Keithley 617 User Manual

When the END LINE key is pressed the second time, the
display shows the voltage source value.
sending the B2 or B3 commands. Note that the maximum and
minimum values are updated at the maximum reading rate
while data store is enabled. See paragraph 3.10.8 for a com-
Model 8573 Programming Example-Momentarily power
plete description of data storage.
down the instrument and then enter the following lines into
the IBM computer:
The voltage source value is returned in a similar manner bv
V% =l:CALL IBSRE(BRDO%,V%) (return)
CMD$=“DlX”:CALL IBWRT(M617%,CMD$) (return)
sending B4X. Once the desired reading mode has been
selected, the data string can be read by addressing the instru-
ment to talk and reading the bvtes in the strinrt in the normal
Note that the instrument changes from the electrometer
dispiay mode to the voltage source display mode when the
return key is pressed the second time.
3.10.7 Reading Mode (B)
The reading mode command parameters allow the selection
of the source of data that is transmitted over the IEEE-488
bus. Through this command, you have a choice of data from
the electrometer, voltage source, data store reading, or
minimum and maximum values. Note that the commands
associated with data store are always available; however the
suffix of the reading string will show Ooo if data store is
disabled, as in NDCV +12345E+CO,000. Minimum/maxi-
mum values returned will be the last values stored, unless
these parameters are requested after a DCL, in which case
unuseable readings will be returned.
Parameters associated with the reading mode include:
BO=Electrometer
Bl=Data store reading
B2=Maximum reading
B3 = Minimum reading
B4=Voltage source value.
_
manner.
HP-85 Programming Example-Use the following se-
quence to read the voltage source value and display it on the
computer CRT:
REMOTE 727 (END LINE)
OUTPUT 727;“B4X” (END LINE)
ENTER 727; A$ (END LINE)
DISP A$ (END LINE)
The second command above changes the reading mode to ac-
cess the voltage source, while the third and fourth statements
acquire the reading and display it on the CRT.
Model 8573 Programming Example-To display the
voltage source value on the computer CRT, enter the follow-
ing program statements into the IBM computer:
V% =l:CALL IBSRE(BRDO%,V%) (return)
CMD$=“B4X”:CALL IBWRT(M617%,CMD$) (return)
RD$=SPACE!§Q5):CALL IBRD(M617%,RD$) (return)
PRINT RD$ (return)
The second statement above programs the reading mode to
access the voltage source value. The third statement addresses
the instrument to talk and reads the data string from the in-
strument, while the fourth statement mints the data strine on
the computer CRT.
Upon power up, or after receiving a DCL or SDC command,
the unit will be in the BO (electrometer) mode.
3.10.8 Data Store Mode
When in BO, normal electrometer readings will be sent. In a
continuous trigger mode, readings will be updated at the con-
version rate (one reading every 36Omsec. In Bl, readings will
be taken from consecutive data store locations, beginning
with the oldest reading and progressing to the newest reading
until all readings currently stored have been read. Once all
readings have been requested, the unit will cycle back and
begin again. These readings may be accessed even if data
store is still taking place.
The data store commands enter the data storage mode and
allow you to store up to 100 readings with internal memory
of the Model 617. By entering an appropriate parameter,
readings may be stored at one of six intervals between the
conversion rate and one reading per hour. Either during or
after the storage process, readings, including maximum and
minimum values, may be recalled by using the B command as
described in the last paragraph.
While data store is enabled, the maximum (most positive) and
Once the unit has logged all 100 readings, the instrument will
minimum (most negative) readings may also be requested by
stop data storage until another Q command is sent to enable
3-23

Keithley 617 Specifications

General

Brand	Keithley
Model	617
Category	Measuring Instruments
Language	English

Summary

Warranty Information

Warranty

Details the warranty terms and conditions for the product and specific components.

Specifications

Specifications

Details the electrical and performance specifications for the Model 617 electrometer.

Safety Precautions

Safety Precautions

Advises on essential safety measures to avoid injury and instrument damage during operation.

Section 1: General Information (Continued)

Unpacking and Getting Started

Details unpacking, inspection, and initial steps to operate the Model 617.

Section 2: Operation

2.2 Power Up Procedure

Details the steps for connecting power and turning on the instrument.

2.3 Power Up Self Test and Display Messages

Explains the self-test routine and potential display messages upon startup.

Section 2: Operation (Continued)

2.4 Front Panel Familiarization

Provides an overview of the Model 617's front panel layout, controls, and indicators.

2.7 Basic Measurement Techniques

Introduces fundamental procedures for making voltage, resistance, charge, and current measurements.

2.7.2 Input Connections

Details how to connect input signals to the rear panel INPUT connector.

2.7.4 Guarded Operation

Explains the concept and application of guarding to minimize leakage and improve measurements.

2.7.5 Making Current Measurements

Details the procedure for measuring low-level currents, including picoampere ranges.

2.7.6 Making Charge Measurements

Describes how to measure charge using the Model 617's coulombs ranges.

2.7.7 Resistance Measurements

Explains how to measure resistance using constant current and voltage methods.

2.8 Using The Voltage Source

Explains how to use the Model 617's built-in voltage source for V/I measurements.

2.10 Using External Feedback

Explains how to extend capabilities using external feedback networks.

2.11 Using Zero Correct and Baseline Suppression

Covers instrument offset cancellation and baseline value storage.

2.11.2 Using Suppression

Details how to store an offset value and subtract it from subsequent readings.

