Scpi command reference 17-103 abort source/measure cycle :abort abort operation description when this action command is sent, the sourcemeter aborts operation and returns to the idle state. A faster way to return to idle is to use the dcl or sdc command. With auto output-off enabled (:source1:clear:...

  • Page 414

    17-104 scpi command reference :delay :trigger[:sequence[1]]:delay set trigger layer delay parameters = 0 to 999.9999 specify delay in seconds default 0 second delay minimum 0 second delay maximum 999.9999 second delay query :delay? Query the programmed delay :delay? Default query the *rst default de...

  • Page 415

    Scpi command reference 17-105 with bus selected, the event occurs when a get or *trg command is sent over the bus. With nstest selected, the event occurs when the sot (start of test) low pulse is received from a component handler via the digital i/o port. This is used for limit testing. With pstest ...

  • Page 416

    17-106 scpi command reference description when tlink is the selected trigger layer control source, and an event detector in the trigger layer is enabled, operation will hold up at that detec- tor until an input trigger is received via the trigger link. When the event detector is disabled, operation ...

  • Page 417

    Scpi command reference 17-107 output :arm[:sequence[1]][layer[1]][:tconfigure]:output arm layer events :trigger[:sequence[1]][:tconfigure]:output trigger layer events parameters arm layer triggers : tenter trigger on entering trigger layer texit trigger on exiting trigger layer none disable arm laye...

  • Page 418

    17-108 scpi command reference.

  • Page 419

    18 performance verification • verification test requirements — summarizes environmental conditions, warm-up period, and line power requirements. • recommended test equipment — lists all the test equipment needed to perform the verification tests. • verification limits — describes how the verificatio...

  • Page 420: Introduction

    18-2 performance verification introduction use the procedures in this section to verify that model 6430 accuracy is within the limits stated in the instrument’s one-year accuracy specifications. You can perform these verification procedures: • when you first receive the instrument to make sure that ...

  • Page 421: Warm-Up Period

    Performance verification 18-3 warm-up period allow the model 6430 to warm up for at least one hour before conducting the verification procedures. If the instrument has been subjected to temperature extremes (those outside the ranges stated above), allow additional time for the instrument’s internal ...

  • Page 422

    18-4 performance verification table 18-1 recommended verification equipment description manufacturer/model specifications digital multimeter 1 hewlett packard hp3458a dc voltage dc current 1v: 10v: 100v: 1000v: 1ma: 10ma: 100ma: 1ma: 10ma: 100ma: 5.6ppm 4.3ppm 6.3ppm 6.1ppm 55ppm 25ppm 23ppm 20ppm 2...

  • Page 423: Test Resistor Construction

    Performance verification 18-5 test resistor construction the 1tΩ and 10tΩ test resistors used to test the 2tΩ and 20tΩ resistance ranges should be mounted in a shielded, guarded enclosure like the one shown in figure 18-1. The resistors should be properly characterized to the accuracy stated in tabl...

  • Page 424: Restoring Factory Defaults

    18-6 performance verification resistance limits calculation when verifying the resistance measurement accuracy, it will most likely be necessary to recalculate resistance limits based on the actual calibrator resistance values. You can calculate resistance reading limits in the same manner described...

  • Page 425: Test Summary

    Performance verification 18-7 3. Select global, and then press enter. The unit then displays: global setup menu save restore poweron reset 4. Select reset, and then press enter. The unit displays: reset original dflts bench gpib 5. Select bench, and then press enter to restore bench defaults. Test s...

  • Page 426: Compliance Considerations

    18-8 performance verification setting the source range and output value before testing each verification point, you must properly set the source range and output value as outlined below. 1. Press either the source v or source i key to select the appropriate source function. 2. Press the edit key as ...

  • Page 427: Maximum Compliance Values

    Performance verification 18-9 the “real” compliance condition can occur when the compliance setting is less than the highest possible reading of the measurement range. When in compliance, the source output clamps at the displayed compliance value. For example, if the compliance voltage is set to 1v ...

  • Page 428: Mainframe Verification

    18-10 performance verification determining compliance limit the relationships to determine which compliance is in effect are summarized as follows. They assume that the measurement function is the same as the compliance function. • compliance setting • measurement range you can determine the complia...

  • Page 429

    Performance verification 18-11 3. Press the model 6430 source v key to source voltage, and make sure the source out- put is turned on. 4. Verify output voltage accuracy for each of the voltages listed in table 18-3. For each test point: • select the correct source range. • set the model 6430 output ...

  • Page 430

    18-12 performance verification mainframe voltage measurement accuracy follow the steps below to verify that model 6430 mainframe voltage measurement accuracy is within specified limits. The test involves setting the source voltage to full-range values, as measured by a precision digital multimeter, ...

