Keithley 617 User Manual

2. The front panel TRIG button will trigger the instrument
regardless of the selected trigger mode, unless LLO is in ef-
fect.
3. Serial polling usually addresses the instrument to talk. This
talk command will trigger the instrument in the TO and Tl
modes.
HP-85 Programming Example-Place the instrument in
the one-shot on talk mode with the following statements:
REMOTE 727 (END LINE)
OUTPUT 727:“TlX” (END LINE)
One reading can now be triggered and the resulting data ob-
tained with the following statements:
ENTER 727;A!$ (END LINE)
DISP A$ (END LINE)
In this example, the ENTER statement addresses the Model
617 to talk, at which point a single reading is triggered. When
the reading has been processed (360msec later), it is sent out
over to the bus to the computer, which then displays the
result.
Model 8573 Programming Example--Place the instru-
ment in the Tl mode with the following statements:
V%=l:CALL IBSRE(BRDO%,V%) (return)
CMD$=“TlX”:CALL IBWRT(M617%,CMD$) (return)
The instrument can now be addressed to talk to trigger a con-
version, and the resulting data displayed with the following
statements:
RD$=SPACE$(20):CALL IBRD(M617%,RD$) (return)
PRINT RD$ (return)
Each time the IBRD function is called, the instrument is ad-
dressed to talk, at which time it is triggered. When the con-
version is complete (360msec later), the reading is sent out
over the bus to the computer, which then displays the result-
ing data.
3.10.15 SRQ Mask IM) and Status Byte Format
The SRQ command controls which of a number of conditions
within the Model 617 will cause the instrument to request ser-
vice from the controller by asserting SRQ. Once an SRQ is
generated, the status byte can be checked to determine if the
Model 617 was the instrument that asserted SRQ, and, if so,
what conditions caused it to do so. Note that additional data
and error conditions can be checked by using the Ul and U2
commands, as described in paragraph 3.10.18.
3.28
The Model 617 can be programmed to generate an SRQ
under one or more of the following conditions:
1. If an overrange condition occurs.
2. When the data store memory is full (100 readings).
3. If a reading is completed.
4. When the instrument is ready to accept bus commands.
5. If an error occurs. The nature of the error can then be
determined with the Ul command, as described in
paragraph 3.10.18 (use Ul to restore SRQ after an error
occlm )
Upon power up, or after a DCL or SDC command is re-
ceived, SRQ is disabled.
SRQ Mask-The Model 617 uses an internal mask to deter-
mine which conditions will cause an SRQ to be generated.
Figure 3-10 shows the general format of this mask, which is
made up of eight bits. The SRQ has the same general format
as the status byte (described below) except for the fact that bit
6 is not used in the SRQ mask.
SRQ can be programmed by sending the ASCII letter “M”
followed by a decimal number to set the appropriate bit in the
SRQ mask. Decimal valu&s for the various bits are sununar-
ized in Table 3-13. Note that the instrument may be pro-
grammed for more than one set of conditions simultaneously.
To do so, simply add up the decimal bit values for the re-
quired SRQ conditions. For example, to enable SRQ under
reading overflow and buffer full conditions, send M3X. To
disable SRQ, send MOX. This command will clear all bits in
the SRQ mask.
Table 3-13. SRQ (MI Command Parameters
T
Reading Overflow
Data Store Full
Status Byte Format-The status byte contains information
relating to data and error conditions within the instrument.
The general format of the status byte (which is obtained by
using the serial polling sequence, as described in paragraph
3.9) is shown in Figure 3-9. Note that the various bits cor~es-
pond to the bits in the SRQ mask as described above.

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