Tektronix Keithley 6517B Reference Manual
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Tektronix Keithley 6517B Reference Manual

Electrometer
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Model 6517B
Electrometer
Reference Manual
6517B-901-01 Rev. E August 2022
*P6517B-901-01E*
6517B-901-01E
tek.com/keithley

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Summary of Contents for Tektronix Keithley 6517B

  • Page 1 tek.com/keithley Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual 6517B-901-01 Rev. E August 2022 *P6517B-901-01E* 6517B-901-01E...
  • Page 2 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual...
  • Page 3 © 2022, Keithley Instruments, LLC Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized reproduction, photocopy, or use of the information herein, in whole or in part, without the prior written approval of Keithley Instruments, LLC, is strictly prohibited. These are the original instructions in English. All Keithley Instruments product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of Keithley Instruments, LLC.
  • Page 4 Safety precautions The following safety precautions should be observed before using this product and any associated instrumentation. Although some instruments and accessories would normally be used with nonhazardous voltages, there are situations where hazardous conditions may be present. This product is intended for use by personnel who recognize shock hazards and are familiar with the safety precautions required to avoid possible injury.
  • Page 5 For safety, instruments and accessories must be used in accordance with the operating instructions. If the instruments or accessories are used in a manner not specified in the operating instructions, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired. Do not exceed the maximum signal levels of the instruments and accessories. Maximum signal levels are defined in the specifications and operating information and shown on the instrument panels, test fixture panels, and switching cards.

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Table of contents Introduction ....................... 1-1 Welcome ..........................1-1 Extended warranty ....................... 1-1 Contact information ......................1-1 Remote operations ....................2-1 Introduction .......................... 2-1 Select the communications interface ................... 2-1 GPIB communications interface ................... 2-2 IEEE-488 bus connections ......................2-2 Select the GPIB primary address ....................
  • Page 7 Table of contents Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual 6517B input circuitry ........................ 3-17 Shielded fixture construction ....................3-18 External feedback procedure ....................3-20 Nonstandard coulombs ranges ....................3-20 Logarithmic currents ........................ 3-21 Nondecade current gains ......................3-22 Measurement range ......................3-23 Range messages ........................
  • Page 8 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Table of contents Humidity ..........................4-14 Light ............................4-15 Electrostatic interference ......................4-15 Magnetic fields ........................4-15 Electromagnetic interference....................4-16 Test sequences ......................5-1 Introduction .......................... 5-1 Diode leakage current test ....................5-2 Diode leakage current test connections ..................5-3 Run the diode leakage current test ...................
  • Page 9 Table of contents Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Output triggers ........................6-15 Counters..........................6-16 Continuous initiation ........................ 6-16 Halting triggers ........................6-16 Device action ........................... 6-17 External triggering ......................6-17 Trigger-link connector ......................6-17 Asynchronous operation ......................6-18 Semi-synchronous operation....................6-23 Buffer (data store) .....................
  • Page 10 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Table of contents Limits ............................ 9-1 Setting limits ..........................9-2 View limit test 1 results on the front panel ................. 9-2 Limits example .......................... 9-4 Digital I/O ..........................9-5 Controlling digital circuitry ......................9-6 External voltage supply ......................9-6 Outputs used as logic inputs .....................
  • Page 11 Table of contents Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual TRIGger command summary - SEQuence commands ............11-24 TSEQuence command summary ..................11-25 UNIT command summary ..................... 11-28 CALCulate subsystem ...................... 11-28 CALCulate[1] subsystem ....................... 11-28 :CALCulate[1]:DATA? ......................11-29 :CALCulate[1]:FORMat ......................11-29 :CALCulate[1]:IMMediate ......................
  • Page 12 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Table of contents OUTPut subsystems ......................11-63 :OUTPut1[:STATe] ........................ 11-63 :OUTPut2:TTLX:LSENse ...................... 11-64 ROUTe subsystem ......................11-65 :ROUTe:CLOSe ........................11-65 :ROUTe:CLOSe:STATe? ...................... 11-66 :ROUTe:OPEN ........................11-66 :ROUTe:OPEN:ALL ......................11-67 :ROUTe:SCAN:EXTernal ...................... 11-67 :ROUTe:SCAN:LSELect ....................... 11-68 :ROUTe:SCAN:SMEThod .....................
  • Page 13 Table of contents Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual [:SENSe[1]]:RESistance[:AUTO]:RANGe:AUTO:ULIMit ............. 11-106 [:SENSe[1]]:RESistance[:AUTO]:RANGe[:UPPer] .............. 11-106 [:SENSe[1]]:VOLTage[:DC]:GUARd ..................11-107 [:SENSe[1]]:VOLTage[:DC]:XFEedback ................11-107 SOURce subsystem ....................... 11-108 :SOURce:CURRent:LIMit[:STATe]? ..................11-108 :SOURce:CURRent:RLIMit:STATe ..................11-108 :SOURce:TTLX:[LEVel] ....................... 11-109 :SOURce:VOLTage:LIMit:STATe ..................11-110 :SOURce:VOLTage:LIMit[:AMPLitude] ................11-110 :SOURce:VOLTage:MCONnect ..................11-111 :SOURce:VOLTage:RANGe ....................
  • Page 14 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Table of contents :SYSTem:LLOCkout ......................11-160 :SYSTem:LOCal ........................11-160 :SYSTem:LSYNc:STATe..................... 11-161 :SYSTem:POSetup ......................11-161 :SYSTem:PRESet ....................... 11-162 :SYSTem:REMote ....................... 11-162 :SYSTem:RNUMber:RESet....................11-163 :SYSTem:TIME ........................11-163 :SYSTem:TSControl ......................11-164 :SYSTem:TSTamp:RELative:RESet ................... 11-164 :SYSTem:TSTamp:TYPE ....................11-165 :SYSTem:VERSion? ......................11-165 :SYSTem:ZCHeck .......................
  • Page 15 Table of contents Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :TRIGger[:SEQuence[1]]:IMMediate ................... 11-195 :TRIGger[:SEQuence[1]]:SIGNal ..................11-195 :TRIGger[:SEQuence[1]]:SOURce ..................11-196 :TRIGger[:SEQuence[1]]:TCONfigure:ASYNchronous:ILINe ..........11-197 :TRIGger[:SEQuence[1]]:TCONfigure:ASYNchronous:OLINe ..........11-197 :TRIGger[:SEQuence[1]]:TCONfigure:DIRection ..............11-198 :TRIGger[:SEQuence[1]]:TCONfigure:PROTocol ..............11-198 :TRIGger[:SEQuence[1]]:TCONfigure:SSYNchronous:LINE ..........11-199 TSEQuence subsystem ....................11-199 :TSEQuence:ABORt ......................11-200 :TSEQuence:ALTPolarity:ALTVoltage ................11-200 :TSEQuence:ALTPolarity:DISCard ..................
  • Page 16 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Table of contents UNIT subsystem ......................11-224 :UNIT:TEMPerature ......................11-224 Common commands ....................12-1 Introduction ........................12-1 Common command summary .................... 12-1 Common command descriptions ..................12-2 *CLS ............................12-2 *ESE ............................12-3 *ESR? ............................. 12-5 *IDN? ............................
  • Page 17 Table of contents Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Charge range calibration ......................14-9 Voltage measurement ranges calibration ................14-10 Voltage source calibration ..................... 14-11 Temperature calibration ......................14-12 Humidity calibration ....................... 14-12 Set calibration dates ......................14-12 Save calibration ........................14-12 Lock calibration ........................
  • Page 18 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Table of contents Uniline commands ........................17-6 Universal multiline commands ....................17-7 Addressed multiline commands ....................17-7 Addressed commands ......................17-8 Unaddressed commands ......................17-8 Common commands ....................... 17-8 SCPI commands ........................17-8 Command codes ........................17-9 Typical command sequences ....................

  • Page 19: Introduction

    If you have any questions after you review the information in this documentation, please contact your local Keithley Instruments office, sales partner, or distributor. You can also call the Tektronix corporate headquarters (toll-free inside the U.S. and Canada only) at 1-800-833-9200. For worldwide...

  • Page 20: Remote Operations

    Section 2 Remote operations In this section: Introduction ................2-1 Select the communications interface ........2-1 GPIB communications interface ..........2-2 RS-232 serial interface .............2-8 Program examples ..............2-13 Introduction You can use GPIB (IEEE-488) or RS-232 remote communications with the 6517B. The GPIB interface conforms to the IEEE-488.2-1987 standard and the SCPI 1996 (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) standard.

  • Page 21: Gpib Communications Interface

    Section 2: Remote operations Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual To select the communications interface: 1. Press the MENU key to display the MAIN MENU. 2. Select COMMUNICATION and press the ENTER key. The COMMUNICATIONS SETUP menu is displayed. 3. Select GPIB or RS-232. Press the ENTER key. For information on connecting and setting up the GPIB (IEEE-488) communications interface, refer to GPIB communications interface (on page 2-2).
  • Page 22 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 2: Remote operations Figure 2: Multi-instrument connections You can have up to 15 devices connected to a GPIB interface, including the controller. The maximum cable length is the lesser of either: • The number of devices multiplied by 2 m (6.5 ft) •...

  • Page 23: Select The Gpib Primary Address

    Section 2: Remote operations Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Select the GPIB primary address The default GPIB address is 27. You can set the address from 1 to 30 if it is unique in the system. This address cannot conflict with an address that is assigned to another instrument or to the GPIB controller.

  • Page 24: Ieee-488 Front-Panel Operation

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 2: Remote operations • ETEMP: The external temperature reading if the Model 6517-TP is used. The humidity sensor is enabled from the A/D CONTROLS item of the GENERAL MENU. • TIME: The real-time or relative timestamp for each reading. Timestamp type is selected from the TIMESTAMP option in the GENERAL MENU.

  • Page 25: General Bus Commands

    Section 2: Remote operations Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual The LSTN indicator is on when the 6517B is in the listener active state, which is activated by addressing the instrument to listen with the correct MLA (My Listen Address) command. LSTN is off when the instrument is in the listener idle state.
  • Page 26 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 2: Remote operations GET is a GPIB trigger that is used as an arm, scan, or measure event to control operation. The 6517B reacts to this trigger if it is the programmed control source. GET can also be used as the pretrigger for the reading buffer.

  • Page 27: Serial Interface

    Section 2: Remote operations Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual The selective device clear (SDC) command is an addressed command that performs essentially the same function as the device clear (DCL) command. However, because each device must be individually addressed, the SDC command provides a method to clear only selected instruments, instead of clearing all instruments simultaneously with the DCL command.

  • Page 28: 6517B Configuration

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 2: Remote operations If your computer uses a DB-25 connector for the RS-232 interface, you need a cable or adapter with a DB-25 connector on one end and a DB-9 connector on the other, wired straight through. Do not use a null modem cable.

  • Page 29: Computer Configuration

    Section 2: Remote operations Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual RS-232 computer configuration From your communications software, configure the RS-232 interface for your computer as follows: • RTS-CTS: OFF • XON-XON: ON • Local echo: ON Make sure the RS-232 parameters (baud rate, terminator, and flow control) of your computer match the RS-232 parameters of the 6517B.

  • Page 30: Operating Considerations

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 2: Remote operations To set up the data elements: 1. Press the MENU key. 2. Select COMMUNICATION. Press the ENTER key. 3. Select RS-232. Press the ENTER key. 4. Select ADDRESS. Press the ENTER key. 5.
  • Page 31 Section 2: Remote operations Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual The 6517B signifies the completion of the device-clear action by echoing back the DCL followed by the carriage return and line feed characters. RS-232 SCPI commands The following SCPI commands are unique to the RS-232 interface and cannot be used over the GPIB interface: •...

  • Page 32: Program Examples

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 2: Remote operations Program examples The following examples presume QuickBASIC version 4.5 or later and a Keithley Instruments KPC-488.2 or CEC IEEE-488 interface card with CEC driver version 2.11 or later, with the Model 6517B at address 27 on the IEEE-488 bus.

  • Page 33: One-Shot Triggering

    Section 2: Remote operations Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual One-shot triggering When one-shot triggering is configured, each activation of the selected trigger source produces one reading. Typical trigger sources for non-SCPI instruments are: • IEEE-488 talk • IEEE-488 Group Execute Trigger (GET) •...

  • Page 34: Continuous Triggering 1

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 2: Remote operations Continuous triggering 1 The following example program sets up the 6517B to make readings as fast as it can when it receives an external trigger. The actual reading rate depends upon other factors, such as A/D integration time and autorange on/off.

  • Page 35: Generating Srq On Buffer Full

    Section 2: Remote operations Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Generating SRQ on buffer full When your program must wait until the 6517B has completed an operation, it is more efficient to program the 6517B to assert the IEEE-488 SRQ line when it is finished instead of repeatedly sending serial polls to the instrument.

