Section 9: Frequently asked questions (FAQs) Model 2657A High Power System SourceMeter® Instrument Reference Manual
9-10 2657A-901-01 Rev. B/December 2012
Why is the reading value 9.91e37?
This value indicates that there is a measurement overflow error. This error occurs when:
• A measurement performed on a fixed range has a measured value greater than the specified
range
• The measured value is larger than the maximum current or voltage range of the instrument
(exceeds the instrument rating)
If the instrument displays the overflow message on a particular range, select a higher range until an
on-range reading is displayed. To ensure the best accuracy and resolution, use the lowest range
possible that does not cause an overflow.
Why am I getting a reading value of 9.92e37?
This value indicates an overvoltage condition. This can be caused by:
• Exceeding the overvoltage protection (OVP) limit value
• Incorrect connections to the device under test (DUT)
• Incorrect channel setup
The OVP limit can be set from the Model 2657A front panel or through a remote interface.
To set the OVP limit from the instrument front panel:
1. Press the CONFIG key, and then select SRC > V-SOURCE > PROTECTION.
2. Enter the desired OVP value.
3. Press ENTER.
To set the OVP limit through a remote interface:
Use the smuX.source.protectv (on page 7-223) attribute to set the OVP limit through a remote
interface.
For more information about overvoltage protection, see Overvoltage protection (OVP)
(on page 2-65).