Any unauthorized reproduction, photocopy, or use of the information herein, in whole or in part,
without the prior written approval of Keithley Instruments is strictly prohibited.
These are the original instructions in Engli sh.
All Keithley Instruments product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of Keithley
Instruments. Other brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.
Microsoft, Visual C++, Excel, and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Document number: 3760-900-01 Rev. A / July 2017
Safety precaut ions
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 nonhazardous voltages, there are situations where hazardous
conditions may be present.
This product is intended for use by 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 insta llat ion and service procedures.
Keithley Instruments products are designed for use with electrical signals that are measurement, control, and data I/O
connections, with low transient overvoltages, and must not be directly connected to mains voltage or to voltage sources w ith high
transient overvoltages. Measurement Category II (as referenced in IEC 60664) connections require protection for high transient
overvoltages often associated with local AC mains connections. Certain Keithley Instruments measuring instruments may be
connected to mains. These instruments will be marked as category II or higher.
Unless explicitly allowed in the specifications, operating manual, and instrument labels, do not connect any instrument to mains.
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
30 V RMS, 42.4 V peak, or 60 VDC 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 1000 V, 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 sourc es to swit ching car d s, inst all 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.
For safety, instruments and accessories must be used in accordance with the operating instructions. If the instruments or
accessories are used in a manner not specified in the operating instructions, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.
Do not exceed the maximum signal levels of the instruments and accessories. Maximum signal levels are defined in the
specifications and operating information and shown on the instrument panels, test fixture panels, and switching cards.
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 protective earth (safety 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 protective earth (safety ground) using the wire recommended in the user documentation.
The
symbol on an instrument means caution, risk of hazard. The user must refer to the operating instructions located in the
user documentation in all cases where the symbol is mark ed on the instr u ment .
The
symbol on an instrument means warning, risk of electric shock. 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 h az ards that coul d dama ge the instrument. Such damage may
invalidate the warranty.
The CAUTION heading with the
symbol in the user documentation explains hazards that could result in moderate or minor
injury or damage the instrument. Always read the associated information very carefully before performing the indicated
procedure. Damage to the instrument 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 compone nt s in mains cir cu its — inc lud ing 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. The detachable mains power cord provided with the
instrument may only be replaced with a similarly rated power cord. 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.
Unless otherwise noted in product-specific literature, Keithley Instruments instruments are designed to operate indoors only, in
the following environment: Altitude at or below 2,000 m (6,562 ft); temperature 0 °C to 50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F); and pollution
degree 1 or 2.
To clean an instrument, use a cloth dampened with deionized water 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.
Series 3700A documentation ................................................... 1-2
Contact information .................................................................. 1-2
General information .................................................................. 1-2
Your multiplexer card
Thank you for choosing a Keithley Instruments product. The Model 3760 is a double-pole 10-channel
High Current Multiplexer Card with quick disconnect screw terminals, and features 5 A contacts. The
switching is designed to maintain current paths for signals not connected to the output, or to provide
high input resistance for making voltage measurements, when internal jumpers are removed.
Semiconductor testing, materials research, power supply testing, solar cell measurements,
electrochemical applications, and integrated circuit (IC) testing are among the applications simplified
with the 3760 high current multiplexer card.
Section 1
Introduction
System switch / multimeter card compatibility
The following table lists the cards that are compatible with the 3706 and 3706A.
Mainframe System Switch / Multimeter Compatible plug-in cards
3750
Model 3706A All plug-in cards compatible with the 3706A mainframe, plus
the following card models:
• 3760
• 3761
• 3762
•
The 3760 is designed for use only with the Model 3706A System Switch / Multimeter. Using the 3760
with the Model 3706 mainframe can cause unpredictable behavior.
Section
User's Manual
3700AS-903-01
Series 3700A System
Guide
Hardware and software requiremen ts, sw itchi ng card
panel and remote interface operation.
Switch/Multimeter User's Manual
controlling channels.
3700AS-901-01
Series 3700A System
Manual
Information about controlling the Series 3700A from a
Maximum signal levels
Switching voltage: 300 V peak
Operating voltage: 500 V peak
Switching current: 5 A
Switching power: 100 VA (resistive load only)
1: Introduction Model 3760 10-Channel High Current Multiplexer Card
Extended warranty
Additional years of warranty coverage are available on many products. These valuable contracts
protect you from unbudgeted service expenses and provide additional years of protection at a fraction
of the price of a repair. Extended warranties are available on new and existing products. Contact your
local Keithley Instruments office, sales partner, or distributor for details.
