Any unauthorized reproduction, photocopy, or use of the information herein, in whole or in part,
without the prior written approval of Keithley Instruments, LLC, is strictly prohibited.
These are the original instructions in Engli sh.
All Keithley Instruments product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of Keithley
Instruments, LLC. Other brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.
Microsoft, Visual C++, Excel, and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Document number: PCT-900-01 Rev. B August 2022
Safety precaut ions
The following safety precautio ns should be observed before using this product and any associated ins tr ument a tion . Alt ho ugh
some instruments and accessories would normally be used with nonhazardous voltages, there are situations where hazardous
conditions may be present.
This product is intended for use by personnel who recognize shock hazards and are familiar with the safety precautions required
to avoid possible injury. Read and follow all installation, operation, and maintenance information careful ly before using the
product. Refer to the user documentation for complete product specifications.
If the product is used in a manner not specified, the protection provided by the product warranty may be impaired.
The types of product users are:
Responsible body is the individual or group responsible for the use and maintenance of equipment, for ensuring that the
equipment is operated within its specifications and operating limits, and for ensuring that operators are adequately trained.
Operators use the product for its intended function. They must be trained in electrical safety procedures and proper use of the
instrument. They must be protected from electric shock and contact with hazardous live circuits.
Maintenance personnel perform routine procedures on the product to keep it operating properly, for example, setting the line
voltage or replacing consumable materials. Maintenance procedures are described in the user documentation. The procedures
explicitly state if the operator may perform them. Otherwise, they should be performed only by service personnel.
Service personnel are trained to work on live circuits, perform safe installations, and repair products. Only properly trained
service personnel may perform insta llat ion and service procedures.
Keithley products are designed for use with electrical signals that are measurement, control, and data I/O connections, with low
transient overvoltages, and must not be directly connected to mains voltage or to voltage sources with high transient
overvoltages. Measurement Category II (as referenced in IEC 60664) connections require protection for high transient
overvoltages often associated with local AC mains connections. Certain Keithley measuring instruments may be connected to
mains. These instruments will be marked as category II or higher.
Unless explicitly allowed in the specifications, operating manual, and instrument labels, do not connect any instrument to mains.
Exercise extreme caution when a shock hazard is present. Lethal voltage may be present on cable connector jacks or test
fixtures. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) states that a shock hazard exists when voltage levels greater than
30 V RMS, 42.4 V peak, or 60 VDC are present. A good safety practice is to expect that hazardous voltage is present in any
unknown circuit before measuring.
Operators of this product must be protected from electric shock at all times. The responsible body must ensure that operators
are prevented access and/or insulated from every connection point. In some cases, connections must be exposed to potential
human contact. Product operators in these circumstances must be trained to protect themselves from the risk of electric shock. If
the circuit is capable of operating at or above 1000 V, no conductive part of the circuit may be exposed.
Do not connect switching cards directly to unlimited power circuits. They are intended to be used with impedance-limited
sources. NEVER connect switching cards directly to AC mains. When connecting 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.
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 oper ator.
For maximum safety, do not touch the product, test cables, or any other instruments while power is applied to the circuit under
test. ALWAYS remove power from the entire test system and discharge any capacitors before connecting or disconnecting
cables or jumpers, installing or removing switching cards, or making internal changes, such as installing or removing jumpers.
Do not touch any object that could provide a current path to the common side of the circuit under test or power line (earth)
ground. Always make measurements with dry hands while standing on a dry, insulated surface capable of withstanding the
voltage being measured.
For safety, instruments and accessories must be used in accordance with the operating instructions. If the instruments or
accessories are used in a manner not specified in the operating instructions, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.
Do not exceed the maximum signal levels of the instruments and accessories. Maximum signal levels are defined in the
specifications and operating information and shown on the instrument panels, test fixture panels, and switching cards.
When fuses are used in a product, replace with the same type and rating for continued protection again st fire haz ar d.
Chassis connections must only be used as shield connections for measuring circuits, NOT as protective earth (safety ground)
connections.
If you are using a test fixture, keep the lid closed while power is applied to the device under test. Safe operation requires the use
of a lid interlock.
If a screw is present, connect it to protective earth (safety ground) using the wire recommended in the user documentation.
The symbol on an instrument means caution, risk of hazard. The user must refer to the operating instructions located in the
user documentation in all cases where the symbol is mark ed on the instr u ment .
