Tektronix 371B User manual

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O
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available with certified calibration from our in-house staff
of technicians and engineers.
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•
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t
Alltest Instruments, Inc.
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[e-mail]

User Manual
371B
Programmable High Power Curve Tracer
070-A840-51
Warning
The servicing instructions are for use by qualified
personnel only. To avoid personal injury, do not
perform any servicing unless you are qualified to
do so. Refer to all safety summaries prior to
performing service.
www.tektronix.com

Copyright Tektronix, Inc. All rights reserved.
Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and pending. Information in this publication supercedes
that in all previously published material. Specifications and price change privileges reserved.
Tektronix, Inc., P.O. Box 500, Beaverton, OR 97077
TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.


Tektronix warrants that the products that it manufactures and sells will be free from defects in materials and workmanship
for a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment. If a product proves defective during this warranty period, Tektronix,
at its option, either will repair the defective product without charge for parts and labor, or will provide a replacement in
exchange for the defective product.
In order to obtain service under this warranty, Customer must notify Tektronix of the defect before the expiration of the
warranty period and make suitable arrangements for the performance of service. Customer shall be responsible for
packaging and shipping the defective product to the service center designated by Tektronix, with shipping charges prepaid.
Tektronix shall pay for the return of the product to Customer if the shipment is to a location within the country in which the
Tektronix service center is located. Customer shall be responsible for paying all shipping charges, duties, taxes, and any
other charges for products returned to any other locations.
This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by improper use or improper or inadequate
maintenance and care. Tektronix shall not be obligated to furnish service under this warranty a) to repair damage resulting
from attempts by personnel other than Tektronix representatives to install, repair or service the product; b) to repair
damage resulting from improper use or connection to incompatible equipment; c) to repair any damage or malfunction
caused by the use of non-Tektronix supplies; or d) to service a product that has been modified or integrated with other
products when the effect of such modification or integration increases the time or difficulty of servicing the product.
THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY TEKTRONIX IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED. TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. TEKTRONIX’ RESPONSIBILITY TO
REPAIR OR REPLACE DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY PROVIDED TO
THE CUSTOMER FOR BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY. TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS WILL NOT BE
LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IRRESPECTIVE
OF WHETHER TEKTRONIX OR THE VENDOR HAS ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGES.

Contacting Tektronix
Phone [phone]*
Address Tektronix, Inc.
Department or name (if known)
14200 SW Karl Braun Drive
P.O. Box 500
Beaverton, OR 97077
USA
Web site www.tektronix.com
Sales support 1-800-833-9200, select option 1*
Ser ice support 1-800-833-9200, select option 2*
Technical support Email: [email protected]
1-800-833-9200, select option 3*
1-503-627-2400
6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific time
*This phone number is toll free in North America. After office hours, please lea e a
oice mail message.
Outside North America, contact a Tektronix sales office or distributor; see the
Tektronix web site for a list of offices.

