Section 4: Sourcing and measuring Model 2601B-PULSE System SourceMeter Instrument Reference Manual
4-64 2601B-PULSE-901-01A April 2020
Linear staircase sweeps
As shown below, this sweep type steps from a start voltage or current value to an ending (stop) value.
When enabled, a measurement is made at each point after the source and measurement
settling time.
Figure 63: Linear staircase sweep
A linear staircase sweep is configured using a start level, a stop level, and the total number of points,
including the start and stop points. The step size is determined by the start and stop levels, and the
number of sweep points:
step = (stop - start) / (points - 1)
The number of sweep steps actually performed is determined by the trigger count. Refer to
Triggering (on page 6-1) for more information.
The sweep can be either positive-going or negative-going, depending on the relative values of the
start and stop parameters. When the sweep starts, the output will go to the start source level. The
output will then change in equal steps until the stop level is reached. If the trigger count is greater
than the number of points specified, the SMU will start over at the beginning value.