Model 2601B-PULSE System SourceMeter Instrument Reference Manual Section 7: Theory of operation
2601B-PULSE-901-01A April 2020 7-15
Load considerations for current source
The boundaries within which the 2601B-PULSE operates depend on the load (device-under-test
(DUT)) that is connected to its output. The following topics show operation examples for resistive
loads that are 50 Ω and 200 Ω, respectively. For these examples, the 2601B-PULSE is programmed
to source 100 mA and limit voltage (10 V). In addition, for normal current source operation and current
source operation in power compliance, the 2601B-PULSE is programmed to limit power (600 mW).
Normal current source operation
In normal current source operation, the instrument is sourcing 100 mA to the 50 Ω load and
subsequently measures 5 V. As shown in the following figure, the load line for 50 Ω intersects the
100 mA current source line at 5 V. The voltage compliance limit and the power compliance limit are
not reached (the instrument is not limited through its compliance settings).
Figure 112: Normal current source operation
Current source operation in voltage compliance
The following figure shows what happens if the resistance of the load is increased to 200 Ω. The DUT
load line for 200 Ω intersects the voltage compliance limit line, placing the instrument in voltage
compliance. In voltage compliance, the instrument cannot source its programmed current (100 mA).
For the 200 Ω DUT, the instrument only outputs 50 mA (at the 10 V limit).
As resistance increases, the slope of the DUT load line increases. As resistance increases and
approaches infinity (open output), the 2601B-PULSE sources virtually 0 mA at 10 V. Conversely, as
resistance decreases, the slope of the DUT load line decreases. At zero resistance (shorted output),
the 2601B-PULSE sources 100 mA at virtually 0 V.
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