System SourceMeter® Instrument Reference Manual Section 2:
2600BS-901-01 Rev. B / May 2013 2-29
Sink operation
Carefully consider and configure the appropriate output-off state, source, and compliance limits
before connecting the Series 2600B to a device that can deliver energy (for example, other voltage
sources, batteries, capacitors, solar cells, or other Series 2600B instruments). Configure
recommended instrument settings before making connections to the device. Failure to consider the
output-off state, source, and compliance limits may result in damage to the instrument or to the
device under test (DUT).
When operating as a sink (V and I have opposite polarity), the SourceMeter instrument is dissipating
power rather than sourcing it. An external source (for example, a battery) or an energy storage device
(for example, a capacitor) can force operation into the sink region.
The accuracy of the limit opposite in polarity from the source is diminished unless the instrument is in
sink mode. Also see Compliance limit principles (on page 4-2).
For example, if a 12 V battery is connected to the V-Source (HI to battery +) that is programmed for
+10 V, sink operation will occur in the second quadrant (source +V and measure -I).
When using the I-Source as a sink, ALWAYS set V-Compliance to a level that is higher than the
external voltage level. Failure to do so could result in excessive current flow into the Series 2600B
and incorrect measurements. See Limits (on page 2-27) for details about compliance limit.
The only exception to the compliance limit not being exceeded is the V-Limit when operating as an I-
Source. To avoid excessive (and potentially destructive) currents from flowing, the V-Limit will source
or sink up to 102 mA for I-Source ranges on or below 100 mA. For the ranges 1 A and above, the
maximum current allowed is the current source setting.
The sink operating limits are shown in Continuous power operating boundaries (on page 4-5).
Sink mode
When operating as a sink, limit inaccuracies are introduced. Enabling sink mode reduces the source
limit inaccuracy seen when operating in quadrants II and IV (quadrants I and III will show this source
limit inaccuracy).
Setting the sink mode using the front panel
To enable or disable the sink mode from the front panel:
1. Press the CONFIG key and then the SRC key.
2. Select V-SOURCE.
3. Select SINK-MODE.
4. Select ENABLE or DISABLE.
5. Push the ENTER key. Sink mode is enabled or disabled, as applicable.
6. Press the EXIT (LOCAL) key twice to return to the main display.
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