Understanding the capacitor
Based on the capacitor dielectric absorption, the settling time may change and the values in the
"Current measure and source settling times" table in Understanding source settling times (on
page 2-70) may differ.
Tantalum or electrolytic capacitors are well known for long dielectric absorption settling times. Film
capacitors and ceramics perform better, with NPO/COG dielectric ceramics yielding the best
settling response.
Charging the capacitor and making readings
To charge and read a capacitor in high-capacitance mode:
1. Set the current limit to a value that is higher than the value that is used for the measurement (for
example, if measuring at 10 μA, the initial current limit can be set to 1 A).
2. After the capacitor charges, lower the current limit and measure range to obtain the
current measurement.
Enabling high-capacitance mode
Before enabling high-capacitance mode, note the following:
• It is important to read High-capacitance mode (on page 2-69) to understand the impact of
high-capacitance mode.
• Test the device under test (DUT) and the capacitor to determine the best current limit and range
of output voltages.
• The settling times can vary based on the DUT. It is important to test the limits of the DUT before
you use high-capacitance mode.
• Failure to test the DUT for the appropriate current limit and output voltages can result in damage
to or destruction of the DUT.
• For optimal performance, do not continuously switch between normal mode and
high-capacitance mode.
• Before you charge the capacitor, start with 0 (zero) voltage across the capacitor.
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