Tektronix 5156 Instruction Manual

Model 5156 Electrometer Calibration Standard

Instruction 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 1 year 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.

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2/03

Model 5156 Electrometer Calibration Standard

Instruction Manual

01995, Keithley Instruments, Inc.

All rights reserved.

Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.

January 1999, Second Printing

Document Number: 5156-901-01 Rev. B

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 51%YOI-01).
Addendum A (Document Number 5156-901-02).
Addendum A (Document Number 5156-901-03).
Revision B (Document Number 5156-901-01).

.........

...........

December 1994

....... November 1996

.......... March 1997

January 1999

Safety Precautions

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

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

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

Operators

procedures and proper use of the instrument. They must be protected from electric shock and
contact with hazardous live circuits.

Maintenance personnel

properly, for example, setting the line 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

pairs of products. Only properly trained service personnel may perform installation and ser­vice procedures.

Keithley products are designed for use with electrical signals that are rated Installation Cat­egory I and Installation Category II, as described in the International Electrotechnical Com­mission (IEC) Standard IEC 60664. Most measurement, control, and data I/O signals are
Installation Category I and must not be directly connected to mains voltage or to voltage
sources with high transient over-voltages. Installation 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.

in any unknown circuit before measuring.

Operators of this product must be protected from electric shock at all times. The responsible
body must ensure that operators are prevented access and/or insulated from every connection
point. In some cases, connections must be exposed to potential human contact. Product op­erators in these circumstances must be trained to protect themselves from the risk of electric
shock. If the circuit is capable of operating at or above 1000 volts,

the circuit may be exposed.

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

Before operating an instrument, 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.

is the individual or group responsible for the use and maintenance of

use the product for its intended function. They must be trained in electrical safety

perform routine procedures on the product to keep it operating

are trained to work on live circuits, and perform safe installations and re-

A good safety practice is to expect that hazardous voltage is present

no conductive part of

5/02

When installing equipment where access to the main power cord is restricted, such as rack
mounting, a separate main input power disconnect device must be provided, in close prox­imity to the equipment and within easy reach of the operator.

For maximum safety, do not touch the product, test cables, or any other instruments while pow­er is applied to the circuit under test. ALWAYS remove power from the entire test system and
discharge any capacitors before: connecting or disconnecting cables or jumpers, installing or
removing switching cards, or making internal changes, such as installing or removing jumpers.

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

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

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

When fuses are used in a product, replace with 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 or 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.

WARNING

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

CAUTION

The
Such damage may invalidate the warranty.

Instrumentation and accessories shall not be connected to humans.

Before performing any maintenance, disconnect the line cord and all test cables.

To maintain protection from electric shock and fire, replacement components in mains cir­cuits, including the power transformer, test leads, and input jacks, must be purchased from
Keithley Instruments. Standard fuses, with applicable national safety approvals, may be used
if the rating and type are the same. Other components that are not safety related may be pur­chased from other suppliers as long as they are equivalent to the original component. (Note
that selected parts should be purchased only through Keithley Instruments to maintain accu­racy and functionality of the product.) If you are unsure about the applicability of a replace­ment component, call a Keithley Instruments office for information.

To clean an instrument, use a damp cloth or mild, water based cleaner. Clean the exterior of
the instrument only. Do not apply cleaner directly to the instrument or allow liquids to enter
or spill on the instrument. Products that consist of a circuit board with no case or chassis
(e.g., 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

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

Specifications

STANDARD SPECIFICATION

Nominal

Accuracy of

Value Characterization Coefficient

of Standard

100

MQ

I GB

IO GQ 400

100 GQ 500

I nF IO00

100 nF 1000 <120

wm

200 <2s
300

STABILITY (ppm/Yr. Max.)

100 MQ 200

1 GQ 500

IO GR

100 GP 800

I nF 1000

100 Ill: 1000

500

GENERAL
DATA

PORT: For downloading of 5 156 characterized data to 6517 Electrometer.