  • Page 431

    Performance verification 18-13 1. With the power off, connect the digital multimeter to the model 6430 input/output jacks as shown in figure 18-3. (connect model 6430 input/output hi to dmm amps input; input/output lo to input lo.) 2. Select the multimeter dc current measuring function. 3. Press the...

  • Page 432

    18-14 performance verification mainframe current measurement accuracy follow the steps below to verify that model 6430 mainframe current measurement accuracy is within specified limits. The procedure involves applying accurate currents from the model 6430 current source and then verifying that model...

  • Page 433

    Performance verification 18-15 mainframe resistance measurement accuracy use the following steps to verify that model 6430 resistance measurement accuracy is within specified limits. This procedure involves applying accurate resistances from a resistance calibrator and then verifying that model 6430...

  • Page 434

    18-16 performance verification 2. Select the resistance calibrator external sense mode. 3. For the model 6430, select the auto ohms measurement method. 4. Press meas Ω to select the ohms measurement function, and make sure the source out- put is turned on. 5. Verify ohms measurement accuracy for eac...

  • Page 435: Remote Preamp Verification

    Performance verification 18-17 remote preamp verification follow the procedures below to verify accuracy of the model 6430 with the remote preamp. Note be sure the remote preamp mainframe connector is connected to the mainframe remote preamp connector before performing these remote preamp verificati...

  • Page 436

    18-18 performance verification remote preamp output voltage accuracy follow the steps below to verify that model 6430 remote preamp output voltage accuracy is within specified limits. This test involves setting the output voltage to each full-range value and measuring the voltages with a precision d...

  • Page 437

    Performance verification 18-19 5. Verify output voltage accuracy for each of the voltages listed in table 18-8. For each test point: • select the correct source range. • set the model 6430 output voltage to the indicated value. • verify that the multimeter reading is within the limits given in the t...

  • Page 438

    18-20 performance verification 6. Repeat the procedure for negative source voltages with the same magnitudes as those listed in table 18-9. Remote preamp output current accuracy follow the steps below to verify that model 6430 remote preamp output current accuracy is within specified limits. The tes...

  • Page 439

    Performance verification 18-21 table 18-10 remote preamp 1 µa-100ma range output current accuracy limits model 6430 source range model 6430 output current setting output current limits (1 year, 18°-28°c) 1µa 10µa 100µa 1ma 10ma 100ma 1.00000µa 10.0000µa 100.000µa 1.00000ma 10.0000ma 100.000ma 099920...

  • Page 440

    18-22 performance verification 1pa-100na range accuracy 1. With the power off, connect the digital multimeter and calibration standard to the model 6430 mainframe and remote preamp as shown in figure 18-7. (connect the mainframe input/output hi and lo jacks to dmm input hi and lo respec- tively. Con...

  • Page 441

    Performance verification 18-23 2. Select the multimeter dc current measuring function. 3. Press the model 6430 source i key to source current, and make sure the source out- put is turned on. 4. Verify output current accuracy for the currents listed in table 18-11. For each test point: • connect the ...

  • Page 442

    18-24 performance verification remote preamp current measurement accuracy follow the steps below to verify that model 6430 remote preamp current measurement accuracy is within specified limits. The procedure involves applying accurate currents from the model 6430 current source and then verifying th...

  • Page 443

    Performance verification 18-25 1pa-100na range accuracy 1. With the power off, connect the digital multimeter and calibration standard to the main- frame and preamp as shown in figure 18-7. (connect the mainframe input/output hi and lo jacks to dmm input hi and lo respectively. Connect the preamp in...

  • Page 444

    18-26 performance verification remote preamp resistance measurement accuracy use the following steps to verify that model 6430 remote preamp resistance measurement accuracy is within specified limits. This procedure involves applying accurate resistances from a resistance calibrator or standard resi...

  • Page 445

    Performance verification 18-27 model 6430 sense lo resistance calibrator sense hi output hi output lo warning: no internal operator servicable parts,service by qualified personnel only. Warning: no internal operator servicable parts,service by qualified personnel only. Caution: for continued protect...

  • Page 446

    18-28 performance verification 4. Verify ohms measurement accuracy for each of the resistance values listed in table 18-14. For each measurement: • set the resistance calibrator output to the nominal resistance or closest available value. Note it may not be possible to set the resistance calibrator ...

  • Page 447

    Performance verification 18-29 2. Connect the model 6430 ohms function for the 2-wire sense and configure guard mode as follows: • press config then meas Ω. The instrument will display the following: config ohms source guard • select guard, and then press enter. The following will be displayed: guar...

  • Page 448

    18-30 performance verification 4. Verify ohms measurement accuracy for each of the resistance values listed in table 18-15. For each measurement: • connect the bnc shorting cap to select the appropriate resistance value. • select the appropriate ohms measurement range with the range keys. • verify t...

  • Page 449

    Performance verification 18-31 2. Configure the model 6430 ohms function for the 2-wire sense and guard modes as follows: • press config then meas Ω. The instrument will display the following: config ohms source guard • select guard, and then press enter. The following will be displayed: guard ohms ...

