Keithley 3720, 3722, 3730, 3721 User guide

www.keithley.com

Series 3700 System Switch/Multimeter

Reference Manual

3700S-901-01 Rev. C / July 2008

A GREATER MEASURE OF CONFIDENCE

WARRANTY

Keithley Instruments, Inc. warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period 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 balance 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, non­rechargeable batteries, damage from battery 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 GREAT E R M E A S U R E O F CON 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

System Switch/Multimeter

Series 3700

Reference Manual

©2008, Keithley Instruments, Inc.

Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.

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.

TSPTM, TSP-LinkTM, and TSP-NetTM 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.

Document Number: 3700S-901-01 Rev. C / July 2008

11/07

Safety Precautions

The following safety precautions should be observed before using this product and 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.

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 rated 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 60VDC 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.

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. ALWAYS 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.
To 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 (e.g., 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.

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

Table of Contents

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

Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 1-1

Measure and switching capabilities .............................................................................................................. 1-2

Warranty information ........................................................................................................................... 1-2

Displaying the unit's serial number ............................................................................................................... 1-3

TSP Programming Fundamentals ........................................................................................... 2-1

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

Test Script Processor (TSPTM) .......................................................................................................... 2-2

Run-time environment ......................................................................................................................... 2-3

Queries ................................................................................................................................................ 2-3

Scripts .................................................................................................................................................. 2-4

Named scripts ...................................................................................................................................... 2-5

Programming overview ........................................................................................................................ 2-6

Chunk defined .............................................................................................................................................. 2-6

Script defined ............................................................................................................................................... 2-7

Run-time environment .................................................................................................................................. 2-8

Nonvolatile memory ..................................................................................................................................... 2-8

TSPTM programming levels ......................................................................................................................... 2-8

Programming model for scripts .................................................................................................................... 2-9

Installing the TSPTM software .......................................................................................................... 2-10

System connections .......................................................................................................................... 2-10

Rear panel summary .................................................................................................................................. 2-10

GPIB interface connection ......................................................................................................................... 2-11

Standard RJ-45 (Ethernet) interface connection ........................................................................................ 2-12

USB connection ......................................................................................................................................... 2-13

Using Test Script Builder (TSB) ........................................................................................................ 2-13

Project Navigator ....................................................................................................................................... 2-14

Script Editor ............................................................................................................................................... 2-14

Programming interaction ............................................................................................................................ 2-15

Sending commands and statements ................................................................................................. 2-15

Measure voltage ................................................................................................................................ 2-15

Read and write to the digital I/O port .......................................................................................................... 2-16

Display user-defined messages ................................................................................................................. 2-16

User scripts ........................................................................................................................................ 2-16

Script examples ......................................................................................................................................... 2-17

Creating a user script ................................................................................................................................. 2-20

Saving a user script.................................................................................................................................... 2-22

Loading a user script .................................................................................................................................. 2-24

Running a user script ................................................................................................................................. 2-25

Table of Contents Series 3700 System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual

ii 3700S-901-01 Rev. C / July 2008

Loading a script from the Series 3700 front panel ...................................................................................... 2-28

Saving a script from the Series 3700 front panel ....................................................................................... 2-29

Modifying a user script ............................................................................................................................... 2-29

Script management .................................................................................................................................... 2-30

Differences: Remote versus local state ............................................................................................. 2-32

Remote state .............................................................................................................................................. 2-32

Local state .................................................................................................................................................. 2-32

TSP-LinkTM system ................................................................................................................................... 2-32

Test Script Language (TSL) Reference ............................................................................................. 2-33

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 2-33

Variables and types ................................................................................................................................... 2-34

Operators ................................................................................................................................................... 2-34

Functions ................................................................................................................................................... 2-35

Tables/arrays ............................................................................................................................................. 2-36

Precedence ................................................................................................................................................ 2-37

Logical operators ....................................................................................................................................... 2-38

Concatenation ............................................................................................................................................ 2-39

Branching ................................................................................................................................................... 2-40

Loop control ............................................................................................................................................... 2-41

Standard libraries ....................................................................................................................................... 2-42

TSP Advanced Features ........................................................................................................... 3-1

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 3-1

Using groups to manage nodes on TSP-LinkTM network ................................................................... 3-4

Master node overview .................................................................................................................................. 3-5

Group leader overview ................................................................................................................................. 3-5

Assigning groups ......................................................................................................................................... 3-5

