Tektronix 2182 Primary User

Model 2182 Nanovoltmeter

User’s Manual

A GREATER MEASURE OF CONFIDENCE

WARRANTY

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

LIMITATION OF WARRANTY

This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from product modification without Keithley’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.

Sales Offices: BELGIUM:

CHINA:

Yuan Chen Xin Building, Room 705 • 12 Yumin Road, Dewai, Madian • Beijing 100029 • 8610-82251886 • Fax: [phone]

FINLAND:
FRANCE:
GERMANY:
GREAT BRITAIN:
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:
SWEDEN:
TAIWAN:

28775 Aurora Road • Cleveland, Ohio 44139 • 440-248-0400 • Fax: [phone]

1-888-KEITHLEY (534-8453) • www.keithley.com

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

Halsuantie 2 • 00420 Helsinki, Finland • 09-53 06 65 60 • Fax: [phone]

3, allée des Garays • 91127 Palaiseau Cédex • 01-64 53 20 20 • Fax: [phone]

Landsberger Strasse 65 • 82110 Germering • 089-84 93 07-40 • Fax: [phone]

Unit 2 Commerce Park, Brunel Road • Theale, Berkshire RG7 4AB • 0118 -929 75 00 • Fax: [phone]

Postbus 559 • 4200 AN Gorinchem • 0183-63 53 33 • Fax: [phone]

c/o Regus Business Centre • Frosundaviks Allé 15, 4tr • 16970 Solna • 08-50 90 46 00 • Fax: [phone]

13F-3, NO. 6, Lane 99, Pu-Ding Road, Hsinchu, Taiwan, ROC. • 886-3-572-9077• Fax: [phone]

5/03

Model 2182 Nanovoltmeter

User’s Manual

©1998, Keithley Instruments, Inc.

All rights reserved.

Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.

Fifth Printing, July 2003

Document Number: 2182-900-01 Rev. E

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 2182-900-01)......................................................... February 1998

Revision B (Document Number 2182-900-01) ................................................................ June 1998

Revision C (Document Number 2182-900-01) ....................................................... November 1998

Revision D (Document Number 2182-900-01)............................................................... April 2002

Revision E (Document Number 2182-900-01) ................................................................. July 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.

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

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

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 Getting Started

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

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

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

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

Inspection ............................................................................ 1-3

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

Nanovoltmeter features .............................................................. 1-6

Front and rear panel familiarization ........................................... 1-7

Front panel summary .......................................................... 1-7

Rear panel summary ......................................................... 1-11

Cleaning input connectors ........................................................ 1-13

Power-Up ................................................................................. 1-14

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

Setting line voltage and replacing fuse ............................. 1-15

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

Line frequency .................................................................. 1-16

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

Status and error messages ................................................. 1-16

Default settings ........................................................................ 1-16

2 Voltage and Temperature Measurements

Measurement overview .............................................................. 2-3

Voltage measurements ........................................................ 2-3

Temperature measurements ................................................ 2-3

Performance considerations ....................................................... 2-5

Warm-up ............................................................................. 2-5

ACAL (calibration) ............................................................. 2-5

Autozeroing modes ............................................................. 2-6

LSYNC (line cycle synchronization) .................................. 2-8

Pumpout current (low charge injection mode) .................... 2-9

SCPI programming - ACAL, Front Autozero, Autozero,

LSYNC, and Low Charge Injection ............................... 2-10

Connections .............................................................................. 2-12

Connection techniques ...................................................... 2-12

Voltage only connections .................................................. 2-14

Temperature only connections .......................................... 2-15

Voltage and temperature connections ............................... 2-16

Cleaning test circuit connectors ........................................ 2-17

Temperature configuration ....................................................... 2-18

Measuring voltage and temperature ......................................... 2-19

SCPI programming - voltage and temperature

measurements ................................................................. 2-20

Low-level considerations .......................................................... 2-22

Thermal EMFs ................................................................... 2-22

Noise .................................................................................. 2-22

Applications .............................................................................. 2-23

Low-resistance measurements ........................................... 2-23

Standard cell comparisons ................................................. 2-26

Heated Zener Reference and Josephson Junction

Array comparisons ......................................................... 2-27

3 Range, Digits, Rate, and Filter

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

Maximum readings .............................................................. 3-3