  • Page 450

    18-32 performance verification.

  • Page 451

    19 calibration • environmental conditions — covers the temperature and humidity, warm-up period, and line power required for calibration. • calibration considerations — lists important considerations that should be observed when calibrating the unit. • recommended calibration equipment — provides a ...

  • Page 452: Introduction

    19-2 calibration introduction use the procedures in this section to calibrate both the model 6430 mainframe and the remote preamp. These procedures require accurate test equipment to measure precise dc voltages and currents. Note mainframe and remote preamp calibration are performed separately. The ...

  • Page 453: Calibration Considerations

    Calibration 19-3 calibration considerations when performing the calibration procedures: • make sure that the test equipment is properly warmed up and connected to the correct model 6430 mainframe or remote preamp jacks as appropriate. • always allow the source signal to settle before calibrating eac...

  • Page 454

    19-4 calibration recommended calibration equipment table 19-1 lists the recommended equipment for the calibration procedures. You can use alternate equipment as long that equipment has specifications at least as good as those listed in the table. Note for optimum calibration accuracy, test equipment...

  • Page 455: Unlocking Calibration

    Calibration 19-5 unlocking calibration before performing calibration, you must first unlock calibration as follows: 1. Press the menu key, and then choose cal, and press enter. The instrument will display the following: calibration unlock execute view-dates save lock change-password 2. Select unlock...

  • Page 456: Mainframe Calibration

    19-6 calibration mainframe calibration use the procedures discussed below to calibration the mainframe without the remote preamp. See remote preamp calibration later in this section for information in calibrating the remote preamp. Note the mainframe must be separately calibrated before calibrating ...

  • Page 457

    Calibration 19-7 step 2: voltage calibration perform the steps below for each voltage range using table 19-3 as a guide. 1. Connect the model 6430 to the digital multimeter as shown in figure 19-1. (connect model 6430 input/output hi to dmm input hi; input/output lo to dmm input lo.) select the mult...

  • Page 458

    19-8 calibration 8. Note and record the dmm reading, and then adjust the model 6430 display to agree exactly with the actual dmm reading. Use the up and down arrow keys to select the digit value, and use the left and right arrow keys to choose the digit position (or use the number keys, 0-9, +/-). N...

  • Page 459

    Calibration 19-9 table 19-3 mainframe voltage calibration summary source range 1 source voltage multimeter voltage reading 2 00 0.2v +200.00mv +000.00mv -200.00mv +000.00mv ___________ mv ___________ mv ___________ mv ___________ mv 00 2v +2.0000v +0.0000v -2.0000v +0.0000v ___________ v ___________...

  • Page 460

    19-10 calibration step 3: current calibration perform the steps below for each current range using table 19-4 as a guide. 1. Connect the model 6430 to the digital multimeter as shown in figure 19-2. (connect model 6430 input/output hi to the dmm amps input; input/output lo to dmm input lo.) select t...

  • Page 461

    Calibration 19-11 number keys, 0-9, +/-). Note that the display adjustment range is within ±10% of the present range. 9. After adjusting the display to agree with the dmm reading, press enter. The instru- ment will then display the following: i-cal press enter to output +0.0000µa 10. Press enter. Th...

  • Page 462

    19-12 calibration step 4: enter calibration dates and save calibration 1. From normal display, press menu. 2. Select cal, and then press enter. The model 6430 will display the following: calibration unlock execute view-dates save lock change-password 3. Select save, and then press enter. The unit wi...

  • Page 463

    Calibration 19-13 7. Set the calibration due date to the desired value, and then press enter. Press enter again to confirm the date. 8. Once the calibration dates are entered, calibration is complete, and the following mes- sage will be displayed: calibration complete press enter to confirm; exit to...

  • Page 464: Remote Preamp Calibration

    19-14 calibration remote preamp calibration use the procedures discussed below to calibrate the remote preamp together with the mainframe. Note the mainframe must be separately calibrated before calibrating the remote preamp. See “mainframe calibration” earlier in this section for information on cal...

  • Page 465

    Calibration 19-15 remote preamp calibration procedure step 1: prepare the model 6430 for calibration 1. With the power off, connect the remote preamp mainframe connector to the mainframe remote preamp connector using the supplied cable. 2. Turn on the model 6430, and allow it to warm up for at least...

  • Page 466

    19-16 calibration 7. Again, adjust the display to agree with the dmm reading. 8. Press enter. The instrument will prompt you for the third dmm reading: dmm rdg: +000.0000mv use , ▲, ▼, , enter or exit. 9. Adjust the display to agree with the dmm reading, then press enter. The unit will return to the...

  • Page 467

    Calibration 19-17 step 3: gain calibration 1µa and 10µa ranges 1. Connect the model 6430 remote preamp in/out high jack to the digital multimeter amps and input lo jacks using the adapters and cables shown in figure 19-4. (use the type of adapter that connects bnc shell to triax shell, and be sure t...

