Sink Operation - Keithley SourceMeter 2400 User Manual

3-22 Basic Source-Measure Operation

Sink operation

When operating as a sink (V and I have opposite polarity), the SourceMeter is dissipating
power rather than sourcing it. An external source (i.e., battery) or an energy storage device
(i.e., capacitor) can force operation into the sink region.
For example, if a 12V battery is connected to the V-Source (In/Out HI to battery high) that
is programmed for +10V, sink operation will occur in the second quadrant (Source +V and
measure -I). See "" for details on charging and discharging batteries.
CAUTION When using the I-Source as a sink, ALWAYS set V-Compliance to a
level that is higher than the external voltage level. Failure to do so
could damage the instrument due to excessive current that will flow
into the SourceMeter.
NOTE
The sink operating limits are shown in
Battery charging/discharging
WARNING To prevent personal injury or damage to the SourceMeter, do not
attempt to charge non-rechargeable batteries.
Some of the common batteries than can be charged with a SourceMeter
are:
Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd)
Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)
Lithium Ion (Li-ion)
Rechargeable Alkaline
Lead Acid
If you are working with a battery type that is not listed here, please
contact your local Keithley representative or call one of our Applica-
tions Engineers at 1-800-348-3735 (U.S and Canada only) to obtain
technical assistance.
WARNING Always follow the battery manufacturers requirements for charging or
discharging batteries using a SourceMeter. Failure to properly charge
or discharge batteries may cause them to leak or explode resulting in
personal injury and property damage. Over voltage and current pro-
tection should be provided in the charge circuit, external to the
SourceMeter, when charging batteries without build-in protection.
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2400 Series SourceMeter User's Manual
Section 6, "Operating boundaries."