Reassigning groups ..................................................................................................................................... 3-6

Running parallel test scripts ................................................................................................................ 3-6

Coordinating overlapped operations in remote groups ................................................................................ 3-7

Using the data queue for real-time communication ............................................................................. 3-8

Copying test scripts across the TSP-LinkTM network ......................................................................... 3-8

Removing stale values from the reading buffer ................................................................................... 3-9

Commands related to TSP advanced features ................................................................................. 3-10

Using the Front Panel ............................................................................................................... 4-1

Front panel introduction ....................................................................................................................... 4-1

Display ................................................................................................................................................. 4-4

Channel type indication ................................................................................................................................ 4-8

Using the front panel with non-switch channels ........................................................................................... 4-9

Special keys and power switch ......................................................................................................... 4-11

CONFIG key .............................................................................................................................................. 4-11

CONFIG CHAN key ................................................................................................................................... 4-11

DISPLAY key ............................................................................................................................................. 4-16

Series 3700 System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual Table of Contents

3700S-901-01 Rev. C / July 2008 iii

POWER switch .......................................................................................................................................... 4-17

RESET switch ............................................................................................................................................ 4-17

Operation keys .................................................................................................................................. 4-17

CHAN key .................................................................................................................................................. 4-17

DELETE key .............................................................................................................................................. 4-20

DMM key .................................................................................................................................................... 4-21

ENTER key ................................................................................................................................................ 4-25

EXIT key .................................................................................................................................................... 4-25

FILTER key ................................................................................................................................................ 4-25

FUNCtion key ............................................................................................................................................. 4-26

INSERT key ............................................................................................................................................... 4-26

LIMIT key ................................................................................................................................................... 4-27

LOAD key ................................................................................................................................................... 4-27

MENU key .................................................................................................................................................. 4-28

PATT key ................................................................................................................................................... 4-29

REL key ..................................................................................................................................................... 4-30

RUN key ..................................................................................................................................................... 4-30

SCAN key .................................................................................................................................................. 4-31

SLOT key ................................................................................................................................................... 4-32

TRIG key .................................................................................................................................................... 4-32

Range keys, cursor keys, and navigation wheel ............................................................................... 4-32

AUTO key .................................................................................................................................................. 4-32

CURSOR keys ........................................................................................................................................... 4-32

Navigation wheel ........................................................................................................................................ 4-33

RANGE keys .............................................................................................................................................. 4-33

Action keys ........................................................................................................................................ 4-33

CLOSE key ................................................................................................................................................ 4-33

OPEN ALL key ........................................................................................................................................... 4-33

OPEN key .................................................................................................................................................. 4-34

RATE key ................................................................................................................................................... 4-34

RECall key ................................................................................................................................................. 4-34

STEP key ................................................................................................................................................... 4-34

STORE key ................................................................................................................................................ 4-35

Range, Digits, Rate, Bandwidth, and Filter ............................................................................. 5-1

Range .................................................................................................................................................. 5-1

Measurement ranges and maximum readings ............................................................................................. 5-1

Manual range keys ....................................................................................................................................... 5-2

Auto ranging over the front panel ................................................................................................................. 5-3

Scanning ...................................................................................................................................................... 5-3

Range remote programming (ICL) ............................................................................................................... 5-3

Digits ICL programming ....................................................................................................................... 5-4

Scanning ...................................................................................................................................................... 5-4

Setting digits ................................................................................................................................................ 5-4

Rate ..................................................................................................................................................... 5-5

Setting Rate from the front panel ................................................................................................................. 5-7

Setting measurement speed from a remote interface .................................................................................. 5-7

Bandwidth ............................................................................................................................................ 5-7

Table of Contents Series 3700 System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual

iv 3700S-901-01 Rev. C / July 2008

Filter ..................................................................................................................................................... 5-8

Filter characteristics ..................................................................................................................................... 5-8

Digital filter window .................................................................................................................................... 5-10

Relative, Math, and dB .............................................................................................................. 6-1

Relative ................................................................................................................................................ 6-1

Basic front panel REL procedure ................................................................................................................. 6-2

REL remote operation .................................................................................................................................. 6-2

Scanning ...................................................................................................................................................... 6-3

Math calculations ................................................................................................................................. 6-3

mX+b ........................................................................................................................................................... 6-4

Percent ......................................................................................................................................................... 6-6