  • Page 468

    19-18 calibration 5. Press enter. The unit will prompt you for the dmm current reading: dmm rdg: +00.00000µa use , ▲, ▼, , enter or exit. 6. Note the dmm current reading, then adjust the model 6430 display to agree with that value, and press enter. 7. The unit will prompt you for the first 85% of fu...

  • Page 469

    Calibration 19-19 4. From the calibration menu, select gain, then press enter. The instrument will prompt you for remote preamp gain calibration: preamp gain cal 10ua 1ua 100na 10na 1na 100pa 10pa 1pa 5. Select the 100na range, then press enter. The unit will prompt you as follows: i-cal press enter...

  • Page 470

    19-20 calibration 9. Press enter. The unit will prompt you for the calculated current: dmm rdg: +085.0000na use , ▲, ▼, , enter or exit. 10. Calculate the current from the dmm voltage reading and resistance value, then adjust the model 6430 display to agree with the calculated current, and press ent...

  • Page 471: Changing The Password

    Calibration 19-21 5. When the instrument is finished performing offset calibration for all ranges, it will return to the calibration menu. Step 5: lock out calibration 1. From the calibration menu, select lock, then press enter. The instrument will return to the main menu. 2. Press exit to return to...

  • Page 472

    19-22 calibration viewing calibration dates and calibration count when calibration is locked, only the unlock and view-dates selections will be acces- sible in the mainframe calibration menu. To view calibration dates and calibration count: 1. From normal display, press menu, select cal, and then pr...

  • Page 473

    20 routine maintenance • line fuse replacement — covers the procedure and recommended part numbers for replacing the line fuse. • front panel tests — details methods to test the front panel display and keys..

  • Page 474: Introduction

    20-2 routine maintenance introduction the information in this section deals with routine type maintenance that can be performed by the operator. Line fuse replacement warning disconnect the line cord at the rear panel, and remove all test leads con- nected to the instrument before replacing the line...

  • Page 475: Front Panel Tests

    Routine maintenance 20-3 perform the following steps to replace the line fuse: 1. Carefully grasp and squeeze together the locking tabs that secure the fuse carrier to the fuse holder. 2. Pull out the fuse carrier, and replace the fuse with the type specified in table 20-1. Caution to prevent instru...

  • Page 476: Display Patterns Test

    20-4 routine maintenance display patterns test the display test lets you verify that each pixel and annunciator in the vacuum fluorescent display is working properly. Perform the following steps to run the display test: 1. Display the main menu by pressing the menu key. 2. Select test, and press ent...

  • Page 477

    A specifications.

  • Page 478

    A-2 specifications source specifications 1 voltage programming accuracy (4-wire sense) 2 accuracy (1 year) noise programming 23°c ±5°c (peak-peak) range resolution ±% rdg. + volts 0.1hz – 10hz 200.000 mv 5 µv 0.02% + 600 µv 5 µv 2.00000 v 50 µv 0.02% + 600 µv 50 µv 20.0000 v 500 µv 0.02% + 2.4 mv 50...

  • Page 480

    A-4 specifications resistance measurement accuracy (4-wire sense with remote preamp) source i mode, auto ohms max. Default normal accuracy (23°c ± 5°c) enhanced accuracy (23°c ± 5°c) 7 range resolution test current 1 year, ±(%rdg + ohms) 1 year, ±(%rdg + ohms) Ω 6 1 µΩ — source i acc + measure v acc...

  • Page 481

    Specifications a-5 system speeds measurement 1 maximum range change rate: 75/second. Sweep operation 2 reading rates (rdg/second) for 60hz (50hz): source-measure nplc/ measure source-measure pass/fail test 3 source-memory 3 speed trigger origin to mem. To gpib to mem. To gpib to mem. To gpib to mem....

  • Page 482

    A-6 specifications preamp guard output resistance: 110kΩ. Source output modes: fixed dc level memory list (mixed function) stair (linear and log) source memory list: 100 points max. Memory buffer: 5,000 readings @ 5½ digits (two 2,500 point buffers). Includes selected measured value(s) and time stam...

  • Page 483: Accuracy Calculations

    Specifications a-7 accuracy calculations the following information discusses how to calculate accuracy for both sense and source functions. Measure accuracy measurement accuracy is calculated as follows: accuracy = ±(% of reading + offset) as an example of how to calculate the actual reading limits,...

  • Page 484: Definitions

    A-8 specifications source-delay-measure (sdm) cycle timing the following timing information assumes that the sourcemeter is being triggered exter- nally via the trigger link. For cases i through iv, it is assumed that the output auto-off feature is enabled (:source1:clear:auto on), and the source se...

