Interactive SourceMeter® Instrument Reference Manual Section 9:
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
2450-901-01 Rev. B/September 2013 9-13
If the safety interlock is not asserted and the source is turned on, the following actions occur:
• The nominal output is limited to ±37 V.
• The front-panel INTERLOCK indicator is not illuminated.
To recover from this error, properly engage the interlock using a safe test fixture before turning on the
Model 2450 output.
You can only use the high-voltage outputs when the interlock is asserted. If you try to assign a
high-voltage output and turn the source on when the interlock is not asserted, you see event code
5074, "Output voltage limited by interlock." Note that the SOURCE screen displays the value that was
selected for the voltage source, but the source value is limited to ±21 V.
See Using the interlock (on page 2-70
) for more information.
How do I trigger a sweep?
Sweeps are set up as a trigger model, so to start the sweep, initiate the trigger model. You can initiate
the trigger model from the front panel by pressing the TRIGGER key.
What are source limits?
The source limits (also known as compliance) prevent the instrument from sourcing a voltage or
current over a set value. This helps prevent damage to the device under test (DUT).
The values that can be set for the limits must be below the setting for the overvoltage protection limit.
This limit can also be restricted by the measurement range. If a specific measurement range is set,
the limit must be more than 0.1 percent of the measurement range. If not, an event is generated and
the limit is automatically changed to an appropriate value for the selected range. If you set the
measurement range to be automatically selected, the measurement range does not affect the limit.
If you attempt to change the source limit to a value that is not appropriate for the selected source
range, the source limit is not changed and a warning is generated. You must change the source
range before you can select the new limit.
The lowest allowable limit is based on the load and the source value. For example, if you are sourcing
1 V to a 1 kohm resistor, the lowest allowable current limit is 1 mA (1 V/1 kohm = 1 mA). Setting a
limit lower than 1 mA limits the source.
If the source output exceeds the source limit:
• On the Home screen, LIMIT is displayed to the right of the source voltage.
• The Source value changes to yellow.
• The Limit value on all swipe screens changes to yellow.
The source is clamped at the maximum limit value. For example, if the measurement limit is set to 1 V
and the measurement range is 2 V, the output voltage is clamped at 1 V.
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