Reciprocal (1/X) ........................................................................................................................................... 6-7

dB commands .................................................................................................................................... 6-10

dB configuration ......................................................................................................................................... 6-10

dB scanning ............................................................................................................................................... 6-11

Buffer: Data Storage and Retrieval .......................................................................................... 7-1

Buffer overview .................................................................................................................................... 7-1

Front panel operation .......................................................................................................................... 7-2

Creating and selecting a reading buffer ....................................................................................................... 7-2

Selecting a reading buffer ............................................................................................................................ 7-3

Storing readings ........................................................................................................................................... 7-3

Saving readings ........................................................................................................................................... 7-3

Clearing readings ......................................................................................................................................... 7-4

Deleting a reading buffer .............................................................................................................................. 7-5

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

Buffer configuration (front panel) .................................................................................................................. 7-6

Appending readings ..................................................................................................................................... 7-7

Remote buffer operation ...................................................................................................................... 7-7

Data store (buffer) commands ..................................................................................................................... 7-8

Reading buffers .......................................................................................................................................... 7-12

Time and date values ................................................................................................................................. 7-16

Buffer status ............................................................................................................................................... 7-16

Dynamically-allocated buffers .................................................................................................................... 7-17

Dynamic buffer programming example ...................................................................................................... 7-18

Buffer for...do loops .................................................................................................................................... 7-19

Exceeding reading buffer capacity ............................................................................................................. 7-21

Scanning .................................................................................................................................... 8-1

Scanning fundamentals ....................................................................................................................... 8-1

Channel assignments................................................................................................................................... 8-2

Events .......................................................................................................................................................... 8-2

Foreground and background scan execution ............................................................................................... 8-3

Trigger model ............................................................................................................................................... 8-4

Series 3700 System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual Table of Contents

3700S-901-01 Rev. C / July 2008 v

Trigger model components .......................................................................................................................... 8-5

Scan and step counts .......................................................................................................................... 8-7

Basic scan procedure .......................................................................................................................... 8-7

Buffer ........................................................................................................................................................... 8-9

Changing channel and DMM attributes of an existing scan ......................................................................... 8-9

Front panel scanning ......................................................................................................................... 8-10

Scan configuration ..................................................................................................................................... 8-11

Bus operation scanning ..................................................................................................................... 8-12

ICL commands ........................................................................................................................................... 8-12

Scanning examples .................................................................................................................................... 8-14

Hardware trigger modes .................................................................................................................... 8-18

Falling edge trigger mode .......................................................................................................................... 8-20

Rising edge master trigger mode (version 1.4.0 or higher) ........................................................................ 8-21

Rising edge acceptor trigger mode (version 1.4.0 or higher) ..................................................................... 8-22

Either edge trigger mode ............................................................................................................................ 8-23

Understanding synchronous triggering modes ........................................................................................... 8-24

Files ............................................................................................................................................ 9-1

File formats .......................................................................................................................................... 9-1

Default file extensions ......................................................................................................................... 9-1

File system navigation ......................................................................................................................... 9-2

File I/O ................................................................................................................................................. 9-3

Script examples ................................................................................................................................... 9-4

Command table entries ....................................................................................................................... 9-9

TSP-Net .................................................................................................................................... 10-1

Overview ............................................................................................................................................ 10-1

TSP-NetTM Capabilities .................................................................................................................... 10-1

Using TSP-NetTM with any Ethernet-enabled device ....................................................................... 10 -2

Example script ........................................................................................................................................... 10-3

Using TSP-NetTM vs. TSP-LinkTM for communication with TSP-enabled devices ......................... 10-4

Instrument Control Library (ICL) - General device control ................................................................ 10-5

Instrument Control Library - TSP-specific device control ................................................................ 10-12

LXI Class B Triggering (IEEE-1588) ....................................................................................... 11-1

Introduction to IEEE-1588 based triggering ...................................................................................... 11-1

IEEE-1588 implementation in the Series 3700.................................................................................. 11-1

Correlating PTP to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) .................................................................... 11-2

Table of Contents Series 3700 System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual

vi 3700S-901-01 Rev. C / July 2008

Configuring and enabling IEEE-1588 ................................................................................................ 11-3

Scheduling alarms ..................................................................................................................................... 11-5

Monitoring alarms with LAN triggers and LXI event log .................................................................... 11-6

LXI event log .............................................................................................................................................. 11-7

