Source voltage with extended current using two 2600B
instruments in parallel
This example shows the recommended approach for setting the source and limit ranges and levels
when combining a SMU voltage source in parallel with a SMU current source.
Figure 18: Source voltage with extended current using parallel SMUs
The values are based on the current and voltage levels available in Region 4 of a 2601B, 2602B, or
2604B SMU, as shown in the table in Combining SMU outputs (on page 2-27). For information about
generating pulses with a 2600B, refer to Using timers to perform pulse mode sweeps (on page 4-16).
The purpose of this configuration is to supply more current than a single SMU voltage source can
provide. In this example, SMU 2 controls the voltage applied to a device-under-test (DUT). At full
power, SMU 1 supplies 47% of the current required by the load and SMU 2 supplies 53%. SMU2
sinks excess current from SMU 1 when DUT current draw is less than the maximum current of the
SMU combination.
Proper operation of this configuration requires that SMU 1 does not limit the voltage from SMU 2 and
that SMU 2 does not limit the current from SMU 1. To accomplish this:
• Set the voltage source level of SMU 2 ten percent lower than voltage source limit of SMU 1.
• Set the current source level of SMU 1 ten percent lower than the current source limit of SMU 2.
• Set the voltage source limit of SMU 1 to the maximum voltage allowed in Region 4.
• Set the current source limit of SMU 2 to the maximum current allowed in Region 4.
These settings ensure that both SMUs are set to the same source and limit ranges, as recommended.
A 10% source limit margin is generally recommended, but this value can be adjusted to meet the
requirements of a specific application.
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