Cirris CH2 User manual

Cirris CH2
Custom Instructions Manual

CH2 Custom Instructions Manual
Copyright by Cirris® Systems Corporation
401 North 5600 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
USA
All Rights Reserved

Table of Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................1
Check your software version.......................................................................1
Install the License File ................................................................................1
Adding a Custom Instruction to a Test Program.........................................2
Between Points Resistance Setting............................................................4
Overview .....................................................................................................5
Connecting External Instruments to the CH2 .............................................8
Setting up Communication in the External Instrument..............................11
Setting up Communication in the CH2......................................................12
Comment Response .................................................................................17
User Information........................................................................................17
Compliance Limited 2W Resistance.........................................................18
Compliance Limited 4W Resistance.........................................................18
Forward and Reverse 2W Resistance ......................................................19
Forward and Reverse 4W Resistance ......................................................20
Measure Capacitance...............................................................................20
Measure Total Capacitance......................................................................20
Attach Optocoupler Transmitter................................................................21
Measure Optocoupler Receiver ................................................................21
Attach Transformer Primary......................................................................23
Measure Transformer Secondary .............................................................23
Measure Diode Voltages...........................................................................25
Measure Probed Resistance.....................................................................25
Set 4W Probe Point...................................................................................26
Measure 4W Probed Resistance ..............................................................26
Introduction to Isolation Testing................................................................27
Disable Shorts Test...................................................................................28
Two Point LV Isolation Test ......................................................................28
Two Point HV Isolation Test......................................................................28
Bulk LV Isolation Test ...............................................................................29
Bulk LV Isolation Test with Search ...........................................................29
Overview of Custom Instructions 1
External Instruments 5
Common Custom Instructions 17
Cirris CH2 Custom Instructions 18

Bulk HV Isolation Test...............................................................................30
Bulk HV Isolation Test with Search...........................................................30
Attach 2 Wire.............................................................................................31
Attach 4 Wire.............................................................................................31
Enable Faster Hipot ..................................................................................32
Hipot & Measure Current ..........................................................................32
Hipot & Measure Resistance ....................................................................33
Source & Measure 2W Current.................................................................33
Source & Measure 2W Voltage.................................................................34
Measure 2W Resistance...........................................................................34
Measure 4W Resistance...........................................................................34
User Defined 2-Wire Measure ..................................................................34
User Defined 4-Wire Measure ..................................................................35
User Defined Hipot....................................................................................35
Keithley Interlock Switch...........................................................................35
Attach 4 Wire.............................................................................................36
Measure 4W Capacitance.........................................................................36
Measure 4W Inductance...........................................................................36
Measure 4W Resistance...........................................................................36
User Defined 4W Measure........................................................................36
AttachToEbox............................................................................................37
SetVoltage.................................................................................................37
Keithley SourceMeter Custom Instructions 31
Agilent LCR Meter Custom Instructions 36
Power Supply Custom Instructions 37

Page 1
Overview of Custom Instructions
Introduction
CH2 custom instructions provide you with more flexibility and control over the Cirris® CH2 tester than the
standard test instructions included with the Easy-Wire™software. You have full control of the voltage and
current used in a test. Custom Instructions also allow you to use a wide range of external instruments
that expand the capabilities of your CH2 test system. Some custom instructions allow the CH2 tester to
emulate other test equipment in the marketplace. These instructions have all the benefits of the standard
Easy-Wire commands: measured values, custom reporting, import/export, and Easy-Wire editor and test
interfaces.
With the added capability and flexibility of CH2 custom instructions comes the increased likelihood of
errors in the test setup. We suggest that the person using these custom instructions be skilled setting
electrical test parameters and have a technical electrical background.
A few basic CH2 Custom Instructions come with the Easy-Wire software but most are available when you
purchase a license file for CH2 Custom Instructions. In order to get the latest custom instructions, you will
likely need to install a current version of the Easy-Wire software. Your Cirris sales representative can
help you with both upgrading Easy-Wire software and obtaining a license file for Custom Instructions.
Check your software version
Check the version of your Easy-Wire
software on the Easy-Wire Main
Menu.
You can find the current version of
the software listed on the Cirris
Easy-Wire software web page.
If you do not have a current
version,download it from the Cirris
Easy-Wire software web page. Call
your Cirris salesperson to obtain a
password for downloading the
software.
Install the License File
To access most CH2 Custom Instructions you will need to obtain a license. You will receive
your license file via email.
Copy the license file to the same folder that your Easy-Wire.exe resides. This will be: “C:\Program
Files\Cirris\easywire” for 32 bit Windows, or
“C:\Program Files (x86)\Cirris\easywire” for 64 bit Windows.
Note: “Program Files (x86)” will not exist unless your operating system is 64 bit.

