ADCMT 4601 I-V Meter User manual

MANUAL NUMBER
C
Printed in Japan
ADC CORPORATION
All rights reserved.
4601
I-V Meter
Operation Manual
FOE-00000066A00
First printing Sep 22, 2011
2011
Cover

Safety-1
Safety Summary
FOE-ANZENA00
To ensure thorough understanding of all functions and to ensure efficient use of this instrument, please read the
manual carefully before using. Note that ADC Corporation (hereafter referred to as ADC) bears absolutely no re-
sponsibility for the result of operations caused due to incorrect or inappropriate use of this instrument.
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by ADC, the protection provided by the equipment may be im-
paired.
• Warning Labels
Warning labels are applied to ADC products in locations where specific dangers exist. Pay care-
ful attention to these labels during handling. Do not remove or tear these labels. If you have any
questions regarding warning labels, please ask your nearest ADC dealer. Our address and phone
number are listed at the end of this manual.
Symbols of those warning labels are shown below together with their meaning.
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which will result in death or serious
personal injury.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which will result in death or serious
personal injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which will result in personal injury or
a damage to property including the product.
• Basic Precautions
Please observe the following precautions to prevent fire, burn, electric shock, and personal inju-
ry.
• Use a power cable rated for the voltage in question. Be sure however to use a power cable
conforming to safety standards of your nation when using a product overseas.
• When inserting the plug into the electrical outlet, first turn the power switch OFF and then
insert the plug as far as it will go.
• When removing the plug from the electrical outlet, first turn the power switch OFF and then
pull it out by gripping the plug. Do not pull on the power cable itself. Make sure your hands
are dry at this time.
• Before turning on the power, be sure to check that the supply voltage matches the voltage
requirements of the instrument.
• Connect the power cable to a power outlet that is connected to a protected ground terminal.
Grounding will be defeated if you use an extension cord which does not include a protective
conductor terminal.
• Be sure to use fuses rated for the voltage in question.
• Do not use this instrument with the case open.
• Do not place anything on the product and do not apply excessive pressure to the product. Al-
so, do not place flower pots or other containers containing liquid such as chemicals near this
Safety Summary

Safety Summary
Safety-2 FOE-ANZENA00
product.
• When the product has ventilation outlets, do not stick or drop metal or easily flammable ob-
jects into the ventilation outlets.
• When using the product on a cart, fix it with belts to avoid its drop.
• When connecting the product to peripheral equipment, turn the power off.
• Caution Symbols Used Within this Manual
Symbols indicating items requiring caution which are used in this manual are shown below to-
gether with their meaning.
DANGER: Indicates an item where there is a danger of serious personal injury (death or seri-
ous injury).
WARNING: Indicates an item relating to personal safety or health.
CAUTION: Indicates an item relating to possible damage to the product or instrument or relat-
ing to a restriction on operation.
• Safety Marks on the Product
The following safety marks can be found on ADC products.
: ATTENTION - Refer to manual.
: Protective ground (earth) terminal.
: DANGER - High voltage.
: CAUTION - Risk of electric shock.
• Replacing Parts with Limited Life
The following parts used in the instrument are main parts with limited life.
Replace the parts listed below before their expected lifespan has expired to maintain the perfor-
mance and function of the instrument.
Note that the estimated lifespan for the parts listed below may be shortened by factors such as
the environment where the instrument is stored or used, and how often the instrument is used.
The parts inside are not user-replaceable. For a part replacement, please contact the ADC sales
office for servicing.
Each product may use parts with limited life.
For more information, refer to the section in this document where the parts with limited life are
described.