MAX. INPUT VOLTAGE: 2OOV
CONNECTORS:

One 3.Lug Triax for meter, Six BNC’s for Calibrator connection.

ENVIRONMENT:

Operating: 23°C +3-C, 30-60% R.H.
TEMPERATURE STABILIZATION:
PHYSICAL:

Case Dimensions:

Net Weight:

<1.7kg (<3.8 lb).

Shipping Weight:

114mm high x 165mm wide x 184mm deep

(4.5 in x 6.5 in x 7.2 in).

<4.lkg (~9 lb).

ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED:

Certificate of Calibration.

Charge Filter.

7078.TRX-3 3-Lug Triax Cable.

8501-l Dala Transfer Cable.

OperatDrs Manual.

Temperature

PPmJ°C

<25

<25 <I 2
<IO0 <I 2
<I20 <5 5

peak.

non-condensing.

4 hours in Environment.

Voltage

CCWBklellt

ppmNolt

<l 2
<I

4 5

Nominal

Tuleranee

* %

2

Specifications subject to change without notice

Table of Contents

Section 1 - General Information

Introduction
Features

Manual addenda..............

Safety symbols and terms
Specifications.
Unpacking and inspection

Inspection for damage
Handling precautions.
Shipment contents
Documentation.
Repacking for shipment.

Optional accessories

Section 2 - Operation

Introduction .................................

Definition of a standard.

Panel familiarization ..........................

Top panel

Prontpanel.............................

Charge filter. ................................

Test conslderatmn

Recommended voltage calibrators. ...............

Current standard operation

Current connections ......................

Current calculations. .....................

‘&pica1 calibrator voltages. ................

Charge standard operation,

Charge connections ......................

Charge calculations ......................

Typical calibrator voltages. ................

..............................

..............................

.......................

..............

..............

..............

..............

..............

..............

..............

.....................

.....................

...................

...................

...................

................... 6

...................

...................

...................

................... 9

................ ..I 0

................ ..I 0

................ ..I 0

................ ..I 2

................ ..12

................ ..12

................ ..I 4

................ ..I 4

5
5
6

8
8
9

Resistance

standard

operations

........................

Unguarded operation. ..........................

Guarded operation. ............................

Calibrating/verifying the Model 6517A Electrometer
Section 3 - Maintenance

......

Introduction.
Connector cleaning
Factory characterization
User characterization.
Updating standards values.

Front panel.
IEEE-488 bus

Viewing characterized values
Replaceable parts.
Factory service
Schematic diagram

..........

..........

..........

..........

..........

..........

..........

..........

..........

..........

..........

..........

..........

..........

..........

I9
19
I9
I9

::20

.20
.20
.22
.23
.23
.23

ii

Section 2 - Operation

List of I I lustrations

Figure 2-l
Figure 2-2
Figure 2-3
Figure 2-4
Figure 2-5

Figure 2-6

Figure 2-7

Figure 2-8

Figure 2-9

Top panel.....................

Front panel.
Charge filter..
Charge filter schematic
Current standard connections
Charge standard connections.
Unguarded resistance connections.
Guarded resistance connections.
Digital I/O connections

..........

..........

..........

..........

..........

..........

..........

..........

..........

7

8
9
9

. . . ..I1

. . . ..I3

.I5
.I7

. . . ..I8

111

List of Tables

Section2 - Operation

Table 2-l
Table 2-2
Table 2-3

Section 3 -Maintenance

Table 3-l

Recommended voltage calibrators 10
‘@pica1 calibrator voltages for current standard operation 12
Typical calibrator voltages for charge standard operation. 14

Calibration commands. .2 I

General Information

Introduction

This section contains general information about the Model 5156 Electrometer
Calibration Standard. The Model 5156 contains precision resistance and capaci­tance standards and is intended for use with voltage calibrators to calibrate or
verify the current and charge measurement accuracy of sensitive instruments
such as the Model 6517 Electrometer. The unit may also be used in applications
requiring accurate resistance standards.

