NI PXIe-4136 Use and care manual

CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
NI PXIe-4136
Single-Channel System Source Measure Unit (SMU)
This document contains the verification and adjustment procedures for the NI PXIe-4136
(PXIe-4136). Refer to ni.com/calibration for more information about calibration solutions.
Contents
Required Software.....................................................................................................................2
Related Documentation.............................................................................................................2
Password................................................................................................................................... 2
Calibration Interval................................................................................................................... 2
Test Equipment..........................................................................................................................3
Test Conditions..........................................................................................................................3
Safety Guidelines for System Operation...................................................................................4
As-Found and As-Left Limits................................................................................................... 5
Calibration Overview................................................................................................................5
Verification................................................................................................................................6
Self-Calibrating the PXIe-4136........................................................................................ 6
Testing the Safety Interlock.............................................................................................. 7
Connecting and Configuring Equipment for Voltage Verification....................................7
Verifying Voltage Measurement and Output.....................................................................8
Verifying Remote Sense Voltage Offset............................................................................9
Verifying Voltage Remote Sense.......................................................................................9
Verifying Current Offset..................................................................................................11
Verifying Load Regulation..............................................................................................12
Verifying 1 μA and 10 μA Current Measurement and Output........................................13
Verifying 100 μA to 100 mA Current Measurement and Output....................................15
Verifying 1 A Current Measurement and Output............................................................17
Adjustment.............................................................................................................................. 18
Adjusted Specifications...................................................................................................19
Initiating the Adjustment Session................................................................................... 19
Voltage and Current Output............................................................................................ 19
Residual Offset Voltage...................................................................................................23
Closing the Adjustment Session..................................................................................... 23
Alternative to Performing Adjustment Procedures.........................................................24
Reverification..........................................................................................................................24
Worldwide Support and Services............................................................................................ 24

Required Software
Calibrating the PXIe-4136 requires you to install the following software on the calibration
system:
• NI-DCPower. The PXIe-4136 was first supported in NI-DCPower 15.1.
• Supported application development environment (ADE)—LabVIEW or
LabWindows™/CVI™.
• Supported operating system—Windows.
When you install NI-DCPower, you need to install support only for the application software
that you intend to use. Access calibration support in the locations shown in the following table:
ADE Calibration Support Location
LabVIEW NI-DCPower Calibration palette
LabWindows/CVI NI-DCPower function panel (niDCPower.fp)
You can download all required software from ni.com/downloads.
Related Documentation
For additional information, refer to the following documents as you perform the calibration
procedure:
•NI PXIe-4136 Getting Started Guide
•NI DC Power Supplies and SMUs Help
•NI PXIe-4136 Specifications
•NI-DCPower Readme
•LabVIEW Help
Visit ni.com/manuals for the latest versions of these documents.
Password
The default password for password-protected operations is NI.
Calibration Interval
Recommended calibration interval 1 year
2| ni.com | NI PXIe-4136 Calibration Procedure

Test Equipment
The following table lists the equipment NI recommends for the performance verification and
adjustment procedures. If the recommended equipment is not available, select a substitute
using the minimum requirements listed in the table.
Table 1. Required Equipment for Calibration
Required
Equipment
Recommended Model(s) Parameter
Measured
Minimum
Specifications
Digital
multimeter
(DMM)
Keysight 3458 A All parameters
except remote
sense accuracy
Voltage: <±9 ppm
accuracy and <100 nV
resolution.
Current: <±25 ppm
accuracy and <10 pA
resolution.
1 MΩ current
shunt
IET Labs SRL-1M/1Triax 1 μA and 10 μA
current accuracy
<4 ppm accuracy,
<0.2 ppm / °C tempco.
1 Ω current
shunt
Ohm Labs CS-1 1 A current
accuracy
<65 ppm accuracy,
<5 ppm / °C tempco.
3 kΩ resistor Vishay PTF563K0000BYEB Remote sense
accuracy
0.1% 250 mW
Test Conditions
Follow the setup and environmental information below to ensure the PXIe-4136 meets the
published specifications. Test limits in this document are based on the June 2015 edition of the
NI PXIe-4136 Specifications.
• Ensure that the safety interlock terminal is closed during verification procedures.
• Keep cabling as short as possible. Long cables act as antennas, picking up extra noise that
can affect measurements.
• Verify that all connections to the PXIe-4136, including front panel connections and
screws, are secure.
• Ensure that the PXI chassis fan speed is set to HIGH, that the fan filters (if present) are
clean, and that the empty slots contain slot blockers and filler panels. For more
information about cooling, refer to the Maintain Forced-Air Cooling Note to Users
document available at ni.com/manuals.
NI PXIe-4136 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 3

