Keithley 2600a series Reference Manual

www.keithley.com

Series 2600A System SourceMeter

®

Reference Manual

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

A GREATER MEASURE OF CONFIDENCE

WARRANTY

Keithley Instruments, Inc. warrant s this product to be free from defect s in materia l and workmanship fo r a per iod of
one (1) year from date of shipment.

Keithley Instruments, Inc. warrants the following items for 90 days from the date of shipment: probes, cables,
software, rechargeable batteries, diskettes, and documentation.

During the warranty period, Keithley Instruments will, at its option, either repair or replace any product that proves
to be defective.

To exercise this warranty, write or call your local Keithley Instruments representative, or contact
Keithley Instruments headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. You will be given prompt assistance and return instructions.
Send the product, transportation prepaid, to the indicated service facility. Repairs will be made and the product
returned, transportation prepaid. Repaired or replaced products are warranted for the balan ce of the original
warranty period, or at least 90 days.

LIMITATION OF WARRANTY

This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from product modification without Keithley Instruments’ express
written consent, or misuse of any product or part. This warranty also does not apply to fuses, software,
non-rechargeable batteries, damage from batter y leakage, or problems arising from normal wear or failure to follow
instructions.

THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE. THE REMEDIES
PROVIDED HEREIN ARE BUYER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES.

NEITHER KEITHLEY INSTRUMENTS, INC. NOR ANY OF ITS EMPLOYEES SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY
DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE
OF ITS INSTRUMENTS AND SOFTWARE, EVEN IF KEITHLEY INSTRUMENTS, INC. HAS BEEN ADVISED IN
ADVANCE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SUCH EXCLUDED DAMAGES SHALL INCLUDE, BUT
ARE NOT LIMITED TO: COST OF REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION, LOSSES SUSTAINED AS THE RESULT OF
INJURY TO ANY PERSON, OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.

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

Keithley Instruments, Inc.

Corporate Headquarters • 28775 Aurora Road • Cleveland, Ohio 44139

440-248-0400 • Fax: [phone] • 1-888-KEITHLEY (1-888-534-8453) • www.keithley.com

3/07

Series 2600A

System SourceMeter® Instruments

Reference Manual

©2008, Keithley Instruments, Inc.

All rights reserved.

Any unauthorized reproduction, photocopy, or use the information herein, in whole or in part without the prior written

approval of Keithley Instruments, Inc. is strictly prohibited.

TSP, TSP-Link, and TSP-Net are trademarks of Keithley Instruments, Inc.

All Keithley Instruments product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of Keithley Instruments, Inc.

Other brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders

Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.

Document number:

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

The following safety precautions should be observed before using this product an d any associated instrumentation. Although some
instruments and accessories would normally be used with non-hazardous voltages, there are situations where hazardous conditions may
be present.

This product is intended for use by qualified personnel who recognize shock hazards and are familiar with the safety precautions required
to avoid possible injury. Read and follow all installation, operation, and maintenance information carefully before using the product. Refer
to the user documentation for complete product specifications.

If the product is used in a manner not specified, the protection provided by the product warranty may be impaired.
The types of product users are:
Responsible body is the individual or group responsible for the use and maintenance of equipment, for ensuring that the equipment is

operated within its specifications and operating limits, and for ensuring that operators are adequately trained.
Operators use the product for its intended function. They must be trained in electrical safety procedures and proper use of the instrument.

They must be protected from electric shock and contact with hazardous live circuits.
Maintenance personnel perform routine procedures on the product to keep it operating properly, for example, setting the line voltage or

replacing consumable materials. Maintenance procedures are described in the user documentation. The procedures explicitly state if the
operator may perform them. Otherwise, they should be performed only by service personnel.

Safety Precautions

Service personnel are trained to work on live circuits, perform safe installations, and repair products. Only properly trained service

personnel may perform installation and service procedures.
Keithley Instruments products are designed for use with electrical signals that are rate d Measurement Category I and Measurement

Category II, as described in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard IEC 60664. Most measurement, control, and
data I/O signals are Measurement Category I and must not be directly connected to mains voltage or to voltage sources with high transient
over-voltages. Measurement Category II connections require protection for high transient over-voltages often associated with local AC
mains connections. Assume all measurement, control, and data I/O connections are for connection to Category I sources unless otherwise
marked or described in the user documentation.

Exercise extreme caution when a shock hazard is present. Lethal voltage may be present on cable connector jacks or test fixtures. The
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) states that a shock hazard exists when voltage levels greater than 30V RMS, 42.4V peak,
or 60V DC are present. A good safety practice is to expect that hazardous voltage is present in any unknown circuit before measuring.

Operators of this product must be protected from electric shock at all times. The responsible body must ensure that operators are
prevented access and/or insulated from every connection point. In some cases, connections must be exposed to potential human contact.
Product operators in these circumstances must be trained to protect themselves from the risk of electric shock. If the circuit is capable of
operating at or above 1000V, no conductive part of the circuit may be exposed.

Do not connect switching cards directly to unlimited power circuits. They are intended to be used with impedance-limited sources. NEVER
connect switching cards directly to AC mains. When connecting sources to switching cards, install protective devices to limit fault current
and voltage to the card.

Before operating an instrument, ensure that the line cord is connected to a properly-grounded power receptacle. Inspect the connecting
cables, test leads, and jumpers for possible wear, cracks, or breaks before each use.

11/07

When installing equipment where access to the main power cord is restricted, such as rack mounting, a separate main input power

!

disconnect device must be provided in close proximity to the equipment and within easy reach of the operator.
For maximum safety, do not touch the product, test cables, or any other instruments while power is applied to the circuit under test.

AL W AYS remove power from the entire test system and discharge any capacitors before: connecting or disconnecting cables or jumpers,
installing or removing switching cards, or making internal changes, such as installing or removing jumpers.

Do not touch any object that could provide a current path to the common side of the circuit under test or power line (earth) ground. Always
make measurements with dry hands while standing on a dry, insulated surface capable of withstanding the voltage being measured.

The instrument and accessories must be used in accordance with its specifications and operating instructions, or the safety of the
equipment may be impaired.

Do not exceed the maximum signal levels of the instruments and accessories, as defined in the specifications and operating information,
and as shown on the instrument or test fixture panels, or switching card.

When fuses are used in a product, replace with the same type and rating for continued protection against fire hazard.
Chassis connections must only be used as shield connections for measuring circuits, NOT as safety earth ground connections.
If you are using a test fixture, keep the lid closed while power is applied to the device under test. Safe operation requires the use of a lid

interlock.
If a screw is present, connect it to safety earth ground using the wire recommended in the user documentation.
The symbol on an instrument indicates that the user should refer to the operating instructions located in the user documentation.
The symbol on an instrument shows that it can source or measure 1000V or more, including the combined effect of normal and

common mode voltages. Use standard safety precautions to avoid personal contact with these voltages.
The symbol on an instrument shows that the surface may be hot. Avoid personal contact to prevent burns.
The symbol indicates a connection terminal to the equipment frame.

If this symbol is on a product, it indicates that mercury is present in the display lamp. Please note that the lamp must be properly
disposed of according to federal, state, and local laws.

The WARNING heading in the user documentation explains dangers that might result in personal injury or death. Always read the
associated information very carefully before performing the indicated procedure.

The CAUTION heading in the user documentation explains hazards that could damage the instrument. Such damage may invalidate the
warranty.

Instrumentation and accessories shall not be connected to humans.
Before performing any maintenance, disconnect the line cord and all test cables.
T o maintain protection from electric shock and fire, replacement components in mains circuits - including the power transformer, test leads,

and input jacks - must be purchased from Keithley Instruments. Standard fuses with applicable national safety approvals may be used if
the rating and type are the same. Other components that are not safety-related may be purchased from other suppliers as long as they
are equivalent to the original component (note that selected parts should be purchased only through Keithley Instruments to maintain
accuracy and functionality of the product). If you are unsure about the applicability of a replacement component, call a Keithley Instruments
office for information.

To clean an instrument, use a damp cloth or mild, water-based cleaner. Clean the exterior of the instrument only. Do not apply cleaner
directly to the instrument or allow liquids to enter or spill on the instrument. Products that consist of a circuit board with no case or chassis
(for example, a data acquisition board for installation into a computer) should never require cleaning if handled according to instructions.
If the board becomes contaminated and operation is affected, the board should be returned to the factory for proper cleaning/servicing.

Table of Contents

Section T opic Page

1 Getting Started....................................................................................... 1-1

Introduction................................................................................................. 1-2

Capabilities and features...................................................................... 1-2

Organization of manual sections.......................................................... 1-3

General information.................................................................................... 1-3

Warranty information............................................................................ 1-3

Contact information.............................................................................. 1-3

Unpacking and inspection.................................................................... 1-3

Options and accessories...................................................................... 1-4

User’s and Reference manuals............................................................ 1-5

Front and rear panel familiarization............................................................ 1-6

Front panel summaries......................................................................... 1-6

Rear panel summaries......................................................................... 1-9

Cooling vents............................................................................................ 1-13

Power-up .................................................................................................. 1-14

Line power connection....................................................................... 1-14

Power-up sequence........................................................................... 1-15

Beeper................................................................................................ 1-15

Display modes.......................................................................................... 1-16

Editing controls......................................................................................... 1-17

Source and compliance editing.......................................................... 1-17

Menu navigation................................................................................. 1-18

Menu types......................................................................................... 1-19

Interface configuration.............................................................................. 1-21

USB storage overview.............................................................................. 1-21

Connecting the USB flash drive ......................................................... 1-21

Using the file system................................................................................. 1-22

File system navigation........................................................................ 1-22

Error and status messages....................................................................... 1-22

2 DUT Test Connections.......................................................................... 2-1

Input/output connectors.............................................................................. 2-2

Input/output LO and chassis ground........................................................... 2-4

Sensing methods........................................................................................ 2-6

2-wire local sensing.............................................................................. 2-6

4-wire remote sensing.......................................................................... 2-8

Sense mode selection.......................................................................... 2-9

Contact check connections......................................................................... 2-9

Multiple SMU connections........................................................................ 2-10

Guarding and shielding............................................................................. 2-12

Guarding ............................................................................................ 2-13

Noise shield........................................................................................ 2-14

Safety shield....................................................................................... 2-16

Using shielding and guarding together............................................... 2-18

Test fixture ................................................................................................ 2-20

Floating an SMU....................................................................................... 2-20

Output-off states....................................................................................... 2-23

Selecting the output-off st ate.............................................................. 2-23

Table of Contents Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

Section T opic Page

3 Basic Operation...................................................................................... 3-1

Overview..................................................................................................... 3-2

Operation overview ..................................................................................... 3-2

Source-measure capabilities ................................................................ 3-2

Compliance limit ................................................................................... 3-3

Setting the compliance limit.................................................................. 3-4

Basic circuit configurations................................................................... 3-5

Operation considerations............................................................................ 3-5

Warm-up............................................................................................... 3-5

Auto zero .............................................................................................. 3-6

NPLC caching....................................................................................... 3-7

Basic source-measure procedure............................................................... 3-7

Front panel source-measure procedure ............................................... 3-7

Remote source-measure procedure..................................................... 3-9

Triggering in local mode............................................................................ 3-10

Configuring trigger attributes in local mode............................................... 3-11

Measure only............................................................................................. 3-12

Sink operation and interface ..................................................................... 3-13

Ohms measurements................................................................................ 3-13

Ohms calculations .............................................................................. 3-13

Ohms ranging..................................................................................... 3-13

Basic ohms measurement procedure................................................. 3-13

Ohms sensing..................................................................................... 3-14

Sense selection .................................................................................. 3-15

Remote ohms programming............................................................... 3-16

Power measurements ............................................................................... 3-17

Power calculations.............................................................................. 3-17

Basic power measurement procedure................................................ 3-17

Remote power programming.............................................................. 3-17

Contact check measurements................................................................... 3-18

Overview............................................................................................. 3-18

Contact check commands.................................................................. 3-19

Contact check programming example................................................ 3-20

User setup ................................................................................................. 3-20

Saving user setups............................................................................. 3-20

Recalling a saved setup ..................................................................... 3-21

To select power-on setup.................................................................... 3-21

Saving user setups from a command interface.................................. 3-21

4 Source-Measure Concepts.................................................................. 4-1

Overview..................................................................................................... 4-2

Compliance limit.......................................................................................... 4-2

Maximum compliance........................................................................... 4-2

Compliance principles .......................................................................... 4-2

Overheating protection................................................................................ 4-3

Power equations to avoid overheating ................................................. 4-3

Operating boundaries.................................................................................. 4-6

Source or sink....................................................................................... 4-6

Continuous power operating boundar ies.............................................. 4-6

I-Source operating boundaries............................................................. 4-7

V-Source operating boundaries.......................................................... 4-11

Source I measure I, source V measure V........................................... 4-15

Basic circuit configurations........................................................................ 4-15

Source I .............................................................................................. 4-15

Source V............................................................................................. 4-16

Measure only (V or I).......................................................................... 4-16

Contact check..................................................................................... 4-17

Guard........................................................................................................ 4-18

Guard overview .................................................................................. 4-18

Guard connections ............................................................................. 4-19

ii 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Table of Contents

Section T opic Page

Settling time considerations ...................................................................... 4-20

Measurement settling time considerations......................................... 4-20

Reduction in gain-bandwidth .............................................................. 4-22

5 High-Capacitance Mode........................................................................ 5-1

Overview..................................................................................................... 5-2

Understanding high-capacitance mode....................................................... 5-2

Understanding source settling times..................................................... 5-2

Adjusting the voltage source................................................................. 5-3

Enabling high-capacitance mode................................................................ 5-4

Front panel............................................................................................ 5-4

Command interface .............................................................................. 5-5

6 Range, Digits, Speed, Rel, and Filters .............................................. 6-1

Overview..................................................................................................... 6-2

Range.......................................................................................................... 6-2

Available ranges................................................................................... 6-2

Maximum source values and readings................................................. 6-3

Ranging limitations ............................................................................... 6-3

Manual ranging..................................................................................... 6-3

Auto ranging ......................................................................................... 6-3

Low range limits.................................................................................... 6-3

Range considerations........................................................................... 6-4

Range programming............................................................................. 6-4

Digits........................................................................................................... 6-6

Setting display resolution...................................................................... 6-6

Remote digits programming.................................................................. 6-6

Speed.......................................................................................................... 6-6

Setting speed........................................................................................ 6-7

Remote speed programming................................................................ 6-7

Rel............................................................................................................... 6-8

Front panel rel....................................................................................... 6-8

Remote rel programming...................................................................... 6-9

Filters .......................................................................................................... 6-9

Filter types............................................................................................ 6-9

Front panel filter control...................................................................... 6-10

Remote filter programming................................................................. 6-12

7 Reading Buffers...................................................................................... 7-1

Reading buffer overview ............................................................................. 7-2

Working with reading buffers in the local state............................................ 7-2

Reading buffer options.......................................................................... 7-2

Configuring reading buffers.................................................................. 7-3

Appending or overwriting existing reading buffers................................ 7-3

Storage operation ................................................................................. 7-4

Saving reading buffers.......................................................................... 7-4

Recalling readings................................................................................ 7-5

Working with reading buffers in the remote state........................................ 7-5

Reading buffer commands.................................................................... 7-7

Buffer status.......................................................................................... 7-9

Dynamic reading buffers..................................................................... 7-10

Buffer examples.................................................................................. 7-10

8 Digital I/O.................................................................................................. 8-1

Digital I/O port............................................................................................. 8-2

Port configuration.................................................................................. 8-2

Digital I/O configuration ........................................................................ 8-3

Controlling digital I/O lines.................................................................... 8-4

Output enable (Models 2601A/2602A)........................................................ 8-5

Overview............................................................................................... 8-5

Operation.............................................................................................. 8-6

Front panel control of output enable..................................................... 8-6

Remote control of output enable........................................................... 8-7

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 iii

Table of Contents Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

Section T opic Page

Interlock (Models 2612A/2612A/2635A/2636A).......................................... 8-7

Overview............................................................................................... 8-7

Operation.............................................................................................. 8-7

TSP-Link synchronization lines................................................................... 8-8

Connecting to TSP-Link........................................................................ 8-8

Using TSP-Link synchronization lines for digital I/O............................. 8-8

Remote TSP-Link synchronization line commands.............................. 8-9

9 Sweep Operation.................................................................................... 9-1

Overview..................................................................................................... 9-2

Section overview .................................................................................. 9-2

Sweep overview ................................................................................... 9-2

Sweep characteristics................................................................................. 9-3

Linear staircase sweeps....................................................................... 9-3

Logarithmic staircase sweeps............................................................... 9-5

List sweeps........................................................................................... 9-8

Pulse mode sweeps.............................................................................. 9-9

Configuring and running sweeps............................................................... 9-10

Configuring other sweep attributes..................................................... 9-10

Configuring measurements during a sweep....................................... 9-11

Source and measurement delays....................................................... 9-11

Initiating and running sweeps............................................................. 9-11

Aborting a sweep................................................................................ 9-11

Sweeping using factory scripts.................................................................. 9-12

Front panel.......................................................................................... 9-12

Sweep programming examples.......................................................... 9-12

List sweep example............................................................................ 9-13

10 Triggering............................................................................................... 10-1

Remote triggering overview ...................................................................... 10-3

Using the remote trigger model................................................................. 10-4

Configuring source and measure actions........................................... 10-6

Enabling pulse mode sweeps (end pulse action)............................... 10-6

SMU event detectors................................................................................. 10-6

Clearing SMU event detectors............................................................ 10-7

Using the TRIG key to trigger a sweep............................................... 10-7

Using trigger events to start actions on trigger objects ............................. 10-8

Action overruns................................................................................... 10-9

Digital I/O Port and TSP-Link synchronization lines................................. 10-9

Common attributes............................................................................. 10-9

Trigger configuration on hardware lines ........................................... 10-10

Action overruns on hardware lines................................................... 10-11

Timers ..................................................................................................... 10-11

Timer attributes................................................................................. 10-11

Triggering a timer.............................................................................. 10-12

Using timers to perform pulse mode sweeps.................................... 10-13

Timer action overruns....................................................................... 10-17

Event blenders........................................................................................ 10-17

Event blender modes........................................................................ 10-17

Assigning input trigger events........................................................... 10-18

Action overruns................................................................................. 10-18

LAN triggering overview.......................................................................... 10-18

Understanding hardware value and pseudo line state...................... 10-18

Understanding LXI trigger event designations.................................. 10-19

Generating LXI trigger packets......................................................... 10-19

Logging LAN trigger events in the event log........................................... 10-20

Accessing the event log from the command interface...................... 10-22

Command interface triggering................................................................. 10-22

Manual triggering .................................................................................... 10-23

Interactive triggering................................................................................ 10-23

Detecting trigger events using the wait() function............................. 10-23

iv 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Table of Contents

Section T opic Page

Using the assert() function to generate trigger events...................... 10-24

Using the release() function of the hardware lines........................... 10-24

Using the set() function to bypass SMU event detectors.................. 10-24

Event detector overruns.................................................................... 10-25

Examples using interactive triggering............................................... 10-25

Hardware trigger modes for digital I/O and TSP-Link synchronization lines 10-27

Falling edge trigger mode................................................................. 10-27

Rising edge master trigger mode...................................................... 10-29

Rising edge acceptor trigger mode................................................... 10-30

Either edge trigger mode.................................................................. 10-31

Understanding synchronous triggering modes........................................ 10-32

Synchronous master trigger mode (SynchronousM)........................ 10-32

Synchronous acceptor trigger mode (SynchronousA)...................... 10-34

Synchronous trigger mode................................................................ 10-35

11 Display Operations.............................................................................. 11-1

Display functions and attributes................................................................ 11-2

Display features ........................................................................................ 11-2

Display screen.................................................................................... 11-2

Measurement functions...................................................................... 11-3

Display resolution ............................................................................... 11-3

Display messages..................................................................................... 11-4

Clearing the display............................................................................ 11-4

Cursor position.................................................................................... 11-4

Displaying text messages................................................................... 11-5

Input prompting ......................................................................................... 11-7

Menu................................................................................................... 11-7

Parameter value prompting ................................................................ 11-8

Indicators................................................................................................... 11-9

LOCAL lockout........................................................................................ 11-10

Load test menu ....................................................................................... 11-10

Loading and saving a user script...................................................... 11-11

Adding USER TESTS menu entries................................................. 11-11

Deleting USER TESTS menu entries............................................... 11-12

Running a test from the front panel .................................................. 11-12

Key-press codes ..................................................................................... 11-12

Sending key codes........................................................................... 11-12

Capturing key-press codes............................................................... 11-13

12 TSP Fundamentals and Script Management................................. 12-1

Introduction ............................................................................................... 12-2

Test Script Processor (TSP) ............................................................... 12-2

Run-time environment ........................................................................ 12-2

Queries............................................................................................... 12-3

Scripts ................................................................................................. 12-3

Naming scripts.................................................................................... 12-3

Renaming Scripts ............................................................................... 12-4

Functions............................................................................................ 12-4

Scripts that create functions ............................................................... 12-4

Programming overview ............................................................................. 12-5

What is a chunk?................................................................................ 12-5

What is a script?................................................................................. 12-5

Run-time environment ........................................................................ 12-6

Nonvolatile memory............................................................................ 12-6

