Keithley 617 User manual

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MODEL 617
PROGRAMMABLE ELECTROMETER
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
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INTRODUCTION
This reference and programming guide contains condensed specifica-
tions, descriptions of the various features and information for using the
Model 617.
Included with descriptions of each feature are brief operating instruc-
tions and some examples of typical uses.
Included with the programming information are several example pro-
grams utilizing some commonh, used controllers to get the Model 617
“up and running” on the IEEE-488 bus.
0 1984, Keithlay Instruments, Inc.
Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.
Document Number 617903-N Rev. A
1
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CONTENTS
CONDENSED SPECIFICATIONS ........................... 3
MODEL617FEATURES ................................... 7
IEEE-488 PROGRAMMING ............................... 35
PROGRAMS. ........................................... 41
DATA STORE OPERATION .............................. 42
USING HP-85
IBM PC orXT Personal Computer. ......................... 43
[Using Keiffiley Model 8573 Interface)
APPLE II {Using Apple Interface). .......................... 45
HP-s5...............-.--------~-.-*..-~---..........- . 46
HP-9825A _........~..........._.._.........__...~.__~ _ 47
HP.9816..........-.......-....-.~......~...--.....-.~. 48
DECLSIll ............................................ 49
PETlCBM 2001 ......................................... 51
2
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CONDENSED SPECIFICATIONS
I VOLTS I
INPUT IMPEDANCE: >2OOTG in parallelwith 2OpF (~2pF guarded).
AMPS
Range Resolution
2PJ4 O.lfA
20 PA 1 fA
200 pA 10 fA
2nA 1oofA
20 nA 1 PA
2oanA 10 pA
2fi loopA
2:: 110 nAnA
2mA
20mA
Accurecy
1 year, 18-28X
f(%rdg + counts)
1.6 % + 66
1.6 % + 7
1.6 % + 1
0.25% + 5
0.25% + 1
0.25% + 1
0.15% + 4
0.15%0.15% ++ 11
0.15% + 4
0.15% t 1
INPUT VOLTAGE BURDEN: <lmV except 3mV on 2OmA mnge.
3
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OHMS
Accuracy Test
1 year, 18-W??. Current
Range Resolution f (%rdg t counts) fl.576
2kn 0.1 n 0.2 % t 4 1fJW
20 kn 1 n 0.15% + 1 l@W
aokn 10 n 0.25% + 1 IOd
2;: loo n 0.25% t 1 Ifi IkQ 0.25% + 1 IOOIIA
200Mn 10 kn 0.3 % t 1 IonA
2Gn loo kn 1.5 % t 1 1flA
2cGn IMn 1.5 % + 1 IllA
2ooGn IOMQ 1.5 % + 1 lti
MAXIMUM OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE: 300VDC.
VOLTAGE SOURCE
OUTFWT: - 102V to t 102V in 50mV steps.
ACCURACY: 1 year, 18+.WC; f(0.2% t 5&W)
MAXIMUM OUTPUTCURRENT: &2mA, active current limit at <4mA
with annunciation.
4
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GENERAL
CONVERSION TIME: 33omsec.
MAXIMUM INPUT: 25W peak, DC to 80Hz sinewave, 10s per
minute max on m4 range.
ELECTROMETER MAX COMMON-MODE VOLTAGE: 5OOVpeak.
V-SOURCE MAX COMMON-MODE VOLTAGE: IOOVpsak.
ENVIRONMENT:
Operating: O°C to 50°C. 70% relative humidity up to 35OC.
storage: -2FPc to t65oc.
WARMUP: 1 hour to rated accuracy.
ENGINEERING UNITS CONVERSION
PREFIX 1 EXPONENT
femto-
pico-
nano-
micro-
milli-
kilo-
mega-
giga-
tera-
oeta-
IO- ‘6
lo- ‘2
10-s
10-e
10-3
103
106
109
10’2
10’5
5
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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1. Before operation, ground the instrument through a properly earth
grounded power receptacle.
2. Before servicing, disconnect the instrument from the power line, all
other equipment and consult the Model 617 instruction Manual.
3. Do not touch any terminals while the instrument is turned on or con-
nected to any other test equipment.
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DISPLAY ANNUNCIATORS
Readings can be displayed with either alpha exponents or numeric ax-
ponents. A front panel program toggles the exponent mode (see PRO-
GRAM FEATURES).
ALPHA EXPONENTS
mV or V: millivolts or volts.
kfl, MQ, Gg, M or PG: kilohms, megohms, gigohms, teraohms or
petaohms.
pA, nA, fl or mA: picoamps, nanoamps, microamps or milliamps.
nC or PC: nanocoulombs or picocoulombs.
NUMERIC EXPONENTS
Positive Exponents: 0 through 18.
Negative Exponente: -01 through - 12.
Example: A displayed exponent of - 12 = lo- 12.