The symbol on an instrument means warning, risk of electric shock. Use standard safety precautions to avoid personal
contact with these voltages.
The symbol on an instrument shows that the surface may be hot. Avoid personal contact to prevent burns.
The symbol indicates a connection terminal to the equipment frame.
If this symbol is on a product, it indicates that mercury is present in the display lamp. Please note that the lamp must be
properly disposed of according to federal, state, and local laws.
The WARNING heading in the user documentation explains hazards that might result in personal injury or death. Always read
the associated information very carefully before performing the indicated procedure.
The CAUTION heading in the user documentation explains h azard s that coul d dama ge the instrument. Such damage may
invalidate the warranty.
The CAUTION heading with the symbol in the user documentation explains hazards that could result in moderate or minor
injury or damage the instrument. Always read the associated information very carefully before performing the indicated
procedure. Damage to the instrument may invalidate the warranty.
Instrumentation and accessories shall not be connected to humans.
Before performing any maintenance, disconnect the line cord and all test cables.
To maintain protection from electric shock and fire, replacement components in mains circuits — including the power
transformer, test leads, and input jacks — must be purchased from Keithley. Standard fuses with applicable national safety
approvals may be used if the rating and type are the same. The detachable mains power cord provided with the instrument may
only be replaced with a similarly rated power cord. Other components that are not safety-related may be purcha sed fr om ot her
suppliers as long as they are equivalent to the original component (note that selected parts should be purchased only through
Keithley to maintain accuracy and functionality of the product). If you are unsure about the applicability of a replacement
component, call a Keithley office for information.
Unless otherwise noted in product-specific literature, Keithley instruments are designed to operate indoors only, in the following
environment: Altitude at or below 2,000 m (6,562 ft); temperature 0 °C to 50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F); and pollution degree 1 or 2.
To clean an instrument, use a cloth dampened with deionized water or mild, water-based cleaner. Clean the exterior of the
instrument only. Do not apply cleaner directly to the instrument or allow liquids to enter or spill on the instrument. Products that
consist of a circuit board with no case or chassis (e.g., a data acquisition board for installation into a computer) should never
require cleaning if handled according to instructions. If the board becomes contaminated and operation is affected, the board
should be returned to the factory for proper cleaning/servicing.
2600-PCT-1B and C-V measurements ................................................................................ 6-1
2600-PCT-2B and C-V measurements ................................................................................ 6-1
Custom tests in ACS Basic .................................................................................................. 6-2
Contact information ...................................................................1-2
In this section:
Welcome
The Keithley Instrument Parametric Curve Tracer provides configurations that are complete solutions
configured with a variety of high quality instruments, cables, and test fixtures. This building block
approach offers the advantages of easy upgrade or modifications to meet changing test needs. For
example, a low cost 200 V at 10 A system can be purchased initially, and 50 A or 100 A capability
can be added later. Additionally, you can use these instruments and accessories with different test
system platforms, such as for reliability or device qualification testing.
Parametric Curve Trace configurations include everything you need to quickly develop a complete
test system.
The ACS Basic Edition software provides complete device characterization, including both real-time
trace mode for quickly checking fundamental device parameters like breakdown voltage and full
parametric mode for extracting precise device parameters. ACS Basic Edition goes beyond traditional
curve tracer interfaces by offering a broad array of sample device libraries. You have complete
control of all test resources, allowing you to create more advanced tests than previously possible on a
curve tracer.
Introduction to this manual
This manual describes how to set up and use the Parametric Curve Tracer and ACS Basic software,
including:
• Assembling the PCT
• Getting started with ACS Basic
• Performing tests with the software, using both TraceMode and Parametric Test mode
This manual provides detailed applications to help you achieve success with your Keithley
Instruments PCT.
Section
User's Manual
2600-PCT-1B
200 V / 10 A
200 V / 10 A
200 V / 10 A
N/A
2600-PCT-2B
200 V / 10 A
40 V / 50 A
200 V / 10 A
200 V / 10 A
2600-PCT-3B
3 kV / 120 mA
200 V / 10 A
200 V / 10 A
200 V / 10 A
2600-PCT-4B
3 kV / 120 mA
40 V / 50 A
200 V / 10 A
200 V / 10 A
1: Introduction Series 2600-PCT-xB Parametric Curve Tracer
Each application is presented with an overview of the application, followed by instructions to complete
the application.