  • Page 36: Store Readings In The Buffer

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 2: Remote operations Store readings in the buffer The reading buffer in the 6517B is flexible. You can control the size of the buffer (in readings) using TRACe:POINts. You can use TRACe:ELEMents to store extra data stored with each reading, such as the channel number and timestamp.

  • Page 37: Making Readings With The Scanner Card

    Section 2: Remote operations Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Making readings with the scanner card The Model 6521 and Model 6522 are optional 10-channel scanner cards for the 6517B. Only one channel can be closed at a time. If you close a channel while another channel is closed, the first one opens with a break-before-make operation.
  • Page 38 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 2: Remote operations The following example program sets up the 6517B using a scan list to measure dc voltage on channels 1, 2, and 3. The meter makes ten sets of readings, with each set spaced 15 seconds apart. Each of the three readings in each group is made as fast as possible.

  • Page 39: Using The Staircase Sweep Test Sequence

    Section 2: Remote operations Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Using the staircase sweep test sequence The following program performs a staircase sweep. Using the source voltage measure current (SVMI) method, this test measures the current through a DUT at eleven voltage steps (0 V through 10 V). The eleven readings are stored in the buffer and displayed on the computer at the conclusion of the test.

  • Page 40: Measurement Options

    Section 3 Measurement options In this section: Introduction ................3-1 Integration time .................3-1 Display resolution ..............3-3 Line synchronization ..............3-4 Voltage source ................3-5 Analog outputs ................3-12 Using external feedback ............3-17 Measurement range ..............3-23 Damping..................3-27 Zero check ................3-28 Relative offset .................3-29 Zero correct ................3-31 Accuracy calculations .............3-32 Introduction This section contains detailed information on measurement options, such as using the voltage...
  • Page 41 Section 3: Measurement options Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual From the front panel, the integration time is set using the SPEED menu of the configuration menu for each function. You can set different integration times for each function. You can select the following options: •...

  • Page 42: Display Resolution

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 3: Measurement options To set the integration time from the front panel: 1. Press the CONFIG key. 2. Press the function key. 3. Select SPEED. Press the ENTER key. 4. Select the speed. Press the ENTER key. 5.

  • Page 43: Line Synchronization

    Section 3: Measurement options Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual The display resolution for resistance readings may be less than what was selected. For example, assume for a resistance measurement that the measured current is 00.100 pA (20 pA range, 4½ digit resolution).

  • Page 44: Voltage Source

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 3: Measurement options To enable or disable line synchronization: 1. Press the MENU key. 2. Select the GENERAL menu. 3. Select A/D-CONTROLS. 4. Select LINE-SYNC. The power line frequency is displayed. 5. Select ENABLE or DISABLE. 6.

  • Page 45: Voltage Source Configuration

    Section 3: Measurement options Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Voltage source configuration Use the CONFIG V-SOURCE menu to configure the voltage source. The menu options are summarized in the following table. To display the CONFIG V-SOURCE menu, press the CONFIG key and then the OPER key. CONFIG V-SOURCE menu Menu item Description...
  • Page 46 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 3: Measurement options Figure 7: Voltage source (independent configuration) - equivalent circuit The voltage source is isolated (>1 GΩ) from the measurement circuits of the 6517B when voltage source LO is not internally connected to ammeter LO. Refer to Ammeter LO to voltage source LO connection (on page 3-8) for more information.
  • Page 47 Section 3: Measurement options Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Figure 9: Voltage source (SVMI configuration) - equivalent circuit You can make or break the voltage source LO to ammeter LO connection. Refer to Ammeter LO to voltage source LO connection (on page 3-8) for more information.

  • Page 48: Setting Voltage Source Value

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 3: Measurement options Setting voltage source value The following information describes the voltage source display, how to select the range, and how to set the voltage value. Displaying the voltage source value With the instrument in the normal measurement display state, the programmed voltage source value is displayed on the right side of the secondary display.

  • Page 49: Voltage And Current Limit

    Section 3: Measurement options Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Adjusting the voltage source value You can adjust the voltage source value. If you change the value while the 6517B is operating, the output voltage is immediately changed to the new value. The voltage source value cannot be changed if Auto V-source Ohms is selected.

  • Page 50: Operate And Standby

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 3: Measurement options Setting a voltage limit To set a voltage limit: 1. Press the CONFIG key. 2. Press the OPER key. 3. Select V-LIMIT. Press the ENTER key. 4. Select CONTROL. Press the ENTER key. 5.

  • Page 51: Analog Outputs

    Section 3: Measurement options Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual The OPER key toggles the output between operate and standby. In operate (VOLTAGE SOURCE OPERATE indicator on), the voltage source is applied to the output terminals. In standby, the voltage source is removed from the rear-panel output terminals. If the VOLTAGE SOURCE OPERATE indicator is flashing, the voltage source is in current limit.
  • Page 52 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 3: Measurement options The 2 V analog output signal is not corrected during calibration. Gain errors of up to 15 percent may appear at this output, depending on function and range selection. The output impedance is 10 kΩ. To minimize the effects of loading, the input impedance of the device connected to 2V OUT should be as high as possible.

  • Page 53: Preamplifier Output

    Section 3: Measurement options Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Preamplifier output The PREAMP OUT terminal of the 6517B follows the signal amplitude applied to the INPUT terminal. Some possible uses for the inverting PREAMP OUT include buffering of the input signal and guarding in the voltage mode.
  • Page 54 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 3: Measurement options To prevent damage to the 6517B, do not connect a device to PREAMP OUT that draws more than ±100 μA. For example, at 200 V, the impedance connected to PREAMP OUT must be at least 2 MΩ...
  • Page 55 Section 3: Measurement options Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Figure 13: Typical voltage PREAMP OUT connections - equivalent circuit Figure 14: Typical current and resistance PREAMP OUT connections - equivalent circuit Figure 15: Typical charge PREAMP OUT connections - equivalent circuit 3-16 6517B-901-01 Rev.

  • Page 56: Using External Feedback

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 3: Measurement options Using external feedback The external feedback feature provides a means to extend the capabilities of the 6517B. It allows uses such as logarithmic currents, nondecade current ranges, and nonstandard charge ranges. The following topics discuss the basic 6517B input circuitry and methods to implement these capabilities.

  • Page 57: Shielded Fixture Construction

    Section 3: Measurement options Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual When using external feedback, consider the following factors: • The maximum current value that can be supplied by the preamplifier output is 20 mA when the current or resistance function is selected. Maximum current is 1 mA for the voltage function. The maximum voltage span in external feedback is ±20 V.
  • Page 58 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 3: Measurement options Figure 17: Shielded fixture construction Item Description Manufacturer part number Triaxial cable to 6517B input Keithley 7078-TRX-3 Female triaxial Keithley 7078-TRX-TBC Not applicable Solder lug Not applicable Shielded box Pomona 2390 Input LO (inner shield) Not applicable Input HI (center conductor)

  • Page 59: External Feedback Procedure

    Section 3: Measurement options Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual External feedback procedure To operate the 6517B external feedback feature: 1. Connect the feedback element between the PREAMP OUT terminal and the INPUT high terminal. 2. Press the V key to select the voltage function. 3.

  • Page 60: Logarithmic Currents

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 3: Measurement options Logarithmic currents The use of a diode junction in the external feedback path permits a logarithmic current-to-voltage conversion. The relationship for a junction diode is given by the equation: V = mkT / q ln(I/I ) + I Where: •...

  • Page 61: Nondecade Current Gains

    Section 3: Measurement options Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual From this equation, proper selection of Q1 requires a device with high current gain (h ), which is maintained over a wide range of emitter currents. Suitable devices for this application include Analog Devices AD812 and Precision Monolithics MAT-01.

  • Page 62: Measurement Range

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 3: Measurement options Figure 20: Nondecade current gains Measurement range The measurement range affects the accuracy of the measurement and the maximum signal that can be measured. The measurement ranges for each function are listed in the specifications. The maximum input signal level for voltage, current, and charge measurements is 105 percent of the measurement range.

  • Page 63: Range Messages

    Section 3: Measurement options Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual To set the autorange limits: 1. Press the CONFIG key. 2. Press the key for the function (I, R, or Q). 3. Select AUTORANGE. 4. For the current and resistance functions, you can select: ▪...
  • Page 64 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 3: Measurement options UNDERFLOW messages This condition is similar to an overflow condition, but pertains to resistance and resistivity measurements. When the resistance of the device under test (DUT) is too low for the selected resistance range, the resulting current exceeds full scale and causes the UNDERFLOW message to be displayed.
  • Page 65 Section 3: Measurement options Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Figure 21: Input signal If this signal is measured on the 200 nA range at normal speed, it would read 20 nA (which is the dc average). If, however, you use the 20 nA range, the positive peaks of the sine wave are clipped as shown in the following figure.

  • Page 66: Damping

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 3: Measurement options Clipping occurs at 110 percent of full range (22 nA on the 20 nA range). Because of clipping, the measurement of the input signal is significantly less than 20 nA. The 6517B displays the OUT OF LIMITS message instead of the inaccurate reading.

  • Page 67: Zero Check

    Section 3: Measurement options Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Zero check When zero check is enabled, the input amplifier is configured to shunt the input signal to low, as shown in the following figure. Figure 23: Equivalent input impedance with zero check enabled for voltage measurements When you enable or disable zero check, that state is assumed regardless of the selected function.

  • Page 68: Relative Offset

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 3: Measurement options Figure 25: Equivalent input impedance with zero check enabled for charge measurements You can display the readings in zero check. Press the CONFIG key, then press the Z-CHK key to select Yes to show zero check readings or No to hide them. When Yes is selected, ZC is displayed next to the units of measure on the display.

  • Page 69: Configuring Relative Offset Manually

    Section 3: Measurement options Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Configuring relative offset manually A bench or GPIB reset clears any stored relative offset values and disables relative offset for all functions. Enabling relative offset also clears the existing relative offset value and selects a new value.

  • Page 70: Display Reading With And Without Relative Offset Applied

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 3: Measurement options Display reading with and without relative offset applied The ACTUAL display allows you to view the reading without relative offset applied on the bottom line of the display and the reading with offset applied on the top line. To access this display, press either the PREV or NEXT DISPLAY key to scroll through the displays for the selected function.

  • Page 71: Specification Considerations

    Section 3: Measurement options Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Specification considerations For making measurements "when properly zeroed", per instrument specifications: 1. Perform the zero correct procedure described in Zero correct (on page 3-31). 2. Provide a zero input from a calibration source, or short leads in the voltage function, or open leads in the current function.

  • Page 72: Calculating Resistance Accuracy

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 3: Measurement options From the specifications: Accuracy ± (0.1% of 10 mA + 5 counts) ± (0.01 mA + 5 counts) ± (0.01 mA + 0.0005 A) ± 0.0105 mA Therefore, the accuracy range for the 10.0000 mA reading is 9.9895 mA to 10.0105 mA. Calculating resistance accuracy The following information shows how to calculate autovoltage source resistance accuracy.

  • Page 73: Calculating Resistance/Resistivity Accuracy And Repeatability Using The Alternating Polarity Method

    Section 3: Measurement options Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Calculating resistance/resistivity accuracy and repeatability using the alternating polarity method From the specifications, accuracy and repeatability when using a Model 8009 test fixture are calculated as follows: Repeatability: I + 0.1% (1 ) ×...

  • Page 74: Measurement Considerations

    Section 4 Measurement considerations In this section: Introduction ................4-1 Voltage measurement considerations ........4-1 Current measurement considerations ........4-4 Resistance measurement considerations .......4-10 Charge measurement considerations ........4-11 Other measurement considerations ........4-12 Introduction The following topics describe some considerations you should be aware of when making measurements.

  • Page 75: Guarding

    Section 4: Measurement considerations Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Figure 27: Meter loading Guarding To understand the concept of guarding, review the unguarded circuit shown in the following figure. E and R represent the resistance and voltage components of the source. R and C represent the leakage resistance and cable capacitance of the triaxial input cable.
  • Page 76 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 4: Measurement considerations Figure 29: Unguarded voltage measurements - equivalent circuit Guarding the circuit minimizes these effects by driving the inner shield of the triaxial cable at signal potential, as shown in the following figure. Here, a unity gain amplifier with a high input impedance and low output impedance is used.

  • Page 77: Cable Leakage Resistance

    Section 4: Measurement considerations Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Cable leakage resistance In an unguarded voltage measurement, leakage current occurs in the input triaxial cable between the center conductor (HI) and the inner shield (LO). This leakage resistance shunts the voltage source to be measured.