Safety Summary
Safety-3
FOE-ANZENA00
Main Parts with Limited Life
• Hard Disk Mounted Products
The operational warnings are listed below.
• Do not move, shock and vibrate the product while the power is turned on.
Reading or writing data in the hard disk unit is performed with the memory disk turning at a
high speed. It is a very delicate process.
• Store and operate the products under the following environmental conditions.
An area with no sudden temperature changes.
An area away from shock or vibrations.
An area free from moisture, dirt, or dust.
An area away from magnets or an instrument which generates a magnetic field.
• Make back-ups of important data.
The data stored in the disk may become damaged if the product is mishandled. The hard disc
has a limited life span which depends on the operational conditions. Note that there is no
guarantee for any loss of data.
• Precautions when Disposing of this Instrument
When disposing of harmful substances, be sure dispose of them properly with abiding by the
state-provided law.
Harmful substances: (1) PCB (polycarbon biphenyl)
(2) Mercury
(3) Ni-Cd (nickel cadmium)
(4) Other
Items possessing cyan, organic phosphorous and hexadic chromium
and items which may leak cadmium or arsenic (excluding lead in sol-
der).
Example: fluorescent tubes, batteries
Part name Life
Unit power supply 5 years
Fan motor 5 years
Electrolytic capacitor 5 years
LCD display 6 years
LCD backlight 2.5 years
Floppy disk drive 5 years
Memory backup battery 5 years

Environmental Conditions
Safety-4 FOE-ANZENA00
This instrument should be only be used in an area which satisfies the following conditions:
• An area free from corrosive gas
• An area away from direct sunlight
• A dust-free area
• An area free from vibrations
• Altitude of up to 2000 m
Figure-1 Environmental Conditions
• Operating position
Figure-2 Operating Position
• Storage position
Figure-3 Storage Position
• The classification of the transient over-voltage, which exists typically in the main power supply, and
the pollution degree is defined by IEC61010-1 and described below.
Impulse withstand voltage (over-voltage) category II defined by IEC60364-4-443
Pollution Degree 2
Vibration
Direct sunlight
Corrosive
gas
Dust
Front
The instrument must be used in a hor-
izontal position.
To prevent the internal temperature
from rising, cooling fans are installed
in some instruments.
The air vents on the case must be un-
blocked.
A clear space of 10 centimeters or more
must be kept around the air vents.
Front
This instrument should be stored in a horizontal
position.
When placed in a vertical (upright) position for
storage or transportation, ensure the instrument is
stable and secure.
-Ensure the instrument is stable.
-Pay special attention not to fall.

Safety-5
Types of Power Cable
FOE-ANZENA00
Replace any references to the power cable type, according to the following table, with the appropriate power cable
type for your country.
Plug configuration Standards Rating, color
and length
Model number
(Option number)
PSE: Japan
Electrical Appliance and
Material Safety Law
125 V at 7 A
Black
2 m (6 ft)
Straight: A01402
Angled: A01412
UL: United States of America
CSA: Canada
125 V at 7 A
Black
2 m (6 ft)
Straight: A01403
(Option 95)
Angled: A01413
CEE: Europe
DEMKO: Denmark
NEMKO: Norway
VDE: Germany
KEMA: The Netherlands
CEBEC: Belgium
OVE: Austria
FIMKO: Finland
SEMKO: Sweden
250 V at 6 A
Gray
2 m (6 ft)
Straight: A01404
(Option 96)
Angled: A01414
SEV: Switzerland 250 V at 6 A
Gray
2 m (6 ft)
Straight: A01405
(Option 97)
Angled: A01415
SAA: Australia, New Zealand 250 V at 6 A
Gray
2 m (6 ft)
Straight: A01406
(Option 98)
Angled: ---------
BS: United Kingdom 250 V at 6 A
Black
2 m (6 ft)
Straight: A01407
(Option 99)
Angled: A01417
CCC:China 250 V at 10 A
Black
2 m (6 ft)
Straight: A114009
(Option 94)
Angled: A114109