For more detailed information on specific system components, refer to the documentation. For
instruments, the documentation is available at tek.com/keithley
available from the Help menu.
Available configurations
. For ACS Basic, documentation is
Model Collector / Drain Supply Step Generator
Low power
High current
High voltage
High current
and high
voltage
The Keithley Instruments Model 2651A may be added to increase the high current mode to either 50
A or 100 A. Other available accessories include the PCT-CVU Multi-Frequency Capacitance-Voltage
(C-V) Meter, the Model 8010 High Power Device Test Fixture, the Model 8020 High Power Interface
Panel, and the CVU-200-KIT and CVU-3K-KIT bias tee kits.
Extended warrant y
Additional years of warranty coverage are available on many products. These valuable contracts
protect you from unbudgeted service expenses and provide additional years of protection at a fraction
of the price of a repair. Extended warranties are available on new and existing products. Contact your
local Keithley Instruments office, sales partner, or distributor for details.
High Voltage
Mode
High Current
Mode
Base / Gate Supply
Auxiliary
Supply
Contact information
If you have any questions after you review the information in this documentation, please contact your
local Keithley Instruments office, sales partner, or distributor. You can also call the Tektronix
corporate headquarters (toll-free inside the U.S. and Canada only) at 1-800-833-9200. For worldwide
contact numbers, visit tek.com/en/contact-tek
1-2 PCT-900-01 Rev. B August 2022
.
Connect instruments to the Model 8020 ...................................2-6
Connect instruments to the Model 8010 ...................................2-5
Introduction
Section 2
Instruments and connections
You must connect the instruments to either the Model 8010 High Power Device Test Fixture or the
Model 8020 High Power Interface Panel and then set up the TSP-Link network. The cables supplied
with your PCT can be used with either fixture. This describes how to make these connections.
If you choose to install the instruments in a rack, install the instruments in the rack before connecting
the instruments to the test fixture or interface panel. Please refer to the instructions in the rack mount
kits for more information.
Unpacking the PCT
The PCT shipping container contains a box labeled “Open Me First” that contains all the instrument
accessories and user documentation. In this box, the accessories for each instrument in your
configuration are enclosed in individual boxes and bags. Each box includes a document describing
the contents of the box.
On the same shipping pallet are each SMU of your PCT configuration and any other larger PCT
accessories, such as a Model 8010 High Power Device Test Fixture, a Model 8020 High Power
Interface Panel, the PCT-CVU instrument option, or the optional 200 V or 3 KV bias tee kits.
The PCT is generally connected to either a Model 8010 or a Model 8020. The following section
provides overview for these devices.
Section
User's Manual
2: Instruments and connections Series 2600-PCT-xB Parametric Curve Tracer
About the Model 8010 Hi gh Power Device Test Fixture
The Model 8010 High-Power Device Test Fixture provides a safe, low noise, complete environment
for testing a variety of packaged device types. The replaceable socket module test boards allow for a
variety of package types, in cluding the user-supplied socket types.
The Model 8010 allows you to connect one Model 2657A High Power SourceMeter for up to 3 KV
testing. You can use one or two Model 2651A High Power SourceMeters for 15 A dc testing or 50 A
or 100 A pulse testing. For lower power terminals, you can connect up to two other SourceMeters,
such as Models 2611B, 2612B, 2635B, 2636B, 4200-SMU, or 4210-SMU.
The Model 8010 includes :
• Kelvin (remote sense) connections for five instruments
• Guarded pathways for picoampere level measurements even at 3 kV
• An access port for a variety of probes, such as scope or temperature
• Integrated protection circuits to protect Models 2611B, 2612B, 2635B, 2636B, 4200-SMU, and
4210-SMU from high voltage instruments
•Two independent test sockets, one for high current and one for high voltage
The test fixture is fully interlocked, providing safe operation for up to six different instruments. It is
declared safe through CE marking and certified through nationally recognized testing laboratories.
The Model 8010 is shipped with two 8010-DTB high power socket module test boards installed. The
boards include sockets for TO-247 and axial lead devices.
The high current side of the test fixture can be used with up to 100 amps pulsed, 15 amps dc,
200 V dc. Up to four measurement resources can be connected (two high current, two low power).
The high voltage side of the test fixture can be used with up to 3030 V dc at 120 mA, 200 V dc up to
10 A pulsed. Connections are provided for up to three measurement resources (one high voltage, two
low power).
