Keithley Keithley Instruments 2015/R Manual

A GREATER MEASURE OF CONFIDENCE

Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176 - TestEquipmentDepot.com

Model 2015/2015P THD Multimeter

User’s Manual

WARRANTY

Keithle

y Instruments, Inc. warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a

period of 3 years from date of shipment.
Keithley Instruments, Inc. warrants the following items for 90 days from the date of shipment: probes, cables,

rechargeable batteries, diskettes, and documentation.
During the warranty period, we will, at our option, either repair or replace any product that proves to be defective.
To exercise this warranty, write or call your local Keithley representative, or contact Keithley 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.

LIMITA

This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from product modification without K

TION OF WARRANTY

eithley’s express written
consent, or misuse of any product or part. This warranty also does not apply to fuses, software, non-rechargeable
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: COSTS OF REMOVAL AND
INSTALLATION, LOSSES SUSTAINED AS THE RESULT OF INJURY TO ANY PERSON, OR DAMAGE
TO PROPERTY.

Keithley Instruments, Inc. 28775 Aurora Road • Cle

Sales Offices: BELGIUM: Bergensesteenweg 709 • B-1600 Sint-Pieters-Leeuw • 02-363 00 40 • Fax: [phone]

CHINA: Yuan Chen Xin Building, Room 705 • 12 Yumin Road, Dewai, Madian • Beijing 100029 • 8610-82251886 • Fax: [phone]
FINLAND: Halsuantie 2 • 00420 Helsinki, Finland • 09-53 06 65 60 • Fax: [phone]
FRANCE: 3, allée des Garays • 91127 Palaiseau Cédex • 01-64 53 20 20 • Fax: [phone]
GERMANY: Landsberger Strasse 65 • 82110 Germering • 089-84 93 07-40 • Fax: [phone]
GREAT BRITAIN: Unit 2 Commerce Park, Brunel Road • Theale, Berkshire RG7 4AB • 0118 -929 75 00 • Fax: [phone]
INDIA: 1/5, Eagles Street • Langford Town • Bangalore 560 025 • 080 212 80-27 • Fax: [phone]
ITALY: Viale San Gimignano, 38 • 20146 Milano • 02-48 39 16 01 • Fax: [phone]
JAPAN: New Pier Takeshiba North Tower 13F • 11-1, Kaigan 1-chome • Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0022 • 81-3-5733-7555 • Fax: [phone]
KOREA: 2FL., URI Building • 2-14 Yangjae-Dong • Seocho-Gu, Seoul 137-888 • 82-2-574-7778 • Fax: [phone]
NETHERLANDS: Postbus 559 • 4200 AN Gorinchem • 0183-63 53 33 • Fax: [phone]
SWEDEN: c/o Regus Business Centre • Frosundaviks Allé 15, 4tr • 16970 Solna • 08-50 90 46 00 • Fax: [phone]
TAIWAN: 13F-3, NO. 6, Lane 99, Pu-Ding Road, Hsinchu, Taiwan, ROC. • 886-3-572-9077• Fax: [phone]

veland, Ohio 44139 • 440-248-0400 • Fax: [phone]

5/03

Model 2015/2015P THD Multimeter

User’s Manual

When this manual refers to the Model 2015 it is also referring to the
Model 2015P. Information that pertains exclusively to the Model 2015P will be
clearly indicated.

©1998, Keithley Instruments, Inc.

All rights reserved.

Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.

Sixth Printing, August 2003

Document Number: 2015-900-01 Rev. F

Manual Print History

The print history shown below lists the printing dates of all Revisions and Addenda created
for this manual. The Revision Level letter increases alphabetically as the manual undergoes
subsequent updates. Addenda, which are released between Revisions, contain important change
information that the user should incorporate immediately into the manual. Addenda are
numbered sequentially. When a new Revision is created, all Addenda associated with the
previous Revision of the manual are incorporated into the new Revision of the manual. Each new
Revision includes a revised copy of this print history page.

Revision A (Document Number 2015-900-01)................................................................. May 1998

Revision B (Document Number 2015-900-01) ............................................................. August 1998

Revision C (Document Number 2015-900-01) ................................................................. June 1999

Revision D (Document Number 2015-900-01)............................................................October 2000

Revision E (Document Number 2015-900-01) ........................................................December 2001

Revision F (Document Number 2015-900-01)............................................................. August 2003

All Keithley product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of Keithley Instruments, Inc.
Other brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

S

afety 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 manual for complete product specifications.

If the product is used in a manner not specified, the protection provided by the product may be impaired.
The types of product users are:

Responsible body

ment is operated within its specifications and operating limits, and for ensuring that operators are adequately trained.

Operators

instrument. They must be protected from electric shock and contact with hazardous live circuits.

Maintenance personnel

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

Service personnel

trained service personnel may perform installation and service procedures.
Keithley 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 Manual.

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.