Features

Model 5 156 features include:

* Highly stable, characterized standard resistors and capacitors ensure witi-

cation and calibration integrity. Characterization data is supplied with the
unit.

- Internal memory stores standards values to simplify calibrating the Model
6517 Electromctcr.

- Triax and BNC connectors simplify connections to the desired standard.

l Supplied charge filter minimizes the effects of rapid voltage calibrator signal

rise times.

Manual addenda

Any improvements or changes concerning the calibration standard or manual will
be explained in an addendum. Be sure to note these changes and update this doc­ument accordingly before using the unit.

Safety symbols and terms

The following symbols and tarns may bc found on an instrument or used in this
manual.

The f$~
operating instructions located in the instruction manual.

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

The CAUTION heading used in this manual explains hazards that could damage
the calibration standard. Such damage may invalidate the warranty.

symbol on an instrument indicates that the user should refer to the

Specifications

Model 5156 specifications ax located at the front of this document,

Unpacking and inspection

Inspection for damage

Upon receiving the Model 5156, carefully inspect it for any signs of obvious
physical damage. Report any such damage to the shipping agent immediately.

Handling precautions

When handling the calibration standard, take care not to touch the connector
insulators as doing so could degrade performance. Leave the protective caps on
the connectors when the unit is not being used.

Shipment contents

The following items are included with every Model 5156 order:

- Model 5156 Electrometer Calibration Standard

l Charge filter

* Model 7078.TRX-3 triax connecting cable
* Model 8501-l data transfer cable
* Additional accessories as ordered

2

Documentation

If an additional copy of this document is required, order the complete package,
Keithley pat number 5156-901-00. The package includes an instruction manual
and any pertinent addenda.

Repacking for shipment

When returning the Model 5156 for calibration or repair, carefully pack the unit

in its original packing cuton or the equivalent, and include the following infor­mation:

- Call the Repair Department at I-800-552-1 I I5 for a Return Material Autho­rization (RMA) number.

* Write ATTENTION REPAIR DEPARTMENT and the RMA numhcr on the

shipping label.

* Advise as to the warranty status of the unit.
* Fill out and include the service form located at the back of this manual.

Optional accessories

The following optional accessories are recommended for use with the Model

5156.

Model 4851 BNC Shorting Plug: Shorts HI and LO terminals of Model 5156
BNC jacks when using the unit as a resistance or capacitance standard.

Model 6171 J-Slot Male to Z-Lug Female Triax Adapter: Allows connection
of 2-slot triax cables to the Model 5 156 triax OUTPUT jack.

Model 7051 BNC Cables: BNC to BNC cables (RG-SC), available in 0.6m (2
ft.), l.5m (5 ft.), and 3.Om (10 ft.) lengths as Models 7051.2, 7051.5, and 7051.

IO respectively. Useful for connecting equipment such as voltage calibrators to

the Model 5156 BNC jacks.
Model 7078 Wax Cables: Low-noise triax cables terminated with male 3.slot

triax connectors, available in 0.9m (3 ft.), 3.Om (IO ft.), and 6.Om (20 ft.) lengths

as Models 7078.3,707s.IO, and 7078.20 respectively. Use to connect equipment

to the Model 5 156 triax OUTPUT jack.

3

2

Operation

Introduction

This section contains detailed information on Model 5156 operation, including
connections when using the unit as a current, charge, resistance, and capacitance
standard.

WARNING

The procedures in this section are intended only for quali­fied service personnel. Some of these procedures may

expose you to potentially lethal voltages.

Definition of a standard

A standard is a component whose value has been accurately measured and whose

stability (variation in value over time) can be accurately predicted. Generally.
such standards are measured by equipment with uncertainty that is traceable to
NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) standard values.

Model 5156 specifications stated at the front of this document take into account
both the measured value and the stability of each component resistor or capacitor.