Page 2
Adding a Custom Instruction to a Test Program
To add a custom instruction:
1. From the Easy-Wire Main
Menu, either edit or create a
new test program
2. Under the Define Instructions
Tab, select CUSTOM in the
drop down, and click Add
Instruction.
Note: You can also use the
Add Multiple or Add
Sequence Buttons. Click the
Easy-Wire help on this page
for more information.
After selecting a Custom Instruction
you are presented with this “Custom
Instruction” Window.
You first select Category of the Custom
Instruction you want to insert,
and then select the custom instruction
from that category.
Custom Instructions are grouped by categories. For example, all the instructions available for one type of
external instrument are grouped as a category. The “Common” and “Cirris CH2” categories come with
the Easy-Wire software. Additional categories are added to the list when you purchase a license file.

Page 3
After choosing the particular test instruction,
other selections appear in the Custom
Instruction window.
In this example, this particular Custom
Instruction requires you enter two test
points.
When a Custom Instruction requires you
enter two points this Between Points
selection is presented. This selection will be
explained in the next section.
Typically the Edit Parameters button will
appear in the window. You will use this
button to setup the details of the test
instruction.
After selecting connector information and
selecting Edit Parameters,
you can click Try It to test the Custom
Instruction with the device to be tested
connected to the tester *.
Once you are satisfied with the custom
Instruction, click OK.
* If you are using a custom instruction to control an external instrument, Try it will not work until you
correctly set up the external instrument and use an Attach Instruction to establish communication with the
external instrument. These steps will be documented in the following pages.

Page 4
Between Points Resistance Setting
Some of the custom instructions allow
you to setup a measurement between
two test points.
When this is the case, you will see the
“Between Points” setting.
To understand this selection one must understand that Cirris cable testers perform an automatic low
voltage shorts test between DUT nets that should not have a direct connection. This automatic shorts
test can be turned off using the custom instruction Disable Shorts Test. However, typically the automatic
shorts test is left on.
When the shorts test is enabled you must make a selection to determine how the shorts test will look at
any measured resistance between the two specified points. Note with many custom instructions, the two
points will have a resistance between them because of an electrical component.
If Allow Resistances > Wire Instruction Resistance is checked:
The shorts test will pass a resistance between the points specified only if the resistance is above the
resistances used for the wire instructions in the test. Use this option if the resistance between the points
is above that of wire instructions in the test program.
If Allow Shorts (All Resistances) is checked:
The shorts test will pass any resistance between the specified points. Use this option if the resistance
between the points is below that of wire instructions in the test program.

Page 5
External Instruments
Overview
Many CH2 Custom Instructions can be used with test instruments that are external to the CH2 tester.
The two types of external instruments that can be used are measuring devices and programmable power
supplies. Varying measuring devices can measure complex components in your test and provide greater
accuracy. Power supplies allow you to power components in your test. More than one external
instrument can be connected to the CH2 test system. You can purchase external instruments from their
manufacturer or you can purchase them through Cirris. If you have an external instrument that is
currently not supported with custom instructions, call Cirris for assistance.
Limitations of External Instruments
In the picture at right an external
instrument is connected to the scanner
expansion chassis of a two-chassis
system. The CH2 tester allows you to
use an external instrument only with the
chassis to which they are connected.
Therefore in this case, the external
instrument can make measurements
with the test points of the scanner
expansion chassis, not with the test
points of the base chassis.
In this case the LCR meter cable is connected to a 320
point system. Typically LCR meters are used with low
(160 or 320) point systems to ensure accuracy of the
capacitance measurement.
scanner
expansion
chassis
base
chassis