For information on the Model 8010, including fixture setup within a test system, see the Model 8010 High Power Device Test Fixture User's Manual, available at tek.com/keithley
About the Model 8020 High Power In t er f ace Panel
The Model 8020 has six measurement pathways accommodating 3 kV, 200 V, and 100 A
measurements. You can configure five of the pathways with a variety of output connector types to
match your probe station. You can configure four pathways with the optional bias tees. This provides
high voltage C-V measurements on up to 4 pins of the device under test.
The Model 8020 comes with a selection of resistors that you can install to provide stability and extra
protection to the device.
Additionally, the Model 8020 offers the following:
• A common LO reference
• Overvoltage protection for all 200 V channels, ideal for device testing configurations using 200 V
SMUs and higher voltage SMUs
• A variety of connector types
• A single interlock interface for multiple instruments
• An interface for adding series resistor elements for measurement stability and absolute current
limit
• Optional transient overcurrent protection on the 200 V channels
• Expansion ports to easily link multiple 8020 interface panels
The Model 8020 can be configured to suit your probe station and test system. Contact your Keithley
Instruments applications engineer or see the Model 8020 High Power Interface Panel User's Manual,
available at tek.com/keithley
.
Connections to protective earth (safety ground)
The ground wires must be attached to a known protecti ve earth (safety ground) before
powering on instruments. Failure to attach the ground wires to a known protective earth may
result in electric shock.
Connections to protective earth (safety ground) are made at terminals labeled with the
following symbol.
Figure 1: Protective earth (safety ground) symbol
For detailed Model 8010 and Model 8020 instrument connection diagrams, including safety ground
details, see Connect instruments to the Model 8010 (on page 2-5) or
Model 8020 (on page 2-6).
PCT-900-01 Rev. B August 2022 2-3
Connect instruments to the
Section
User's Manual
2: Instruments and connections Series 2600-PCT-xB Parametric Curve Tracer
Interlock connections
For proper interlock functionality, any instruments connected to the interlock must be powered on or
disconnected from the interlock.
Each Parametric Curve Tracer configuration contains instruments that can output hazardous live
voltages. To ensure operator safety, it is important to use the instrument interlock properly with the
Model 8010 and Model 8020 test fixtures. Both the Model 8010 and Model 8020 include interlock
connectors to interface with Series 2600B, Series 2650A, and 4200A-SCS instruments. Refer to the
instrument connection diagrams later in this section for illustrations on how to connect to the
individual SMU instruments.
With the Model 8010, the interlock switch is engaged when the lid is closed and latched. When the
interlock switch is engaged, a light on the enclosure is illuminated. You can turn on a SMU output
only when the interlock switch is engaged. If the lid is open, the interlock switch will not engage and
any SMUs with outputs that are configured for high voltage will not turn on.
For the Model 8020, the Interlock OUT connector on its device connections panel side of the panel is
designed for use with the supplied 8020-ILC-UNT interlock to unterminated cable. The interlock
enables the high-voltage outputs of the connected instruments when the normally-open switch at the
device under test (DUT) access point is closed.
The Model 8020 interlock is satisfied only when:
•The top cover to the 8020 is correctly installed and any top covers to other Model 8020s in the
test configuration are also correctly installed
•The system interlock is engaged (all normally-open switches are closed at DUT access points of
the test configuration)
When the 8020 interlock is satisfied, lights on the instrument connection and device connection
panels of the 8020 are illuminated.
For detailed information on the interlock requirements for the Model 8010 or Model 8020, see the
user's manual for that test fixture. For detailed information on the interlock requirements for a specific
SMU, see the reference manual for that SMU.
There is no safety interlock on the Model 2651A because its output voltage is below hazardous
evels. To activate Output Enable on the 2651A, refer to the Model 2651A Reference Manual. Output
l
Enable can be activated using the front panel or by remote control.
The following figure shows connections for I-V and C-V measurements. To make only connections for
I-V measurements, refer to the Model 8010 High Power Device Test Fixture User's Manual.
Figure 2: Instrument connections to the Model 8010
PCT-900-01 Rev. B August 2022 2-5
Section
User's Manual
2: Instruments and connections Series 2600-PCT-xB Parametric Curve Tracer
Connect instruments to the Model 8020
Figure 3: Connecting instruments to the Model 8020
2-6 PCT-900-01 Rev. B August 2022
ACS Basic test modes ............................................................3-10
ACS Basic Edition software is optimized for parametric testing of component and discrete (packaged)
semiconductor devices. ACS Basic supports all Keithley source and measure instrument products,
including Series 2600B, Series 2400, and Model 2651A and 2657A SourceMeter Instruments, and
Model 4200A-SCS Parameter Analyzers.
