System SourceMeter® Instrument Reference Manual Section 4:
2600BS-901-01 Rev. C / August 2016 4-5
Operating boundaries
Source or sink
Depending on how it is programmed and what is connected to the output (load or source), the
instrument can operate in any of the four quadrants. The four quadrants of operation are shown in the
continuous operating boundaries figures. When operating in the first (I) or third (III) quadrant, the
instrument is operating as a source (V and I have the same polarity). As a source, the instrument is
delivering power to a load.
Figure 89: Four quadrants of operation
When operating in the second (II) or fourth (IV) quadrant, the instrument is operating as a sink (V and
I have opposite polarity). As a sink, it is dissipating power rather than sourcing it. An external source
or an energy storage device, such as a capacitor or battery, can force operation in the sink region.
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