Keithley 6517B Reference Manual

Section 4: Basic measurements Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual
4-2 6517B-901-01 Rev. C / August 2015
Basic measurement procedure
The voltage measurement procedure is summarized below. To ensure proper operation, always
enable zero check (“ZeroCheck” displayed) before changing functions (V, I, R, or Q). The Z-CHK key
controls zero check.
1. With zero check enabled (“ZeroCheck” displayed), select the volts (V) function. The Z-CHK key
toggles zero check between the on and off states. Note that the input circuit configuration
changes with zero check enabled.
2. Enable or disable guard as needed. Guard is controlled from the GUARD option of the Voltage
Configuration menu. The “Grd” message on the display indicates that guard is enabled (on).
3. To achieve optimum accuracy for low voltage measurements, it is recommended that you zero
correct the instrument. To do so, select the lowest measurement range (2V) and press REL. The
REL indicator turns on and the “ZCor” message is displayed. Correcting zero on the lowest range
corrects all ranges because of internal scaling. If guard is enabled, the “ZCor” message replaces
the “Grd” message. Keep in mind that guard is still enabled even though the “Grd” message is not
displayed.
4. Select a manual measurement range that is consistent with the expected reading, or enable auto
range.
5. Connect the Model 6517B to the voltage to be measured. Refer to the following figures for typical
connections for unguarded and guarded measurements.
6. Press Z-CHK to disable zero check and take a reading from the display. To disable zero correct,
enable zero check and press REL.
Hazardous voltage may be present on the inner shield of the triaxial cable when GUARD is
on. A safety shield connected to safety earth ground (as shown in the "Guarded voltage
measurements" figure) should be used for voltage measurements at or above 30 V.
Figure 27: Unguarded voltage measurements - connections
Figure 28: Unguarded voltage measurements - equivalent circuit

Keithley 6517B Specifications

General

Brand	Keithley
Model	6517B
Category	Measuring Instruments
Language	English