ACS Basic has a large device test library to allow you to get a test up and running quickly.
This section outlines how to configure the instruments in the PCT to prepare for connection to ACS
Basic, how to install the software, and how to get started using the software.
Installing and configuring the GPIB interface
If you ordered the PCT-CVU for high-voltage capacitance measurements, a GPIB interface is
installed on the Model 4200A-SCS that is included with the PCT-CVU. There is no need to use a
separate computer or install the KUSB-488B. Go to TSP-Link system setup (on page 3-2).
Section
User's Manual
3: Getting started with ACS Basic Series 2600-PCT-xB Parametric Curve Tracer
ACS Basic software works with the following GPIB interfaces:
• KUSB-488
• KUSB-488A
• KUSB-488B
• KPCI-488
• KPCI-488A
• KPCI-488LP
• KPCI-488LPA
• NI USB-488
• NI PCI-488
If one of the above interfaces is already installed on your computer, please continue to
system setup(on page 3-2).
The PCT is supplied with Keithley’s Model KUSB-488B GPIB interface. If you are using a separate
computer for software control, install the GPIB interface if there is not one already installed. Refer to
the KUSB-488B documentation for instructions on installing the interface software.
TSP-Link system setup
ACS Basic automatically assigns the SMU identification numbers based on the TSP-Link setup. The
numbers differ based on your PCT configuration.
Assign TSP-Link node numbers
Each instrument in the TSP-Link network must have a unique TSP-Link node number. In addition,
ACS Basic requires that you set the master node to TSP-Link node number 1 and that each node that
is connected to the master has an incremental node number. For example, if you have a TSP-Link
network with three nodes, you must assign the instruments to the nodes 1, 2 and 3. Do not skip
numbers.
In PCT configurations, use the Model 2636B as the master node, assigned to node 1.
TSP-Link
If the PCT includes a Model 2657A , assign the 2657A to node 2.
The Model 2651A in a PCT-2B configuration should be assigned to node 2. If you have a second
2651A, assign it to the subsequent node.
The Model 2651A in a PCT-3B or -4B configuration should be assigned to node 3.
While other node configurations are possible, these assignments allow for simpler use of the
To assign a node number from the front panel of the instrument:
1. Press the MENU key.
2. Select TSPLINK > NODE.
3. Press the navigation wheel and select the node number.
4. Press the ENTER key to save the node number.
Connect the instrument for communications
All configurations require a KUSB-488B or similar GPIB adapter cable connecting the instrument and
your computer. For additional connections, see the following details for your PCT configuration.
The 2600-PCT-1B configuration is shipped with the Model 2636B. The KUSB-488B or similar GPIB
adapter cable linking the Model 2636B and your computer is the only connection.
The 2600-PCT-2B configuration is shipped with the Models 2636B and 2651A. For this configuration,
connect the TSP-Link port of the Model 2636B to the TSP-Link port of the Mod el 2651A.
The 2600-PCT-3B configuration is shipped with the Models 2636B and 2657B. For this configuration,
connect the TSP-Link port of the Model 2636B to the TSP-Link port of the Model 2657A.
The following figure shows a 2600-PCT-4B configuration. The -4B configuration is shipped with the
Models 2636B, 2651A, and 2657B.
5. Press the EXIT key as needed to return to the main display.
PCT-900-01 Rev. B August 2022 3-3
Section
User's Manual
3: Getting started with ACS Basic Series 2600-PCT-xB Parametric Curve Tracer
Figure 4: Communications connections
Software installation
See the ACS Basic release notes, availab le at tek.com, for instructions on installing the software.
It is recommended that you review the ACS Basic release notes. The release notes contain valuable
information about known issues and provide guidance on how to handle issues that you
may encounter.
Before starting ACS Basic, you need to set up the hardware for your test configuration.
ASC Basic checks for hardware changes when it starts up. You need to run ACS Hardware
gement whenever the hardware is changed.
Mana
To manage the hardware:
1. From Start, select Keithley ACS Basic HardwareManagement. The dialog shown in the
following figure is displayed.
