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Tektronix 6524 Primary User

www.keithley.com
Model 6524 High Resistance Measurement Software
User’s Manual
6524-900-01 Rev. C / March 2007
A GREATER MEASURE OF CONFIDENCE

WARRANTY

Keithley Instruments, Inc. warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from date of shipment.
Keithley Instruments, Inc. warrants the following items for 90 days from the date of shipment: probes, cables, software, rechargeable batteries, diskettes, and documentation.
During the warranty period, Keithley Instruments will, at its option, either repair or replace any product that proves to be defective.
To exercise this warranty, write or call your local Keithley Instruments representative, or contact Keithley Instruments headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. You will be given prompt assistance and return instructions. Send the product, transportation prepaid, to the indicated service facility. Repairs will be made and the product returned, transportation prepaid. Repaired or replaced products are warranted for the balance of the original warranty period, or at least 90 days.
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY
This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from product modification without Keithley Instruments’ express written consent, or misuse of any product or part. This warranty also does not apply to fuses, software, 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: COST OF REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION, LOSSES SUSTAINED AS THE RESULT OF INJURY TO ANY PERSON, OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.
A G R E A T E R M E A S U R E O F C O N F I D E N C E
Keithley Instruments, Inc.
Corporate Headquarters • 28775 Aurora Road • Cleveland, Ohio 44139
3/07
Model 6524 High Resistance Measurement Software
User’s Manual
©2007, Keithley Instruments, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.
Document Number: 6524-900-01 Rev. C / March 2007

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 6524-900-01) ........................................................................................ May 1997
Addendum A (Document Number 6524-900-02)................................................................................. August 1997
Revision B (Document Number 6524-900-01) ........................................................................................ May 1999
Revision C (Document Number 6524-900-01) ..................................................................................... March 2007
All Keithley product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of Keithley Instruments, Inc. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
The following safety precautions should be observed before using this product and any associated instrumentation. Although some instruments and accessories would normally be used with non-hazardous voltages, there are situations where hazardous conditions may be present.
This product is intended for use by qualified personnel who recognize shock hazards and are familiar with the safety precautions required to avoid possible injury. Read and follow all installation, operation, and maintenance information carefully before using the product. Refer to the user documentation for complete product specifications.
If the product is used in a manner not specified, the protection provided by the product warranty may be impaired.
The types of product users are:
Responsible body is the individual or group responsible for the use and maintenance of equipment, for ensuring that the equipment is operated within its specifications and operating limits, and for ensuring that operators are adequately trained.
Operators use the product for its intended function. They must be trained in electrical safety procedures and proper use of the instrument. They must be protected from electric shock and contact with hazardous live circuits.
Maintenance personnel perform routine procedures on the product to keep it operating properly, for example, setting the line voltage or replacing consumable materials. Maintenance procedures are described in the user documentation. The procedures explicitly state if the operator may perform them. Otherwise, they should be performed only by service personnel.