Example applications of IEEE-1588 in Series 3700-based systems .......................................................... 11-7

Synchronizing multiple Series 3700 instruments ........................................................................................ 11-9

Status Model ............................................................................................................................ 12-1

Status register sets ............................................................................................................................ 12-1

Negative and positive transition registers ................................................................................................... 12-2

Status byte and SRQ ......................................................................................................................... 12-2

Queues ...................................................................................................................................................... 12-2

System summary and status byte ..................................................................................................... 12-3

System summary registers ................................................................................................................ 12-4

Standard event status register and enable ........................................................................................ 12-5

Operation events registers ................................................................................................................ 12-6

Questionable event register .............................................................................................................. 12-7

Measurement event register (measurement) .................................................................................... 12-8

Status function summary ................................................................................................................... 12-8

Clearing registers and queues .......................................................................................................... 12-9

Programming enable and transition registers.................................................................................. 12-10

Reading registers ............................................................................................................................ 12-11

Status byte and service request (SRQ) ........................................................................................... 12-12

Status byte register .................................................................................................................................. 12-13

Serial polling and SRQ ............................................................................................................................. 12-14

Service request enable register ............................................................................................................... 12-14

SPE, SPD (serial polling) ......................................................................................................................... 12-14

Status byte and service request commands ............................................................................................ 12-15

Enable and transition registers ................................................................................................................. 12-15

Controlling node and SRQ enable registers ............................................................................................. 12-16

Status register set specifics ............................................................................................................. 12-16

System summary event registers ............................................................................................................. 12-16

Standard event register ............................................................................................................................ 12-19

Operation event registers ......................................................................................................................... 12-21

Questionable event registers ................................................................................................................... 12-23

Measurement event registers ................................................................................................................... 12-24

Queues ............................................................................................................................................ 12-25

Output queue ........................................................................................................................................... 12-25

Error queue .............................................................................................................................................. 12-26

Series 3700 System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual Table of Contents

3700S-901-01 Rev. C / July 2008 vii

Instrument Control Library (ICL) ........................................................................................... 13-1

Command programming notes .......................................................................................................... 13-1

Wild characters .......................................................................................................................................... 13-1

Functions and attributes ................................................................ ............................................................. 13-2

TSP-LinkTM nodes .................................................................................................................................... 13-5

Logical instruments .................................................................................................................................... 13-5

Query commands ....................................................................................................................................... 13-6

DMM configuration ..................................................................................................................................... 13-8

ICL command list ............................................................................................................................. 13-11

beeper functions and attributes ................................................................................................................ 13-16

bit functions .............................................................................................................................................. 13-17

channel functions and attributes .............................................................................................................. 13-24

dataqueue functions and attributes .......................................................................................................... 13-85

delay functions ......................................................................................................................................... 13-86

digio functions and attributes ................................................................................................................... 13-87

display functions and attributes ................................................................................................................ 13-93

dmm functions and attributes ................................................................................................................. 13-109

errorqueue functions and attributes ....................................................................................................... 13-176

eventlog functions and attributes ........................................................................................................... 13-177

exit functions ................................................................ .......................................................................... 13-180

file functions ........................................................................................................................................... 13-181

format attributes ..................................................................................................................................... 13-183

fs functions ............................................................................................................................................. 13-186

gpib attributes ........................................................................................................................................ 13-187

io functions ............................................................................................................................................. 13-188

LAN functions and attributes .................................................................................................................. 13-190

localnode functions and attributes .......................................................................................................... 13-210

makegetter functions .............................................................................................................................. 13-218

memory functions ................................................................................................................................... 13-219

opc functions .......................................................................................................................................... 13-220

print functions ......................................................................................................................................... 13-221

ptp functions and attributes .................................................................................................................... 13-223

reset functions ........................................................................................................................................ 13-230

scan functions and attributes ................................................................................................................. 13-230

schedule functions and attributes ........................................................................................................... 13-250

setup functions and attributes ................................................................................................................ 13-252

slot[X] attributes ..................................................................................................................................... 13-255

status functions and attributes ............................................................................................................... 13-264

timer functions ........................................................................................................................................ 13-286

trigger functions and attributes ............................................................................................................... 13-287

trigger.timer functions and attributes ...................................................................................................... 13-290

tsplink functions and attributes ............................................................................................................... 13-294

tsplink.trigger functions and attributes .................................................................................................... 13-295

tspnet functions and attributes ............................................................................................................... 13-300

upgrade functions .................................................................................................................................. 13-309

userstring functions ................................................................................................................................ 13-310

waitcomplete functions ........................................................................................................................... 13-312