371B User Manual i
TableĂofĂContents
General Safety Summary vii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Getting Started
Product Description 1–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Measurement Concepts 1–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation 1–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repacking for Shipment 1–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls, Indicators and Connectors
Controls, Indicators, and Connectors 2–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Power and CRT Controls 2–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setup, Memory Index, and Measurement Controls 2–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Display Controls 2–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cursor Controls 2–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Step Generator Controls 2–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Collector Supply Controls 2–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GPIB Controls and Floppy Disk Drive 2–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Signal Output Controls, Indicators and Connectors 2–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Panel 2–23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Test Fixture Unit and Panel Connectors 2–25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Readout Display 2–28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Basics 2–31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Device Connection 2–32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Test Fixture Interlock 2–35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Device Stimulus 2–37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data Acquisition 2–39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Measurement Modes 2–39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Device Characteristics Display 2–42. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Display Modes 2–45. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Display Cursors 2–47. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Text Editing 2–48. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Memory and Mass Storage 2–50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disk Formatting 2–57. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floppy Disk Handling 2–58. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table of Contents
ii 371B User Manual
Reference
Reference 3–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Exercises 3–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Powering-Up the 371B and Storing Power-Up Default Settings 3–3. . . . . . . . .
Exercising the Display Controls 3–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting Date and Time 3–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the Calibration Reference Voltage and Display Invert Feature 3–6. .
Exercising Setup Save and Recall Features 3–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercising Vertical and Horizontal Sensitivity Controls 3–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercising Text Editing Feature 3–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Formatting Floppy Disks 3–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Verifying Floppy Disk Operation 3–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displaying the Memory Directory 3–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Erasing Non-Volatile Memory 3–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hardcopy and Save the CRT Image 3–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Measurement Exercises 3–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effects On Device Characteristics 3–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guidelines for Using Measurement Exercises 3–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Saving the Initial (Default) Setup 3–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diode Measurement Exercises 3–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bipolar Transistor Measurement Exercises 3–25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power MOSFET Measurement Exercises 3–37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GPIB
GPIB 4–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Review 4–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interface Capabilities 4–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setup 4–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controlling the 371B over the bus 4–15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Device-Dependent Message Format 4–24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
371B GPIB Commands 4–30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Command Reference 4–33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Requests 4–100. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendices
Appendix A: Specification A–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix B: Options and Accessories B–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Options B–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories B–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix C: Diagnostic Routines and Messages C–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnostic Routines C–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Messages C–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix D: Inspection and Cleaning D–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index