  • Page 78: Voltage Burden

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 4: Measurement considerations Voltage burden The input resistance of the ammeter causes a small voltage drop across the input terminals. This voltage is known as the voltage burden. If the voltage burden is large in relation to the voltage of the measured circuit, then significant measurement errors occur.
  • Page 79 Section 4: Measurement considerations Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Source resistance The source resistance of the device under test affects the noise performance of current measurements. As the source resistance is reduced, the noise gain of the ammeter increases. The following figure shows a simplified model of the feedback ammeter. Figure 32: Source resistance and capacitance and C represent the source resistance and source capacitance, V...

  • Page 80: Guarding

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 4: Measurement considerations Source capacitance DUT source capacitance also affects the noise performance of the 6517B ammeter. In general, as source capacitance increases, the noise also increases. To see how changes in source capacitance can affect noise gain, refer to the simplified ammeter model in Source resistance (on page 4-6).
  • Page 81 Section 4: Measurement considerations Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual High impedance current measurements Significant leakage could occur across a high impedance (≥1 GΩ) DUT through the insulators, as shown in the following figure, where R and R represent the leakage resistance. So instead of ) through R (which is ≥1 GΩ), you are also measuring the leakage current measuring the current (I ).
  • Page 82 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 4: Measurement considerations Floating current measurements Guarding uses a conductor at essentially the same potential as the sensitive input to drastically reduce leakage currents in high impedance test circuits. No current can flow when there is a 0 V drop across a leakage resistance.

  • Page 83: Resistance Measurement Considerations

    Section 4: Measurement considerations Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Figure 36: Floating current measurements - guarded Resistance measurement considerations Some considerations for making accurate resistance and resistivity measurements are summarized in the following paragraphs. High resistance measurements (above 1 MΩ) may exhibit problematic background currents and can be improved by using the alternating polarity test sequence.

  • Page 84: Voltage Coefficient

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 4: Measurement considerations Voltage coefficient The measured value of a high-megohm resistor often varies with the applied voltage. This variation in resistance is known as the voltage coefficient, and is usually expressed in percent/volt or ppm/volt values.

  • Page 85: Input Bias Current

    Section 4: Measurement considerations Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Input bias current A primary consideration when making charge measurements is the input bias (offset) current of the integrating amplifier. Input bias current is integrated with the input signal and reflected in the final −15 reading.

  • Page 86: Ground Loops

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 4: Measurement considerations Ground loops Ground loops that occur in multiple-instrument test setups can create error signals that cause erratic or erroneous measurements. The configuration shown in the following figure introduces errors in two ways.

  • Page 87: Triboelectric Effects

    Section 4: Measurement considerations Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Triboelectric effects Triboelectric currents are generated by charges created between a conductor and an insulator due to friction. Free electrons rub off the conductor and create a charge imbalance that causes the current flow.

  • Page 88: Light

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 4: Measurement considerations Light Some components, such as semiconductor junctions and MOS capacitors on semiconductor wafers, are excellent light detectors. Consequently, these components must be tested in a light-free environment. Many test fixtures provide adequate light protection, but others may allow enough light penetration to affect the test results.

  • Page 89: Electromagnetic Interference

    Section 4: Measurement considerations Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Electromagnetic interference The electromagnetic interference (EMI) characteristics of the 6517B comply with the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements of the European Union as denoted by the CE mark. However, it is still possible for sensitive measurements to be affected by external sources. In these instances, special precautions may be required in the measurement setup.

  • Page 90: Test Sequences

    Section 5 Test sequences In this section: Introduction ................5-1 Diode leakage current test ............5-2 Capacitor leakage current test ..........5-5 Cable insulation resistance test ..........5-7 Resistor voltage coefficient test ..........5-9 Standard method resistivity tests ..........5-11 Alternating polarity resistance/resistivity test......5-13 Surface insulation resistance (SIR) test ........5-16 Square wave sweep test ............5-19 Staircase sweep test ...............5-20 Configure sequence menu ............5-22...

  • Page 91: Diode Leakage Current Test

    Section 5: Test sequences Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Diode leakage current test This test measures the leakage current for a diode and allows you to measure the current at various voltage levels. The following figure shows an example using the default test parameters. When the test is run, 10 current measurements are made (one at each voltage step) and stored in the buffer.

  • Page 92: Diode Leakage Current Test Connections

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 5: Test sequences Diode leakage current test connections The following figure shows the connections and the simplified schematic for this test. Figure 40: Diode leakage current test connections Ammeter LO is internally connected to V-SOURCE LO. Figure 41: Diode leakage current test equivalent circuit This test sources a positive voltage to measure the leakage current through the diode.

  • Page 93: Run The Diode Leakage Current Test

    Section 5: Test sequences Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Run the diode leakage current test To run the diode leakage current test: 1. Press the Z-CHK key to enable zero check. 2. Make sure the voltage source is in standby (VOLTAGE SOURCE OPERATE LED off). 3.

  • Page 94: Capacitor Leakage Current Test

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 5: Test sequences Capacitor leakage current test This test measures the leakage current of a capacitor. The magnitude of the leakage depends on the type of dielectric and the applied voltage. For this test, a fixed voltage (BIAS V) is applied to the capacitor for specified time intervals to allow the capacitor to charge (current decays exponentially with time).

  • Page 95: Run The Capacitor Leakage Current Test

    Section 5: Test sequences Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Run the capacitor leakage current test To run the capacitor leakage current test: 1. Press the Z-CHK key to enable zero check. 2. Make sure the voltage source is in standby (VOLTAGE SOURCE OPERATE LED off). 3.

  • Page 96: Cable Insulation Resistance Test

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 5: Test sequences Cable insulation resistance test The test measures the resistance of the insulator of a cable between the shield and the inner conductor. Cable insulation resistance test connections The following figure shows the connections for this test. Keep the cable sample as short as possible to minimize input capacitance to the ammeter.

  • Page 97: Run The Cable Insulation Resistance Test

    Section 5: Test sequences Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Run the cable insulation resistance test To run the cable insulation resistance test: 1. Press the Z-CHK key to enable zero check. 2. Make sure the voltage source is in standby (VOLTAGE SOURCE OPERATE LED off). 3.

  • Page 98: Resistor Voltage Coefficient Test

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 5: Test sequences Resistor voltage coefficient test High valued resistors often have a change in resistance with applied voltage. This change in resistance is characterized as the voltage coefficient. Voltage coefficient is defined as the percent change in resistance per unit change in applied voltage: This test makes two resistance measurements at two different voltage levels and calculates the voltage coefficient.

  • Page 99: Run The Resistor Voltage Coefficient Test

    Section 5: Test sequences Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Run the resistor voltage coefficient test To run the resistor voltage coefficient test: 1. Press the Z-CHK key to enable zero check. 2. Make sure the voltage source is in standby (VOLTAGE SOURCE OPERATE LED off). 3.

  • Page 100: Standard Method Resistivity Tests

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 5: Test sequences Standard method resistivity tests This test measures the resistivity (surface or volume) of an insulator sample. When used with the Keithley Instruments Model 8009 Resistivity Test Fixture, the test conforms to the ASTM D-257 standard.

  • Page 101: Run The Surface Or Volume Resistivity Test

    Section 5: Test sequences Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Figure 47: Connections for resistivity measurements using the Model 8009 test fixture Run the surface or volume resistivity test To run the surface or volume resistivity test: 1. Press the Z-CHK key to enable zero check. 2.

  • Page 102: Alternating Polarity Resistance/Resistivity Test

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 5: Test sequences 10. Press the EXIT key to return to the previous menu. 11. Set the event that triggers the test to start: ▪ MANUAL: Start when the TRIG key is pressed. ▪ IMMEDIATE: Start as soon as the test is armed.

  • Page 103: Run The Alternating Polarity Resistance/Resistivity Test

    Section 5: Test sequences Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Figure 48: Alternating polarity test example Run the alternating polarity resistance/resistivity test The alternating polarity test is re-armed upon completion of a sequence. You can recall readings or reconfigure the sequence while the 6517B waits for the trigger. When this test is run, the voltage source alternates between two voltages (V-OFS + V-ALT) and (V-OFS −...
  • Page 104 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 5: Test sequences While the test is in the armed condition, you can press the CONFIG key followed by the SEQ key to change parameters. You can change the range, the output result type (resistance or surface of volume resistivity), and the resistivity parameters.

  • Page 105: Surface Insulation Resistance (Sir) Test

    Section 5: Test sequences Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual 14. Set the event that triggers the test to start: ▪ MANUAL: Start when the TRIG key is pressed. ▪ IMMEDIATE: Start as soon as the test is armed. ▪ LID-CLOSURE: Start when the test fixture lid is closed. ▪...
  • Page 106 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 5: Test sequences Figure 49: Surface insulation test connections Ammeter LO is internally connected to V-SOURCE LO. Figure 50: Surface insulation test connections - equivalent circuit 6517B-901-01 Rev. E August 2022 5-17...

  • Page 107: Run The Surface Insulation Resistance Test

    Section 5: Test sequences Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Run the surface insulation resistance test To run the surface insulation resistance test: 1. Press the Z-CHK key to enable zero check. 2. Make sure the voltage source is in standby (VOLTAGE SOURCE OPERATE LED off). 3.

  • Page 108: Square Wave Sweep Test

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 5: Test sequences Square wave sweep test The voltage and measure square wave sweep test can be used for any type of measurement: Voltage, current, resistance, or charge. The square wave sweep test allows you to make a series of measurements at an alternating high and low voltage level.

  • Page 109: Staircase Sweep Test

    Section 5: Test sequences Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual 8. Set the following parameters. Press the ENTER key after each setting to advance to the next menu item. ▪ HI-LEVEL: The high-level voltage. ▪ HI-TIME: The amount of the time at the high level in seconds. ▪...

  • Page 110: Run The Staircase Sweep Test

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 5: Test sequences Test parameters: • START: +1 V • STOP: +10 V • STEP: +1 V • STEP-TIME: 1 s • CYCLE COUNT: 10 Run the staircase sweep test To run the staircase sweep test: 1.

  • Page 111: Configure Sequence Menu

    Section 5: Test sequences Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual 13. Press the SEQ key to arm the test. When the selected trigger source event occurs, zero check is disabled and the test runs. SEQ flashes on the display while the test is running. Readings are automatically stored in the buffer starting at memory location zero.
  • Page 112 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 5: Test sequences Menu item Description Default parameter R/RESISTIVITY Resistance/resistivity tests: NORMAL Standard method resistivity tests: SURFACE Surface resistivity test: PRE-DISCH Specify predischarge time 0.2 s BIAS V Specify bias voltage +500 V BIAS-TIME Specify bias time MEAS-V Specify measurement voltage...

  • Page 113: Triggering

    Section 6 Triggering In this section: Introduction ................6-1 Trigger configuration menu ............6-1 Basic trigger model ..............6-3 Advanced trigger model ............6-5 External triggering ..............6-17 Introduction This section discusses front-panel triggering, trigger configuration, and external triggering. It includes example setups. The sequence of events when triggering is controlled by a trigger model. The 6517B has basic and advanced trigger models.
  • Page 114 Section 6: Triggering Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Trigger configuration menu Menu item Description BASIC Select and configure basic triggering: MODE Select trigger mode: CONTINUOUS Use for continuous triggering ONE-SHOT Use for one-shot triggering SOURCE Select source of triggers: IMMEDIATE Use to make measurements immediately MANUAL Use TRIG key to control measuring...

  • Page 115: Basic Trigger Model

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 6: Triggering Menu item Description Arm layer menu: SOURCE Select arm source: IMMEDIATE Use to arm meter immediately and pass operation into the scan layer EXTERNAL Use external triggers to arm meter MANUAL Use TRIG key to arm meter GPIB Use bus triggers to arm meter TRIGLINK...

  • Page 116: Basic Trigger Model Configuration

    Section 6: Triggering Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual When the instrument is in the idle state, it cannot perform measurements. The front-panel ARM indicator is off when the instrument is in idle. You can set the mode to be either continuous or one-shot. When the continuous trigger mode is selected, operation continuously loops around the control source to make measurements (the device action).

  • Page 117: Advanced Trigger Model

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 6: Triggering 5. Select CONTINUOUS or ONE-SHOT. Press the ENTER key. 6. If you selected ONE-SHOT, select the control source. Press the ENTER key. 7. Press the EXIT key to return to the display. 8.
  • Page 118 Section 6: Triggering Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Figure 55: Advanced trigger model - Scan Layer 6517B-901-01 Rev. E August 2022...

  • Page 119: Ieee-488 Trigger Model

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 6: Triggering Figure 56: Advanced trigger model - Measure Layer IEEE-488 trigger model The following information describes the operation process of the 6517B over the IEEE-488 bus. The following figure summarizes operation over the bus and is called the trigger model. Operation of the trigger model is controlled by SCPI commands from the Trigger subsystem.
  • Page 120 Section 6: Triggering Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Figure 57: IEEE-488 trigger model 6517B-901-01 Rev. E August 2022...