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 volts,

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, make sure 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.

is the individual or group responsible for the use and maintenance of equipment, for ensuring that the equip-

use the product for its intended function. They must be trained in electrical safety procedures and proper use of the

perform routine procedures on the product to keep it operating properly, for example, setting the line

are trained to work on live circuits, and perform safe installations and repairs of products. Only properly

A good safety practice is to expect that hazardous voltage is present in any unknown

no conductive part of the circuit may be exposed.

5/03

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 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 manual.

The symbol on an instrument shows that it can source or measure 1000 volts 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 indicates a connection terminal to the equipment frame.
The

WARNING

information very carefully before performing the indicated procedure.
The

CAUTION

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., 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.

heading in a manual explains dangers that might result in personal injury or death. Always read the associated

heading in a manual explains hazards that could damage the instrument. Such damage may invalidate the

Table of Contents

1 General Information

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

Feature overview ........................................................................ 1-2

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

Manual addenda ......................................................................... 1-3

Safety symbols and terms .......................................................... 1-3

Specifications ............................................................................. 1-4

Inspection ................................................................................... 1-4

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

General purpose probes ....................................................... 1-4

Low thermal probes ............................................................ 1-5

Cables and adapters ............................................................. 1-5

Rack mount kits .................................................................. 1-5

Carrying case ...................................................................... 1-5

2 Basic Measurements

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

Front panel summary ................................................................. 2-3

Rear panel summary ................................................................... 2-6

Power-up .................................................................................... 2-8

Line power connection ........................................................ 2-8

Setting line voltage and replacing fuse ............................... 2-9

Power-up sequence ........................................................... 2-10

High energy circuit safety precautions ............................. 2-11

Power-on defaults ............................................................. 2-12

GPIB primary address ....................................................... 2-15

Warm-up time ................................................................... 2-15

Display ..................................................................................... 2-16

Status and error messages ................................................. 2-16

Measuring voltage .................................................................... 2-16

Connections ....................................................................... 2-16

Crest factor ........................................................................ 2-17

Low level considerations .................................................. 2-17

Measuring current .................................................................... 2-20

Connections ....................................................................... 2-20

AMPS fuse replacement ................................................... 2-21

Measuring resistance ................................................................ 2-22

Connections ....................................................................... 2-22

Shielding ........................................................................... 2-23

Measuring frequency and period .............................................. 2-24

Trigger level ...................................................................... 2-24

Gate time ........................................................................... 2-24

Connections ....................................................................... 2-25

Measuring temperature ............................................................. 2-26

Connections ....................................................................... 2-26

Configuration .................................................................... 2-27

Math .......................................................................................... 2-27

MX + B .............................................................................. 2-28

Percent ............................................................................... 2-29

dBm calculation ................................................................. 2-30

dB calculation .................................................................... 2-31

Measuring continuity ................................................................ 2-32

Connections ....................................................................... 2-32

Threshold resistance level ................................................. 2-32

Testing diodes ........................................................................... 2-33

Connections ....................................................................... 2-33

Range ................................................................................. 2-33

Measuring distortion ................................................................. 2-34

Configuration .................................................................... 2-35

Connections ....................................................................... 2-40

Measurement examples ..................................................... 2-42

Analyzing frequency spectrum (Model 2015P only) ............... 2-47

Peak commands ................................................................. 2-47

Operation overview ........................................................... 2-48

Typical peak analysis ........................................................ 2-48

Frequency list analysis ...................................................... 2-49

Peak analysis programming example ................................ 2-50

Delta programming example ............................................. 2-52

Frequency list programming example ............................... 2-53

Measurement Queries ............................................................... 2-54

:FETCh? ............................................................................ 2-54

:READ? ............................................................................. 2-55

:MEAS:[function]? ............................................................ 2-55

[:SENSe[1]]:DATA:FRESh? ............................................. 2-56

[:SENSe[1]]:DATA:LATest? ............................................. 2-56

Examples ........................................................................... 2-57

3 Measurement Options

Introduction ................................................................................ 3-2

Measurement configuration ....................................................... 3-2

Range .................................................................................. 3-2

Filter .................................................................................... 3-3

Relative ............................................................................... 3-5

Digits ................................................................................... 3-5

Rate ..................................................................................... 3-6

Trigger operations ...................................................................... 3-8

Trigger model ...................................................................... 3-8

Reading hold (autosettle) .................................................. 3-10

External triggering ............................................................ 3-11

Buffer operations ...................................................................... 3-16

Storing readings ................................................................ 3-17

Recalling readings ............................................................. 3-17

Buffer statistics ................................................................. 3-18

Limit operations ....................................................................... 3-18

Setting limit values ........................................................... 3-19

Enabling limits .................................................................. 3-20

Scan operations ........................................................................ 3-21

Scanning overview ............................................................ 3-21

Front panel scanner controls ............................................. 3-21

Stepping and scanning trigger model additions ................ 3-21

Using SHIFT-CONFIG to configure stepping

and scanning ................................................................... 3-23

Scanning examples ............................................................ 3-24

System operations .................................................................... 3-26