  • Page 485: Timing Diagrams

    Specifications a-9 measures the input signal. The “reference” and “reference zero” phases are associated with a precision voltage reference inside the sourcemeter. By measuring all three phases, zero drift for the reading is reduced. A/d conversion time is programmable with 0.01 power line cycle res...

  • Page 486

    A-10 specifications case ii: auto-zero enabled and measuring two functions trigger latency: 225µsec max source configuration: 50µsec max a/d conversion: [nplc setting × (1 / power line frequency)] + 185µsec firmware overhead: 2.3msec for source v 2.65msec for source i source on time ≅ source configu...

  • Page 487

    Specifications a-11 source on time ≅ source configuration + source delay + a/d conversion + firmware overhead example: source delay = 0 nplc setting = 0.08 plc power line frequency = 60hz source on time ≅ 50µsec + 0 + [(0.08 × 1/60) + 185µsec] + 40µsec ≅ 1.85msec for source v ≅ 2.2msec for source i ...

  • Page 488

    A-12 specifications cases v and vi: measure one function, output auto-off disabled, and no source setting changes. Auto-zero: enabled trigger latency: 500µsec max auto zero: disabled trigger latency: 100µsec max the source turns on as soon as the output is turned on and remains on until the source i...

  • Page 489

    B status and error messages.

  • Page 490: Introduction

    B-2 status and error messages introduction this appendix contains a summary of status and error messages, which status register bits are set when messages occur, and methods to avoid or eliminate most common scpi errors. Status and error messages table b-1 summarizes status and error messages, which...

  • Page 491

    Status and error messages b-3 table b-1 status and error messages number error message event 1 status register 2 bit -440 -430 -420 -410 -363 -362 -361 -360 -350 query unterminated after indefinite response query deadlocked query unterminated query interrupted input buffer overrun framing error in p...

  • Page 492

    B-4 status and error messages number error message event 1 status register 2 bit -202 -201 -200 settings lost due to rtl invalid while in local execution error ee ee ee standard event standard event standard event 4 4 4 -178 -171 -170 -168 -161 -160 -158 -154 -151 -150 -148 expression data not allow...

  • Page 493

    Status and error messages b-5 number error message event 1 status register 2 bit -105 -104 -103 -102 -101 get not allowed data type error invalid separator syntax error invalid character ee ee ee ee ee standard event standard event standard event standard event standard event 5 5 5 5 5 -100 command ...

  • Page 494

    B-6 status and error messages number error message event 1 status register 2 bit +305 +306 +310 waiting in trigger layer waiting in arm layer entering idle layer se se se operation event operation event operation event 5 6 10 +408 +414 questionable events: questionable calibration command warning se...

  • Page 495

    Status and error messages b-7 number error message event 1 status register 2 bit +800 +801 +802 +803 +804 +805 +806 +807 +808 +809 +810 +811 +812 +813 +814 +815 +816 +817 +818 +819 +820 +821 +822 +823 +824 +825 +826 +827 +830 +900 additional command execution errors: illegal with storage active insu...

  • Page 496

    B-8 status and error messages eliminating common scpi errors there are three scpi errors that occur more often than any others: • -113, “undefined header” • -410, “query interrupted” • -420, “query unterminated” the following paragraphs discuss the most likely causes for these errors and methods for...

  • Page 497

    Status and error messages b-9 -420, “query unterminated” this error occurs when you address the instrument to talk, and there is no response message to send. The most likely causes are: • not sending a query. You must send a valid query to the instrument before addressing it to talk. • sending an in...

  • Page 498

    B-10 status and error messages.

  • Page 499

    C data flow.

  • Page 500: Introduction

    C-2 data flow introduction data flow for remote operation is summarized by the block diagram shown in figure c-1. Refer to this block diagram for the following discussion. The sense block represents the basic measured readings of voltage, current and resistance. If filter is enabled, the readings wi...

  • Page 501: Fetch?

    Data flow c-3 assuming that all functions are enabled, the data that is output by the read commands (fetch?, calc1:data?, calc2:data?, trace:data?, and calc3:data?) depend on which data elements are selected. With all elements selected, available data will include volt- age, current and resistance r...

  • Page 502: Trace:data?

    C-4 data flow trace:data? If the data store is enabled, sample buffer data, calc1 results, and calc2 readings become available to the trace block for storage. The selected feed determines which group of readings are stored. The trace:data? Command reads the entire contents of the data store. Calcula...

  • Page 503

    D ieee-488 bus overview.

  • Page 504: Introduction

    D-2 ieee-488 bus overview introduction basically, the ieee-488 bus is a communication system between two or more electronic devices. A device can be either an instrument or a computer. When a computer is used on the bus, it serves to supervise the communication exchange between all the devices and i...

  • Page 505

    Ieee-488 bus overview d-3 there are two categories of controllers: system controller and basic controller. Both are able to control other instruments, but only the system controller has the absolute authority in the system. In a system with more than one controller, only one controller may be active...

