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Section 4: Theory of operation Model 2657A High Power System SourceMeter® Instrument Reference Manual

4-20 2657A-901-01 Rev. B/December 2012

Source I measure I, source V measure V

The High Power System SourceMeter

instrument can measure the function it is sourcing. When

sourcing a voltage, you can measure voltage. Conversely, if you are sourcing current, you can

measure the output current. For these operations, the measure range is the same as the source

range.

This feature is valuable when operating with the source in compliance. When in compliance, the

programmed source value is not reached. Thus, measuring the source lets you measure the actual

output level.

You can also use the fast analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to measure the transient behavior of the

source. See Setting speed

(on page 2-78) for more information.

Measure only (voltage or current)

The figures below show the configurations for using the instrument exclusively as a voltmeter or

ammeter.

As shown in the following figure, to configure the instrument to measure voltage only, set it to source

0 A and measure voltage.

Figure 86: Model 2657A measure voltage only

1 Current source (0.000 00 nA)

2 Voltmeter

3 DUT (voltage source)

Set the voltage limit to a level that is higher than the measured voltage. If the voltage limit is set to a

level that is lower than the measured voltage, excessive current will flow into the instrument. This

current could damage the instrument. Also, when connecting an external energy source to the

instrument when it is configured as a current source, set the output-off state to the high-impedance

mode. See Output-off states (on page 2-66) for more information on the output-off states. Also, see

Sink operation (on page 2-20) for more information.

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CAUTION

Keithley 2657A User Manual

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