Display Status-Three indicator lights define what is being read on the
display.
METER Indicator Light-Indicates that electrometer readings are be-
ing displayed.
SOURCE Indicator Light-Indicates that the voltage source
W-SOURCE) value is being displayed.
DATA Indicator Light-Indicates that the data store is in the recall
mode end a previously stored reading is being displayed. A flashing
DATA light indicates that the data store is full.
NOTE:
The DISPLAY button toggles the display between source and the cur-
rent mode (METER or DATA).
IEEE Status Indicators-The TALK, LISTEN and REMOTE indicators
are used when programming the instrument over the IEEE-488 bus.
These status lights are not operational during front panel instrument
operation.
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DISPLAY MESSAGES
The following massages will be displayed to flag errors or conditions as
they occur:
MESSAGE
OL
r.r.
n Err
b Err
t EN
. .
DESCRIPTION
Overrange input applied.
Displayed briefly on power up;
RAM test passed. Displayed con-
stantly; RAM test failed.
Number Error. Calibration or
voltage source value exceeds
limits.
Bus Error. Instrument pro-
grammed while not in remote or
an illegal command (IDDC) sent or
an illegal command option
UDDCO) sent.
Trigger Overrun Error. Instrument
triggered while processing reading
from previous trigger.
flashing decimal points on expo-
nent LEDs; not using stored cal
constants. Constant decimal
points; instrument in calibration
male
IEEE “address” Program message; in IEEE ad-
dress program.
dlSP Program message; in display
mode program.
CAL Program massage; in cal constant
program.
31inking AMPS light In V/I current overload.
3linking ZERO CHECK light In V/I zero check.
8
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SHIK FEATURE
DESCRIPTION
Several of the front panel buttons have a secondary function. These
functions are labeled on the front panel in the same color as the shit?
button. A secondary function is selected by first pressing the SHIFT
button and then pressing the appropriate button. More information on
these secondary functions can be found in the following text.
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ZERO CHECK
and ZERO CORRECT
ZERO CHECK
ZERO CORRECT
DESCRIPTION
The zero check feature provides a means for internal zero verification.
The zero correct feature, when used with zero check, corrects internal
offsets in the instrument 50 that the display raads zero. In the zero check
mode, the input impedance of the Model 617 is changed as outlined in
the following table.
INPUT IMPEDANCE WITH ZERO CHECK ENABLED
IFUNCTION I RANGE 1IMPEDANCE IN ZERO CHECK
Volts
Reistance
Coulombs
Current
All IOMg II 2CpF
All kg, 2MG SOSkGU112OpF
20MQ, 2OOMS, 9.09MG II 47pF
All GG
All 1OMQ I 102OpF
All pA 1OMg II 25pF
All nA 9.09Mn II 47pF
AlI fi 99kn II 102OpF
All mA lOOn II 2OpF
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OPERATION
Zero Verification and Correction
1. Allow the instrument to warm up for one hour after power up.
2. Turn zero check on by pressing the ZERO CHECK button. The ZERO
CHECK indicator light will turn on.
3. Select the function and range that will be used. If unsure of range,
select the lowest range.
4. If the display does not read zero, press the ZERO CORRECT button.
The ZERO CORRECT indicator light will turn on and the display will
read zero.
5. Take the instrument out of zero check by again pressing the ZERO
CHECK button. The ZERO CHECK indicator light will turn off.
8. The instrument is now zeroed and ready to make measurements.
NOTES
1. The instrument can be rezeroad at any time by turning zero correct
off (ZERO CORRECT indicator light off) and repeating steps 1
thmugh 5.
2. Correction is automatically scaled when range is changed. However,
it is recommended that zero be checked after range or function is
changed. If range or function is to be changed without rezeroing, in-
itially zero correct on the lowest range of the function to be used.
3. Check zero every 24 hours, or whenever there is a > 1OCtemperature
change.
4. On power up, zero check is on.
TYPICAL USE
Zero the 2pA range to ensure accurate measurements on that range.
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MEASUREMENT MODES
VOLTS
I cl
OHMS
El
V/I
clcl
1 AMPS
El q
DESCRIPTION
These buttons place the Model 617 in the desired electrometer measure-
ment mode. The VOLTS and OHMS buttons have sacondan/functions:
external feedback and VII modes respectively. In the external feedback
mode, the internal feedback elements are electrically removed from the
circuit so that an external element can be used instead. The VII mode
utilizes the V-Source to extend the resistance measurement capabilities
of the Model 617 to lOtaD. In this mode the Model 617 automatically
calculates the resistance from the programmed voltage value and
measured current, and then displays it.
OPERATION
Volts, Ohms and Amps:
1. Turn zero check on.
2 Determine the signal to be measured.
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3. Press the appropriate function button.