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

Autoranging ......................................................................... 3-4

SCPI programming - range ................................................. 3-4

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

SCPI programming - digits ................................................. 3-5

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

SCPI programming - rate .................................................... 3-7

Filter ........................................................................................... 3-8

Analog filter ........................................................................ 3-8

Digital filter ......................................................................... 3-8

SCPI programming - filter ................................................. 3-12

4 Relative, mX+b, and Percent (%)

Relative ....................................................................................... 4-3

REL Key .............................................................................. 4-3

SCPI programming - relative .............................................. 4-4

mX+b and percent (%) ............................................................... 4-6

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

Percent (%) .......................................................................... 4-7

SCPI programming - mX+b and percent ............................. 4-8

5 Ratio and Delta

Ratio ........................................................................................... 5-2

Basic procedure ................................................................... 5-2

Filter, Rel, and Ranging considerations .............................. 5-4

Delta ........................................................................................... 5-6

Selecting Delta .................................................................... 5-9

Delta measurement procedure using a SourceMeter .......... 5-9

Filter considerations .......................................................... 5-15

SCPI programming - ratio and delta ........................................ 5-16

Programming examples .................................................... 5-16

Applications ............................................................................. 5-18

Testing superconductor materials ..................................... 5-19

6 Buffer

Buffer operations ........................................................................ 6-2

Store .................................................................................... 6-2

Recall .................................................................................. 6-3

Buffer statistics ................................................................... 6-4

SCPI programming - buffer ....................................................... 6-5

Programming example ........................................................ 6-6

7 Triggering

Trigger model ............................................................................. 7-3

Idle ...................................................................................... 7-3

Control source and event detection ..................................... 7-4

Delay ................................................................................... 7-4

Device action ...................................................................... 7-5

Output trigger ...................................................................... 7-5

Reading hold (autosettle) ........................................................... 7-6

Hold example ...................................................................... 7-6

External triggering ..................................................................... 7-7

External trigger ................................................................... 7-8

Voltmeter complete ............................................................. 7-8

External triggering example ................................................ 7-9

External triggering with BNC connections ....................... 7-12

SCPI programming - triggering ............................................... 7-13

Trigger model (remote operation) ..................................... 7-13

Trigger model operation ................................................... 7-15

Triggering commands ....................................................... 7-16

Programming example ...................................................... 7-17

8 Limits

Limit operations .......................................................................... 8-3

Setting limit values .............................................................. 8-4

Enabling limits .................................................................... 8-4

SCPI programming - limits ........................................................ 8-5

Application ................................................................................. 8-7

Sorting resistors ................................................................... 8-7

9 Stepping and Scanning

Step/Scan overview .................................................................... 9-3

Internal Stepping/Scanning (Channels 1 and 2) .................. 9-3

External Stepping/Scanning ................................................ 9-3

Front panel trigger models .......................................................... 9-4

Internal scanning ................................................................. 9-4

Other Stepping/Scanning operations ................................... 9-6

Stepping/Scanning controls ........................................................ 9-6

Step/Scan configuration ...................................................... 9-7

Stepping/Scanning examples ...................................................... 9-8

Internal scanning ................................................................. 9-8

Internal stepping .................................................................. 9-9

External scanning .............................................................. 9-10

SCPI programming - stepping and scanning ............................ 9-12

Programming example ...................................................... 9-13

Application — I-V curves using internal scan ......................... 9-14

SCAN for IV curves [Measure V, sweep I,

constant H (magnetic field) or T (temperature)] ............ 9-14

10 Analog Output

Overview .................................................................................. 10-3

Operation .................................................................................. 10-5

Analog output connections ................................................ 10-5

Configure and control analog output ................................. 10-5

Analog output rel ............................................................... 10-5

SCPI programming - analog output .......................................... 10-6

Programming example ...................................................... 10-6

11 Remote Operation

Selecting and configuring an interface ..................................... 11-3

Interfaces ........................................................................... 11-3

Languages .......................................................................... 11-3

