Keithley Series 3700A User Manual
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Keithley Series 3700A User Manual

Switch/multimeter
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Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter
User's Manual
3700AS-900-01 Rev. A / July 2011
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  • Page 1 Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User’s Manual 3700AS-900-01 Rev. A / July 2011...
  • Page 2 Instruments, Inc. Other brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Keithley's standard terms and conditions of sale in effect at the time of acceptance of buyer's order by Keithley shall apply to all purchase of goods and performance of services from Keithley, to the exclusion of any additional...
  • Page 3 Keithley Instruments products are designed for use with electrical signals that are rated Measurement Category I and Measurement Category II, as described in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard IEC 60664. Most measurement, control, and data I/O signals are Measurement Category I and must not be directly connected to mains voltage or to voltage sources with high transient over-voltages.
  • Page 4 (note that selected parts should be purchased only through Keithley Instruments to maintain accuracy and functionality of the product). If you are unsure about the applicability of a replacement component, call a Keithley Instruments office for information.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Measuring capabilities......................1-3 Safety precautions for connections..................1-3 Using the front-panel interface.................. 2-1 Introduction .......................... 2-1 Front panel overview for Series 3700A models ..............2-2 (1) The USB port ........................2-2 (2) The display .......................... 2-3 (3) The navigation wheel ......................2-5 (4) The POWER key .........................
  • Page 6 Using background scans for longer scan lists ................. 4-18 Example: IEEE-1588 in Series 3700A-based systems............4-20 Scheduling alarms........................4-20 Scheduling alarms on a stand-alone Series 3700A..............4-21 Example: External DMM and switch triggering ..............4-22 Example: DMM buffer statistics with interactive operation ..........4-25 Example: Commonside ohm measurement with Model 3721 ...........
  • Page 7 Error when I try to close a channel ..................5-2 Switch relays will not close ....................5-3 Save the present state of the instrument ................5-3 LabVIEW driver for the Series 3700A .................. 5-3 Next steps........................6-1 Next steps ..........................6-1 Index........................

  • Page 8: Introduction

    Safety precautions for connections .......... 1-3 Welcome Thank you for choosing a Keithley Instruments product. The Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter features scalable, instrument grade switching and multi-channel measurement solutions that are optimized for automated testing of electronic products and components. The Series 3700A includes four versions of the Model 3706A system switch mainframe, along with a growing family of plug-in switch and control cards.

  • Page 9: Introduction To This Manual

    Information CD-ROM that came with your instrument. CD-ROM contents Two CD-ROMs are shipped with each Series 3700A order. The Series 3700A Quick Start Guide, User's Manual, Reference Manual, and Switch Card Manual are provided in PDF format on the Series 3700A Product Information CD-ROM.

  • Page 10: Measuring Capabilities

    To prevent electric shock that could result in serious injury or death, comply with these safety precautions: Before making or breaking any connections to the switching card, make sure the Series 3700A is turned off and power is removed from all external circuitry.
  • Page 11 High-energy circuit safety precautions in the Series 3700A Reference Manual. As described in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard IEC 664, the Series 3700A is Installation Category I and must not be connected to mains. 3700AS-900-01 Rev. A / July 2011...

  • Page 12: Using The Front-Panel Interface

    Model 3706A front-panel interface to work through the examples provided in this manual. The Keithley Instruments Models 3706A and 3706A-S front panels contain the following items: •...

  • Page 13: Front Panel Overview For Series 3700A Models

    Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Front panel overview for Series 3700A models The Series 3700A includes several models that support different features. The following figures show the front panels of each of the models; a brief description of the features follows the figures.

  • Page 14: The Display

    (2) The display During setup, the display shows menu choices that you can use to configure the instrument. See "Menu overview" in the Series 3700A Reference Manual for more information about Series 3700A menus. During operation, the display provides information about the selected channel, channel pattern, channel state, and errors.
  • Page 15 Section 2: Using the front-panel interface Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual The table below lists the display indicators and what they mean. Indicator Meaning AUTO Measure autorange is selected EDIT Instrument is in the editing mode Questionable reading or invalid calibration step...