• Allow a warm-up time of at least 30 minutes after the chassis is powered on and
NI-DCPower is loaded and recognizes the PXIe-4136. The warm-up time ensures that the
PXIe-4136 and test instrumentation are at a stable operating temperature.
• Use shielded copper wire for all cable connections to the device. Use twisted-pair wire to
eliminate noise and thermal offsets.
• To ensure the system has had adequate time to settle, wait one second after requesting a
new current or voltage or after changing a load before taking a measurement.
• Keep relative humidity between 10% and 70%, noncondensing.
• When making measurements, configure the following aperture time-related settings:
– Set the niDCPower Aperture Time property or
NIDCPOWER_ATTR_APERTURE_TIME attribute to 2 power-line cycles (PLCs) on
the device.
– Set the niDCPower Aperture Time Units property or
NIDCPOWER_ATTR_APERTURE_TIME_UNITS to power line cycles.
– Set the niDCPower Configure Power Line Frequency property or the
NIDCPOWER_ATTR_POWER_LINE_FREQUENCY attribute to either 50 or 60
depending on the frequency of the AC power line in your location.
• Do not use the NI-DCPower Soft Front Panel (SFP) to request test points for any
adjustment functions because you cannot set aperture time using the SFP.
• Ensure that properties or attributes for the device that are not specified in calibration
procedures are set to their default values.
• When making measurements, configure any specified digital multimeters (DMMs) with
the best available ranges and measurement settings for each specified test point.
• For verification procedures, maintain an ambient temperature of 23 °C ± 5 °C. Maintain
an ambient temperature of 23 °C ±5 °C. Maintain an internal device temperature range of
Tcal ±1 °C.1
• For adjustment procedures, maintain an ambient temperature of 23 °C ±1 °C. The
PXIe-4136 internal temperature is greater than the ambient temperature.
Safety Guidelines for System Operation
Caution Hazardous voltages of up to the maximum voltage of the PXIe-4136 may
appear at the output terminals if the safety interlock terminal is closed. Open the
safety interlock terminal when the output connections are accessible. With the safety
interlock terminal open, the output voltage level/limit is limited to ±40 V DC, and
1Tcal is the internal device temperature recorded by the PXIe-4136 at the completion of the last self-
calibration. Call the niDCPower Get Self Cal Last Temp VI to query Tcal from the PXIe-4136.
4| ni.com | NI PXIe-4136 Calibration Procedure

protection will be triggered if the voltage measured between the device HI and LO
terminals exceeds ±(42 Vpk ±0.4 V).
Caution Do not apply voltage to the safety interlock connector inputs. The
interlock connector is designed to accept passive, normally open contact closure
connections only.
To ensure a system containing the PXIe-4136 is safe for operators, components, or conductors,
take the following safety precautions:
• Ensure proper warnings and signage exists for workers in the area of operation.
• Provide training to all system operators so that they understand the potential hazards and
how to protect themselves.
• Inspect connectors, cables, switches, and any test probes for any wear or cracking before
each use.
• Before touching any of the connections to the high terminal or high sense on the
PXIe-4136, discharge all components connected to the measurement path. Verify with a
DMM before interaction with connections.
As-Found and As-Left Limits
The as-found limits are the published specifications for the device. NI uses these limits to
determine whether the device meets the device specifications when it is received for
calibration.
The as-left limits are equal to the published NI specifications for the device, less guard bands
for measurement uncertainty, temperature drift, and drift over time. NI uses these limits to
determine whether the device will meet the device specifications over its calibration interval.
Calibration Overview
Calibration includes the steps shown in the following figure:
NI PXIe-4136 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 5