Interface selection and configuration procedures .............. 11-4

GPIB operation and reference .................................................. 11-6

GPIB bus standards ........................................................... 11-6

GPIB bus connections ....................................................... 11-6

Primary address selection ................................................. 11-8

QuickBASIC programming .............................................. 11-8

General bus commands ..................................................... 11-9

Front panel GPIB operation ............................................ 11-12

Status structure ................................................................ 11-13

Programming syntax ....................................................... 11-21

RS-232 interface reference ..................................................... 11-27

Sending and receiving data ............................................. 11-27

Baud rate, flow control and terminator ........................... 11-27

RS-232 connections ........................................................ 11-29

Error messages ................................................................ 11-30

12 Common Commands

*CLS — Clear Status......................................................... 12-3

*ESE <NRf> – Event Enable............................................. 12-4

*ESE? – Event Enable Query ........................................... 12-4

*ESR? – Event Status Register Query............................... 12-6

*IDN? – Identification Query ............................................ 12-7

*OPC – Operation Complete ............................................. 12-8

*OPC? – Operation Complete Query .............................. 12-10

*RCL – Recall.................................................................. 12-11

*RST – Reset ................................................................... 12-12

*SAV – Save.................................................................... 12-12

*SRE <NRf> – Service Request Enable ......................... 12-12

*SRE? – Service Request Enable Query ......................... 12-12

*STB? – Status Byte Query ............................................. 12-14

*TRG – Trigger................................................................ 12-15

*TST?– Self-Test Query.................................................. 12-15

*WAI – Wait-to-Continue ............................................... 12-16

13 SCPI Signal Oriented Measurement Commands

:CONFigure:<function> .................................................... 13-2

:FETCh? ............................................................................ 13-3

:READ? ............................................................................. 13-3

:MEASure:<function>? .................................................... 13-4

14 SCPI Reference Tables

15 Additional SCPI Commands

DISPlay subsystem ................................................................... 15-3

:TEXT commands ............................................................. 15-3

FORMat subsystem .................................................................. 15-4

:DATA command .............................................................. 15-4

:BORDer command ........................................................... 15-6

:ELEMents command ........................................................ 15-6

STATus subsystem ................................................................... 15-7

[:EVENt]? command ........................................................ 15-7

:ENABle command ......................................................... 15-11

:CONDition? command ................................................... 15-13

:PRESet command ........................................................... 15-14

:QUEue commands ......................................................... 15-14

:SYSTem subsystem ............................................................... 15-16

:PRESet command ........................................................... 15-16

Performance commands .................................................. 15-16

:BEEPer command .......................................................... 15-18

:KCLick command .......................................................... 15-18

:POSetup <name> command ........................................... 15-18

:VERSion? command ...................................................... 15-19

:ERRor? command .......................................................... 15-19

:CLEar command ............................................................ 15-19

:KEY <NRf> command .................................................. 15-20

A Specifications

B Status and Error Messages

C Measurement Considerations

Measurement considerations ..................................................... C-2

Thermoelectric potentials ................................................... C-2

Thermoelectric generation .................................................. C-3

Source resistance noise ....................................................... C-4

Magnetic fields ................................................................... C-6

Radio frequency interference ............................................. C-6

Ground loops ...................................................................... C-6

Shielding ............................................................................. C-8

Meter loading ..................................................................... C-9

D Model 182 Emulation Commands

E Example Programs

Program examples ...................................................................... E-2

Changing function and range .............................................. E-2

One-shot triggering ............................................................. E-4

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

Storing readings in buffer ................................................... E-6

Taking readings using the :READ? command .................... E-7

Controlling the Model 2182 via the RS-232 COM2 port ... E-8

F IEEE-488 Bus Overview

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

Bus description ........................................................................... F-2

Bus lines ..................................................................................... F-4

Data lines ............................................................................ F-4

Bus management lines ........................................................ F-4

Handshake lines .................................................................. F-5

Bus commands ........................................................................... F-6

Uniline commands .............................................................. F-7

Universal multiline commands ........................................... F-8

Addressed multiline commands .......................................... F-9

Address commands ............................................................. F-9

Unaddress commands ......................................................... F-9

Common commands ......................................................... F-10

SCPI commands ................................................................ F-10