Calibration ......................................................................... 3-26

4 Remote Operation

Introduction ................................................................................ 4-2

Selecting an interface .......................................................... 4-2

RS-232 ................................................................................ 4-3

GPIB bus ............................................................................. 4-3

RS-232 operation ....................................................................... 4-4

Sending and receiving data ................................................. 4-4

Selecting baud rate .............................................................. 4-4

Selecting signal handshaking (flow control) ....................... 4-5

Setting terminator ................................................................ 4-5

RS-232 connections ............................................................ 4-6

Error messages .................................................................... 4-6

GPIB bus operation and reference .............................................. 4-7

Introduction ......................................................................... 4-7

GPIB bus standards ............................................................. 4-7

GPIB bus connections ......................................................... 4-8

Selecting the primary address ........................................... 4-10

QuickBASIC 4.5 programming ......................................... 4-10

General Bus Commands .................................................... 4-12

Front panel GPIB operation .............................................. 4-15

Status structure ......................................................................... 4-16

Condition registers ............................................................ 4-17

Event registers ................................................................... 4-17

Enable registers ................................................................. 4-17

Queues ............................................................................... 4-20

Status Byte and Service Request (SRQ) ........................... 4-21

Trigger model (GPIB operation) .............................................. 4-24

Idle and initiate .................................................................. 4-25

Trigger model operation .................................................... 4-25

Programming syntax ................................................................. 4-27

Command words ............................................................... 4-27

Query commands ............................................................... 4-29

Case sensitivity .................................................................. 4-29

Long-form and short-form versions .................................. 4-29

Short-form rules ................................................................ 4-30

Program messages ............................................................. 4-31

Response messages ........................................................... 4-33

Message exchange protocol .............................................. 4-33

Common Commands ................................................................ 4-34

*CLS — Clear Status ........................................................ 4-35

*ESE <NRf> — Event Enable .......................................... 4-35

*ESE? — Event Enable Query .......................................... 4-35

*ESR? — Event Status Register Query ............................ 4-36

*IDN? — Identification Query ......................................... 4-38

*OPC — Operation Complete ........................................... 4-38

*OPC? — Operation Complete Query ............................. 4-40

*OPT? — Option Identification Query ............................ 4-41

*RCL — Recall ................................................................. 4-41

*RST — RESET ............................................................... 4-42

*SAV — Save ................................................................... 4-42

*SRE <NRf> — Service Request Enable ......................... 4-42

*SRE? — Service Request Enable Query ......................... 4-42

*STB? — Status Byte Query ............................................ 4-44

*TRG — Trigger ............................................................... 4-45

*TST?-Self-Test Query ..................................................... 4-45

*WAI — Wait-to-Continue................................................ 4-46

5 SCPI Command Reference

SCPI Signal oriented measurement commands ......................... 5-2

CONFigure Command ........................................................ 5-2

FETCh? command .............................................................. 5-4

READ? command ............................................................... 5-5

MEASure command ............................................................ 5-6

SCPI command subsystems reference tables ............................. 5-7

Calculate subsystem ................................................................. 5-23

:CALCulate[1] .................................................................. 5-23

:CALCulate2 ..................................................................... 5-25

:CALCulate3 ..................................................................... 5-27

DISPlay subsystem .................................................................. 5-29

:FORMat subsystem ................................................................. 5-31

:DATA command .............................................................. 5-31

:BORDer command .......................................................... 5-34

:ELEMents command ....................................................... 5-35

OUTPut subsystem .................................................................. 5-36

ROUTe subsystem ................................................................... 5-38

[SENSe[1]] subsystem ............................................................. 5-39

:FUNCtion Command ....................................................... 5-39

:DATA command .............................................................. 5-40

:HOLD Command ............................................................. 5-40

Speed Commands .............................................................. 5-41

:RANGe commands .......................................................... 5-42

:REFerence <n> commands .............................................. 5-44

:DIGits command .............................................................. 5-46

:AVERage commands ....................................................... 5-47

Bandwidth command ........................................................ 5-48

:THReshold commands ..................................................... 5-49

Thermocouple commands ................................................. 5-49

:DIODe command ............................................................. 5-50

:CONTinuity command .................................................... 5-50

:DISTortion commands ..................................................... 5-51

:PEAK commands (Model 2015P only) ........................... 5-55

STATus subsystem .................................................................. 5-58

[:EVENt]? command ........................................................ 5-59

:ENABle command ........................................................... 5-62

:CONDition? command .................................................... 5-64

:PRESet command ............................................................ 5-64

:QUEue commands ........................................................... 5-65

:SYSTem subsystem ................................................................. 5-67

:BEEPer command ............................................................ 5-67

:PRESet command ............................................................. 5-67

:KCLick command ............................................................ 5-67

:POSetup <name> command ............................................. 5-68

:FRSWitch? command ...................................................... 5-68

:VERSion? command ........................................................ 5-68

:ERRor? command ............................................................ 5-69