Figure 1. Calibration Overview
Document
Post-Adjustment
Results
Document
Pre-Adjustment
Results
Calibration/
Verification
Complete
Yes No
Meets
Calibration Test
Limits?
Review Verification/
Adjustment Procedure
or Return Device
Verify
Adjust (Calibration Constants,
Dates, and Temperatures
Updated)
Verify
1. Initial setup—Install the PXIe-4136 and configure it in Measurement & Automation
Explorer (MAX).
2. Verification—Verify the existing operation of the PXIe-4136.
This step confirms whether the device is operating within the published specifications
prior to adjustment.
3. Adjustment—Adjust the calibration constants of the PXIe-4136.
4. Reverification—Repeat the Verification procedure to ensure that the device is operating
within the published specifications after adjustment.
Verification
The performance verification procedures assume that adequate traceable uncertainties are
available for the calibration references.
You must complete all verification procedures in the specified order.
You do not need to separately verify both measurement and output. The architecture of the
PXIe-4136 ensures that if measurement is accurate, then output is as well, and vice versa.
Related Information
Reverification on page 24
Repeat the Verification section to determine the as-left status of the PXIe-4136.
Self-Calibrating the PXIe-4136
Complete the following steps to self-calibrate the PXIe-4136.
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1. Disconnect or disable all connections to the PXIe-4136.
2. Allow the PXIe-4136 30 minutes to warm up with the PXI chassis fans set to HIGH.
3. Initialize an NI-DCPower session.
4. Call the self-calibration function.
5. Close the NI-DCPower session.
Testing the Safety Interlock
In order to ensure safe operation of the PXIe-4136, test the safety interlock for proper
functionality before completing any verification procedures.
Testing with an Application Development Environment
1. Disconnect the output connector from the PXIe-4136 front panel.
2. Ensure that the safety interlock input on the test fixture is closed.
3. Set the niDCPower Output Function property or NIDCPOWER_OUTPUT_FUNCTION
attribute to DC Voltage for the PXIe-4136.
4. Set the voltage level range to 200 V, and set the voltage level to 42.4 V.
5. Set the current limit range to 1 mA, and set the current limit to 1 mA.
6. Initiate the session.
7. Verify that the Voltage Status Indicator is amber.
8. Open the safety interlock input using the test fixture.
9. Verify that the Voltage Status Indicator is red.
10. Reset the device using the niDCPower Reset VI or the niDCPower Reset function.
11. Verify that the Voltage Status Indicator is green.
Caution If the PXIe-4136 fails the safety interlock test, discontinue use of the
device and contact an authorized NI service representative to request a Return
Material Authorization (RMA).
Connecting and Configuring Equipment for Voltage
Verification
1. Make the necessary connections for this procedure, as shown in the following figure:
Figure 2. Voltage Verification or Adjustment Connection Diagram
DMM
Voltage
Mode
+
–
NI-DCPower Device
Sense LO
Sense HI
HI
LO
NI PXIe-4136 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 7

2. Set the niDCPower Output Function property or NIDCPOWER_OUTPUT_FUNCTION
attribute to DC Voltage for the PXIe-4136.
Verifying Voltage Measurement and Output
Compare a set of voltages measured by a DMM to the voltage test points requested by the
PXIe-4136.
Refer to the following table as you complete the following steps.
Verify ranges in the order listed in the table.
Table 2. Voltage Output and Measurement Verification
Level
Range
Limit
Range and
Limit
Test Point As-Found
Measurement Test
Limit (% of Voltage +
Offset)
As-Left Measurement
Test Limit (% of Voltage
+ Offset)
600 mV 1 mA -600 mV 0.020% + 100 μV 0.0047% + 38.3 μV
0 mV
600 mV
6 V 1 mA -6 V 0.020% + 640 μV 0.0032% + 355 μV
0 V
6 V
20 V 1 mA -20 V 0.022% + 2 mV 0.0052% + 825 μV
0 V
20 V
200 V 1 mA -200 V 0.025% + 20 mV 0.0081% + 10 mV
0 V
200 V
1. Set the first specified level range, limit range, and limit on the PXIe-4136.
2. Set the niDCPower Sense property or NIDCPOWER_ATTR_SENSE attribute to Local.
3. Measure the internal device temperature and perform self-calibration if necessary.
a) If the internal device temperature exceeds Tcal ±1 °C, wait up to five minutes for the
temperature to stabilize to within Tcal ±1 °C.
b) If after five minutes the stable temperature still exceeds Tcal ±1 °C, call the self-
calibration VI or function.
4. Set the level on the PXIe-4136 to the first specified test point.
8| ni.com | NI PXIe-4136 Calibration Procedure

