Reading Buffers; Front-Panel Reading Buffer Control - Keithley 2657A Reference Manual

Section 3: Functions and features

Reading buffers

Reading buffers capture measurements, ranges, instrument status, and output state of the Keithley
Instruments Model 2657A. The Model 2657A has two dedicated reading buffers. You can use the
dedicated reading buffers to acquire readings, or you can use the smua.makebuffer() function to
create dynamic reading buffers.
You can access dedicated reading buffers from the front panel. Both dedicated and dynamic reading
buffers can be accessed over the remote command interface.
Each dedicated reading buffer in the Model 2657A can store over 60,000 readings with the
timestamps and source values options enabled. To store over 140,000 readings internally, disable the
timestamps and source values options.
You can save the dedicated reading buffers to internal nonvolatile memory in the instrument or to a
USB flash drive.
Once you save the reading buffers to a USB flash drive, insert the USB flash drive into the USB port
on your computer to view the data in any compatible data analysis application, or to transfer the data
from the USB flash drive to your computer.
Reading buffers (other than the dedicated reading buffers) have fixed capacity and are not specifically
limited to 60,000 or 140,000 readings.

Front-panel reading buffer control

The dedicated reading buffers can be configured, stored, and recalled when in local mode operation.
Use the front panel to navigate and configure the reading buffers options and to save and recall
stored readings. See the
reading buffer configuration.
Reading buffer options
The following listing outlines the menu structure and menu items associated with front panel reading
buffer control. This section provides a description for each reading buffer option. Use the procedure in
Configuring reading buffers
•
DEST: Sets data storage destination (buffer 1, buffer 2, or NONE).
•
BUFFER1: Configure buffer 1.
•
CLEAR: Clear buffer (YES or NO).
•
ELEMENTS: Enable (ON) or disable (OFF) data storage elements:
•
•
3-6
Model 2657A High Power System SourceMeter® Instrument Reference Manual
Configuration menus
(on page 3-7) as a guideline to configure these reading buffer options.
SRC-VAL: Enable or disable source values.
TSTAMP: Enable or disable timestamps.
NOTE
NOTE
(on page 2-13) (CHANA-BUF) for information on
2657A-901-01 Rev. B/December 2012