Command codes ................................................................ F-10

Typical command sequences ............................................ F-11

IEEE command groups ..................................................... F-12

Interface function codes ........................................................... F-13

G IEEE-488 and SCPI Conformance Information

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

H Measurement Queries

:FETCh? .................................................................................... H-2

What it does ....................................................................... H-2

Limitations ......................................................................... H-2

Where appropriate .............................................................. H-2

:READ? ..................................................................................... H-2

What it does ....................................................................... H-2

Limitations ......................................................................... H-3

When appropriate ............................................................... H-3

:MEASure[:<function>]? .......................................................... H-3

What it does ........................................................................ H-3

Limitations ......................................................................... H-3

When appropriate ............................................................... H-3

[:SENSe[1]]:DATA:FRESh? .................................................... H-4

What it does ........................................................................ H-4

Limitations ......................................................................... H-4

When appropriate ............................................................... H-4

[:SENSe[1]]:DATA[:LATest]? ................................................. H-4

What it does ........................................................................ H-4

Limitations ......................................................................... H-4

When appropriate ............................................................... H-4

Examples ................................................................................... H-5

One-shot reading, DC volts, no trigger, fastest rate ........... H-5

One-shot reading, DC volts, bus trigger, auto ranging ....... H-5

One-shot reading, external trigger, auto delay enabled ...... H-5

List of Illustrations

1 Getting Started

Figure 1-1 Model 2182 front panel .......................................................... 1-7

Figure 1-2 Model 2182 rear panel ......................................................... 1-11

Figure 1-3 Power module ...................................................................... 1-14

2 Voltage and Temperature Measurements

Figure 2-1 Line cycle synchronization .................................................... 2-8

Figure 2-2 Model 2107 input cable ....................................................... 2-13

Figure 2-3 LEMO connector - terminal identification .......................... 2-13

Figure 2-4 Connections - single channel voltage .................................. 2-14

Figure 2-5 Connections - dual channel voltage ..................................... 2-15

Figure 2-6 Connections - temperature (internal reference) ................... 2-15

Figure 2-7 Connections - temperature (simulated reference) ................ 2-16

Figure 2-8 Connections - voltage and temperature

(internal reference) ......................................................... 2-16

Figure 2-9 Connections - voltage and temperature

(simulated reference) ...................................................... 2-17

Figure 2-10 4-Wire low-resistance measurement technique ................... 2-23

Figure 2-11 Measuring switch contact resistance .................................... 2-24

Figure 2-12 Measuring switch contact resistance and temperature ......... 2-25

Figure 2-13 Standard cell comparison measurements ............................. 2-26

Figure 2-14 Heated Zener characterization ............................................. 2-27

3 Range, Digits, Rate, and Filter

Figure 3-1 Speed vs. noise characteristics ............................................... 3-6

Figure 3-2 Moving and repeating filters ................................................ 3-10

5 Ratio and Delta

Figure 5-1 Test circuit using constant current source .............................. 5-7

Figure 5-2 Delta measurement using bipolar source ............................... 5-8

Figure 5-3 Delta measurement connections .......................................... 5-11

Figure 5-4 Triggering timing diagram ................................................... 5-14

Figure 5-5 Calibrating 1:10 divider ....................................................... 5-18

Figure 5-6 Test circuit—Fixed I (Vary H) ............................................ 5-20

Figure 5-7 H-V Curve (Fixed I) ............................................................ 5-21

Figure 5-8 SourceMeter output—2-point custom sweep ...................... 5-21

Figure 5-9 I-V Curve (Fixed H) ............................................................ 5-22

Figure 5-10 Test circuit—Fixed H (Vary I) ............................................. 5-23

Figure 5-11 SourceMeter output—30-point custom sweep ..................... 5-25

Figure 5-12 Trigger link connections using two Model 2182s ................ 5-26

6 Buffer

Figure 6-1 Buffer locations ...................................................................... 6-3

7 Triggering

Figure 7-1 Front panel trigger model (without Stepping/Scanning) ........ 7-3

Figure 7-2 Device action .......................................................................... 7-5