:AZERo commands ........................................................... 5-69

:CLEar command .............................................................. 5-70

:KEY <NRf> command .................................................... 5-70

RS-232 interface commands ............................................. 5-71

Line frequency query ........................................................ 5-72

:TRACe subsystem ................................................................... 5-72

:CLEar command .............................................................. 5-72

:FREE? command ............................................................. 5-72

:POINts command ............................................................. 5-72

:FEED command ............................................................... 5-73

:DATA? command ............................................................ 5-73

Trigger subsystem .................................................................... 5-74

:INITiate commands .......................................................... 5-74

:ABORt command ............................................................. 5-74

:TRIGger commands ......................................................... 5-75

:UNIT subsystem ...................................................................... 5-77

:TEMPerature command ................................................... 5-77

:VOLTage commands ....................................................... 5-77

:DISTortion commands ..................................................... 5-79

A Specifications

Accuracy calculations ................................................................ A-6

Calculating DC characteristics accuracy ............................ A-6

Calculating AC characteristics accuracy ............................ A-6

Calculating dBm characteristics accuracy .......................... A-7

Calculating dB characteristics accuracy ............................. A-8

Additional derating factors ................................................. A-8

Optimizing measurement accuracy ........................................... A-9

Optimizing measurement speed ................................................ A-9

B Status and Error Messages

C Example Programs

Program examples ..................................................................... C-2

Changing function and range ............................................. C-2

One-shot triggering ............................................................ C-4

Generating SRQ on buffer full ........................................... C-5

Storing readings in buffer .................................................. C-6

Taking readings using the :READ? command ................... C-8

Controlling the Model 2015 via the RS-232 COM2 port .. C-8

D IEEE-488 Bus Overview

Introduction ............................................................................... D-2

Bus description .......................................................................... D-4

Bus lines .................................................................................... D-6

Data lines ........................................................................... D-6

Bus management lines ....................................................... D-6

Handshake lines ................................................................. D-7

Bus commands .......................................................................... D-8

Uniline commands ............................................................. D-9

Universal multiline commands .......................................... D-9

Addressed multiline commands ....................................... D-10

Address commands .......................................................... D-10

Unaddress commands ...................................................... D-10

Common commands ........................................................ D-11

SCPI commands ............................................................... D-11

Command codes ............................................................... D-11

Typical command sequences ........................................... D-13

IEEE command groups .................................................... D-14

Interface function codes .......................................................... D-15

E IEEE-488 and SCPI Conformance Information

Introduction ................................................................................ E-2

List of Illustrations

2 Basic Measurements

Figure 2-1 Model 2015 front panel .......................................................... 2-3

Figure 2-2 Model 2015 rear panel ........................................................... 2-6

Figure 2-3 Power module ........................................................................ 2-8

Figure 2-4 DC and AC voltage measurements ...................................... 2-17

Figure 2-5 DC and AC current measurements ...................................... 2-20

Figure 2-6 Two- and four- wire resistance measurements .................... 2-23

Figure 2-7 Frequency and period measurements ................................... 2-25

Figure 2-8 Thermocouple temperature measurements .......................... 2-26

Figure 2-9 Continuity measurements .................................................... 2-32

Figure 2-10 Diode testing ........................................................................ 2-33

Figure 2-11 Distortion measurements ..................................................... 2-41

Figure 2-12 DUT connections when using the internal sine source

to stimulate a device ....................................................... 2-46

Figure 2-13 Peak analysis ........................................................................ 2-48

3 Measurement Options

Figure 3-1 Moving average and repeating filters .................................... 3-4

Figure 3-2 Front panel triggering without stepping/scanning ................. 3-8

Figure 3-3 Rear panel pinout ................................................................. 3-11

Figure 3-4 Trigger link input pulse specifications (EXT TRIG) ........... 3-12

Figure 3-5 Trigger link output pulse specifications (VMC) .................. 3-12

Figure 3-6 DUT test system .................................................................. 3-13

Figure 3-7 Trigger link connections ...................................................... 3-13

Figure 3-8 Operation model for triggering example ............................. 3-14

Figure 3-9 DIN to BNC trigger cable .................................................... 3-16

Figure 3-10 Buffer locations .................................................................... 3-17

Figure 3-11 Using limit test to sort 100W, 10% resistors ....................... 3-20

Figure 3-12 Front panel triggering with stepping .................................... 3-22

Figure 3-13 Front panel triggering with scanning ................................... 3-22

Figure 3-14 External scanning example with Model 7001 ...................... 3-25

4 Remote Operation

Figure 4-1 RS-232 interface connector ................................................... 4-6

Figure 4-2 IEEE-488 connector ............................................................... 4-8

Figure 4-3 IEEE-488 connections ........................................................... 4-8

Figure 4-4 IEEE-488 connector location ................................................. 4-9

Figure 4-5 Model 2015 status register structure .................................... 4-16

Figure 4-6 Standard event status ............................................................ 4-18

Figure 4-7 Operation event status .......................................................... 4-18