4601 I-V Meter Operation Manual
C-1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. PREFACE ...................................................................................................... 1-1
1.1 Product Overview .............................................................................................. 1-1
1.2 Supplied Accessories ........................................................................................ 1-8
1.3 Output Unit ........................................................................................................ 1-8
1.3.1 Removing Panel .......................................................................................... 1-9
1.3.2 Mounting Output Unit ................................................................................ 1-9
1.4 Optional Accessories ......................................................................................... 1-10
1.5 Options .............................................................................................................. 1-10
1.6 Operating Environment ..................................................................................... 1-11
1.6.1 Environmental Conditions .......................................................................... 1-11
1.6.2 Power Specification .................................................................................... 1-13
1.6.3 Changing Power Voltage, and Checking and Replacing Power Fuse ........ 1-14
1.6.4 Power Cable ................................................................................................ 1-15
1.7 Operating Check ................................................................................................ 1-17
1.8 Cleaning, Storage, and Transport Methods ....................................................... 1-18
1.8.1 Cleaning ...................................................................................................... 1-18
1.8.2 Storage ........................................................................................................ 1-18
1.8.3 Transport ..................................................................................................... 1-19
1.9 Warm-up Time .................................................................................................. 1-19
1.10 Calibration ......................................................................................................... 1-19
1.11 Life Limited Parts ............................................................................................. 1-20
1.12 Product Disposal and Recycling ....................................................................... 1-21
2. PANEL DESCRIPTIONS .......................................................................... 2-1
2.1 Front Panel ........................................................................................................ 2-1
2.1.1 Display Section ........................................................................................... 2-2
2.1.2 SOURCE LIMIT Section ........................................................................... 2-2
2.1.3 MODE Section ........................................................................................... 2-3
2.1.4 MEASURE Section .................................................................................... 2-3
2.1.5 SAMPLING Section ................................................................................... 2-4
2.1.6 CURSOR Section ....................................................................................... 2-5
2.1.7 DATA ENTRY Section .............................................................................. 2-6
2.1.8 OPERATE Section ..................................................................................... 2-7
2.1.9 Front Output Unit Section .......................................................................... 2-8
2.1.10 POWER Switch .......................................................................................... 2-9
2.2 Screen Display (Annotations) ........................................................................... 2-9
2.3 Rear Panel ......................................................................................................... 2-11
3. BASIC OPERATIONS ............................................................................... 3-1
3.1 Power ON .......................................................................................................... 3-2
3.2 DC Source Mode ............................................................................................... 3-3
3.2.1 Setting and Outputting Voltage Source Value ........................................... 3-3
3.2.2 Setting Current Limits ................................................................................ 3-6
3.2.3 Changing Measurement Function and Range ............................................. 3-9
TABLE OF CONTENTS