Safety Precautions

Service personnel are trained to work on live circuits, perform safe installations, and repair products. Only properly trained service
personnel may perform installation and service procedures.
Keithley Instruments products are designed for use with electrical signals that are rated Measurement Category I and Measurement Category II, as described in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard IEC 60664. Most measurement, control, and data I/O signals are Measurement Category I and must not be directly connected to mains voltage or to voltage sources with high transient over-voltages. Measurement Category II connections require protection for high transient over-voltages often associated with local AC mains connections. Assume all measurement, control, and data I/O connections are for connection to Category I sources unless otherwise marked or described in the user documentation.
Exercise extreme caution when a shock hazard is present. Lethal voltage may be present on cable connector jacks or test fixtures. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) states that a shock hazard exists when voltage levels greater than 30V RMS, 42.4V peak, or 60VDC are present. A good safety practice is to expect that hazardous voltage is present in any unknown circuit before measuring.
Operators of this product must be protected from electric shock at all times. The responsible body must ensure that operators are prevented access and/or insulated from every connection point. In some cases, connections must be exposed to potential human contact. Product operators in these circumstances must be trained to protect themselves from the risk of electric shock. If the circuit is capable of operating at or above 1000V, no conductive part of the circuit may be exposed.
Do not connect switching cards directly to unlimited power circuits. They are intended to be used with impedance-limited sources. NEVER connect switching cards directly to AC mains. When connecting sources to switching cards, install protective devices to limit fault current and voltage to the card.
Before operating an instrument, ensure that the line cord is connected to a properly-grounded power receptacle. Inspect the connecting cables, test leads, and jumpers for possible wear, cracks, or breaks before each use.
12/06
When installing equipment where access to the main power cord is restricted, such as rack mounting, a separate main input power
!
disconnect device must be provided in close proximity to the equipment and within easy reach of the operator.
For maximum safety, do not touch the product, test cables, or any other instruments while power is applied to the circuit under test. ALWAYS remove power from the entire test system and discharge any capacitors before: connecting or disconnecting cables or jumpers, installing or removing switching cards, or making internal changes, such as installing or removing jumpers.
Do not touch any object that could provide a current path to the common side of the circuit under test or power line (earth) ground. Always make measurements with dry hands while standing on a dry, insulated surface capable of withstanding the voltage being measured.
The instrument and accessories must be used in accordance with its specifications and operating instructions, or the safety of the equipment may be impaired.
Do not exceed the maximum signal levels of the instruments and accessories, as defined in the specifications and operating information, and as shown on the instrument or test fixture panels, or switching card.
When fuses are used in a product, replace with the same type and rating for continued protection against fire hazard.
Chassis connections must only be used as shield connections for measuring circuits, NOT as safety earth ground connections.
If you are using a test fixture, keep the lid closed while power is applied to the device under test. Safe operation requires the use of a lid interlock.
If a screw is present, connect it to safety earth ground using the wire recommended in the user documentation.
The symbol on an instrument indicates that the user should refer to the operating instructions located in the user documentaion.
The symbol on an instrument shows that it can source or measure 1000V or more, including the combined effect of normal and common mode voltages. Use standard safety precautions to avoid personal contact with these voltages.
The symbol on an instrument shows that the surface may be hot. Avoid personal contact to prevent burns.
The symbol indicates a connection terminal to the equipment frame.
The WARNING heading in the user documentation explains dangers that might result in personal injury or death. Always read the associated information very carefully before performing the indicated procedure.
The CAUTION heading in the user documentation explains hazards that could damage the instrument. Such damage may invalidate the warranty.
Instrumentation and accessories shall not be connected to humans.
Before performing any maintenance, disconnect the line cord and all test cables.
To maintain protection from electric shock and fire, replacement components in mains circuits - including the power transformer, test leads, and input jacks - must be purchased from Keithley Instruments. Standard fuses with applicable national safety approvals may be used if the rating and type are the same. Other components that are not safety-related may be purchased from other suppliers as long as they are equivalent to the original component (note that selected parts should be purchased only through Keithley Instruments to maintain accuracy and functionality of the product). If you are unsure about the applicability of a replacement component, call a Keithley Instruments office for information.
To clean an instrument, use a damp cloth or mild, water-based cleaner. Clean the exterior of the instrument only. Do not apply cleaner directly to the instrument or allow liquids to enter or spill on the instrument. Products that consist of a circuit board with no case or chassis (e.g., a data acquisition board for installation into a computer) should never require cleaning if handled according to instructions. If the board becomes contaminated and operation is affected, the board should be returned to the factory for proper cleaning/servicing.
1 Getting Started
Introduction......................................................................................................................................................... 1-2
Software installation ............................................................................................................................................1-2
Connections..........................................................................................................................................................1-3
GPIB (IEEE-488 bus) connections .............................................................................................................. 1-3
Resistance/resistivity test fixtures................................................................................................................1-4
Temperature and humidity sensors ..............................................................................................................1-5
Loading a program ............................................................................................................................................... 1-6
Editing TESTPT.INI file..............................................................................................................................1-7
GPIB timeout error....................................................................................................................................... 1-7
Graphs .................................................................................................................................................................. 1-8
Printing and copying ....................................................................................................................................1-8
Inspect .......................................................................................................................................................... 1-8
Abort ............................................................................................................................................................1-9
Peak-to-Peak (Pk-Pk)................................................................................................................................... 1-9
Alternating Polarity Test method.......................................................................................................................1-10
2 6517 Hi-R Test