Table of Contents Series 3700 System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual

viii 3700S-901-01 Rev. C / July 2008

Verification ............................................................................................................................... 14-1

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 14-1

Verification test requirements ............................................................................................................ 14-2

Environmental conditions ........................................................................................................................... 14-2

Warmup period .......................................................................................................................................... 14-2

Line power ................................................................................................................................................. 14-3

Recommended test equipment .................................................................................................................. 14-3

Verification limits ........................................................................................................................................ 14-4

Restoring factory defaults .......................................................................................................................... 14-5

Performing the verification test procedures ....................................................................................... 14-5

Test summary ............................................................................................................................................ 14-5

Test considerations .................................................................................................................................... 14-6

Series 3700 verification tests ............................................................................................................ 14-6

Verifying DC voltage .................................................................................................................................. 14-6

Verifying AC voltage................................................................................................................................... 14-9

Verifying DC current 10µA to 100µA ranges ............................................................................................ 14-11

Verifying DC current 1mA to 3A ranges ................................................................................................... 14-13

Verifying AC current 1mA to 3A ranges ................................................................................................... 14-15

Verifying frequency .................................................................................................................................. 14-18

Verifying 4-wire resistance ....................................................................................................................... 14-19

Verifying 2-wire resistance ....................................................................................................................... 14-21

Verifying dry circuit resistance ................................................................................................................. 14-22

Verifying 1-OHM and 10-OHM resistance ranges .................................................................................... 14-24

Verifying zeros using a 4-wire short ......................................................................................................... 14-25

Calibration ............................................................................................................................... 15-1

Overview ............................................................................................................................................ 15-1

Environmental conditions .................................................................................................................. 15-2

Warmup period .......................................................................................................................................... 15-2

Line power ................................................................................................................................................. 15-2

Calibration considerations ................................................................................................................. 15-3

Calibration cycle ......................................................................................................................................... 15-3

Recommended equipment ......................................................................................................................... 15-3

Calibration ......................................................................................................................................... 15-4

Remote calibration procedure ........................................................................................................... 15-5

DC volts calibration .................................................................................................................................... 15-6

Resistance calibration ................................................................................................................................ 15-8

DC current calibration ................................................................................................................................ 15-9

AC volts calibration .................................................................................................................................. 15-11

AC current calibration............................................................................................................................... 15-13

Frequency calibration ............................................................................................................................... 15-15

Save calibration ....................................................................................................................................... 15-16

Series 3700 System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual Table of Contents

3700S-901-01 Rev. C / July 2008 ix

Maintenance ............................................................................................................................ 16-1

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 16-1

Fuse replacement .............................................................................................................................. 16-1

Front panel tests ................................................................................................................................ 16-3

Test procedure ........................................................................................................................................... 16-3

Error and status messages .................................................................................................... 17-1

Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 17-1

Error summary ................................................................................................................................... 17-1

Error effects on scripts ....................................................................................................................... 17-1

Reading errors ................................................................................................................................... 17-2

Error and status message list ............................................................................................................ 17-2

Appendix A: EEE-1588 Glossary of Terms .............................................................................. A-1

Boundary clock .................................................................................................................................... A-1

Epoch................................................................................................................................................... A-1

Grandmaster clock .............................................................................................................................. A-1

Master clock ........................................................................................................................................ A-2

PTP ...................................................................................................................................................... A-2

PTP port .............................................................................................................................................. A-2

PTP subdomain ................................................................................................................................... A-2

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

3700S-901-01 Rev. C / July 2008 xi

Figure 1-1: DMM measurement capabilities ................................................................................................. 1-2

List of Figures

Figure 2-1: TSP test script example ............................................................................................................. 2-7

Figure 2-2: Programming model for scripts .................................................................................................. 2-9

Figure 2-3: Rear panel features .................................................................................................................. 2-10

Figure 2-4: GPIB cable ............................................................................................................................... 2-11

Figure 2-5: Using Test Script Builder (TSB) ............................................................................................... 2-14

Figure 3-1: Multiple TSP-Link networks ........................................................................................................ 3-2

Figure 3-2: Single TSP-Link network with groups ........................................................................................ 3-3