Page 6
Supported measurement devices
The entire Keithley 2400
SourceMeter® series
These instruments are called SourceMeters® because they
combine a digital voltmeter with a precision voltage-current
source. The 2400 SourceMeters® can address difficult tasks such
as measuring breakdown voltages, leakage currents, and very
high resistance values.
SourceMeter is a registered trademark of Keithley Instruments.
Keithley 6487 Picoammeter
This model only support 2-wire testing with the Cirris CH2.
Agilent 34401A DMM
These digital multi-meters provide high accuracy voltage, current,
and resistance measurements. Both of these multi-meters have
the same functions as the CH2 with greater accuracy and
precision. The 34410 DMMs can also make capacitance
measurements.
Agilent
34410A DMM
Agilent E4980A LCR Meter
Agilent 4263B LCR Meter
These LCR meters provide high accuracy inductance and
capacitance measurements. They can also measure resistance.
These meters should be used with a CH2 tester with the fewest
possible points to increase the measurement accuracy.
Supported power supplies
Any SCPI Compliant Power Supply
such as:
Agilent E3645A
These power supplies are used with the CH2 Energization Box
(EBox), which allows you to actuate and energize lamps and LED
lights in a test. They are also useful for testing assemblies that

Page 7
Agilent 6674A
contain two or more different voltage relays, and testing
parameters that require variable voltages, such as relay pull-in
voltages and drop-out voltages. They allow you to set any voltage
from 0 to 60 VDC and both can be programmed to change voltage
during a test.
To connect instruments to a CH2 System you need a:
National Instruments
GPIB to USB Adapter*
Cirris P/N: 60-50021
You can purchase this cable from National Instruments (ni.com).
Other makes of GPIB to USB adapters will not work.
NI model #: GPIB-USB-HS+
NI Part Number: 783368-01
With some test equipment you can use a serial or null modem
cable; however this typically requires a USB to serial converter,
limits test speed, and allows only one external instrument to be
connected to the CH2 system. Call Cirris for more information if
you want to pursue this option.
Depending on the external instrument you use, you will need a Cirris interface
cable:
Keithley/Agilent Meter Cable
Cirris P/N: 80-50014
Use for Keithley 2400 SourceMeter® series; Agilent 34401A
and 34410A DMM
SCPI Power Supply Cable
Cirris P/N: 80-50025
Use for Agilent E3645A, Agilent 6674A, or any other SCPI
Compliant Power Supply
Agilent LCR Meter
Cirris P/N: 80-50026
Use for Agilent E4980A or Agilent 6674A LCR Meters

Page 8
If you are connecting multiple external instruments you also need a:
IEEE-488 GPIB Cable
This will connect from one external instrument to
another. A shielded or unshielded cable will work.
Connecting External Instruments to the CH2
The following steps illustrate how to connect one or more external instruments to a CH2 tester. Your
CH2 tester should already be set up, if not first see the CH2 Getting Started Guide.
Setup the GPIB to USB Adapter
1. Install the GBIB software on the computer that will
control the CH2 tester.
2. Plug the GPIB to USB adapter into a USB port on
the computer that controls the CH2 tester.
3. Plug and secure the other end into the GPIB
connector on the external instrument.
If you were connecting more than one external
instrument, connect the GPIB cable to the
external instrument, then connect the GPIB
adapter as shown.
GPIB to USB
Adapter
GPIB Cable
To another
external instrument

Page 9
Grounded Power to the External
Instrument
Make sure to plug the external instrument into a
grounded power outlet. Ideally, plug it into the same
grounded power strip or outlet as the CH2 test
system.
To Complete the Setup
See the correct heading below or on the next page corresponding to your test equipment.
To connect a Keithley 2400 series SourceMeter®, Agilent 34401A, or Agilent
34410A:
Supported Keithley 2400 Series SourceMeters include the Keithley 2400, 2410, 2430, and 2450.
1. Connect the Cirris Keithley/Agilent Meter
Cable (Cirris P/N: AC00-848) to your meter
4-wire terminals as shown.
2. Use a small Phillips screw driver to securely
connect the Euro DIN connector of the Cirris
Keithley/Agilent Meter Cable to your Cirris
CH2 tester.
Note: the Euro DIN connector can be
located on any CH2 scanner position. Many
people connect the connector to the last
most connector to keep it out of the way.
Sense Hi
Force Hi
Force Lo
Sense Lo
Euro DIN
connector

