Basic Source-Measure Operation 3-19
Sink operation
Overview
When operating as a sink (V and I have opposite polarity), the SourceMeter is dissipating
power rather than sourcing it. An external source (i.e., battery) or an energy storage device (i.e.,
capacitor) can force operation into the sink region.
For example, if a 12V battery is connected to the V-Source (In/Out HI to battery high) that is
programmed for +10V, sink operation will occur in the second quadrant (Source +V and
measure -I).
C
AUT
I
ON
When using the I-Source as a sink, ALWAYS set V-Compliance to a level
that is higher than the external voltage level. Failure to do so could dam-
age the instrument due to excessive current that will flow into the
SourceMeter.
NOT
E
The sink operating limits are shown in Section 5, “Operating boundaries.”
Sink programming example
Table 3-9 lists a command sequence to program the SourceMeter for sink operation. These
commands set up the unit as follows:
• Source function: volts
• Measure function: current
• Source voltage: 0V
• Measure range: auto
• Compliance (discharge current): 100mA
T
a
ble 3-9
Sink programming example
Command Description
*RST
:SOUR:FUNC VOLT
:SOUR:VOLT:MODE FIXED
:SENS:FUNC “CURR”
:SENS:CURR:RANG:AUTO ON
:SENS:CURR:PROT 100E-3
:OUTP ON
:READ?
Restore GPIB defaults.
V-source function.
Fixed source mode.
Current measure function.
Auto measure range.
100mA compliance (discharge current).
Turn on output.
Trigger and acquire reading.
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