Table of Contents

6517 Hi-R test ..................................................................................................................................................... 2-2
Measurement configuration controls ................................................................................................................... 2-3
Measure time................................................................................................................................................ 2-3
Offset voltage and alternating voltage .........................................................................................................2-3
Alternating voltage....................................................................................................................................... 2-3
Readings to store.......................................................................................................................................... 2-4
Readings to discard ......................................................................................................................................2-4
Current range................................................................................................................................................2-4
Auto range....................................................................................................................................................2-5
Measurement type ........................................................................................................................................ 2-5
Graphs show on run ..................................................................................................................................... 2-6
General setup controls.......................................................................................................................................... 2-6
Save/Load..................................................................................................................................................... 2-6
GPIB address................................................................................................................................................2-8
Geometries ...................................................................................................................................................2-8
Running the Test ................................................................................................................................................ 2-10
Run ............................................................................................................................................................. 2-10
Abort ..........................................................................................................................................................2-13
Idle/Operator indicator............................................................................................................................... 2-13
Measurement box....................................................................................................................................... 2-13
View Graphs ..............................................................................................................................................2-13
Measurement timing .........................................................................................................................................2-13
i
3 6517 Hi-R Step Response
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 3-2
6517 setting panels ...............................................................................................................................................3-2
Measure Time...............................................................................................................................................3-3
Step Voltage .................................................................................................................................................3-3
Current Range...............................................................................................................................................3-3
Auto Range...................................................................................................................................................3-3
NPLCs ..........................................................................................................................................................3-4
Main panel ............................................................................................................................................................3-4
GPIB Addr....................................................................................................................................................3-5
Save/Load.....................................................................................................................................................3-5
6517 Settings ................................................................................................................................................3-5
X Log and Y Log..........................................................................................................................................3-5
Cursors..........................................................................................................................................................3-6
Best Fit..........................................................................................................................................................3-6
Running the test....................................................................................................................................................3-8
Run ...............................................................................................................................................................3-8
Abort.............................................................................................................................................................3-8
4 6517A Hi-R Sweep Test
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 4-2
Alternating voltage options ..........................................................................................................................4-2
Sweep series configuration.................................................................................................................................. 4-3
Editing measurement parameters .................................................................................................................4-4
Selecting measurement parameter options ...................................................................................................4-7
Test setup controls................................................................................................................................................4-9
Rdgs to discard .............................................................................................................................................4-9
Current Range...............................................................................................................................................4-9
Auto Range.................................................................................................................................................4-10
Measurement Type .....................................................................................................................................4-10
GPIB Address.............................................................................................................................................4-11
Save/Load...................................................................................................................................................4-11
Geometries..................................................................................................................................................4-11
Running the test..................................................................................................................................................4-11
Run .............................................................................................................................................................4-11
Abort...........................................................................................................................................................4-13
5 6517A Hi-R, Temp, and RH
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 5-2
Measurement configuration controls....................................................................................................................5-3
Readings to store ..........................................................................................................................................5-3
Readings to discard.......................................................................................................................................5-4
T or RH?.......................................................................................................................................................5-4
General setup controls ..........................................................................................................................................5-4
GPIB address................................................................................................................................................5-4
Save/Load.....................................................................................................................................................5-4
Geometries....................................................................................................................................................5-5
Running the test....................................................................................................................................................5-5
Run ...............................................................................................................................................................5-5
Abort.............................................................................................................................................................5-5
ii
1 Getting Started
IEEE-488 connector............................................................................................................................................ 1-3
IEEE-488 connector location ...............................................................................................................................1-3
Connections..........................................................................................................................................................1-4
Connections for resistivity measurements using Model 8009 fixture.................................................................. 1-5
Temperature and humidity sensor connections.................................................................................................... 1-5
Single 6517 Hi-R application message ................................................................................................................ 1-6
GPIB board error message ...................................................................................................................................1-6
GPIB timeout panel.............................................................................................................................................. 1-7
2 6517 Hi-R Test
Hi-R test panel .................................................................................................................................................... 2-2
Current range menu.............................................................................................................................................. 2-4
Auto range control menu...................................................................................................................................... 2-5
Measurement type menu ......................................................................................................................................2-5
Graphs show on run ............................................................................................................................................. 2-6
Save/Load panel...................................................................................................................................................2-6
GPIB address panel.............................................................................................................................................. 2-8
Geometries panel..................................................................................................................................................2-8
Test current graph .............................................................................................................................................. 2-11
R vs. Reading Number .......................................................................................................................................2-12
Hi-R test infinity ................................................................................................................................................ 2-12
Measurement box............................................................................................................................................... 2-13
Measurement timing warning ............................................................................................................................2-14