Figure 4-8 Measurement event status .................................................... 4-19

Figure 4-9 Questionable event status ..................................................... 4-19

Figure 4-10 Status byte and service request (SRQ) ................................. 4-21

Figure 4-11 Trigger model (remote operation) ........................................ 4-24

Figure 4-12 Device action (trigger model) .............................................. 4-26

Figure 4-13 Standard event enable register ............................................. 4-36

Figure 4-14 Standard event status register ............................................... 4-37

Figure 4-15 Service request enable register ............................................. 4-43

Figure 4-16 Status byte register ............................................................... 4-45

5 SCPI Command Reference

Figure 5-1 ASCII data format ................................................................ 5-32

Figure 5-2 IEEE754 single precision data format (32 data bits) ........... 5-32

Figure 5-3 IEEE754 double precision data format (64 data bits) .......... 5-33

Figure 5-4 Measurement event register ................................................. 5-60

Figure 5-5 Questionable event register .................................................. 5-61

Figure 5-6 Operation event register ....................................................... 5-61

Figure 5-7 Measurement event enable register ...................................... 5-63

Figure 5-8 Questionable event enable register ....................................... 5-63

Figure 5-9 Operation event enable register ............................................ 5-63

Figure 5-10 Key-press codes ................................................................... 5-71

D IEEE-488 Bus Overview

Figure D-1 IEEE-488 bus configuration .................................................. D-5

Figure D-2 IEEE-488 handshake sequence ............................................. D-7

Figure D-3 Command codes .................................................................. D-12

List of Tables

2 Basic Measurements

Table 2-1 Fuse ratings ............................................................................ 2-9

Table 2-2 Factory defaults .................................................................... 2-13

Table 2-3 PEAK commands ................................................................. 2-47

Table 2-4 Peak analysis programming example .................................. 2-51

Table 2-5 Delta programming example ............................................... 2-52

Table 2-6 Frequency list programming example ................................. 2-53

3 Measurement Options

Table 3-1 Rate settings for the measurement functions ......................... 3-7

Table 3-2 Auto delay settings ................................................................ 3-9

4 Remote Operation

Table 4-1 RS-232 connector pinout ....................................................... 4-6

Table 4-2 General bus commands and associated statements .............. 4-12

Table 4-3 IEEE-488.2 common commands and queries ...................... 4-34

5 SCPI Command Reference

Table 5-1 Signal oriented measurement command summary ................ 5-2

Table 5-2 CALCulate command summary ............................................ 5-8

Table 5-3 DISPlay command summary ................................................. 5-9

Table 5-4 FORMat command summary ............................................... 5-10

Table 5-5 OUTPut command summary ............................................... 5-10

Table 5-6 ROUTe command summary ................................................ 5-11

Table 5-7 SENSe command summary ................................................. 5-11

Table 5-8 STATus command summary ............................................... 5-19

Table 5-9 SYSTem command summary .............................................. 5-20

Table 5-10 TRACe command summary ................................................ 5-20

Table 5-11 Trigger command summary ................................................. 5-21

Table 5-12 UNIT command summary ................................................... 5-22

B Status and Error Messages

Table B-1 Status and error messages ..................................................... B-2

D IEEE-488 Bus Overview

Table D-1 IEEE-488 bus command summary ........................................ D-8

Table D-2 Hexadecimal and decimal command codes ........................ D-11

Table D-3 Typical addressed command sequence ................................ D-13

Table D-4 Typical addressed command sequence ................................ D-13

Table D-5 IEEE command groups ....................................................... D-14

Table D-6 Model 2015 interface function codes .................................. D-15

E IEEE-488 and SCPI Conformance Information

Table E-1 IEEE-488 documentation requirements ................................ E-2

Table E-2 Coupled commands ............................................................... E-3

1

General Infor-

mation

1

General

Information

1-2 General Information

Introduction

NOTES

information is organized as follows:

The Models 2015 and 2015P are almost identical in function. The exception is that
the Model 2015P has the capability to analyze the frequency spectrum of a signal,
while the Model 2015 does not.

Over the bus, the *IDN? command can be used to identify the model number of the
unit. The response message will be either Model 2015 or Model 2015P (see
“Common commands” in Section 4).

When this manual refers to the Model 2015, it is also referring to the Model 2015P.
Information that pertains exclusively to the Model 2015P will be clearly indicated.

This section contains general information about the Model 2015 THD Multimeter. The

• Feature overview

• Warranty information

• Manual addenda

• Safety symbols and terms

• Specifications

• Inspection

• Options and accessories

If you have any questions after reviewing this information, please contact your local
Keithley representative or call one of our Applications Engineers at 1-800-348-3735 (U.S.
and Canada only). Worldwide phone numbers are listed at the front of this manual.

