Keithley 2600a series User manual

www.keithley.com
A GREATER MEASURE OF CONFIDENCE
Series 2600A System SourceMeter®
Reference Manual
2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008
www.keithley.com
A GREATER MEASURE OF CONFIDENCE
Series 2600A System SourceMeter®
Reference Manual
2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008
2600AS-901-01 (B - Sept 2008).qxp 10/9/08 3:40 PM Page 1

A G R E A T E R M E A S U R E O F C O N F I D E N C E
Keithley Instruments, Inc.
Corporate Headquarters • 28775 Aurora Road • Cleveland, Ohio 44139
440-248-0400 • Fax: [phone] • 1-888-KEITHLEY (1-888-534-8453) • www.keithley.com
3/07
WARRANTY
Keithley Instruments, Inc. warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of
one (1) year from date of shipment.
Keithley Instruments, Inc. warrants the following items for 90 days from the date of shipment: probes, cables,
software, rechargeable batteries, diskettes, and documentation.
During the warranty period, Keithley Instruments will, at its option, either repair or replace any product that proves
to be defective.
To exercise this warranty, write or call your local Keithley Instruments representative, or contact
Keithley Instruments headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. You will be given prompt assistance and return instructions.
Send the product, transportation prepaid, to the indicated service facility. Repairs will be made and the product
returned, transportation prepaid. Repaired or replaced products are warranted for the balance of the original
warranty period, or at least 90 days.
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY
This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from product modification without Keithley Instruments’ express
written consent, or misuse of any product or part. This warranty also does not apply to fuses, software,
non-rechargeable batteries, damage from battery leakage, or problems arising from normal wear or failure to follow
instructions.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE. THE REMEDIES
PROVIDED HEREIN ARE BUYER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES.
NEITHER KEITHLEY INSTRUMENTS, INC. NOR ANY OF ITS EMPLOYEES SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY
DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE
OF ITS INSTRUMENTS AND SOFTWARE, EVEN IF KEITHLEY INSTRUMENTS, INC. HAS BEEN ADVISED IN
ADVANCE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SUCH EXCLUDED DAMAGES SHALL INCLUDE, BUT
ARE NOT LIMITED TO: COST OF REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION, LOSSES SUSTAINED AS THE RESULT OF
INJURY TO ANY PERSON, OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.

Series 2600A
System SourceMeter®Instruments
Reference Manual
©2008, Keithley Instruments, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Any unauthorized reproduction, photocopy, or use the information herein, in whole or in part without the prior written
approval of Keithley Instruments, Inc. is strictly prohibited.
TSP, TSP-Link, and TSP-Net are trademarks of Keithley Instruments, Inc.
All Keithley Instruments product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of Keithley Instruments, Inc.
Other brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders
Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.
Document number:
2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008

Safety Precautions
11/07
The following safety precautions should be observed before using this product and any associated instrumentation. Although some
instruments and accessories would normally be used with non-hazardous voltages, there are situations where hazardous conditions may
be present.
This product is intended for use by qualified personnel who recognize shock hazards and are familiar with the safety precautions required
to avoid possible injury. Read and follow all installation, operation, and maintenance information carefully before using the product. Refer
to the user documentation for complete product specifications.
If the product is used in a manner not specified, the protection provided by the product warranty may be impaired.
The types of product users are:
Responsible body is the individual or group responsible for the use and maintenance of equipment, for ensuring that the equipment is
operated within its specifications and operating limits, and for ensuring that operators are adequately trained.
Operators use the product for its intended function. They must be trained in electrical safety procedures and proper use of the instrument.
They must be protected from electric shock and contact with hazardous live circuits.
Maintenance personnel perform routine procedures on the product to keep it operating properly, for example, setting the line voltage or
replacing consumable materials. Maintenance procedures are described in the user documentation. The procedures explicitly state if the
operator may perform them. Otherwise, they should be performed only by service personnel.
Service personnel are trained to work on live circuits, perform safe installations, and repair products. Only properly trained service
personnel may perform installation and service procedures.
Keithley Instruments products are designed for use with electrical signals that are rated Measurement Category I and Measurement
Category II, as described in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard IEC 60664. Most measurement, control, and
data I/O signals are Measurement Category I and must not be directly connected to mains voltage or to voltage sources with high transient
over-voltages. Measurement Category II connections require protection for high transient over-voltages often associated with local AC
mains connections. Assume all measurement, control, and data I/O connections arefor connection to Category I sources unless otherwise
marked or described in the user documentation.
Exercise extreme caution when a shock hazard is present. Lethal voltage may be present on cable connector jacks or test fixtures. The
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) states that a shock hazard exists when voltage levels greater than 30V RMS, 42.4V peak,
or 60V DC are present. A good safety practice is to expect that hazardous voltage is present in any unknown circuit before measuring.
Operators of this product must be protected from electric shock at all times. The responsible body must ensure that operators are
prevented access and/or insulated from every connection point. In some cases, connections must be exposed to potential human contact.
Product operators in these circumstances must be trained to protect themselves from the risk of electric shock. If the circuit is capable of
operating at or above 1000V, no conductive part of the circuit may be exposed.
Do not connect switching cards directly to unlimited power circuits. They are intended to be used with impedance-limited sources. NEVER
connect switching cards directly to AC mains. When connecting sources to switching cards, install protective devices to limit fault current
and voltage to the card.
Before operating an instrument, ensure that the line cord is connected to a properly-grounded power receptacle. Inspect the connecting
cables, test leads, and jumpers for possible wear, cracks, or breaks before each use.