TSP script types.................................................................................. 12-7

Programming model for scripts........................................................... 12-7

User scripts............................................................................................... 12-8

Creating a user script.......................................................................... 12-8

Script examples .................................................................................. 12-9

Saving a user script.......................................................................... 12-11

Loading scripts from the USB flash drive.......................................... 12-13

Running a user script........................................................................ 12-14

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 v

Table of Contents Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

Section T opic Page

Modifying a user script...................................................................... 12-15

Script management .......................................................................... 12-16

Memory considerations for the run- tim e en vir on m en t ...................... 12-18

13 Test Script Builder (TSB).................................................................... 13-1

Installing the Test Script Builder software ................................................. 13-2

System connections.................................................................................. 13-2

Using Test Script Builder........................................................................... 13-2

Project Navigator................................................................................ 13-2

Script Editor........................................................................................ 13-2

Programming Interaction.................................................................... 13-2

Starting Test Script Builder.................................................................. 13-3

Opening communications................................................................... 13-4

Creating and modifying a script.......................................................... 13-6

Script launch configuration ............................................................... 13-10

Launching a script ............................................................................ 13-14

Running a TSP file............................................................................ 13-15

Retrieving scripts from the Series 2600A......................................... 13-15

Instrument console ........................................................................... 13-16

File management tasks..................................................................... 13-22

Displaying custom messages........................................................... 13-25

14 System Expansion (TSP-Link).......................................................... 14-1

Overview................................................................................................... 14-2

Master and slaves .............................................................................. 14-2

System configurations........................................................................ 14-2

Connections.............................................................................................. 14-2

Initialization ............................................................................................... 14-3

Assigning node numbers.................................................................... 14-3

Resetting the TSP-Link ....................................................................... 14-3

Using the expanded system...................................................................... 14-4

Accessing nodes ................................................................................ 14-4

System behavior................................................................................. 14-5

Triggering with TSP-Link .................................................................... 14-5

TSP advanced features............................................................................. 14-5

Using groups to manage nodes on the TSP-Link network................. 14-7

Running parallel test scripts................................................................ 14-8

Using the data queue for real-time communication.......................... 14-10

Copying test scripts across the TSP-Link network........................... 14-10

Removing stale values from the reading buffer................................ 14-10

15 Communications Interfaces.............................................................. 15-1

Overview................................................................................................... 15-2

Selecting an interface................................................................................ 15-2

Output queue ............................................................................................ 15-2

GPIB operation.......................................................................................... 15-3

GPIB standards .................................................................................. 15-3

GPIB connections............................................................................... 15-3

Primary address ................................................................................. 15-4

Terminator........................................................................................... 15-5

General bus commands............................................................................ 15-5

REN (remote enable).......................................................................... 15-6

IFC (interface clear)............................................................................ 15-6

LLO (local lockout).............................................................................. 15-6

GTL (go to local)................................................................................. 15-6

DCL (device clear).............................................................................. 15-6

SDC (selective device clear)............................................................... 15-6

GET (group execute trigger)............................................................... 15-6

SPE, SPD (serial polling).................................................................... 15-7

Front panel GPIB operation ...................................................................... 15-7

Error and status messages................................................................. 15-7

GPIB status indicators........................................................................ 15-7

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Section T opic Page

LOCAL key ......................................................................................... 15-8

RS-232 interface operation....................................................................... 15-8

Setting RS-232 interface parameters................................................. 15-8

Sending and receiving data................................................................ 15-9

Terminator........................................................................................... 15-9

Baud rate............................................................................................ 15-9

Data bits and parity............................................................................. 15-9

Flow control (signal handshaking)...................................................... 15-9

RS-232 connections ......................................................................... 15-10

Error messages ................................................................................ 15-11

Ethernet communications........................................................................ 15-11

Ethernet cable connection................................................................ 15-11

Using the LAN with remote operations............................................. 15-12

16 LAN Concepts and Settings.............................................................. 16-1

Overview................................................................................................... 16-2

Establishing a point-to-point connection ................................................... 16-2

LAN troubleshooting suggestions....................................................... 16-7

Connecting to the LAN.............................................................................. 16-8

Setting the method.............................................................................. 16-8

Assigning the Method......................................................................... 16-9

Setting the IP address ........................................................................ 16-9

Setting the subnet mask..................................................................... 16-9

Understanding the domain name system........................................... 16-9

Verify menu overview........................................................................ 16-10

Understanding LAN speeds.................................................................... 16-10

Configuring the LAN speed............................................................... 16-10

Duplex mode........................................................................................... 16-11

Configuring the duplex mode............................................................ 16-11

Configuring the network settings............................................................. 16-11

CONFIG/FAULT................................................................................ 16-11

Viewing LAN status messages................................................................ 16-11

Viewing the network settings................................................................... 16-12

Confirming the active speed and duplex negotiation........................ 16-12

Confirming port numbers.................................................................. 16-12

Selecting a remote command interface................................................... 16-13

Configuring a telnet connection............................................................... 16-13

17 Web Interface and TSB Embedded.................................................. 17-1

Working with the web interface................................................................. 17-2

Web browser requirements................................................................. 17-2

Accessing the web interface.............................................................. 17-2

Configuring IP addressing.................................................................. 17-3

Password management ............................................................................ 17-6

Password overview............................................................................. 17-6

Accessing the virtual front panel......................................................... 17-7

Device identification indicator............................................................. 17-8

Working with TSB Embedded................................................................... 17-9

Using the Instrument Control Library (ICL)......................................... 17-9

18 TSP-NetTM............................................................................................. 18-1

Overview................................................................................................... 18-2

TSP-Net capabilities.................................................................................. 18-2

Using TSP-Net with any Ethernet-enabled device.................................... 18-2

Example script.................................................................................... 18-3

Using TSP-Net vs. TSP-Link for communication with TSP-enabled devices 18-3

19 Remote Commands............................................................................. 19-1

Test Script Language (TSL) ...................................................................... 19-3

Introduction......................................................................................... 19-3

Reserved words.................................................................................. 19-3

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 vii

Table of Contents Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

Section T opic Page

Variables and types ............................................................................ 19-3

Operators............................................................................................ 19-4

Functions............................................................................................ 19-4

Tables/arrays ...................................................................................... 19-5

Precedence ........................................................................................ 19-6

Logical operators................................................................................ 19-6

Concatenation .................................................................................... 19-7

Branching ........................................................................................... 19-7

Loop control........................................................................................ 19-8

Command programming notes.................................................................. 19-9

Conventions........................................................................................ 19-9

Functions and attributes................................................................... 19-10

TSP-Link nodes................................................................................ 19-12

Logical instruments........................................................................... 19-12

Reading buffers ................................................................................ 19-13

Time and date values....................................................................... 19-14

Remote versus local state ................................................................ 19-14

Standard libraries.................................................................................... 19-15

String library functions...................................................................... 19-16

Math library functions ....................................................................... 19-17

File I/O..................................................................................................... 19-18

Instrument Control Library....................................................................... 19-19

beeper .............................................................................................. 19-23

bit...................................................................................................... 19-23

data queue........................................................................................ 19-29

delay................................................................................................. 19-31

digio.................................................................................................. 19-31

display .............................................................................................. 19-38

errorqueue........................................................................................ 19-54

event log........................................................................................... 19-56

exit.................................................................................................... 19-58

file I/O ............................................................................................... 19-58

format ............................................................................................... 19-61

file system......................................................................................... 19-62

gpib................................................................................................... 19-65

io....................................................................................................... 19-65

LAN................................................................................................... 19-69

localnode .......................................................................................... 19-85

makegetter and makesetter.............................................................. 19-93

meminfo............................................................................................ 19-94

opc.................................................................................................... 19-94

printbuffer and printnumber.............................................................. 19-95

reset.................................................................................................. 19-96

script................................................................................................. 19-97

serial................................................................................................. 19-98

setup............................................................................................... 19-101

smuX .............................................................................................. 19-103

Status .................................................................................................... 19-150

Status register sets......................................................................... 19-150

Status byte and SRQ...................................................................... 19-150

timer................................................................................................ 19-204

trigger ............................................................................................. 19-205

tsplink.............................................................................................. 19-212

tspnet.............................................................................................. 19-221

userstring........................................................................................ 19-234

waitcomplete................................................................................... 19-236

Standard libraries.................................................................................. 19-236

String library functions.................................................................... 19-237

Math library functions ..................................................................... 19-237

Factory scripts....................................................................................... 19-238

Introduction..................................................................................... 19-238

Running a factory script.................................................................. 19-239

viii 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Table of Contents

Section T opic Page

Modifying a factory script................................................................ 19-239

Factory script information...................................................................... 19-240

KISweep ......................................................................................... 19-240

KIPulse ........................................................................................... 19-248

KIHighC .......................................................................................... 19-271

KIParlib........................................................................................... 19-273

KISavebuffer................................................................................... 19-274

20 Calibration.............................................................................................. 20-1

Introduction ............................................................................................... 20-2

Environmental conditions.......................................................................... 20-2

Temperature and relative humidity...................................................... 20-2

Warm-up period.................................................................................. 20-2

Line power.......................................................................................... 20-2

Calibration considerations......................................................................... 20-2

Calibration cycle ................................................................................. 20-3

Recommended calibration equipment................................................ 20-3

Calibration errors................................................................................ 20-5

Calibration................................................................................................. 20-5

Calibration steps................................................................................. 20-5

Calibration commands........................................................................ 20-8

Calibration procedure......................................................................... 20-9

21 Routine Maintenance .......................................................................... 21-1

Introduction ............................................................................................... 21-2

Line fuse replacement............................................................................... 21-2

Front panel tests........................................................................................ 21-3

Keys test............................................................................................. 21-3

Display Patterns test........................................................................... 21-3

Upgrading the firmware............................................................................. 21-4

Using TSB for flash firmware upgrade................................................ 21-4

22 Performance Verification.................................................................... 22-1

Introduction ............................................................................................... 22-2

Verification test requirements.................................................................... 22-2

Environmental conditions.................................................................... 22-2

Warm-up period.................................................................................. 22-2

Line power.......................................................................................... 22-3

Recommended test equipment........................................................... 22-3

Verification limits................................................................................. 22-3

Restoring factory defaults ......................................................................... 22-4

Performing the verification test procedures............................................... 22-5

Test summary ..................................................................................... 22-5

Test considerations............................................................................. 22-5

Setting the source range and output value......................................... 22-5

Setting the measurement range......................................................... 22-6

Output voltage accuracy ........................................................................... 22-6

Voltage measurement accuracy................................................................ 22-8

Output current accuracy............................................................................ 22-9

Series 2600A output current accuracy 100nA and higher.................. 22-9

Model 2635A/2636A output current accuracy 1nA to 100nA ranges 22-11

Current measurement accuracy.............................................................. 22-14

Series 2600A current measurement accuracy 100nA and higher.... 22-14

Model 2635A/2636A current measurement accuracy

100pA to 100nA ranges.................................................................... 22-15

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 ix

Table of Contents Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

Appendix Topic Page

A Error and Status Messages ................................................................ A-1

Introduction ................................................................................................ A-2

Error summary ........................................................................................... A-2

Error effects on scripts............................................................................... A-2

Reading errors ........................................................................................... A-2

B Common Commands ........................................................................... B-1

Common commands.................................................................................. B-2

Command summary............................................................................ B-2

Script command equivalents................................................................ B-2

Command reference............................................................................ B-3

C Status Model........................................................................................... C-1

Overview.................................................................................................... C-2

Status byte and SRQ........................................................................... C-2

Status register sets.............................................................................. C-2

Queues................................................................................................ C-2

Status function summary ................................................................... C-11

Clearing registers and queues................................................................. C-12

Programming and reading registers......................................................... C-12

Programming enable and transition registers.................................... C-12

Reading registers .............................................................................. C-13

Status byte and service request (SRQ).................................................... C-13

Statu s byte register............................................................................ C-13

Service request enable register......................................................... C-15

Serial polling and SRQ ...................................................................... C-15

SPE, SPD (serial polling)................................................................... C-15

Status byte and service request commands...................................... C-15

Enable and transition registers.......................................................... C-16

Controlling node and SRQ enable registers...................................... C-16

Status register sets................................................................................... C-17

System Summary Event Registers.................................................... C-17

Standard Event Register.................................................................... C-18

Operation Event Registers ................................................................ C-19

Measurement Event Registers .......................................................... C-21

Register programming example......................................................... C-22

Queues..................................................................................................... C-22

Output queue..................................................................................... C-22

Error queue........................................................................................ C-22

TSP-Link system status ........................................................................... C-23

Status model configuration example.................................................. C-23

D Display Character Codes .................................................................... D-1

Display character codes............................................................................. D-2

Display character dot patterns............................................................. D-5

Index....................................................................................................Index-1

x 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

List of Figures

Section Figure Title Page

1 Figure 1-1 Front panel (see definitions below figure)............................... 1-6

1 Figure 1-2 Models 2601A/2611A and 2602A/2612A rear panels ............. 1-9

1 Figure 1-3 Models 2635A/2636A rear panels ........................................ 1-11

1 Figure 1-4 Display modes....................................................................... 1-16

1 Figure 1-5 USB port................................................................................ 1-22

2 Figure 2-1 2602A/2612A input/output connectors.................................... 2-3

2 Figure 2-2 Model 2636A input/output connectors..................................... 2-3

2 Figure 2-3 Model 2602A/2612A input/output LO and chassis

ground terminals ..................................................................... 2-4

2 Figure 2-4 Model 2636A input/output and chassis ground....................... 2-5

2 Figure 2-5 Model 2602A/2612A Low-Noise Chassis Ground

Banana Jack and Chassis Screw............................................ 2-5

2 Figure 2-6 Model 2636A........................................................................... 2-6

2 Figure 2-7 Model 2602A/2612A two-wire connections (local sensing)..... 2-7

2 Figure 2-8 Model 2636A two-wire connections (local sensing,

non-floating)............................................................................ 2-7

2 Figure 2-9 Model 2636A two-wire connections (local sensing, floating)... 2-7
2 Figure 2-10 Model 2602A/2612A four-wire connections (remote sensing). 2-8

2 Figure 2-11 Model 2636A four-wire connections (remote sensing)............ 2-8

2 Figure 2-12 Contact check connections ................................................... 2-10

2 Figure 2-13 Model 2602A/2612A two SMUs connected to a

3-terminal device (local sensing)........................................... 2-10

2 Figure 2-14 Model 2636A, two SMUs connected to a 3-terminal

device (local sensing, floating).............................................. 2-11

2 Figure 2-15 Three SMUs connected to a 3-terminal device.................... 2-11

2 Figure 2-16 Model 2636A, three SMUs connected to a 3-terminal

device (local sensing, non-floating)....................................... 2-12

2 Figure 2-17 Models 2602A and 2612A high-impedance guarding ........... 2-13

2 Figure 2-18 Model 2636A high-impedance guarding (floating)................. 2-13

2 Figure 2-19 Model 2636A High-impedance guarding (non-floating)......... 2-14

2 Figure 2-20 Models 2602A and 2612A noise shield................................. 2-14

2 Figure 2-21 Model 2636A noise shield (non-floating)............................... 2-15

2 Figure 2-22 Model 2636A noise shield (non-floating) .............................. 2-15

2 Figure 2-23 Model 2636A noise shield (floating) ..................................... 2-16

2 Figure 2-24 Safety shield for hazardous voltage using two

2601A/2602A channels (>42V)............................................. 2-17

2 Figure 2-25 Model 2601A/2602A-1 connections for test circuit

shown in Figure 2-24............................................................. 2-17

2 Figure 2-26 Safety shield for Models 2611A/2612A/2635A/2636A

hazardous voltage (200V maximum)..................................... 2-17

2 Figure 2-27 Model 2601A/2602A-1 connections for test circuit

shown in Figure 2-26............................................................. 2-18

2 Figure 2-28 Model 2636A connections for test circuit shown in

Figure 2-26............................................................................ 2-18

List of Figures Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

Section Figure Title Page

2 Figure 2-29 Model 2601A/2602A-1 connections for noise shield,

safety shield, and guarding.................................................... 2-19

2 Figure 2-30 Model 2636A connections for noise shield, safety shield,

and guarding.......................................................................... 2-19

2 Figure 2-31 Floating the Series 2600A ..................................................... 2-21

2 Figure 2-32 Model 2601A/2602A-1 SMU connections.............................. 2-22

2 Figure 2-33 Model 2636A SMU connections for the floating configuration

shown in Figure 2-31............................................................. 2-22

3 Figure 3-1 Fundamental source measure configuration........................... 3-5

3 Figure 3-2 Local triggering...................................................................... 3-11

3 Figure 3-3 2-wire resistance sensing...................................................... 3-15

3 Figure 3-4 4-wire resistance sensing...................................................... 3-15

3 Figure 3-5 Contact check measurements............................................... 3-19

4 Figure 4-1 Model 2601A/2602A continuous power operating

boundaries............................................................................... 4-7

4 Figure 4-2 Model 2611A/2612A/2635A/2636A continuous power

operating boundaries............................................................... 4-7

4 Figure 4-3 Model 2601A/2602A I-Source boundaries............................... 4-8

4 Figure 4-4 Model 2611A/2612A/2635A/2636A I-Source boundaries........ 4-9

4 Figure 4-5 I-Source operating examples................................................. 4-10

4 Figure 4-6 Model 2601A/2602A V-Source boundaries............................ 4-11

4 Figure 4-7 Model 2611A/2612A/2635A/2636A V-Source boundaries..... 4-12

4 Figure 4-8 V-Source operating examples................................................ 4-14

4 Figure 4-9 Source I configuration............................................................ 4-15

4 Figure 4-10 Source V configuration .......................................................... 4-16

4 Figure 4-11 Measure only configurations.................................................. 4-17

4 Figure 4-12 Contact check circuit configuration........................................ 4-18

4 Figure 4-13 Comparison of unguarded and guarded measurements....... 4-20

5 Figure 5-1 Enabling high-capacitance mode............................................. 5-6

6 Figure 6-1 Moving average and repeating filters..................................... 6-11

6 Figure 6-2 Median Filter.......................................................................... 6-12

8 Figure 8-1 Digital I/O port.......................................................................... 8-2

8 Figure 8-2 Digital I/O port configuration.................................................... 8-3

8 Figure 8-3 Using Model 2601A/2602A output enable............................... 8-6

8 Figure 8-4 Using Model 2611A/2612A/2635A/2636A interlock................. 8-8

9 Figure 9-1 Sweep types............................................................................ 9-3

9 Figure 9-2 Linear staircase sweep............................................................ 9-4

9 Figure 9-3 Increasing logarithmic sweep .................................................. 9-5

9 Figure 9-4 Decreasing logarithmic sweep................................................. 9-6

9 Figure 9-5 Logarithmic staircase sweep (1V to 10V, five steps) ............... 9-7

9 Figure 9-6 List sweep example................................................................. 9-9

9 Figure 9-7 Pulse rise and fall times........................................................... 9-9

10 Figure 10-1 Triggering overview ............................................................... 10-3

10 Figure 10-2 Remote trigger model ............................................................ 10-5

10 Figure 10-3 Front panel TRIG key triggering ............................................ 10-8

10 Figure 10-4 Using trigger events to start actions ...................................... 10-9

10 Figure 10-5 External instrument triggering.............................................. 10-11

10 Figure 10-6 Using a timer for an SDM cycle........................................... 10-13

10 Figure 10-7 Single pulse triggering......................................................... 10-14

10 Figure 10-8 Pulse train............................................................................ 10-15

10 Figure 10-9 Pulse train triggering............................................................ 10-17

10 Figure 10-10 Event log.............................................................................. 10-20

10 Figure 10-11 Falling edge input trigger .................................................... 10-27

10 Figure 10-12 Falling edge output trigger .................................................. 10-28

xvi 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual List of Figures

Section Figure Title Page

10 Figure 10-13 RisingM output trigger.......................................................... 10-29

10 Figure 10-14 RisingA input trigger ............................................................ 10-30

10 Figure 10-15 RisingA output trigger.......................................................... 10-30

10 Figure 10-16 Either Edge input trigger...................................................... 10-31

10 Figure 10-17 Either edge output trigger.................................................... 10-31

10 Figure 10-18 SynchronousM input trigger................................................. 10-32

10 Figure 10-19 SynchronousM output trigger............................................... 10-33

10 Figure 10-20 SynchronousA input trigger ................................................. 10-34

10 Figure 10-21 SynchronousA output trigger............................................... 10-34

10 Figure 10-22 Synchronous input trigger.................................................... 10-35

10 Figure 10-23 Synchronous output trigger.................................................. 10-35

11 Figure 11-1 Row/column format for display messaging............................ 11-5

12 Figure 12-1 Script example....................................................................... 12-6

12 Figure 12-2 Programming model for scripts.............................................. 12-7

12 Figure 12-3 Saving a script..................................................................... 12-12

12 Figure 12-4 Overwriting an existing file on the USB drive....................... 12-12

12 Figure 12-5 Subdirectories...................................................................... 12-13

13 Figure 13-1 Test Script Builder (example)................................................. 13-3

13 Figure 13-2 Opening and closing communications................................... 13-5

13 Figure 13-3 Creating and modifying a script using the Test Script Builder 13-6

13 Figure 13-4 Creating a project folder ........................................................ 13-7

13 Figure 13-5 Saving a script in Test Script Builder ..................................... 13-8

13 Figure 13-6 Creating a new script file ....................................................... 13-9

13 Figure 13-7 Renaming a project folder and/or script file......................... 13-10

13 Figure 13-8 Changing a launch configuration......................................... 13-11

13 Figure 13-9 Opening the Run dialog box (launch configuration)............. 13-12

13 Figure 13-10 Run dialog box (Script Attributes tab).................................. 13-14

13 Figure 13-11 Relaunching a script from the Test Script Builder toolbar.... 13-14

13 Figure 13-12 Re-launching a script from the Test Script Builder toolbar... 13-15

13 Figure 13-13 Importing a script from memory of the Series 2600A .......... 13-16

13 Figure 13-14 Instrument Console icons.................................................... 13-17

13 Figure 13-15 Programming interaction tabs: Problems, Tasks,

and Command Help............................................................. 13-20