  • Page 16: The Navigation Wheel

    Press the ENTER key when finished changing all the characters. (4) The POWER key POWER Power switch. The in position turns the Series 3700A on (I); the out position turns it off (O). POWER (5) The status lights The Series 3700A has three status lights on the front panel.
  • Page 17 Section 2: Using the front-panel interface Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Key descriptions Description DISPLAY Toggles between the channel measure display, closed channels list, and the user message mode CONFIG Configures a function or operation RESET Restores factory default LAN settings...

  • Page 18: Channel Identification

    Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Section 2: Using the front-panel interface Channel identification Matrix card channel specifiers The channels on the matrix cards are referred to by their slot, bank, row, and column numbers: • Slot number: The number of the slot in which the card is installed.

  • Page 19: Multiplexer, Digital I/O, Totalizer, And Dac Channel Specifiers

    . The digit flashes, which indicates that it can be edited. Figure 7: Select a channel from the Series 3700A front panel AUTO AUTO 2001 | 2001 | ----.---...

  • Page 20: Viewing The Close Or Open Status Of A Channel

    2-pole (if you see : followed by a channel specifier, you selected a range; press EXIT to return to the main display and reselect your channel). Figure 8: Series 3700A selected channel state AUTO AUTO...

  • Page 21: Emulate A Model 3706

    Section 2: Using the front-panel interface Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Emulate a Model 3706 If you replace a Model 3706 with a Model 3706A in a system where computer drivers may be querying the model, you may need to emulate a Model 3706. This can occur if you replace a Model 3706 with a Model 3706A in an existing system, or if you duplicate a system but use a Model 3706A instead of a Model 3706.

  • Page 22: Exercise: Create Channel Pattern "Test01" From Closed Channels

    You can close and open channel patterns the same way you do for individual channels. When you request a close or open operation, the Series 3700A verifies that the channels exist for a pattern, but does not verify that the switch path connection is correct. You must ensure the requested operation is safe for a channel pattern and that a good connection will result for your application with the channel pattern.

  • Page 23: Exercise: Close Channel Pattern "Test01" From The Front Panel

    Section 2: Using the front-panel interface Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Exercise: Close channel pattern "TEST01" from the front panel To close channel pattern "TEST01" from the front panel: 1. Press the PATT key to display a channel pattern.

  • Page 24: Exercise: Perform A Scan And Save To A Usb Flash Drive

    In addition to the default DMM configurations, the scan list will also show the names of any user-created DMM configurations. For more information about user-created DMM configurations, see "Save DMM configurations" in the Series 3700A Reference Manual. 3. Create a buffer (required to save readings on the USB flash drive): Press the STORE key on the front panel.

  • Page 25: Taking Measurements Without A Switch Card

    Section 2: Using the front-panel interface Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Taking measurements without a switch card Pseudocards You can perform open, close, and scan operations and configure your system without having an actual switching card installed in your instrument. Using the remote interface, you can assign a pseudocard to an empty switching card slot, allowing the instrument to operate as if a switching card were installed.
  • Page 26 Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Section 2: Using the front-panel interface Figure 10: Analog backplane connector To take a measurement using the analog backplane connector: 1. Connect the resistor to the input terminals. 2. Configure the measurement by pressing the FUNC key until 2WΩ is displayed.

  • Page 27: Using The Web Interface

    The instrument web page resides in the firmware of the instrument. Changes you make through the web interface are immediately made in the instrument. Many examples in this manual and in the Series 3700A Reference Manual can be run through the TSB Embedded page of the instrument web interface.

  • Page 28: Web Interface Home Page

    Section 3: Using the web interface Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual To locate the Keithley LXI Discovery Utility on the Keithley website: 1. Select the Support tab. 2. In the model number box, type 3700A. 3. From the list, select Software and click the search icon. A list of software applications for the instrument is displayed.

  • Page 29: Card Pages

    There is a specific page for each card installed in the mainframe. The page displays a grid that shows the relay configuration of the switch card. Figure 13: Series 3700A web interface Cards page Open and close channels from the card pages You can open and close channels from the card pages in several ways.
  • Page 30 (the actual item on the web interface depends on the installed card): Figure 14: Series 3700A web interface relay open Figure 15: Series 3700A web interface relay open...
  • Page 31 Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Section 3: Using the web interface Exercise: Close multiple channels using the web interface This exercise describes how to close channels and channel patterns using the web interface. To close multiple channels using the web interface: 1.