5. Compare a DMM voltage measurement to the voltage measurement test limits.
a) Take a voltage measurement using the DMM.
b) Calculate the lower and upper voltage measurement test limits using the following
formula:
Voltage Measurement Test Limits = Test Point ± (|Test Point| * % of Voltage + Offset)
c) Verify the DMM measurement falls within the test limits.
6. If more than one test point per level range is specified, repeat the previous steps for each
test point, from setting the level to the test point on the PXIe-4136 up to this step.
7. If more than one level range is specified, repeat the previous steps using the values
specified in each level range.
Verifying Remote Sense Voltage Offset
Use the PXIe-4136 in constant current mode with a test circuit to simulate the voltage drop
between the device and a load.
Refer to the following table as you complete the following steps.
Verify ranges in the order listed in the table. Use the same connections as the previous test.
Table 3. Remote Sense Voltage Offset Verification
Level Range Limit Range
and Limit
Test Point As-Found
Measurement Test
Limits
As-Left Measurement
Test Limits
600 mV 1 mA 0 V ±100 μV ±38.3 μV
6 V ±640 μV ±355 μV
20 V ± 2 mV ±825 μV
200 V ±20 mV ±10 mV
1. Set the first specified level range, limit range, and limit on the PXIe-4136.
2. Set the niDCPower Sense property or NIDCPOWER_ATTR_SENSE attribute to Remote.
3. Set the level on the PXIe-4136 to the first specified test point.
4. Compare a DMM voltage measurement to the voltage measurement test limits.
a) Take a voltage measurement using the DMM.
b) Verify the DMM measurement falls within the test limits.
5. If more than one test point per level range is specified, repeat the previous steps for each
test point, from setting the level to the test point on the PXIe-4136 up to this step.
6. If more than one level range is specified, repeat the previous steps using the values
specified in each level range.
Verifying Voltage Remote Sense
Use the PXIe-4136 in constant current mode with a test circuit to simulate the voltage drop
between the device and a load.
NI PXIe-4136 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 9

Refer to the following table as you complete the following steps.
Complete this procedure only after successfully completing all previous verification
procedures.
Table 4. Remote Sense Voltage Output Verification
Level Range Limit Range
and Limit
Test Point Load1Load2Voltage Remote Sense Test
Limit
Load1Load2
1 mA 600 mV 0 mA 3 kΩ 3 kΩ ≤6 µV ≤6 µV
1 mA
1. Set the niDCPower Output Function property or NIDCPOWER_OUTPUT_FUNCTION
attribute to DC Current for the PXIe-4136.
2. Set the niDCPower Sense property or NIDCPOWER_ATTR_SENSE attribute to Remote.
3. Make the necessary connections for this procedure, as shown in the following figure:
Figure 3. Voltage Remote Sense Diagram, Part I2
NI-DCPower Device
Sense LO
Sense HI
HI
LO
Load1
4. Set the first specified level range, limit range, and limit on the PXIe-4136.
5. Measure the internal device temperature and perform self-calibration if necessary.
a) If the internal device temperature exceeds Tcal ±1 °C, wait up to five minutes for the
temperature to stabilize to within Tcal ±1 °C.
b) If after five minutes the stable temperature still exceeds Tcal ±1 °C, call the self-
calibration VI or function.
6. Set the level on the PXIe-4136 to the first specified test point.
7. Take a voltage measurement using the PXIe-4136.
8. Record the voltage from the previous step as V1.
2Follow industry best practices for minimizing thermal electromotive force (EMF) when making the
necessary connections for this procedure.
10 | ni.com | NI PXIe-4136 Calibration Procedure

9. Repeat the previous three steps for the other test point specified in the range. This time,
record the value as V2.
10. Calculate the remote sense error using the following formula, and then record the value.
Remote Sense Error = |V2 - V1|
11. Verify that the recorded value falls within the test limits.
12. Repeat the previous steps. This time, make the necessary connections as shown in the
following figure:
Figure 4. Voltage Remote Sense Diagram, Part II3
NI-DCPower Device
Sense LO
Sense HI
HI
LO
Load2
Verifying Current Offset
Remove all connections from the PXIe-4136 and confirm the current measured by the
PXIe-4136 at 0 V falls within the test limits.
Refer to the following table as you complete the following steps.
Complete this procedure only after successfully completing all previous verification
procedures. Verify ranges in the order listed in the table.
3Follow industry best practices for minimizing thermal electromotive force (EMF) when making the
necessary connections for this procedure.
NI PXIe-4136 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 11