13 Figure 13-16 Programming interaction tabs: Language Help,

Bookmarks, Browser View................................................... 13-21

13 Figure 13-17 Workspace Launcher and Select Workspace Directory....... 13-23

13 Figure 13-18 Importing a project from another workspace folder ............. 13-24

13 Figure 13-19 Deleting a project................................................................. 13-25

14 Figure 14-1 TSP-Link connections............................................................ 14-2

14 Figure 14-2 Multiple TSP-Link networks ................................................... 14-6

14 Figure 14-3 Single TSP-Link network with groups ................................... 14-7

15 Figure 15-1 IEEE-488 connector............................................................... 15-3

15 Figure 15-2 IEEE-488 connections ........................................................... 15-3

15 Figure 15-3 IEEE-488, RS-232, and LAN connection............................... 15-4

15 Figure 15-4 RS-232 interface connector................................................. 15-10

15 Figure 15-5 Ethernet connection............................................................. 15-12

16 Figure 16-1 Computer configuration using the command prompt............. 16-3

16 Figure 16-2 Internet protocol (TCP/IP) properties dialog box ................... 16-5

16 Figure 16-3 LAN connection ..................................................................... 16-7

16 Figure 16-4 LAN CONFIG/FAUL T........................................................... 16-12

16 Figure 16-5 Connection description........................................................ 16-14

16 Figure 16-6 Connect To dialog box ......................................................... 16-14

16 Figure 16-7 ASCII Setup window............................................................ 16-15

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 xvii

List of Figures Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

Section Figure Title Page

17 Figure 17-1 LXI Welcome page ................................................................ 17-3

17 Figure 17-2 IP configuration page............................................................. 17-4

17 Figure 17-3 Password administration page............................................... 17-4

17 Figure 17-4 Modify IP configuration page................................................. 17-5

17 Figure 17-5 Virtual front panel................................................................... 17-8

17 Figure 17-6 ID Illuminated......................................................................... 17-8

17 Figure 17-7 LAN status indicator............................................................... 17-8

20 Figure 20-1 Connections for voltage calibration...................................... 20-10

20 Figure 20-2 Connections for current calibration (100nA to 1A ranges)... 20-14

20 Figure 20-3 Connections for current calibration...................................... 20-18

20 Figure 20-4 Connections for contact check 0W calibration..................... 20-20

20 Figure 20-5 Connections for contact check 50W calibration................... 20-21

21 Figure 21-1 Line fuse replacement ........................................................... 21-2

21 Figure 21-2 Pulse sweep example............................................................ 21-4

21 Figure 21-3 Pulse sweep example............................................................ 21-5

22 Figure 22-1 Connections for voltage verification....................................... 22-7

22 Figure 22-2 Current verification connections (2602A/2612A(3A);

2636A(1.5A)) ....................................................................... 22-12

22 Figure 22-3 Connection ranges (2601A/2602A (3A);

2611A/2612A/2635A/2636A (1.5A)) .................................... 22-13

Appendix Figure Title Page

C Figure C-1 Status model overview............................................................ C-3

C Figure C-2 Status model (system summary and standard event

registers)................................................................................. C-4

C Figure C-3 Status model (operation event registers)................................ C-5

C Figure C-4 Status model (operation event registers)................................ C-6

C Figure C-5 Status model (operation event registers)................................ C-7

C Figure C-6 Status model (operation event registers)................................ C-8

C Figure C-7 Status model (questionable event registers)........................... C-9

C Figure C-8 Status model (measurement event registers)....................... C-10

C Figure C-9 16-bit status register............................................................. C-13

C Figure C-10 Status byte and service request (SRQ) ................................ C-14

C Figure C-11 Standard event register......................................................... C-19

C Figure C-12 TSP-Link status model configuration example..................... C-25

xviii 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

List of Tables

Section Table Title Page

1 Table 1-1 Connectors and triax cable conductors................................. 1-12

1 Table 1-2 Triax connector on ground module........................................ 1-13

1 Table 1-3 Main menu ............................................................................ 1-19

1 Table 1-4 Configuration menus............................................................. 1-20

2 Table 2-1 Selecting the sense mode from the front panel....................... 2-9

2 Table 2-2 Commands to select sense mode........................................... 2-9

2 Table 2-3 Commands to select the output-off state............................... 2-24

3 Table 3-1 Source-measure capabilities................................................... 3-3

3 Table 3-2 Maximum compliance values.................................................. 3-4

3 Table 3-3 Compliance commands........................................................... 3-5

3 Table 3-4 Auto zero settings ................................................................... 3-6

3 Table 3-5 Auto zero command and options ............................................ 3-7

3 Table 3-6 Basic source-measure commands.......................................... 3-9

3 Table 3-7 Basic contact check commands............. ....... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .. 3-19

4 Table 4-1 Maximum compliance limits .................................................... 4-2

4 Table 4-2 Model 2601A/2602A Maximum Duty Cycle

equation constants.................................................................. 4-5

4 Table 4-3 Model 2611A/2612A/2635A/2636A Maximum Duty Cycle

equation constants.................................................................. 4-5

4 Table 4-4 Current Measure Settling Time1, 2 ....................................... 4-21

4 Table 4-5 Current source gain-bandwidth............................................. 4-22

5 Table 5-1 Models 2601A and 2602A source settling times..................... 5-3

5 Table 5-2 Models 2611A/2612A and 2635A/2636A source

settling times ........................................................................... 5-3

5 Table 5-3 Current measure and source settling times............................. 5-3

6 Table 6-1 Source and measurement ranges........................................... 6-2

6 Table 6-2 Range commands................................................................... 6-5

6 Table 6-3 Digits commands..................................................................... 6-6

6 Table 6-4 Speed command..................................................................... 6-7

6 Table 6-5 Rel commands ........................................................................ 6-9

6 Table 6-6 Filter commands.................................................................... 6-12

7 Table 7-1 SMU buffer example................................................................ 7-6

7 Table 7-2 Reading buffer commands...................................................... 7-7

7 Table 7-3 Buffer storage control attributes.............................................. 7-8

7 Table 7-4 Buffer read-only attributes....................................................... 7-8

7 Table 7-5 Buffer control programming examples .................................... 7-8

7 Table 7-6 Buffer read-only attribute programming examples.................. 7-8

7 Table 7-7 Recall attributes ...................................................................... 7-9

7 Table 7-8 Buffer status bits...................................................................... 7-9

8 Table 8-1 Digital bit weight...................................................................... 8-4

8 Table 8-2 Remote digital I/O commands................................................. 8-5

8 Table 8-3 Digital I/O bit weight. ............................................................... 8-9

8 Table 8-4 Remote synchronization line commands................................. 8-9

9 Table 9-1 Logarithmic sweep points........................................................ 9-8

List of Tables Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

Section Table Title Page

9 Table 9-2 Sweep example parameters.................................................. 9-12

10 Table 10-1 Event IDs............................................................................... 10-4

10 Table 10-2 Event detectors ..................................................................... 10-7

10 Table 10-3 Hardware trigger mode summary........................................ 10-10

10 Table 10-4 Action overruns ................................................................... 10-18

10 Table 10-5 LXI trigger edge detection................................................... 10-19

10 Table 10-6 LAN trigger modes .............................................................. 10-19

10 Table 10-7 Event log descriptions......................................................... 10-21

11 Table 11-1 Cross referencing functions/attributes to section topics........ 11-2

11 Table 11-2 Bit identification for indicators................................. ... .... ... ... 11-10

11 Table 11-3 Key codes to send for display.sendkey............................... 11-13

11 Table 11-4 Key code values returned for display.getlastkey ................. 11-14

12 Table 12-1 Example script to sweep V and measure I............................ 12-9

12 Table 12-2 Example script using a function............................................. 12-9

14 Table 14-1 TSP-Link reset commands.................................................... 14-4

14 Table 14-2 TSP-Link network group functions ....................................... 14-7

15 Table 15-1 General bus commands........................................................ 15-5

15 Table 15-2 RS-232 interface commands................................................. 15-8

15 Table 15-3 RS-232 connector pinout..................................................... 15-10

15 Table 15-4 PC serial port pinout............................................................ 15-11

15 Table 15-5 LAN functions...................................................................... 15-12

16 Table 16-1 CONFIG/fault messages..................................................... 16-11

16 Table 16-2 Port number......................................................................... 16-12

17 Table 17-1 Web Browser Requirements.................................................. 17-2

19 Table 19-1 Base library functions.......................................................... 19-16

19 Table 19-2 Base library functions........................................................ 19-236

19 Table 19-3 KISweep TSP test script: SweepILinMeasureV................. 19-240

19 Table 19-4 KISweep TSP test script: SweepVLinMeasureI................. 19-241

19 Table 19-5 KISweep TSP test script: SweepILogMeasureV............... 19-243

19 Table 19-6 KISweep TSP test script: SweepVLogMeasureI............... 19-245

19 Table 19-7 KISweep TSP test script: SweepIListMeasureV................ 19-246

19 Table 19-8 KISweep TSP test script: SweepVListMeasureI................ 19-247

19 Table 19-9 Required true conditions for “Initiate” function execution .. 19-248

19 Table 19-10 KISweep TSP test script: PulseIMeasureV ....................... 19-249

19 Table 19-11 KISweep TSP test script: PulseVMeasureI ...... ... ... ... .... ... . 19-250

19 Table 19-12 KIPulse TSP test script: ConfigPulseIMeasureV............... 19-251

19 Table 19-13 KIPulse TSP test script: ConfigPulseVMeasureI............... 19-253

19 Table 19-14 KIPulse TSP test script: ConfigPulseIMeasureVSweepLin 19-255
19 Table 19-15 KIPulse TSP test script: ConfigPulseVMeasureISweepLin 19-257
19 Table 19-16 KIPulse TSP test script: ConfigPulseIMeasureVSweepLog 19-259
19 Table 19-17 KIPulse TSP test script: ConfigPulseVMeasureISweepLog 19-261

19 Table 19-18 KIPulse TSP test script: QueryPulseConfig....................... 19-264

19 Table 19-19 KIPulse TSP test script: InitiatePulseTest.......................... 19-267

19 Table 19-20 KIPulse TSP test script: InitiatePulseTestDual .................. 19-268

19 Table 19-21 KIHighC TSP test script: i_leakage_measure()................. 19-271

19 Table 19-22 KIHighC TSP test script: i_leakage_threshold()................ 19-272

19 Table 19-23 KIParlib TSP test script: gm_vsweep().............................. 19-273

19 Table 19-24 KIParlib TSP test script: gm_isweep()............................... 19-274

19 Table 19-25 KISavebuffer TSP test script: savebuffer()........................ 19-274

20 Table 20-1 Recommended calibration equipment................................... 20-4

20 Table 20-2 Model 2601A/2602A calibration steps....... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... .. 20-5

20 Table 20-3 Model 2611A/2612A calibration steps ................................... 20-6

20 Table 20-4 Model 2635A/2636A calibration steps....... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... .. 20-7

xxiv 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual List of Tables

20 Table 20-4 Model 2635A/2636A calibration steps....... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... .. 20-7

20 Table 20-5 Calibration commands........................................................... 20-8

20 Table 20-6 Settings of Model 2635A/2636A Characterization

of Voltage Source................................................................ 20-19

21 Table 21-1 Line fuse................................................................................ 21-3

22 Table 22-1 Recommended verification equipment.................................. 22-3

22 Table 22-2 Model 2601A/2602A output voltage accuracy limits.............. 22-8

22 Table 22-3 Model 2611A/2612A/2635A/2636A output voltage

accuracy limits........ ... ... ... .... ... ... ............................................ 22-8

22 Table 22-4 Model 2601A/2602A voltage measurement accuracy limits.. 22-9
22 Table 22-5 Model 2611A/2612A/2635A/2636A voltage measurement

accuracy limits........ ... ... ... .... ... ... ............................................ 22-9

22 Table 22-6 Model 2601A/2602A output current accuracy limits............ 22-10

22 Table 22-7 Model 2611A/2612A output current accuracy limits ............ 22-10

22 Table 22-8 Model 2635A/2636A output current accuracy limits............ 22-14

22 Table 22-9 Model 2635A/2636A Characterization of Voltage

Source settings.................................................................... 22-15

22 Table 22-10 Model 2601A/2602A current measurement accuracy limits 22-15
22 Table 22-11 Model 2611A/2612A current measurement accuracy limits 22-16
22 Table 22-12 Model 2635A/2636A current measurement accuracy limits 22-16

Appendix T able Title Page

A Table A-1 Error queue commands........................................................... A-2

A Table A-2 Error summary......................................................................... A-3

B Table B-1 Common commands ............................................................... B-2

B Table B-2 Script command equivalents ................................................... B-2

C Table C-1 Status function summary....................................................... C-11

C Table C-2 Commands to reset registers and clear queues .. ... ... .... ... ... . C-12

C Table C-3 Status Byte and Service Request Enable Register

commands............................................................................ C-16

C Table C-4 Standard event commands................................................... C-19

C Table C-5 Error queue commands........................................................ C-23

D Table D-1 Display character codes (decimal 0-143)............................... D-2

D Table D-2 Display character codes (decimal 144-255)........................... D-4

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 xxv

List of Tables Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

This page left blank intentionally.

xxvi 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

In this section:

Topic Page

Introduction....................................................................................... 1-2

General information.......................................................................... 1-3

Front and rear panel familiarization ................................................ 1-6

Section 1

Getting Started

Capabilities and features.............................................................. 1-2

Organization of manual sections .................................................. 1-3

Warranty information .................................................................... 1-3

Contact information....................................................................... 1-3

Unpacking and inspection............................................................. 1-3

Options and accessories .............................................................. 1-4

User’s and Reference manuals...................................................... 1-5

Front panel summaries................................................................. 1-6

Rear panel summaries.................................................................. 1-9

Cooling vents.................................................................................... 1-13

Power-up............................................................................................ 1-14

Line power connection.................................................................. 1-14

Power-up sequence...................................................................... 1-15

Beeper.......................................................................................... 1-15

Display modes................................................................................... 1-16

Editing controls................................................................................. 1-17

Source and compliance editing .................................................... 1-17

Menu navigation ........................................................................... 1-18

Menu types................................................................................... 1-19

Interface configuration..................................................................... 1-21

USB storage overview...................................................................... 1-21

Connecting the USB flash drive.................................................... 1-21

Using the file system ........................................................................ 1-22

File system navigation.................................................................. 1-22

Error and status messages............................................................... 1-22

Section 1: Getting Started Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

Introduction

The Keithley Instruments Series 2600A System SourceMeter® instruments offer electronic
component and semiconductor device manufacturers a scalable, high throughput, highly cost­effective solution for precision DC, pulse, and low frequency AC source-measure testing.

Capabilities and features

• Models 2601A/2602A System SourceMeter instruments:
– Source ±DC voltage from 1 μV to 40.4 V
– Source ±DC current from 1p A to 3.03 A
– Source ±pulse current up to 10 A
– Measure ± pulse current up to 10 A
– Measure ±DC voltage from 1 μV to 40.8 V
– Measure ±DC current from 1 pA to 3.06 A

• Models 2611A/2612A System SourceMeter instruments:
– Source ±DC voltage from 1 μV to 202 V
– Source ±DC current from 1p A to 1.515 A
– Source ±pulse current up to 10 A
– Measure ± pulse current up to 10 A
– Measure ±DC voltage from 1 μV to 204 V
– Measure ±DC current from 1 pA to 1.53 A

• Models 2635A/2636A System SourceMeter instruments:

– Source +/- DC voltage from 1 μV to 20 2V
– Source +/- DC current from 20 fA to 1.515 A
– Source ±pulse current up to 10 A
– Measure ± pulse current up to 10 A
– Measure +/- DC voltage from 1 μV to 204 V
– Measure +/- DC current from 1 fA to 1.53 A

• Resistance and power measurement functions.

• LXI Class C.

• High Capacitance mode for load impedance up to 50 μf.

• Contact check function.

• Two independent source-measure channels (Models 2602A, 2612A, and 2636A only).

• Four-quadrant sink or source operation.

• Embedded Test Script Processor (TSP™) accessible from any host interface; responds to

high-speed test scripts comprised of instrument control commands.

• Linear, logarithmic, and custom sweeping and pulsing.

• Internally stores five user setup options.

• Two dedicated reading buffers per SMU that can each store and recall over 140,000

measurements. Additional dynamic reading buffers can be created.

• Filtering to reduce reading noise.

• Supports IEEE-488 (GPIB), RS-232, and Ethernet.

• TSP-Link: Allows TSP-enabled instruments to trigger and communicate with each other.

• Digital I/O port: Allows the Series 2600A to control other devices.

• Trigger model su pport s robust trigge ring an d synchron ization sch emes at hard ware speeds.

• Advanced TSP features enable parallel script execution across the TSP-Link network.

• USB flash drive access for saving data buffers, test scripts, and user setups.

1-2 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 1: Getting Started

• Web-based characterization tool that provides easy access to data gathering, sweeping,

and pulsing features.

Organization of manual sections

The manual sections in the PDF version of this manual can be viewed by clickin g the “Bookmarks”
tab on the left side of this window. This tab also provides direct links to the various sections and
section topics.

The manual sections are also listed in the Table of Contents located at the beginning of this
manual.

General information

Warranty information

Warranty information is located at the front of this manual. Should your Series 2600A require
warranty service, contact the Keithley Instruments representative or authorized repair facility in
your area for further information. When returning the instrument for re pair , be sur e to complete and
return the service form at the back of this manual to provide the repair facility with the relevant
information.

Contact information

If you have any questions, please contact your local Keithley Instruments representative or call
one of our Application Engineers at 1-888-KEITHLEY (1-888-534-8453) , U.S. and Canada only.
You can also contact us through our website at www.keithley.com.

Unpacking and inspection

Inspection for damage

The Series 2600A was carefully inspected electrically and mechanically before shipment. After
unpacking all items from the shipping carton, check for any obvio us signs of physical dam age that
may have occurred during transit (there may be a protective film over the display lens, which can
be removed). Report any damage to the shipping agent immediately. Save the original packing
carton for possible future shipment. Before removing the Series 2600A from the bag, observe the
following handling precautions.

Handling precautions

• Always grasp the Series 2600A by the covers or by the handle.

• After removing the Series 2600A from its anti-static bag, inspect it for any obvious signs of

physical damage. Report any such damage to the shipping agent immediately.

• When the Series 2600A is not installed and connected, keep the unit in its anti-static bag

and store it in the original packing carton.

Package content

The following items are included with every Series 2600A order:

• Model 2601A, 2602A, 2611A, 2612A, 2635A, or 2636A SourceMeter instrument with line

cord

• Two RJ-45 crossover cables

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 1-3

Section 1: Getting Started Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

• Certificate of calibration

• Quick Start Guide

• CD-ROMs that contain:

• PDFs of the User’s and Reference Manuals

• Test Script Builder script de ve lo pm ent so ftware

• Accessories as ordered

The following items are included with Models 2601A, 2602A, 2611A, and 2612A only:

• 2600-KIT Screw terminal connector kit (two with Models 2602A and 2612A and one with

Models 2601A and 2611A)

The following items are included with Models 2635A and 2636A only:

• 2600-IAC interlock connector

• CS-1423-3 inverted mini plug

• 2636-002 wire cutting

• 2600-ALG-2 low noise triax cable with alligator clips, UL approved for up to 42 V , 2m (6.6 f t)

(two with Model 2636A and one with Model 2635A)

• Quick Start Guide

Options and accessories

GPIB cables, interfaces, and adaptors (connects Series 2600A to the GPIB bus)

Models 7006-1 and 7006-2: Single-shielded GPIB cables. Terminated with one straight

connector (non-stacking) and one feed-through connector. Model 7006-1 is 1m long; Model
7006-2 is 2m long.

KPCI-488LP: IEEE-488 interface/controller for the PCI Bus.
KPXI-488: IEEE-488 interface board for the PXI Bus.
KUSB-488A: USB-to-GPIB interface adapter.
Models 7007-05, 7007-1, 7007-2, and 7007-4 : Doub le-shielded premium GPIB cables. Each

end is terminated with a feed-through metal housing for longest life and best performance.
Model 7007-05 is 0.5m long; 7007-1 is 1m long; Model 7007-2 is 2m long; Model 7007-4 is 4m
long.

Model 7010: Shielded GPIB-to-GPIB bus adapter. Provides additional clearance between the
rear panel and GPIB cable connector. Allows easier access to cables and other connectors.