Page 10
To connect Agilent E4980A or Agilent 6674A LCR Meters:
1. Connect the BNC connector block of the
Agilent LCR Meter Cable (Cirris P/N:
AC00-848) to the BNC connectors of
the LCR meter. The BNC connector
block can be plugged on in either
orientation.
2. Connect the Euro DIN connector of this
cable to the CH2 tester as shown.
Note: the Euro DIN connector can be
located on any CH2 scanner position.
Many people connect the connector to
the last most connector to keep it out of
the way.
`
To connect an Agilent E3645A, Agilent 6674A, or any other SCPI compliant
power supply
1. Connect the Cirris SCPI Power Supply
Cable (Cirris P/N: AC00-908) to your
power supply 4-wire output terminals as
shown.
2. Connect other end of the Cirris SCPI
Power Supply to your Energization unit
input as shown. The Energization unit
should be connected to your CH2 tester
with a box-to-box cable (see
Energization Box manual for more
information).
+ sense
(blue)
+ force
(black)
- force
(black)
- sense
(blue)
energization
unit input
BNC connector
block
Euro DIN
connector

Page 11
Setting up Communication in the External Instrument
You need to setup the communication parameters in the external instrument. Following are a few notes to
aid you in setting the GBIB communication settings on some commonly used meters. If these notes are
insufficient, see the user manual for the External Instrument.
When you select the GBIB communication setting you will also select a GBIB address. Note this GBIB
address as you will need to match it later on a CH2 Instruction that uses the Custom Instruction. If you are
using more than one external instrument with the CH2 system, make sure to set each external instrument
to a unique GBIB address.
Keithley 2400 Meter
•Press Menu. Use side button arrow until the display says COMMUNICATION, then press ENTER.
•If the meter was previously in serial mode, the meter will reset. If this is the case, again press Menu,
side arrow to COMMUNICATION, then ENTER.
•Press up or down button to select the desired address, then press ENTER. Press side arrow to select
SCPI, press ENTER and EXIT.
Agilent 4263B LCR Meter
•Press the blue button, then the button with the blue Adrs above it.
•Use the arrow buttons to select desired GBIB address, then press Enter.
HP/Agilent 34401A Meter
•Press the blue Shift button, then Menu On/Off button. Use > arrow button to find the E: I/O MENU, then
press down arrow. Use >arrow button to select HP-IB, then press down arrow.
•Use side, up and down arrows to select the desired GBIB address, then press Enter button to save
the changes.
Agilent E3645A Power Supply
•Press the I/O Config button, then use the main adjustment knob to select GBIB / 488 on the display.
•Again press the I/O Config button. Use the main adjustment knob to select the desired GBIB address,
then press I/O Config again to save the configuration.

Page 12
Setting up Communication in the CH2
In each test program that uses the external instrument, you need to define how the external instrument is
connected to the CH2 tester. You will do this by first setting up a connector type that identifies the
connector connecting the external instrument to the CH2 tester.
To definine the connector type for the external instrument:
From the Easy-Wire main menu,
create a new test program,
or highlight the test program you wish to
add an instruction to, and click Edit.
2. Open the “Define Connectors” tab.
Use the scroll bar or search box to find
“External Instrument-16” connector from
the Connector Library list.
Select this connector type,
and click Add Selected Connector.
Note: If you do not see the External Instrument-16 adapter, contact your Cirris support representative to
receive the connector type file to import. To import the connector type file, from the main menu, click
Connector Registry, click the Connectors tab, and then click Import Library.
3. Select the “External Instrument-16”
connector line from the list of connectors
used in the test,
and click Edit.
4. Give the connector a new reference name,
for example M1 as shown,
and check the “Pins in connector are
4-wire pins” box.
Note: You need to check the “Pins in
connector are 4-wire pins” box even if you
are doing 2 wire measurements with your
external instrument.
Now you need to “attach” the pins of the the External Instrument-16 connector type so the tester knows
how these pins map to the tester’s test points.