  • Page 121: Idle

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 6: Triggering Idle The instrument is in the idle state whenever it is not operating in one of the layers of the trigger model. The front-panel ARM indicator is off when the instrument is in the idle state. The following front-panel actions put the instrument into the idle state: •...

  • Page 122: Advanced Trigger Model Configuration

    Section 6: Triggering Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Arm layer You set up the arm layer to determine control source (SOURCE) that begins action in the arm layer. The arm layer determines the number of times the trigger model is repeated (COUNT) and if the source is bypassed.
  • Page 123 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 6: Triggering To configure advanced trigger scan layer operation: 1. Press the CONFIG key. 2. Press the TRIG key. 3. Select ADVANCED. Press the ENTER key. 4. Select SCAN. Press the ENTER key. 5. Select SOURCE. Press the ENTER key. 6.

  • Page 124: Control Sources

    Section 6: Triggering Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Control sources Each layer contains a control source that determines how operation proceeds when a programmed event occurs. The control sources are described in the following topics. The front-panel TRIG key is active when the EXTERNAL, GPIB, TRIGLINK, or TIMER control source is selected.
  • Page 125 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 6: Triggering GPIB When the control source is set to GPIB, event detection is satisfied when a bus trigger (GET or *TRG) is received by the 6517B. When a bus trigger is received, the meter is armed or the device action defined by the trigger model proceeds.

  • Page 126: Source Bypasses

    Section 6: Triggering Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual RT-CLOCK Only available for the arm layer. When the control source is set to RT-CLOCK, the instrument is armed at a specific date and time. When the programmed time and date occurs, the 6517B passes operation to the scan layer.

  • Page 127: Delays

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 6: Triggering If the instrument is operating remotely, the source bypass is set using the DIRection command for the layer. Refer to :ARM[:SEQuence[1]][:LAYer[1]]:TCONfigure:DIRection (on page 11- 187), :ARM[:SEQuence[1]]:LAYer2:TCONfigure:DIRection (on page 11-183), :TRIGger[:SEQuence[1]]:TCONfigure:DIRection (on page 11-198). Delays The scan layer and the measure layer have a programmable delay (0 seconds to 999999.999 seconds) that is enforced after an event detection.

  • Page 128: Counters

    Section 6: Triggering Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Counters All three layers use programmable counters that allow operation to return to or stay in the respective layer for a specific number of counts or for an infinite number of counts. For example, programming the measure layer counter to 10 counts keeps operation in the measure layer until 10 measurements are made.

  • Page 129: Device Action

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 6: Triggering Device action The primary device action is a measurement. However, the device action could include a range change, filtering, calculations, data storage, and a function change. If the scanner is enabled, it can include a channel scan.

  • Page 130: Asynchronous Operation

    Section 6: Triggering Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Asynchronous operation The asynchronous mode uses separate lines for input and output triggers. The specifications for the input and output trigger signals of asynchronous mode are shown in the following figures. Figure 59: Asynchronous trigger-link input pulse specifications Figure 60: Asynchronous trigger-link output pulse specifications For typical asynchronous trigger-link operation, the measure layer is configured with measure source set to TRIGLINK and trigger-link mode set to ASYNCHRONOUS.
  • Page 131 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 6: Triggering Asynchronous trigger-link example In a typical test system, you may need to close a channel and then use a meter to measure the device under test (DUT) that is connected to the channel. An example of this type of test system is shown in the following figure.
  • Page 132 Section 6: Triggering Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual • Measure layer: ▪ Measure source = TrigLink ▪ Trigger-link mode = Asynchronous ▪ Input line = #3 ▪ Output line = #4 ▪ Measure count = 20 ▪ Measure trigger control = Acceptor* * This setting is the bench reset and factory default condition.
  • Page 133 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 6: Triggering • Channel layer: ▪ Channel spacing = TrigLink ▪ Trigger-link mode = Asynchronous ▪ Input line = #4 ▪ Output line = #3 ▪ Number of channels = 20 ▪ Channel trigger control = source* * Indicates that the setting is the reset and factory default condition.
  • Page 134 Section 6: Triggering Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual The pulse then loops to point A, where it waits for another input trigger. The trigger applied to the Model 7001/7002 from the 6517B closes the next channel in the scan. This triggers the 6517B to measure the next DUT.

  • Page 135: Semi-Synchronous Operation

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 6: Triggering Semi-synchronous operation In the semi-synchronous trigger link mode, all triggering (input and output) is controlled by a single line. When the normally high (+5 V) trigger line is pulled low (0 V), a trigger occurs on the negative-going edge.
  • Page 136 Section 6: Triggering Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Figure 65: Typical semisynchronous mode connections Assume that the 6517B initially performs a measurement. After the reading is made, the 6517B drives the trigger line low. The negative-going edge triggers both Model 7001s/7002s to close a channel. While the Model 7001s/7002s are in the process of closing a channel, they hold the trigger line low.
  • Page 137 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 6: Triggering The two instruments are configured as follows: 6517B: • Idle state: ▪ Bench reset = :INIT:CONT ON* • Arm layer: ▪ Arm source = Immediate* ▪ Arm count = 1* ▪ Arm trigger control = Acceptor* •...
  • Page 138 Section 6: Triggering Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual • Channel layer: ▪ Channel spacing = TrigLink ▪ Trigger-link mode = Semi-synchronous ▪ Semi-synchronous line = #1 ▪ Number of channels = Use Scanlist length* ▪ Channel trigger control = Source* * Indicates that the setting is the reset and factory default condition.
  • Page 139 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 6: Triggering Pressing STEP takes the Model 7001/7002 out of the idle state and places operation at point B in the flowchart. Because both the arm layer and scan layers are programmed for Immediate Spacing, operation goes to the Channel Layer at point B.

  • Page 140: Buffer (Data Store)

    Section 7 Buffer (data store) In this section: Buffer overview .................7-1 Set the type of buffer control .............7-1 Set the number of readings to store ..........7-4 Set the real-time clock ..............7-5 Set up timestamps ..............7-6 Include data elements in the buffer reading ......7-7 Clear all buffer readings ............7-8 Reading buffer display during storage ........7-8 Data store configuration menu ..........7-9...

  • Page 141: Buffer Control Step Sequence

    Section 7: Buffer (data store) Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Buffer control step sequence The following tables detail the sequence of steps for the modes of buffer control when the pretrigger event is set to MANUAL. During data storage, the reading number on the bottom line of the display is one ahead of the reading on the top line.

  • Page 142: Set Up A Fill-And-Stop Buffer

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 7: Buffer (data store) Pretrigger sequence Action Result Annunciator STORE STORE 00100 READINGS ENTER Waiting for pretrigger event (* on) TRIG Storing reading #xx of 50 Storage complete; press RECALL (* off) RECALL Reading#-00050 @Time=-004.999990 s Reading#+00000 @Time=+000.000000 s Reading#+00049 @Time=+004.899996 s EXIT...

  • Page 143: Set Up A Continuous Buffer

    Section 7: Buffer (data store) Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual The pretrigger event can be set to one of the following options: • MANUAL: Front-panel TRIG key. • GPIB: GPIB bus trigger (GET or *TRG). • TRIGLINK: Input trigger through the trigger link. When you select TRIGLINK, you also need to set the input line.

  • Page 144: Set The Real-Time Clock

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 7: Buffer (data store) To set the number of readings to store: 1. Press the CONFIG key. 2. Press the STORE key. 3. Select the COUNT option. Press the ENTER key. 4. Select the readings to store: ▪...

  • Page 145: Set Up Timestamps

    Section 7: Buffer (data store) Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Set up timestamps You can include a timestamp with each buffer reading through the GENERAL menu or the CONFIGURE DATA STORE menu. The following options are available from the GENERAL menu and the CONFIGURE DATA STORE menu.

  • Page 146: Include Data Elements In The Buffer Reading

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 7: Buffer (data store) To include the timestamp with the reading, TIMESTAMP must be selected as a data element. Refer Include data elements in the buffer reading (on page 7-7) for more information. To set the timestamp from the GENERAL menu: 1.

  • Page 147: Clear All Buffer Readings

    Section 7: Buffer (data store) Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual • Channel number: If a scan was performed, the channel number is displayed with the reading. If a scan was not performed, a channel number is not displayed even though it is a selected data element.

  • Page 148: Data Store Configuration Menu

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 7: Buffer (data store) Data store configuration menu The buffer is configured from the CONFIG DATA STORE menu. This menu is displayed by pressing the CONFIG key and then the STORE key. The data storage configuration menu is used for the following operations: •...

  • Page 149: View Buffer Readings From The Front Panel

    Section 7: Buffer (data store) Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual View buffer readings from the front panel You can view buffer readings from the front panel. Press the DISPLAY PREV or NEXT key to cycle through the options. You can view the following displays: •...

  • Page 150: Filters And Math

    Section 8 Filters and math In this section: Introduction ................8-1 Filters ..................8-1 Math ..................8-7 Introduction This section discusses the digital and median filters and the math functions, such as polynomial and ratio. Filters Filtering stabilizes noisy measurements caused by noisy input signals. The 6517B has digital and median filters.
  • Page 151 Section 8: Filters and math Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Figure 69: Filter response and noise window Response with the noise window enabled. The response shifts when the input signal moves beyond the specified range. The input signal. The response with no noise window. Value displayed with filtering.
  • Page 152 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 8: Filters and math A repeating filter makes a selected number of reading conversions, averages them, and yields a reading. It then empties the stack and starts over. This characteristic is useful when scanning channels.
  • Page 153 Section 8: Filters and math Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Figure 73: Digital filter types Response time The filter parameters have the following effects on the time needed to display, store, or output a filtered reading: • Filter type: The time to the first reading is the same for all filters. Moving yields a faster reading than repeating.

  • Page 154: Median Filter

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 8: Filters and math Median filter The median filter determines the reading at the midpoint of a group of readings that are arranged according to size. For example, assume the following readings: 20 mA, 1 mA, 3 mA The readings are rearranged in an ascending order as follows: 1 mA, 3 mA, 20 mA From the above readings, it is apparent that 3 mA is the median (middle-most) reading.
  • Page 155 Section 8: Filters and math Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Filter configuration menu Menu item Description FILTER The filter menu: AVERAGING Configure digital averaging filter: TYPE Select type of average filter: NONE No average filtering performed. AVERAGING Program a simple average filter (1 to 100 readings). ADVANCED Program a simple average filter (1 to 100 readings) with noise tolerance window (0 to 100% of range).

  • Page 156: Math

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 8: Filters and math 12. Select AVERAGING-MODE. Press the ENTER key. 13. Select MOVING or REPEAT. Press the ENTER key. 14. Press the EXIT key to return to the measurement display. 15. Press the FILTER key to enable or disable the filters. When filters are enabled, the filter settings for the selected function are briefly displayed and the FILT annunciator is on.

  • Page 157: Percent

    Section 8: Filters and math Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual To set up the polynomial math operation: 1. Press the CONFIG key. 2. Press the MATH key. 3. Select POLYNOMIAL. Press the ENTER key. The a2 constant displayed. 4. Set the a2 constant. Press the ENTER key. 5.

  • Page 158: Percent Deviation

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 8: Filters and math Percent deviation The following math calculation provides the percent deviation between the normal display reading and a user-specified reference value: Where: • %Dev is the display result (percent deviation) • X is the normal display reading •...

  • Page 159: Ratio

    Section 8: Filters and math Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Ratio The ratio calculation divides the normal display reading by the user-specified reference value: Where: • Ratio is the displayed result • X is the normal display reading • Y is the specified reference value To set up the ratio math operation: 1.

  • Page 160: Set Up No Math Function

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 8: Filters and math Set up no math function You can set no math operation to occur when MATH is enabled. The MATH annunciator lights, but NONE is displayed on the top line. To set up NONE as the math operation: 1.

  • Page 161: View Math Readings From The Front Panel

    Section 8: Filters and math Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual View math readings from the front panel You can view readings that are stored in the buffer from the front panel, including the minimum, maximum, average, and standard deviation. To view the readings with math operations, press NEXT DISPLAY.

  • Page 162: Limits, Digital I/O, And Scanning

    Section 9 Limits, digital I/O, and scanning In this section: Introduction ................9-1 Limits ..................9-1 Digital I/O ..................9-5 Scanning ...................9-9 Introduction This section discusses limits tests, use of the digital I/O port, and internal and external scanning with the 6517B. Limits The LIMITS menu is used for the following operations: •...