Feature overview

The Model 2015 is a 6½-digit high-performance digital multimeter. It has 0.002% 90-day
basic DC voltage accuracy and 0.008% 90-day basic resistance accuracy. At 6
multimeter delivers 50 triggered readings/sec over the IEEE-488 bus. At 4
up to 2000 readings/sec into its internal buffer. The Model 2015 has broad measurement ranges:

• THD, THD+n, and SINAD from 20Hz to 50kHz with 0.0001% (0.00001 dB) resolution.

• Frequency spectrum analysis from 20Hz to 50kHz (Model 2015P only).

• DC voltage from 0.1

• AC (RMS) voltage from 0.1

• DC current from 10nA to 3A.

• AC (RMS) current from 1

• Two and four-wire resistance from 100µ

• Frequency from 3Hz to 500kHz.

• Thermocouple temperature from -200°C to +1372°C.

µ

V to 1000V.

µ

µ

A to 3A.

V to 750V, 1000V peak.

Ω

to 120MΩ.

½

-digits, the

½

-digits, it can read

Some additional capabilities of the Model 2015 include:

• Full range of functions — In addition to those listed above, the Model 2015 functions
include period, dB, dBm, continuity, diode testing, mX+b, and percent.

• Optional scanning — For external scanning, the Model 2015 is compatible with
Keithley's Model 7001 and 7002 switch matrices and cards.

• Programming language and remote interfaces — The Model 2015 has the SCPI
programming language and two remote interface ports (IEEE-488/GPIB and RS-232C).

• Reading and setup storage — Up to 1024 readings and two setups (user and factory
defaults) can be stored and recalled.

• Closed-cover calibration — The instrument can be calibrated either from the front
panel or remote interface.

Warranty information

Warranty information is located at the front of this instruction manual. Should your
Model 2015 require warranty service, contact the Keithley representative or authorized repair
facility in your area for further information. When returning the instrument for repair, be sure to
fill out and include the service form at the back of this manual to provide the repair facility with
the necessary information.

General Information 1-3

Manual addenda

Any improvements or changes concerning the instrument or manual will be explained in an
addendum included with the manual. Be sure to note these changes and incorporate them into
the manual.

Safety symbols and terms

The following symbols and terms may be found on the instrument or used in this manual.

!

The symbol on the instrument indicates that the user should refer to the operating
instructions located in the manual.

The

symbol

Use standard safety precautions to avoid personal contact with these voltages.

The

WARNING

injury or death. Always read the associated information very carefully before performing the
indicated procedure.

The

CAUTION

instrument. Such damage may invalidate the warranty.

on the instrument shows that high voltage may be present on the terminal(s).

heading used in this manual explains dangers that might result in personal

heading used in this manual explains hazards that could damage the

1-4 General Information

Specifications

Full Model 2015 specifications are included in Appendix A.

Inspection

The Model 2015 was carefully inspected electrically and mechanically before shipment.
After unpacking all items from the shipping carton, check for any obvious signs of physical
damage that may have occurred during transit. (Note: There may be a protective film over the
display lens, which can be removed.) Report any damage to the shipping agent immediately.
Save the original packing carton for possible future reshipment. The following items are
included with every Model 2015 order:

• Model 2015 THD Multimeter with line cord.

• Safety test leads (Model 1751).

• Accessories as ordered.

• Certificate of calibration.

• Product Information CD-ROM that contains a PDF of the Model 2015/2015P User's
Manual.

If an additional manual is required, order the appropriate manual package. The manual

packages include a manual and any pertinent addenda.

Options and accessories

The following options and accessories are available from Keithley for use with the

Model 2015.

General purpose probes

Model 1754 Universal Test Lead Kit:

lugs, two banana plugs, two hooks, and two alligator clips.

Model 8605 High Performance Modular Test Leads:

test probes and leads. The test leads are terminated with a banana plug with retractable sheath
on each end.

Model 8606 High Performance Probe Tip Kit:

clips, and two spring hook test probes. (The spade lugs and alligator clips are rated at 30V RMS,

42.4V peak; the test probes are rated at 1000V.) These components are for use with high
performance test leads terminated with banana plugs, such as the Model 8605.

The following test leads and probes are rated at 30V RMS, 42.4V peak:

Models 5805 and 5805-12 Kelvin Probes:

with banana plug termination. Designed for instruments that measure 4-terminal resistance. The
Model 5805 is 0.9m long; the Model 5805-12 is 3.6m long.

Consists of one set of test leads (0.9m), two spade

Consists of two high voltage (1000V)

Consists of two spade lugs, two alligator

Consists of two spring-loaded Kelvin test probes

General Information 1-5

Model 5806 Kelvin Clip Lead Set:

plug termination. Designed for instruments that measure 4-terminal resistance. A set of eight
replacement rubber bands is available as Keithley P/N GA-22.

Model 8604 SMD Probe Set:

surface mount device “grabber” clip on one end and a banana plug with a retractable sheath on
the other end.

Low thermal probes

Model 8610 Low Thermal Shorting Plug:

1-inch square circuit board, interconnected to provide a short circuit among all plugs.