Panel familiarization

lop panel
Figure 2. I shows the top panel of the Model 5 156. The various components include:

BNC Standard Jacks: Each of the four standard resistors and two standard

capacitors is connected to its own individual BNC jack. When used as a current
or charge standard, a DC voltage calibrator is connected to the appropriate jack.
When used as a resistance standard, a BNC shorting plug is connected to the
appropriate jack. Note that each standard is connected to the center conductor,
while the shell of each jack is connected to chassis ground.

OUTPUT Jack: This 3.lug triax jack is normally connected to the input of the
instrument being tested. The center conductor is internally connected to each of
the resistance and capacitance standards, the inner ring is connected to SHIELD,
and the outer ring is at chassis ground.

WARNING

To assure proper safety grounding, always connect the
OUTPUT jack to the electrometer INPUT jack before
applying voltage to the Model 5156.

CAUTION

Do not exceed ZOOV peak maximum input voltage.

Characterization Value Label: A label that contains the characterized values of

the standard resistors and capacitors is affixed to the top panel.

+

Figure 2-l
Top panel

+

r71

+

Front panel
Figure 2-2 shows the front panel. Various components include:

SHIELD: This jack is internally connected to the inner conductor of the triax
OUTPUT jack.

CHASSIS: This jack is connected to Model 5156 chassis.

NOTE

For all operating modes except guarded ohms, SHIELD and
CHASSlS must he jumpered together using the supplied short-

ing link. (See Resistance standard operation later in this sec-

tion for details on guarded ohms connections.)

TO 6517 DIGITAL I/O Jack: This DIN jack connects the unit to the Model
6517 Electrometer when cnlihrating that instrument. Use the supplied data trans­fer cable to make the connection

Figure 2-3 shows the configuration of the supplied charge filter. The purpose of
the filter is to minimize the effects of rapid voltage calibrator rise times that
would otherwise affect charge measurements.

To use the charge filter, connect the OUTPUT jack to the 1nF or lOOoF BNC jack
of the Model 5156, and connect the INPUT jack to the DC voltage calibrator
using a suitable BNC cable. Note that the charge filter should he used only for

8

TO

5156

BNC

Jack
Figure 2-3
Chargefilter

charge measurements and should not bc connected when the Model 5 156 is being
used as a current, rcsistancc, or capacitance standard.

Figure 2-4 shows a schematic of the charge filter, which is a simple RC network
that forms a. single-pole, low-pass filter.

Figure 2-4
Charpjilter .schematic

TO

Calibrator

Test considerations

* Use the Model 5 I56 at an ambient temperate of 23” +3”C.

- Do not touch triax or BNC jack insulators. If the insulators become contami­nated, they should he carefully clenncd as covcrcd in Section 3.

* Keep caps on connecting jacks when not in USC.
* Use only quality connecting cables, and keep cables as short as possible.

- Do not flex or vibrate cables while making measurements.

- Perform all tests at a stable ambient temperature and humidity recommended
by equipment manufacturers.

Recommended voltage calibrators

A DC voltage calibrator is required when using the Model 5156 as a current or
charge standard. Table 2-1 summarizes recommended calibrators.