  • Page 32: Set Up Channel Patterns From The Web Interface

    Section 3: Using the web interface Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual 5. Click "11102" to close that channel and open all other channels. Figure 21: 3700A web interface exclusive close Set up channel patterns from the web interface You can use channel patterns as a convenient way to refer to a group of switching channels with a single alphanumeric name.
  • Page 33 Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Section 3: Using the web interface Figure 22: Series 3700A Channel pattern configuration dialog box Exercise: Close channels in "Test1Pattern" from the web interface To close channels in channel pattern "Test1Pattern" from the web interface: 1.

  • Page 34: Scan Builder Page

    Scanning and triggering allow you to synchronize actions across channels. You can set up a scan using the trigger model to precisely time and synchronize the Series 3700A between channels and multiple instruments. You can also use triggers without the triggering model to set up a scan to meet the needs of a specific application that does not fit the triggering model.

  • Page 35: Run The Scan

    Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Section 3: Using the web interface Exercise: Create a scan list from the web interface To create a scan list from the web interface: In this exercise, create a scan list containing channels 2001, 2008, 2014, 2021, 2028 and the pattern Test1Pattern.
  • Page 36 Other is not a mode and cannot be selected. It is only an indicator that the digital triggering is already set up for a different mode. See the Series 3700A Reference Manual, "Using the web interface" section, and the "Advanced triggering" topic for other options.

  • Page 37: Tsb Embedded

    Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Section 3: Using the web interface TSB Embedded TSB Embedded is a web application that includes a command-line interface that you can use to issue commands and interact with the instrument. TSB Embedded also provides a convenient way to create and manage user scripts.
  • Page 38 Section 3: Using the web interface Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Figure 24: Web interface: Select TSB embedded 2. You must log in to the instrument to use TSB Embedded. After logging in, you can access the options on the TSB Embedded page.
  • Page 39 Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Section 3: Using the web interface CardChannels = function(SlotNumber) if slot[SlotNumber].idn == "Empty Slot" then print(" Slot is Empty") else if (slot[SlotNumber].startchannel.voltage == nil) and (slot[SlotNumber].endchannel.voltage == nil) then print(" no voltage channels") else print("...
  • Page 40 Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual NOTE Commands and parameters for Series 3700A are case-sensitive. It is important to type in the commands exactly as shown to avoid any syntax or execution errors. 5. Click Save Script. The script is added to the User Scripts list.
  • Page 41 Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Section 3: Using the web interface 6. To resend a command, click the arrow on the left side of the Console box. Figure 27: Web interface console More information about commands that can be used to control the instrument can be found in the Series 3700A Reference Manual.

  • Page 42: Applications

    Example: Scan the card with no measurement (switch-only) The following examples assume a Keithley Instruments Model 3720 card is installed in slot 3 of a Series 3700A. This example scans all channels in a slot in a switch-only application (no measurements are taken).

  • Page 43: Example: Scan The Card And Take Measurements

    The following examples assume a Keithley Instruments Model 3720 card is installed in slot 3 of a Series 3700A. Command list to scan the entire card while measuring DC volts on each channel and storing readings in a buffer called DCVbuffer (see the "Notes and comments" for other specifics).

  • Page 44: Example: Take 4-Wire Ohm Measurements Using A Background Scan

    Example: Take 4-wire ohm measurements using a background scan The following examples assume a Keithley Instruments Model 3720 card is installed in slot 4 of a Series 3700A. This script scans all the channels in slot 4 and takes 4-wire ohm measurements using a background scan.

  • Page 45: Example: Optimize Scan For Speed

    The following is an example of a Series 3700A configured for fast scanning with the Model 3723 card. Sixty channels are scanned ten times on 200 V DC.

  • Page 46: Example: Fast Dc Volt Measurement

    NOTE The NPLC setting is at .006 in the example. The fastest NPLC setting supported in a Series 3700A is .0005. Another speed improvement option is to set the channel connect rule to OFF (channel.connectrule = channel.OFF). Using this setting allows channels to open and close at the same time, provided the application supports this operation.
  • Page 47 Section 4: Applications Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Example program code for sampling a 500 Hz, 70.7 mV sine wave Code Notes and comments loadscript test_dcv_time Assigns the script name of "test_dcv_time". dmm.func="dcvolts" Set the DMM function to DC volts, with a dmm.range=100e-3...
  • Page 48 Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Section 4: Applications Example program code for the Series 3700A Code Notes and comments loadscript test_acv_autodelay Assigns the script name of "test_acv_autodelay". reset() Reset the Series 3700A to the factory defaults. channel.connectrule=channel.OFF Set the connect rule off. The instrument...