When installing equipment where access to the main power cord is restricted, such as rack mounting, a separate main input power
disconnect device must be provided in close proximity to the equipment and within easy reach of the operator.
For maximum safety, do not touch the product, test cables, or any other instruments while power is applied to the circuit under test.
ALWAYS remove power from the entire test system and discharge any capacitors before: connecting or disconnecting cables or jumpers,
installing or removing switching cards, or making internal changes, such as installing or removing jumpers.
Do not touch any object that could provide a current path to the common side of the circuit under test or power line (earth) ground. Always
make measurements with dry hands while standing on a dry, insulated surface capable of withstanding the voltage being measured.
The instrument and accessories must be used in accordance with its specifications and operating instructions, or the safety of the
equipment may be impaired.
Do not exceed the maximum signal levels of the instruments and accessories, as defined in the specifications and operating information,
and as shown on the instrument or test fixture panels, or switching card.
When fuses are used in a product, replace with the same type and rating for continued protection against fire hazard.
Chassis connections must only be used as shield connections for measuring circuits, NOT as safety earth ground connections.
If you are using a test fixture, keep the lid closed while power is applied to the device under test. Safe operation requires the use of a lid
interlock.
If a screw is present, connect it to safety earth ground using the wire recommended in the user documentation.
The symbol on an instrument indicates that the user should refer to the operating instructions located in the user documentation.
The symbol on an instrument shows that it can source or measure 1000V or more, including the combined effect of normal and
common mode voltages. Use standard safety precautions to avoid personal contact with these voltages.
The symbol on an instrument shows that the surface may be hot. Avoid personal contact to prevent burns.
The symbol indicates a connection terminal to the equipment frame.
If this symbol is on a product, it indicates that mercury is present in the display lamp. Please note that the lamp must be properly
disposed of according to federal, state, and local laws.
The WARNING heading in the user documentation explains dangers that might result in personal injury or death. Always read the
associated information very carefully before performing the indicated procedure.
The CAUTION heading in the user documentation explains hazards that could damage the instrument. Such damage may invalidate the
warranty.
Instrumentation and accessories shall not be connected to humans.
Before performing any maintenance, disconnect the line cord and all test cables.
To maintain protection from electric shock and fire, replacement components in mains circuits - including the power transformer, testleads,
and input jacks - must be purchased from Keithley Instruments. Standard fuses with applicable national safety approvals may be used if
the rating and type are the same. Other components that are not safety-related may be purchased from other suppliers as long as they
are equivalent to the original component (note that selected parts should be purchased only through Keithley Instruments to maintain
accuracy and functionality of theproduct). If you are unsure aboutthe applicability of areplacementcomponent,call aKeithley Instruments
office for information.
To clean an instrument, use a damp cloth or mild, water-based cleaner. Clean the exterior of the instrument only. Do not apply cleaner
directly to the instrument or allow liquids to enter or spill on the instrument. Products that consist of a circuit board with no case or chassis
(for example, a data acquisition board for installation into a computer) should never require cleaning if handled according to instructions.
If the board becomes contaminated and operation is affected, the board should be returned to the factory for proper cleaning/servicing.
!

Section Topic Page
1 Getting Started ....................................................................................... 1-1
Introduction................................................................................................. 1-2
Capabilities and features...................................................................... 1-2
Organization of manual sections.......................................................... 1-3
General information.................................................................................... 1-3
Warranty information............................................................................ 1-3
Contact information.............................................................................. 1-3
Unpacking and inspection.................................................................... 1-3
Options and accessories...................................................................... 1-4
User’s and Reference manuals............................................................ 1-5
Front and rear panel familiarization............................................................ 1-6
Front panel summaries......................................................................... 1-6
Rear panel summaries......................................................................... 1-9
Cooling vents............................................................................................ 1-13
Power-up .................................................................................................. 1-14
Line power connection ....................................................................... 1-14
Power-up sequence........................................................................... 1-15
Beeper................................................................................................ 1-15
Display modes.......................................................................................... 1-16
Editing controls......................................................................................... 1-17
Source and compliance editing.......................................................... 1-17
Menu navigation................................................................................. 1-18
Menu types......................................................................................... 1-19
Interface configuration.............................................................................. 1-21
USB storage overview.............................................................................. 1-21
Connecting the USB flash drive ......................................................... 1-21
Using the file system................................................................................. 1-22
File system navigation........................................................................ 1-22
Error and status messages....................................................................... 1-22
2 DUT Test Connections.......................................................................... 2-1
Input/output connectors.............................................................................. 2-2
Input/output LO and chassis ground........................................................... 2-4
Sensing methods........................................................................................ 2-6
2-wire local sensing.............................................................................. 2-6
4-wire remote sensing.......................................................................... 2-8
Sense mode selection.......................................................................... 2-9
Contact check connections......................................................................... 2-9
Multiple SMU connections........................................................................ 2-10
Guarding and shielding............................................................................. 2-12
Guarding ............................................................................................ 2-13
Noise shield........................................................................................ 2-14
Safety shield....................................................................................... 2-16
Using shielding and guarding together............................................... 2-18
Test fixture ................................................................................................ 2-20
Floating an SMU....................................................................................... 2-20
Output-off states....................................................................................... 2-23
Selecting the output-off state.............................................................. 2-23
Table of Contents