Series 3700A documentation
Complete documentation for the Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter instruments is available at
the Keithley Instruments website
documentation.
(http://www.tek.com/keithley). The following is a list of available
Document
number
3700AS-900-01 Series 3700A System
Document name Content description
Switch/Multimeter Quick Start
Switch/Multimeter Reference
Contact information
If you have any questions after you revie w the infor mation in this documentation, please contac t your
local Keithley Instruments office, sales partner, or distributor. You can also call the corporate
headquarters of Keithley Instruments (toll-free inside the U.S. and Canada only) at 1-800-935-5595,
or from outside the U.S. at +1-440-248-0400. For worldwide contact numbers, visit the
installation instructions, and a brief description of front-
Information about scanning, re ading , wr iting, and
remote interface.
Keithley
General ratings for the 3760 are listed in the following table.
Category Specification
1-2 3760-900-01 Rev. A / July 2017
Model 3760
Introduction
Common mode voltage
500 V peak
Environmental conditions
Indoor use only
Pollution degree: 2
10-Channel High Current Multiplexer Card User's Manual Section 1:
Operating: 0 °C to 50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F), 70% relative humidity up to
35 °C (95 °F); derate 3% relative humidity per °C, 35 °C to 50 °C,
noncondensing
Storage: −25 °C to 65 °C (-13 °F to 149 °F)
Altitude: 0 to 2000 m (0 to 6562 feet) above sea level
The 3760 is a high-current multiplexer card with the maximum capabilities of 500 V, 5 A or 100 VA
switching (resistive load only). Signal levels of this magnitude may be found in applications such as
power semiconductor testing. The 3760 can also be used in monitoring currents from DC power
supplies in general purpose automatic test equipment (ATE) bench or laboratory applications. For
easy input and output wiring the 3760 is designed with quick disconnect screw terminals. Each
channel has a HI and LO connection with a common guard. Each of the ten channels consist of a
single 2 Form C relay.
Figure 1: Model 3760 simplified schematic
Specifications
3760-900-01 Rev. A / July 2017 1-3
The card is field installable in an appropriate Keithley Series 3700A Systems Switch/Multimeter (for
instance, the 3706A) using the mainframe’s rear panel. Channel switching is accomplished in less
7
than 15 mS (exclusive of mainframe) and the specified relay life is greater than 10
5
than 10
closures at maximum signal levels). With the 3760’s high channel isolation (>109 Ω), it is well
insulated from cross channel noise and interference. The 3760’s high input isolation (>10
closures (greater
7
Ω) reduces
loading to a minimum.
For the most recent instrument specifications, search for the 3760 on the Keithl e y Instruments
Make sure to handle the 3760 carefully. Always grasp the multiplexer card by the side edges or
covers. Do not touch board surfaces, components, or areas adjacent to electrical contacts.
Contamination from foreign materials such as dirt, dust, and body oils can substantially lower leakage
resistances, degrading card performance.
Section 2
Installation and connections
The information in this section is intended only for qualified personnel. Do not perform these
procedures unless you are qualified. Failure to recognize and observe standard safety
precautions could result in personal injury or death due to electric shock.
Unpack and inspect
The 3760 was inspected both electrically and mechanically before shipment. Upon receiving the
3760, unpack all items from the shipping carton and check for any obvious damage that may have
occurred during transit. Retain and use the original packaging materials in case reshipment is
necessary.
To unpack and inspect your instrument:
1. Inspect the box for damage.
2. Open the top of the box.
3. Remove the contents (you should have received one 3760 card).
4. Inspect the 3760 card for any obvious signs of physical damage.
5. Report any damage to the shipping agent immediately.
Section
User's Manual
2: Installation and connections Model 3760 10-Channel High Current Multiplexer Card
Card connectors
You can make signal input and output connections with the screw terminal connectors on the card.
The locations for each channel input and the card output are located outside of the card.
All connections will need to be made before the card is installed in the mainframe. Because the card
is rated at higher voltage than the mainframe, no backplane connectors are provided internal to the
card. Ensure that any signals connected to the multimeter or mainframe are limited to the allowabl e
ratings of the device. For more information about wire connections, see
preparation (on page 3-2).
Wire selection and
Figure 2: Model 3760 screw terminal connectors
2-2 3760-900-01 Rev. A / July 2017
Model 3760
Installation and connection s
10-Channel High Current Multiplexer Card User's Manual Section 2:
Card installation
Slot covers must be installed on unused slots to prevent personal contact with high voltage
circuits. Failure to recognize and observe standard safety precautions could result in
personal injury or death due to electric shock.
