Keithley SourceMeter Custom
Instructions
The following commands can be used by the Keithley 2400, 2410, 2430, 2450, and 6487 SourceMeters
®
.
However all the meters in this line have different voltage sourcing, current sourcing and measurement
capabilities. These capabilities can be compared on the Keithley Series 2400 Source Meter document.
The CH2 custom instructions provide you with an interface to any of the meters in the Keithley 2400
source meter line. For this reason the range of the custom instruction settings will be limited depending on
the specific Keithley 2400 series meter that is being used.
The standard Cirris CH2 tester is designed to limit the amount of energy applied to a cable, providing a
measure of safety for test operators. However, when the CH2 tester is used with a Keithley SourceMeter,
potentially hazardous voltages may exist on the interfacing and DUT while the Keithley is operating. The
CH2 test system is used only as a switching matrix and as an interface for the Keithley meter. Any test
voltage over 42 volts can be lethal. High voltage (over 42 volts) can be fatal if the exposure period and
current levels are sufficiently high. In general, test equipment is considered safe only if the total shock an
operator can receive is less than 45 uC, total current is less than 5mA, and fault current is less than 10
mS.
Therefore, to ensure operator safety:
• Read and follow all safety information associated with the Keithley Source meter.
• Ensure voltage and current limits are set no higher than necessary.
• Ensure the test duration is set no longer than needed.
• Train and enable operators in safe testing procedures, including but not limited to the use of rubber
gloves, rubber floor mats, and palm switches.
Attach 2 Wire
Attach 4 Wire
Attach 2 Wire and Attach 4 Wire define the CH2 test points that will be used to communicate with the
Keithley SourceMeter, and the communication protocol that will be used in the communication. One or
both of these Custom Instructions must be inserted in the test program before another Keithley
SourceMeter custom instruction is used. Some Keithley Custom Instructions require the Attach 2 Wire
instruction, some require the 4 Wire, and one requires both. Therefore inserting both Attach 2 Wire and
Attach 4 Wire at the beginning of a test program is a good practice, allowing you to use any test instruction
later in your test program. See Setting up Communication in the CH2 on page 12 for more information on
using this Custom Instruction.
WARNING! If you are using the External Instrument Cable from Cirris (see page 7), include both
the 2-wire AND the 4-wire instructions to the test program. Add both instructions even if you are
not performing 4-wire testing. If the 4-wire instruction is not included, the hipot portion of the test
could damage your meter. For further questions or concerns, contact Cirris.
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