  • Page 163: Setting Limits

    Section 9: Limits, digital I/O, and scanning Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Setting limits Limits are controlled with the LIMIT-SET-1 and LIMIT-SET-2 selections. To access the limit options: 1. Press the MENU key. 2. Select LIMITS. Press the ENTER key. The following options are available: •...
  • Page 164 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 9: Limits, digital I/O, and scanning The ticks on the bar graph are defined in the following figure. Figure 75: Limits bar graph example - defined points of display If Low Limit 1 is greater than or equal to high limit #1, the following message is shown on the bottom line of the limits bar graph display: No bar graph: LLIM1 >= HLIM1 To view the limit 1 results on the display:...

  • Page 165: Limits Example

    Section 9: Limits, digital I/O, and scanning Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Limits example This example sorts a quantity of 100 kΩ resistors into five bins, according to the following tolerances: • Values less than 90 kΩ (outside −10% tolerance) •...

  • Page 166: Digital I/O

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 9: Limits, digital I/O, and scanning To set the limits using the front panel: 1. Press the MENU key. 2. Select LIMITS. Press the ENTER key. 3. Select LIMIT-SET-1. Press the ENTER key. 4. Select CONTROL. Press the ENTER key. 5.

  • Page 167: Controlling Digital Circuitry

    Section 9: Limits, digital I/O, and scanning Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Figure 78: Digital I/O port Description Digital output 1 Digital output 2 Digital output 3 Digital output 4 External voltage clamp Calibration input +5 V Not used Ground Controlling digital circuitry Each of the four digital open-collector outputs includes a built-in pull up resistor to +5 V.
  • Page 168 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 9: Limits, digital I/O, and scanning Figure 79: Digital I/O schematic The high-current sink capacity of the output driver allows direct control of relays, solenoids, and lamps. No additional circuitry is needed. Each output channel contains a flyback diode for protection when switching inductive loads such as a low-power solenoid or relay coils.

  • Page 169: Outputs Used As Logic Inputs

    Section 9: Limits, digital I/O, and scanning Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Figure 80: Digital I/O external relay control Figure 81: Digital I/O external relay control - equivalent circuit Outputs used as logic inputs When the output is low (0 V), the output sink can drive at least 10 standard TTL inputs. When the output is high (+5 V), the 10 kΩ...

  • Page 170: Scanning

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 9: Limits, digital I/O, and scanning To use the digital outputs as logic inputs to active TTL, low-power TTL, or CMOS inputs: 1. Connect the 6517B digital outputs to the logic inputs. 2. Connect the digital grounds. 3.
  • Page 171 Section 9: Limits, digital I/O, and scanning Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual External scanning with a card in the option slot The CHANNEL-CLOSURES option opens or closes channels on the scanner card installed in the option slot. For details, see the instruction manual for that card. To configure the instrument for external scanning from the front panel when a card is installed in the option slot: 1.
  • Page 172 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 9: Limits, digital I/O, and scanning External scanning without a card in the option slot To configure the instrument for external scanning from the front panel when no card is installed in the option slot: 1.

  • Page 173: Introduction To Scpi Commands

    Section 10 Introduction to SCPI commands In this section: Programming syntax ...............10-1 Using the SCPI command reference ........10-7 Programming syntax The Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI) standard is a syntax and set of commands that are used to control test and measurement devices. For more information, see the IEEE-488.2 and SCPI standards.
  • Page 174 Section 10: Introduction to SCPI commands Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Commands and command parameters Common commands and SCPI commands may or may not use a parameter. Parameters are shown in angle brackets (< >). The following are some examples: *SAV <NRf>...

  • Page 175: Query Commands

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 10: Introduction to SCPI commands Long-form and short-form versions This documentation shows SCPI commands with both uppercase and lowercase letters. The uppercase letters are the required elements of a command. The lowercase letters are optional. If you choose to include the letters that are shown in lowercase letters, you must include all of them.

  • Page 176: Program Messages

    Section 10: Introduction to SCPI commands Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Program messages A program message consists of one or more command words sent by the computer to the instrument. Each common command is a three-letter acronym preceded by an asterisk (*). Common commands are described in Common commands (on page 12-1).
  • Page 177 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 10: Introduction to SCPI commands Command path rules • Each new program message must begin with the root command unless it is optional, such as [:SENSe]. If the root is optional, treat the command word on the next level as the root. •...

  • Page 178: Response Messages

    Section 10: Introduction to SCPI commands Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Response messages A response message is the message sent by the instrument to the computer in response to a query command program message. After sending a query command, the response message is placed in the Output Queue. When the 6517B is addressed to talk, the response message is sent from the Output Queue to the computer.

  • Page 179: Using The Scpi Command Reference

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 10: Introduction to SCPI commands Using the SCPI command reference The SCPI command reference contains detailed descriptions of each of the SCPI commands that you can use to control your instrument. Each command description is broken into several standard subsections.

  • Page 180: Command Name And Summary Table

    Section 10: Introduction to SCPI commands Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Command name and summary table Each instrument command description starts with the command name, followed by a table with relevant information for each command. Definitions for the numbered items are listed following the figure.

  • Page 181: Command Usage

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 10: Introduction to SCPI commands Command usage The Usage section of the remote command listing shows how to properly structure the command. Each line in the Usage section is a separate variation of the command usage; all possible command usage options are shown here.

  • Page 182: Example Section

    Section 10: Introduction to SCPI commands Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Example section The Example section of the command description shows some simple examples of how the command can be used. Figure 86: SCPI command description code examples 1. Example code that you can copy from this table and paste into your own application. Examples are generally shown using the short forms of the commands.

  • Page 183: Scpi Command Reference

    Section 11 SCPI command reference In this section: Introduction ................11-1 Signal-oriented measurement commands ......11-1 SCPI conformance and command summary ......11-5 CALCulate subsystem ............11-28 CALCulate3 subsystem ............11-36 DISPlay subsystem ...............11-51 FORMat subsystem ..............11-57 OUTPut subsystems .............11-63 ROUTe subsystem ..............11-65 SENSe[1] subsystem ............11-71 SOURce subsystem ............11-108 STATus subsystem .............11-113 SYSTem subsystem ............11-154...

  • Page 184: Configure:

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :CONFigure:<function> This command selects the active measurement function to be used for subsequent measurements. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :CONFigure:<function>...

  • Page 185: Fetch

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :FETCh? This command requests the latest post-processed reading. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Query only Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage :FETCh? Details This command requests the latest post-processed reading. After sending this command and addressing the 6517B to talk, the reading is sent to the computer.

  • Page 186: Read

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Details This command performs an :ABORt, :CONFigure:<function>, and a :READ? If you include the function parameter, the instrument changes to the function and makes a measurement for that function. Example 1 Make a measurement using the presently selected function.

  • Page 187: Scpi Conformance And Command Summary

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference If the instrument is in the idle state, :INITiate takes the instrument out of the idle state. If continuous initiation is enabled, (:INITiate:CONTinuous ON), the :INITiate command generates an error and ignores the command. An Init ignored error does not cancel the execution of the :FETCh? command.

  • Page 188: General Notes

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual General notes • Brackets ([ ]) denote optional character sets. These optional characters do not have to be included in the program message. Do not use brackets in the program message. •...
  • Page 189 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Command Description Default parameter SCPI :STATe <state>  Enable or disable calculation *RST: ON :SYSTem:PRESet: :STATe?  Query state of math function :DATA  Path to read math result of calculation [:LATest]? ...
  • Page 190 Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Command Description Default parameter SCPI :LIMit2  Path to control LIMIT 2 test: :UPPer  Path to configure upper limit: [:DATA] <n>  Set upper limit (−9.999999e35 to +9.999999e35) [:DATA]? ...

  • Page 191: Display Command Summary

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference DISPlay command summary Command Description Default parameter SCPI :DISPlay [:WINDow[1]]  Path to locate message to top display :ATTRibutes? Query attributes of display characters; 1=blinking character, 0=other :TEXT  Path to control user text messages (Note 1) :DATA <a>...

  • Page 192: Format Command Summary

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual FORMat command summary Command Description Default parameter SCPI :FORMat [:DATA]  Select data format: <type>: ASCii, ASCII, 32 <type> REAL, SREal, or DREal; [,<length>] <length>: 32 or 64 [:DATA]?  Query data format :ELEMents Specify data elements: READing,...

  • Page 193: Route Command Summary

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference ROUTe command summary Command Description Default parameter SCPI :ROUTe Command path to control channels: :CLOSe <list>  Command to close specified channel Not applicable (1 to 10) :CLOSe? <list> Query closed channels (1 to 10); 1 = closed, 0 = open :STATe? ...

  • Page 194: Sense Command Summary - Voltage Commands

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual SENSe command summary - voltage commands Command Description Default parameter SCPI [:SENSe[1]]:VOLTage[:DC]  Path to configure voltage: :APERture <n>  Set integration rate in seconds 60 Hz: 16.67 ms (166.67e−6 to 200e−3) 50 Hz: 20 ms :APERture? ...

  • Page 195: Sense Command Summary - Current Commands

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Command Description Default parameter SCPI :ADVanced Path to configure and control advanced filter: :NTOLerance <n> Specify noise tolerance level (0 to 100%) :NTOLerance? Query noise tolerance level [:STATe] <b> Enable or disable digital filter [:STATe]? Query state of digital filter :MEDian...

  • Page 196: Sense Command Summary - Resistance Commands

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Command Description Default parameter SCPI :REFerence <n>  Specify reference (−20e−3 to +20e−3) :REFerence?  Query reference value :STATe <b>  Enable or disable reference :STATe?  Query state of reference :ACQuire Use input signal as reference :DIGits <n>...
  • Page 197 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Command Description Default parameter SCPI :NPLCycles <n>  Set integration rate in line cycles (0.01 to 10) :NPLCycles?  Query line cycle integration rate :AUTO <b> Enable or disable automatic NPLC :AUTO ONCE Enable and then disable automatic NPLC :AUTO?
  • Page 198 Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Command Description Default parameter SCPI :AVERage Path to control average filter: :TYPE <name> Select filter type (NONE, SCALar, SCALar ADVanced) :TYPE? Query filter type :TCONtrol <name> Select filter type: (MOVing or REPeat) Reset: REPeat Preset: MOVing :TCONtrol?

  • Page 199: Sense Command Summary - Charge Commands

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference SENSe command summary - charge commands Command Description Default parameter SCPI [:SENSe[1]]:CHARge  :APERture <n> Set integration rate in seconds (166.67e−6  60 Hz: 16.67 ms to 200e−3) 50 Hz: 20 ms :APERture? ...

  • Page 200: Source Command Summary

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Command Description Default parameter SCPI :MEDian Path to control the median filter: [:STATe] <b> Enable or disable median filter [:STATe]? Query state of median filter :RANK <NRf> Specify rank for median filter :RANK? Query rank :ADIScharge...

  • Page 201: Status Command Summary

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Command Description Default parameter SCPI :CURRent Path for current limit: :RLIMit Path to control resistive current limit: :STATe <b> Enable or disable resistive current limit :STATe? Query resistive current limit :LIMit Path to check current compliance: [:STATe]?
  • Page 202 Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Command Description Default parameter SCPI :PTRansition <NRf>  Program the positive transition register (Note 3) :PTRansition?  Read the positive transition register  Program the negative transition register (Note 2) :NTRansition <NRf>...

  • Page 203: System Command Summary

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference SYSTem command summary Command Description Default parameter SCPI :SYSTem :PRESet  Return to :SYST:PRES defaults :POSetup <name> Select power-on setup (RST, PRESet, or SAV0 to SAV9) :POSetup? Query power-on setup :VERSion? ...

  • Page 204: Trace Command Summary

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Command Description Default parameter SCPI :LOCal Take 6517B out of remote (RS-232 only) :REMote Place 6517B in remote (RS-232 only) :LLOCkout <b> Enable or disable local lockout (RS- 232 only) :LLOCkout? Query lockout state :MACRo...

  • Page 205: Trigger Command Summary - General Commands

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Command Description Power-up defaults* SCPI :LAST? Read the last reading stored in buffer by the alternating polarity test :TSTamp Path to select timestamp format for buffer readings: :FORMat <name> Select timestamp format (ABSolute or DELTa) :FORMat? Query timestamp format...

  • Page 206: Trigger Command Summary - Sequence Commands

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Command Description Default parameter SCPI :RTCLock Path to configure the RTCLock control source: :DATE <yr>, <mo>, Specify the date for the clock event <day> :DATE? Query the date for the clock event :TIME <hr>, Specify the time for the clock event <min>, <sec>...