Table 2-1
Recommended voltage calibrators

~~~

Current standard operation

Current connections
Figure 2-5 shows connections for operation as a current standard. When making

connections:

- Connect the Model 5156 OUTPUT jack to the INPUT jack of the instru­ment being tested using a suitable triax cahlc.

WARNING

To assure proper grounding, connect the Model 5156 OUT­PUT jack to the instrument INPUT jack before applying
voltages to the standard.

- Connect the appropriate resistance standard jack to the DC voltage calihra­tar using a BNC cable and adapter.

- Be sure that the Model 5156 SHIELD and CHASSIS jacks on the front
panel are connected together.

CAUTION

Do not apply more than 200V peak to the Model 5156.

Current calculations
The generated current value may he calculated from the standard resistance and

calibrator voltage as follows:

I=V/R

Where: I = generated current.

V = calibrator voltage.
R = resistance standard value.

Example: Assume that the calibrator voltage is 2OV. and that the actual value of
the IOGQ resistor is 9.9GQ. The generated current is:

I = 20V/9.9GQ
I = 2.020202nA

Figure 2-5

Current standard connections

II

Typical calibrator voltages

Table 2-2 summarizes typical calibrator voltages, resistance standards used, and
the resulting currents. Currents are based on nominal resistance values.

Table 2-2
Typical calihmror voltqes for current

Nominal Calibrator Standnrd

current voltage

standard

resistance

operation

2pA

2OpA 2v

2OOpA 2v

2nA 2v IGQ

20nA

2OOnA

7~4

0.2v

2ov
2OV

2oov

lOOGR
1OOGR

IOGQ

1GQ
IOOMR
IOOMQ

Charge standard operation

Charge connections

Figure 2-6 shows connections for operation as a charge standard. When making
connections, be sure to:

- Connect the Model 5156 OUTPUT jack to the INPUT jack of the instru­ment being tested using a suitable triax cable.

WARNING

To assure proper grounding, connect the Model 5156 OUT­PUT jack to the instrument INPUT jack before applying
voltages to the standard.

- Connect the charge filter OUTPUT jack to the BNC jack of the capacitance

standard being used.

- Connect the charge filter INPUT jack to the DC voltage calibrator using a

BNC cable and adapter.

* Be sure that the Model 5156 SHIELD and CHASSIS jacks on the front

panel are connected together.

12

CAUTION

Do not apply more thnn 2OOV peak to the charge filter or
the Model 5156.

Connect Cable
Shield to
Output LO

Figure 2-6
Charge standard connections

J

Model 5156 Electrometer Calibration Standard

13

Charge calculations

The generated charge value may be calculated from the standard capacitance and
calibrator voltage as follows:

Q= CV

Where: Q = generated charge.

V = calibrator voltage.
C = capacitance standard value

Example: Assume that the calibrator voltage is ZV, and that the actual value of the

100°F capacitor is lOl.3nF. The generated charge is:

Q=2Vx 101.3nF
Q = 202.6nC

Typical calibrator voltages

Table 2-3 summakes typical calibrator voltages, capacitance standards used,

and the resulting charge values, which arc based on nominal capacitance values.

Table 2-3
Typical calibrator vokqesfor charge standard operation

I4

Calibrator

voltage

2v

2ov

2v

2ov

Standard
capacitor

1°F

1°F
100°F
100°F

Resistance standard operation

Unguarded operation

Figure 2-7 shows unguarded connections when using the Model 5 I56 as a resis­tancc standard. When making connections:

- Connect the Model 5156 OUTPUT jack to the instrument INPUT jack using

a suitable triax

* Connect the Model 4851 BNC Shorting Plug to the RNC jack associated

with the desired rcsistancc standard.

* Bc sure the SHIELD and CHASSIS jacks on the front panel arc conncctcd

together.

cable.

Figure 2-7

Unglrarded resistance connections

15

Guarded operation

Guarded connections are recommended for resistances 10GQ and abovc, and
only when using the Model 5156 as a resistance standard to test instruments that

measure resistance using the source current, mcasurc voltage resistance mcasurc-

ment method. Guarding is neither required nor recommended when used with

instruments that use the source voltage, measure current resistance measurement
method, such as the Model 65 I7 Electrometer.

Figure 2-8 shows guarded resistance connections. When making connections:

- Connect the Model 51 S6 OUTPUT jack to the instrument INPUT jack using
a suitable triax cable.

- Conncct the Model 48.51 BNC Shorting Plug to the BNC jack associated
with the desired resistance standard.

- Remove the link between the SHIELD and CHASSIS jacks.

- If instrument common is not connected to chassis ground, connect the
Model 5156 CHASSIS jack to the instrument common input terminal.

* If the test instrument does not automatically apply the guard signal to the

inner shield of the triax connecting cable, connect the Model 5156 SHIELD

jack to the guard or preamp output terminal of the test instrument.

WARNING

Hazardous voltage may be present on the Model 5156
SHIELD and OUTPUT jacks when using guarding.

I6

r COMMON

Figure 2-8

Guarded resistance connections

17

Calibrating/verifying the Model 6517A Electrometer

The Model 5156 was designed primarily to aid in calibrating and verifying the
accuracy of the Model 6517A Electrometer. In order to calibrate the Model
6517A, the Model 5156 must be connected to the DIGITAL I/O jack of the clec­trometer as shown in Figure 2-9.

For detailed information on using the Model 5156 for Model 65 l7A verification
and calibration, refer to the Model 6517A Calibration Manual.

Model 5156 Electrmeter Calibrator Standard

Figure 2-9
Di,qiral l/0 connections

I8

3

Maintenance

Introduction

This section contains information on connector cleaning, standards characteriza­tion, and factory service.

Connector cleaning

Connector insulators must bc kept clean and fret of contamination, or pcrfor­mance of the calibration standard may be degraded. Should connectors become
contaminated through touching, or from air-borne deposits, they may bc cleaned

with a lint-free swab dipped in clean methanol. Once all contamination is

removed, allow the unit to dry for several hours in a 50°C low-humidity environ-

ment before use.

Factory characterization

Model 5156 resistance and capacitance standards should be characterized at least

once a year to ensure calibration integrity. Because of the difficulty in obtaining
test equipment with sufficient accuracy, it is strongly recommended that the unit
be returned to the factory for characterization. See Factory service below for

information on returning the unit for calibration or repair

User characterization

Those who wish to characterize the Model 5156 can do so using appropriate test

equipment. Procedures and choice of test equipment are left up to the technician.

NOTE

Test equipment certainty should be at lcast four times better
than equivalent Model 5 I56 specifications.

19

See Section 2 for information on test connections

Updating standards values

Once resistance and capacitance values have been accurately measured, the val­ues stored in Model 5156 NVRAM must be updated. To do so, connect the
Model 5156 to the DIGITAL l/O port of the Model 6517 Electrometer (set Fig­urc 2-8 in Section Z), then pcrfonn the appropriate procedure outlined below.

Front panel

To update standard values from the front panel, proceed as follows:

I. Press the MENU key, then choose the CAL/CAL-OPT/EDIT-CONST selec-

tion.

2. Enter the password (default = 5156), then follow the prompts on the display
to enter new standard values. (USC the up range key to scroll through num­bers, or use the down range key to scroll through letters.)

Save the new values, then press the EXIT key to return to normal display.

3.

IEEE-488

Table 3-l summarizes Model 6517 bus commands. Follow the steps below to
program new standards values:

I. Send the following command to unlock Model 5156 calibration using the

2. Send the appropriate commands from Table 3-l to program each standard

3. Program the calibration date and due date using the following commands:

20

bus

password:

:cAL:uNPR:cmD:uNL ‘cPassword>’

For example, the following command sends the default password:

:cAL:uNPR:cAm:uNL ‘515.5

value. For example, the following command would program a IOIMP resis­tor value:

:cAL:uNPR:cARD:DAm <year>,<month>,<date
:cAL:uNPR:cARD:NDm qJear>,um”th>,<clate

4. Save new standard values and dates with the following command:
:cAL:uNPR:cARD:.s*vE

5. Lock out the NVRAM from further modification by sending the following
command:

Table 3-1