Figure 7-3 Rear panel pinout ................................................................... 7-7

Figure 7-4 Trigger link input pulse specifications (EXT TRIG) ............. 7-8

Figure 7-5 Trigger link output pulse specifications (VMC) .................... 7-8

Figure 7-6 DUT test system ..................................................................... 7-9

Figure 7-7 Trigger link connections ........................................................ 7-9

Figure 7-8 Operation model for triggering example .............................. 7-10

Figure 7-9 DIN to BNC trigger cable .................................................... 7-12

Figure 7-10 Trigger model (remote operation) ........................................ 7-13

8 Limits

Figure 8-1 Default limits .......................................................................... 8-3

Figure 8-2 Setup to test 10Ω resistors ...................................................... 8-7

Figure 8-3 Limits to sort 10Ω resistors (1%, 5%, and >5%) ................... 8-8

9 Stepping and Scanning

Figure 9-1 Front panel triggering (internal scanning) .............................. 9-5

Figure 9-2 Front panel triggering (other step/scan operations) ............... 9-5

Figure 9-3 External scanning example with Model 7001 ...................... 9-11

Figure 9-4 Waveform to be programmed into Model 2400 ................... 9-14

Figure 9-5 Setup of Model 2182 and Model 2400 ................................. 9-15

11 Remote Operation

Figure 11-1 IEEE-488 connector ............................................................. 11-6

Figure 11-2 IEEE-488 connections .......................................................... 11-7

Figure 11-3 IEEE-488 connector location ............................................... 11-7

Figure 11-4 Model 2182 status model structure .................................... 11-14

Figure 11-5 Standard event status .......................................................... 11-16

Figure 11-6 Operation event status ........................................................ 11-16

Figure 11-7 Measurement event status .................................................. 11-17

Figure 11-8 Questionable event status ................................................... 11-17

Figure 11-9 Status byte and service request .......................................... 11-19

Figure 11-10 RS-232 interface connector ............................................... 11-29

12 Common Commands

Figure 12-1 Standard event enable register ............................................. 12-5

Figure 12-2 Standard event status register .............................................. 12-7

Figure 12-3 Service request enable register .......................................... 12-13

Figure 12-4 Status byte register ............................................................. 12-15

15 Additional SCPI Commands

Figure 15-1 ASCII data format ................................................................ 15-4

Figure 15-2 IEE754 single precision data format (32 data bits) .............. 15-5

Figure 15-3 IEEE754 double precision data format (64 data bits) .......... 15-5

Figure 15-4 Measurement event register ................................................. 15-8

Figure 15-5 Questionable event register .................................................. 15-9

Figure 15-6 Operation event register ..................................................... 15-10

Figure 15-7 Measurement event enable register .................................... 15-12

Figure 15-8 Questionable event enable register .................................... 15-12

Figure 15-9 Operation event enable register ......................................... 15-13

Figure 15-10 Key-press codes ................................................................. 15-21

C Measurement Considerations

Figure C-1 Material thermoelectric coefficients ..................................... C-2

Figure C-2 Thermal EMF generation ...................................................... C-3

Figure C-3 Power line ground loops ....................................................... C-7

Figure C-4 Eliminating ground loops ..................................................... C-7

Figure C-5 Shielding example ................................................................. C-8

Figure C-6 Meter loading ........................................................................ C-9

F IEEE-488 Bus Overview

Figure F-1 IEEE-488 bus configuration ................................................... F-3

Figure F-2 IEEE-488 handshake sequence .............................................. F-5

Figure F-3 Command codes ..................................................................... F-8

List of Tables

1 Getting Started

Table 1-1 Fuse ratings .......................................................................... 1-15

Table 1-2 Factory defaults .................................................................... 1-17

2 Voltage and Temperature Measurements

Table 2-1 Measurement channels ........................................................... 2-3

Table 2-2 SCPI commands - ACAL, Front Autozero, Autozero,

Table 2-3 SCPI commands - voltage and temperature

3 Range, Digits, Rate, and Filter

Table 3-1 SPCI commands - range ........................................................ 3-4

Table 3-2 SPCI commands - digits ........................................................ 3-5