2.13 External Triggering

Explains how to trigger the instrument using external BNC connectors.

2.4.1 Controls

Describes the function and operation of each front panel control button.

2.5.3 Calibration

Introduces the digital calibration program for front panel or IEEE-488 bus use.

2.7.3 Making Voltage Measurements

Provides step-by-step instructions for measuring DC voltages with the Model 617.

2.8.1 Basic Operating Procedure

Guides on connecting and adjusting the voltage source output.

2.11.1 Zero Correct and Zero Check

Explains how to use Zero Correct and Zero Check to cancel internal offsets.

2.12 Data Storage

Describes the internal 100-point data store mode for logging readings.

2.13.1 External Trigger

Details continuous and one-shot triggering modes via the external trigger input.

2.14 Measurement Considerations

Discusses factors affecting measurements at low signal levels.

2.8.2 V/I Resistance Measurements

Describes how to measure high resistances using the voltage source and electrometer.

Section 3: IEEE-488 Programming

Section 3: IEEE-488 Programming (Continued)

3.4 Bus Commands

Covers device commands, grouped into uniline, multiline, and device-dependent categories.

3.7.2 Bus Connections

Details how to connect the Model 617 to the IEEE-488 bus using appropriate cables.

3.7.3 Primary Address Programming

Explains how to check and set the instrument's primary address for bus communication.

3.8 Software Considerations

Discusses software aspects for IEEE-488 controllers like HP-85 and IBM-PC.

3.9 General Bus Command Programming

Covers general bus commands like DCL, REN, IFC, LLO, GTL, SDC, GET, SPE, SPD.

3.10 Device-Dependent Command Programming

Details commands controlling modes like function, range, trigger, and data format.

3.10.2 Function (F)

Describes commands to select measurement functions like Volts, Amps, Ohms, Coulombs.

3.10.3 Range (R)

Explains commands for controlling instrument sensitivity and selecting measurement ranges.

3.10.4 Zero Correct and Zero Check (Z and C)

Details commands for canceling internal offsets and zeroing the instrument.

3.10.5 Baseline Suppression (N)

Explains commands to store an offset and subtract it from subsequent readings.

3.10.9 Voltage Source Value (V)

Details commands for programming the built-in voltage source output.

3.10.10 Voltage Source Operate (O)

3.10.12 Non-Volatile Memory Storage (L)

3.10.14 Trigger Mode (T)

3.10.15 SRQ Mask (M) and Status Byte Format

3.11.2 Number Error

3.4.5 Device-Dependent Commands

Describes commands specific to device configuration, controlling functions like mode and range.

3.10.8 Data Store Mode

Explains how to use the data store for logging readings and setting intervals.

3.10.11 Calibration Value (A)

Describes commands for setting calibration values for ranges and functions.

3.10.18 Status (U)

3.11.1 Bus Error

Section 4: Applications

4.2 Insulation Resistance Measurements

Details how to measure high insulation resistances using constant current and voltage methods.

Section 4: Applications (Continued)

4.3 High Impedance Voltmeter

Explains using the Model 617 as a high-impedance voltmeter with minimal circuit loading.

4.5 Diode Characterization

4.6 Capacitor Leakage Measurements

4.4 Low-Level Leakage Current Measurements

Guides on measuring low-level currents like nanoamperes and picoamperes.

4.7 Capacitance Measurement

4.10 Using The Model 617 With External Voltage Sources

Section 5: Performance Verification

Section 5: Performance Verification (Continued)

5.5 Verification Procedures

Provides detailed procedures for verifying accuracy of volts, ohms, amps, and coulombs functions.

5.5.3 Coulombs Verification

5.5.4 Volts Verification

5.5.5 Ohms Verification (2kΩ–20MΩ Ranges)

5.5.7 Voltage Source Verification

5.5.1 Input Current Verification

5.5.6 Ohms Verification (200MΩ and GΩ Ranges)

5.5.2 Amps Verification

Section 7: Maintenance

7.2 Line Voltage Selection

Section 7: Maintenance (Continued)

7.3 Fuse Replacement

7.4.5 Front Panel Calibration

Provides step-by-step instructions for calibrating from the front panel.

7.4.7 Calibration Sequence

7.4.11 Amps Calibration

Provides calibration steps for the amps function across various ranges.

7.4.12 Coulombs Calibration

Details the procedure for calibrating the coulombs function.

7.4.14 Ohms Calibration

Provides calibration steps for the ohms function across various ranges.

7.4.15 Voltage Source Calibration

Details the procedure for calibrating the instrument's internal voltage source.

7.6 Disassembly Instructions

7.7.2 Power Up Self Test

7.7.7 A/D Converter and Display

7.7.8 Input and Ranging Amplifiers

7.4 Calibration

Introduces digital calibration capabilities and recommendations.

7.4.6 IEEE-488 Bus Calibration

Details procedures for calibrating the instrument via the IEEE-488 bus using a computer.

7.4.8 Input Offset Adjustment

Describes steps to null any small offset in the input amplifier.

7.4.13 Volts Calibration

Outlines the calibration steps for the volts function across different ranges.

7.7 Troubleshooting

Offers guidance for diagnosing and resolving instrument problems.

7.7.3 Self Diagnostic Program

7.4.9 Input Current Adjustment

Details procedures to null input current in the input stage for temperature compensation.

7.4.10 Permanent Storage of Calibration Parameters