  • Page 506: Bus Lines

    D-4 ieee-488 bus overview a device is placed in the talk or listen state by sending an appropriate talk or listen com- mand. These talk and listen commands are derived from an instrument’s primary address. The primary address may have any value between 0 and 31, and is generally set by rear panel di...

  • Page 507: Bus Management Lines

    Ieee-488 bus overview d-5 bus management lines the five bus management lines help to ensure proper interface control and management. These lines are used to send the uniline commands. Atn (attention) — the atn line is one of the more important management lines. The state of this line determines how ...

  • Page 508: Bus Commands

    D-6 ieee-488 bus overview once all ndac and nrfd are properly set, the source sets dav low, indicating to accept- ing devices that the byte on the data lines is now valid. Nrfd will then go low, and ndac will go high once all devices have accepted the data. Each device will release ndac at its own r...

  • Page 509: Uniline Commands

    Ieee-488 bus overview d-7 uniline commands atn, ifc and ren are asserted only by the controller. Srq is asserted by an external device. Eoi may be asserted either by the controller or other devices depending on the direc- tion of data transfer. The following is a description of each command. Each co...

  • Page 510

    D-8 ieee-488 bus overview ifc (interface clear) — ifc is used to clear the interface and return all devices to the talker and listener idle states. Atn (attention) — the controller sends atn while transmitting addresses or multiline commands. Srq (service request) — srq is asserted by a device when ...

  • Page 511: Address Commands

    Ieee-488 bus overview d-9 address commands addressed commands include two primary command groups and a secondary address group. Atn is true when these commands are asserted. The commands include: lag (listen address group) — these listen commands are derived from an instrument’s primary address and ...

  • Page 512: Command Codes

    D-10 ieee-488 bus overview command codes command codes for the various commands that use the data lines are summarized in figure d-3. Hexadecimal and the decimal values for the various commands are listed in table d-2. Table d-2 hexadecimal and decimal command codes command hex value decimal value g...

  • Page 513

    Ieee-488 bus overview d-11 d 7 d 6 d 5 d 4 x 0 0 0 command x 0 0 1 command x 0 1 0 primary address x 0 1 1 primary address x 1 0 0 primary address x 1 0 1 primary address x 1 1 0 x 1 1 1 bits d 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 d 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 d 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 ...

  • Page 514: Typical Command Sequences

    D-12 ieee-488 bus overview typical command sequences for the various multiline commands, a specific bus sequence must take place to properly send the command. In particular, the correct listen address must be sent to the instrument before it will respond to addressed commands. Table d-3 lists a typi...

  • Page 515: Ieee Command Groups

    Ieee-488 bus overview d-13 ieee command groups command groups supported by the sourcemeter are listed in table d-5. Common com- mands and scpi commands are not included in this list. Table d-5 ieee command groups handshake command group ndac = not data accepted nrfd = not ready for data dav = data v...

  • Page 516: Interface Function Codes

    D-14 ieee-488 bus overview interface function codes the interface function codes, which are part of the ieee-488 standards, define an instru- ment's ability to support various interface functions and should not be confused with program- ming commands found elsewhere in this manual. The interface fun...

  • Page 517

    Ieee-488 bus overview d-15 dc (device clear function) —dc1 defines the ability of the instrument to be cleared (initialized). Dt (device trigger function) —dt1 defines the ability of the sourcemeter to have read- ings triggered. C (controller function) —the instrument does not have controller capabi...

  • Page 518

    D-16 ieee-488 bus overview.

  • Page 519

    E ieee-488 and scpi conformance information.

  • Page 520: Introduction

    E-2 ieee-488 and scpi conformance information introduction the ieee-488.2 standard requires specific information about how the sourcemeter imple- ments the standard. Paragraph 4.9 of the ieee-488.2 standard (std 488.2-1987) lists the docu- mentation requirements. Table e-1 provides a summary of the ...

  • Page 521

    Ieee-488 and scpi conformance information e-3 table e-1 ieee-488 documentation requirements requirements description or reference (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) (20) (21) (22) (23) ieee-488 interface function codes. Behavior ...

  • Page 522

    E-4 ieee-488 and scpi conformance information table e-2 coupled commands command also changes :sense...:range:upper :sense...:nplc :source...:range :source...:start :source...:stop :source...:step :source...:points :source...:center :source...:span ren, gtl :system:memory:initialize :sense...:range:...

  • Page 523

    F measurement considerations.

  • Page 524

    F-2 measurement considerations note this appendix summarizes considerations to make safe, accurate measurements using the model 6430. For comprehensive information on these and additional mea- surement considerations, refer to the low level measurements handbook, which is available from keithley. Fl...

  • Page 525: Low Current Measurements

    Measurement considerations f-3 low current measurements low current measurements are subject to a number of error sources that can have a serious impact on measurement accuracy. First, the remote preamp may cause measurement errors if not connected properly. Making proper shielded connections is dis...