RS-232 cable (connects Series 2600A to the RS-232)

Model 7009-5 shielded RS-232 cable: This straight-through cable connects the RS-232 of

the Series 2600A to the RS-232 interface of your PC. This cable is 5 ft long and uses shielded
cable and connectors to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI).

1-4 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 1: Getting Started

TSP-Link cable (connects Series 2600A to the TSP-Link or LAN)

CA-180-3A CAT 5 cable: Crossover CAT5 LAN cable that connects the

TSP-Link of the Series 2600A to other instruments. It can also be used to connect the
instrument to LAN equipment with Auto_MDIX or to connect the LAN port of the Series 2600A
to a PC.

Digital I/O port cables (connects Digit al I/O to other devices)

CA-126-1 DB-25 cable: DB-25 male to female DB-25 cable, 1.5 m (5 ft) long, used to connect

the digital I/O port to other instruments.
2600-TLINK trigger cable: Cable used to connect the digital I/O port of Series 2600A

instruments to other Keithley instruments equipped with Trigger Link (TLINK).

User’s and Reference manuals

The Series 2600A’s User and Reference Manuals are provided on the product information
CD-ROM in PDF format. The User’s Manual provides the fundamental operating information for
the instrument. The Reference Manual provides additional information on the topics covered in the
User’s Manual. The Reference Manual also includes advanced operation topics and maintenance
information.

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 1-5

Section 1: Getting Started Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

P

U

S

H

T

O

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D

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P

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S

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2601A SYSTEM SourceMeter

®

POWER

AUTO

CURSOR

2602A SYSTEM SourceMeter

®

POWER

AUT O

CURSOR

EXIT ENTER

TRIG MENU

SPEED

DIGITS

REL

FILTER

SRC LIMITMEAS

MODE

0

1

0000

+ / -

LOAD RUN STORE RECALL

6

7

2

3

4

5

89

OUTPUT

ON/OFF

LOCAL

DISPLAY

CONFIG

RANGE

RANGE

1

Model 2601A and Model 2611A

2

3

4

5

EXIT ENTER

TRIG MENU

SPEED

DIGITS

REL

FILTER

SRC LIMITMEAS

MODE

0

1

0000

+ / -

LOAD RUN STORE RECALL

6

7

2

3

4

5

89

LOCAL

DISPLAY

CONFIG

RANGE

RANGE

SPEED

DIGITS

REL

FILTER

SRC LIMITMEAS

MODE

CHANNEL A CHANNEL B

CHAN

A

CHAN

B

OUTPUT

ON/OFF

Model 2602A and Model 2612A

KEITHLEY SourceMeter

KEITHLEY SourceMeter

5

4

3

2

1

Front and rear panel familiarization

Front panel summaries

The front panels of the Series 2600A are shown in Figure 1-1. The descriptions of the front panel
controls follow Figure 1-1.

Figure 1-1

Front panel (see definitions below figure)

1-6 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 1: Getting Started

NOTE The Models 2601A, 2611A, and 2635A have one source measure

channel (Channel A), and the Models 2602A, 2612A, and 2636A
have two source measure channels (Channel A and Channel B).

1. Special keys and power switch:

DISPLAY Toggles between the various source-measure displays and the user message mode.

Selects Model 2602A, 2612A, 2636A single or dual-channel display.

CONFIG Use to configure a function or operation.
POWER Power switch: The in position turns SourceMeter instrument on (I); the out position turns it

off (O).

Number The number keys (0-9, +/-, 0000) allow direct numeric entry in the EDIT mode.
Keys

2. Source-measure setup, performance control, and special operation:

Top row
Models 2601A, 2602A, 2611A, 2612A, 2635A, and 2636A:

SRC Channel A selects the source function (V or A) and places cursor in the source field for

editing.
MEAS Channel A cycles through measure functions (V, A, Ω, or W).
LIMIT Channel A places the cursor in the compliance limit field for editing.
MODE Channel A directly chooses the measurement functi on (V, A, Ω, or W).

Models 2602A, 2612A, and 2636A only:

SRC Channel B selects the source function (V or A) and places cursor in the source field.
MEAS Channel B cycles through measure functions (V, A, Ω, or W).
LIMIT Channel B places the cursor in the compliance limit field for editing.
MODE Channel B directly chooses the measurement functi on (V, A, Ω, or W).

Middle row
Models 2601A, 2602A, 2611A, 2612A, 2635A, and 2636A:

DIGITS Channel A changes display resolution to 4-1/2, 5-1/2, or 6-1/2 digits.
SPEED Channel A sets the measurement speed by controlling the A/D converter measurement

aperture.
REL Channel A controls relative, which allows a baseline value to be subtracted from a reading.
FILTER Channel A controls the digital filter, which can be used to reduce reading noise.

Models 2602A, 2612A, and 2636A only:

DIGITS Channel B changes display resolution to 4-1/2, 5-1/2, or 6-1/2 digits.
SPEED Channel B sets the measurement speed by controlling the A/D converter measurement

aperture.
REL Channel B controls relative, which allows a baseline value to be subtracted from a reading.
FILTER Channel B controls the digital filter, which can be used to reduce reading noise.

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 1-7

Section 1: Getting Started Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

Bottom row

LOAD Loads factory or user-defined scripts for execution.
RUN Runs the last selected factory or user-defined scripts.
STORE Stores readings, source values, and timestamp values in one of two internal buffers

per channel for later recall.
RECALL Recalls stored readings, source values, and timestamp values from either of the two buffers.
TRIG Triggers readings.
MENU Accesses the main menu for saving and recalling setups, selecting a remote interface, line

frequency, self-tests, serial number, and beeper control.
EXIT Cancels selection and backs out of menu structure. Also used as a LOCAL key to take the

unit out of remote.
ENTER Accepts selection and moves to the next choice or exits the menu.

3. Range keys:

and Selects the next higher or lower source or measure range.

AUTO Enables or disables source or measure auto range.

4. Output control and LED status indicator:

OUTPUT ON/OFF Turns source output on or off.
LED indicator Turns on when output is on.

5. Navigation Wheel, USB port, and cursor keys:

Use the CURSOR keys to move the cursor left or right. Once you select the desired source or compliance
value, push the navigation wheel to edit the value. You can use the navigation wheel to enable or disable
the edit mode.

Use the CURSOR keys or navigation wheel to navigate through menu items. To view a menu value, use
the CURSOR keys for cursor control and then rotate the navigation wheel to change the value. Push the
navigation wheel to open the submenu items or to select a menu option or a value.

Use the USB port to connect with a USB flash drive. The USB flash drive stores reading buffer data,
scripts, and user setup options.

6. Display indicators (not shown):

EDIT Unit is in the source editing mode
ERR Questionable reading or invalid cal step
REM Unit in remote mode
TALK Unit is addressed to talk
LSTN Unit is addressed to listen
SRQ Service request
REL Relative mode enabled
FILT Digital filter is enabled
AUTO Auto source or measure range is selected
ARM Unit is armed and ready to run
* (asterisk) Readings are bein g sto red in the buffer

1-8 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 1: Getting Started

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 PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE HAZARD,REPLACE FUSE WITH SAME TYPE AND RATING.

CAUTION:

FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE HAZARD,REPLACE FUSE WITH SAME TYPE AND RATING.

MADE IN

U.S.A.

IEEE-488

LINE RATING

100-240VAC

50, 60Hz

240VA MAX.

DIGITAL I/O

RS-232

LINE FUSE

SLOWBLOW

3.15A, 250V

TSP-Link

R

CAT I

SS

LO LO HIHI GGGG

CHANNEL A

!

LAN

NO AUTO-MDIX

!

!

CAT I

SSLO

LOHI

HIGGG G

CHANNEL B

!

U

L

C

US

LISTED

SourceMeter

4ZA4

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 PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE HAZARD,REPLACE FUSE WITH SAME TYPE AND RATING.

CAUTION:

FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE HAZARD,REPLACE FUSE WITH SAME TYPE AND RATING.

MADE IN

U.S.A.

IEEE-488

LINE RATING

100-240VAC

50, 60Hz

240VA MAX.

DIGITAL I/O

RS-232

LINE FUSE

SLOWBLOW

3.15A, 250V

TSP-Link

R

CAT I

SS

LO LO HIHI GGGG

CHANNEL A

!

!

!

LAN

NO AUTO-MDIX

Model 2601A/2611A

Model 2602A/2612A

1

2
3

4578

9

1

610

1

2
3

4578

9

610

Rear panel summaries

The rear panels of Models 260A, 261 1A and Models 2602A, 2612A are shown in Figure 1-2. The
descriptions of the rear panel component s follow Figure 1-2. The rear panels of Models 2625A and 2636A
are shown in Figure 1-3. The descriptions of the rear panel component s follow Figure 1-3.

Figure 1-2

Models 2601A/2611A and 2602A/2612A rear panels (see definitions below figure)

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 1-9

Section 1: Getting Started Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

1 CHANNEL A and CHANNEL B (Channel B on 2602A/2612A only)

Input/output connections for source, sense, and guard.

2 DIGITAL I/O

Female DB-25 connector. Fourteen pins for digital input or output, one pin for output enable (2601A/
2602A) or safety interlock (2611A/2612A); +5V and GND pins are also provided.

Use a cable equipped with a male DB-25 connector (Keithley Instruments part number CA-126-1CA).

3 IEEE-488

Connector for IEEE-488 (GPIB) operation. Use a shielded cable, such as the Model 7007-1 or Model
7007-2.

4 Cooling exhaust vent

Exhaust vent for the internal cooling fan. Keep the vent free of obstructions to prevent overheating.

5 Chassis ground

Ground screw for connections to chassis ground.

6 Low noise chassis ground

Ground jack for connecting Output HI or LO to chassis.

7 RS-232

Female DB-9 connector. For RS-232 operation, use a straight-through (not null modem) DB-9 shielded
cable (Keithley Instruments Model 7009-5) for connection to the PC.

8 TSP-Link

Expansion interface that allows a Series 2600A and other TSP-enabled instruments to
trigger and communicate with each other. Use a category 5e or higher LAN crossover cable (Keithley
Instruments part number CA-180-3A).

9 Power module

Contains the AC line receptacle and power line fuse. The instrument can operate on line voltages of 100V
to 240V AC at line frequencies of 50Hz or 60Hz.

10. LAN

Use this RJ-45 connector to connect the instrument to the local area network. The RJ-45 connector
connects a network card, a network switch, a router or a hub. When connecting directly to a PC, a
crossover cable (included) must be used. When connecting to a network switch, router, or hub, a normal
CAT-5 cable (not provided) should be used unless your equipment has Auto-MDIX capabilities. If it does
have Auto-MDIX, the crossover cables may be used.

1-10 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 1: Getting Started

U

L

C

US

LISTED

SourceMeter

4ZA4

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 PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE HAZARD,REPLACE FUSE WITH SAME TYPE AND RATING.

CAUTION:

FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE HAZARD,REPLACE FUSE WITH SAME TYPE AND RATING.

MADE IN

U.S.A.

IEEE-488

LINE RATING

100-240VAC

50, 60Hz

240VA MAX.

DIGITAL I/O

RS-232

LINE FUSE

SLOWBLOW

3.15A, 250V

LAN

TSP-Link

R

SENSE

LO LO HI

CHANNEL A

SENSE

HI

GUARD

A 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 PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE HAZARD,REPLACE FUSE WITH SAME TYPE AND RATING.

CAUTION:

FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE HAZARD,REPLACE FUSE WITH SAME TYPE AND RATING.

MADE IN

U.S.A.

IEEE-488

LINE RATING

100-240VAC

50, 60Hz

240VA MAX.

DIGITAL I/O

RS-232

LINE FUSE

SLOWBLOW

3.15A, 250V

TSP-Link

R

SENSE

LO LO HI

CHANNEL A

SENSE

HI

GUARD

A LO

LAN

NO AUTO-MDIX

SENSE

LO

LOHI

CHANNEL B

SENSE

HI

GUARD

!

Model 2635A

Model 2636A

1

2

3

4

5611

8

910

1

2

3

4

5611

8

910

1

Figure 1-3

Models 2635A/2636A rear panels (see definitions below figure)

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 1-11

Section 1: Getting Started Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

1. CHANNEL A and CHANNEL B (Channel B on Model 2636A only)

Triax connectors for input/output, guard, and sense connections. Use only low-noise triax cables such as
the Keithley Instruments Model 7078-TRX (available in several lengths). Connector terminals and
associated triax cable conductors are as follows:

Table 1-1
Connectors and triax cable conductors

Connector Center conductor Inner ring Outer ring

LO Sense LO Input/Output LO Chassis ground
HI Input/Output HI Guard Chassis ground
SENSE HI Sense HI Guard Chassis ground
Triax cable Center conductor Inner shield Outer shield

WARNING When connecting to the model 2611A, 2612A, 2635A and 2636A

SMU outputs, with cables not rated for voltages abov e 42V, such as
the 2600A-ALG-2, you must disable the high voltage output by
using the INTERLOCK function as defined in section 10 of this
manual. Leaving the high voltage enabled while not properly
insulating the external connections to the unit poses a shock
hazard which could cause serious injury to the user. It is also
recommended that the LO connection terminal not be allowed to
float by connecting it to signal ground or another known signal
reference.

2. DIGITAL I/O

Female DB-25 connector. Fourteen pins for digital input or output, one pin for safety interlock. Use a cable
equipped with a male DB-25 connector (Keithley Instruments part number CA-126-1CA).

3. IEEE-488

Connector for IEEE-488 (GPIB) operation. Use a shielded cable, such as the Model 7007-1 or Model
7007-2.

4. Cooling exhaust vent

Exhaust vent for internal cooling fan. Keep vent free of obstructions to prevent overheating.

5. Chassis ground

Ground screw for connections to chassis ground.

6. RS-232

Female DB-9 connector. For RS-232 operation, use a straight-through (not null modem) DB-9 shielded
cable for connection to the PC (Keithley Instruments Model 7009-5).

7. TSP-Link

Expansion interface that allows a Series 2600A and other TSP-enabled instruments to trigger and
communicate with each other. Use a category 5e or higher LAN crossover cable (Keithley Instruments
part number CA-180-3A).

8. Power module

Contains the AC line receptacle and power line fuse. The instrument can operate on line voltages of 100V
to 240V AC at line frequencies of 50Hz or 60Hz. See
instructions.

1-12 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Section 21 of this manual for line fuse replacement

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 1: Getting Started

9. Triax connector on Ground Module

Channel A and Channel B low noise chassis ground triax connectors. Use only low-noise triax cables such
as the Keithley Model 7078-TRX. Connector terminals and associated triax cable connectors are as
follows:

Table 1-2

Triax connect or on ground module

Connector Center conductor Inner ring Outer ring

LO Output Lo Floating Chassis Ground
Triax cable Center conductor Inner shield Outer shield

10. Phoenix connector on Ground Module

Channel A and Channel B Low noise chassis ground Phoenix connector.

11. LAN

Use this RJ-45 connector to connect the instrument to the local area network. The RJ-45 connector
connects a network card, a network switch, a router or a hub. When connecting directly to a PC, a
crossover cable (included) must be used. When connecting to a network switch, router, or hub, a normal
CAT-5 cable (not provided) should be used unless your equipment has Auto-MDIX capabilities. If it does
have Auto-MDIX, the crossover cables may be used.

Cooling vents

The Series 2600A has side intake and rear exhaust vents. One side must be unobstructed when
rack mounted to dissipate heat. Do not place a contain er of liquid (water or coffee for instance) on
the top cover. If it spills, the liquid will enter the case through the vents and cause severe damage.

Excessive heat could damage the Series 2600A and degrade it s performance. The Series 2600A
must be operating in an environment where the ambient temperature does not exceed 50°C.

CAUTION To prevent damaging heat build-up and ensure specified performance,

observe to the following precautions:
The rear exhaust vent and at least one side vent must be kept free of any

obstructions. Even partial blockage could impair proper cooling.
DO NOT position any devices adjacent to the Series 2600A that force air

(heated or unheated) into or onto its cooling vents or surfaces. This
additional airflow could compromise accuracy performance.

When rack mounting the Series 2600A, make sure there is adequate airflow
around at least one side to ensure proper cooling. Adequate airflow enables
air temperatures within approximately one inch of the Series 2600A
surfaces to remain within specified limits under all operating conditions.

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 1-13

Section 1: Getting Started Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

Rack mounting high power dissipation equipment adjacent to the Series
2600A could cause excessive heating to occur. The specified ambient
temperature must be maintained around the surfaces of the Series 2600A
to specified accuracies. A good measure to ensure proper cooling in rack
situations with convection cooling only is to place the hottest equipment (for
instance, the power supply) at the top of the rack. Precision equipment
(such as the Series 2600A) should be placed as low as possible in the rack
where temperatures are coolest. Adding space panels below the Series
2600A will help ensure adequate air flow.

Power-up

Line power connection

Follow the procedure below to connect th e Ser ies 2600 A to line p ower and turn on the in strument.
The Series 2600A operates from a line voltage of 100V to 240V at a frequency of 50Hz or 60Hz.
Line voltage is automatically sensed. There are no switches to set. Make sure the operating
voltage in your area is compatible.

CAUTION Operating the instrument on an incorrect line voltage may cause damage to

the instrument, possibly voiding the warranty.

1. Before plugging in the power cord, make sure that the front panel power switch is in the off
(O) position.

2. Connect the female end of the supplied power cord to the AC receptacle on the rear panel.

3. Connect the other end of the power cord to a grounded AC outlet.

WARNING The power cord supplied with the Series 2600A contains a separate

ground wire for use with grounded outlets. When proper
connections are made, the instrument chassis is connected to
power line ground through the ground wire in the power cord.
Failure to use a grounded outlet may result in personal injury or
death due to electric shock.

4. Turn the instrument on by pressing the front panel power switch to the on (I) position.

Line frequency

The Series 2600A will operate at line frequencies of either 50Hz or 60Hz. For best measurement
noise performance, the unit should be con fig ur ed to match the actual line frequency used, as
follows:

1. Press the MENU > LINE-FREQ and then press ENTER.

2. Select the appropriate frequency and then press ENTER.
Note: Select AUTO to automatically detected the line frequency.

3. Press EXIT to back out of the menu structure.

Via remote, use the localnode.linefreq command to set the line frequency. For example, the
following command sets the line frequency to 60Hz:

1-14 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 1: Getting Started

localnode.linefreq = 60

To set automatic line frequency detection from a remote interface use:

localnode.autolinefreq = true

Fuse replacement

A rear panel fuse drawer is located below the AC receptacle (refer to Figure 1-2 for Models 2601A/
2602A/2611A/2612A and Figure 1-3 for Models 2635A/2636A). This fuse protects the power line
input of the instrument. If the line voltage fuse needs to be repla ced, refer to Line fuse replacement
in Section 21.

Power-up sequence

On power-up, the Series 2600A performs self-tests and momentarily lights all segments and
indicators. If a failure is detected, the instrument rotates through any error messages detected at
start-up (error messages are listed in

NOTE If a pr oblem develop s while the in strument is under warranty, return it

to Keithley Instruments, Inc., for repair.

Appendix A).

Beeper

Assuming no errors occur, the Series 2600A will power-up as follows:

1. The OUTPUT indicators and display pixels flash briefly.

2. The following items are shown in sequenc e :

• The firmware revision number.

• The line frequency.

• The TSP-Link node.

• The enabled command interface(s) and address (GPIB/LAN/RS-232).

System identification

Serial number, firmware revision, and calibration dates can be displayed by selecting SYSTEM-INFO
from the main menu.

Complete the following steps to view the system information.

1. Press MENU > SYSTEM-INFO.

2. Choose one of the following:

•FIRMWARE

• SERIAL#

• CAL

For remote programming, use the *IDN? query to read system information.

With the beeper enabled, a beep will be issued to acknowledge the following actions:

• A short beep, emulating a key click, is issued when a front panel key is pressed.

• A short beep is also issued when the navigation wheel is turned or pressed.

• A longer beep is issued when the source output is turned on.

Complete the following steps to turn the beeper on or off.

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 1-15

Section 1: Getting Started Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

User State

.    V .    V

SrcA:+000.000mV SrcB:+000.000mV

.    V

SrcA:+000.000mV LimA:100.000mA

.    V

SrcB:+000.000mV LimB:100.000mA

Press DISPLAY key

Press DISPLAY key

Press DISPLAY key

Press DISPLAY key

Source-Measure display for SMU A and SMU B:

Top line displays the measure function (V, A, W or W).
Bottom line displays the source function (V or A)

and level.

Source-Measure and Compliance Limit display for SMU A:

Top line displays the measure function (V, A, W or W)
Bottom line displays the source function (V or A) and level,

and the compliance limit (A or V).

Source-Measure and Compliance Limit display for SMU B:

Top line displays the measure function (V, A, W or W)
Bottom line displays the source function (V or A) and level,

and the compliance limit (A or V).

Display for user-defined messages and prompts.

     Indicates that a measured reading has not been

triggered.

1. select MENU > BEEPER.

2. Choose one of the following:

• ENABLE

• DISABLE

Via remote, use the beeper.enable command to control the beeper. For
example, the following enables the beeper:

beeper.enable = 1

Display modes

Use the DISPLAY key to cycle through the various display modes shown in Figure 1-4.
(Models 2602A, 2612A, and 2636A only) Press the DISPLAY key more than once to cycle through

the dual channel and single channel display modes. This applies to CHANNEL A (SMU A) and
CHANNEL B (SMU B).