Table of Contents
371B User Manual iii
ListĂofĂFigures
Figure 1–1: DUT connection path when using adapter and patch
panels 1–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 1–2: Basic 371B block diagram 1–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 1–3: Location of the LINE VOLTAGE INDICATOR 1–8. . . . . . .
Figure 1–4: Connecting the Test Fixture Unit to the 371B 1–11. . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–1: Instrument power and display controls 2–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–2: Setup, Memory Index, and Measurement controls 2–4. . . . .
Figure 2–3: Display Controls 2–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–4: Cursor Controls 2–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–5: Step Generator controls 2–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–6: Collector Supply controls 2–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–7: GPIB controls and Floppy Disk Drive 2–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–8: Signal output controls, indicators, and connectors 2–21. . . . .
Figure 2–9: Rear panel controls and connectors 2–23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–10: Test fixture unit connectors 2–25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–11: Display Screen 2–28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–12: DUT connection path when using adapter panel and test
adapters 2–32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–13: Test adapter pin configuration 2–34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–14: Internal wiring (signal path) of adapter panel 2–34. . . . . . . .
Figure 2–15: Removing the adapter panel 2–36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–16: Connecting a device directly to the test fixture unit
using patch cords 2–36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–17: Display screen and its display areas 2–43. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–18: 371B memory structure 2–51. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 2–19: Sample directory display 2–52. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–1: Patch cord connections for vertical and horizontal
sensitivity exercise 3–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–2: The floppy disk write-protect tab 3–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–3: Inserting a floppy disk 3–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–4:Adapter panel and patch panel connections for measuring
diode forward resistance 3–19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–5: Sweep mode display of the forward characteristics of a
diode 3–20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table of Contents
 371B User Manual
Figure 3–6: Using f line cursor to measure forward resistance of a
diode 3–21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–7:Adapter panel and patch panel connection for measuring
diode breakdown voltage 3–23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–8: Diode breakdown voltage and current level 3–25. . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–9:Adapter panel and patch panel connections for measuring
bipolar transistor characteristics 3–27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–10: Collector current versus collector/emitter voltage
characteristic curve 3–28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–11: Using the window cursor to calculate hfe of a bipolar
transistor 3–31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–12: VCE (saturation) curve for a bipolar transistor 3–33. . . . . .
Figure 3–13:Adapter panel and patch panel connections for measuring
breakdown voltage characteristics of a bipolar transistor 3–34. . . . . .
Figure 3–14: Display of the BVCEO and BVCES breakdown
measurements with reference function 3–36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–15:Adapter panel and patch panel connections for measuring
power MOSFET characteristics 3–38. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–16: Drain current versus drain/source voltage characteristics
for a power MOSFET 3–41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–17: Drain current versus drain/source voltage characteristics
for 10 steps with the reference display 3–42. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–18: Forward transfer curve, ID = 8 A 3–43. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 3–19: Using the f line cursor to measure forward transfer
admittance of a power MOSFET. In this example. Gfs = 6.722 S 3–44
Figure 4–1: GPIB messages 4–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 4–2: GPIB message types 4–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 4–3: Rear panel configuration switch 4–11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 4–4: Bus configurations 4–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 4–5: Transfer of settings 4–18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 4–6: Data transfer under GPIB control 4–20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 4–7: Transfer of waveforms 4–22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure C–1: Display quality test pattern C–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table of Contents
371B User Manual v
ListĂofĂTables
Table 1–1: Line voltage ranges 1–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 1–2: Power cord identification 1–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–1: Vertical Axis Sensitivity Settings 2–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–2: Display Sensitivity Selections 2–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–3: Alternate Functions Controlled by the SHIFT Button 2–13. . .
Table 2–4: Test Adapter Voltage Ratings 2–33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–5: Controls that do not defeat Sweep Mode 2–42. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–6: Vertical Axis Display Settings 2–44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–7: Horizontal Sensitivity Ranges 2–45. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–8: Relationships between Cursors and Readout display 2–47. . . .
Table 2–9: Summery of Text Editing Functions 2–50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 2–10: Controls that cannot be stored in Mass Storage 2–54. . . . . . .
Table 3–1: Default Setup 3–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–2: Display Area Readout at Power-Up 3–5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 3–3: Bipolar Transistor/MOSFET Characteristics
Comparison 3–37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 4–1: GPIB Interface Specifications 4–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 4–2: Controller Output Syntax 4–16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 4–3: Controller Input Syntax 4–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 4–4: Numeric Argument Formats 4–27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 4–5: Argument Format Examples 4–27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 4–6: GPIB Commands and Queries for Front-Panel Controls 4–30
Table 4–7: General Setting Information and Related GPIB
Commands 4–32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 4–8: Command and Query Groups 4–33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 4–9: Status Byte Responses 4–102. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 4–10: Status Byte and Event Code 4–103. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table A–1: Collector Supply Electrical Specification A–1. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table A–2: Step Generator A–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table A–3: Vertical Deflection System A–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table A–4: Horizontal Deflection System A–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table A–5: Digital Storage Acquisition A–6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table of Contents
 371B User Manual
Table A–6: CRT and Readout A–8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table A–7: Power Requirements A–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table A–8: Power Source A–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table A–9: Physical Specification A–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table A–10: Surge Current A–9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table A–11: Cooling Clearance A–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table A–12: Environmental Specification A–10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table A–13: Certifications and Compliances A–12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table A–14: Installation category and Pollution degree
Descriptions A–13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table A–15: Text Display A–14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table B–1: Standard accessories B–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table B–2: Optional accessories B–2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table B–3: Recommended accessories B–3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table C–1: Power-on System Error Messages C–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table C–2: Front Panel Control Identification C–4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table C–3: Messages C–7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table D–1: External inspection check list D–1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