Cables and adapters

Models 7007-1 and 7007-2 Shielded GPIB Cables:

bus using shielded cables and connectors to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI). The
Model 7007-1 is 1m long; the Model 7007-2 is 2m long.

Models 8501-1 and 8501-2 Trigger Link Cables:

instruments with Trigger Link connectors (e.g., Model 7001 Switch System). The Model 8501-1
is 1m long; the Model 8501-2 is 2m long.

Model 8502 Trigger Link Adapter:

of the Model 2015 to instruments that use the standard BNC trigger connectors.

Model 8504 DIN to BNC Trigger Cable:

(Voltmeter Complete) and two (External Trigger) of the Model 2015 to instruments that use
BNC trigger connectors. The Model 8504 is 1m long.

Includes two Kelvin clip test leads (0.9m) with banana

Consists of two test leads (0.9m), each terminated with a

Consists of four banana plugs mounted to a

Connect the Model 2015 to the GPIB

Connect the Model 2015 to other

Allows you to connect any of the six Trigger Link lines

Allows you to connect Trigger Link lines one

Rack mount kits

Model 4288-1 Single Fixed Rack Mount Kit:

19-inch rack.

Model 4288-2 Side-by-Side Rack Mount Kit:

486, 487, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2010, 2015, 6517, 7001) side-by-side in a standard 19-inch rack.

Model 4288-3 Side-by-Side Rack Mount Kit:

side-by-side in a standard 19-inch rack.

Model 4288-4 Side-by-Side Rack Mount Kit:

instrument (Models 195A, 196, 220, 224, 230, 263, 595, 614, 617, 705, 740, 775, etc.)
side-by-side in a standard 19-inch rack.

Carrying case

Model 1050 Padded Carrying Case:

shoulder strap.

Mounts a single Model 2015 in a standard

Mounts two instruments (Models 182, 428,

Mounts a Model 2015 and a Model 199

Mounts a Model 2015 and a 5.25-inch

A carrying case for a Model 2015. Includes handles and

1-6 General Information

2

Basic Measure-

ments

2

Basic

Measurements

2-2 Basic Measurements

Introduction

This section summarizes front panel operation of the Model 2015. It is organized as follows:

•

Front panel summary —

connections.

•

Rear panel summary —

•

Power-up —

the warm-up time, and default conditions.

•

Display —

instrument.

•

Measuring voltage —

level voltage considerations.

•

Measuring current —

fuse replacement.

•

Measuring resistance —

shielding considerations.

•

Measuring frequency and period —

connections.

•

Measuring temperature —

measurements.

•

Math —

readings.

•

Measuring continuity —

•

Testing diodes —

•

Measuring distortion

calculations used.

•

Analyzing frequency spectrum (Model 2015P only)

Model 2015P to analyze the frequency spectrum of a signal over the bus.

Includes an illustration and summarizes keys, display, and

Includes an illustration and summarizes connections.

Describes connecting the instrument to line power, the power-up sequence,

Discusses the display format and messages that may appear while using the

Covers DC and AC voltage measurement connections and low

Covers DC and AC current measurement connections and current

Details two and four-wire measurement connections and

Covers frequency and period measurement

Describes the use of thermocouples for temperature

Covers the mX+b, percent, dBm, and dB math functions performed on single

Explains setting up and measuring continuity of a circuit.

Describes testing general-purpose and zener diodes.

— Explains how to measure total harmonic distortion and the

— Explains how to use the

Front panel summary

Fi

1

M
p

The front panel of the Model 2015 is shown in Figure 2-1. This figure includes important

abbreviated information that should be reviewed before operating the instrument.

Basic Measurements 2-3

gure 2-

odel 2015 front

anel

5

1

3

SHIFT

LOCAL

POWER

1 Function keys

STEP CH2 CH3 CH4 CH5 CH6 CH7 CH8 CH9 CH10

SCAN

CH1REM
TALK
LSTN
SRQ
SHIFT
TIMER

HOLD TRIG FAST MED SLOW AUTO ERR

MATH

THD

DCV

ACV

HOLD

EX TRIG

TRIG

SAVE SETUP

SOURCE

MEAS

THD

dBm

DCI

LIMITS ON/OFFDELAY

STORE

CONFIG HALT

STEP SCAN

REL FILT

dB

ACI

RECALL

(shifted and unshifted)

CONT

Ω2 Ω4

TEST

RELFILTER

RS232

GPIB

DIGITS RATE

BUFFER

STAT

2015 THD MULTIMETER

PERIOD TCOUPL

FREQ

CAL

EXIT ENTER

MATH
REAR

4W

TEMP

RANGE

AUTO

RANGE

SENSE

INPUT

Ω 4 WIRE

HI

350V
PEAK

INPUTS

F

FRONT/REAR

4

78 2

1000V

!

PEAK

LO

500V

PEAK

R

3A 250V

AMPS

6

Select measurement function (DC and AC voltage, DC and AC current, 2-wire and 4-wire
resistance, frequency, period, temperature with thermocouples), math function (mX+b, %,
dBm, dB), THD (total harmonic distortion) or special function (continuity, diode test).