Table 5. Current Offset Verification
Level Range Limit Range
and Limit
Test Point As-Found Offset Test
Limit
As-Left Offset Test
Limit
600 mV 1 μA 0 mV ±200 pA ±85 pA
10 µA ±1.4 nA ±607 pA
100 µA ±12 nA ±5.8 nA
1 mA ±120 nA ±58.2 nA
10 mA ±1.2 μA ±582 nA
100 mA ±12 μA ±5.82 µA
1 A ±120 μA ±51 µA
1. Disconnect all equipment from the output of the PXIe-4136.
2. Measure the internal device temperature and perform self-calibration if necessary.
a) If the internal device temperature exceeds Tcal ±1 °C, wait up to five minutes for the
temperature to stabilize to within Tcal ±1 °C.
b) If after five minutes the stable temperature still exceeds Tcal ±1 °C, call the self-
calibration VI or function.
3. Take a current measurement using the PXIe-4136.
4. Record the value from the previous step.
5. Verify that the recorded value falls within the test limits.
6. If more than one limit range is specified, repeat the previous steps using the values
specified in each limit range.
Verifying Load Regulation
Note Although load regulation is listed as a typical specification for the
PXIe-4136, verification is required. If the PXIe-4136 fails the load regulation
verification procedure, discontinue use of the device and contact an authorized NI
service representative to request a Return Material Authorization (RMA).
Refer to the following table as you complete the following steps:
Table 6. Load Regulation Verification
Level Range Limit Range and Limit Test Point As-found/As-left Limit
10 mA 600 mV 10 mA 2 mV
1. Set the niDCPower Output Function property or NIDCPOWER_OUTPUT_FUNCTION
attribute to DC Current for the PXIe-4136.
2. Set the niDCPower Sense property or NIDCPOWER_ATTR_SENSE attribute to Local.
12 | ni.com | NI PXIe-4136 Calibration Procedure

3. Make the necessary connections for this procedure, as shown in the following figure:
Figure 5. Load Regulation Connection Diagram
NI-DCPower Device
Sense LO
Sense HI
HI
LO
Note Connection wires should be 18 or 20 AWG and as short as possible to
ensure low resistance.
4. Set the first specified level range, limit range, and limit on the PXIe-4136.
5. Measure the internal device temperature and perform self-calibration if necessary.
a) If the internal device temperature exceeds Tcal ±1 °C, wait up to five minutes for the
temperature to stabilize to within Tcal ±1 °C.
b) If after five minutes the stable temperature still exceeds Tcal ±1 °C, call the self-
calibration VI or function.
6. Set the level on the PXIe-4136 to the first specified test point.
7. Take a voltage measurement using the PXIe-4136.
Verifying 1 μA and 10 μA Current Measurement and
Output
Compare a set of measured currents reported by the PXIe-4136 to the currents measured by a
DMM.
Refer to the following table as you complete the following steps.
Complete this procedure only after successfully completing all previous verification
procedures. Verify ranges in the order listed in the table.
NI PXIe-4136 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 13

Table 7. 1 µA and 10 µA Current Output and Measurement Verification
Level
Range
Limit
Range and
Limit
Shunt Test
Point
As-Found
Measurement Test
Limit (% of Current +
Offset)
As-Left
Measurement Test
Limit (% of Current +
Offset)
6 V 1 µA 1 MΩ -0.9 V 0.03% + 200 pA 0.0097% + 85 pA
0.9 V
20 V 10 µA -9 V 0.03% + 1.4 nA 0.0097% + 607 pA
9 V
1. Make the necessary connections for this procedure, as shown in the following figure:
Figure 6. Current Connection Diagram, Part 1
NI-DCPower Device
Sense LO
Sense HI
HI
LO
+
–
Precision
Shunt
DMM
Voltage
Mode
2. Set the niDCPower Output Function property or NIDCPOWER_OUTPUT_FUNCTION
attribute to DC Voltage for the PXIe-4136.
3. Set the first specified level range, limit range, and limit on the PXIe-4136.
4. Measure the internal device temperature and perform self-calibration if necessary.
a) If the internal device temperature exceeds Tcal ±1 °C, wait up to five minutes for the
temperature to stabilize to within Tcal ±1 °C.
b) If after five minutes the stable temperature still exceeds Tcal ±1 °C, call the self-
calibration VI or function.
5. Set the level on the PXIe-4136 to the first specified test point.
Complete the following four steps within 5 minutes or less of completing step 4 in order
to ensure the internal device temperature remains stable.
6. Calculate the current through the shunt by completing the following steps.
a) Take a voltage measurement across the shunt using the DMM.
b) Divide the voltage measurement by the calibrated value of the shunt.
c) Record the calculated value as DMM Measured Current.
14 | ni.com | NI PXIe-4136 Calibration Procedure

