How Do I Make Contact Check Measurements; How Do I Make Low-Current Measurements; Low-Current Connections - Keithley 2601B Reference Manual

Section 9: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How do I make contact check measurements?

The Models 2604B, 2614B, and 2634B do not perform contact check measurements.
For information about making contact check measurements, see
page 2-44) and

How do I make low-current measurements?

Low-current connections

Low-current measurements (<1 mA) are subject to errors caused by leakage currents and leakage
resistances in the signal path. Model 2634B, 2635B, and 2636B instruments are equipped with triaxial
connectors to minimize these problems. To assure accurate low-level measurements, the integrity of
the signal path must be maintained to the device under test (DUT), including using both low-noise
triaxial cables and a suitable test fixture.
The figure below shows typical connections for low-current measurements. The DUT in this example
could be a low-current semiconductor device, a high-megohm resistor, or any other passive or active
electronic device requiring low-current measurements. Note that the DUT is enclosed in both a guard
shield and a safety shield.
The inner shield (guard) of the HI triaxial cable is connected to the test fixture guard shield. The guard
shield prevents leakage currents from affecting the measurements. The outer cable shield (chassis
ground or protective earth (safety ground)) is connected to the safety shield.
A safety shield must be used whenever hazardous voltages (>30 V RMS, 42 V peak) will be
present in the test circuit. To prevent electrical shock that could cause injury or death,
never use the Series 2600B in a test circuit that may contain hazardous voltages without a
properly installed and configured safety shield.
Connect the enclosure of all metal test fixtures to protective earth (safety ground).
Nonconductive test fixtures must be rated to double the maximum capability of the test
equipment in the system. Failure to attach the ground wires to a known protective earth may
result in electric shock.
9-6
Contact check (on page 4-22).
Series 2600B System SourceMeter® Instrument Reference Manual
Contact check measurements
2600BS-901-01 Rev. B / May 2013
(on