  • Page 526

    F-4 measurement considerations an example of guarding as applied to an ionization chamber is shown in figure f-2. An unguarded ionization chamber and the corresponding equivalent circuit are shown in figure f-2a. The equivalent circuit shows that the full bias voltage appears across the insulator le...

  • Page 527

    Measurement considerations f-5 noise and source impedance noise can seriously affect sensitive current measurements. This section discusses how dut (device under test) resistance and capacitance affect noise performance. Dut resistance the resistance of the dut will affect the noise performance of t...

  • Page 528: Generated Currents

    F-6 measurement considerations source capacitance dut source capacitance will also affect the noise performance of the ammeter. In general, as source capacitance increases, the noise gain also increases. The elements of interest for this discussion are the capacitance (c dut ) of the dut and the int...

  • Page 529

    Measurement considerations f-7 open. This current is known as the input offset current, and it is caused by bias currents of active devices as well as by leakage currents through insulators within the instrument. The internal input offset current adds to the source current so that the meter measures...

  • Page 530

    F-8 measurement considerations electrochemical effects error currents also arise from electrochemical effects when ionic chemicals create weak bat- teries on a circuit board. These batteries could generate a few nanoamps of current between conductors. Ionic contamination may be the result of body oi...

  • Page 531: Voltage Burden

    Measurement considerations f-9 to minimize the effects of dielectric absorption on current measurements, avoid applying voltages greater than a few volts to insulators being used for sensitive current measurements. In cases where this practice is unavoidable, it may take minutes or even hours in som...

  • Page 532: Overload Protection

    F-10 measurement considerations overload protection the model 6430 may be damaged if more than 200v is applied to the input. In some appli- cations, this maximum voltage may be unavoidably exceeded. In these cases, additional over- load protection is required to avoid damaging the input circuitry of...

  • Page 533: Cable Leakage Resistance

    Measurement considerations f-11 cable leakage resistance for a voltage measurement, leakage resistance in a triax cable (from hi to lo) shunts the voltage source to be measured. If the voltage source has a very high-impedance, the resultant leakage current could be high enough to corrupt the measure...

  • Page 534

    F-12 measurement considerations for voltmeters that do not use guarding, the triax input cable is a primary source of capaci- tance. Inside the cable, the insulation between the hi and lo terminals form a capacitor that shunts the input of the voltmeter. The longer the cable, the larger the capacita...

  • Page 535: Ohms Measurement Methods

    Measurement considerations f-13 high resistance measurements ohms measurement methods the sourcemeter can make ohms measurements by either sourcing current, measuring volt- age (constant-current method), or sourcing voltage, measuring current (constant-voltage method). After the appropriate voltage ...

  • Page 536: Ground Loops

    F-14 measurement considerations general measurement considerations the following measurement considerations apply to all precision measurements. Ground loops ground loops that occur in multiple-instrument test setups can create error signals that cause erratic or erroneous measurements. The configur...

  • Page 537: Light

    Measurement considerations f-15 light some components, such as semiconductor junctions and mos capacitors on semiconductor wafers, are excellent light detectors. Consequently, these components must be tested in a light- free environment. While many test fixtures provide adequate light protection, ot...

  • Page 538

    F-16 measurement considerations electromagnetic interference (emi) the electromagnetic interference characteristics of the model 6430 comply with the electro- magnetic compatibility (emc) requirements of the european union as denoted by the ce mark. However, it is still possible for sensitive measur...

  • Page 539

    G gpib 488.1 protocol.

  • Page 540: Introduction

    G-2 gpib 488.1 protocol introduction the model 6430 supports two gpib protocols: scpi and 488.1. The 488.1 protocol is included to significantly increase speed over the gpib. When using the 488.1 protocol, throughput is enhanced up to 10 times for data sent to the model 6430 (command messages) and u...

  • Page 541: Protocol Differences

    Gpib 488.1 protocol g-3 protocol differences the following information covers the differences between the 488.1 protocol and the scpi protocol. Message exchange protocol (mep) when the 488.1 protocol is selected, the mep is disabled to speed up gpib operation. The following guidelines/limitations mu...

  • Page 542: Nrfd Hold-Off

    G-4 gpib 488.1 protocol nrfd hold-off *opc, *opc?, and *wai are still functional but are not needed for the 488.1 protocol. When sending commands, the gpib is automatically held off when it detects a terminator. The hold-off is released when all the commands have finished executing, or if there is s...

  • Page 543: Trigger-On-Talk

    Gpib 488.1 protocol g-5 trigger-on-talk trigger-on-talk functionality has been added for the 488.1 protocol. If a query has not been received by the instrument, the model 6430 will automatically assume a read? Command has been sent when it is addressed to talk. This technique increases gpib speed by...