Table of Contents Series 2600A System SourceMeter®Instruments Reference Manual
ii 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008
Section Topic Page
3 Basic Operation...................................................................................... 3-1
Overview..................................................................................................... 3-2
Operation overview..................................................................................... 3-2
Source-measure capabilities ................................................................ 3-2
Compliance limit ................................................................................... 3-3
Setting the compliance limit.................................................................. 3-4
Basic circuit configurations................................................................... 3-5
Operation considerations............................................................................ 3-5
Warm-up............................................................................................... 3-5
Auto zero .............................................................................................. 3-6
NPLC caching....................................................................................... 3-7
Basic source-measure procedure............................................................... 3-7
Front panel source-measure procedure ............................................... 3-7
Remote source-measure procedure..................................................... 3-9
Triggering in local mode............................................................................ 3-10
Configuring trigger attributes in local mode............................................... 3-11
Measure only............................................................................................. 3-12
Sink operation and interface ..................................................................... 3-13
Ohms measurements................................................................................ 3-13
Ohms calculations .............................................................................. 3-13
Ohms ranging..................................................................................... 3-13
Basic ohms measurement procedure................................................. 3-13
Ohms sensing..................................................................................... 3-14
Sense selection .................................................................................. 3-15
Remote ohms programming............................................................... 3-16
Power measurements............................................................................... 3-17
Power calculations.............................................................................. 3-17
Basic power measurement procedure................................................ 3-17
Remote power programming.............................................................. 3-17
Contact check measurements................................................................... 3-18
Overview............................................................................................. 3-18
Contact check commands .................................................................. 3-19
Contact check programming example................................................ 3-20
User setup................................................................................................. 3-20
Saving user setups............................................................................. 3-20
Recalling a saved setup ..................................................................... 3-21
To select power-on setup.................................................................... 3-21
Saving user setups from a command interface .................................. 3-21
4 Source-Measure Concepts .................................................................. 4-1
Overview..................................................................................................... 4-2
Compliance limit.......................................................................................... 4-2
Maximum compliance........................................................................... 4-2
Compliance principles .......................................................................... 4-2
Overheating protection................................................................................ 4-3
Power equations to avoid overheating ................................................. 4-3
Operating boundaries.................................................................................. 4-6
Source or sink....................................................................................... 4-6
Continuous power operating boundaries.............................................. 4-6
I-Source operating boundaries ............................................................. 4-7
V-Source operating boundaries.......................................................... 4-11
Source I measure I, source V measure V........................................... 4-15
Basic circuit configurations........................................................................ 4-15
Source I .............................................................................................. 4-15
Source V............................................................................................. 4-16
Measure only (V or I).......................................................................... 4-16
Contact check..................................................................................... 4-17
Guard........................................................................................................ 4-18
Guard overview .................................................................................. 4-18
Guard connections ............................................................................. 4-19

Series 2600A System SourceMeter®Instruments Reference Manual Table of Contents
2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 iii
Section Topic Page
Settling time considerations ...................................................................... 4-20
Measurement settling time considerations ......................................... 4-20
Reduction in gain-bandwidth .............................................................. 4-22
5 High-Capacitance Mode........................................................................ 5-1
Overview..................................................................................................... 5-2
Understanding high-capacitance mode....................................................... 5-2
Understanding source settling times..................................................... 5-2
Adjusting the voltage source................................................................. 5-3
Enabling high-capacitance mode................................................................ 5-4
Front panel............................................................................................ 5-4
Command interface .............................................................................. 5-5
6 Range, Digits, Speed, Rel, and Filters .............................................. 6-1
Overview..................................................................................................... 6-2
Range.......................................................................................................... 6-2
Available ranges................................................................................... 6-2
Maximum source values and readings................................................. 6-3
Ranging limitations ............................................................................... 6-3
Manual ranging..................................................................................... 6-3
Auto ranging ......................................................................................... 6-3
Low range limits.................................................................................... 6-3
Range considerations........................................................................... 6-4
Range programming............................................................................. 6-4
Digits........................................................................................................... 6-6
Setting display resolution...................................................................... 6-6
Remote digits programming.................................................................. 6-6
Speed.......................................................................................................... 6-6
Setting speed........................................................................................ 6-7
Remote speed programming................................................................ 6-7
Rel............................................................................................................... 6-8
Front panel rel....................................................................................... 6-8
Remote rel programming...................................................................... 6-9
Filters .......................................................................................................... 6-9
Filter types............................................................................................ 6-9
Front panel filter control...................................................................... 6-10
Remote filter programming................................................................. 6-12
7 Reading Buffers...................................................................................... 7-1
Reading buffer overview ............................................................................. 7-2
Working with reading buffers in the local state............................................ 7-2
Reading buffer options.......................................................................... 7-2
Configuring reading buffers .................................................................. 7-3
Appending or overwriting existing reading buffers................................ 7-3
Storage operation ................................................................................. 7-4
Saving reading buffers.......................................................................... 7-4
Recalling readings................................................................................ 7-5
Working with reading buffers in the remote state........................................ 7-5
Reading buffer commands.................................................................... 7-7
Buffer status.......................................................................................... 7-9
Dynamic reading buffers..................................................................... 7-10
Buffer examples.................................................................................. 7-10
8 Digital I/O.................................................................................................. 8-1
Digital I/O port............................................................................................. 8-2
Port configuration.................................................................................. 8-2
Digital I/O configuration ........................................................................ 8-3
Controlling digital I/O lines.................................................................... 8-4
Output enable (Models 2601A/2602A)........................................................ 8-5
Overview............................................................................................... 8-5
Operation.............................................................................................. 8-6
Front panel control of output enable..................................................... 8-6
Remote control of output enable........................................................... 8-7