4601 I-V Meter Operation Manual
Table of Contents
C-2
3.3 Sweep Source Mode .......................................................................................... 3-12
3.3.1 Sweep Source and Measurement Method .................................................. 3-12
3.3.2 Checking Measured Values ........................................................................ 3-13
3.3.3 Setting Current Limits ................................................................................ 3-14
3.3.4 Changing Reference Cell Current Range ................................................... 3-14
3.3.5 Setting Memory Sweep Data ...................................................................... 3-14
3.4 Menu Operation ................................................................................................ 3-17
3.4.1 Menu Structure ........................................................................................... 3-17
3.4.2 How to Operate Menu ................................................................................ 3-19
3.5 Initializing Setting Conditions .......................................................................... 3-21
3.5.1 Initializing Parameters from Menu ............................................................. 3-21
3.5.2 Restoring to Factory Default Settings ........................................................ 3-22
3.6 Saving and Loading Parameters ........................................................................ 3-23
3.6.1 Loading Parameters .................................................................................... 3-23
3.6.2 Saving Parameters ...................................................................................... 3-24
3.6.3 Auto Parameter Loading at Power ON ....................................................... 3-26
4. FUNCTIONAL REFERENCE ................................................................. 4-1
4.1 Menu Index ....................................................................................................... 4-1
4.2 Panel Key Descriptions ..................................................................................... 4-3
4.2.1 CURSOR Key (Cursor Moving) ................................................................ 4-3
4.2.2 DATA ENTRY Keys (Source Value Setting) ............................................ 4-3
4.2.3 DOWN Key (Voltage Source or Current Limit Range Down) .................. 4-3
4.2.4 DOWN Key (Measurement Range Down) ................................................. 4-3
4.2.5 EXIT Key (Menu Setting Cancellation) ..................................................... 4-4
4.2.6 FIT Key (Optimal Voltage Source or Current Limit Range) ..................... 4-4
4.2.7 FUNCTION Key (ADC3 Measurement Function Selection) .................... 4-4
4.2.8 HOLD Key (Sampling Selection) .............................................................. 4-4
4.2.9 LIMIT Key (Current Limit Setting) ........................................................... 4-4
4.2.10 MENU Key (Parameter Setting) ................................................................ 4-5
4.2.11 MODE Key (Source Mode Selection) ........................................................ 4-10
4.2.12 OPERATE Key (Output ON/OFF) ............................................................ 4-10
4.2.13 SELECT Key (Numeric Item Selection) .................................................... 4-10
4.2.14 STANDBY Key (Output OFF) .................................................................. 4-11
4.2.15 SUSPEND Key (Output OFF) .................................................................... 4-11
4.2.16 SWEEP STOP Key (Sweep Stop) .............................................................. 4-11
4.2.17 TRIGGER Key (Measurement Trigger and Sweep Start) .......................... 4-11
4.2.18 UP Key (Voltage Source Range Up or Current Limit Range Up) ............. 4-11
4.2.19 UP Key (Measurement Range Up) ............................................................. 4-11
5. OPERATIONAL DESCRIPTIONS ........................................................ 5-1
5.1 Connection of Sample ....................................................................................... 5-1
5.1.1 Connection with Output Unit ..................................................................... 5-1
5.1.2 Reference Cell Measurement Terminal ...................................................... 5-2
5.1.3 External Voltage Measurement Terminal .................................................. 5-3
5.1.4 Temperature Measurement Terminal ......................................................... 5-3
5.2 Source Mode ..................................................................................................... 5-4
5.2.1 DC Source Mode ........................................................................................ 5-5

4601 I-V Meter Operation Manual
Table of Contents
C-3
5.2.2 Sweep Source Mode ................................................................................... 5-7
5.2.3 Reverse Function ........................................................................................ 5-10
5.2.4 Output at Sweep End .................................................................................. 5-11
5.2.5 Source and Measurement Timings ............................................................. 5-11
5.2.5.1 Basic Source and Measurement Timings ................................................... 5-11
5.2.5.2 Restrictions on Time Parameters ................................................................ 5-12
5.2.6 Settling Time .............................................................................................. 5-15
5.3 Source Measurement Function .......................................................................... 5-18
5.3.1 Source Range .............................................................................................. 5-18
5.3.2 Suspend Function ....................................................................................... 5-18
5.3.3 High Voltage Indicator Lightning Condition ............................................. 5-22
5.3.4 Measurement Function and Range ............................................................. 5-22
5.3.5 Spot Measurement ...................................................................................... 5-23
5.3.6 Zero Measurement ...................................................................................... 5-24
5.3.7 Measurement Data Memory ....................................................................... 5-25
5.4 Alarm Detection ................................................................................................ 5-26
5.4.1 Current Limit Detection ............................................................................. 5-26
5.4.2 Oscillation Detection .................................................................................. 5-26
5.4.3 Relay Life Cycle Detection ........................................................................ 5-27
5.4.4 Other Alarm Detection ............................................................................... 5-29
5.5 Rear Input and Output Signal ............................................................................ 5-30
5.5.1 Contact Signal Input and Output ................................................................ 5-30
5.5.2 External Control Signals ............................................................................. 5-32
5.5.3 Restrictions on Using External Trigger ...................................................... 5-33
5.6 Operating Multiple 4601 ................................................................................... 5-36
5.6.1 Synchronous Operation .............................................................................. 5-36
5.6.2 Parallel Connection .................................................................................... 5-39
5.6.3 Series Connection ....................................................................................... 5-40
5.6.4 Serial Sweep ............................................................................................... 5-43
5.7 Self Test ............................................................................................................ 5-46
5.8 Error Log ........................................................................................................... 5-49
5.9 Operational Principles ....................................................................................... 5-51
5.9.1 Block Diagram ............................................................................................ 5-51
5.9.2 Operational Principles ................................................................................ 5-52
5.9.2.1 Voltage Source/Voltage Measurement/Current Measurement
Terminal Circuit ......................................................................................... 5-52
5.9.2.2 ADC3 Measurement Circuit ....................................................................... 5-53
6. REMOTE PROGRAMMING ................................................................... 6-1
6.1 Using Interface .................................................................................................. 6-1
6.1.1 Selecting Interface ...................................................................................... 6-1
6.2 GPIB .................................................................................................................. 6-2
6.2.1 Overview .................................................................................................... 6-2
6.2.2 Precautions when Using GPIB ................................................................... 6-3
6.2.3 Setting GPIB ............................................................................................... 6-4
6.3 USB ................................................................................................................... 6-6
6.3.1 Overview .................................................................................................... 6-6
6.3.2 USB Specifications ..................................................................................... 6-6