  • Page 207: Tsequence Command Summary

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Command Description Default parameter SCPI :SOURce <name> IMMediate Select control source (HOLD, IMMediate, (Note) TIMer, MANual, BUS, TLINk, or EXTernal) :SOURce?  Query control source :TIMer <n>  Set timer interval in seconds (0 to 999999.999) :TIMer? ...
  • Page 208 Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Command Description Default parameter SCPI :DLEakage Diode leakage test path: :STARt <NRf> Specify start voltage (−1000 to 1000) +1 V :STARt? Query start voltage :STOP <NRf> Specify stop voltage (−1000 to 1000) +10 V :STOP? Query stop voltage...
  • Page 209 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Command Description Default parameter SCPI :MTIMe <NRf> Specify measure time in seconds (0 to 9999.9) :MTIMe? Query measure time :DTIMe <NRf> Specify discharge time in seconds (0 to 99999.9) :DTIMe? Query discharge time :VRESistivity Volume resistivity test path:...

  • Page 210: Unit Command Summary

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Command Description Default parameter SCPI :SQSWeep Square wave sweep test path: :HLEVel <NRf> High-level voltage (−1000 to 1000) +1 V :HLEVel? Query high-level voltage :HTIMe <NRf> Specify high-level time in seconds (0 to 9999.9) :HTIMe? Query high-level time...

  • Page 211: Calculate[1]:Data

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :CALCulate[1]:DATA? This command returns the last calculation result or refreshes the result. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Query only Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage :CALCulate[1]:DATA[:LATest]? :CALCulate[1]:DATA:FRESh? Details FRESh triggers a reading and returns the resulting calculated result.

  • Page 212: Calculate[1]:Immediate

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Details The calculated reading is refreshed every time the instrument makes a reading. Math calculations are applied to the input signal after relative offset and before limit tests. SCPI compliant. Also see :CALCulate[1]:STATe (on page 11-33)

  • Page 213: Calculate[1]:Kmath:ma0Factor

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :CALCulate[1]:KMATh:MA0Factor This command specifies the a0 factor in a polynomial calculation. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :CALCulate[1]:KMATh:MA0Factor <NRf>...

  • Page 214: Calculate[1]:Kmath:ma2Factor

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :CALCulate[1]:KMATh:MA2Factor This command specifies the a2 factor in a polynomial calculation. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :CALCulate[1]:KMATh:MA2Factor <NRf>...

  • Page 215: Calculate[1]:Reference

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :CALCulate[1]:REFerence This command sets the reference value for ratio, deviation, and percent deviation calculations. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :CALCulate[1]:REFerence <NRf>...

  • Page 216: Calculate2 Subsystem

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual CALCulate2 subsystem The commands in this path configure and control math calculations on buffer data. For additional information, see Buffer operations (on page 7-1). :CALCulate2:DATA? This command reads the result of the last statistic calculation. Type Affected by Where saved...

  • Page 217: Calculate2:Immediate

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Details With NONE selected, no CALC 2 calculation is performed. With one of the other formats selected and CALC 2 enabled, the calculation is performed when :CALCulate2:IMMediate or :CALCulate:IMMediate? is executed. The peak-to-peak value is calculated as: PKPK = MAX - MIN Where: MAX is the largest reading in the buffer and MIN is the lowest reading in the buffer.

  • Page 218: Calculate2:State

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :CALCulate2:STATe This command enables or disables the statistic calculation. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings Reset: ON SYSTem:PRESet Preset: OFF Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :CALCulate2:STATe <b>...

  • Page 219: Calculate3:Climits:fail

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Details When enabled, digital output line 4 is used for the binning strobe pulse. After the appropriate digital pattern is placed on the other three lines of the output port, the >10 μs strobe pulse is asserted on line 4.

  • Page 220: Calculate3:Limit2:Clear:auto

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Details When the instrument is not in a continuous measurement mode (waiting for a trigger), you can change the limits and retest the last reading. After changing the limits, send CALCulate3:IMMediate to perform the limit tests on the last reading.

  • Page 221: Calculate3:Limit2:Clear[:Immediate]

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :CALCulate3:LIMit2:CLEar[:IMMediate] This command clears the fail indication for limit 2. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Query only Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage :CALCulate3:LIMit2:CLEar[:IMMediate] Details Use this command to clear the test results when the limit automatic clear option is turned off. Both the high and low test results are cleared.

  • Page 222: Calculate3:Limit2:Lower:source

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :CALCulate3:LIMit2:LOWer:SOURce This command specifies the LIMIT 2 failure pattern for the lower limit. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :CALCulate3:LIMit2:LOWer:SOURce <NRf>...

  • Page 223: Calculate3:Limit2:Lower[:Data]

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :CALCulate3:LIMit2:LOWer[:DATA] This command specifies the lower limit for a limit test. Type Affected by Where saved Default value −1 Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :CALCulate3:LIMit2:LOWer[:DATA] <value>...

  • Page 224: Calculate3:Limit2:Upper:source

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Details When enabled, the test sequence for limits is performed every time the instrument makes a measurement. Testing is performed in the following sequence: Low Limit 1, High Limit 1, Low Limit 2, and High Limit 2.

  • Page 225: Calculate3:Limit2:Upper[:Data]

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference The actual true state (high or low) of each digital output line depends on its programmed polarity. Polarity is programmed from the OUTPut subsystem. When the binning strobe is enabled, output line 4 is not considered to be part of the digital output pattern.

  • Page 226: Calculate3:Limit[1]:Clear:auto

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :CALCulate3:LIMit[1]:CLEar:AUTO This command enables or disables autoclear, which clears the limit test results when a new trigger model cycle starts. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings Instrument reset...

  • Page 227: Calculate3:Limit[1]:Fail

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :CALCulate3:LIMit[1]:FAIL? This command queries the results of a limit test. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Query only Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage :CALCulate3:LIMit[1]:FAIL? Details Query test result: •...

  • Page 228: Calculate3:Limit[1]:Lower[:Data]

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Details This command specifies which lines of the digital output port go true when a limit test failure occurs. The first failure in the test sequence determines the digital output pattern. Subsequent failures in the test sequence do not change the digital output pattern on the output port.

  • Page 229: Calculate3:Limit[1]:State

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Details This command sets the low limit for the selected measurement function. The actual limit depends on the measurement function that is presently selected. For example, a limit value of 0.000001 is 1 μA for the current function and 1 μC for the charge function.

  • Page 230: Calculate3:Limit[1]:Upper:source

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :CALCulate3:LIMit[1]:UPPer:SOURce This command specifies the LIMIT 1 failure pattern for the upper limit. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :CALCulate3:LIMit[1]:UPPer:SOURce <NRf>...

  • Page 231: Calculate3:Limit[1]:Upper[:Data]

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :CALCulate3:LIMit[1]:UPPer[:DATA] This command specifies the upper limit for a limit test. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :CALCulate3:LIMit[1]:UPPer[:DATA] <value>...
  • Page 232 Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Details This command specifies which lines of the digital output port go true when there are no failures in the limit tests. Each output line is assigned a decimal weight as shown in the following table. Digital output line Decimal weight The parameter value for the digital pattern is determined by adding the decimal weights of the output...

  • Page 233: Display Subsystem

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference DISPlay subsystem The display subsystem controls the display of the 6517B and is summarized in the DISPlay command summary (on page 11-8). :DISPlay:CNDisplay This command clears the NEXT or PREV DISPLAY messages and cancels the operations associated with them. Type Affected by Where saved...

  • Page 234: Display:smessage

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Also see None :DISPlay:SMESsage This command controls the status messages. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Not applicable Not applicable Usage :DISPlay:SMESsage <b> :DISPlay:SMESsage? <b> Disable status messages: 0 or OFF Enable status messages: 1 or ON Details When status messages are displayed, the instrument displays real-time messages that relate to the...

  • Page 235: Display:window2:Data

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Example If the following menu is displayed: MAIN MENU SAVESETUP COMMUNICATION TEST The response message for the secondary display displays 1s at the character positions for SAVESETUP. :DISP:WIND2:ATTR? 11111111100000000000000000000000 Also see :DISPlay[:WINDow[1]]:ATTRibutes? (on page 11-55) :DISPlay:WINDow2:DATA?

  • Page 236: Display:window2:Text:state

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Types can be: • String: 'aa...a' or "aa...a" • Indefinite block: #0aa...a • Definite block: #XYaa...a, where X is the number of digits that make up Y (1 or 2) An indefinite block message must be the only command in the program message or the last command in the program message.

  • Page 237: Display[:Window[1]]:Attributes

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :DISPlay[:WINDow[1]]:ATTRibutes? This command queries attributes for the primary display. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Query only Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage :DISPlay[:WINDow[1]]:ATTRibutes? Details This query command returns which characters on the display are blinking and which are not. The response message provides that status of each character position for the primary display.

  • Page 238: Display[:Window[1]]:Text:data

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :DISPlay[:WINDow[1]]:TEXT:DATA This command defines the top display message. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Power cycle Not applicable Not applicable Usage :DISPlay[:WINDow[1]]:TEXT:DATA "<a>" :DISPlay[:WINDow[1]]:TEXT:DATA? <a> ASCII characters for message, up to 20 characters Details Spaces are counted as characters.

  • Page 239: Format Subsystem

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Details When enabled, a defined message is displayed. When disabled, the message is removed from the display. Messages are disabled when power is cycled. GPIB operation: A user-defined text message is displayed while the instrument is in remote. Taking the instrument out of remote (by pressing the LOCAL key or sending LOCAL 27) cancels the message and disables the text message mode.

  • Page 240: Format:elements

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual (Single precision) Byte 1 Byte 2 ... Byte 8 (Double precision) When you select SWAPped, the data format for each element is sent as follows: Byte 4 Byte 3 Byte 2 Byte 1 (Single precision) Byte 8 Byte 7 ...
  • Page 241 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Details You can specify any combination of the <item list> parameters. Each item in the list must be separated by a comma. READing includes the instrument reading. The resolution of the reading tracks the display resolution of the instrument.

  • Page 242: Format[:Data]

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Data elements for the item list can be listed in any order, but are always sent in the order shown in the "ASCII data format" figure. Also see :FORMat[:DATA] (on page 11-60) :SYSTem:TSTamp:TYPE (on page 11-165) :FORMat[:DATA]...
  • Page 243 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Figure 88: ASCII data format Reading units can be: • VDC: Voltage • ADC: Amperes • OHM: Ohms • OHMCM: Volume • OHMSQ: Surface • %/V: Voltage coefficient • COUL: Charge The timestamp is shown as the real-time clock.
  • Page 244 Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Figure 89: IEEE Std 754 single-precision data format (32 data bits) This figure shows: • s = sign bit (0 = positive, 1 = negative) • e = exponent bits (8) •...

  • Page 245: Output Subsystems

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference OUTPut subsystems The OUTPut1 and OUTPut2 subsystems control the voltage source (standby or operate) and set polarities for the digital output port. Commands for these subsystems are summarized in OUTPut command summary page 11-10).

  • Page 246: Output2:Ttlx:lsense

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :OUTPut2:TTLX:LSENse This command sets the polarity of digital output lines 1 through 4. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings AHIGh SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :OUTPut2:TTLX:LSENse <name>...

  • Page 247: Route Subsystem

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference ROUTe subsystem The commands in this subsystem configure and control switching and are summarized in ROUTe command summary (on page 11-11). :ROUTe:CLOSe This command closes the specified channel on a scanner card installed in the 6517B. Type Affected by Where saved...

  • Page 248: Route:close:state

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :ROUTe:CLOSe:STATe? This command queries the closed channel. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Query only Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage :ROUTe:CLOSe:STATe? Details This query command returns the channel on the internal scanner card that is closed, if any. SCPI compliant.

  • Page 249: Route:open:all

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :ROUTe:OPEN:ALL This command opens a closed channel on the internal scanner card. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command only Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage :ROUTe:OPEN:ALL Details This command performs the same function as the :ROUTe:OPEN ALL command.

  • Page 250: Route:scan:lselect

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :ROUTe:SCAN:LSELect This command selects the type of scan operation. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Not applicable Not applicable NONE Usage :ROUTe:SCAN:LSELect <name> :ROUTe:SCAN:LSELect? <name> The scan operation: ▪...

  • Page 251: Route:scan:stime

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Also see None :ROUTe:SCAN:STIMe This command specifies the settling time for the relay switches on the internal scanner card. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage...

  • Page 252: Route:scan[:Internal]

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :ROUTe:SCAN[:INTernal] This command defines the internal scan list and enables a scan. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings All 10 channels SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage...

  • Page 253: Sense[1] Subsystem

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference SENSe[1] subsystem The SENSe[1] subsystem commands configure and control the measurement functions of the instrument. [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:APERture This command sets the aperture for the selected function. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings...

  • Page 254: [:Sense[1]]::Aperture:auto

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:APERture:AUTO This command controls auto-aperture for the selected function. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:APERture:AUTO <b> [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:APERture:AUTO ONCE [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:APERture:AUTO? <function>...