List of Figures

3 6517 Hi-R Step Response
Settings panel ...................................................................................................................................................... 3-2
Main panel............................................................................................................................................................ 3-4
Current graph — log scale ................................................................................................................................... 3-7
Best Fit — Cursor points 51 and 109...................................................................................................................3-7
Best Fit — Cursor points 125 and 226.................................................................................................................3-8
iii
4 6517A Hi-R Sweep Test
Sweep test panel .................................................................................................................................................. 4-3
Measure Time configuration panel.......................................................................................................................4-5
Offset Voltage configuration panel ......................................................................................................................4-5
Alternating Voltage configuration panel ..............................................................................................................4-5
Alternating between Zero and V configuration panel ..........................................................................................4-5
Measure time options ...........................................................................................................................................4-8
Offset voltage options...........................................................................................................................................4-8
Alternating voltage options ..................................................................................................................................4-8
Alternating between zero and V options ..............................................................................................................4-8
Setting conflict error message ..............................................................................................................................4-8
Auto Range.........................................................................................................................................................4-10
Measurement Type .............................................................................................................................................4-10
Sample graph ......................................................................................................................................................4-12
Infinity message panel........................................................................................................................................4-12
5 6517A Hi-R, Temp, and RH
Hi-R, Temp, and RH panel.................................................................................................................................. 5-2
R vs. time and temperature vs. time .....................................................................................................................5-6
Relative humidity vs. time....................................................................................................................................5-6
Infinity message panel..........................................................................................................................................5-7
iv
1 6517 Hi-R Test
Measurement configuration controls .................................................................................................................. 2-3
2 6517 Hi-R Step Response
Settings panel controls ........................................................................................................................................ 3-3
3 6517A Hi-R Sweep Test
Sweep series parameter settings.......................................................................................................................... 4-6
Test setup control settings....................................................................................................................................4-9
4 6517A Hi-R, Temp, and RH
Measurement configuration controls settings ..................................................................................................... 5-3

List of Tables

v
vi
1

Getting Started

1-2 Getting Started

Introduction

The Model 6524 software package contains four test programs to perform resistance/resistivity measurements.
Program information
• 6517 Hi-R Test — This test performs resistance/resistivity measurements using the Alter-
nating Polarity method. Two graphs are generated: I vs. Time and R vs. Reading Numbers (measurements). This program is documented in Section 2. If you are unfamiliar with the Alternating Polarity method for high resistance measurements, see 6517 Hi-R Test.
• 6517 Hi-R Step Response — This program allows you to analyze a sample’s current in
response to a voltage step. Tools are provided to analyze the decay characteristics of the cur rent trace. Logarithmic and linear scaling are provided for the I vs. Time graph. This pro­gram is documented in Section 3. If you need to see in more detail the transient current response of your sample to a voltage step, see 6517 Hi-R Step Response.
• 6517A Hi-R Sweep Test — This program uses an alternating stimulus voltage with measure-
ments performed at specified sweep points. The test can sweep a series of alternating voltage values or a series of measure time values. The output plots Measurements vs. a Sweep Parame ter. Measurements can be resistance, surface resistivity, volume resistivity, or current. The Sweep Parameter can be a varying measure time, alternating voltages, various offset voltages, or a voltage that alternates between zero and the specified values. This program is documented in Section 4. If you are familiar with the Alternating Polarity method and want to study how voltage and time parameters affect the resistance/resistivity of your sample, see 6517A Hi-R Sweep test.
• 6517A Hi-R Temp and RH — This program allows resistivity/resistance measurements to be
made simultaneously with temperature and/or humidity. The three graphs plot R vs. Time, Temperature vs. Time and Relative Humidity vs. Time. This program is documented in Section
5. If you are familiar with the Alternating Polarity method and want to investigate how tempera ture and humidity affect the resistance/resistivity of your sample, see 6517A Hi-R Temp and RH.
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NOTE The 6517 HI-R Test and 6517 Hi-R Step Response programs can be run using either

Software installation

Perform one of the following procedures to install the Model 6524 software in your computer:
Windows XP or 2000
1. Insert the CD installation disk into a CD-ROM drive.
2. Click the Start button and then click Run.
3. Type x:\setup (where x is the drive letter) and press Enter.
the Model 6517 or 6517A electrometer. The 6517A Hi-R Sweep Test and 6517A Hi­R Temp and RH programs can only be run using the Model 6517A electrometer.

