9-2 Sweep Operation
Sweep types
The four basic sweep types described in the following paragraphs include:
• Linear staircase
• Logarithmic staircase
• Custom
• Source memory
NOTE Only voltage or current sweeps can be performed. Sweep readings are automatically
stored in the buffer. See Section 8 for details on the data store (buffer).
Linear staircase sweep
As shown in Figure 9-1, this sweep steps from a start source value to an ending (stop) source
value. Programmable parameters include the start, stop, and step source levels.
When this sweep is triggered to start, the output will go from the bias level to the start source
level. The output will then change in equal steps until the stop source level is reached. With
trigger delay set to zero, the time duration at each step is determined by the source delay and
the time it takes to perform the measurement (NPLC setting). Note that the delay cannot
change once a sweep is configured and running and is the same for all steps.
Delay
Delay
Delay
Delay
Start
Bias
Stop
Step
Step
Step
Measure Measure Measure Measure
X = Measurement point
X
X
X
X
Figure 9-1
Linear staircase
sweep