Keithley 617 User Manual

To transmit the SDC command, the controller must perform
the following steps:
1. Set ATN true.
2. Address the Model 617 to listen.
3. Place the SDC command on the data bus.
HP-85 Programming Example-Using the front panel con-
trols, place the instrument in the amps mode and cancel
autorange. Enter the following statement into the HP-85:
CLEAR 727 (END LINE)
After END LINE is pressed, the instrument returns to the
power up default conditions listed in Table 3-10.
Model 8573 Programming Example-Place the instru-
ment in the amps function and cancel autorange with the
front panel controls. Now enter the following statement into
the IBM-PC:
CALL IBCLR(M617%) (return)
After the return key is pressed, the instrument returns to the
default conditions listed in Table 3-10.
3.9.7 GET (Group Execute Trigger)
GET may be be used to trigger the Model 617 to take readings
if the instrument is placed in the appropriate trigger mode
(more information on trigger modes may be found in para-
graph 3.10.14).
To send GET, the controller must perform the following
steps:
1. Set ATN true.
2. Address the Model 617 to listen.
3. Place the GET command byte on the data bus.
HP-85 Programming Example-Type in the following
statements into the HP-85 keyboard to place the instrument
in remote and enable the correct trigger mode for this
demonstration:
REMOTE 727 (END LINE)
OUTPUT 727: ‘T3X” (END LINE)
Now send the GET command with the following statement:
TRIGGER 727 (END LINE)
When the END LINE key is pressed, the instrument will pro-
cess a single reading.
Model 8573 Programming Example-Type in the follow-
ing statements to make sure the instrument is in the remote
and correct trigger modes for purposes of this demonstration:
V% =l:CALL IBSRE(BRDO%,V%) (return)
CMD$-‘T3X”:CALL IBWRT(M617%.CMD$)(retum)
Now send GET to the instrument with the following state-
ment:
CALL IBTRG(M617%) (return)
When the return key is pressed, the instrument will process a
single reading.
3.9.8 Serial Polling (SPE,SPD)
The serial polling sequence is used to obtain the Model 617
status byte. The status byte contains important information
about internal functions, as described in paragraph 3.10.15.
Generally, the serial polling sequence is used by the controller
to determine which of several instruments has requested ser-
vice with the SRQ line. However, the serial polling sequence
may be performed at any time to obtain the status byte from
the Model 617.
The serial polling sequence is conducted as follows:
1. The controller sets ATN true.
2. The controller then places the WE (Serial Poll Enable)
command byte on the data bus. At this point, all active
devices are in the serial poll mode and waiting to be ad-
dressed.
3. The Model 617 is then addressed to talk.
4. The controller sets ATN false.
5. The instrument then places its status byte on the data bus.
at which point it is read by the controller.
6. The controller then sets ATN true and places the SPD
(Serial Poll Disable) command byte on the data bus to end
the serial polling sequence.
Once instruments are in the serial poll mode, steps 3 through
5 above can be repeated by sending the correct talk address
for each instrument. ATN must be true when the address is
transmitted and false when the status byte is read.
HP-85 Programming Example-The HP-85 SPOLL state-
ment automatically performs the sequence just described. To
demonstrate serial polling, type in the following statements
into the HP-85
3-16

Keithley 617 Specifications

General

Brand	Keithley
Model	617
Category	Measuring Instruments
Language	English

Summary

Warranty Information

Warranty

Details the warranty terms and conditions for the product and specific components.

Specifications

Specifications

Details the electrical and performance specifications for the Model 617 electrometer.

Safety Precautions

Safety Precautions

Advises on essential safety measures to avoid injury and instrument damage during operation.

Section 1: General Information (Continued)

Unpacking and Getting Started

Details unpacking, inspection, and initial steps to operate the Model 617.

Section 2: Operation

2.2 Power Up Procedure

Details the steps for connecting power and turning on the instrument.

2.3 Power Up Self Test and Display Messages

Explains the self-test routine and potential display messages upon startup.

Section 2: Operation (Continued)

2.4 Front Panel Familiarization

Provides an overview of the Model 617's front panel layout, controls, and indicators.

2.7 Basic Measurement Techniques

Introduces fundamental procedures for making voltage, resistance, charge, and current measurements.

2.7.2 Input Connections

Details how to connect input signals to the rear panel INPUT connector.

2.7.4 Guarded Operation

Explains the concept and application of guarding to minimize leakage and improve measurements.

2.7.5 Making Current Measurements

Details the procedure for measuring low-level currents, including picoampere ranges.

2.7.6 Making Charge Measurements

Describes how to measure charge using the Model 617's coulombs ranges.

2.7.7 Resistance Measurements

Explains how to measure resistance using constant current and voltage methods.

2.8 Using The Voltage Source

Explains how to use the Model 617's built-in voltage source for V/I measurements.

2.10 Using External Feedback

Explains how to extend capabilities using external feedback networks.

2.11 Using Zero Correct and Baseline Suppression

Covers instrument offset cancellation and baseline value storage.

2.11.2 Using Suppression

Details how to store an offset value and subtract it from subsequent readings.

2.13 External Triggering

Explains how to trigger the instrument using external BNC connectors.

2.4.1 Controls

Describes the function and operation of each front panel control button.