Calibration commands

lommand
ALibration:

UNPRotected:

OPTion?

CARD:

RlOOM < Nrf >
RlOOM?
RlG < Nrf >
RlG?
RlOG C Nrf >

HOG?

RlOOG C Nrf >
RlOOG?
ClOOOP < Nrf >

ClOOOP?
ClOON < Nr-f >
ClOON?
DxrE <Year>,aOnth>,<Date>

DATE?

NINE <Year>,ao”th>,<Date>

NDUE?

Description
Calibration root command.

Unprotected subsystem.

Returns “51%CALOPTION” if a

Model 5156 is connected, or”0” if
“Ol.

These commands control the Model

5156.
Send IOOMO resistor value. *
Request 1OOMn resistor value
Send IGP resistor value. *
Request lG61 resistor wluc.
Send IOGQ resistor value. *
Request lOGS2 resistor value.
Send IOOGO rcsintor value. *
Rcqucst 1OOGQ resistor value.
Send IOOOpF (1 nF) capacitor value.

*

Request 1OOOpF capacitor value.
Send 10OnF capacitor value. *
Request 100°F capacitor value.
Program cat date (Year = ,994.

2093). *
Rcqucst cat date.
Program due date (Year = 1994.

2093). *
Request due date.

21

Table 3-l (cont.)

Calibration command,s

UNLock ‘< Password>’

LOCK

LOCK?
SAVE

wcription

Send a new password; up t” 7 char-

acters. Valid characters:
“01234567X9+-ABCDEFGHIJ
KLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ”; all
lower-case lcttcrs are converted to
upper-case. **

Unlock the save abilily. The correct

password must be sent to unlock
the save ability. (Default = 5lS6)

***

Relock the NVRAM; requires a

new password hcforc any saves

can be made.
Returns: 0 = locked; 1 = unlocked.
Saves all cdl cunstants, dates, and

new password in 5156 NVRAM.

*

Viewing characterized values

To view standards values from the front panel, select the CALICAL-OPTNIEW­CONST selection, then sclcct the desired standard value to display.

To request values over the bus, simply send the appropriate command. For exam­plc, to request the value of the 10GQ constant, send the following:

22

Replaceable parts

The Model 5156 has no user-serviceable parts and must be returned to the factory
for repair. See Facfory

service

below for details on returning the unit.

Factory service

When returning the Model 5156 for characterization or repair, carefully pack the
unit in its original packing carton or the equivalent, and include the following
information:

l Call the Repair Department at I-800-552-1 I15 for a Rctum Material Autho-

rization (RMA) number.

* Write ATTENTION REPAIR DEPARTMENT and the RMA number on the

shipping label.
. Advise as to the warranty status of the unit.
* Fill out and include the service form located at the back of this manual. Be

sure to indicate the type of service required.

Schematic diagram

A schematic diagram of the Model 5156 is located at the end of this section.

23

-

a

,,

Index

B
BNC standard jacks

C

Calibrating/verifying the Model 6517A
Electrometer 18

Calibration commands 2,
Characterization w,l,,e lobe, 6
Charge calculations 14
Charge c”nnecti”ns 12
Chqe lilter 8
Charge standard operation 12
CHASSIS 8
Connector cleaning 10
Current calculations IO
Current connections 10
Current standard “peration 10

D
Delioitian ol a standard

Ducumentation 3

F
Factory characterization
Fclctory service 23
Features I
Front panel 8

G

General inf”rmati”n I
Guarded “perado” 16

H
Handling precautions 2

6

5

19

I
Inspection Cm damage 2

M
Maintenance 19
Manual addenda 1

0
Operation 5

Optional accessuries 1
OUTPUT jack 6

I’
Panel Camiliaization 6

R
Recommended vologc calibrators 9

Repacking f”r fihipment ,
Replaceable parts 23
Rcsistancc standard operation 15

S
Safety symbols and tcrm~

Schemadc diagram 23
SHIELD 8
Shipment ~“nients 2
Specilicadons 2

T

Test considerations 9
To 6517 DIGITAL 1/O jack
‘lbp pane, 6

Typical calibrator vultager

2

8

12, 14

U
Unguarded operation 15
Unpacking and inspection 2
Updating standards values

Front pun.4 20
IEBM8X bus 20

User characterization 19

V
Viewing characterized values 22

Service Form

Specifications are subject to change without notice.
All Keithley trademarks and trade names are the property of Keithley Instruments, Inc. All other

trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective companies.

Keithley Instruments, Inc.

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

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

© Copyright 2000 Keithley Instruments, Inc. No. 2193
Printed in the U.S.A. 4/2001