7. Calculate the lower and upper current measurement test limits using the following
formula:
Current Measurement Test Limits = DMM Measured Current ± (|DMM Measured
Current| * % of Current + Offset)
8. Disconnect the DMM. Leave the PXIe-4136 output on.
9. Make the necessary connections as shown in the following figure:
Figure 7. Current Connection Diagram, Part 2
Sense LO
Sense HI
HI
LO
Precision
Shunt
NI-DCPower Device
10. Take a current measurement using the PXIe-4136.
11. Record the value from the previous step.
12. Verify that the recorded PXIe-4136 value falls within the test limits.
13. If more than one test point per level range is specified, repeat the previous steps for each
test point, from setting the level to the test point on the PXIe-4136 up to this step.
14. If more than one level range is specified, repeat the previous steps using the values
specified in each level range.
Verifying 100 μA to 100 mA Current Measurement and
Output
Compare a set of currents measured by a DMM to the current test points requested by the
PXIe-4136.
Refer to the following table as you complete the following steps.
Complete this procedure only after successfully completing all previous verification
procedures. Verify ranges in the order listed in the table.
NI PXIe-4136 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 15

Table 8. 100 µA to 100 mA Current Output and Measurement Verification
Level Range Limit
Range and
Limit
Test Point As-Found
Measurement Test
Limit (% of Current +
Offset)
As-Left Measurement
Test Limit (% of
Current + Offset)
100 µA 6 V -100 µA 0.03% + 12 nA 0.0095% + 5.82 nA
100 µA
1 mA 6 V -1 mA 0.03% + 120 nA 0.0095% + 58.2 nA
1 mA
10 mA 6 V -10 mA 0.03% + 1.2 μA 0.0097% + 582 nA
10 mA
100 mA 6 V -100 mA 0.03% + 12 μA 0.0139% + 5.82 µA
100 mA
1. Make the necessary connections for this procedure, as shown in the following figure:
Figure 8. Current Verification Connection Diagram
NI-DCPower Device
Sense LO
Sense HI
HI
LO
DMM
Current
Mode
+
–
2. Set the niDCPower Output Function property or NIDCPOWER_OUTPUT_FUNCTION
attribute to DC Current for the PXIe-4136.
3. Set the first specified level range, limit range, and limit on the PXIe-4136.
4. Measure the internal device temperature and perform self-calibration if necessary.
a) If the internal device temperature exceeds Tcal ±1 °C, wait up to five minutes for the
temperature to stabilize to within Tcal ±1 °C.
b) If after five minutes the stable temperature still exceeds Tcal ±1 °C, call the self-
calibration VI or function.
5. Set the level on the PXIe-4136 to the first specified test point.
16 | ni.com | NI PXIe-4136 Calibration Procedure

6. Compare a DMM current measurement to the current measurement test limits.
a) Take a current measurement using the DMM.
b) Calculate the lower and upper current measurement test limits using the following
formula:
Current Measurement Test Limits = Test Point ± (|Test Point| * % of Current +
Offset)
c) Verify the DMM measurement falls within the test limits.
7. If more than one test point per level range is specified, repeat the previous steps for each
test point, from setting the level to the test point on the PXIe-4136 up to this step.
8. If more than one level range is specified, repeat the previous steps using the values
specified in each level range.
Verifying 1 A Current Measurement and Output
Compare a set of currents measured by an external DMM to the current test points requested
by the PXIe-4136.
Refer to the following table as you complete the following steps.
Complete this procedure only after successfully completing all previous verification
procedures. Verify ranges in the order listed in the table.
Table 9. 1 A Current Output and Measurement Verification
Level
Range
Limit
Range and
Limit
Shunt Test
Point
As-Found
Measurement Test
Limit (% of Current +
Offset)
As-Left
Measurement Test
Limit (% of Current +
Offset)
1 A 6 V 1 Ω -1 A 0.04% + 120 μA 0.0058% + 51 μA4
1 A
1. Make the necessary connections for this procedure, as shown in the following figure:
4The as-left measurement test limit for the 1 A level range is relative to the external calibration
source.
NI PXIe-4136 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 17