Table 3-3 SCPI commands - rate ........................................................... 3-7

Table 3-4 SCPI commands - filter ........................................................ 3-12

4 Relative, mX+b, and Percent (%)

Table 4-1 SCPI commands - relative ..................................................... 4-4

Table 4-2 SCPI commands - mX+b and percent ................................... 4-8

LSYNC, and Low Charge Injection ............................... 2-10

measurements ................................................................. 2-20

5 Ratio and Delta

Table 5-1 SCPI commands - ratio and delta ........................................ 5-16

6 Buffer

Table 6-1 SCPI commands - buffer ........................................................ 6-5

7 Triggering

Table 7-1 Auto delay times .................................................................... 7-4

Table 7-2 SCPI commands - triggering ................................................ 7-16

8 Limits

Table 8-1 SCPI commands - limits ........................................................ 8-5

9 Stepping and Scanning

Table 9-1 SCPI commands - stepping and scanning ............................ 9-12

10 Analog Output

Table 10-1 Analog output examples* ..................................................... 10-3

Table 10-2 SCPI commands - analog output .......................................... 10-6

11 Remote Operation

Table 11-1 General bus commands and associated statements .............. 11-9

Table 11-2 RS-232 connector pinout .................................................... 11-29

Table 11-3 PC serial port pinout ........................................................... 11-30

12 Common Commands

Table 12-1 IEEE-488.2 common commands and queries ...................... 12-2

13 SCPI Signal Oriented Measurement Commands

Table 13-1 Signal oriented measurement command summary .............. 13-2

14 SCPI Reference Tables

Table 14-1 CALCulate command summary ........................................... 14-3

Table 14-2 CALibration command summary (user accessible) ............. 14-4

Table 14-3 DISPlay command summary ................................................ 14-5

Table 14-4 FORMat command summary ............................................... 14-5

Table 14-5 OUTPut command summary ................................................ 14-6

Table 14-6 ROUTe command summary ................................................ 14-6

Table 14-7 SENSe command summary .................................................. 14-7

Table 14-8 STATus command summary .............................................. 14-11

Table 14-9 SYSTem command summary ............................................ 14-12

Table 14-10 TRACe command summary ............................................... 14-12

Table 14-11 Trigger command summary ............................................... 14-13

Table 14-12 UNIT command summary .................................................. 14-14

B Status and Error Messages

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

C Measurement Considerations

Table C-1 Material thermoelectric coefficients ...................................... C-2

D Model 182 Emulation Commands

Table D-1 Model 182 device-dependent command summary ............... D-2

F IEEE-488 Bus Overview

Table F-1 IEEE-488 bus command summary ........................................ F-7

Table F-2 Hexadecimal and decimal command codes ......................... F-10

Table F-3 Typical addressed bus sequence ........................................... F-11

Table F-4 Typical addressed common command sequence ................. F-11

Table F-5 IEEE command groups ........................................................ F-12

Table F-6 Model 2182 interface function codes ................................... F-13

G IEEE-488 and SCPI Conformance Information

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

Table G-2 Coupled commands .............................................................. G-3

Getting

Started

Getting

1

Started

1-2 Getting Started

•

General information

— Covers general information that includes warranty
information, contact information, safety symbols and terms, inspection, and available
options and accessories.

•

Nanovoltmeter features

•

Front and rear panel familiarization

— Summarizes the features of the Model 2182.

— Summarizes the controls and connectors of

the instrument.

•

Cleaning input connector terminals

— Explains how to clean the contacts of the input

LEMO connectors.

•

Power-Up

— Covers line power connection, line voltage setting, fuse replacement, and

the power-up sequence.

•

Display

•

Default settings

— Provides information about the display of the Model 2182.

— Covers the two instrument setup configurations available to the user;

user defined or factory default.

General information

Warranty information

Warranty information is located at the front of this manual. Should your Model 2182 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.

Contact information

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

Safety symbols and terms

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

!

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 high voltage may be present on the terminal(s).
Use standard safety precautions to avoid personal contact with these voltages.

Getting Started 1-3

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

The
instrument. Such damage may invalidate the warranty.