Figure 5: Hardware Management Tool options
2. Select Scan for Instruments. The Scan Hardware By dialog is displayed, as shown in the
following figure.
PCT-900-01 Rev. B August 2022 3-5
Section
User's Manual
3: Getting started with ACS Basic Series 2600-PCT-xB Parametric Curve Tracer
Figure 6: Scan Hardware By dialog
3. Select the options for your test. You can choose:
Auto Scan (LAN): Instruments are on the same subnet as the system computer (the first
three fields of the IP address are the same).
GPIB: Instrument addresses from 1 to 30 are supported.
Prober GPIB Address: Default value is 31.
USB
4200/4200A (KXCI): E nter the IP address in the text box.
RS-232
LAN: Use IP Addresse s to add or remove an IP address. To add an IP address, select + to
add a field. Enter the IP address. To remove an IP address, select the address and select –.
4. Select Scan. ACS Basic compares the instruments that were previously configured with the
present online instrument configuration. When the scan is complete, the Comparison Results
dialog is displayed, as shown in the following figure.
5. Verify the instruments. If you need to delete an instrument, right-click the instrument and select
Delete.
6. Select Save. The Configuration Page (Online Mode) opens.
7. Select Device Interface Setting. The information shown in the following figure is displayed.
Figure 8: Device Interface Setting
8. Select the Model of the device interface.
9. If you are using a bias tee (CVU-3K-Kit, CVU-200-KIT, 8020-CVU, or Model 4205-RBT), select
Bias Tee.
10. Select Apply.
PCT-900-01 Rev. B August 2022 3-7
Section
User's Manual
3: Getting started with ACS Basic Series 2600-PCT-xB Parametric Curve Tracer
11. To set up the instruments, select an instrument from the left pane. An example of the
Configuration Page with a 2657A selected is shown in the following figure.
Figure 9: Configuration Page of the Hardware Management Tool
12. From this page, you can:
Add an instrument: Select Add. The instrument must be connected to the test system.
Delete an instrument: Select the instrument in the tree and select Delete.
Combine SMU instruments: Select the SMU instruments and select Combine SMU.
13. Select Save.
14. Close the Hardware Management Tool.
15. Restart ACS Basic.
ACS Basic automatically assigns the SMU numbers. The numbers differ based on your PCT
configuration and TSP-Link node numbers. See Assign TSP-Link node numbers (on page 3-2
) for
the recommended TSP-Link configuration.
3-8 PCT-900-01 Rev. B August 2022
Series 2600
ted with ACS B asic
-PCT-xB Parametric Curve Tracer User's Manual Section 3: Getting star
For more information on using the Hardware Management Tool, refer to the ACS Basic
documentation.
If one or more SMUs are missing:
• Ensure that the GPIB adapter is securely attached to instrument and is working.
• Ensure that all instruments are powered on.
• Ensure that all TSP-Link cables are secure.
After checking the instruments, select Scan to scan the hardware configuration again.
Start ACS Basic
FATAL ERROR POSSIBLE. To avoid fatal errors to instruments, never start the ACS Basic
software until all the instruments have completed self-testing. If you are using Series 2600
and 2600B instruments with TSP-Link, always power-on the subordinate instruments first and
then the master. Since the master scans through all the linked subordinate instruments, it
must be powered on after all the subordinate machines are turned on, or errors may occur
when you start ACS Basic.
Before you open the ACS Basic software, make sure that all instruments are turned on and all selftests have completed.
To start the ACS software:
1. Select the ACS software icon on the desktop of your computer. The User Login dialog opens, as
shown in the following figure.
Figure 10: User login
PCT-900-01 Rev. B August 2022 3-9
Section
User's Manual
3: Getting started with ACS Basic Series 2600-PCT-xB Parametric Curve Tracer
2. Type a user name and password in the User Name and Password fields. The default user name
is ACSADMIN; however, there is no default password.
3. Select OK. The software start window opens.
4. You can create more than one new user account at this time. To create a new account, select
New User. To change the password, select Change Password.
When you start the ACS Basic software, the startup time depends on how many instruments are in
t
he hardware configuration group. For example, if there are several instruments, the startup time
is longer.
ACS Basic test mod es
ACS Basic has three test modes: SingleMode, MultiMode, and TraceMode.
In SingleMode, ACS Basic opens and runs a single test on a single device at a time.
