Series 2600 System SourceMeters Reference Manual Basic Operation 4-17
Return to Section 4 topics 2600S-901-01 Rev. A / May 2006
a. Select the lowest source range and set the source level to zero
(000.000nA or 000.000mV).
b. Set compliance to a level that is higher than the expected measurement.
CAUTION When using the SourceMeter as a voltmeter, V-Compliance
must be set higher than the voltage that is being measured.
Failure to do this could result in excessive current flow into the
SourceMeter (<150mA) and incorrect measurements.
3. Select range.
Use the RANGE keys to select a fixed measurement range that will
accommodate the expected reading. Use the lowest possible range for best
accuracy.
When measuring the function opposite from the source function, AUTO
range can be used instead. The SourceMeter will automatically go to the
most sensitive range.
4. Connect voltage or current to be measured. Connect the DUT to the
SourceMeter using 2-wire connections (see
Section 3).
5. Turn output on. Press the ON/OFF key to turn the output on.
6. Take reading from display (press TRIG if necessary). When finished, turn
output off.
Sink operation
When operating as a sink (V and I have opposite polarity), the SourceMeter is
dissipating power rather than sourcing it. An external source (i.e., battery) or an
energy storage device (i.e., capacitor) can force operation into the sink region.
For example, if a 12V battery is connected to the V-Source (In/Out HI to battery
high) that is programmed for +10V, sink operation will occur in the second
quadrant (Source +V and measure -I).
CAUTION When using the I-Source as a sink, ALWAYS set V-Compliance
to a level that is higher than the external voltage level. Failure
to do so could result in excessive current flow into the
SourceMeter (102mA) and incorrect measurements. See
“Compliance limit” earlier in this section for details.
The sink operating limits are shown in “General SourceMeter power equation” in
Section 8.