Inspection

The Model 2182 was carefully inspected electrically and mechanically before shipment.
After unpacking all items from the shipping carton, check for any obvious signs of physical
damage that may have occurred during transit. (There may be a protective film over the display
lens, which can be removed). Report any damage to the shipping agent immediately. Save the
original packing carton for possible future shipment. The following items are included with
every Model 2182 order:

WARNING

CAUTION

• Model 2182 Nanovoltmeter with line cord.

• Model 2107-4 Input Cable.

• Four alligator clips that attach to the copper lugs of the Model 2107 Input Cable.

• DeoxIt copper cleaning solution.

• Accessories as ordered.

• Certificate of calibration.

• Model 2182 User’s Manual (P/N 2182-900-00).

• Model 2182 Service Manual (P/N 2182-902-00).

• Manual Addenda (pertains to any improvements or changes concerning the instrument
or manual.

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 Getting Started

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 2182.

Cables, connectors, and adapters

Models 2107-4 and 2107-30 Input Cable

DUT using one of these input cables. The input cable is terminated with a LEMO connector (for
connection to the Model 2182) on one end and four copper spade lugs (for connection to DUT)
on the other. The Model 2107-4 (which is a supplied accessory to the Model 2182) is 1.2m (4 ft)
in length and the Model 2107-30 is 9m (30 ft) in length. Also included are four copper alligator
clips that attach to the copper lugs of the cable, and DeoxIt copper cleaning solution.

Model 2182-KIT Low Thermal Connector

and strain relief. Includes all the connector parts required to build a custom input cable for the
Model 2182 Nanovoltmeter.

Model 2188 Low-Thermal Calibration Shorting Plug

required to calibrate the Model 2182 Nanovoltmeter.

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.

Model 7009-5 Shielded RS-232 Cable

DB-9 connector on one end and a female DB-9 connector on the other end. It is wired as a
straight through (not null modem) cable.

Models 8501-1 and 8501-2 Trigger Link Cables

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

Model 8502 Trigger Link Adapter

the Model 2182 to instruments that use the standard BNC trigger connectors.

— Connect the Model 2182 Nanovoltmeter to

— Consists of a low-thermal LEMO connector

— This input shorting plug is

— Connect the Model 2182 to the GPIB

— 1.5m (5 ft) RS-232 cable terminated with a male

— Connect the Model 2182 to other

— Lets you connect any of the six Trigger Link lines of

Model 8503 DIN to BNC Trigger Cable

(Voltmeter Complete) and two (External Trigger) of the Model 2182 to instruments that use
BNC trigger connectors. The Model 8503 is 1m long.

— Lets you connect Trigger Link lines one

Silver solder

2182-325A

included is an MSDS sheet listing the solder chemical contents.

— Use this Keithley part number to order a 20-foot length of silver solder. Also

Rack mount kits

Getting Started 1-5

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, 2182, 2400, 2410, 2420, 6517, 7001) 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.

— Mounts a single Model 2182 in a standard

— Mounts two instruments (Models 182, 428,

— Mounts a Model 2182 and a 5.25-inch

Carrying case

Model 1050 Padded Carrying Case

and shoulder strap.

— A carrying case for a Model 2182. Includes handles

1-6 Getting Started

Nanovoltmeter features

The Model 2182 is a 71⁄2-digit high-performance digital nanovoltmeter. It has two input
channels to measure voltage and temperature. The measurement capabilities of the Model 2182
are explained in Section 2 of this manual (see “Measurement overview”).

Features of the Model 2182 Nanovoltmeter include:

•

Ratio

— Provides comparison readings between two voltage inputs. Ratio performs

V1/V2.

•

Delta

— Provides average difference of Channel 1 inputs. Delta performs

(V1t1–V1t2)/2.

•

mX+b and Percent

readings.

•

Relative

•

Buffer — Store up to 1024 readings in the internal buffer.

• Limits — Set high and low reading limits to test devices.

• Internal Scanning — Scan the two input channels of the Model 2182.

• External Scanning — Scan the channels or matrix points of Keithley Model 7001/7002

switching cards.

• Setup Storage — Two instrument setups (user and factory defaults) can be saved and

recalled.