The Models 2601A, 2611A, and 2635A are a single channel (SMU A). Refer to Section 11 for more
information on display messaging.

Figure 1-4

Display modes

1-16 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 1: Getting Started

Editing controls

Source and compliance editing

When the Series 2600A is in the edit mode (EDIT indicator on), the editing controls are used to set
source and compliance values. Note that source auto ranging will turn off when editing the source
value.

Editing source values

Complete the following steps to edit the source.

1. Press the SRC key. The cursor flashes in the source value field.

2. Use the CURSOR arrow keys or the navigation wheel to move the cursor to the desired
digit.

3. Push the navigation wheel or ENTER to edit the source value. The EDIT indicator is
illuminated.

4. Do one of the following to change the source value:

• Rotate the navigation wheel to adjust the digit.
Note: The digit automatically overflows or underflows to the next digit when wrapping
from 9 to 0 or from 0 to 9.

• If the keypad feature is enabled, use the numeric keys (0-9, +/-, 0000) to enter the source
value.
Note: The +/- toggles the polarity, and 0000 sets the value to 0.

5. Once the desired value displays, press ENTER.
Note: The EDIT indicator is not illuminated.

6. (Optional) Press the EXIT key to cancel source editing.

Editing compliance values

Complete the following steps to edit the compliance value.

1. Do one of the following:

• (Model 2601A/2611A/2635A and 2602A/2612A/2636A in single-channel display mode
only) Press the LIMIT key.

• (Model 2602A/2612A/2636A dual-channel display m ode o nly) Press LIMIT or CONFIG >
LIMIT to edit the compliance limit.

2. Choose one of the following:

• VOLTAGE

• CURRENT

3. Use the CURSOR arrow keys to move the cursor to the desired value.

4. Press the navigation wheel or ENTER to enter edit mode. The EDIT indicator is
illuminated.

5. Do one of the following to modify the compliance limit value:

• Rotate the navigation wheel to adjust the value.
Note: The digit automatically overflows or underflows to the next digit when wrapping
from 9 to 0 or from 0 to 9.

• If the keypad feature is enabled, use the numeric keys (0-9) to enter the value.

6. Press ENTER to complete editing.
Note: The EDIT indicator is not illuminated.

7. (Optional) Press the EXIT key cancel changes.

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 1-17

Section 1: Getting Started Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

Menu navigation

When the Series 2600A is not in the edit mode (the EDIT indicator is not illuminated), the editing
controls are used to navigate the Main and Configuration menus to make selections and/or set
values (see
editing keys as follows:

Selecting menu items

•Use the CURSOR arrow keys to select a menu or an option.

• Press the ENTER key to select an item or menu option.

• Rotate the navigation wheel (clockwise or counter-clockwise) to select a value.

•Use the EXIT key to cancel changes or to return to the main menu.

Setting a value

Menu navigation for more information). After entering a menu structure, use the

NOTE You can use the navigation wheel to select items from the menu or a

submenu.

There are two ways to adjust a value: Value adjust or numeric entry. To use the keypad, the
keypad feature must be enabled. Both methods use the following editing techniques:

• To set a value to zero, press the 0000 numeric entry key.

• To toggle the polarity of a value, press the +/– numeric entry key.

Valu e adjust method

1. Use the CURSOR arrow keys to move the cursor to the value that you want to edit.

2. Push the navigation wheel or ENTER to enter edit mode. The EDIT indicator is illuminated.

3. Rotate the navigation wheel to set the appropriate value.

4. Press ENTER to select the value. Press EXIT to cancel the change.

Numeric entry method

1. Use the CURSOR arrow keys to move the cursor to the value that you want to edit.

2. Press the number entry key (0 to 9). The cursor moves to the next value on the right.

3. Repeat Step 2. as required to set the desir ed valu es .

4. Press ENTER to select the value.

5. (Optional) Press EXIT the cancel change and to return to the main menu.

NOTE The numeric entry method may only be use d if the numeric keyp ad is

enabled.

1-18 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 1: Getting Started

Menu types

Many aspects of operation are config ured thr ough menus. There ar e two types of menus. Refer to

Menu navigation for more details on using menus.

Main menu

The main menu is summarized in Tab le 1-3, along with the reference for each main selection.
To access the menu items shown in Table 1- 3, press the MENU key, an d then make your

selection.
Table 1-3

Main menu

Menu selection Description Reference

SCRIPT

LOAD
SAVE

Recalls users scripts saved.
Loads scripts into nonvolatile memory.
Saves scripts.

Section 12

SETUP

SAVE
RECALL
POWERON

GPIB

ADDRESS
ENABLE

LAN

STATUS
CONFIG
APPLY_SETTINGS
RESET
ENABLE

RS232

BAUD
BITS
PARITY
FLOW-CTRL
ENABLE

TSPLINK

NODE
RESET

Saves and recalls user and factory setup options.

Saves user setup options.
Recalls user setup options.
Sets the default configuration.

Configure the GPIB interface options.

Configure the address for the GPIB interface.
Enables and disables the GPIB interface.

Use to configure the local area network (LAN)
Displays connection status.
Use to configure the IP address and gateway.
Applies the configurations selected from the CONFIG menu.
Restores the default settings.
Enables and disables the LAN.

Controls the options for the RS-232 interface.

Sets the baud rate.
Configures the number of bits.
Sets the parity.
Configures the flow control.
Use to enable and disable the RS-232 interface.

An alternate way to configure the instrument for TSP-Link.

Selects the instrument node identifier.
Use to reset the TSP-Link network.

Section 1

Section 15
Section 15
Section 8

Section 16

Section 15

Section 14

UPGRADE Used to upgrade the firmware from a USB memory stick. Section 21

DISPLAY

TEST
NUMPAD

DIGOUT

DIG-IO-OUTPUT
WRITE-PROTECT

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 1-19

Use to perform the display tests.

Runs the display test.
Enables and disables the numeric keypad.

Controls digital outputs.

Selects the digital I/O values.
Write protects specific digital I/O lines.

Section 21

Section 8

Section 1: Getting Started Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

Menu selection Description Reference

BEEPER

ENABLE
DISABLE

LINE-FREQ

AUTO
50Hz
60Hz

SYSTEM-INFO

FIRMWARE
SERIAL#
CAL

RESET-PASSWORD Reset the system password.

Controls the key beeps.

Enables the key beeps.
Disables key beeps.

Configure the line frequency.

Automatically selects the line frequency.

Displays the system information.

Displays the version of firmware installed.
Displays the serial number of the unit.
Displays the last calibration date.

Section 1

Section 1

Section 1

Configuration menus

The configuration menus are summarized in Table 1-4, along with the reference for each main
selection. There are two ways to make selections:

• Press CONFIG, then navigate to the desired submenu.

• Press CONFIG, then press the associated key. For example, pressing CONFIG followed by
REL takes you directly to the Relative menu.

Table 1-4

Configuration menus

Menu selections Shortcut Description Reference

CHANNEL-A

SRC
MEAS
LIMIT
SPEED
REL
FILT
OUTPUT

CHANNEL-B

SRC
MEAS
LIMIT
SPEED
REL
FILT
OUTPUT

COMMON

TRIG
STORE

SRC
MEAS
LIMIT
SPEED
REL
FILTER
OUTPUT

SRC
MEAS
LIMIT
SPEED
REL
FILTER
OUTPUT

TRIG
STORE

Configure Channel A:

V-source sense, low range; I-source low range, and HighC-mode.
V and I-Measure sense, low range; auto zero.
V-source and I-source compliance limits.
Measurement speed (NPLC).
Set relative values.
Control digital filter.
Set off-state, contro l di g i tal I/O.

Configure Channel B:

V-source sense, low range; I-source low range, and HighC-mode.
V and I-Measure sense, low range; auto zero.
V-source and I-source compliance limits.
Measurement speed (NPLC).
Set relative values.
Control digital filter.
Set off-state, contro l di g i tal I/O.

Configure common functions:

Set trigger in, count, interval, and delay.
Set buffer count and destination.

Section 6
Section 6
Section 6
Section 6
Section 6
Section 6
Section 3
Section 19

Section 6
Section 6
Section 6
Section 6
Section 6
Section 6
Section 3
Section 19

Section 10
Section 4

1-20 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 1: Getting Started

Interface configuration

The following summarizes basic interface configuration for the Series 2600A. Det ails on the
interfaces, including configuration , ar e pr ov ide d in

navigation described earlier in this section to select and configure the interface.

Complete the following steps to select the GPIB interface:

1. Press MENU > GPIB and then press ENTER.

2. Choose ADDRESS, then press ENTER.

3. Set the GPIB address (0 to 30) and press ENTER.

4. Press EXIT to return to the main menu.

Complete the following steps to select the RS-232 interface

1. Press MENU > RS232, then press ENTER.

2. Do the following:

• Set the BAUD rate: 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600,
19200, 38400, 57600, or 115200.

•Set BITS: 7 or 8.

•Set PARITY: NONE, ODD, or EVEN.

• Set the FLOW-CTRL: NONE or HARDWARE.

3. Press EXIT to return to the main menu.

Section 15. Use the editing controls for Menu

See Section 15 for more information about communications interfaces and how to select the LAN
interface.

USB storage overview

The Keithley Instruments Series 2600A System SourceMete r® instr ument includes a USB port on
the front panel. To store scripts and to transfer files from the instrument to the host PC, insert a
USB flash drive into the USB port.

• For additional information on saving reading buffers to the USB flash drive, see Reading

Buffers in Section 7.

• For additional information on storing and loading scripts to and from the USB flash drive,
see

Saving a user script in Section 12.

• For additional information on file I/O, see File I/O in Section 19.

• For additional information on saving user setups, see User setup in Section 3.

Connecting the USB flash drive

The Series 2600A supports flash drives that comply with USB 1.0 and 2.0 standards. You can
save data to the USB flash drive from the front pan el or you can create a script to save dat a to th e
USB flash drive.

To connect the USB flash drive, insert the USB flash drive into the USB port, located on the front
panel of the instrument (see

Figure 1-5).

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 1-21

Section 1: Getting Started Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

Figure 1-5

USB port

Using the file system

File system navigation

The Lua fs library provides the command set necessary to navigate the file system and list the
available files on a flash drive. The instrument encapsulates this command set as an fs logical
instrument, so that the file system of any given node is available to the entire TSP-Link system.
For example, the command node[5].fs.readdir(".") can be used to read the contents of
the current working directory on Node 5.

To allow for future enhancements, the root folder of the USB flash drive has the absolute path
"/usb1/".

NOTE Both slash (/) and backslash (\) are supported as directory

separators.

The following Lua fs commands, which support basic navigation and directory listing, are included
for your reference:

fs.chdir
fs.cwd
fs.is_dir
fs.is_file
fs.mkdir
fs.readdir
fs.rmdir

The following Lua fs commands are not supported at this time:
fs.chmod

fs.chown
fs.stat

Error and status messages

Error and status messages briefly displayed. During operation and programming, you will
encounter a number of front panel messages. Typical messages are either status or error
notifications, as listed in

Messages, both status and error, are held in queues. For information on retrieving error messages
from queues, refer to

1-22 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Appendix A.

Appendix C.

Section 2

In this section:

Topic Page

Input/output connectors ................................................................... 2-2

Input/output LO and chassis ground............................................... 2-4

Sensing methods ............................................................................... 2-6

2-wire local sensing....................................................................... 2-6

4-wire remote sensing................................................................... 2-8

Sense mode selection................................................................... 2-9

Contact check connections.............................................................. 2-9

Multiple SMU connections................................................................ 2-10

Guarding and shielding .................................................................... 2-12

Guarding ....................................................................................... 2-13

Noise shield................................................................................... 2-14

Safety shield..................................................................................

Using shielding and guarding together..........................................

Test fixture.......................................................................................... 2-20

DUT Test Connections

2-16

2-18

Floating an SMU ................................................................................ 2-20

Output-off states................................................................................ 2-23

Selecting the output-off state......................................................... 2-23

Section 2: DUT Test Connections Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

Input/output connectors

The Keithley Instruments Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Models 2601A, 2602A, 2611A, and
2612A use screw connectors for input and output connections to devices under test (DUTs). The
Model 2602A/2612A uses two connectors as shown in
unit (SMU) channel). The Model 2601A/2611A has only one connector for a single SMU. Models
2635A and 2636A use triax connectors as shown in

Figure 2-1 (one for each source-measure

Figure 2-2.

A connector can be removed from the rear panel by loosening the two captive retaining screws
and pulling it off the rear panel. Each screw can accommodate from 24 A WG (0.2mm
(2.5mm

After making the wire connections from a conne ctor to a DUT, reinstall the connector onto the rear
panel and tighten the two captive screws.

WARNING Hazardous voltages may be present on the output and guard

2

) conductors.

terminals. To prevent electrical shock that could cause injury or
death, NEVER make or break connections to the Series 2600A
while the output is on. Power off the equipment from the front
panel or disconnect the main power cord from the rear of the
SourceMeter instrument before handling cables connected to the
outputs. Putting the equipment into standby does not guarantee
the outputs are not powered if a hardware or software fault occurs.

2

) to 12 AWG

Maximum floating (common mode) voltage for a SMU is 250V.
Exceeding this level could damage the instrument and create a
shock hazard. See
on floating the SMUs.

Floating an SMU later in this section for details

The input/output connectors of the SourceMeter instruments are
rated for connection to circuits rated Installation Category I only,
with transients rated less than 1500V peak. Do not connect the
Series 2600A terminals to CAT II, CAT III, or CAT IV circuits.
Connections of the input/output connectors to circuits higher than
CAT I can cause damage to the equipment or expose the operator
to hazardous voltages.

To prevent electric shock and/or damage to the SourceMeter
instrument, when connecting to a sou rce wit h a gre at e r cu rrent
capability than the Series 2600A, a fu se sh ou l d be pr ovided in-line
with the Series 2600A input/output connectors rated no more than
3A.

2-2 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 2: DUT Test Connections

S

HI

CHANNEL B

GGGG S

LO

HI LO

S

HI

CHANNEL A

G

GGG

S

LO

HI

LO

Channel B Channel A

HI = Input/Output HI
S HI = Sense HI
G = Guard
S LO = Sense LO
LO = Input/Output LO

Captive screw (2 per terminal block)

Each terminal block uses two captive
screws to secure it to the rear panel.

GND
(outer shield)

LO
(inner shield)

GUARD
(inner shield)

Sense LO

(center conductor)

HI

(center conductor)

Sense HI

(center conductor)

Sense HI

(center conductor)

HI

(center conductor)

Sense LO

(center conductor)

GND
(outer shield)

GUARD
(inner shield)

LO
(inner shield)

Channel A

Channel B

Figure 2-1

2602A/2612A input/output connectors

Figure 2-2

Model 2636A input/output connectors

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 2-3

Section 2: DUT Test Connections Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

S

HI

CHANNEL B

GGGG S

LO

HI LO

S

HI

CHANNEL A

G

GGG

S

LO

HI

LO

Channel B Channel A

HI = Input/Output HI
S HI = Sense HI
G = Guard
S LO = Sense LO
LO = Input/Output LO

Captive screw (2 per terminal block)
Each terminal block uses two captive

screws to secure it to the rear panel.

Input/output LO and chassis ground

As shown in Figure 2-3, SMU input/output LOs are available at the rear panel terminal blocks.
Input/output LOs are not connected be twe e n ch an ne ls an d ar e ele ct rica lly isola te d from cha ssis
ground.

As shown, there is a low-noise chassis ground banana jack that can be used as a common signal
ground point for Input/Output LOs. This low-noise signal ground banana jack is connected to the
chassis through a Frequency Variable Resistor (FVR).

The FVR (see Figure 2-4) is used to isolate the SMUs from high frequencies that may be present
on the chassis of the Series 2600A. As frequencies on the chassis increase, the resistance of the
FVR increases to dampen its effects.

NOTE Keep in mind that the chassis should never be used as a ground

point for signal connections. High frequencies present on the chassis
of the Series 2600A may result in higher noise. The chassis should
only be used as a safety shield. Use the chassis screw for
connections to the chassis of the Series 2600A.
For Model 2636A, connect to ground on the ground module no t to the
chassis screw.

Figure 2-3

Model 2602A/2612A input/output LO and chassis ground terminals

2-4 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 2: DUT Test Connections

FVR

Chassis

Series 2600A

Signal

Ground

Chassis

Signal Ground is a local signal ground and defined as
the Low-Noise Chassis Ground Banana Jack.

Chassis is defined as the metal chassis of the Series 2600.

1) Frequency Variable Resistor (FVR)  Isolates
the SMUs from high frequencies on the chassis.

For DC to 60Hz, the FVR is a virtual short (zero
ohms).

2) DO NOT use the Chassis Screw terminal to

make signal connections to external circuitry.
High frequency (>1MHz) on the chassis may
result in higher noise at the output.

Chassis Screw terminal is connected to the metal chassis of the
Series 2600.

1

Chassis

Screw

2

Low-Noise

Chassis Ground

Banana Jack

Signal

Ground

Figure 2-4

Model 2636A input/output and chassis ground

Figure 2-5

Model 2602A/2612A Low-Noise Chassis Ground Banana Jack and Chassis Screw

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 2-5

Section 2: DUT Test Connections Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

Channel A LO

Channel B LO

Floating

Floating

Channel B LO

Channel A LO

GND

GND

Chassis GND

FVR

1

Figure 2-6

Model 2636A

WARNING When connecting to the model 2611A, 2612A, 2635A, and 2636A

SMU outputs, with cables not rated for voltages abov e 42V, such as
the 2600A-ALG-2, you must disable the high voltage output by
using the INTERLOCK function as defined in

Section 8 of this

manual. Leaving the high voltage enabled while not properly
insulating the external connections to the unit poses a shock
hazard which could cause serious injury to the user. It is also
recommended that the LO connection terminal not be allowed to
float by connecting it to signal ground or another known signal
reference.

Sensing methods

Source-measure operations are performed using either 2-wire local sense connections or 4- wire
remote sense connections.

NOTE The default sense setting is 2-wire local. See Sense mode selection

later in this section to check and or change the sense mode.

2-wire local sensing

Two-wire local sensing (as shown in Figure 2-7) can be used for the following source -measure
conditions:

• Sourcing and measuring current.

• Sourcing and/or measuring voltage in high impedance (>1kΩ) test circuits.

2-6 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 2: DUT Test Connections

DUT

LO

CHANNEL A

LO GLO HI G G G HI

SS

KEITHLEY Series 2600A

HI

Figure 2-7

Model 2602A/2612A two-wire connections (local sensing)

Figure 2-8

Model 2636A two-wire connections (local sensing, non-floating)

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 2-7

Figure 2-9

Model 2636A two-wire connections (local sensing, floating)

Section 2: DUT Test Connections Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

<1kW

S LO

DUT

LO

CHANNEL A

LO GLO HI G G G HI

SS

KEITHLEY Series 2600A

HI

S HI

4-wire remote sensing

When sourcing and/or measuring voltage in a low-impedance test circuit (see Figure 2-10), there
can be errors associated with IR drops in the test leads. Voltage source and measure accuracy are
optimized by using 4-wire remote sense connections. When sourcing voltage, 4-wire remote
sensing ensures that the programmed voltage is delive red to the DUT. When measuring voltage,
only the voltage drop across the DUT is measured.

Use 4-wire remote sensing for the following source-measure conditions:

• Sourcing and/or measuring voltage in low impedance (<1kΩ) test circuits.

• Enforce voltage compliance limit directly at the DUT.

Figure 2-10

Model 2602A/2612A four-wire connections (remote sensing)

Figure 2-11

Model 2636A four-wire connections (remote sensing)

2-8 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 2: DUT Test Connections

Sense mode selection

The sense mode can be set for 2-wire local or 4-wire remote connections.

Front panel sense selection

Table 2-1 summarizes the steps to check and/or change the sense mode front p ane l. Whe n in th e

menu structure, use the navigation wheel (or CURSOR keys) to position the blinking cursor on the
desired menu item, and press ENTER to select it. Use the EXIT key to back out of the menu
structure.

Table 2-1

Selecting the sense mode from the front panel

Model 2601A/2611A/2635A Model 2602A/2612A/2636A

1) Press CONFIG key 1) Press CONFIG key

2) Select SRC or MEAS menu* 2) Select CHANNEL-A or CHANNEL-B

3) Select V-SOURCE menu 3) Select SRC or MEAS menu*

4) Select SENSE-MODE menu 4) Select V-SOURCE menu

5) Select 2-WIRE or 4-WIRE 5) Select SENSE-MODE menu

6) Select 2-WIRE or 4-WIRE

* The sense mode can be set from either the SRC or MEAS menu.

Remote programming sense selection

Table 2-2 summarizes the commands to select the sense mode. See Section 19 for details on

using these commands.
Table 2-2

Commands to select sense mode

Command

smuX.source.output = smuX.OUTPUT_OFF Turns off the SMU output.
smuX.sense = smuX.SENSE_LOCAL Selects local (2-wire) sense.
smuX.sense = smuX.SENSE_REMOTE Selects remote (4-wire) sense.