Table of Contents Series 2600A System SourceMeter®Instruments Reference Manual
iv 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008
Section Topic Page
Interlock (Models 2612A/2612A/2635A/2636A).......................................... 8-7
Overview............................................................................................... 8-7
Operation.............................................................................................. 8-7
TSP-Link synchronization lines................................................................... 8-8
Connecting to TSP-Link........................................................................ 8-8
Using TSP-Link synchronization lines for digital I/O............................. 8-8
Remote TSP-Link synchronization line commands.............................. 8-9
9 Sweep Operation.................................................................................... 9-1
Overview..................................................................................................... 9-2
Section overview .................................................................................. 9-2
Sweep overview ................................................................................... 9-2
Sweep characteristics................................................................................. 9-3
Linear staircase sweeps....................................................................... 9-3
Logarithmic staircase sweeps............................................................... 9-5
List sweeps........................................................................................... 9-8
Pulse mode sweeps.............................................................................. 9-9
Configuring and running sweeps............................................................... 9-10
Configuring other sweep attributes..................................................... 9-10
Configuring measurements during a sweep....................................... 9-11
Source and measurement delays....................................................... 9-11
Initiating and running sweeps............................................................. 9-11
Aborting a sweep................................................................................ 9-11
Sweeping using factory scripts.................................................................. 9-12
Front panel.......................................................................................... 9-12
Sweep programming examples.......................................................... 9-12
List sweep example............................................................................ 9-13
10 Triggering............................................................................................... 10-1
Remote triggering overview ...................................................................... 10-3
Using the remote trigger model................................................................. 10-4
Configuring source and measure actions........................................... 10-6
Enabling pulse mode sweeps (end pulse action) ............................... 10-6
SMU event detectors................................................................................. 10-6
Clearing SMU event detectors............................................................ 10-7
Using the TRIG key to trigger a sweep............................................... 10-7
Using trigger events to start actions on trigger objects ............................. 10-8
Action overruns................................................................................... 10-9
Digital I/O Port and TSP-Link synchronization lines................................. 10-9
Common attributes ............................................................................. 10-9
Trigger configuration on hardware lines ........................................... 10-10
Action overruns on hardware lines ................................................... 10-11
Timers ..................................................................................................... 10-11
Timer attributes................................................................................. 10-11
Triggering a timer.............................................................................. 10-12
Using timers to perform pulse mode sweeps.................................... 10-13
Timer action overruns....................................................................... 10-17
Event blenders........................................................................................ 10-17
Event blender modes........................................................................ 10-17
Assigning input trigger events........................................................... 10-18
Action overruns................................................................................. 10-18
LAN triggering overview.......................................................................... 10-18
Understanding hardware value and pseudo line state...................... 10-18
Understanding LXI trigger event designations.................................. 10-19
Generating LXI trigger packets......................................................... 10-19
Logging LAN trigger events in the event log........................................... 10-20
Accessing the event log from the command interface...................... 10-22
Command interface triggering................................................................. 10-22
Manual triggering .................................................................................... 10-23
Interactive triggering................................................................................ 10-23
Detecting trigger events using the wait() function............................. 10-23

Series 2600A System SourceMeter®Instruments Reference Manual Table of Contents
2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 v
Section Topic Page
Using the assert() function to generate trigger events...................... 10-24
Using the release() function of the hardware lines ........................... 10-24
Using the set() function to bypass SMU event detectors.................. 10-24
Event detector overruns.................................................................... 10-25
Examples using interactive triggering............................................... 10-25
Hardware trigger modes for digital I/O and TSP-Link synchronization lines 10-27
Falling edge trigger mode................................................................. 10-27
Rising edge master trigger mode...................................................... 10-29
Rising edge acceptor trigger mode................................................... 10-30
Either edge trigger mode.................................................................. 10-31
Understanding synchronous triggering modes........................................ 10-32
Synchronous master trigger mode (SynchronousM)........................ 10-32
Synchronous acceptor trigger mode (SynchronousA)...................... 10-34
Synchronous trigger mode................................................................ 10-35
11 Display Operations.............................................................................. 11-1
Display functions and attributes................................................................ 11-2
Display features ........................................................................................ 11-2
Display screen.................................................................................... 11-2
Measurement functions ...................................................................... 11-3
Display resolution ............................................................................... 11-3
Display messages..................................................................................... 11-4
Clearing the display............................................................................ 11-4
Cursor position.................................................................................... 11-4
Displaying text messages................................................................... 11-5
Input prompting......................................................................................... 11-7
Menu................................................................................................... 11-7
Parameter value prompting ................................................................ 11-8
Indicators................................................................................................... 11-9
LOCAL lockout........................................................................................ 11-10
Load test menu ....................................................................................... 11-10
Loading and saving a user script...................................................... 11-11
Adding USER TESTS menu entries................................................. 11-11
Deleting USER TESTS menu entries............................................... 11-12
Running a test from the front panel .................................................. 11-12
Key-press codes ..................................................................................... 11-12
Sending key codes ........................................................................... 11-12
Capturing key-press codes............................................................... 11-13
12 TSP Fundamentals and Script Management................................. 12-1
Introduction ............................................................................................... 12-2
Test Script Processor (TSP) ............................................................... 12-2
Run-time environment ........................................................................ 12-2
Queries............................................................................................... 12-3
Scripts................................................................................................. 12-3
Naming scripts.................................................................................... 12-3
Renaming Scripts ............................................................................... 12-4
Functions............................................................................................ 12-4
Scripts that create functions ............................................................... 12-4
Programming overview ............................................................................. 12-5
What is a chunk?................................................................................ 12-5
What is a script?................................................................................. 12-5
Run-time environment ........................................................................ 12-6
Nonvolatile memory............................................................................ 12-6
TSP script types.................................................................................. 12-7
Programming model for scripts........................................................... 12-7
User scripts ............................................................................................... 12-8
Creating a user script.......................................................................... 12-8
Script examples.................................................................................. 12-9
Saving a user script.......................................................................... 12-11
Loading scripts from the USB flash drive.......................................... 12-13
Running a user script........................................................................ 12-14