Figure 4-1: Model 3706 System Switch/Multimeter ...................................................................................... 4-2

Figure 4-2: Model 3706-S System Switch (no DMM) ................................................................................... 4-2

Figure 4-3: Model 3706-NFP System Switch/Multimeter .............................................................................. 4-3

Figure 4-4: Model 3706-SNFP System Switch (no DMM) ............................................................................ 4-3

Figure 4-5: Active channel display example ................................................................................................. 4-5

Figure 4-6: MAIN MENU display ................................................................................................................... 4-7

Figure 5-1: Speed versus noise characteristics ............................................................................................ 5-5

Figure 5-2: Moving average filter .................................................................................................................. 5-9

Figure 5-3: Repeating average filter ............................................................................................................. 5-9

Figure 5-4: Filter window............................................................................................................................. 5-11

Figure 8-1: Event detector ............................................................................................................................ 8-2

Figure 8-2: Trigger model ............................................................................................................................. 8-4

Figure 8-3: Falling edge input trigger .......................................................................................................... 8-20

Figure 8-4: Falling edge output trigger ........................................................................................................ 8-20

Figure 8-5: RisingM output trigger .............................................................................................................. 8-21

Figure 8-6: RisingA input trigger ................................................................................................................. 8-22

Figure 8-7: RisingA output trigger ............................................................................................................... 8-22

List of Figures Series 3700 System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual

xii 3700S-901-01 Rev. C / July 2008

Figure 8-8: Either edge input trigger ........................................................................................................... 8-23

Figure 8-9: Either edge output trigger ......................................................................................................... 8-24

Figure 8-10: SynchronousM input trigger ................................................................................................... 8-25

Figure 8-11: SynchronousM output trigger ................................................................................................. 8-26

Figure 8-12: SynchronousA input trigger .................................................................................................... 8-27

Figure 8-13: SynchronousA output trigger .................................................................................................. 8-27

Figure 8-14: Synchronous input trigger ...................................................................................................... 8-28

Figure 8-15: Synchronous output trigger .................................................................................................... 8-29

Figure 12-1: Status byte and queues .......................................................................................................... 12-2

Figure 12-2: Status byte and system summary register ............................................................................. 12-3

Figure 12-3: System summary registers ..................................................................................................... 12-4

Figure 12-4: Standard event registers and event status enable ................................................................. 12-5

Figure 12-5: Operation event registers ....................................................................................................... 12-6

Figure 12-6: Questionable event register ................................................................................................... 12-7

Figure 12-7: Measurement event register ................................................................................................... 12-8

Figure 12-8: 16-bit status register ............................................................................................................. 12-10

Figure 12-9: Status byte and service request (SRQ) ................................................................................ 12-12

Figure 12-10: Standard event register ...................................................................................................... 12-20

Figure 13-1: ch_list legend ....................................................................................................................... 13-24

Figure 13-2: Multiplexer card display ........................................................................................................ 13-26

Figure 13-3: Matrix card display ............................................................................................................... 13-27

Figure 13-4: Status byte and queues ...................................................................................................... 13-264

Figure 14-1: DC voltage verification ........................................................................................................... 14-7

Figure 14-2: AC voltage verification .......................................................................................................... 14-10

Figure 14-3: DC current verification 10µA to 100µA ranges ..................................................................... 14-12

Figure 14-4: DC current verification 1mA to 3A ranges ............................................................................ 14-13

Series 3700 System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual List of Figures

3700S-901-01 Rev. C / July 2008 xiii

Figure 14-5: DC current verification 3A range diagram ............................................................................ 14-14

Figure 14-6: AC current verification 1mA to 1A range .............................................................................. 14-16

Figure 14-7: AC current verification 3A range .......................................................................................... 14-16

Figure 14-8: Frequency verification .......................................................................................................... 14-18

Figure 14-9: Resistance verification ......................................................................................................... 14-19

Figure 14-10: 2-wire resistance verification .............................................................................................. 14-21

Figure 14-11: Resistance verification ....................................................................................................... 14-23

Figure 14-12: Verifying discrete resistance .............................................................................................. 14-24

Figure 14-13: 4-wire short diagram ........................................................................................................... 14-26

Figure 15-1: 4-wire short diagram ............................................................................................................... 15-6

Figure 15-2: DC voltage calibration ............................................................................................................ 15-7

Figure 15-3: Resistance calibration ............................................................................................................ 15-8