  • Page 255: [:Sense[1]]::Average:advanced:ntolerance

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:AVERage:ADVanced:NTOLerance This command specifies the noise tolerance for the advanced filter for the selected function. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage...

  • Page 256: [:Sense[1]]::Average:count

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:AVERage:COUNt This command selects the filter count for the selected function. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :SENSe[1]:<function>:AVERage:COUNt <n>...

  • Page 257: [:Sense[1]]::Average:tcontrol

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:AVERage:TCONtrol This command selects the filter mode for the selected function. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings Reset: REPeat SYSTem:PRESet System preset: MOVing Instrument reset Power cycle Usage...

  • Page 258: [:Sense[1]]::Average:type

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:AVERage:TYPE This command selects the filter type for the selected function. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SCALar SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :SENSe[1]:<function>:AVERage:TYPE <name>...

  • Page 259: [:Sense[1]]::Average[:State]

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:AVERage[:STATe] This command enables or disables the digital averaging filter for the selected function. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :SENSe[1]:<function>:AVERage[:STATe] <b>...

  • Page 260: [:Sense[1]]::Damping

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:DAMPing This command controls the damping for current and resistance functions. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:DAMPing <b>...

  • Page 261: [:Sense[1]]::Digits

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:DIGits This command determines the number of digits that are displayed for measurements on the front panel. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle...

  • Page 262: [:Sense[1]]::Digits:auto

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:DIGits:AUTO This command controls the automatic resolution for the selected function. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:DIGits:AUTO <b>...

  • Page 263: [:Sense[1]]::Median:rank

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:MEDian:RANK This command specifies the median rank for the selected function. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :SENSe[1]:<function>:MEDian:RANK <NRf>...

  • Page 264: [:Sense[1]]::Median[:State]

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:MEDian[:STATe] This command controls the median filter for the selected function. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :SENSe[1]:<function>:MEDian[:STATe] <state>...

  • Page 265: [:Sense[1]]::Nplcycles

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:NPLCycles This command sets the time that the input signal is measured. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :SENSe[1]:<function>:NPLCycles <n>...

  • Page 266: [:Sense[1]]::Nplcycles:auto

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:NPLCycles:AUTO This command controls automatic NPLC for the selected function. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:NPLCycles:AUTO <b>...

  • Page 267: [:Sense[1]]::Range:auto

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:RANGe:AUTO This command determines if the measurement range is set manually or automatically for the selected measure function. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings Reset: ON (1) SYSTem:PRESet...

  • Page 268: [:Sense[1]]::Range:auto:llimit

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:RANGe:AUTO:LLIMit This command sets the lower limit for the selected function. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings Voltage: 2 SYSTem:PRESet Current: 2e-12 Instrument reset Power cycle Usage...

  • Page 269: [:Sense[1]]::Range:auto:ulimit

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:RANGe:AUTO:ULIMit This command sets the upper limit for the selected function. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings Voltage: 200 SYSTem:PRESet Current: 20e-3 Instrument reset Power cycle Usage...

  • Page 270: [:Sense[1]]::Range[:Upper]

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:RANGe[:UPPer] This command sets the measurement range for selected function. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings Voltage: 200 V SYSTem:PRESet Current: 20e-3 A Instrument reset Charge: 2e-6 C Power cycle...

  • Page 271: [:Sense[1]]::Reference

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:REFerence This command contains the relative offset value for the selected function. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:REFerence <n>...

  • Page 272: [:Sense[1]]::Reference:acquire

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:REFerence:ACQuire This command acquires a measurement and stores it as the relative offset value. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command only Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:REFerence:ACQuire <function>...

  • Page 273: [:Sense[1]]::Reference:state

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference [:SENSe[1]]:<function>:REFerence:STATe This command enables or disables the application of a relative offset value to the measurement. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle...

  • Page 274: [:Sense[1]]:Charge:adischarge:level

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual [:SENSe[1]]:CHARge:ADIScharge:LEVel This command specifies the coulombs level for autodischarge. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings 2e-6 SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage [:SENSe[1]]:CHARge:ADIScharge:LEVel <NRf>...

  • Page 275: [:Sense[1]]:Charge:range:auto:lgroup

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference [:SENSe[1]]:CHARge:RANGe:AUTO:LGRoup This command selects the charge autorange limit. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings HIGH SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage [:SENSe[1]]:CHARge:RANGe:AUTO:LGRoup <name> [:SENSe[1]]:CHARge:RANGe:AUTO:LGRoup? <name>...

  • Page 276: [:Sense[1]]:Data[:Latest]

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Also see :CALCulate[1]:DATA? (on page 11-29) [:SENSe[1]]:DATA[:LATest]? This command returns the latest 6517B reading. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Query only Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage [:SENSe[1]]:DATA[:LATest]? Details This command returns the raw reading or a reading that is the result of the reference offset operation.

  • Page 277: [:Sense[1]]:Function

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference [:SENSe[1]]:FUNCtion This command selects the active measure function, voltage, current, resistance, or charge. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings VOLT SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :SENSe[1]:FUNCtion "<function>"...

  • Page 278: [:Sense[1]]:Resistance:ireference

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual [:SENSe[1]]:RESistance:IREFerence This command controls the current reference for resistance measurements. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage [:SENSe[1]]:RESistance:IREFerence <b>...

  • Page 279: [:Sense[1]:Resistance:manual:crange:auto

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference [:SENSe[1]:RESistance:MANual:CRANge:AUTO This command controls the autorange for manual voltage source ohms. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings Reset: ON SYSTem:PRESet Preset: OFF Instrument reset Power cycle Usage...

  • Page 280: [:Sense[1]]:Resistance:manual:crange[:Upper]

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual [:SENSe[1]]:RESistance:MANual:CRANge[:UPPer] This command sets the measurement range for manual voltage source ohms. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings 20e-3 SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage [:SENSe[1]]:RESistance:MANual:CRANge[:UPPer] <n>...

  • Page 281: [:Sense[1]]:Resistance:manual:vsource:range

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference [:SENSe[1]]:RESistance:MANual:VSOurce:RANGe This command sets the optimum voltage source range for manual voltage source ohms. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage [:SENSe[1]]:RESistance:MANual:VSOurce:RANGe <n>...

  • Page 282: [:Sense[1]]:Resistance:mselect

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual The MINimum and MAXimum parameters are also affected by range and voltage limit. Setting the voltage source to the MINimum or MAXimum amplitude selects the greatest negative or positive value allowed by the programmed limit or range.

  • Page 283: [:Sense[1]]:Resistance:resistivity:m8009:Rswitch

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Details When using the Model 8009, the only parameter that needs to be entered is the sample thickness for volume resistivity. Specify USER when using any other resistivity test fixture. When using this type of test fixture, you must enter the other parameters for resistivity measurements.

  • Page 284: [:Sense[1]]:Resistance:resistivity:sthickness

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual [:SENSe[1]]:RESistance:RESistivity:STHickness This command specifies the sample thickness of the sample for volume resistivity measurements. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage [:SENSe[1]]:RESistance:RESistivity:STHickness <NRf>...

  • Page 285: [:Sense[1]]:Resistance:resistivity:user:kvolume

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Also see “Resistivity measurements” in the Model 6517B User's Manual [:SENSe[1]]:RESistance:RESistivity:USER:KVOLume This command specifies the K parameter for volume resistivity measurements when using a user-supplied test fixture. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query...

  • Page 286: [:Sense[1]]:Resistance:vscontrol

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual [:SENSe[1]]:RESistance:VSControl This command selects the ohms voltage source mode for resistance measurements. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings MANual SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage [:SENSe[1]]:RESistance:VSControl <name>...

  • Page 287: [:Sense[1]]:Resistance[:Auto]:Range:auto:llimit

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference The ONCE parameter is analogous to a momentary toggle switch. When ONCE is sent, autorange is enabled and the most sensitive range is selected for the input signal. Autorange is then disabled but the selected measurement range is retained.

  • Page 288: [:Sense[1]]:Resistance[:Auto]:Range:auto:ulimit

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual [:SENSe[1]]:RESistance[:AUTO]:RANGe:AUTO:ULIMit This command sets the upper limit for the automatic voltage source ohms. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings 200e12 SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage [:SENSe[1]]:RESistance[:AUTO]:RANGe:AUTO:ULIMit <n>...

  • Page 289: [:Sense[1]]:Voltage[:Dc]:Guard

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Details The range is selected by specifying the expected reading as an absolute value. The 6517B chooses the most sensitive range that accommodates that expected reading. For example, if you expect a reading of approximately 100 MΩ, set the range to 100e6 to select the 200 MΩ...

  • Page 290: Source Subsystem

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual SOURce subsystem The commands in this subsystem control the voltage source settings, the current limit settings, and the logic level (true or false) of each digital output line. These commands are summarized in the :SOURce command summary (on page 11-18).

  • Page 291: Source:ttlx:[Level]

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Details When the resistance current limit is enabled, a 20 MΩ resistor is placed in series with the HI V-SOURCE lead to extend the current limit capabilities of the voltage source. When it is disabled, a normal current limit occurs at 1 mA.

  • Page 292: Source:voltage:limit:state

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :SOURce:VOLTage:LIMit:STATe This command controls the voltage limit. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :SOURce:VOLTage:LIMit:STATe <b> ::SOURce:VOLTage:LIMit:STATe? <b>...

  • Page 293: Source:voltage:mconnect

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Details For example, setting a limit of 75 V limits the voltage source output to ±75 V. The specified voltage limit is only in effect if the limit is enabled. If disabled, the limit is dictated by the selected range.

  • Page 294: Source:voltage:range

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :SOURce:VOLTage:RANGe This command selects the optimum range for the voltage source. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :SOURce:VOLTage:RANGe <n>...

  • Page 295: Status Subsystem

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Details The amplitude level is limited by the selected range and programmed voltage limit. When on the 100 V range, attempts to set the amplitude to a level that exceeds the 100 V range results in a settings conflict error.

  • Page 296: Status:measurement:enable

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :STATus:MEASurement:ENABle This command sets or reads the contents of the Measurement Event Enable Register of the status model. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query STATus:PRESet Not applicable See Details Power cycle Usage...
  • Page 297 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Events are listed in the following table. Reading overflow Low limit 1 High limit 1 Low limit 2 High limit 2 Reading available Reading underflow Buffer available Buffer half full Buffer full Sequence reading available Buffer pretriggered...

  • Page 298: Status:measurement:ntransition

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :STATus:MEASurement:NTRansition This command programs the negative transition filters (NTR) of the measurement event register. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query STATus:PRESet Not applicable See Details Power cycle Usage :STATus:MEASurement:NTRansition <NRf>...
  • Page 299 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference The NTR registers are shown in the following table. Included is the decimal weight of each bit. The sum of the decimal weights of the bits to set is the parameter (<NRf>) that is sent with the command. For example, to program RAV (B5) and BFL (B9) measurement events for negative transitions, send the following command: :STAT:MEAS:NTR 544...
  • Page 300 Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Values are: • 1 = Enable negative transition • 0 = Disable negative transition Power-up and the :STATus:PRESet command clear all bits of the registers; the *CLS command has no effect. SCPI compliant.
  • Page 301 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Details A positive transition is a 0 to 1 state change in the condition register. When an event is programmed for a positive transition, the appropriate bit in the corresponding event register sets when the corresponding bit in the condition register changes from 0 to 1.

  • Page 302: Status:measurement[:Event]

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Bit position Event <n> (decimal weighting) Value Bit position — Event — 16384 8192 4096 2048 1024 <n> (decimal weighting) — Value Values are: • 1 = Enable positive transition •...
  • Page 303 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference The significance of a set bit in these registers depends on how the transition filter is programmed. If an event is programmed for a positive transition (PTR), the corresponding bit in this register sets when the event occurs.

  • Page 304: Status:operation:arm:condition

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Event Meaning of set bit Buffer available There are at least two readings in the trace buffer (PTR) or the buffer has become empty (NTR). The trace buffer is half-full (PTR) or the buffer is no longer half-full Buffer half full (NTR).

  • Page 305: Status:operation:arm:enable

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference For example, if sending :STAT:MEAS:COND? returns a decimal value of 512 (binary 0000001000000000), bit B9 of the Measurement Condition Register is set, indicating that the trace buffer is full. The condition registers precede the transition filters, so only the PTR descriptions apply to the condition registers.

  • Page 306: Status:operation:arm:ntransition

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Power-up and the :STATus:PRESet command set all bits of the registers; the *CLS command has no effect. SCPI compliant. Also see None :STATus:OPERation:ARM:NTRansition This command programs the negative transition filters (NTR) of the Operation Arm Event Register. Type Affected by Where saved...

