When Should I Change The Output-Off State - Keithley 2601B Reference Manual

Series 2600B System SourceMeter® Instrument Reference Manual
To save the reading buffer data:
1. From the front panel, press the STORE key, and then select SAVE.
2. Select INTERNAL to save to internal nonvolatile memory.
3. Select one of the following:
• SMUA_BUFFER1
• SMUA_BUFFER2
• SMUB_BUFFER1*
• SMUB_BUFFER2*
* Model 2602B/2604B/2612B/2614B/2634B/2636B only.
1. The front panel displays Saving... This may take awhile.
2. Press the EXIT (LOCAL) key to return to the main menu.
For additional information, see

When should I change the output-off state?

Carefully consider and configure the appropriate output-off state, source, and compliance limits
before connecting the Series 2600B to a device that can deliver energy (for example, other voltage
sources, batteries, capacitors, solar cells, or other Series 2600B instruments). Configure
recommended instrument settings before making connections to the device. Failure to consider the
output-off state, source, and compliance limits may result in damage to the instrument or to the
device under test (DUT).
The Series 2600B instrument provides multiple output-off states. The multiple states are required
because different types of connected devices (or loads) require different behaviors from the Series
2600B when its output is turned off.
For example, a passive device such as a diode is not affected by a 0 V source connected across its
terminals when the output is turned off. However, connecting a 0 V source to the terminals of a
battery causes the battery to discharge. Therefore, careful selection of the proper output-off state is
important to prevent damage to devices and instruments. This is especially true when the device can
deliver energy to the Series 2600B, such as a battery or capacitor or when another SourceMeter
instrument is connected across the output terminals. In these situations, you should use an output-off
state that isolates the instrument from the device by either setting smuX.source.offfunc =
smuX.OUTPUT_DCAMPS or smuX.source.offfunc = smuX.OUTPUT_DCVOLTS, as applicable.
There are other guidelines to follow when connecting the outputs of multiple Series 2600B
instruments to obtain a larger current or voltage. For more information, refer to the Keithley
application notes on the
2600BS-901-01 Rev. B / May 2013
Saving reading buffers
Keithley Instruments website
Section 9: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
(on page 3-9).
(http://www.keithley.com).
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