Connections

Figure 1-1
IEEE-488 connector
T FIRE HAZARD,REPLACE FUSE WITH SAME TYPE AND RATING.
LINE RATING
50-60HZ
50VA MAX
AC ONLY
LINE FUSE
SLOWBLOW
1/2A 90-125V
1/4A 180-250V
IEEE-488
(CHANGE IEEE ADDRESS
WITH FRONT PANEL MENU)
DIGITAL
I/O
TRIG LINK
115V
Figure 1-2
IEEE-488 connector location
GPIB (IEEE-488 bus) connections
Getting Started 1-3
The electrometer is connected to the computer using an IEEE-488 cable (i.e., Keithley Models 7007-1 or 7007-2). The cable is terminated on both ends with the connector shown in Figure 1-1. One end of the cable connects to the IEEE-488 interface of the computer, and the other end con nects to the IEEE-488 connector on the rear panel of the electrometer (see Figure 1-2).
-
1-4 Getting Started
Resistivity test fixtures
Resistance measurements — Figure 1-3A shows the connections to the Model 8002A for resistance measurements. For details on mounting the DUT (device under test) in the test fixture, refer to the Model 8002A manual. If using a different test fixture, refer to Figure 1-3B, which shows the basic connections between the DUT and the electrometer.
Resistivity measurements — Figure 1-3 shows the connections to the Model 8009 for resistivity measurements. For details on mounting the sample in the test fixture, refer to the Model 8009 manual.
ATTENTION Connectionfor Vsource and Ammeter Low terminals must be
connected externally. The 6524 software does not support the Metter Connect feature of the Model 6517A.
WARNING To prevent electric shock, make sure the safety interlock cable
is properly installed as shown in Figures 1-3. When the cable is properly installed, the V-Source of the electrometer will go into standby whenever the test fixture lid is opened.
Getting Started 1-5
Model 6517A
CAUTION:
FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE HAZARD,REPLACE FUSE WITH SAME TYPE AND RATING
CAUTION:
FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE HAZARD,REPLACE FUSE WITH SAME TYPE AND RATING
WARNING:
NO INTERNAL OPERATOR SERVICABLE PARTS,SERVICE BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY.
WARNING:
NO INTERNAL OPERATOR SERVICABLE PARTS,SERVICE BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY.
METER SOURCE
LID INTERLOCK
TRIAX
250 MAX
HI-LO
MAX INPUT
1100V
!
INPUT
250V PEAK
COMMON
OUT
!
LINE RATING
90-134VAC
180-250VAC
50, 60, 400HZ
55VA MAX
(CHANG
WITH FR
PREAMP OUT
250V PEAK
V SOURCE
LO HI
INTERLOCK
!
Warning: Connect of fixture to safety earth ground using safety ground wire (supplied with 8002A test fixture).
7078-TRX-3 Triax Cable
8607 Banana Plug Cables
6517-ILC-3 Interlock Cable
Model 8009
Figure 1-3
Connections for resistivity measurements using Model 8009 test fixture
WARNING:NO INTERNAL OPERATOR SERVICABLE PARTS,SERVICE BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY.
WARNING:NO INTERNAL OPERATOR SERVICABLE PARTS,SERVICE BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY.
INPUT
250V PEAK
COMMON
OUT
!
LINE RATING
90-134VAC
180-250VAC
50, 60, 400HZ
55VA MAX
LINE FUSE
SLOWBLOW
1/2A, 250V
IEEE-488
(CHANGE IEEE ADDRESS
WITH FRONT PANEL MENU)
PREAMP OUT
250V PEAK
V SOURCE
LO
Model 6517/6517A
Model 6517-TP
Thermocouple Bead Probe
Model 6517-RH
Humidity Probe
TEMP
TYPE K
HUMIDITY
CAUTION:FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE HAZARD,REPLACE FUSE WITH SAME TYPE AND RATING.
CAUTION:FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE HAZARD,REPLACE FUSE WITH SAME TYPE AND RATING.
Figure 1-4
Temperature and humidity sensor connections
Temperature and humidity sensors
For the 6517A Hi-R, Temp, and RH program, simultaneous temperature and/or humidity mea­surements can be performed along with resistivity/resistance measurements. The connections for these external sensors are shown in Figure 1-5.
1-6 Getting Started
Figure 1-5
Single 6517 Hi-R application message
Figure 1-6
GPIB board error message