Page 13
To attach the connector for the external instrument:
1. Open the “Attach Connectors” tab,
select “External Instrument-16” from the
list,
and click Attach Selected without using
Probe.
2. Enter the first system test point for your
external instrument connector. In
example here, the first system point of the
connector is 609. See how we computed
this below.
Example:
There are 19 connectors before the
external instrument connector. Since each
connector contains 32 points, there are
608 (19 x 32) system points before the
connector that is connected to the
external instrument. Therefore in this
example, the first system test point of the
external instrument connector starts on
point 609.
19 connectors

Page 14
The pins the “External Instrument-16”
connector are being attached as four-wire
points. Every odd numbered pin has a
corresponding adjacent even numbered
four-wire point.
3. Click OK to accept each of the odd
numbered pins in the External Instrument-
16 connector. After you click OK for the
last pin, the dialog box disappears. The
connector is attached.
Setting up an Attach Custom Instruction
Whenever you use the external instrument in a test program, you must use an “attach custom instruction”
before using other external instrument custom instructions. The attach custom instruction tells the tester
how pins from the CH2 external instrument connector are wired or mapped to the connections on the
external instrument.
There is both a 2-wire and 4-wire custom attach instruction. If you want to use a 2-wire test instruction, you
must use a 2-wire attach instruction first in test program. Likewise, if you want to use a 4-wire test
instruction, you must first use a 4-wire attach instruction in test program. Pins 25 and 27 of the external
instrument connector are used for the 4-wire attach instruction. Pins 29 and 31 are used for 2-wire attach
instruction.
WARNING! If you are using the External Instrument Cable from Cirris (see page 7), include both
the 2-wire AND the 4-wire instructions to the test program. Add both instructions even if you are
not performing 4-wire testing. If the 4-wire instruction is not included, the hipot portion of the test
could damage your meter. For further questions or concerns, contact Cirris.
To set up an attach instruction:
1. In the “Define Instructions” tab of
the “Test Program Editor.” Click
the instruction drop down box, and
select Custom.
2. Click Add Instruction.

Page 15
3. Select the name of your external
instrument in the “Custom Instruction
Category”field.
4. Select either Attach 2 Wire or Attach 4
Wire as your first instruction.
If you want to use a 2-wire test instruction
later in your test program, you must use
an Attach 2-Wire instruction first in test
program. Likewise, if you want to use a 4-
wire test instruction, you must first use a
Attach 4-wire instruction. Some test
instructions require both an Attach 2 Wire
and Attach 4 Wire test instruction.
5. If you select “Attach 2 Wire”,select
the reference for the External
Instrument-16 connector, select Pins
29 and 31,
then click Edit Parameters.
If you selected “Attach 4 Wire”,
select the reference for the External
Instrument-16 connector, select Pins
25 and 27, and click Edit Parameters.

Page 16
6. In this dialogue box select GPIB and
the address you previously selected on
your external instrument,
then click OK in this dialogue box and
OK again to exit and save the custom
instruction.
Remember: You must use the “Attach 2-wire” or “Attach 4-wire” at the beginning of a test program so that
you can use corresponding 2 or 4-wire custom instructions for a external instrument.
Helpful hint: Inserting both the “Attach 2-wire”and “Attach 4-wire”instruction at the beginning of a test
program is a good practice, allowing you to use any test instruction later in your test program.
Custom Instruction for Specific External Instruments
Having inserted attach instructions for an external instrument at the beginning of your test program, you
can insert other custom instructions for the external instrument. You may also insert custom instructions
from the Common and CH2 Test Instruction Categories documented in the following pages. For
information on the custom instructions for the meter you are using see the following pages:
Keithley SourceMeter Custom Instructions …….. Page 31
Agilent LCR Meter Custom Instructions ………… Page 36
Power Supply Custom Instructions………………. Page 37