  • Page 544: Sweep Operation

    G-6 gpib 488.1 protocol gpib reading speed comparisons the tables that follow compare the differences in reading speed for the scpi and 488.1 pro- tocols. Included in all tables is the percentage improvement achieved with the 488.1 protocol compared to the scpi protocol. The most significant speed i...

  • Page 545: Single-Shot Operation

    Gpib 488.1 protocol g-7 single-shot operation tables g-5 through g-7 show reading rates for measure-only, source-measure, and source- measure-limit test single-shot operation respectively. Note that the reading rate can be increased by >100%. Table g-3 scpi/488.1 reading speed comparisons for source...

  • Page 546

    G-8 gpib 488.1 protocol table g-6 scpi/488.1 reading speed comparisons for source-measure single-shot operation (rdgs/sec) speed nplc/trig. Origin scpi 488.1 improvement fast 0.01/internal 79.5 140.0 76.15% medium 0.10/internal 72.9 116.9 60.27% normal 1.00/internal 34.9 42.3 21.20% note: includes t...

  • Page 547: Index

    Index :calculate 17-22 , c-3 :data? C-3 :display subsystem 17-41 :source 17-64 :system subsystem 17-89 :trace subsystem 17-99 *cls 15-2 *ese, *ese?, *esr? 15-2 *idn? 15-2 , 15-3 *opc and *opc? 15-2 , 15-3 *rcl 15-2 , 15-4 *rst 15-2 , 15-5 *sav 15-2 , 15-4 *sav, *rcl 15-5 *sre 15-2 *sre? 15-2 *stb? 1...

  • Page 548

    Command codes d-10 , d-11 execution rules 13-15 path rules 13-14 reference 15-3 summary 15-2 words 13-10 commands address d-9 addressed multiline d-8 and command parameters 13-10 basic source-measure 3-15 bus d-6 common d-9 condition register 14-17 coupled e-4 data store 8-6 error queue 14-20 event ...

  • Page 549

    Data store 8-1 dav (data valid) d-5 dc (device clear function) d-15 dcl (device clear) d-8 dcl (device clear) 13-8 default conditions 17-89 settings 1-17 defaults bench 10-7 restoring factory 18-6 define :text messages 17-43 math expression 17-27 definitions a-8 delay action 10-5 , 10-20 determining...

  • Page 550

    Remote display programming 1-16 source delay 3-10 source-measure procedure 3-12 sweep operation 9-11 tests 1-16 , 20-3 trigger model 10-2 v-source protection 3-9 fuse line, replacement 20-2 replacement 1-14 g general bus commands 13-6 information 1-2 measurement considerations f-14 purpose probes 1-...

  • Page 551

    Light f-15 limit 1 test 11-3 limit 2, limit 3, and limit 5-12 tests 11-3 limit test modes 11-4 limit testing 11-1 configuring and performing 11-15 operation overview 11-4 limit testing 11-2 limitations range 6-3 limits calculation example 18-5 resistance 18-6 with test equipment uncertainty 18-6 lin...

  • Page 552

    Message available g-5 message exchange protocol 13-16 message exchange protocol (mep) g-3 method guarding 2-9 ohms measurement 4-3 minimum and maximum (buffer statistics) 8-3 moving filter commands 17-62 multiple command messages 13-14 response messages 13-16 multiple-element device binning 11-13 n ...

  • Page 553

    Filter 6-17 limit test 11-20 math 7-8 output configuration 12-10 program and read register set 14-18 range and digits 6-7 read error queue 14-20 rel 7-3 set mss (b6) when error occurs 14-10 sink 3-19 source-measure 3-16 speed 6-8 staircase sweep 9-19 staircase sweep (diode test) 9-20 sweep 9-21 swee...

  • Page 554

    Remote-to-local transition 13-3 ren (remote enable) d-5 , d-7 ren (remote enable) 13-7 repeat filter commands 17-61 resetting the calibration password 19-21 response message terminator (rmt) 13-16 response messages 13-15 rl (remote-local function) d-14 routine maintenance 20-1 rs-232 connections 13-...

  • Page 555

    Source memory saved configurations 9-7 saving setups 9-6 sweep 9-6 sweep configuration 9-6 , 9-12 source memory locations sml 001 — compliance test 9-10 sml 002 — forward voltage test 9-10 sml 003 — reverse breakdown test 9-10 sml 004 — leakage current test 9-10 sml 005 — forward voltage test 9-10 s...

  • Page 556

    Types of compliance 5-2 , 18-8 of limits 11-2 typical command sequences d-12 u unl (unlisten) d-9 unt (untalk) d-9 user setups 1-17 using common and scpi commands in the same message 13-15 using scpi-based programs g-3 v varistor alpha 7-5 verification limits 18-5 mainframe 18-10 performing test pro...

  • Page 558

    Specifications are subject to change without notice. All keithley trademarks and trade names are the property of keithley instruments, inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective companies. Keithley instruments, inc. Belgium: keithley instruments b.V. Bergensesteen...