371B User Manual vii
General Safety Su ary
Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent damage to
this product or any products connected to it. To avoid potential hazards, use this
product only as specified.
Only qualified personnel should perform service procedures.
Use Proper Power Cord. Use only the power cord specified for this product and
certified for the country of use.
Ground the Product. This product is grounded through the grounding conductor
of the power cord. To avoid electric shock, the grounding conductor must be
connected to earth ground. Before making connections to the input or output
terminals of the product, ensure that the product is properly grounded.
Observe All Ter inal Ratings. To avoid fire or shock hazard, observe all ratings
and markings on the product. Consult the product manual for further ratings
information before making connections to the product.
The common terminal is at ground potential. Do not connect the common
terminal to elevated voltages.
Do not apply a potential to any terminal, including the common terminal, that
exceeds the maximum rating of that terminal.
Do Not Operate Without Covers. Do not operate this product with covers or panels
removed.
Use Proper Fuse. Use only the fuse type and rating specified for this product.
Avoid Exposed Circuitry. Do not touch exposed connections and components
when power is present.
Do Not Operate With Suspected Failures. If you suspect there is damage to this
product, have it inspected by qualified service personnel.
Do Not Operate in Wet/Da p Conditions.
Do Not Operate in an Explosive At osphere.
Keep Product Surfaces Clean and Dry.
Provide Proper Ventilation. Refer to the manual’s installation instructions for
details on installing the product so it has proper ventilation.
To Avoid Fire or
Personal Injury

General Safety Summary
viii 371B User Manual
Terms in this Manual. These terms may appear in this manual:
 Warning statements identify conditions or practices that could result
in injury or loss of life.
 Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could result in
damage to this product or other property.
Terms on the Product. These terms may appear on the product:
DANGER indicates an injury hazard immediately accessible as you read the
marking.
WARNING indicates an injury hazard not immediately accessible as you read the
marking.
CAUTION indicates a hazard to property including the product.
Symbols on the Product. The following symbols may appear on the product:
! ##% ! $
!# !

! # $
 $
"$#

  #
Symbols and Terms

Getting Started

371B User Manual 1-1
Getting Started
This section provides the following information:
Description and features of the 371B Programmable High Power Curve
Tracer.
Measurement concept
Initial inspection procedure
Installation procedures
Repackaging procedure for shipment
Product Description
The 371B Programmable High Power Curve Tracer provides both high current
and high voltage for testing high-power semiconductor devices at user-selected
power settings. It can test devices at up to 400 amps at power levels up to
3000 watts. By measuring and displaying the characteristics on a CRT screen,
the 371B enables a user to analyze and evaluate the static characteristics of
semiconductor devices.
Non-volatile memory (RAM) and floppy disk storage enable you to store
frequently used test setups and curve characteristics for quick and easy measure-
ment comparisons. Using memory in this way helps you avoid errors associated
with manual testing, and allows you to run more repetitive-type tests in any
given period. You can store up to 64 characteristic curves and 64 setups on a
floppy disk, and up to 16 characteristic curves and 16 setups in non-volatile
memory. Stored characteristic curves and setups can be recalled for additional
analysis and comparison.
The 371B provides direct readout on the CRT of offset base/gate voltage or
current. The 371B calculates these values for you, unlike earlier curve tracers
where these functions had to be calculated manually.
The 371B also has the ability to average readings to reduce the effects of random
noise, which can obscure actual curve data.

Getting Started
1-2 371B User Manual
The rear panel contains a GPIB connector. The GPIB connector is for use by a
GPIB-compatible controller or other GPIB instrumentation. Using this connector
and appropriate GPIB instruments, you can create and control tests to suit your
application. A typical GPIB system will include a controller and one or more
instruments, such as the 371B, a signal generator, a digital multimeter, and a
digital oscilloscope. Some GPIB instruments are talk only or listen only devices
while others can both talk and listen. The 371B does both. Linking a controller
to the 371B, and possibly other instruments, provides operation in four major
task areas:
Program development
System control
Data processing
Display and storage
The 371B can be mounted in a standard electrical equipment rack using
Tektronix-supplied rackmount hardware. Refer to page B–2 for optional
accessories.
The 371B consists of two large components: a main unit and a test fixture unit.
The main unit contains front and rear panel controls, indicators and connectors, a
display CRT, and the control electronics.
Front and Rear Panels. To use the 371B effectively, you need a clear understand-
ing of the functions and meanings of the operator controls, indicators and
connectors mounted on the front and rear panels. Detailed descriptions are
provided in Chapter 4: Controls, Indicators, and Connectors.
The CRT functions as the display device. It has 10 x 10 graticule markings
etched into its inner surface, the brightness of which can be controlled by the
front-panel GRAT ILLUM (graticule illumination) control. A filter mounted on
the front of the CRT improves display contrast.
The readout area of the display (which also displays setup information) is
divided into two parts:
The readout labels which identify the readout information printed in the
readout area
The readout information which identifies either a specific control setting
(such as 1 A or 1 V), or a measured characteristic of the device under test
(DUT)
Rackmount Capability
371B Components
Main Unit