4601 I-V Meter Operation Manual
Table of Contents
C-4
6.3.3 Connecting with PC .................................................................................... 6-6
6.3.4 Precautions when Using USB .................................................................... 6-6
6.3.5 Setting USB ID ........................................................................................... 6-7
6.4 Status Register Structure ................................................................................... 6-9
6.5 Data Output Format ........................................................................................... 6-15
6.5.1 Measured Value Output .............................................................................. 6-15
6.5.2 Output Target Selection .............................................................................. 6-15
6.5.3 Output Format Selection ............................................................................. 6-16
6.5.4 ASCII Output Format ................................................................................. 6-16
6.5.5 Binary Output Format ................................................................................. 6-20
6.6 Remote Commands ........................................................................................... 6-22
6.6.1 Command Syntax ....................................................................................... 6-22
6.6.2 Data Format ................................................................................................ 6-23
6.6.3 Remote Command List ............................................................................... 6-24
6.7 Sample Program ................................................................................................ 6-35
7. PERFORMANCE TEST ............................................................................ 7-1
7.1 Measuring Instruments Necessary for Performance Test ................................. 7-1
7.2 Connections ....................................................................................................... 7-1
7.3 Test Method ...................................................................................................... 7-1
7.3.1 Self-Test, Display, Key, and Buzzer .......................................................... 7-1
7.3.2 Voltage Source and Voltage Measurement Test ........................................ 7-2
7.3.3 Current Measurement Test ......................................................................... 7-2
7.3.4 Current Limit Test ...................................................................................... 7-2
7.3.5 Reference Cell Current Measurement Test ................................................ 7-3
7.3.6 Pt Temperature Measurement Test ............................................................. 7-3
7.3.7 AD590 Temperature Measurement Test .................................................... 7-3
7.3.8 Type T Thermocouple Temperature Measurement Test ............................ 7-4
7.3.9 External Voltage Measurement Test .......................................................... 7-4
8. CALIBRATION ........................................................................................... 8-1
8.1 Preparation for Calibration ................................................................................ 8-1
8.1.1 Measuring Instruments Necessary for Calibration ..................................... 8-1
8.1.2 Precautions ................................................................................................. 8-1
8.2 Connections ....................................................................................................... 8-2
8.3 Calibration Points and Tolerance Ranges ......................................................... 8-6
8.4 Calibration Procedure ........................................................................................ 8-10
8.4.1 Calibration Operation ................................................................................. 8-10
8.4.2 Calibration Procedure ................................................................................. 8-18
8.4.2.1 Overall Calibration Procedure .................................................................... 8-18
8.4.2.2 Voltage Source Calibration ........................................................................ 8-18
8.4.2.3 Voltage Measurement Calibration .............................................................. 8-19
8.4.2.4 Current Measurement Calibration .............................................................. 8-19
8.4.2.5 Current Limit Calibration ........................................................................... 8-20
8.4.2.6 ADC3 Measurement Calibration ................................................................ 8-21
8.4.2.7 Reference Junction Temperature Calibration ............................................. 8-22