2.5.3 Calibration

Introduces the digital calibration program for front panel or IEEE-488 bus use.

2.7.3 Making Voltage Measurements

Provides step-by-step instructions for measuring DC voltages with the Model 617.

2.8.1 Basic Operating Procedure

Guides on connecting and adjusting the voltage source output.

2.11.1 Zero Correct and Zero Check

Explains how to use Zero Correct and Zero Check to cancel internal offsets.

2.12 Data Storage

Describes the internal 100-point data store mode for logging readings.

2.13.1 External Trigger

Details continuous and one-shot triggering modes via the external trigger input.

2.14 Measurement Considerations

Discusses factors affecting measurements at low signal levels.

2.8.2 V/I Resistance Measurements

Describes how to measure high resistances using the voltage source and electrometer.

Section 3: IEEE-488 Programming

Section 3: IEEE-488 Programming (Continued)

3.4 Bus Commands

Covers device commands, grouped into uniline, multiline, and device-dependent categories.

3.7.2 Bus Connections

Details how to connect the Model 617 to the IEEE-488 bus using appropriate cables.

3.7.3 Primary Address Programming

Explains how to check and set the instrument's primary address for bus communication.

3.8 Software Considerations

Discusses software aspects for IEEE-488 controllers like HP-85 and IBM-PC.

3.9 General Bus Command Programming

Covers general bus commands like DCL, REN, IFC, LLO, GTL, SDC, GET, SPE, SPD.

3.10 Device-Dependent Command Programming

Details commands controlling modes like function, range, trigger, and data format.

3.10.2 Function (F)

Describes commands to select measurement functions like Volts, Amps, Ohms, Coulombs.

3.10.3 Range (R)

Explains commands for controlling instrument sensitivity and selecting measurement ranges.

3.10.4 Zero Correct and Zero Check (Z and C)

Details commands for canceling internal offsets and zeroing the instrument.

3.10.5 Baseline Suppression (N)

Explains commands to store an offset and subtract it from subsequent readings.

3.10.9 Voltage Source Value (V)

Details commands for programming the built-in voltage source output.

3.10.10 Voltage Source Operate (O)

3.10.12 Non-Volatile Memory Storage (L)

3.10.14 Trigger Mode (T)

3.10.15 SRQ Mask (M) and Status Byte Format

3.11.2 Number Error

3.4.5 Device-Dependent Commands

Describes commands specific to device configuration, controlling functions like mode and range.

3.10.8 Data Store Mode

Explains how to use the data store for logging readings and setting intervals.

3.10.11 Calibration Value (A)

Describes commands for setting calibration values for ranges and functions.

3.10.18 Status (U)

3.11.1 Bus Error

Section 4: Applications

4.2 Insulation Resistance Measurements

Details how to measure high insulation resistances using constant current and voltage methods.

Section 4: Applications (Continued)

4.3 High Impedance Voltmeter

Explains using the Model 617 as a high-impedance voltmeter with minimal circuit loading.

4.5 Diode Characterization

4.6 Capacitor Leakage Measurements

4.4 Low-Level Leakage Current Measurements

Guides on measuring low-level currents like nanoamperes and picoamperes.

4.7 Capacitance Measurement

4.10 Using The Model 617 With External Voltage Sources

Section 5: Performance Verification

Section 5: Performance Verification (Continued)

5.5 Verification Procedures

Provides detailed procedures for verifying accuracy of volts, ohms, amps, and coulombs functions.

5.5.3 Coulombs Verification

5.5.4 Volts Verification

5.5.5 Ohms Verification (2kΩ–20MΩ Ranges)

5.5.7 Voltage Source Verification

5.5.1 Input Current Verification

5.5.6 Ohms Verification (200MΩ and GΩ Ranges)

5.5.2 Amps Verification

Section 7: Maintenance

7.2 Line Voltage Selection

Section 7: Maintenance (Continued)

7.3 Fuse Replacement

7.4.5 Front Panel Calibration

Provides step-by-step instructions for calibrating from the front panel.

7.4.7 Calibration Sequence

7.4.11 Amps Calibration

Provides calibration steps for the amps function across various ranges.

7.4.12 Coulombs Calibration

Details the procedure for calibrating the coulombs function.

7.4.14 Ohms Calibration

Provides calibration steps for the ohms function across various ranges.

7.4.15 Voltage Source Calibration

Details the procedure for calibrating the instrument's internal voltage source.

7.6 Disassembly Instructions

7.7.2 Power Up Self Test

7.7.7 A/D Converter and Display

7.7.8 Input and Ranging Amplifiers

7.4 Calibration

Introduces digital calibration capabilities and recommendations.

7.4.6 IEEE-488 Bus Calibration

Details procedures for calibrating the instrument via the IEEE-488 bus using a computer.

7.4.8 Input Offset Adjustment

Describes steps to null any small offset in the input amplifier.

7.4.13 Volts Calibration

Outlines the calibration steps for the volts function across different ranges.

7.7 Troubleshooting

Offers guidance for diagnosing and resolving instrument problems.

7.7.3 Self Diagnostic Program

7.4.9 Input Current Adjustment

Details procedures to null input current in the input stage for temperature compensation.

7.4.10 Permanent Storage of Calibration Parameters