* Model 2601A/2611A/2635A: smuX = smua. Model 2602A/2612A/2636A: smuX = smua

(Channel A) or smub (Channel B).

*

Contact check connections

The contact check function prevents measurement errors due to excessive resistance in the force
or sense leads. Connections for contact check measure m en ts are shown in

Section 3 for operation and Section 19 for details on contact check commands.

Description

Figure 2-12. See

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 2-9

Section 2: DUT Test Connections Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

S LO

LO

CHANNEL A

LO GLO HI G G G HI

SS

KEITHLEY Series 2600A

HI

S HI

DUT

R

S

R

S

R

S

R

S

R

C

R

C

R

C

R

C

Cable/Relay

Resistance

Contact

Resistance

G

S

D

N-Channel

JFET

Keithley

Model 2602A/2612A

G

S

D

SMU A

SMU B

HI

LO

HI

LO

Equivalent Circuit

Channel

A

LO GLoHI G G G

HI

SS

Channel

B

LOGLoHIGGG

HI

SS

HI HILO

Figure 2-12

Contact check connections

Multiple SMU connections

Figure 2-13

Model 2602A/2612A two SMUs connected to a 3-terminal device (local sensing)

2-10 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Figure 2-13 shows how to use two SMUs to test a 3-terminal device, such as an N-channel JFET.

A typical application is for SMU B to source a range of gate voltages, while SMU A sources voltage
to power the device and measures current at each gate voltage.

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 2: DUT Test Connections

G

S

D

N-Channel

JFET

Keithley Model 2602A/2612A-1

Channel

A

LO GLoHI G G G

HI

SS

Channel

B

LOGLoHIGGG

HI

SS

HI HI

Keithley Model 2602A/2612A-2

Channel

A

LO GLoHI G G G

HI

SS

Channel

B

LOGLoHIGGG

HI

SS

HI

G

S

D

Equivalent Circuit

SMU B

Unit #1

HI

LO

SMU A

Unit #2

HI

LO

SMU A

Unit #1

HI

LO

Figure 2-14

Model 2636A, two SMUs connected to a 3-terminal device (local sensing, floating)

Figure 2-15 shows how to use three SMUs to test the same 3-terminal device. The third SMU is

connected to the source (S) terminal of the JFET. This allows the source terminal to be biased
above signal low. Setting this SMU to output 0V effectively connects the source terminal of the
JFET to signal low.

Figure 2-15

Three SMUs connected to a 3-terminal device

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 2-11

Section 2: DUT Test Connections Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

Figure 2-16

Model 2636A, three SMUs connected to a 3-terminal device (local sensing, non-floating)

Guarding and shielding

Source-measure performance and safe ty ar e op tim ize d with the effective use of gua rd ing an d
shielding (noise and safety shields).

2-12 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 2: DUT Test Connections

CHANNEL A

LO GLO HI G G G HI

SS

KEITHLEY Series 2600A

DUT

HILO

Metal Guard

Shield

Guard Shield
The guard shield can be the shield of a

coaxial cable, or it can be an insulated
foil that surrounds the conductor.

>1GW

B LO A LO

Guard

CHANNEL B

HISense

HI

LO Sense

LO

Guard

CHANNEL A

HI

Sense

HILO

Sense

LO

DUT

>1GΩ

GND

Guard

LO HI

LO HI

Floating

GND

Guarding

A driven guard is always enabled and provides a buffered voltage that is at the same level as the
input/output HI voltage. The purpose of guarding is to eliminate the ef fect s o f leakage current ( and
capacitance) that can exist between input/output high and low. Without guarding, leakage and
capacitance in the external high-impedance test circuit could be high enough to adversely affect
the performance of the SourceMeter instrument.

Guarding (shown in Figure 2-16) should be used for the following source-measure condition:

• Test circuit impedance is >1GΩ.

NOTE See Guarding and shielding for details on the principles of guarding.

Figure 2-17

Models 2602A and 2612A high-impedance guarding

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 2-13

Figure 2-18

Model 2636A high-impedance guarding (floating)

Section 2: DUT Test Connections Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

DUT

HILO

Noise Shield

CHANNEL A

LO GLO HI G G G HI

SS

KEITHLEY Series 2600A

Noise shield

connected to

In/Out LO

Figure 2-19

Model 2636A High-impedance guarding (non-floating)

Noise shield

A noise shield (see Figure 2-20) is used to prevent unwanted signals from being induced into the
test circuit. Low-level signals may benefit from effective shielding. The metal noise shield
surrounds the test circuit and should be connected to SMU LO as shown in

Figure 2-20

Models 2602A and 2612A noise shield

Figure 2-20.

2-14 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 2: DUT Test Connections

Figure 2-21

Model 2636A noise shield (non-floating)

Figure 2-22

Model 2636A noise shield (non-floating)

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 2-15

Section 2: DUT Test Connections Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

Figure 2-23

Model 2636A noise shield (floating)

Safety shield

A safety shield must be used whenever hazardous voltages ( >30 V
the test circuit. The safety shield can be metallic or nonmetallic, and must completely surround the
DUT test circuit. A metal safety must be c onnected to a known safety earth ground and chassis
ground. See
or nonmetallic enclosure.

Test fixture later in this section for important safety information on the use of a metal

Model 2601A/2602A safety shield

The maximum output voltage for a Mo del 2601A/2602A ch annel is 40V, which is considered a non­hazardous level. However, using two or more Model 2601A/2602A voltage sources in a series
configuration can cause test circuit voltage to exceed 42V. For example, the SMUs of two Model
2601A/2602A instruments can be connected in series to apply 80V to a DUT (see

The connections for the test configuration in Figure 2-24 are shown in Figure 2-25. Use #18 AWG
wire or larger for connections to safety earth ground and chassis.

rms

, 42 V

) will be present in

peak

Figure 2-24).

2-16 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 2: DUT Test Connections

HI

LO

HI

LO

DUT

HI

LO

Metal Safety

Shield

SMU A

2601A/2602A-1

SMU A

2601A/2602A-2

Safety

Earth

Ground

40V

40V

80V

CHANNEL A

LO GLO HI G G G HI

SS

Model 2601A/2602A-1

DUT

HILO

CHANNEL A

LO GLO HI G G G HI

SS

Model 2601A/2602A-2

LO HI

Safety

Earth

Ground

Chassis

Chassis

Screw

HI

LO

DUT

HI

LO

Metal Safety

Shield

Safety

Earth

Ground

200V

SMU

2611A/2612A

2635A/2636A

NOTE Floating an SMU may also cause test circuit voltage to exceed 42V

(see Floating an SMU for more information).

Figure 2-24

Safety shield for hazardous voltage using two 2601A/2602A channels (>42V)

Figure 2-25

Model 2601A/2602A-1 connections for test circuit shown in Figure 2-24

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 2-17

Model 2611A/2612A/2635A/2636A safety shield

The maximum output voltage for a Model 2611A/2612A/2635A/2636A channel is 200V, which is
considered hazardous and requires a safety shield (
configuration in Figure 2-26 are shown in Figure 2-28. Use # 18 AWG wire or larger for
connections to safety earth ground and chassis.

Figure 2-26

Safety shield for Models 2611A/2612A/2635A/2636A hazardous voltage (200V maximum)

Figure 2-26). The connections for the test

Section 2: DUT Test Connections Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

CHANNEL A

LO GLO HI G G G HI

SS

Model 2611A/2612A

DUT

HILO

Safety

Earth

Ground

Chassis

Chassis

Screw

Figure 2-27

Model 2601A/2602A-1 connections for test circuit shown in Figure 2-26

Figure 2-28

Model 2636A connections for test circuit shown in Figure 2-26

2-18 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Using shielding and guarding together

Figure 2-29 shows connections for a test system that uses a noise shield, a safety shield, and

guarding. The guard shields are connected to the d riven guard (G) of the SMU. The no ise shield is
connected to SMU LO. The safety shield is connected to the chassis and to a safety earth ground.

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 2: DUT Test Connections

Safety

Earth

Ground

Metal Guard

Shield

HILO

Metal Guard Shield

Test

Circuit

Metal Noise Shield

Metal Safety Shield

Keithley Model 2602A/2612A

Channel A

LO GLOHI G G G

HI

SS

Channel B

LOGLOHIGGG

HI

SS

HILO

G

Chassis

Chassis

Screw

Low-Noise
Chassis Ground
Banana Jack

Figure 2-29

Model 2601A/2602A-1 connections for noise shield, safety shield, and guarding

Figure 2-30

Model 2636A connections for noise shield, safety shield, and guarding

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 2-19

Section 2: DUT Test Connections Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

T est fixture

A test fixture can be used for an external test circuit. The test fixture can be a metal or nonmetallic
enclosure, and is typically equipped with a lid. The test circuit is mounted inside the test fixture.
When hazardous voltages (>30 Vrms, 42 Vpeak) will be present, the test fixture must have the
following safety requirements:

WARNING To provide protection from shock hazards, an enclosure should be

provided which surrounds all live parts.

Nonmetallic enclosures must be constructed of materials suitably
rated for flammability and the voltage and temperature requirements of
the test circuit.

For metallic enclosures, the test fixture chassis must be properly
connected to safety earth ground. A grounding wire (#18 AWG or
larger) must be attached securely to the test fixture at a screw terminal
designed for safety grounding. The other end of the ground wire must
be attached to a known safety earth ground.

Construction material: A metal test fixture must be connected to a known safety Earth Ground a s

described in the above WARNING. A nonmetallic test fixture must be constructed of materials that
are suitable for flammability, voltage, and temperature conditions that may exist in the test circuit.
The construction requirements for a nonmetallic enclosure are also described in the WARNING

above.
Test circuit isolation: With the lid closed, the test fixture must completely surround the test

circuit. A metal test fixture must be electrically isolated from the test circuit. Input/output
connectors mounted on a metal test fixture must also be isolated from the test fixture. Internally,
Teflon standoffs are typically used to insulate the internal pc-board or guard plate for the test cir cuit
from a metal test fixture.

Interlock switch: The test fixture must have a normally-open interlock switch. The interlock switch
must be installed so that when the lid of the test fixture is opened, the switch will open, and when
the lid is closed, the switch will close.

WARNING When an interlock is required for safety, a separate circuit should

be provided that meets the requirements of the application to
reliably protect the operator from exposed voltages.

The output enable pin on the digital I/O port on the Models 2 601 A and
2602A are not suitable for control of safety circuits and should not be
used to control a safety interlock. The Interlock pin on the digital I/O
port for the Models 2611A, 2612A, 2635A, and 2636A can be used to
control a safety interlock.

Floating an SMU

Using an external source in the test system may require that a Series 2600A SMU float off chassis
earth ground. An example of such a test system is shown in

2-20 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Figure 2-31, which includes an

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 2: DUT Test Connections

V-source

HI

LO

Series
2600A

SMU

10V

+10V

Chassis Earth Ground

Low

Output low connected
to chassis

Series 2600A LO

NOT connected

to chassis ground

(floating)

High

+ 

Chassis

Chassis

Source chassis connected to chassis
earth ground through the power cord

External Source

Series 2600A chassis
connected to chassis earth
ground through the power cord

+


external voltage source. Notice that output low of the volt age sour ce is connected to chassis earth
ground.

For the test circuit shown in Figure 2-31, the Series 2600A must float off chassis earth ground. As
shown, SMU LO of the Series 2600A is floating +10V above chassis earth ground. If SMU LO of
the Series 2600A was instead connected to chassis ground, the external volt ag e sou rce woul d be
shorted through chassis ground.

The Series 2600A connections for the floating configuration (Figure 2-31) are shown in Figure 2-

32. In order to float the SMU, input/output LO must be isolated from chassis ground. This is

accomplished by NOT connecting input/output LO to chassis ground.
The external voltage source in Figure 2-31 and Figure 2-32 can instead be a SMU of a second

Series 2600A instrument. Keep in mind that if the combined outputs of the sources exceeds 42V,
then a safety shield will be required for the DUT (see the following WARNINGS).

WARNING The maximum floating (common mode) voltage for a SMU is ±250V.

Exceeding this level may cause damage to the instrument and
create a shock hazard.

Using an external source to float a SMU could create a shock
hazard in the test circuit. A shock hazard exists whenever >42V
peak is present in the test circuit. Appropriately rated cables or
insulators must be provided for all connections to prevent ac cess
to live parts

When >42V is present, the test circuit must be insulated for the
voltage used or surrounded by a metal safety shield that is
connected to a known safety earth ground a nd chassis ground (see

Safety shield).

Figure 2-31

Floating the Series 2600A

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 2-21

Section 2: DUT Test Connections Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

DUT

Low

10V

+ 

Chassis

External Source

Output low connected
to chassis

Source chassis connected to chassis
earth ground through the power cord

High

Keithley Model 2602A/2612A

Channel A

LO GLOHI G G G

HI

SS

Channel B

LOGLOHIGGG

HI

SS

HILO

Chassis

Screw

Low-Noise
Chassis Ground
Banana Jack

Figure 2-32

Model 2601A/2602A-1 SMU connections

Figure 2-33

Model 2636A SMU connections for the floating configuration shown in Figure 2-31

2-22 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 2: DUT Test Connections

Output-off states

When a SMU is turned off, it may not be completely isolated from the external circuit that it is
connected to. There are three output-off states for a Series 2600A SMU: Normal, High Impedance
or zero. For the Models 2602A, 2612A, and 2636A, each SMU channel can have its own unique
output-off state.

Normal output-off state

For the normal output-off state (which is the default setting), the SMU will source 0V. The current
compliance determined by the smuX.source.offlimiti command (default 1mA) is used.
Therefore, the SMU may source or sink a very small amount of power. In most cases, this source
or sink power level is not significant.

High-impedance output-off state

For the high-impedance output-off state, the output relay opens when the output is turned off. This
disconnects external circuitry from the input/output of the SMU. To prevent excessive wear on the
output relay, do not use this output off state for tests that turn the output off and on frequently.

Zero output-off state

When in this output-off state, the Series 2600A is configured as follows:
When the V-Source is the selected source:

• The programmed V-Source value remains on the display.

• Internally, the V-Source is set to 0V.

• The current compliance setting remains the same as the output-on value. Real compliance
detection remains active.

• Measurements are performed and displayed.

When the I-Source is the selected source:

• The programmed I-Source value remains on the display.

• Internally, the V-Source is selected and set to 0V.

• Current compliance is set to the programmed Source I value or to 10% full-scale of the
present current range, whichever is greater.

• Measurements are performed and displayed.

While in the zero output-off state, the Series 2600A can be used as an I-Meter since it will output
0V, but measure current.

Selecting the output-off state

Output-off state menu

To access the OUTPUT configuration menu:

1. Press the CONFIG key.

2. Select the appropriate OUTPUT ON/OFF key.

3. In the configuration menu, select OFF STATE to display the OUTPUT OFF STATE menu.

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 2-23

Section 2: DUT Test Connections Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

NOTE The OUTPUT OFF STATE menu can also be accessed by navigating

the configuration menu that is displayed by pressing the CONFIG
key.

With the OUTPUT OFF STATE menu displayed, select the desired output-off state: HI-Z
(high-impedance), NORMAL, or ZERO.

Remote programming

Table 2-3 lists the commands to select the output-off state.

Table 2-3

Commands to select the output-off state

Command

smuX.source.offlimiti = ivalue Sets current limit in normal output-off state.
smuX.source.offmode = smuX.OUTPUT_NORMAL Selects normal output-off state.
smuX.source.offmode = smuX.OUTPUT_HIGH_Z Selects high-impedance output-off state.
smuX.source.offmode = smuX.OUTPUT_ZERO Selects zero output-off state.

* Model 2601A/2611A/2635A: smuX = smua, Model 2602A/2612A/2636A: smuX = smua (Channel A) or

smub (Channel B).

*

Description

2-24 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

In this section:

Topic Page

Overview............................................................................................. 3-2

Operation overview ........................................................................... 3-2

Source-measure capabilities......................................................... 3-2

Compliance limit............................................................................ 3-3

Setting the compliance limit .......................................................... 3-4

Basic circuit configurations............................................................ 3-5

Operation considerations................................................................. 3-5

Warm-up ....................................................................................... 3-5

Auto zero....................................................................................... 3-6

NPLC caching............................................................................... 3-7

Basic source-measure procedure.................................................... 3-7

Front panel source-measure procedure........................................ 3-7

Remote source-measure procedure ............................................. 3-9

Section 3

Basic Operation

Triggering in local mod e................................................................... 3-10

Configuring trigger attributes in local mode .................................. 3-11

Measure only...................................................................................... 3-12

Sink operation and interface............................................................ 3-13

Ohms measurements........................................................................ 3-13

Ohms calculations......................................................................... 3-13

Ohms ranging................................................................................ 3-13

Basic ohms measurement procedure ........................................... 3-13

Ohms sensing............................................................................... 3-14

Sense selection............................................................................. 3-15

Remote ohms programming.......................................................... 3-16

Power measurements ....................................................................... 3-17

Power calculations........................................................................ 3-17

Basic power measurement procedure .......................................... 3-17

Remote power programming......................................................... 3-17

Contact check measurements.......................................................... 3-18

Overview....................................................................................... 3-18

Contact check commands............................................................. 3-19

Contact check programming example........................................... 3-20

User setup.......................................................................................... 3-20

Saving user setups

Recalling a saved setup................................................................ 3-21

To select power-on setup .............................................................. 3-21

Saving user setups from a command interface............................. 3-21

........................................................................ 3-20

Section 3: Basic Operation Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

Overview

The documentation in this section provides basic operating instructions for the Keithley
Instruments Series 2600A System SourceMeter

• Operation overview

• Operation considerations

• Measure only

• Sink operation and interface

• Ohms measurements

• Power measurements

• Contact check measurements

Operation overview

Source-measure capabilities

From the front panel, the instrument can be configured to perform the following opera tio ns :

• Source voltage: Display current and/or voltage measurement.

• Source current: Display voltage and/or current measure ment.

• Measure resistance: Display resistance calculated from voltage and
current components of measurement.

• Measure power: Display power calculated from voltage and current
components of measurement.

• Measure only (V or I): Display voltage or current measurement.

®

instrument and includes the following:

V oltage and current

Table 3-1 lists the source and measure limits for the voltage and current functions.

The full range of operation is explained in Operating boundaries in Section 4.

3-2 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 3: Basic Operation

Table 3-1

Source-measure capabilities

Model 2601A/2602A Model 2611A/2612A Model 2635A/2636A
Range Source Measure Range Source Measure Range Source Measure

100mV

40V

1V
6V

±101mV
±1.01V
±6.06V
±40.4V

±102mV
±1.02V
±6.12V
±40.8V

200mV

2V

20V

200V

1

±202mV
±2.02V
±20.2V
±202V

±204mV
±2.04V
±20.4V
±204V

200mV

2V

20V

200V

3

+/-202mV
+/-2.02V
+/-20.2V
+/-202V

+/-204mV
+/-2.04V
+/-20.4V
+/-204V

100nA

1µA

10µA

100µA

1mA

10mA

100mA

Max Power = 40.4W per channel Max Power = 30.603W per chan nel

1A
3A

±101nA
±1.01µA
±10.1µA
±101µA
±1.01mA
±10.1mA
±101mA
±1.01A
±3.03A

±102nA
±1.02µA
±10.2µA
±102µA
±1.02mA
±10.2mA
±102mA
±1.02A
±3.06A

100nA

1µA

10µA

100µA

1mA

10mA

100mA

1A

1.5A

10A

1. 200V source range available only
when interlock is enabled. See

Section 8.

2. 10A range available only in pulse
mode.

2

±101nA
±1.01µA
±10.1µA
±101µA
±1.01mA
±10.1mA
±101mA
±1.01A
±1.515A
±10.1A

±102nA
±1.02µA
±10.2µA
±102µA
±1.02mA
±10.2mA
±102mA
±1.02A
±1.53A
±10.2A

Compliance limit

When sourcing voltage, the Series 2600A can be set to limit current. Conversely, when sourcing
current, the Series 2600A can be set to limit voltage. The Series 2600A output will not exceed the
compliance limit. The maximum compliance limit is the same as the maximum values listed in

Table 3-2. Note that the compliance value will take the same sign as the source value, and the

maximum compliance limits are based on source range. See Compliance limit for more
information.

100pA

1nA

10nA

100nA

1µA

10µA

100µA

1mA

10mA

100mA

1A

1.5A

Max Power = 30.603W per channel

3. 200V source range available only
when interlock is enabled. See

Section 8.

N/A
+/-1.01nA
+/-10.1nA
+/-101nA
±1.01µA
±10.1µA
±101µA
±1.01mA
±10.1mA
±101mA
±1.01A
±1.515A

+/-102pA
+/-1.02nA
+/-10.2nA
+/-102nA
±1.02µA
±10.2µA
±102µA
±1.02mA
±10.2mA
±102mA
±1.02A
±1.53A

NOTE The only exception to the compliance limit not being exceeded is the

VLIMIT when operating as an ISOURCE. To avoid excessive (and
potentially destructive) currents from flowing, the VLIMIT will source
or sink up to 102mA for ISOURCE ranges on or below 100mA. For
the ranges 1A and above, the maximum current allowed is the
current source setting.