4601 I-V Meter Operation Manual
Table of Contents
C-5
9. SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................... 9-1
9.1 Voltage Source/Voltage Measurement/Current Measurement Terminal
OUTPUT/SENSE Terminal .............................................................................. 9-1
9.2 Voltage Measurement Terminal
Em Terminal ...................................................................................................... 9-3
9.3 Reference Cell Measurement Terminal
CELL Ir Terminal ............................................................................................. 9-4
9.4 Temperature Measurement Thermocouple Measurement Terminal
Tc1/Tc2 Terminal .............................................................................................. 9-5
9.5 Temperature Measurement Pt Measurement Terminal
Pt1/Pt2 Terminal ............................................................................................... 9-6
9.6 Temperature Measurement AD590 Measurement Terminal
Ad1/Ad2 Terminal ............................................................................................ 9-7
9.7 Source and Measurement Functions ................................................................. 9-8
9.8 Setting Time ...................................................................................................... 9-9
9.9 General Specifications ...................................................................................... 9-10
APPENDIX ................................................................................................................. A-1
A.1 When Problems Occur (Before Requesting Repairs) ........................................ A-1
A.2 Error Message List ............................................................................................ A-3
A.3 Execution Time ................................................................................................. A-6
A.3.1 GPIB/USB Remote Execution Time (Typical Value) ................................ A-6
A.3.2 Internal Processing Time (Typical Value) ................................................. A-10
DIMENSIONAL OUTLINE DRAWING........................................................... EXT-1
ALPHABETICAL INDEX ..................................................................................... I-1

F-1
4601 I-V Meter Operation Manual
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
No. Title Page
1-1 4601 Configuration ........................................................................................................... 1-4
1-2 Output Range .................................................................................................................... 1-5
1-3 Maximum Power Limitation at Time of Continuous Loading ......................................... 1-6
1-4 Duty Ratio Limitation at Time of 300 W (Sink)/30 W (Source) Loading ....................... 1-7
1-5 Mounting Output Unit ...................................................................................................... 1-9
1-6 Operating Environment ..................................................................................................... 1-12
1-7 Set Power Voltage Indicator ............................................................................................. 1-13
1-8 Connecting Power Cable .................................................................................................. 1-16
1-9 Display at Power ON ........................................................................................................1-17
1-10 Display during OPERATE ................................................................................................ 1-18
2-1 Front Panel ........................................................................................................................ 2-1
2-2 Display Section ................................................................................................................. 2-2
2-3 SOURCE LIMIT Section .................................................................................................. 2-2
2-4 MODE Section .................................................................................................................. 2-3
2-5 MEASURE Section .......................................................................................................... 2-3
2-6 SAMPLING Section ......................................................................................................... 2-4
2-7 CURSOR Section .............................................................................................................2-5
2-8 DATA ENTRY Section .................................................................................................... 2-6
2-9 OPERATE Section ........................................................................................................... 2-7
2-10 Front Output Unit Section (for Safety Socket) ................................................................. 2-8
2-11 POWER Switch ................................................................................................................ 2-9
2-12 Screen Display (Annotations) ........................................................................................... 2-9
2-13 Rear Panel ......................................................................................................................... 2-11
3-1 Settings and Operations from Source to Measurement .................................................... 3-1
5-1 Output Unit ....................................................................................................................... 5-1
5-2 Connection with Output Unit ............................................................................................ 5-2
5-3 Reference Cell Measurement Terminal ............................................................................ 5-2
5-4 External Voltage Measurement Terminal ......................................................................... 5-3
5-5 Thermocouple Connector ................................................................................................. 5-3
5-6 Platinum Resistance Bulb and IC Sensor Connector ........................................................ 5-3
5-7 Basic Source and Measurement Timings .......................................................................... 5-11
5-8 Settling Time and Measurement Delay Time ................................................................... 5-15
5-9 Conceptual Diagram of Output Status .............................................................................. 5-18
5-10 Relay Counter Structure .................................................................................................... 5-27
5-11 Connection for Three Unit Synchronous Operation Using SYNC OUT .......................... 5-36
5-12 Parallel Connection ........................................................................................................... 5-39
5-13 Series Connection ............................................................................................................. 5-42
5-14 Serial Sweep Output Example and Connection Method .................................................. 5-45
6-1 Status Register Structure ................................................................................................... 6-11
8-1 Connections for Calibration (1 of 4) ................................................................................. 8-2
8-2 Connections for Calibration (2 of 4) ................................................................................. 8-3