Getting Started
371B User Manual 1-3
Refer to page 2–28 for detailed information about each readout area.
Readout intensity is controlled by the READOUT/CURSOR knob; label
intensity is controlled by the GRAT ILLUM knob.
. The READOUT/CURSOR control also controls the intensity of other
information displayed on the screen, which may include text, messages, and
setup and curve identification.
Refer to page 2–1 for a detailed description of this information.
Test Fixture Unit. All tests are made with the semiconductor device mounted
inside the test fixture unit. The test fixture unit connects to the front panel of the
main unit (as shown in the frontispiece illustration opposite page 1–1).
The test fixture unit contains a patch panel and an adapter panel that are enclosed
by a clear plastic cover during the actual testing process. The DUT connects to
the patch panel in one of two ways.
Using test adapters. Test adapters are used to connect common semiconduc-
tor devices to the adapter panel, which in turn is connected to the patch panel
using patch cords. This technique is shown in Figure 1–1.
Using patch cords. Devices that cannot be connected using test adapters can
be connected to the patch panel using patch cords with clips. In such cases,
the adapter panel may have to be removed. Refer to page 1–11 how to
remove the adapter panel.
The test fixture connects to the main unit using the interconnect cable and
connector. The top row of connectors on the patch panel are linked internally to
the connector cable.

Getting Started
1-4 371B User Manual

 
 
 
  
Figure 1-1: DUT connection path when using adapter and patch panels
The test fixture unit is provided with a safety interlock system. Whenever the test
fixture cover is in the raised position, the collector supply voltage is disabled and
you can safely connect and disconnect devices at the patch panel and the adapter
panel. When the cover is closed the collector supply voltage is enabled. The
enabled state is indicated by a red WARNING indicator on the 371B. When lit,
the WARNING indicator indicates that the collector supply is enabled and that a
dangerous voltage may appear at the patch panel terminals on the test fixture
unit.
 Do not disable the safety interlock system and then attempt to operate
the 371B. You may accidentally contact high voltage and serious personal injury
or death may result.
The collector supply is also disabled whenever the test fixture unit cable is
disconnected from its connector at the front panel of the main unit.
Test Fixture Interlock

Getting Started
371B User Manual 1-5
Measurement Concepts
The 371B consists of a specially-designed CRT screen and associated electronics
that allow a user to display the characteristics of a semiconductor device. The
display screen is designed to display the operating characteristics of the DUT in
an easy-to-read, standard graph form.
The 371B can be applied to a broad range of semiconductor test application,
such as:
Semiconductor design analysis
Semiconductor failure analysis
Incoming inspection of semiconductors
Comparison of semiconductor device characteristics
Semiconductor manufacturing output
Figure 1–2 helps to illustrate 371B measurement concepts. A collector supply
and step generator circuits apply voltage or current to the DUT. A detector
amplifier measures the resulting effect. Measurement results are displayed on a
CRT as one or more characteristic curves.

 
  














Figure 1-2: Basic 371B block diagram
The collector supply provides a swept or pulsed voltage to the DUT. Amplitude
is controlled by the collector supply VARIABLE knob. This signal is applied to
the collector (drain, anode, or equivalent terminal) of the DUT.
Collector Supply