Perform the following steps to install a switching card into the instrument mainframe:
1. Turn the instrument off and disconnect the power line cord and any other cables connected to the
rear panel.
2. Position the instrument so that you are facing the rear panel.
3. Remove the slot cover plate from the desired mainframe slot. Retain the plate and screws for
future use.
4. With the top cover of the switching card facing up, align the card's edge into the slot's card guide
and slide in the card. For the last ¼ inch or so, press in firmly to mate the card connector to the
mainframe connector.
5. On each side of the card, there is a mounting screw. Tighten these two screws to secure the card
to the mainframe. Do not overtighten.
6. Reconnect the power line cable and any other cables to the rear panel, then turn the instrument
on.
7. Press the SLOT key to see the model numbers, description, and the firmware revision of the
installed switching cards, along with the mainframe firmware and DMM (if present).
Item shipped may vary from model pictured here.
Figure 3: Typical module installation
3760-900-01 Rev. A / July 2017 2-3
Section
User's Manual
Item
Description
1
Card guide (part of mainframe)
3
Card edge (part of card)
4
Mounting screw (part of card)
2: Installation and connections Model 3760 10-Channel High Current Multiplexer Card
2 Card
2-4 3760-900-01 Rev. A / July 2017
General operation .................................................................... 3-1
In this section:
General operation
This section provides information needed to use the 3760 10-channel 2 Form C High-Current Card
with the Model 3706A system switch mainframe. Once the card is installed in the mainframe, refer to
the Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual for complete operating instructions.
Safety hazards
Section 3
General operat ion
To prevent electrical shock that could cause injury or death, never make or break
connections while the equipment is powered on. User supplied lethal voltages may be
present on the PC board or the connections. Turn off the equipment from the front panel,
disconnect the main power cord, and discharge stored energy in external circuitry before
making or breaking cable connections. Putting the mainframe equipment into an output-off
state does not guarantee that the outputs are powered off if a hardware or software fault
occurs. Precautions must be taken to prevent a shock hazard by surrounding the test
device and any unprotected leads (wiring) with double insulation for 500 volts, Category I.
Section
Manual
3: General operation Model 3760 10-Channel High Current Multiplexer Card User's
Follow these recommendations before and after applying power to the equipment:
1. Do not exceed the 3760 maximum allowable signal level as defined in the specifications.
2. Do not exceed the 3760 maximum common mode voltage of 500 V peak as defined in the
specifications. Exercise extreme caution when a shock hazard is present at the terminals. The
American National Standard Institute (ANSI) states that a shock hazard exists when voltage
levels greater than 30 V
or 42.4 V peak are present.
rms
3. Make sure the system switch mainframe is grounded through an earth grounded receptacle
before operation.
4. Turn off all power supplies and discharge stored energy before installing or removing the 3760
from the system switch mainframe or the 3760 wires from the terminals.
5. Inspect all test lead connections for wear and defects such as cracks and exposed wires. Make
sure that you correct any defects found before operating the instrument.
6. Use appropriately rated wire when switching high current.
7. Ensure that the wire clamp at the rear of the card is securely installed.
8. Ensure that the mounting screws for the card are securely connected to the system switch
mainframe chassis in order to provide the proper chassis protective grounding.
9. Read this manual carefully and adhere to all of the safety precautions listed before operating the
instrument.
Wire selection and prepa ration
The internal wire conductor must be exposed (stripped) to the proper dimensions ensuring correct
insertion depth in the screw terminal conductor. Excessive conductor length will expose electrical
shock hazards to equipment and personnel. If the strip length is too short improper termination will
result, due to the lack of electrical conductive surface area making contact with the screw terminal
conductor.
Strip wires to be inserted to six millimeters length, separate all wires by a minimum of one centimeter
if connecting to High and Guard, or if connecting to High and Low, by a minimum of two centimeters.
For example, the next figure is an example of the required distance between High and Low (2 cm).
Figure 4: Strip wire example
The wire must be inserted into the wire hole until the insulation is even with the housing at the wire
hole opening. The screw must be hand tightened with the proper screwdriver to within 0.5 Newton
meter (Nm) screw torque. Once tightened, pull back on the wire to make sure it is secure and make
sure that there are no wire strands outside of the terminal block.