• Analog Output — With analog output gain set to one, a full range input will result in a

1V analog output.

• Remote Interface — The Model 2182 can be controlled using the IEEE-488 interface

(GPIB) or the RS-232 interface.

• GPIB Programming Language — When using the GPIB, the instrument can be

programmed using the SCPI or Model 182 (DDCs) programming language.

• Closed-cover Calibration — The Model 2182 can be calibrated from either the front

panel or the GPIB.

— Null offsets or establish baseline values.

— These calculations provide mathematical manipulation of

Front and rear panel familiarization

Front panel summary

The front panel of the Model 2182 is shown in Figure 1-1. This figure includes important

abbreviated information that should be reviewed before operating the instrument.

Figure 1-1

Model 2182 front panel

SCAN

CH1REM

STEP CH2 CH3 CH4 CH5 CH6 CH7 CH8 CH9 CH10

TALK

LSTN

SHIFT

LOCAL

POWER

SRQ
SHIFT
TIMER

HOLD TRIG FAST MED SLOW AUTO ERR

%

MX+B

DCV1

DCV2

HOLD

DELAY

EX TRIG

TRIG

CONFIG HALT

STEP SCAN

V1-V

2

1/V2

V

BUFFER

STORE

RECALL

SETUP

SAVE RESTR

L

REL FILT

SYNC

ACAL

TYPE

OUTPUT

FILT REL

LIMITS

ON/OFFVALUE

RS232

GPIB

DIGITS RATE

4

1

MATH
REAR

4W

BUFFER

STAT

2182 NANOVOLTMETER

A

OUT

TCOUPL

TEMP

TEMP

1

CAL TEST

EXIT ENTER

Getting Started 1-7

CHANNEL 1

LO

HI

!

HI

LO

CHANNEL 2

120V MAX

2

RANGE

AUTO

RANGE

12V MAX

CAT I

350V PEAK ANY

TERMINAL TO CHASSIS

5

236

NOTE Most keys provide a dual function or operation. The nomenclature on a key indicates

its unshifted function/operation, which is selected by pressing the key. Nomenclature
(in blue) above a key indicates its shifted function. A shifted function is selected by
pressing the SHIFT key and then the function/operation key.

1 Special keys and power switch

SHIFT Use to select a shifted function or operation.

LOCAL Cancels GPIB remote mode.

POWER Power switch. In position turns 2182 on (1), out position turns it off (0).

1-8 Getting Started

2 Function and operation keys

Top Row

Un-shifted
DCV1 Selects Channel 1 voltage measurement function.
DCV2 Selects Channel 2 voltage measurement function.
V1/V2 Selects Ratio (Channel 1 voltage reading / Channel 2 voltage reading).
ACAL Selects automatic gain calibration.
FILT Enables/disables filter for selected measurement function.
REL Enables/disables relative for selected measurement function.
TEMP1 Selects Channel 1 temperature measurement function.
TEMP2 Selects Channel 2 temperature measurement function.

Shifted
MX+B Multiplies a scale factor (M) to the reading (X) and then adds an offset (B).
% Calculates percent deviation from a specified reference.
V1-V2 Selects Delta; (V1t1 – V1t2)/2.
LSYNC Enables/disables line cycle synchronization. When enabled, noise induced

by the power line is reduced at the expense of speed.

TYPE Select filter (analog and/or digital) and configure digital filter (window,

count and type).
OUTPUT Enables/disables relative for Analog Output.
A

OUT Enables/disables Analog Output.

TCOUPL Configure temperature measurement (units, junction type, thermocouple

type, sensor type).

Middle Row

Un-shifted
EX-TRIG Selects external triggering (front panel, bus or trigger link) as trigger

source.
TRIG Triggers a measurement from the front panel.
STORE Sets reading count for buffer and enables buffer.
RECALL Displays stored readings (including maximum, minimum, peak-to-peak,

average, and standard deviation). The  and  range keys scroll through

the buffer, and the  and  key toggles between reading number and

reading.
VALUE Set the upper and lower limits for limit testing.
ON/OFF Enables/disables limit testing, and selects beeper mode for limit testing.
 and  Controls cursor position for making selections or editing values.

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

tolerance.