F-2
4601 I-V Meter Operation Manual
List of Illustrations
No. Title Page
8-3 Connections for Calibration (3 of 4) ................................................................................. 8-4
8-4 Connections for Calibration(4 of 4) .................................................................................. 8-5
8-5 Calibration Procedure (1) ..................................................................................................8-11
8-6 Calibration Procedure (2) ..................................................................................................8-12
8-7 Calibration Procedure (3) ..................................................................................................8-13
8-8 Calibration Procedure (4) ..................................................................................................8-14
8-9 Calibration Procedure (5) ..................................................................................................8-15
8-10 Calibration Procedure (6) .................................................................................................. 8-16
8-11 Calibration Procedure (7) .................................................................................................. 8-17

T-1
4601 I-V Meter Operation Manual
LIST OF TABLES
No. Title Page
1-1 Standard Accessory List ................................................................................................... 1-8
1-2 Output Unit List ................................................................................................................ 1-8
1-3 Optional Accessory List ....................................................................................................1-10
1-4 Power Supply Specification .............................................................................................. 1-13
5-1 Allowable Current Value and Wire Size .......................................................................... 5-2
5-2 Operations in DC Source Mode ........................................................................................ 5-5
5-3 Operational Descriptions of Sweep Source Mode ............................................................ 5-7
5-4 Source Measurement Operations in Sweep Source Mode ................................................ 5-9
5-5 Reverse Operations in Sweep Source Mode ..................................................................... 5-10
5-6 Oscillation Detection Sensitivity ...................................................................................... 5-26
5-7 External Control Signal Functions .................................................................................... 5-32
5-8 Restrictions on Tp, Tp (ext), Th and Th (ext) ................................................................... 5-33
5-9 TA Value ........................................................................................................................... 5-33
5-10 Restriction on Top ............................................................................................................ 5-34
5-11 Setting for Three Unit Synchronous Operation Using SYNC OUT ................................. 5-36
5-12 Self Test Items .................................................................................................................. 5-46
6-1 Interface Function ............................................................................................................. 6-2
6-2 Standard Bus Cable ........................................................................................................... 6-3
6-3 Status Byte Register .......................................................................................................... 6-10
6-4 Standard Event Status Register ......................................................................................... 6-12
6-5 Measurement Event Register ............................................................................................ 6-13
6-6 Questionable Event Register ............................................................................................. 6-14
8-1 Measuring Instruments Necessary for Calibration ........................................................... 8-1
8-2 Calibration Tolerance Ranges ........................................................................................... 8-6
A-1 Items to be Inspected before Requesting Repair .............................................................. A-1
A-2 Error Message List ............................................................................................................ A-3