3-2 3760-900-01 Rev. A / July 2017
Model 3760
General operation
10-Channel High Current Multiplexer Card User's Manual Section 3:
Wiring
Because of the high impedance on the board, take special care when handling and using to prevent
degradation of performance. Handle the board by the edges to avoid contaminating it with dirt or
body oil.
Each channel on the 3760 high-current card consists of a single (2 Form C) relay. The 3760 will
switch any one of the ten signals (inputs) to one output, or switch one signal to any one of ten
outputs.
Hazardous voltages may be present on all input, output, and guard terminals. To prevent
electrical shock that could cause injury or death, never make or break connections to the
3760 while electrical equipment is powered on. Turn off the equipment from the front panel
or disconnect the main power cord from the rear of the 3760 before handling cables. Turn
off or disconnect any external equipment from the card before removing the card from the
mainframe or changing any connections. Precautions must be taken to prevent a shock
hazard by surrounding the test device and any unprotected leads (wiring) with double
insulation for 500 volts, Category I.
Wiring is accomplished by means of terminal strips as shown on the component layout (see Wire
selection and preparation (on page 3-2)). Each channel has a HI connection, LO connection, and
GUARD connection. Guard is common to all channels. The jumpers (R201-R210) short channel HI to
channel LO when the channel is open. If this is not desired for a channel, remove the jumper. The
3760 is shipped with all jumpers installed.
1. Wiring is accomplished by means of terminal strips on screw terminals.
2. Resistance of the relay contacts (terminals) is less than 150 mΩ.
3. Use wires or cables that are rated for maximum signal levels. The maximum allowable wire size
is No. 16 AWG and the minimum size is No. 26 AWG.
4. Route the wires through the rubber clamp pads located at the rear of the card.
Installation and removal
Once the card is wired, insert it card-edge first into the system switch mainframe by aligning it with the
grooves in the appropriate slot. Make sure it is properly seated into the mainframe connector.
To remove a card, first turn off the mainframe and all other equipment connected to the card. Grasp
the end of the card and carefully pull it out of the mainframe.
3760-900-01 Rev. A / July 2017 3-3
Make a modification ................................................................. 4-3
Many electronic test systems use relay switching to connect multiple devices to sources and
measurement instruments. In some cases, multiple sources and measuring instruments are
connected to a single device. Switching allows automating the testing of multiple devices (for more
information about switching, go to the Keit hl e y Instrum ents webs ite
search for Switching Handbook).
(http://www.tek.com/keithley) and
When switching signals greater than 30 V RMS or 42.4 V peak take care to prevent contact
with live circuits which could cause electrical shock resulting in injury or death.
Shielded cables should be used with the 3760 high current card when switching above 50 V or high
current. The shield should be connected to circuit guard. This helps prevent excessive radiation from
the cables from interfering with any equipment. The cable rating must not exceed the maximum
allowable signal levels as defined in the specifications.
External factors
The 3760 is specified for a resistive load, however, external circuit capacitances and inductances can
cause excessive currents and voltages across the relay contacts. The currents and voltages must be
limited to within the maximum allowable signal levels.
•Capacitance - Charged capacitances in the circuit can cause excessive currents (surge currents)
to flow through the relay contacts if the source is shorted out or the output is switched to
capacitive loads. This excessive current can weld the relay contacts together. Therefore, use
series resistors, where needed, to limit the maximum current that can flow to within contact
ratings. The maximum signal levels are stated in the specifications.
•Inductance - The inductance of cables can produce high voltage and arcing across relay contacts
when switching. The peak transients must be limited to within the maximum signal levels as
defined in the specifications.
Section
User's Manual
4: Operation considerations Model 3760 10-Channel High Current Multiplexer Card
Reactive loads
The 3760 is specified for resistive loads only. Since reactive loads can cause excessive currents and
voltages, current surge limiting (for capacitive loads) and voltage clamping (for inductive loads) are
required to prevent damaging the relays and external circuitry.
Capacitive loads
The surge current from a capacitive load must be less than 5 A to protect the relays. The next figure
shows typical circuits to limit current surges. Also, consider the maximum load of 100 VA when
determining the current limit. For example, when switching 500 V, the current must be limited to 200
mA (A = 100 VA/500 V) and the limiting resistor calculation of the next figure would be:
R = V/I = 500 V/200 mA = 2.5 kΩ
Use an appropriately rated resistor in the test.
Figure 5: Model 3760 Limiting capacitive re action (resistor limited)
The Thermistor must have high resistance when cold, low resistance when hot, and have fast
thermal recovery.