Loading a program

Perform one of the following procedures to load one of the Model 6524 test programs. Note that only one program can be run at a time.
Windows 2000 or XP
1. Click Start, select Programs, and then select 6517 Hi-R Applications to display the pro-
2. Click the desired program on the menu.
NOTES • You cannot load a high resistance application program if another one is al-
gram menu.
ready in use (loaded). Attempting to do so will display a message (see Figure 1-
6) to indicate this, and the program will be terminated.
• If the program detects no GPIB board at the I/O address listed in the TESTPT.INI file, the GPIB board error message will be displayed (see Figure 1-7). After clicking OK, the program will proceed but certain functions may not be available.
• After the program is loaded, it attempts to communicate with the electrometer via the GPIB interface. If this communication fails, a GPIB timeout message is displayed (see Figure 1-8). The GPIB timeout error is explained as follows.
Editing TESTPT.INI file
If the GPIB board error message (see Figure 1-7) appeared when you loaded a test program, you must edit settings in the TESTPT.INI file. Perform the following steps:
1. Close the 6524 application program.
Figure 1-7
GPIB timeout panel
2. Using Notepad or another text editor, open C:\RESISTIV\TESTPT.INI.
3. In the GPIB sections(s) of the TestPoint configuration/settings file, add or change the following lines for each board that is installed:
• An “io=” line is needed, which indicates the I/O address of the card.
• An “iostep=” line is needed, which indicates the I/O address change between ports on the card.
• A “clock=” line is needed if the board uses a clock signal other than 8MHz.
Table1-1 provides the default settings for various GPIB board models.
GPIB timeout error
When a program is loaded, it attempts to communicate with the electrometer via the GPIB inter­face. If this communication is not established, the GPIB Timeout panel appears (see Figure 1-8). This timeout error will occur if the electrometer is not turned on, the GPIB cable is not con nected, or the electrometer and the program are not set to the same address. In this event, you can choose one of the following options from the GPIB Timeout panel.
Getting Started 1-7
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1-8 Getting Started
GPIB timeout panel
IGNORE ALL — Clicking this button cancels communication between the program and the electrometer. You will be able to view and set the various controls of the program, but the RUN button will be disabled. After correcting the problem that caused the timeout error, you have two options that will re-enable the RUN button.
• Re-load the program.
• From the Save/Load panel, click the Reset Settings to Factory Default button. Note that
if you run the program without correcting the problem that caused the timeout error, test data will be invalid.
IGNORE — Click this button to skip the command that caused the timeout error. Note however, that another timeout error may occur.
CHECK INSTR. ADDRESS — Clicking this button displays a panel that allows you to check and change the GPIB address for the program. The displayed address must match the GPIB address setting of the electrometer. If they do not match, correct the address and click OK. On the GPIB Timeout panel, click Retry.
RETRY — After resolving the problem that caused the timeout error (i.e., electrometer turned off, incorrect address, or missing bus cable), click RETRY to clear the error.