In MultiMode, you can create multiple test modules on one or more devices and organize them into a
single project. For example, MultiMode can perform multiple tests on a single device (target
application) or multiple tests on multiple devices (secondary use case). You can work with external
instruments such as DMMs and switches in MultiMode much easier than in any other mode.
TraceMode provides interactive operation with a SMU. TraceMode is useful for quickly checking the
operating boundaries of a device and for verifying its basic functionality.
In the following sections of this manual, you will learn how to perform common power semiconductor
tests in MultiMode and in TraceMode.
This section provides step-by-step instructions to use the Parametric Curve Tracer (PCT) to perform
common tests on a sample power MOSFET device. These tests include collecting family of curves
) on a power MOSFET and measuring leakage current (I
(V
ds-Id
) using the ACS Basic software.
dss
Section 4
The following instructions are tailored to the 2600-PCT-4B, which has both high voltage and high
current capability. However, the test parameters can be adjusted to suit the PCT configuration and
instrumentation that you have.
The PCT is provided with a sample test device, located in the PCT-DOC-KIT box of the “Open Me
First” box. The sample device is a 1000 V MOSFET and is available from onsemi as part number
FQH8N100C. You can download a datasheet for this part from the manufacturer's website at
onsemi.com (onsemi.com/
This section refers to SMUs that are numbered as suggested in Assign TSP-Link node numbers(on
page 3-2). Your configuration may vary.
).
On-state characterist ics
Configure the test fixture
The PCT supports either the Keithley Instruments Model 8010 or Model 8010 test fixtures. For
instructions on how to connect instruments to the 8010 or 8020, refer to Instruments and connections
(on page 2-1). To make connections to the device, see the following procedure for your test fixture.
Section
User's Manual
4: I-V applications for power MOSFETs Series 2600-PCT-xB Parametric Curve Tracer
To configure the Model 8010 test fixtur e:
1. On the High Current side of the fixture, insert the test device into the test socket. Place the device
with the Gate pin closest to the front of the test fixture.
2. Wire the test fixture as shown in the following figure:
Connect the 2651A HI and SHI signals to the Drain terminal.
Connect the 2600A #1 HI and SHI signals to the Gate terminal.
Connect the LO and SLO signals from both SMUs to the Source terminal.
Figure 11: Three-terminal DUT with one or two 2651A instruments and Series 2600A
1. Wire the test fixture as shown in the following figure:
Connect both COMMON LO, SLO signals and the COMBINED 2651 LO signal to the Source
terminal of the device.
Connect the COMBINED 2651 SHI and HI signals to the Drain terminal of the device.
Connect both 2600/4200 SHI and HI signals to the Gate terminal of the device.
Figure 12: 8020 test fixture confi g uration (device side)
PCT-900-01 Rev. B August 2022 4-3
Section
User's Manual
4: I-V applications for power MOSFETs Series 2600-PCT-xB Parametric Curve Tracer
Collecting I-V curves in TraceMode
TraceMode allows you to generate rapid visual results of device characteristics and to have real-time
control of one of the test parameters. This example application instructs you on how to collect a family
of curves on a MOSFET device.
These instructions demonstrate how to do the following tasks:
• Configure TraceMode
• Gather a family of curves on a MOSFET using TraceMode
• View and save data in TraceMode
An overview of the steps to do the test are:
1. Enter TraceMode of ACS Basic
2. Load the IdVd_StepVg test for the nPowerMOSFET device into the project
3. Configure the settings to match the DUT
4. Run the test
5. View and save the data
TraceMode supports the Series 2400, Series 2600B, and the Series 2650A SMUs. However, you
cannot connect a Series 2400 and a Series 2600B instrument to the same device. If you are using a
Series 2400 on one device terminal, you must use a Series 2400 instrument on the other device
terminals. TraceMode only supports the SCPI protocol for Series 2400 SMUs.
You can use a Series 2600B and a Series 2650A instrument in any combination.
TraceMode provides interactive control of SMU instruments to achieve real-time performance. Only
Series 2600B instruments (Models 2601B, 2602B, 2611B, 2612B, 2635B, or 2636B), Series 2650A
(Models 2651A or 2657A) and Series 2400 instruments (Models 2400, 2401, 2410, 2420, 2425, 2440)
are supported. ACS Basic can perform dc and pulse tests on Series 260 0B and 2650 A instr um ents in
TraceMode, but it can only perform dc measurements on Series 2400 instruments.