Figure 6: Model 3760 Limiting capacitive re action (thermistor limited)
4-2 3760-900-01 Rev. A / July 2017
Model 3760
Operation consideration s
10-Channel High Current Multiplexer Card User's Manual Section 4:
Inductive loads
Inductive reaction voltage, L(di/dt), must be less than 500 V. Typical clamping circuits are shown in
the next figures. Also, consider the maximum load of 100 VA when determining the voltage limit. For
example, when switching 400 mA, the voltage must be limited to 250 V (V = 100 VA/400 mA) and the
clamping resistor calculation in the next figure would be:
R = V/I = 250 V/400 mA = 625 Ω
Figure 7: Model 3760 Limiting inductive reaction voltage
3760-900-01 Rev. A / July 2017 4-3
Make a modification
Unselected inputs on the 3760 high current multiplexer card are shorted (HI to LO) using installed
jumpers (R201 - R210). If isolation is required between channel LO and channel HI the 3760 can be
modified to disconnect channel LO from channel HI when a relay is off (open). The modification
involves removing a jumper wire for the channel that is to be modified. For example, remove jumper
R201 to disconnect channel one’s HI terminal from channel one’s LO terminal.
It is recommended to remove the jumpers by cutting them with a pair of wire cutters.
Model 3760 typical applications ............................................... 5-1
In this section:
Model 3760 typical applications
The 3760 can monitor high current from 10 different devices under test (DUT), switch a high-current
source to 10 separate DUTs, or connect multiple DUTs to multiple sources. For more information
about some typical applications and graphics showing typical configurations, refer to the Keithley
Instruments Switch ing Han dbook . In some cases, multiple sources and measuring instruments are
connected to a single device. Switching allows automating the testing of multiple devices (for more
information about switching, go to the Keit hl e y Instrum ents webs ite
search for Switching Handbook).
Section 5
Typical applications
(http://www.tek.com/keithley) and
Shielded application
This application is one channel at a time. Due to the possibility of high voltage, be sure to break one
connection before connecting another or the card could be damaged.
The measurement scheme shown in the next figure is used to make a shielded floating measurement
on up to 10 DUTs with one multimeter. The guard traces are used as shield, so they are connected to
the multimeter's LO. If both GUARD pins cannot be kept at the same potential, do not use the guard
as a shield.
Figure 8: 3760 Shielded floating measurement
Section
User's Manual
5: Typical applications Model 3760 10-Channel High Current Multiplexer Card
Guarded application
Non-driven guarded measurements are made with the set up shown in the next figure. The jumper is
installed to provide a guard that completely encloses HI and LO. This guards HI and LO from other
channels on the card for improved channel isolation.
Figure 9: 3760 Guarded floating measurement
Driven guard applicati on
If multiple sources are switched to a DUT using a driven guard, as shown in the next figure, the guard
must be switched. Only connect guard to channel LO (not channel guard) so that the various sources
will not try to drive the common guards. Instrument LO is not switched or is switched by another card
in the next two figures.
Figure 10: Single-pole switch with s witched guard
Note that the previous figure labeled B is the same configuration for connecting one source to
multiple DUT s .
LO and GUARD are shorted, as necessary, to allow for the switched guard. LO for the sources and
the DUT must have an external connection.
5-2 3760-900-01 Rev. A / July 2017
Model 3760
Typical applications
10-Channel High Current Multiplexer Card User's Manual Section 5:
Four-wire application
Connecting multiple DUTs to one instrument using either a Kelvin technique or external sense as with
a Source Measure Unit (SMU), requires two cards operating in four-pole mode. This is shown in the
next figure.
The Guard and Shield are connected to the card end only and not to the device under test. Also, on
the source-measure instrument, the Guard connection is not always made. It may not be required at
high current levels, such as when circuit leakage is lower than high current accuracy requirements.
Figure 11: Source with external sense or Kelvin measurement
3760-900-01 Rev. A / July 2017 5-3
HI and Sense HI (S+) are switched through one card. Since this is a driven guard, it is connected onl y
to the guard of the instrument and not terminated at the DUT.
LO and Sense LO (S-) are switched through the second card. Note that Card #2 is connected to the
cable shielding to provide shielding for these lines. The shield on the cabling should cover as much of
the signal lines as possible, and should be terminated only at the instrument. Shields are typically at
circuit low or earth ground.
This configuration combines sense and Kelvin configurations so that guard on the card is driven for
the High leads and provides a shield for the Low leads.