Figure 9. Current Verification Connection Diagram
NI-DCPower Device
Sense LO
Sense HI
HI
LO
+
–
Precision
Shunt
DMM
Voltage
Mode
2. Set the niDCPower Output Function property or NIDCPOWER_OUTPUT_FUNCTION
attribute to DC Current for the PXIe-4136.
3. Set the first specified level range, limit range, and limit on the PXIe-4136.
4. Measure the internal device temperature and perform self-calibration if necessary.
a) If the internal device temperature exceeds Tcal ±1 °C, wait up to five minutes for the
temperature to stabilize to within Tcal ±1 °C.
b) If after five minutes the stable temperature still exceeds Tcal ±1 °C, call the self-
calibration VI or function.
5. Set the level on the PXIe-4136 to the first specified test point.
6. Calculate the current through the shunt by completing the following steps.
a) Take a voltage measurement across the shunt using the DMM.
b) Divide the voltage measurement by the calibrated value of the shunt.
c) Record the calculated value as DMM Measured Current.
7. Calculate the lower and upper current measurement test limits using the following
formula:
Current Measurement Test Limits = Test Point ± (|Test Point| * % of Current + Offset)
8. Verify that the calculated DMM Measured Current value falls within the test limits.
9. If more than one test point per level range is specified, repeat the previous steps for each
test point, from setting the level to the test point on the PXIe-4136 up to this step.
Adjustment
This section describes the steps needed to adjust the PXIe-4136 to meet published
specifications.
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Adjusted Specifications
Adjustment corrects the following specifications for the device:
• Voltage programming accuracy
• Current programming accuracy
• Voltage measurement accuracy
• Current measurement accuracy
Following the adjustment procedure automatically updates the calibration date and
temperature on the device.
Note You do not need to separately adjust both measurement and output. The
architecture of the PXIe-4136 ensures that if measurement is accurate, then output is
as well, and vice versa.
Initiating the Adjustment Session
1. After completing verification, wait a minimum of five minutes for the internal device
temperature to stabilize.
2. Initiate an external calibration session (a special type of NI-DCPower session) by calling
the niDCPower Initialize External Calibration VI or niDCPower_InitExtCal
function.
3. Call the self-calibration function.
Follow the actions below during adjustment:
• Keep the calibration session open until you complete all adjustment procedures.
• Complete all adjustment procedures within 15 minutes or less after initiating the external
calibration session.
• Complete all adjustment procedures in the specified order.
• Do not self-calibrate the device except as specified in a procedure.
Voltage and Current Output
Connecting and Configuring Equipment for Voltage Adjustment
1. Make the necessary connections for this procedure, as shown in the following figure:
NI PXIe-4136 Calibration Procedure | © National Instruments | 19

Figure 10. Voltage Verification or Adjustment Connection Diagram
DMM
Voltage
Mode
+
–
NI-DCPower Device
Sense LO
Sense HI
HI
LO
2. Set the niDCPower Output Function property or NIDCPOWER_OUTPUT_FUNCTION
attribute to DC Voltage for the PXIe-4136.
3. Set the niDCPower Sense property or NIDCPOWER_ATTR_SENSE attribute to Remote.
Adjusting Voltage Output and Measurement
Compare a set of measured currents reported by the PXIe-4136 to the currents measured by a
DMM.
Refer to the following table as you complete the following steps:
Table 10. Voltage Output and Measurement Adjustment
Level Range Limit Range and Limit Test Point
6 V 100 mA 5 V
-5 V
1. Set the first specified level range, limit range, and limit on the PXIe-4136.
2. Set the level on the PXIe-4136 to the first specified test point.
3. Take a voltage measurement using the DMM.
4. Store the value from the previous step to use as an input for the niDCPower Cal Adjust
VI or function called in the following steps.
5. If more than one test point per level range is specified, repeat the previous steps for each
test point, from setting the level to the test point on the PXIe-4136 up to this step.
6. Update the output calibration constants by configuring and calling the niDCPower Cal
Adjust Voltage Level VI or niDCPower_CalAdjustVoltageLevel function.
a) Input the DMM measurements as the measured outputs.
b) Input the test points as the requested outputs.
c) Input the specified level range as the range.
20 | ni.com | NI PXIe-4136 Calibration Procedure