Graphs

Each test program generates and displays one or more graphs.
Printing and copying
Every graph panel has a pulldown menu that is displayed by clicking the top left corner of the panel. From this menu, you can print the graph (Print Object Data) or the entire panel (Print Panel). You can also use the Copy option of the menu to copy the graph image to a word proces sor document or the XY data coordinates of the graph to a spreadsheet or word processor.
To copy, you must first select the graph by clicking the graph title just inside the upper left corner of the graph. A selected graph for copy is denoted by a dotted line that boxes the title. You can also use the Tab key to select a graph.
Inspect
Each graph has an Inspect button. Clicking this button displays an inspection copy of the graph. From the pulldown menus, you can print, copy, and zoom (for linear graphs). The copy feature lets you copy the X and Y data points to a spreadsheet or word processor.
CAUTION If you minimize the inspection copy of a graph, the Inspect button
on the original graph becomes inoperative. The only way to dis play the inspection copy is to bring it back up from the Windows 95 taskbar or double-click its icon for Windows 3.1.
-
-
The presentation of the inspection copy can be changed by double-clicking various points on the graph. The following summarizes the panels that can be used to change the inspection copy of the graph.
Getting Started 1-9
NOTE You can experiment with the various controls to change the inspection
copy. Close the present inspection copy and start over with a new copy by clicking Inspect again.
Plot Parameters panel — The panel to change the plot parameters is displayed by double-clicking the trace. From this panel, you can change the plot type (such as line, markers, or bars), change the line and marker attributes (such as color, shape, style, and size), or display the graph data in tabular form.
Vertical and Horizontal Axis panels — The panel to change axis parameters is displayed by double-clicking the appropriate axis (vertical or horizontal). From this panel, you can change scaling, tick marks (step, position, and number of minor ticks), line attributes (color, style, and width), and grid style (color, style, and width). The value in the box labeled “Intercept” indicates where that axes intercept. For example, a value of 1 in the vertical intercept box indicates that the vertical axis intercepts the horizontal axis at value 1.
Axis Labels panel — The panel to change the axis labels is displayed by double-clicking the appropriate group of axis labels (vertical axis labels or horizontal axis labels). From this panel, you can change the position of the labels, last label options (on, off, or text), label format (decimal, scientific, or engineering units and resolution), and text parameters (such as font, color, and size).
Text Parameters panel — The panel to change the text parameters for an axis is displayed by double-clicking the appropriate axis name. For example, if you want to make changes to an axis named “Resistance (Ohms),” double-click “Resistance (Ohms).” From this panel you can change the name of the axis and other parameters (such as font, color, and size).
Graph Parameters panel — The panel to change graph parameters is displayed by double­clicking on an open area of the graph. From this panel, you can change the position and back ground color of the graph and plotting area, and you can add a border (B/W or color) around the graph.
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Abort
While a test is in progress, you can watch the results being plotted on a graph. Every test program has an Abort button to terminate the test. Data already gathered will not be erased until you again run the test, load a data file, or exit the program.
Peak-to-Peak (Pk-Pk)
Most graphs have a Peak-to-Peak (or Pk-Pk) display box to indicate the percent deviation for the data in the graph. At any time, it displays the peak-to-peak difference divided by the average value (in percent). Peak-to-Peak is calculated as follows:
NOTE For the Sweep Test, any resistance or resistivity data point plotted as zero
Peak-to-Peak (%) = (max-min)/average × 100
where: max is the maximum data point value in the graph.
min is the minimum data point value in the graph. average is the average of all data points in the graph.
are not used in the Peak-to-Peak calculation. Typically, a zero data point for the Sweep Test indicates invalid data.
1-10 Getting Started

Alternating Polarity Test overview

All application programs, except the Hi-R Step Response program, use the Alternating Polarity Test method. This method is designed to improve high resistance/resistivity measurements. These measurements are prone to large errors due to background currents. These background currents can arise from many sources, and are extremely common and troublesome. Sources in clude: residual currents from previous voltages applied to the sample; currents generated due to piezoelectric effects, triboelectric effects, temperature, or mechanical stress; electrochemical currents; or instrument bias currents. By using an Alternating Polarity stimulus voltage, it is pos sible to isolate stimulated currents from background currents. When the Alternating Polarity method is used, the Voltage Source output of the electrometer alternates between two voltages: Offset Voltage + Alternating V, and Offset Voltage - Alternating V, at timed intervals (the Mea sure Time).
A current measurement (Imeas) is performed at the end of each alternation. After four Imeas values are collected, a current reading is calculated (Icalc). Icalc is the binomially weighted av erage of the last four current measurements (Imeas1 through Imeas4):
Icalc = 1*Imeas1 - 3*Imeas2 + 3*Imeas3 - 1*Imeas4
The signs used for the four terms are the polarities of the alternating portion of the voltages gen­erating the respective currents. This calculation of the stimulated current is unaffected by back­ground current level, slope, or curvature, effectively isolating the stimulated current from the background current. The result is a repeatable value for the stimulated current and resistance or resistivity that are calculated from it.
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The time dependence of the stimulated current is a material property. That is, different results will be obtained when using different Measure Times, due to material characteristics. One of the intended purposes of the 6524 is to explore this property as the Measure Time is varied.
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