Figure 15-4: DC current calibration ............................................................................................................. 15-9

Figure 15-5: AC voltage calibration .......................................................................................................... 15-11

Figure 15-6: AC current calibration 1mA to 1A range ............................................................................... 15-13

Figure 15-7: Low frequency calibration ..................................................................................................... 15-15

Figure 15-8: Frequency verification .......................................................................................................... 15-15

Figure 16-1: Fuse location .......................................................................................................................... 16-2

In this section:

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

Overview ........................................................................... 1-1

Warranty information ................................ ......................... 1-2

Section 1

Introduction

Contact information

If you have any questions after reviewing this information, please contact your
local Keithley Instruments representative or call one of our Applications
Engineers at 1-888-KEITHLEY (1-888-534-8453). You can also contact us
through our website (http://www.keithley.com).

Overview

The Keithley Instruments Series 3700 System Switch/Multimeter features
scalable, instrument grade switching and multi-channel measurement solutions
that are optimized for automated testing of electronic products and components.
The Series 3700 includes four versions of the Model 3706 system switch
mainframe, along with a growing family of plug-in switch and control cards.
When the Model 3706 mainframe is ordered with the high performance
multimeter, you receive a tightly-integrated switch and measurement system that
can meet the demanding application requirements in a functional test system or
provide the flexibility needed in stand-alone data acquisition and measurement
applications.

Section 1: Introduction Series 3700 System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual

1-2 3700S-901-01 Rev. C / July 2008

Measure and switching capabilities

The basic measurement capabilities of Series 3700 systems are summarized in
the following figure.

Figure 1-1: DMM measurement capabilities

Warranty information

Detailed warranty information is located at the front of this manual. Should your
Series 3700 require warranty service, contact the Keithley Instruments
representative or authorized repair facility in your area for further information.
When returning the instrument for repair, be sure to complete the service form at
the back of this manual and give it to the repair facility with all relevant
information.

NOTE The service form requires the serial number of the Series 3700. The

serial number label is located inside the unit on the bottom panel. The
serial number can be viewed by removing the slot covers and/or
switching modules from the mainframe.

Series 3700 System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual Section 1: Introduction

3700S-901-01 Rev. C / July 2008 1-3

WARNING Before removing (or installing) switching modules, make

sure you turn off the Series 3700 and disconnect the line
cord. Also, remove any other external power connected to
the instrument or switching module(s).

Failure to disconnect power before removing (or installing)

switching modules may result in personal injury or death
due to electric shock.

Displaying the unit's serial number

To display the serial number on the front panel:

NOTE If the Series 3700 is in remote mode, press the EXIT key once to

place the unit in local mode.

1. When in local mode, press the MENU key.

2. Scroll to the SYSTEM-INFO menu and press the ENTER key.

3. On the SYSTEM INFORMATION menu, scroll to the SERIAL# and press
the ENTER key. The Series 3700 serial number will be displayed.

In this section:

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

Test Script Processor (TSPTM) ........................................ 2-2

Run-time environment ....................................................... 2-3

Queries ............................................................................. 2-3

Scripts ............................................................................... 2-4

Named scripts ................................................................... 2-5

Programming overview ..................................................... 2-6

Installing the TSPTM software ........................................ 2-10

System connections ........................................................ 2-10

Using Test Script Builder (TSB) ...................................... 2-13

Sending commands and statements ............................... 2-15

Measure voltage ............................................................. 2-15

User scripts ..................................................................... 2-16

Differences: Remote versus local state ........................... 2-32

Test Script Language (TSL) Reference ........................... 2-33

Introduction

Section 2

TSP Programming Fundamentals

Conventional electronic test and measurement equipment responds to
command messages sent to the instrument. Each command message contains
one or more commands that the instrument executes in order. To conduct a test,
a computer controller is programmed to send a sequence of commands to an
instrument. The controller orchestrates the actions of the instrumentation.
Typically, the controller is programmed to request measurement results from the
instrumentation and make test sequence decisions based on those
measurements.

In addition to operating as conventional instruments, Keithley Instruments‟ Test

Script Processor (TSP)-based instruments are capable of executing scripts that
process commands in the instrument rather than needing to be sent from a
computer. Basically, a script allows you to have a program running inside the
instrument to execute a sequence of commands without the need to send them
individually from a computer. Once a script is loaded into the instrument, it only
needs to be called (similar to a function) to execute the desired command
sequence. In the sections that follow, you will learn what a script is, and how to
create, save, and load a script.