2 Operation keys

EXTRIG Selects external triggers (front panel, bus, trigger link) as the trigger

source.
TRIG Triggers a measurement from the front panel.
STORE Enables reading storage.
RECALL Displays stored readings and buffer statistics (maximum, minimum,

average, standard deviation). Use ▲ and ▼ to scroll through buffer; use

and to toggle between reading number and reading.
FILTER Displays digital filter status for present function and toggles filter on/off.
REL Enables/disables relative reading on present function (not applicable for

distortion measurements).

and Moves through selections within functions and operations. If scanner

card installed, manually scans channels.
THD SOURCE Selects and configures the internal function generator.
THD MEAS Configures distortion measurements.
STEP Steps through channels; sends a trigger after each channel.
SCAN Scans through channels; sends a trigger after last channel.
DIGITS Changes number of digits of resolution.
RATE Changes reading rate: fast, medium, slow.
EXIT Cancels selection, moves back to measurement display.
ENTER Accepts selection, moves to next choice or back to measurement display.
SHIFT Used to access shifted keys.
LOCAL Cancels GPIB remote mode.

2-4 Basic Measurements

3 Shifted operation keys

DELAY Sets user delay between trigger and measurement.
HOLD Holds reading when the selected number of samples is within the selected

LIMITS Sets upper and lower limit values for readings.
ON/OFF Enables/disables limits; selects beeper operation for limit testing.
TEST Selects built-in tests, diagnostics, display test.
CAL Accesses calibration.
SAVE Saves present configuration for power-on user default.
SETUP Restores factory or user default configuration.
CONFIG Selects minimum/maximum channels, timer, and reading count for step/scan.
HALT Turns off step/scan.
GPIB Enables/disables GPIB interface; selects address and language.
RS232 Enables/disables RS-232 interface; selects baud rate, flow control, terminator.

4 Range keys

▲ Moves to higher range; increments digit; moves to next selection.
▼ Moves to lower range; decrements digit; moves to previous selection.

AUTO Enables/disables autorange. SHIFT-AUTO displays the most recent error

5 Annunciators

* (asterisk) Reading being stored.

(diode) Instrument is in diode testing function.

)))

(speaker) Beeper on for continuity or limits testing.
(more) Indicates additional selections are available.
4W 4-wire resistance reading displayed.
AUTO Autoranging enabled.
BUFFER Recalling stored readings.
ERR Questionable reading; invalid cal step.
FAST Fast reading rate.
FILT Digital filter enabled.
HOLD Instrument is in hold mode.
LSTN Instrument addressed to listen over GPIB.
MATH Math function (mX+b, %, dB, dBm) enabled.
MED Medium reading rate.
REAR Reading acquired from rear inputs.
REL Relative reading displayed.
REM Instrument is in GPIB remote mode.
SCAN Instrument is in scan mode.
SHIFT Accessing shifted keys.
SLOW Slow reading rate.
SRQ Service request over GPIB.
STAT Displaying buffer statistics.
STEP Instrument is in step mode.
TALK Instrument addressed to talk over GPIB.
TIMER Timed scans in use.
TRIG Indicates external trigger (front panel, bus, trigger link) selected.

tolerance.

message.

Basic Measurements 2-5

6 Input connections

INPUT HI and LO Used for making DC volts, AC volts, 2-wire resistance measurements.
AMPS Used in conjunction with INPUT LO to make DC current and

SENSE

Ω4 WIRE Used with INPUT HI and LO to make 4-wire resistance measure-

HI and LO ments.

AC current measurements. Also holds current input fuse (3A, 250V,
fast blow, 5×20mm).

7 INPUTS

Selects input connections on front or rear panel.

8 Handle

Pull out and rotate to desired position.

Fi

2

M
p

2-6 Basic Measurements

Rear panel summary

The rear panel of the Model 2015 is shown in Figure 2-2. This figure includes important

abbreviated information that should be reviewed before operating the instrument.

gure 2-

odel 2015 rear

anel

23 4

1

HI

!

LO

42V PEAK

INPUT

1000V
PEAK

!

INV/PULSE

SOURCE
OUTPUT

PEAK

500V

350V
PEAK

SOURCE
OUTPUT

SENSE

Ω 4W

7
6

3 5

1

4 6

2

!

FUSE LINE

100 VAC

500 mAT

120 VAC

(SB)

220 VAC

250 mAT

240 VAC

(SB)

8

TRIGGER

LINK

7

!

VMC
EXT TRIG

LINE RATING

50, 60Hz

40VA MAX

5

2

1

#2

EXTERNAL TRIGGER INPUT

Trigger Reading

>10µsec

TTL HI

TTL LO

MADE IN

U.S.A.

RS232

(CHANGE IEEE ADDRESS

FROM FRONT PANEL)

6

34

#1

VOLT METER COMPLETE OUTPUT

Reading

Complete

>10µsec

TTL HI

TTL LO

IEEE-488

120

5