Table of Contents Series 2600A System SourceMeter®Instruments Reference Manual
vi 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008
Section Topic Page
Modifying a user script...................................................................... 12-15
Script management .......................................................................... 12-16
Memory considerations for the run-time environment ...................... 12-18
13 Test Script Builder (TSB).................................................................... 13-1
Installing the Test Script Builder software ................................................. 13-2
System connections.................................................................................. 13-2
Using Test Script Builder........................................................................... 13-2
Project Navigator................................................................................ 13-2
Script Editor........................................................................................ 13-2
Programming Interaction .................................................................... 13-2
Starting Test Script Builder.................................................................. 13-3
Opening communications................................................................... 13-4
Creating and modifying a script.......................................................... 13-6
Script launch configuration ............................................................... 13-10
Launching a script ............................................................................ 13-14
Running a TSP file............................................................................ 13-15
Retrieving scripts from the Series 2600A ......................................... 13-15
Instrument console ........................................................................... 13-16
File management tasks..................................................................... 13-22
Displaying custom messages........................................................... 13-25
14 System Expansion (TSP-Link).......................................................... 14-1
Overview................................................................................................... 14-2
Master and slaves .............................................................................. 14-2
System configurations ........................................................................ 14-2
Connections.............................................................................................. 14-2
Initialization ............................................................................................... 14-3
Assigning node numbers.................................................................... 14-3
Resetting the TSP-Link....................................................................... 14-3
Using the expanded system...................................................................... 14-4
Accessing nodes ................................................................................ 14-4
System behavior................................................................................. 14-5
Triggering with TSP-Link .................................................................... 14-5
TSP advanced features............................................................................. 14-5
Using groups to manage nodes on the TSP-Link network ................. 14-7
Running parallel test scripts................................................................ 14-8
Using the data queue for real-time communication.......................... 14-10
Copying test scripts across the TSP-Link network ........................... 14-10
Removing stale values from the reading buffer................................ 14-10
15 Communications Interfaces .............................................................. 15-1
Overview................................................................................................... 15-2
Selecting an interface................................................................................ 15-2
Output queue ............................................................................................ 15-2
GPIB operation.......................................................................................... 15-3
GPIB standards .................................................................................. 15-3
GPIB connections............................................................................... 15-3
Primary address ................................................................................. 15-4
Terminator........................................................................................... 15-5
General bus commands............................................................................ 15-5
REN (remote enable).......................................................................... 15-6
IFC (interface clear)............................................................................ 15-6
LLO (local lockout).............................................................................. 15-6
GTL (go to local)................................................................................. 15-6
DCL (device clear).............................................................................. 15-6
SDC (selective device clear)............................................................... 15-6
GET (group execute trigger)............................................................... 15-6
SPE, SPD (serial polling).................................................................... 15-7
Front panel GPIB operation ...................................................................... 15-7
Error and status messages................................................................. 15-7
GPIB status indicators........................................................................ 15-7