Section 2: TSP Programming Fundamentals Series 3700 System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual

2-2 3700S-901-01 Rev. C / July 2008

Test Script Processor (TSPTM)

The Test Script Processor (TSP) is a scripting engine that runs inside the
instrument. It is capable of running code written in a scripting language called

Lua (http://www.lua.org). This makes the instrument fully capable of interpreting

and executing code in a way that is similar to Visual Basic (VB) or Java, rather
than only responding to single-line commands. Program statements control
script execution and provide capabilities such as variables, functions, branching,
and loop control.

Because scripts are programs, they are written using a programming language,
called the test script language or TSL. TSL is derived from the Lua scripting
language. For details about TSL, see the Test Script Language (TSL) reference
(on page 2-33).

In this manual, we refer to Lua as the "test script language" or "TSL." The TSP
runs portions of TSL code called "chunks." Most messages sent to the
instrument are directly executed by the TSP as TSL chunks. The simplest
messages sent to the instrument are individual instrument control commands.
Even though these messages are executed as TSL chunks, using them is no
different than using a conventional instrument. You send a command message
and the instrument executes that command. When sending individual command
messages, it is irrelevant that the TSP is executing the message as a chunk.

The command set for each TSP-enabled instrument is referred to as the
"instrument control library" or ICL. Each TSP-enabled instrument will have its
own set of ICL commands. Although each TSP-enabled instrument inherits the
same TSL, different instruments extend the language in their own way.

ICL commands are similar to the commands sent to a conventional instrument,
but ICL commands appear like function calls or assignment statements. For
example, the command to set ASCII precision to 10 for ASCII readings is:

format.asciiprecision = 10

Similarly, the command to format readings as ASCII is:

format.data = format.ASCII

These commands do not need to be sent as separate messages. They can be
combined into one message by joining the two commands together with a space
separating them. The resulting chunk would be as follows:

format.asciiprecision = 10 format.data = format.ASCII

Series 3700 System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual Section 2: TSP Programming Fundamentals

3700S-901-01 Rev. C / July 2008 2-3

Run-time environment

A feature of all scripting environments is the run-time environment. In the TSPTM,
the run-time environment is simply a temporary collection of global variables. A
global variable can be used to remember a value as long as the unit is powered
on and the variable is not assigned a new value. To instruct the instrument to
read the ASCII precision setting and store the result in a global variable named
"x", send:

x = format.asciiprecision

A global variable can be removed from the environment by assigning it the nil
value. For example, the command x = nil will remove the global variable x
from the run-time environment. When the unit is turned off, the entire run-time
environment will be lost.

Queries

TSPTM-enabled instruments do not have inherent query commands. Like any
other scripting environment, the print command and other related print
commands are used to generate output. The print command creates one
response message.

The following chunk is an example that generates an output response message:

x = 10 print(x) 1.000000000e+001

NOTE The output (indicated by the ) may vary, depending on the ASCII

precision setting.

Section 2: TSP Programming Fundamentals Series 3700 System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual

2-4 3700S-901-01 Rev. C / July 2008

Scripts

When taking advantage of the TSPTM to perform more complicated sequences of
commands, especially sequences utilizing advanced scripting features such as
looping and branching, sending the entire sequence in one message is very
cumbersome. Use the loadscript and endscript messages to collect a
sequence of commands into one chunk.

The loadscript message marks the beginning of a script. The instrument will
collect all following messages until the endscript message is received (the
endscript message marks the end of the script). The TSP-enabled instrument
compiles the test sequence and makes it available to run in a subsequent
message. This chunk is called the "anonymous script."

NOTE Every time the script.run() command is given, the anonymous

script will be executed.

The anonymous script can be run at any time by sending the command
script.run() or script.anonymous(). The anonymous script can be run
many times (it remains in active memory until a new anonymous script is
created). Sending a new script using the loadscript and endscript
messages will instruct the TSP-enabled instrument to replace the anonymous
script with the new script. To see the current contents of the anonymous script,
send the command script.anonymous.list().

Creating and using scripts this way is a very powerful feature of TSP-enabled
instruments, but it is limited to accessing only one script at a time. The solution
to this limitation is to create user-defined named scripts. See Named scripts (on
page 2-5) for information on how to use named scripts, and also how to store
many scripts in the instrument at one time.