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 3-3

Section 3: Basic Operation Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

Table 3-2

Maximum compliance values

Model 2601A/2602A Model 2611A/2612A Model 2635A/2636A

Source
range

100mV

1V
6V

40V

100nA

1µA

10µA

100µA

1mA

10mA

100mA

1A
3A

Maximum
compliance
value

3A
3A
3A
1A

40V
40V
40V
40V
40V
40V
40V
40V

6V

Source
range

Setting the compliance limit

Front panel compliance limit

200mV

2V

20V

200V

100nA

1µA

10µA

100µA

1mA

10mA

100mA

1A

1.5A

Maximum
compliance
value

1.5A

1.5A

1.5A

100mA

200V
200V
200V
200V
200V
200V
200V

20V
20V

Source
range

200mV

2V

20V

200V

1nA

10nA

100nA

1µA

10µA

100µA

1mA

10mA

100mA

1A

1.5A

Maximum
compliance
value

1.5A

1.5A

1.5A

100mA

200V
200V
200V
200V
200V
200V
200V
200V
200V

20V
20V

Set the compliance limit from the front panel as follows:

1. For the Model 2601A/2611A/2635A or the Model 2602A/2612A/2636A single-channel
display mode, press the LIMIT key to directly access compliance editing.

2. For the Model 2602A/2612A/2636A dual-channel display mode, press the LIMIT key, then
select CURRENT or VOLTAGE as desired. Press ENTER or the navigation wheel.

3. Press the navigation wheel, set the compliance limit to the desired value, and then press
ENTER or the navigation wheel to complete editing.

4. Press EXIT to return to the normal display.

Remote compliance limit

Table 3-3 summarizes basic commands to program the compliance limit. See Section 19 for more

details on these commands. To program the compliance, simply send the command using the
desired parameter. For example, the following commands set the current and voltage compliance
to 50mA and 4V respectively:

smua.source.limiti = 50e-3
smua.source.limitv = 4

The following command prints the compliance state:

print(smua.source.compliance)

3-4 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 3: Basic Operation

I-Source

B. Source I

V-Source

A. Source V

I-Meter

V-Meter

I-Meter

V-Meter

A returned value of 1 indicates that the voltage limit has been reached if the unit is configured as a
current source, or that the current limit has been reached if the unit is configured as a voltage
source.

Table 3-3

Compliance commands

Command

smuX.source.limiti = limit
smuX.source.limitv = limit
compliance = smuX.source.compliance

*smuX = smua for the Model 2601A/2611A/2635A; smuX = smua (Channel A) or smub (Channel B) for the
Model 2602A/2612A/2636A.

*

Description

Set current compliance limit.
Set voltage compliance limit.
Test if in compliance (1 = in compliance;
0 = not in compliance).

Basic circuit configurations

The fundamental source-measure configurations for the Series 2600A are shown in Figure 3-1.
When sourcing voltage, you can measure current or voltage (configuration A). When sourcing
current, you can measure voltage or current (configuration B). See

Section 4 for more detailed information on these circuit configurations.

Basic circuit configurations in

Figure 3-1

Fundamental source measure configuration

Operation considerations

The following paragraphs discuss the warm-up period and auto zero.

Warm-up

The Series 2600A must be turned on and allowed to warm up for at least two hours to achieve

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 3-5

rated accuracies.

Section 3: Basic Operation Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

Auto zero

The Series 2600A uses a ratiometric A/D conversion technique. To ensure accuracy of readings,
the instrument must periodically obtain fresh measurements of its internal ground and voltage
reference. The time interval between needing to update these reference measure ments is
determined by the integration aperture being used for measurements. Separate reference and
zero measurements are used for each aperture.

There are three different settings for auto zero as summarized in Table 3-4. By default, the
instrument automatically checks these reference measurements whene ver a sign al mea sure men t
is made (AUTO). If the reference measurements are out o f date when a signal measurement is
made, the instrument will automatically take two more A/D conversions, one for the reference and
one for the zero, before returning the result. Thus, occasionally, a measurement takes longer than
normal.

This extra time can cause problems in sweeps and other test sequences in which measurement
timing is critical. To avoid the extra time for the reference measurements in these situations, the
OFF selection can be used to disable the automatic reference measurements. Keep in mind that
with automatic reference measurements disabled, the instrument may gradually drift out of
specification.

To minimize the drift, a reference and zero measurement should be made just prior to the critical
test sequence. The ONCE setting can be used to force a refresh of the reference and zero
measurements used for the current aperture setting.

Table 3-4

Auto zero settings

Auto zero
setting

OFF Turns automatic reference measurements off.

ONCE

AUTO

Description

Turns automatic reference measurements off, but immediately taking
one reference and one zero measurement.

Automatically takes new acquisitions when processor determines
reference and zero values are out-of-date.

Front panel auto zero

Set the auto zero from the front panel as follows:

1. Press the CONFIG key, and select MEAS from the menu.

2. Select AUTO-ZERO, then press ENTER or the navigation wheel.

3. Select the desired mode (OFF, ONCE, or AUTO), and then press ENTER or the navigation
wheel.

4. Press EXIT as necessary to return to the normal display.

Remote command auto zero

Use the auto zero command with the appropriate option shown in Table 3-5 to set auto zero via
remote (see Section 6 for more details). For example, send the following command to activate
Channel A automatic reference measurements:

3-6 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 3: Basic Operation

smua.measure.autozero = smua.AUTOZERO_AUTO

Table 3-5

Auto zero command and options

Command

*

Description

smuX.measure.autozero = smuX.AUTOZERO_OFF
smuX.measure.autozero = smuX.AUTOZERO_ONCE
smuX.measure.autozero = smuX.AUTOZERO_AUTO

*smuX = smua for the Model 2601A/2611A/2635A; smuX = smua (Channel A) or smub (Channel B) for the Model
2602A/2612A/2636A.

**Old NPLC cache values will be used when auto zero is disabled (see To minimize the drift, a reference and zero

measurement should be made just prior to the critical test sequence. The ONCE setting can be used to force a
refresh of the reference and zero measurements used for the current aperture setting.).

NPLC caching

NPLC caching speeds up operation by caching A/D reference and zero values for up to the ten
most recent measurement aperture settings. Whenever the integration rate is changed via the
SPEED key, or a user setup is recalled, the NPLC cache is checked. If the integration rate is
already stored in the cache, the stored reference and zero values are recalled and used.
Otherwise, a reference and zero value are acquired and stored in the cache. If there are already
ten NPLC values stored, the oldest one will be overwritten by the newest one. When auto zero is
off, NPLC values stored in the cache will be used regardless of how old they are. If there are no
entries in the cache for the aperture being used, the unit will acquire them when the first
measurement is made

Basic source-measure procedure

Disable auto zero**
Force one ref and zero
Force ref and zero with each
measurement

Front panel source-measure procedure

Use the following procedure to perform the basic source-measure operations of the Series 2600A.
The following procedure assumes that the Series 2600A is already connected to the DUT as
explained in Section 3.

WARNING Hazardous voltages may be present on the output and guard

terminals. To prevent electrical shock that could cause injury or
death, NEVER make or break connections to the Series 2600A
while the output is on. Power off the equipment from the front
panel or disconnect the main power cord from the rear of the
Series 2600A before handling cables connected to the outputs.
Putting the equipment into standby does not guarantee the outputs
are not powered if a hardware or software fault occurs.

Step 1: Select and set source level.

Perform the following steps to select the source and edit the source value:

1. Press SRC as needed to select the V-Source or I-Source as indicated by the units in the
source field on the display. The flashing digit (cursor) indicates which value is presently
selected for editing.

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 3-7

Section 3: Basic Operation Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

2. Move the cursor to the digit to change, then press the navigation wheel to enter the EDIT
mode, as indicated by the EDIT indicator.

3. Use the RANGE keys to select a range that will accommodate the value you want to set.
(See

Section 6 for range information.) For best accuracy, use the lowest possible source

range.

4. Enter the desired source value, then press ENTER or the navigation wheel to complete
editing.

Step 2: Set compliance limit.

Perform the following steps to edit the compliance limit value:

1. For the Model 2601A/2611A/2635A or the Model 2602A/2612A/2636A single-channel
display mode, press the LIMIT key.

2. For the Model 2602A/2612A/2636A dual-channel display mode, press CONFIG then LIMIT,
then select CURRENT or VOLTAGE. Press ENTER or the navigation wheel.

3. Move the cursor to the digit to change, then press the navigation wheel to enter the EDIT
mode, as indicated by the EDIT indicator.

4. Enter the desired limit value, then press ENTER or the navigation wheel to complete
editing.

Step 3: Select measurement function and range.

Select measurement function and range as follo ws:

1. Put the Model 2602A/2612A/2636A in the single-channel display mode, then select the
desired measurement function by pressing MEAS or MODE.

2. Select the desired measurement range with the RANGE keys, or enable AUTO RANGE,
keeping the following points in mind:

• When measuring the source (such as Source V Measure V), you cannot select the
measurement range using the RANGE keys. The selected source range determines the
measurement range.

• When not measuring the source (such as Source V Measure I), measurement range
selection can be done manually or automatically. When using manual ranging, use the
lowest possible range for best accuracy. In auto range, the Series 2600A automatically
goes to the most sensitive range to make the measurement.

Step 4: T urn output on.

Turn the output on by pressing the ON/OFF OUTPUT key. The OUTPUT indicator light will turn on.

Step 5: Observe readings on the display .

Observe the readings on the display. Press TRIG if necessary to trigger the unit to begin taking
readings. For the single-channel display mode, the readings will appear on the top line, while
source and limit values are on the bottom line.

Step 6: T urn output off.

When finished, turn the output off by pressing the ON/OFF OUTPUT key. The OUTPUT indicator
light will turn off.

3-8 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 3: Basic Operation

Remote source-measure procedure

Basic source-measurement procedures can also be performed via r emote b y send ing ap propr iate
commands in the right sequence.

Section 19 for more information on using these commands.

Table 3-6

Basic source-measure commands

Table 3-6 summarizes basic source-measure commands. See

Command

smuX.measure.autorangei = smuX.AUTORANGE_ON
smuX.measure.autorangev = smuX.AUTORANGE_ON
smuX.measure.autorangei = smuX.AUTORANGE_OFF
smuX.measure.autorangev = smuX.AUTORANGE_OFF
smuX.measure.rangei = rangeval
smuX.measure.rangev = rangeval
reading = smuX.measure.i()
reading = smuX.measure.v()
reading = smuX.measure.iv()
reading = smuX.measure.r()
reading = smuX.measure.p()

smuX.source.autorangei = smuX.AUTORANGE_ON
smuX.source.autorangev = smuX.AUTORANGE_ON
smuX.source.autorangei = smuX.AUTORANGE_OFF
smuX.source.autorangev = smuX.AUTORANGE_OFF
smuX.source.func = smuX.OUTPUT_DCVOLTS
smuX.source.func = smuX.OUTPUT_DCAMPS
smuX.source.leveli = sourceval
smuX.source.levelv = sourceval
smuX.source.limiti = level
smuX.source.limitv = level
smuX.source.output = smuX.OUTPUT_ON
smuX.source.output = smuX.OUTPUT_OFF
smuX.source.rangei = rangeval
smuX.source.rangev = rangeval
smuX.sense = smuX.SENSE_LOCAL
smuX.sense = smuX.SENSE_REMOTE

* smuX = smua for the Model 2601A/2611A/2635A; smuX = smua (Channel A) or smub (Channel B) for the Model 2602A/
2612A/2636A.

*

Description

Enable current measure auto range.
Enable voltage measure auto range.
Disable current measure auto range.
Disable voltage measure auto range.
Set current measure range.
Set voltage measure range.
Request a current reading.
Request a voltage reading.
Request a current and voltage reading.
Request a resistance reading.
Request a power reading.

Enable current source auto range.
Enable voltage source auto range.
Disable current source auto range.
Disable voltage source auto range.
Select voltage source function.
Select current source function.
Set current source value.
Set voltage source value.
Set current limit.
Set voltage limit.
Turn on source output.
Turn off source output.
Set current source range.
Set voltage source range.
Local sense (2-wire).
Remote sense (4-wire).

Requesting readings

You can request readings by including the appropriate measurement command as the argument
for the print command. For example, the following will request a Channel A current reading:

print(smua.measure.i())

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 3-9

Section 3: Basic Operation Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

Source-measure programming example

The set-up and command sequence for a basic source-measure procedure is shown below:

• Source function and range: volts, auto range

• Source output level: 5V

• Current compliance: 10mA

• Measure function and range: current, 10mA

smua.reset() -- Restore Series 2600A defaults.
smua.source.func = smua.OUTPUT_DCVOLTS -- Select voltage source function.
smua.source.autorangev = smua.AUTORANGE_ON -- Set source range to auto.
smua.source.levelv = 5 -- Set voltage source to 5V.
smua.source.limiti = 10e-3 -- Set current limit to 10mA.
smua.measure.rangei = 10e-3 -- Set current range to 10mA.
smua.source.output =smua.OUTPUT_ON -- Turn on output.
print(smua.measure.i()) -- Request current reading.
smua.source.output =smua.OUTPUT_OFF -- Turn off output.

T riggering in local mode

It is not necessary to change any trigger settings to use the basic source and measurement
procedures covered in this section, however it is important to reset the instrument befo re triggering
in local mode.

Use MENU > SETUP > RECALL > INTERNAL > FACTORY to reset the factory default conditions.

Figure 3-2 shows the general sequence for measurement triggering. The basic sequence is as

follows:

• When the output is turned on, the programmed source value is immediately applied to the
device under test (DUT).

• (Front panel operation only) If the immediate trigger source is selected, a measurement will
be triggered immediately. However, if the manual trigger source is selected, the front panel
TRIG key must be pressed.

• The unit waits for the programmed delay period (if any).

• The instrument takes one measurement.

• If the number of measurements is less than the p rogra mmed tr igger co unt, it cycle s back to
take another measurement (the measurement cycle will be repeated indefinitely if the
infinite trigger count is selected).

• For multiple measurements, the unit waits for the pr ogrammed trigger interval (if an y) before
taking the next measurement.

3-10 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 3: Basic Operation

Source Delay

Measure

Output

On

Interval

Trigger In:
Front Panel (Immediate or TRIG)

# Measures

< Count

Complete

Figure 3-2

Local triggering

Configuring trigger attributes in local mode

• From the front panel, press CONFIG > TRIG. The following menu items are shown:

TRIGGER-IN: Use these options to select the trigger-in source:

• IMMEDIATE: Triggering occurs immediately and the unit starts once it is ready to take
measurements (for example, after the source output is turned on).

• MANUAL: The front panel TRIG key must be pressed to trigger the instrum en t to take
readings.

COUNT: Sets the trigger count (number of measurements) as follows:

• FINITE: The unit will cycle through measurement cycles for the programmed trigger count
(1 to 99999).

• INFINITE: The unit will cycle through measurement cycles indefinitely until halted.

INTERVAL: Sets the time interval between measurements (0s to 999.999s) when the COUNT is
greater than 1.

DELAY: Sets the delay period between the trigger and the start of measurement (0s to 999.999s).

Front panel triggering example

This example configures the trigger parameters to meet the following requirements:

• Manual triggering (TRIG key)

• Infinite trigger count (cycle indefinitely through measurement cycles)

• Interval (time between measurements): 1s

• Delay (time from trigger to measurement): 2s

Configure the trigger parameters as follows:

1. Press CONFIG then TRIG.

2. Select TRIGGER-IN, then press the ENTER key or the navigation wheel.

3. Select MANUAL, then press the ENTER key or the navigation wheel.

4. Choose COUNT, then select INFINITE, and press the ENTER key or the navigation wheel.

5. Select INTERVAL, set the interval to 1s, then press the ENTER key or the navigation

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 3-11

wheel.

6. Choose DELAY, set the delay to 2s, then press the ENTER key.

Section 3: Basic Operation Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

7. Press EXIT to return to normal display.

8. Push OUTPUT to turn the output on and then press TRIG. A 2-second delay occurs before
the first measurement. The unit cycles through measurement s indefin itel y with a 1s inter val
between measurements.

9. Turn off the OUTPUT to stop taking readings.

Measure only

In addition to being used for conventional source-measure operations, the Series 2600A can also
be used to measure only voltage or current. Perform the following steps to use the Series 26 00A to
measure voltage or current:

1. Select source-measure functions.
Measure voltage only (voltmeter): Press SRC to select the I-Source, and press MEAS to

select the voltage measurement function.
Measure current only (ammeter): Press SRC to select the V-Source, and press MEAS to

select the current measurement function.

2. Set source and compliance levels.
Use the editing procedure provided in steps 1 and 2 of the Front panel source-measure

procedure to edit the source and compliance levels:

a. Select the lowest source range and set the source level to zero (000.000nA or

000.000mV, 0.00000nA for Models 2635A/2636A).

b. Set compliance to a level that is higher than the expected measurement.

CAUTION When using the Series 2600A as a voltmeter, V-Compliance must be set

higher than the voltage that is being measured. Failure to do this could
result in excessive current flow into the Series 2600A (<150mA) and
incorrect measurements.

3. Select range:
Use the RANGE keys to select a fixed measurement range that will accommodate the

expected reading. Use the lowest possible range for best accuracy.
When measuring the function opposite from the source function, AUTO range can be used

instead. The Series 2600A automatically goes to the most sensitive range.

4. Connect voltage or current to be measured. Connect the DUT to the SourceMeter
instrument using 2-wire connections (see

5. Turn output on. Press the ON/OFF key to turn the output on.

6. Take reading from display (press TRIG if necessary). When finished, turn output off.

Section 2).

3-12 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 3: Basic Operation

Sink operation and interface

When operating as a sink (V and I have opposite polarity), the SourceMeter instrument is
dissipating power rather than sourcing it. An external source (for e xample, a battery) or an ener gy
storage device (i.e., capacitor) can force operation into the sink region.

For example, if a 12V battery is connected to the V-Source (In/Out HI to battery high) that is
programmed for +10V, sink operation will occur in the second quadrant (Source +V and
measure - I).

CAUTION When using the I-Source as a sink, ALW AYS set V-Compliance to a level

that is higher than the external voltage level. Failure to do so could result in
excessive current flow into the SourceMeter instrument (<102mA) and
incorrect measurements. See Compliance limit for details.

NOTE The only exception to the compliance limit not being exceeded is the

VLIMIT when operating as an ISOURCE. To avoid excessive (and
potentially destructive) currents from flowing, the VLIMIT will source
or sink up to 102mA for ISOURCE ranges on or below 100mA. For
the ranges 1A and above, the maximum current allowed is the
current source setting.

The sink operating limits are shown in General SourceMeter instrument power equation in

Section 4.

Ohms measurements

Ohms calculations

Resistance readings are calculated from the measured current and measured voltage as follows:

R = V/I

Where: R is the calculated resistance
V is the measured voltage
I is the sourced current

Ohms ranging

The front panel ohms function does not use ranging. The unit formats a calculated V/I reading to
best fit the display. There may be leading zeros if the ohms reading is very small (<1mΩ).

Basic ohms measurement procedure

Perform the following steps to perform ohms measurements. The following procedure assumes
that the SourceMeter instrument is already co nn ected to the DUT as explained in

Section 2.

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 3-13

Section 3: Basic Operation Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

WARNING Hazardous voltages may be present on the output and guard

terminals. To prevent electrical shock that could cause injury or
death, NEVER make or break connections to the Series 2600A
while the output is on. Power off the equipment from the front
panel or disconnect the main power cord from the rear of the
SourceMeter instrument before handling cables connected to the
outputs. Putting the equipment into standby does not guarantee
the outputs are not powered if a hardware or software fault occurs.

T o take an ohms measurement:

1. For the Model 2602A/2612A/2636A, press the DISPLAY key to select the single-channel
display mode.

2. Press SRC to select the current source function, then set the output current to the desired
value based on the expected resistance. See Step 1 of

procedure earlier in this section.

3. Press the LIMIT key. Set the voltage limit high enough for the expected voltage across the
resistance to be measured based on both the resistance value and programmed source
current. See Step 2 of

4. Press the MEAS or MODE key to display voltage, then make sure that AUTO mea surement
range is on.

5. Press the MEAS or MODE key to display ohms.

6. Turn on the output, then note the readin g on the display. If necessary , press the TRIG key to
display continuous readings. Turn of f the outp ut when finished.

Front panel source-measure procedure earlier in this section.

Front panel source-measure

Ohms sensing

Ohms measurements can be made using either 2-wire or 4-wire sensing (see Section 2 for
information on connections and sensing methods).

The 2-wire sensing method has the advantage of r equiring only two test leads. However , as shown
in

Figure 3-3, test lead resistance can seriously affect the accuracy of 2-wire resistance

measurements, particularly with lower resistance values. The 4-wire sensing method shown in

Figure 3-4 minimizes or eliminates the effects of lead resistance by measuring the voltage across

the resistor under test with a second set of test le ads. Because of the high input impedance of the
voltmeter, the current through the sense leads is negligible, and the measured voltage is
essentially the same as the voltage across the resistor under test.