Series 2600A System SourceMeter®Instruments Reference Manual Table of Contents
2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 vii
Section Topic Page
LOCAL key ......................................................................................... 15-8
RS-232 interface operation....................................................................... 15-8
Setting RS-232 interface parameters ................................................. 15-8
Sending and receiving data................................................................ 15-9
Terminator........................................................................................... 15-9
Baud rate............................................................................................ 15-9
Data bits and parity............................................................................. 15-9
Flow control (signal handshaking)...................................................... 15-9
RS-232 connections ......................................................................... 15-10
Error messages ................................................................................ 15-11
Ethernet communications........................................................................ 15-11
Ethernet cable connection................................................................ 15-11
Using the LAN with remote operations............................................. 15-12
16 LAN Concepts and Settings.............................................................. 16-1
Overview................................................................................................... 16-2
Establishing a point-to-point connection ................................................... 16-2
LAN troubleshooting suggestions....................................................... 16-7
Connecting to the LAN.............................................................................. 16-8
Setting the method.............................................................................. 16-8
Assigning the Method......................................................................... 16-9
Setting the IP address ........................................................................ 16-9
Setting the subnet mask..................................................................... 16-9
Understanding the domain name system........................................... 16-9
Verify menu overview........................................................................ 16-10
Understanding LAN speeds .................................................................... 16-10
Configuring the LAN speed............................................................... 16-10
Duplex mode........................................................................................... 16-11
Configuring the duplex mode............................................................ 16-11
Configuring the network settings............................................................. 16-11
CONFIG/FAULT................................................................................ 16-11
Viewing LAN status messages................................................................ 16-11
Viewing the network settings................................................................... 16-12
Confirming the active speed and duplex negotiation........................ 16-12
Confirming port numbers.................................................................. 16-12
Selecting a remote command interface................................................... 16-13
Configuring a telnet connection............................................................... 16-13
17 Web Interface and TSB Embedded.................................................. 17-1
Working with the web interface................................................................. 17-2
Web browser requirements................................................................. 17-2
Accessing the web interface.............................................................. 17-2
Configuring IP addressing .................................................................. 17-3
Password management ............................................................................ 17-6
Password overview............................................................................. 17-6
Accessing the virtual front panel......................................................... 17-7
Device identification indicator............................................................. 17-8
Working with TSB Embedded................................................................... 17-9
Using the Instrument Control Library (ICL)......................................... 17-9
18 TSP-NetTM............................................................................................. 18-1
Overview................................................................................................... 18-2
TSP-Net capabilities.................................................................................. 18-2
Using TSP-Net with any Ethernet-enabled device.................................... 18-2
Example script.................................................................................... 18-3
Using TSP-Net vs. TSP-Link for communication with TSP-enabled devices 18-3
19 Remote Commands............................................................................. 19-1
Test Script Language (TSL) ...................................................................... 19-3
Introduction......................................................................................... 19-3
Reserved words.................................................................................. 19-3

Table of Contents Series 2600A System SourceMeter®Instruments Reference Manual
viii 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008
Section Topic Page
Variables and types ............................................................................ 19-3
Operators............................................................................................ 19-4
Functions............................................................................................ 19-4
Tables/arrays ...................................................................................... 19-5
Precedence ........................................................................................ 19-6
Logical operators................................................................................ 19-6
Concatenation .................................................................................... 19-7
Branching ........................................................................................... 19-7
Loop control........................................................................................ 19-8
Command programming notes.................................................................. 19-9
Conventions........................................................................................ 19-9
Functions and attributes ................................................................... 19-10
TSP-Link nodes................................................................................ 19-12
Logical instruments........................................................................... 19-12
Reading buffers ................................................................................ 19-13
Time and date values ....................................................................... 19-14
Remote versus local state ................................................................ 19-14
Standard libraries.................................................................................... 19-15
String library functions ...................................................................... 19-16
Math library functions ....................................................................... 19-17
File I/O..................................................................................................... 19-18
Instrument Control Library....................................................................... 19-19
beeper .............................................................................................. 19-23
bit...................................................................................................... 19-23
data queue........................................................................................ 19-29
delay................................................................................................. 19-31
digio.................................................................................................. 19-31
display .............................................................................................. 19-38
errorqueue........................................................................................ 19-54
event log........................................................................................... 19-56
exit.................................................................................................... 19-58
file I/O ............................................................................................... 19-58
format ............................................................................................... 19-61
file system......................................................................................... 19-62
gpib................................................................................................... 19-65
io....................................................................................................... 19-65
LAN................................................................................................... 19-69
localnode .......................................................................................... 19-85
makegetter and makesetter.............................................................. 19-93
meminfo............................................................................................ 19-94
opc.................................................................................................... 19-94
printbuffer and printnumber .............................................................. 19-95
reset.................................................................................................. 19-96
script................................................................................................. 19-97
serial................................................................................................. 19-98
setup............................................................................................... 19-101
smuX .............................................................................................. 19-103
Status .................................................................................................... 19-150
Status register sets......................................................................... 19-150
Status byte and SRQ...................................................................... 19-150
timer................................................................................................ 19-204
trigger ............................................................................................. 19-205
tsplink.............................................................................................. 19-212
tspnet.............................................................................................. 19-221
userstring........................................................................................ 19-234
waitcomplete................................................................................... 19-236
Standard libraries.................................................................................. 19-236
String library functions .................................................................... 19-237
Math library functions ..................................................................... 19-237
Factory scripts....................................................................................... 19-238
Introduction..................................................................................... 19-238
Running a factory script.................................................................. 19-239