4. Select an appropriate range or autorange.
5. Zero correct the instrument if it is not reading zero.
6. Apply the signal to the triax input connector on the mar panel.
7. Turn zero check off.
Coulombs:
1. Turn zero check on.
2. Press the COUL button.
3. Select an appropriate range or autorange.
4. Zero correct the instrument if it is not reading zero.
5. Turn zero check off.
6. Turn suppress on to cancel the small amount of charge error in-
troduced by turning zero check off.
7. Apply the signal to the triax input connector on the rear panel.
I ‘GRN
“SUPPLIED INPUTCABLE MODEL617
Fig 1. Voltage Resistance, Current and Charge
Measurements
VII:
1. Turn zero check on.
2. Select the current function and an appropriate range fautorenge
suggested).
3. Zero correct the instrument lf it is not reading zero.
4. Set the voltage source (V-Source) to an appropriate level. (See page
20 for V-Source operation).
5. Connect the resistance to be measured to the Model 617 as shown.
6. Press the V-Source OPERATE button (OPERATE light on).
7. Turn zero check off.
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8. Note the current reading on the display. If this current is to be sup
pressed. press the SUPPRESS button (SUPPRESS light on).
9. Select the V/I function by pressing the SHIFT button and then the
OHMS button. The V/I indicator light will turn on.
10. If the displayed resistance measurement is to be suppressed, press
the SUPPRESS button. Otherwise, take the resistance measure-
ments, in ohms, from the display.
*NOT USED
“SUPPLIED INPUT CABLE SOURCE VOLTAGE
RX = MEASURED CURRENT
Pig 2. V/I Measurements
NOTES
1. To exit the VII mode, press any function button.
2. Suppress can be used with V/I ohms in two different ways. If sup-
press is enabled with the instrument in the V/i ohms mode, the
displayed resistance value (not the current being measured) will be
suppressed. In this case, the instrument can be toggled between
amps and V/I ohms without cancelling the suppressed resistance
value. However, suppress will be temporarily ignored by switching to
amps, but it will be reinstated by returning to V/I ohms.
The current can be suppressed by placing the Model 617 in the amps
mode and then enabling suppress. Entering the V/I ohms mode after
suppress is enabled will not cancel the suppressed currant, and the
displayed resistance value will reflect the suppressed current (not a
suppressed resistance). Again, the instrument can be toggled bet-
ween VII ohms and amps without cancelling suppress, but the sup-
pressed value will be a current for both amps and VII ohms under
these conditions.
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RANGE
RANGE
I A
AUTO
III
DESCRIPTION
The range buttons select the desired range of measurement for the
Model 617. The range may be selected manually or automatically. With
manual range selection always use the range that allows the greatest
amount of resolution.
OPERATION
AUTO
The AUTO button toggles autoranging and manual ranging. The instru-
ment is in autoranging when the AUTO indicator light is on. If the light is
off, press the AUTO button once to get into the autorange mode.
15
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MANUAL
The instrument is in manual range when the AUTO indicator light is off.
If the light is on, press the AUTO button once to get into the manual
ranging mode. To uprange, press the button showing the arrowhead
pointing up. To downrange press the button showing the arrowhead
pointing down.
16
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SUPPRESS
DESCRIPTION
The suppress feature serves as a means of baseline suppression allowing
a stored offset value to be subtracted from subsequent readings. When
the SUPPRESS button is pressed, the instrument triggers a conversion
and stores the reading as a baseline value. All subsequent readings
represent the differences between the applied signal level and the stored
baseline. The stored baseline can be as small as the resolution of the in-
strument will allow or as large as full range.
A suppress level can be established for any measurement function and is
effective only on that function. Changing functions, except between
amps and VII (see V/I operation), will cancel the suppress level already
established. Once a suppress level is established for a measurement
function, that stored level will be scaled according to what range the
Model 617 is on.
It is important to note that the suppress mode reduces the dynamic
range of measurement by that stored level. For example, assume that
the suppress level is + lfi end the w range is selected. The maximum
positive displayed reading, before overranging, would be +0.9999fi.
This is because the A/D converter would be seeing 1.9999fi (maxi-
mum) from the input. The dynamic range of measurement is
-1.9999fl to +0.9999@ (2.9998fi) as compared to the normal
-1.9999fi to + 1.9999fi (3.9998rN span. The dynamic range of
measurement has been reduced by lfi (10,060 counts). The effects of
dynamic range can reduced by selecting a higher range or using
autorange.
17
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OPERATION
1. Select function and range.
2. Input the offset or baseline level to the Model 617.
3. Press the SUPPRESS button. The SUPPRESS indicator light will
turn on and the display will zero.
4. The stored level will be algebraically subtracted from all subsequent
measurements.
NOTE: Suppress can be turned off by again pressing the SUPPRESS
button.
TYPICAL USE
1. Cancel external source offset (i.e. calibrator offset).
2. Null out lead resistance on ohms.
3. Null out circuit outputs to display only drift or changes.
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