  • Page 49: Example: Fast Alternating Scan, Dc Volts, And Two-Wire Ohms

    Example: Fast alternating scan, DC volts, and two-wire ohms The following example illustrates how to configure a Series 3700A and a Model 3723 switch card for fast alternating function scans. The example shows channel 1 measuring +7.5 VDC and channel 2 measuring a 1 KΩ...

  • Page 50: Example: Thermocouple Temperature Measurement From The Front Panel

    Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Section 4: Applications scan.execute(buf) Start the scan. for x=1,buf.n do printbuffer(x,x,buf, Print the reading and relative time from the start buf.relativetimestamps) of the scan. buf.relativetimestamps include the date and real time. Note that x,x prints reading and time vertically so you can copy and paste the information into Microsoft Excel.

  • Page 51: Example: Thermocouple Measurement Through The Remote Interface

    A TSP script is a sequence of instrument commands and programming statements. The Series 3700A can store the TSP script for later use. Using scripts allows the Series 3700A to perform simple and complex tasks with less interaction with the remote interface controller (the controlling computer).

  • Page 52: Set Up Communication

    4. Use the navigation wheel to adjust the node number. 5. Press ENTER to save the TSP-Link node number. On the Series 3700A, perform a TSP-Link reset to alert the Series 3700A to the presence of the SMU: 1. Press MENU.

  • Page 53: Program Code

    There are three digital lines in the TSP-Link cable that may be used for triggering. This example uses trigger lines 1 and 2. The Series 3700A outputs a trigger signal on TSP-Link line 1 and waits for a trigger signal on TSP-Link line 2 before proceeding with the next set of crosspoint closures. The System SourceMeter instrument outputs a trigger signal on TSP-Link line 2 after completing its test and waits for a trigger signal on TSP-Link line #1 before testing.
  • Page 54 Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Section 4: Applications function configSMU() Create a function to configure the System SourceMeter instrument. node[2].reset() Reset the instrument. node[2].errorqueue.clear() Clear all errors and reset status bits. Clear existing data from data buffer. node[2].smua.nvbuffer1.clear() node[2].smua.source.func = node[2].smua.OUTPUT_DCAMPS Set source function to current source.

  • Page 55: Program Code To Run The Test

    Ends the script "diodeTest." Program code to run the test The example program code stores the program in the instrument for later use. To run the program, send the following commands to the Series 3700A. Example program code to run the test Code...

  • Page 56: Example: Using The Scanning And Triggering Model

    There are three digital lines in the TSP-Link cable that may be used for triggering. This example uses trigger lines 1 and 2. The Series 3700A outputs a trigger signal on TSP-Link line 1 and waits for a trigger signal on TSP-Link line 2 before proceeding with the next set of crosspoint closures. The System SourceMeter instrument outputs a trigger signal on TSP-Link line 2 after completing its test and waits for a trigger signal on TSP-Link line #1 before testing.

  • Page 57: Program Code

    In the following table, all commands are sent from the computer to the Series 3700A. This example can be run using TSB Embedded. The Series 3700A sends all commands in the shaded rows to the System SourceMeter instrument through the TSP-Link interface. Commands in unshaded rows are executed by the Series 3700A.
  • Page 58 Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Section 4: Applications function configSMU() Create a function to configure the System SourceMeter instrument. node[2].reset() Reset the instrument. Clear all errors and reset status bits. node[2].errorqueue.clear() Clear existing data from data buffer. node[2].smua.nvbuffer1.clear() node[2].smua.source.func = Set source function to current source.

  • Page 59: Program Code To Run The Test

    Ends the diodeTest script. Program code to run the test The example program code stores the program in the instrument for later use. To run the program, send the following commands to the Series 3700A. Example program code to run the test Code...
  • Page 60 Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Section 4: Applications The following table shows a revised example of the runDiodeTest function in this example. function runDiodeTest() This function sequences the crosspoint closures and triggering. configSwitch() Call function to configure the Series 3700A.