Series 2600A System SourceMeter®Instruments Reference Manual Table of Contents
2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008 ix
Section Topic Page
Modifying a factory script................................................................ 19-239
Factory script information...................................................................... 19-240
KISweep ......................................................................................... 19-240
KIPulse ........................................................................................... 19-248
KIHighC .......................................................................................... 19-271
KIParlib........................................................................................... 19-273
KISavebuffer................................................................................... 19-274
20 Calibration.............................................................................................. 20-1
Introduction ............................................................................................... 20-2
Environmental conditions.......................................................................... 20-2
Temperature and relative humidity...................................................... 20-2
Warm-up period.................................................................................. 20-2
Line power.......................................................................................... 20-2
Calibration considerations......................................................................... 20-2
Calibration cycle ................................................................................. 20-3
Recommended calibration equipment................................................ 20-3
Calibration errors................................................................................ 20-5
Calibration................................................................................................. 20-5
Calibration steps................................................................................. 20-5
Calibration commands........................................................................ 20-8
Calibration procedure ......................................................................... 20-9
21 Routine Maintenance .......................................................................... 21-1
Introduction ............................................................................................... 21-2
Line fuse replacement............................................................................... 21-2
Front panel tests........................................................................................ 21-3
Keys test............................................................................................. 21-3
Display Patterns test........................................................................... 21-3
Upgrading the firmware............................................................................. 21-4
Using TSB for flash firmware upgrade................................................ 21-4
22 Performance Verification.................................................................... 22-1
Introduction ............................................................................................... 22-2
Verification test requirements.................................................................... 22-2
Environmental conditions.................................................................... 22-2
Warm-up period.................................................................................. 22-2
Line power.......................................................................................... 22-3
Recommended test equipment........................................................... 22-3
Verification limits................................................................................. 22-3
Restoring factory defaults ......................................................................... 22-4
Performing the verification test procedures............................................... 22-5
Test summary ..................................................................................... 22-5
Test considerations............................................................................. 22-5
Setting the source range and output value......................................... 22-5
Setting the measurement range......................................................... 22-6
Output voltage accuracy ........................................................................... 22-6
Voltage measurement accuracy................................................................ 22-8
Output current accuracy............................................................................ 22-9
Series 2600A output current accuracy 100nA and higher.................. 22-9
Model 2635A/2636A output current accuracy 1nA to 100nA ranges 22-11
Current measurement accuracy.............................................................. 22-14
Series 2600A current measurement accuracy 100nA and higher.... 22-14
Model 2635A/2636A current measurement accuracy
100pA to 100nA ranges.................................................................... 22-15

Table of Contents Series 2600A System SourceMeter®Instruments Reference Manual
x2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008
Appendix Topic Page
A Error and Status Messages ................................................................ A-1
Introduction ................................................................................................ A-2
Error summary ........................................................................................... A-2
Error effects on scripts ............................................................................... A-2
Reading errors ........................................................................................... A-2
B Common Commands ........................................................................... B-1
Common commands.................................................................................. B-2
Command summary ............................................................................ B-2
Script command equivalents................................................................ B-2
Command reference............................................................................ B-3
C Status Model........................................................................................... C-1
Overview.................................................................................................... C-2
Status byte and SRQ........................................................................... C-2
Status register sets.............................................................................. C-2
Queues................................................................................................ C-2
Status function summary ................................................................... C-11
Clearing registers and queues................................................................. C-12
Programming and reading registers......................................................... C-12
Programming enable and transition registers.................................... C-12
Reading registers .............................................................................. C-13
Status byte and service request (SRQ).................................................... C-13
Status byte register............................................................................ C-13
Service request enable register......................................................... C-15
Serial polling and SRQ ...................................................................... C-15
SPE, SPD (serial polling)................................................................... C-15
Status byte and service request commands...................................... C-15
Enable and transition registers.......................................................... C-16
Controlling node and SRQ enable registers...................................... C-16
Status register sets................................................................................... C-17
System Summary Event Registers.................................................... C-17
Standard Event Register.................................................................... C-18
Operation Event Registers ................................................................ C-19
Measurement Event Registers .......................................................... C-21
Register programming example......................................................... C-22
Queues..................................................................................................... C-22
Output queue..................................................................................... C-22
Error queue........................................................................................ C-22
TSP-Link system status ........................................................................... C-23
Status model configuration example.................................................. C-23
D Display Character Codes .................................................................... D-1
Display character codes............................................................................. D-2
Display character dot patterns............................................................. D-5
Index....................................................................................................Index-1

Section Figure Title Page
1 Figure 1-1 Front panel (see definitions below figure) ............................... 1-6
1 Figure 1-2 Models 2601A/2611A and 2602A/2612A rear panels ............. 1-9
1 Figure 1-3 Models 2635A/2636A rear panels ........................................ 1-11
1 Figure 1-4 Display modes....................................................................... 1-16
1 Figure 1-5 USB port................................................................................ 1-22
2 Figure 2-1 2602A/2612A input/output connectors.................................... 2-3
2 Figure 2-2 Model 2636A input/output connectors..................................... 2-3
2 Figure 2-3 Model 2602A/2612A input/output LO and chassis
ground terminals ..................................................................... 2-4
2 Figure 2-4 Model 2636A input/output and chassis ground....................... 2-5
2 Figure 2-5 Model 2602A/2612A Low-Noise Chassis Ground
Banana Jack and Chassis Screw............................................ 2-5
2 Figure 2-6 Model 2636A........................................................................... 2-6
2 Figure 2-7 Model 2602A/2612A two-wire connections (local sensing)..... 2-7
2 Figure 2-8 Model 2636A two-wire connections (local sensing,
non-floating) ............................................................................ 2-7
2 Figure 2-9 Model 2636A two-wire connections (local sensing, floating)... 2-7
2 Figure 2-10 Model 2602A/2612A four-wire connections (remote sensing). 2-8
2 Figure 2-11 Model 2636A four-wire connections (remote sensing)............ 2-8
2 Figure 2-12 Contact check connections ................................................... 2-10
2 Figure 2-13 Model 2602A/2612A two SMUs connected to a
3-terminal device (local sensing)........................................... 2-10
2 Figure 2-14 Model 2636A, two SMUs connected to a 3-terminal
device (local sensing, floating).............................................. 2-11
2 Figure 2-15 Three SMUs connected to a 3-terminal device.................... 2-11
2 Figure 2-16 Model 2636A, three SMUs connected to a 3-terminal
device (local sensing, non-floating)....................................... 2-12
2 Figure 2-17 Models 2602A and 2612A high-impedance guarding ........... 2-13
2 Figure 2-18 Model 2636A high-impedance guarding (floating)................. 2-13
2 Figure 2-19 Model 2636A High-impedance guarding (non-floating)......... 2-14
2 Figure 2-20 Models 2602A and 2612A noise shield................................. 2-14
2 Figure 2-21 Model 2636A noise shield (non-floating)............................... 2-15
2 Figure 2-22 Model 2636A noise shield (non-floating) .............................. 2-15
2 Figure 2-23 Model 2636A noise shield (floating) ..................................... 2-16
2 Figure 2-24 Safety shield for hazardous voltage using two
2601A/2602A channels (>42V)............................................. 2-17
2 Figure 2-25 Model 2601A/2602A-1 connections for test circuit
shown in Figure 2-24............................................................. 2-17
2 Figure 2-26 Safety shield for Models 2611A/2612A/2635A/2636A
hazardous voltage (200V maximum)..................................... 2-17
2 Figure 2-27 Model 2601A/2602A-1 connections for test circuit
shown in Figure 2-26............................................................. 2-18
2 Figure 2-28 Model 2636A connections for test circuit shown in
Figure 2-26............................................................................ 2-18
List of Figures