4601 I-V Meter Operation Manual
1. PREFACE
1-1
1. PREFACE
This chapter describes the accessories, operating environment, precautions, and operating check for person-
nel who operate the 4601. Carefully read through this manual before using the 4601.
1.1 Product Overview
The 4601 I-V Meter is designed for solar panel inspection used with a solar simulator, which is developed
with ADC's DC Voltage/Current Source technologies.
It supports short, middle and long light pulses and achieves I-V measurement at maximum 100 points in only
5 ms. The 4601 measures voltage, current and reference cell current in parallel in the minimum 50 s to the
maximum 6 s per step.
The optimal measurement timing for various kinds of solar cells can be set with measurement delay time of
the minimum 20 s and integration time of the minimum 5 s.
The 4601 has not only the simple linear sweep function but also the 2-slope linear sweep function and 3-slope
linear sweep function to measure finely required points. Also, there are three types of sampling to synchro-
nize with solar simulators.
In addition, there are two terminals for temperature measurement using thermocouples (type T), another two
terminals for temperature measurement using platinum resistance bulbs (Pt100) or IC sensors (AD590), and
one terminal for voltage measurement using thermopiles.
The 4601 requires an output unit that is separately sold.
The output unit incorporates output terminals and a relay that turns ON or OFF the output.
This relay has a limited life cycle, and the 4601 measures the relay ON/OFF operations. When the life cycle
is reached, an alarm is generated. In this case, the output unit needs to be replaced.
Voltage source/voltage measurement/current measurement terminal
• Voltage source/measurement range: -1.00 V to +300.00 V
• Voltage range: 5 V, 50 V, 300 V
• Voltage source resolution: 100 V, 1 mV, 10 mV
• Voltage measurement resolution: 10 V, 100 V, 1 m V
• Current measurement range: -10.2999 A to +0.1 A
• Current range: 300 A, 3 mA, 30 mA, 300 mA, 3 A, 10 A
• Current measurement resolution: 1 nA, 10 nA, 100 nA, 1 A, 10 A, 100 A
• Maximum source power: 30 W (without a booster, source: +300 V/+0.1 A)
• Maximum load power: 300 W (sink: +30 V/-10 A to +300 V/-1 A)

4601 I-V Meter Operation Manual
1.1 Product Overview
1-2
Reference cell measurement terminal
• Current measurement range: -32.000 mA to +319.999 mA
• Current range: 3mA, 30 mA, 300 mA
• Current measurement resolution: 10 nA, 100 nA, 1A
Voltage measurement terminal
• Voltage measurement range: 3.19999 V
• Voltage range: 30 mV, 300 mV, 3 V
• Voltage measurement resolution: 0.1 V, 1 V, 1 0 V
Temperature measurement T-type thermocouple measurement terminal
• Measurement range: -50.00C to +400.00 C
• Measurement resolution: 0.01C
Temperature measurement Pt measurement terminal
• Measurement range: Pt100 -200.00 C to +850.00 C
JPt100 -200.00 C to +649.00 C
• Measurement resolution: 0.01 C
Temperature measurement AD590 measurement terminal
• Measurement range: -50.00 C to +150.00C
• Measurement resolution: 0.01 C
AD converter Measurement terminal Sweep source
mode
DC source
mode
ADC1 Voltage measurement (Vm)
ADC2 Current measurement (Im)
ADC3 Reference cell measurement terminal (Ir) (fixed) Select
Voltage measurement terminal (Em) - Select
T-type thermocouple measurement terminal (Tc1) Ch1 - Select
T-type thermocouple measurement terminal (Tc2) Ch2 - Select
Pt measurement terminal (Pt1) Ch1 - Select
Pt measurement terminal (Pt2) Ch2 - Select
IC sensor measurement terminal (Ad1) Ch1 - Select
IC sensor measurement terminal (Ad2) Ch2 - Select