3-14 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 3: Basic Operation

SourceMeter

HI

LO

I

V

M

Input, Output

V

M

V

R

Test Current (I)

Resistance
Under Test

Lead

Resistances

R

S

R

LEAD

R

LEAD

= Current sourced by SourceMeter
= Voltage measured by SourceMeter
= Voltage across resistor

I

V

M

V

R

Measured resistance = = + (2 X )

Actual resistance = =

V

M

I

R

S

R

LEAD

I

V

R

R

S

SourceMeter

4-wire Sense HI

4-wire Sense LO

I

Input/Output HI

V

M

V

R

Test Current (I)

Resistance
Under Test

Lead

Resistances

R

S

R

LEAD

R

LEAD

= Current sourced by SourceMeter
= Voltage measured by SourceMeter
= Voltage across resistor

I

V

M

V

R

and measured resistance = =

V

M

I

V

M

Sense Current (pA)

Input/Output LO

R

LEAD

R

LEAD

Because sense current is negligible, =

V

M

V

R

I

V

R

=

R

S

Figure 3-3

2-wire resistance sensing

Figure 3-4

4-wire resistance sensing

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 3-15

Sense selection

Front panel sense selection

To select sensing mode:

Section 3: Basic Operation Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

1. Press the CONFIG key then press MEAS. Choose V-MEAS, and then press ENTER or the
navigation wheel.

2. Select SENSE-MODE, then press ENTER.

3. Choose 2-WIRE or 4-WIRE, as desired, and then press ENTER or the navigation wheel.

Remote sense selection

Use the smuX.sense command to control sense selection by remote. For example, send this
command to enable 4-wire sensing:

smua.sense = smua.SENSE_REMOTE

See Table 3-6 and Section 19 for details.

Remote ohms programming

The following paragraphs summarize basic commands necessary for remote ohms programming
and also give a programming example for a typical ohms measurement situation.

Remote ohms command

Use the following command to obtain a resista nce reading:

reading = smuX.measure.r()

See Table 3-6 for more commands necessary to set up source and measure functions, and

Section 19 for more details.

Ohms programming example

The set-up and command sequence for a typical ohms measurement is shown below:

• Source function: current, 10mA range, 10mA output

• Vol tage measure range: auto

• Voltage compliance: 10V

• Sense mode: 4-wire

-- Restore Series 2600A defaults.
smua.reset()

-- Select current source function.
smua.source.func = smua.OUTPUT_DCAMPS

-- Set source range to 10mA.
smua.source.rangei = 10e-3

-- Set current source to 10mA.
smua.source.leveli = 10e-3

-- Set voltage limit to 10V.
smua.source.limitv = 10

-- Enable 4-wire ohms.
smua.sense = smua.SENSE_REMOTE

-- Set voltage range to auto.
smua.measure.autorangev = smua.AUTORANGE_ON

-- Turn on output.
smua.source.output = smua.OUTPUT_ON

-- Get resistance reading.
print(smua.measure.r())

-- Turn off output.
smua.source.output = smua.OUTPUT_OFF

3-16 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 3: Basic Operation

Power measurements

Power calculations

Power readings are calculated from the sourced and measured current or voltage as follows:
P = V × I
Where: P is the calculated power
V is the sourced or measured voltage
I is the measured or sourced current

Basic power measurement procedure

Perform the following steps to perform power measurements. The following procedure assumes
that the SourceMeter instrument is already co nn ected to the DUT as explained in

WARNING Hazardous voltages may be present on the output and guard

terminals. To prevent electrical shock that could cause injury or
death, NEVER make or break connections to the Series 2600A
while the output is on. Power off the equipment from the front
panel or disconnect the main power cord from the rear of the
SourceMeter instrument before handling cables connected to the
outputs. Putting the equipment into standby does not guarantee
the outputs are not powered if a hardware or software fault occurs.

Section 19.

1. For the Model 2602A/2612A/2636A, press the DISPLAY key to select the single-channel
display mode.

2. Set source function and value. Press SRC to select the voltage or current source function
as required, then set the output voltage or current to the desired value. See Step 1 of

panel source-measure procedur e earlier in this section.

3. Press the LIMIT key, and set the voltage or current limit high enough for the expected
voltage or current across the DUT to be measured. See Step 2 of

measure procedure earlier in this section.

4. Press the MEAS or MODE key to display power.

5. Turn on the output, then note the reading on the display. If necessary , press the TRIG key to
display continuous readings.

6. Turn off the output when finished.

Remote power programming

The following paragraphs summarize basic commands necessary for remote power programming
and also give a programming example for a typical power measurement situation.

Remote power command

Use the following command to obtain a power reading:

reading = smuX.measure.p()

See Table 3-6 for more commands necessary to set up source and measure functions and also

Section 19 for more details.

Front

Front panel source-

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 3-17

Section 3: Basic Operation Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

Power programming example

The set-up and command sequence for a typical power measurement is shown below:

• Source function: voltage, auto source range, 5V output

• Current measure function and range: current, auto

• Current compliance: 50mA

smua.reset() --Restore Series 2600A defaults.
smua.source.func = smua.OUTPUT_DCVOLTS --Select voltage source function.
smua.source.autorangev = smua.AUTORANGE_ON --Set source range to auto.
smua.source.levelv = 5 --Set voltage source to 5V.
smua.source.limiti = 50e-3 --Set current limit to 50mA.
smua.measure.autorangei = smua.AUTORANGE_ON --Set current range to auto.
smua.source.output = smua.OUTPUT_ON --Turn on output.
print(smua.measure.p()) --Get power reading.
smua.source.output = smua.OUTPUT_OFF --Turn off output.

Contact check measurement s

Overview

The contact check function prevents measurements that may be in error due to excessive
resistance in the force or sense leads when making remotely sensed (Kelvin) measurements.
Potential sources for this resistance include poor contact at the DUT, failing relay contacts on a
switching card, and wires that are too long or thin. The contact check function will also detect an
open circuit that may occur with a four-point probe is misplaced or misaligned. This relationship is
shown schematically in
DUT, and RS is the series resistance of relays and cables.

WARNING Hazardous voltages may be present on the output and guard

terminals. To prevent electrical shock that could cause injury or
death, NEVER make or break connections to the Series 2600A
while the output is on. Power off the equipment from the front
panel or disconnect the main power cord from the rear of the
SourceMeter instrument before handling cables connected to the
outputs. Putting the equipment into standby does not guarantee
the outputs are not powered if a hardware or software fault occurs.

Figure 3-5, where RC is the resistance of the mechanical contact at the

3-18 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 3: Basic Operation

S LO

LO

CHANNEL A

LO GLO HI G G G HI

SS

KEITHLEY Series 2600A

HI

S HI

DUT

R

S

R

S

R

S

R

S

R

C

R

C

R

C

R

C

Cable/Relay

Resistance

Contact

Resistance

Contact check commands

Table 3-7 summarizes basic contact check commands. See Section 19 for more information on

using these commands.

Table 3-7

Basic contact check commands

Command

flag = smuX.contact.check()
rhi, rlo = smuX.contact.r()
smuX.contact.speed = speed_opt

smuX.contact.threshold = rvalue

*smuX = smua for the Model 2601A/2611A/2625A; smuX = smua (Channel A) or smub (Channel B) for the
Model 2602A/2612A/2636A.

*

Figure 3-5

Contact check measurements

Description

Determine if contact resistance is lower than threshold.
Return the contact resistance.
Set speed_opt to one of the following:

0 or smuX.CONTACT_FAST
1 or smuX.CONTACT_MEDIUM
2 or smuX.CONTACT_SLOW

Resistance threshold for the contact check function.

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 3-19

Section 3: Basic Operation Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

Contact check programming example

The command sequence for a typical contact mea surement is shown be low . These commands set
the contact check speed to fast and the threshold to 10 Ω. A contact check measurement against
the threshold is then made. If it fails, a more accurate contact check measurement is made, and
the test is aborted. Otherwise, the output is turned on, and the test continues.

smua.reset() -- Restore defaults.
smua.contact.speed = smua.CONTACT_FAST -- Set speed to fast.
smua.contact.threshold = 10 -- Set threshold to 10Ω.

User setup

Saving user setups

if (not smua.contact.check()) then

smua.contact.speed = smua.CONTACT_SLOW
rhi, rlo = smua.contact.r()
print(rhi, rlo)
exit()

end
smua.source.output = smua.OUTPUT_ON -- Turn output on and continue.

--

Check contacts against threshold.

--

Set speed to slow.

--

Get resistance readings.

--

Return contact resistances to the host.

--

Terminate execution.

The Series 2600A can be restored to one of six setup configurations: Five user setups and one
factory default. As shipped from the factory, the Series 2600A powers-up to the original default
settings, which are also saved in the five user setup locations. Original default settings are listed in
the Instrument Command Library found in

Section 19. The instrument will power-up to whichever

default setup was saved as the power-on setup.

To save a user setup to nonvolatile memory:

1. Configure the Series 2600A for the desired operating modes to be save d.

2. Press MENU > SETUP and then press ENTER.

3. Select SAVE menu item, then press ENTER.

4. Select INTERNAL, then press ENTER.

5. Select the user number (1 through 5), and press ENTER.

To save a user setup to an external USB flash drive:

1. Configure the Series 2600A for the desired operating modes to be saved.

2. Insert the USB flash drive into the USB port on the front panel of the Series 2600A.

3. Press MENU > SETUP, then press ENTER.

4. Select SAVE menu item, then press ENTER.

5. Select USB1. The file setup000.set is displayed.

6. Use the navigation wheel to change the last three digits of the file name and then press
ENTER.

3-20 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 3: Basic Operation

Recalling a saved setup

Setups can be recalled from internal nonvolatile memory or a USB flash drive at any time. To recall
a saved setup:

1. Press the MENU key to access the main menu.

2. Select SETUP, then press ENTER.

3. Select the RECALL menu item, then press ENTER.

4. Choose one of the following:

• INTERNAL

•USB1

5. (INTERNAL only) Do one of the following:

• Select the user number (1 through 5), then press ENTER

•Select FACTORY to restore factory defaults, then press ENTER.

6. (USB1 only) Select the appropriate file and then push ENTER.

T o select power-on setup

1. Press the MENU key to access the main menu.

2. Select SETUP, and then press ENTER.

3. Select POWERON, and then press ENTER.

4. Do one of the following:

• Choose FACTORY to load the original defaults

•Select USER NUMBER (1 through 5) to load a user preference.

5. Press ENTER.

6. Press EXIT to return to the main menu.

Saving user setups from a command interface

Saving and recalling user setups

The setup.save and setup.recall functions are used to save and recall user setups:

setup.save(n)
setup.recall(n)

Where:

n = 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5

Restoring the factory default setups

The reset functions return the Series 2600A to the original factory defaults:

reset() or *rst -- Restore all factory defaults.
smua.reset() -- Restore Channel A defaults.
smub.reset() -- Restore 2602A/2612A/2636A Channel B defaults.
setup.recall(0) -- Restore all factory defaults.

-- Save present setup to nonvolatile memory.

-- Recall saved user setup from nonvolatile memory.

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 3-21

Section 3: Basic Operation Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

Selecting the power-on setup

The setup.poweron attribute is used to select which setup to return to upon power-up. To select
the power-on setup:

setup.poweron = n -- Select power-on setup.

Where:

n = 0 (*RST defaults)
n = 1 to 5 (user setups 1-5)

3-22 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

In this section:

Topic Page

Overview............................................................................................. 4-2

Compliance limit................................................................................ 4-2

Maximum compliance.................................................................... 4-2

Compliance principles ................................................................... 4-2

Overheating protection..................................................................... 4-3

Power equations to avoid overheating .......................................... 4-3

Operating boundaries ....................................................................... 4-6

Source or sink ............................................................................... 4-6

Continuous power operating boundaries....................................... 4-6

I-Source operating boundaries...................................................... 4-7

V-Source operating boundaries..................................................... 4-11

Source I measure I, source V measure V ..................................... 4-15

Section 4

Source-Measure Concepts

Basic circuit configurations ............................................................. 4-15

Source I......................................................................................... 4-15

Source V........................................................................................ 4-16

Measure only (V or I)..................................................................... 4-16

Contact check................................................................................ 4-17

Guard .................................................................................................. 4-18

Guard overview ............................................................................. 4-18

Guard connections ........................................................................ 4-19

Settling time considerations............................................................. 4-20

Measurement settling time considerations .................................... 4-20

Reduction in gain-bandwidth......................................................... 4-22

Section 4: Source-Measure Concepts Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

Overview

The documentation in this section provides detailed information on source-measure concept s and
includes the following information:

• Compliance limit

• Overheating protection

• Operating boundaries

• Basic circuit configurations

• Guard

Compliance limit

When sourcing voltage, the Keithley Instruments Series 2600A System SourceMeter® instrument
can be set to limit current. Conversely, when sourcing current, the SourceMeter instrument can be
set to limit voltage. The Series 2600A output does not exceed the compliance limit, except for the
compliance limit conditions described in

Maximum compliance

The maximum compliance values for the source ranges are summarized in Table 4-1.

Section 3.

Table 4-1

Maximum compliance limits

Model 2601A/2602A Model 2611A/2612A Model 2635A/2636A

Source
range

100mV

1V
6V

40V

100nA

1µA

10µA

100µA

1mA

10mA

100mA

1A
3A

Maximum
compliance
value

3A
3A
3A
1A

40V
40V
40V
40V
40V
40V
40V
40V

6V

Source
range

200mV

100nA

100µA

100mA

2V

20V

200V

1µA

10µA

1mA

10mA

1A

1.5A

Maximum
compliance
value

100mA

1.5A

1.5A

1.5A

200V
200V
200V
200V
200V
200V
200V

20V
20V

Source
range

200mV

100pA

100nA

100µA

100mA

Maximum
compliance
value

2V

20V

200V

1nA

10nA

1µA

10µA

1mA

10mA

1A

1.5A

1.5A

1.5A

1.5A

100mA

200V
200V
200V
200V
200V
200V
200V
200V
200V
200V

20V
20V

Compliance principles

Compliance acts as a clamp. If the output reaches the compliance value, the SourceMeter
instrument attempts to prevent the output from exceeding that value. This action implies that the

4-2 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 4: Source-Measure Concepts

source will switch from a V-source to an I-source (or from an I-source to a V-source) when in
compliance.

As an example, assume the following:
SourceMeter instrument: V
Device under test (DUT) resistance: 10Ω
With a source voltage of 10V and a DUT resistance of 10Ω, the current through the DUT should

be: 10V / 10

Ω

= 1A. However, because the compliance is set to 10mA, the current will not exceed
that value, and the voltage across the resistance is limited to 100mV. In effect, the 10V voltage
source is transformed into a 10mA current source with a 100mV compliance value.

Overheating protection

Proper ventilation is required to keep the SourceMeter instrument from overheating. Even with
proper ventilation, the Series 2600A can overheat if the ambient temperature is too high or the
SourceMeter instrument is operated in sink mode for long periods of time. The SourceMeter
instrument has an over-temperature protection circuit that will turn the output off in the event that
the instrument overheats. If the output trips due to overhea ting, a message indicating this condition
will be displayed. You will not be able to turn the output back on until the instrument cools down.

Power equations to avoid overheating

To avoid overheating, each channel on the Series 2600A should not be operated in a manner that
forces the instrument to exceed the maximum duty cycle (DC

SourceMeter instrument power equation below. Factors such as the ambient temperature,

quadrant of operation, and high power pulse levels (if applicable) affect the maximum duty cycle.
Exceeding the calculated maximum duty cycle may cause the temperature protection mechanism
to engage. When this happens, an error message will be displayed, and the SourceMeter
instrument output will be disabled until the internal temperature of the SourceMeter instrument is
reduced to an acceptable level.

SRC

= 10V; I

CMPL

= 10mA

) computed using the General

MAX

You do not have to be concerned about overheating if all of the following are true:

• The SourceMeter instrument used as a power source and not a power sink.

• The ambient temperature is ≤ 30°C.

• High power pulse operation is not being used.

However, if any one of these is false, the SourceMeter instrument may overheat if operated in a
manner that exceeds the calculated maximum duty cycle, DC

The maximum duty cycle equation is derived from the power equation below by solving for DC

MAX

.

MAX

The general power equation describes how much power a SourceMeter instrument channel can
source and/or sink before the total power cannot be fully dissipated by the Series 2600A cooling
system. This equation takes into account all of the factors that can influence the power being
dissipated by the SourceMeter instrument.

.

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 4-3

Section 4: Source-Measure Concepts Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

V

OAVP

–()IP()DC

MAX

V

OAVB

–()IB() P

CS

P

DER

–()≤+

DC

MAX

P

CSPDER

–()V

OAVB

–()V

B

()–

V

OA

VP–()I

P

()

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 100×

2

≤

General SourceMeter instrument power equation

PCS = The maximum power generated in a SourceMeter instrument channel that can be properly

dissipated by the SourceMeter instrument cooling system.

T

= The ambient temperature of the SourceMeter instrument operating environmen t.

AMB

P

= T

DER

VOA = The SourceMeter instrument output amplifier voltage. This constant can be found in the

VP = The voltage level the SourceMeter instrument is attempting to force while at the pulse level.

- 30

AMB

• This factor represents the number of watts the SourceMeter instr u me n t is de-r a te d
when operating in environments above 30° C. This is represented as a temperature
because the maximum output power of each SourceMeter instrument channel is
reduced by 1W per degree C above 30°C.

•P

tables below.

• When operating in quadrants 1 or 3 (sourcing power), the sign of this voltage must

• When operating in quadrants 2 or 4 (sinking power), th e sign of this voltage must be

is 0 when the ambient temperature is below 30°C.

DER

be positive when used in the power equations.

negative when used in the power equations.

VB = The voltage level the SourceMeter instrument is attempting to force while at the bias level.

• When operating in quadrants 1 or 3 (sourcing power), the sign of this voltage must
be positive when used in the power equations.

• When operating in quadrants 2 or 4 (sinking power), th e sign of this voltage must be
negative when used in the power equations.

IP = The current flowing through the SourceMeter instrument channel while at the pulse level.
IB = The current flowing through the SourceMeter instrument channel while at the bias level.

Maximum duty cycle equation

NOTE When attempting to determine the maximum duty cycle where the of f

state will be 0V or 0A:

•IB is 0

•IP and VP are the voltage and current levels when the

SourceMeter instrument is on.

1

1. Equations apply to both channels, sinking or sourcing power simultaneously. If a duty cycle less than 100% is required to avoid
overheating, the maximum on time must be less than 10 seconds

4-4 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual Section 4: Source-Measure Concepts

DC

MAX

56 20–()40 5()–()0()–

40 5()–()1.5()

-------------------------------------------------------------------

100×

2

≤

DC

MAX

56 10–()18 0.1()0.5()–()0.5()–

18 10()0.1()–()10()

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -

100×

2

≤

CAUTION This maximum duty cycle equation is an approximation. In general, if the

duty cycle calculation yields a number > 90%, then DC under those
conditions should not cause the SourceMeter instrument to overheat.
However, if the calculation yields a number < 10%, the calculated duty cycle
should not be exceeded by more than 0.5% to avoid potential overheating.

Table 4-2

Model 2601A/2602A Maximum Duty Cycle equation constants

Constant 100mV range 1V range 6V range 40V range

P

CS

V

OA

Table 4-3

Model 2611A/2612A/2635A/2636A Maximum Duty Cycle equation constants

Constant 200mV range 2V range 20V range 200V range

P

CS

V

OA

56 56 56 56
18 18 18 55

56 56 56 56
40 40 40 220

Examples

Example 1:

Using a Model 2611A to charge a 5V battery with 1.5A, while operating at 50°C ambient
temperature; what is the maximum duty cycle?

Assuming the 20V range will be used to measure the voltage:

DC

Example 2:

Using a Model 2602A to pulse 10A of current from a bias level of 500mA, into a very low
impedance (100 mΩ), while operating at 40°C ambient temperature; what is the maximum duty
cycle?

Assuming the 1V range will be used to measure the voltage:

MAX

≤ 47.0%

DC

2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 Return to Section Topics 4-5

≤ 4.7%

MAX

Section 4: Source-Measure Concepts Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual

DC

MAX

56 5–()40 12()–()0.1()–

40 12–()–()5–()

------------------------------------------------------------------------

100×

2

≤

Example 3:

Using a Model 2612A to charge a 12V battery by sourcing 100mA and then discharging the batter y
by sinking 5A, while operating at 35°C ambient temperature; what is the maximum duty cycle?

Assuming the 20V range will be used to measure the voltage:

DC

MAX

Operating boundaries

Source or sink

Depending on how it is programmed and what is connected to the output (load or source), the
SourceMeter instrument can operate in any of the four quadrant s. The four quadr ant s of operation
are shown in
SourceMeter instrument is operating as a source (V and I have the same polarity). As a source,
the SourceMeter instrument is delivering power to a load.

When operating in the second (II) or fourth (IV) quadra nt, the SourceMete r instrument is o perating
as a sink (V and I have opposite polarity). As a sink, it is dissipating power rather than sourcing it.
An external source or an energy storage device, such as a capacitor or battery, can force
operation in the sink region.

Continuous power operating boundaries

Model 2601A/2602A continuous power operating boundaries

The general operating boundaries for Model 2601A/2602A continuous power output are shown in

Figure 4-1 (for derating factors, see General SourceMeter instrument power equation, described

earlier in this section). In this drawing, the 3A, 6V and 1A, 40V magnitudes are nominal values.
Also note that the boundaries are not drawn to scale.

Figure 4-1 and Figure 4-2. When operating in the first (I) or third (III) quadrant, the

≤ 3.4%

4-6 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008