List of Figures Series 2600A System SourceMeter®Instruments Reference Manual
xvi 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008
Section Figure Title Page
2 Figure 2-29 Model 2601A/2602A-1 connections for noise shield,
safety shield, and guarding.................................................... 2-19
2 Figure 2-30 Model 2636A connections for noise shield, safety shield,
and guarding.......................................................................... 2-19
2 Figure 2-31 Floating the Series 2600A ..................................................... 2-21
2 Figure 2-32 Model 2601A/2602A-1 SMU connections.............................. 2-22
2 Figure 2-33 Model 2636A SMU connections for the floating configuration
shown in Figure 2-31............................................................. 2-22
3 Figure 3-1 Fundamental source measure configuration ........................... 3-5
3 Figure 3-2 Local triggering...................................................................... 3-11
3 Figure 3-3 2-wire resistance sensing...................................................... 3-15
3 Figure 3-4 4-wire resistance sensing...................................................... 3-15
3 Figure 3-5 Contact check measurements............................................... 3-19
4 Figure 4-1 Model 2601A/2602A continuous power operating
boundaries............................................................................... 4-7
4 Figure 4-2 Model 2611A/2612A/2635A/2636A continuous power
operating boundaries............................................................... 4-7
4 Figure 4-3 Model 2601A/2602A I-Source boundaries............................... 4-8
4 Figure 4-4 Model 2611A/2612A/2635A/2636A I-Source boundaries........ 4-9
4 Figure 4-5 I-Source operating examples................................................. 4-10
4 Figure 4-6 Model 2601A/2602A V-Source boundaries............................ 4-11
4 Figure 4-7 Model 2611A/2612A/2635A/2636A V-Source boundaries..... 4-12
4 Figure 4-8 V-Source operating examples................................................ 4-14
4 Figure 4-9 Source I configuration............................................................ 4-15
4 Figure 4-10 Source V configuration .......................................................... 4-16
4 Figure 4-11 Measure only configurations.................................................. 4-17
4 Figure 4-12 Contact check circuit configuration........................................ 4-18
4 Figure 4-13 Comparison of unguarded and guarded measurements ....... 4-20
5 Figure 5-1 Enabling high-capacitance mode............................................. 5-6
6 Figure 6-1 Moving average and repeating filters..................................... 6-11
6 Figure 6-2 Median Filter.......................................................................... 6-12
8 Figure 8-1 Digital I/O port.......................................................................... 8-2
8 Figure 8-2 Digital I/O port configuration.................................................... 8-3
8 Figure 8-3 Using Model 2601A/2602A output enable............................... 8-6
8 Figure 8-4 Using Model 2611A/2612A/2635A/2636A interlock................. 8-8
9 Figure 9-1 Sweep types............................................................................ 9-3
9 Figure 9-2 Linear staircase sweep............................................................ 9-4
9 Figure 9-3 Increasing logarithmic sweep .................................................. 9-5
9 Figure 9-4 Decreasing logarithmic sweep................................................. 9-6
9 Figure 9-5 Logarithmic staircase sweep (1V to 10V, five steps) ............... 9-7
9 Figure 9-6 List sweep example................................................................. 9-9
9 Figure 9-7 Pulse rise and fall times........................................................... 9-9
10 Figure 10-1 Triggering overview ............................................................... 10-3
10 Figure 10-2 Remote trigger model............................................................ 10-5
10 Figure 10-3 Front panel TRIG key triggering ............................................ 10-8
10 Figure 10-4 Using trigger events to start actions ...................................... 10-9
10 Figure 10-5 External instrument triggering.............................................. 10-11
10 Figure 10-6 Using a timer for an SDM cycle........................................... 10-13
10 Figure 10-7 Single pulse triggering......................................................... 10-14
10 Figure 10-8 Pulse train............................................................................ 10-15
10 Figure 10-9 Pulse train triggering............................................................ 10-17
10 Figure 10-10 Event log.............................................................................. 10-20
10 Figure 10-11 Falling edge input trigger .................................................... 10-27
10 Figure 10-12 Falling edge output trigger .................................................. 10-28