  • Page 61: Example: Ieee-1588 In Series 3700A-Based Systems

    Scheduling alarms You can schedule alarms to request the Series 3700A to perform actions at a specific time and date or at a specific time interval. You can schedule alarms in UTC or PTP time; however, it is important to be consistent in defining the alarms using the same time format.

  • Page 62: Scheduling Alarms On A Stand-Alone Series 3700A

    Scheduling alarms on a stand-alone Series 3700A To configure a single Series 3700A to perform an event at a particular date and time, you must schedule alarms, but you do not need to enable IEEE-1588. Therefore, you can send these commands over any remote interface and not just LAN.

  • Page 63: Example: External Dmm And Switch Triggering

    Example: External DMM and switch triggering This example demonstrates how to perform DMM and switch triggering with legacy DMMs, such as the Model 2000, or SMUs, such as the Model 2400. Example program code for the Series 3700A Code Notes and comments...
  • Page 64 Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Section 4: Applications digio.writebit(1, 1) Define the Series 3700 digital I/O digio.writebit(2, 1) as inputs, then redefined by trigger model triggers. digio.writebit(3, 1) digio.writebit(4, 1) digio.writebit(10, 1) scan.trigger.arm.clear() Set the trigger event for each scan.trigger.arm.stimulus = 0...
  • Page 65 Section 4: Applications Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual chan_loop_cnt = scan.scancount * scan.stepcount Manual digital I/O triggering is int_vmc_cnt = scan.measurecount -1 required to ensure that the next open or close channel operation digio.trigger[1].clear() does not occur while the external digio.trigger[2].clear()

  • Page 66: Example: Dmm Buffer Statistics With Interactive Operation

    Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Section 4: Applications Example: DMM buffer statistics with interactive operation Example program code for DMM buffer statistics with interactive front panel operation Code Notes and comments localnode.prompts=1 Sets the instrument to generate prompts in response to command localnode.showerrors=1...
  • Page 67 Section 4: Applications Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual for x=1,dmm.measurecount do value = buf.readings[x] for x=1, buf.n do value = if value > hi_last_rdg then hi_last_rdg = value end buf.readings[x]. if value < lo_last_rdg then lo_last_rdg = value end Print "Total time"...

  • Page 68: Example: Commonside Ohm Measurement With Model 3721

    This example configures channels 38 and 39 in slot 1 to perform commonside four-wire ohm measurements on the 3721 card. Please refer to the Series 3700A Switching and Control Cards Reference Manual for the physical connections for a commonside ohms measurement.

  • Page 69: Troubleshooting Faqs

    Need different line frequency or voltage I need to use a Series 3700A at a different line frequency or voltage. What do I need to do? The Series 3700A only supports a line frequency of 50 or 60 Hz. The line frequency is automatically sensed and no user action is needed.

  • Page 70: The Internal Web Page Of The Instrument Is Not Accessible

    Ensure that the instrument has been assigned a valid and unique IP address. • To view the IP address of the Series 3700A, press MENU. Select LAN > STATUS > IP-ADDRESS. If a valid IP address is displayed, the instrument configuration is correct. If 0.0.0.0 is displayed, the IP address is not valid.

  • Page 71: Switch Relays Will Not Close

    Use the Create Config Script option (or the command createconfigscript). See the Series 3700A Reference Manual, "Save the present configuration." LabVIEW driver for the Series 3700A Where do I find the LabVIEW driver for the Series 3700A? 3700AS-900-01 Rev. A / July 2011...

  • Page 72: Next Steps

    Next steps ................6-1 Next steps This manual has prepared you to start using your new Series 3700A for your real-world applications. For more detailed information about the Series 3700A, refer to the Keithley Instruments Series 3700A Reference Manual, part number 3700A-901-01.

  • Page 73: Index

    Documentation • 1-2 Management • 3-14 Stopping • 3-14 Viewing • 3-14 example applications switching capabilities • 1-3 in Series 3700A-based systems • 4-21 Examples ACV Autodelay Once script • 4-6 thermocouple • 4-10 scanning • 4-1 Troubleshooting • 5-1 Export script •...
  • Page 74 Specifications are subject to change without notice. All Keithley trademarks and trade names are the property of Keithley Instruments, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective companies. G R E A T E R...

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