  • Page 307: Status:operation:arm:ptransition

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Negative transition effect on operation arm event register Arm event Negative transition effect on arm event register Sequence 1 Sets B1 when leaving an arm layer Power-up and the :STATus:PRESet command clear all bits of the registers; the *CLS command has no effect.

  • Page 308: Status:operation:arm:sequence:condition

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Positive transition effect on arm event register Arm event Positive transition effect on arm event register Sequence 1 Sets B1 when in an arm layer Power-up and the :STATus:PRESet command set all bits of the registers; the *CLS command has no effect.

  • Page 309: Status:operation:arm:sequence:enable

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :STATus:OPERation:ARM:SEQuence:ENABle This command sets or reads the contents of the operation arm sequence enable register of the status model. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query STATus:PRESet Not applicable See Details Power cycle...

  • Page 310: Status:operation:arm:sequence:ntransition

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :STATus:OPERation:ARM:SEQuence:NTRansition This command programs the negative transition filters (NTR) of the measurement event register. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query STATus:PRESet Not applicable See Details Power cycle Usage :STATus:OPERation:ARM:SEQuence:NTRansition <NRf>...

  • Page 311: Status:operation:arm:sequence:ptransition

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :STATus:OPERation:ARM:SEQuence:PTRansition This command programs the positive transition (PTR) registers for the sequence event register. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query STATus:PRESet Not applicable See Details Power cycle Usage :STATus:OPERation:ARM:SEQuence:PTRansition <NRf>...

  • Page 312: Status:operation:arm:sequence[:Event]

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :STATus:OPERation:ARM:SEQuence[:EVENt]? This command reads the sequence event register of the status model. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Query STATus:PRESet Not applicable See Details Power cycle Usage :STATus:OPERation:ARM:SEQuence[:EVENt]? Details After sending this command and addressing the 6517B to talk, a decimal value is sent to the computer.

  • Page 313: Status:operation:arm[:Event]

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :STATus:OPERation:ARM[:EVENt]? This command reads the operation arm event register of the status model. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Query STATus:PRESet Not applicable See Details Power cycle Usage :STATus:OPERation:ARM[:EVENt]? Details After sending this command and addressing the 6517B to talk, a decimal value is sent to the computer.

  • Page 314: Status:operation:condition

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :STATus:OPERation:CONDition? This command reads the operation condition register. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Query only Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage :STATus:OPERation:CONDition? Details This command reads the content of the operation condition register. Each set of event registers (except the standard event register set) has a condition register.
  • Page 315 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Details Send the command with the decimal equivalent of the binary value that determines the state (0 or 1) of each bit in the appropriate register. The event enable register is used as a mask for events. When a bit in an event enable register is cleared (0), the corresponding bit in the event register is masked, so it cannot set the corresponding summary bit of the next register set in the status structure.

  • Page 316: Status:operation:ntransition

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :STATus:OPERation:NTRansition This command programs the negative transition filters (NTR) of the operation event register. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query STATus:PRESet Not applicable See Details Power cycle Usage :STATus:OPERation:NTRansition <NRf>...

  • Page 317: Status:operation:ptransition

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Negative transition effect on operation event register Operation event Negative transition effect on operation event register Calibrating Sets B0 at the end of calibration Trigger layer Sets B5 when leaving the trigger layer Arm layer Sets B6 when leaving an arm layer Calculating...
  • Page 318 Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual The decimal weighting of the bits is shown in the following table. The sum of the decimal weights of the bits to set is sent as the <NRf> parameter. Set <NRf> to 0 to clear all bits. Bit position —...

  • Page 319: Status:operation:trigger:condition

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :STATus:OPERation:TRIGger:CONDition? This command reads the operation trigger condition register. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Query only Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage :STATus:OPERation:TRIGger:CONDition? Details This command reads the content of the operation condition register. Each set of event registers (except the standard event register set) has a condition register.

  • Page 320: Status:operation:trigger:ntransition

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual The event enable register is used as a mask for events. When a bit in an event enable register is cleared (0), the corresponding bit in the event register is masked, so it cannot set the corresponding summary bit of the next register set in the status structure.

  • Page 321: Status:operation:trigger:ptransition

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference The decimal weighting of the bits is shown in the following table. The sum of the decimal weights of the bits to set is sent as the <NRf> parameter. Set <NRf> to 0 to clear all bits. Bit position B15 to B2 —...

  • Page 322: Status:operation:trigger[:Event]

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual The decimal weighting of the bits is shown in the following table. The sum of the decimal weights of the bits to set is sent as the <NRf> parameter. Set <NRf> to 0 to clear all bits. Bit position B15 to B2 —...

  • Page 323: Status:operation[:Event]

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference The decimal weighting of the bit is shown in the following table. Bit position B15 to B2 — — Sequence 1 Event — — Decimal weighting — — Value Values are: •...
  • Page 324 Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual For example, assume that reading the transition filter event register results in an acquired decimal value of 544. The binary equivalent is 0000001000100000. For this binary value, Bits B5 and B9 of the transition filter event register are set.

  • Page 325: Status:preset

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Power-up and the *CLS command clear all bits of the registers; the :STATus:PRESet command has no effect. SCPI compliant. Also see :STATus:OPERation:NTRansition (on page 11-134) :STATus:OPERation:PTRansition (on page 11-135) :STATus:PRESet This command returns registers to their default conditions.

  • Page 326: Status:questionable:condition

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition? This command reads the Questionable Condition Register of the status model. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Query only Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage :STATus:QUEStionable:CONDition? Details This command reads the content of the operation condition register.
  • Page 327 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference The event enable register is used as a mask for events. When a bit in an event enable register is cleared (0), the corresponding bit in the event register is masked, so it cannot set the corresponding summary bit of the next register set in the status structure.

  • Page 328: Status:questionable:ntransition

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Also see None :STATus:QUEStionable:NTRansition This command programs the negative transition filters (NTR) of the Questionable Event Register. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query STATus:PRESet Not applicable See Details Power cycle Usage...

  • Page 329: Status:questionable:ptransition

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Bit position — — — Warn Coul Event — — — 16384 4096 2048 <NRf> (decimal weighting) — — — Value Values are: • 1 = Enable negative transition • 0 = Disable negative transition Power-up and the :STATus:PRESet command clear all bits of the registers;...
  • Page 330 Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Positive transition effect on questionable event register Questionable event Positive transition effect on questionable event register Voltage summary Sets B0 when an invalid voltage measurement occurs Current summary Sets B1 when an invalid current measurement occurs Temperature summary Sets B4 when an invalid external temperature reading occurs Reading available...

  • Page 331: Status:questionable[:Event]

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]? This command reads the Questionable Event Register of the status model. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Query STATus:PRESet Not applicable See Details Power cycle Usage :STATus:QUEStionable[:EVENt]? Details After sending this command and addressing the 6517B to talk, a decimal value is sent to the computer.
  • Page 332 Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Event Meaning of set bit Voltage summary An invalid voltage measurement has occurred (PTR) or a subsequent valid voltage measurement has occurred (NTR). An invalid current measurement has occurred or a subsequent Current summary valid current measurement has occurred (NTR).

  • Page 333: Status:queue:clear

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :STATus:QUEue:CLEar This function clears all messages from the error queue. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command only Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage :STATus:QUEue:CLEar Also see Queues (on page 13-12) :STATus:QUEue:DISable This function specifies the messages that are not to be placed in the error queue.

  • Page 334: Status:queue:enable

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Example :STATus:QUEue:DISable -110 Disable single message. :STATus:QUEue:DISable -110, -140, -222 Disable multiple messages (separated by commas). :STATus:QUEue:DISable -110:-222 Disable a range of messages (start and end separated by a colon). :STATus:QUEue:DISable -110:-222, -230 Disable a range (separated by a colon) and a single entry (separated by a comma).

  • Page 335: Status:queue[:Next]

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Also see Queues (on page 13-12) :STATus:QUEue:DISable (on page 11-151) :STATus:QUEue[:NEXT]? This function returns the oldest error queue message from the Event Queue and removes it. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Power cycle...

  • Page 336: System Subsystem

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual SYSTem subsystem The SYSTem subsystem contains miscellaneous commands. :SYSTem:ARSPeed This command controls autoranging speed. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings FAST SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage...

  • Page 337: System:date

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :SYSTem:DATE This command sets the date for the real-time clock. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings Not applicable SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :SYSTem:DATE <yr>, <mo>, <day>...

  • Page 338: System:hlcontrol

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual The error queue is cleared at power-up and when *CLS is sent. *RST, :SYSTem:PRESet, and :STATus:PRESet have no effect on the error queue. The :SYSTem:ERRor? query command is similar to the :STATus:QUEue? command. Example SYST:ERR? Returns information on the oldest error in the event log.

  • Page 339: System:hscontrol

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :SYSTem:HSControl This command enables or disables humidity readings. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :SYSTem:HSControl <b> :SYSTem:HSControl? <b>...

  • Page 340: System:key

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :SYSTem:KEY This command simulates a front-panel key press using remote commands. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings Not applicable SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :SYSTem:KEY <NRf>...
  • Page 341 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference <NRf> <NRf> Range ▲ NEXT Voltage source ▲ Range ▼ ◄ ENTER MENU OPER Charge (Q) TRIG FILTER RECALL LOCAL Current (I) PREV Z-CHK Voltage source ▼ AUTO ► EXIT CONFIG CARD Resistance (R)

  • Page 342: System:llockout

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :SYSTem:LLOCkout This command enables or disables local lockout. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :SYSTem:LLOCkout <b> :SYSTem:LLOCkout? <b>...

  • Page 343: System:lsync:state

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :SYSTem:LSYNc:STATe This command enables or disables line synchronization. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :SYSTem:LSYNc:STATe <state> :SYSTem:LSYNc:STATe? <state>...

  • Page 344: System:preset

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual When you select a SAV setting, the settings in the saved setup are applied when the instrument is powered on. The settings are saved using the *SAV command. Default settings are listed in the SCPI command descriptions. Example SYST:POS SAV1 Set the instrument to restore the settings that are saved in...

  • Page 345: System:rnumber:reset

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :SYSTem:RNUMber:RESet This command resets the reading number to zero. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command only Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage :SYSTem:RNUMber:RESet Details When the reading number is included as a GPIB data element, each reading sent over the bus is assigned a number, starting at #0.

  • Page 346: System:tscontrol

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :SYSTem:TSControl This command enables or disables external temperature readings. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :SYSTem:TSControl <b> :SYSTem:TSControl? <b>...

  • Page 347: System:tstamp:type

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :SYSTem:TSTamp:TYPE This command selects the timestamp type. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage :SYSTem:TSTamp:TYPE <name> :SYSTem:TSTamp:TYPE? <name> Select relative-time timestamp: RELative Select real-time timestamp: RTClock Details RELative selects the relative-time timestamp.

  • Page 348: System:zcheck

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :SYSTem:ZCHeck This command enables or disable zero check. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :SYSTem:ZCHeck <b> :SYSTem:ZCHeck? <b>...

  • Page 349: System:zcorrect[:State]

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :SYSTem:ZCORrect[:STATe] This command enables or disables zero correct. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :SYSTem:ZCORrect[:STATe] <b> :SYSTem:ZCORrect[:STATe]? <b>...

  • Page 350: Trace Subsystem

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual TRACe subsystem The commands in this subsystem configure and control data storage into the buffer. The commands are summarized in :TRACe command summary (on page 11-22). See Buffer (data store) for more information about the buffer.

  • Page 351: Trace:elements

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference The buffer elements selected by :TRACe:ELEMents must match the bus elements selected by :FORMat:ELEMents. Otherwise, the following error occurs when using this command to send buffer readings over the bus: +313 Buffer & format element mismatch. SCPI compliant.

  • Page 352: Trace:feed:control

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :TRACe:FEED:CONTrol This command specifies the type of buffer control. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage :TRACe:FEED:CONTrol <name> :TRACe:FEED:CONTrol? :DATA:FEED:CONTrol <name> :DATA:FEED:CONTrol? <name>...

  • Page 353: Trace:feed:pretrigger:amount:readings

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :TRACe:FEED:PRETrigger:AMOunt:READings This command specifies the number of pretrigger readings. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage :TRACe:FEED:PRETrigger:AMOunt:READings <n> :TRACe:FEED:PRETrigger:AMOunt:READings <DEF|MIN|MAX> :DATA:FEED:PRETrigger:AMOunt:READings? :DATA:FEED:PRETrigger:AMOunt:READings? <DEF|MIN|MAX>...

  • Page 354: Trace:feed:pretrigger:source

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual For example, assume 25% of a 100-point buffer is reserved for pretrigger readings. When the pretrigger store is started, readings continuously fill the buffer. When the trigger event occurs, subsequent readings are stored starting at buffer location 26 and continue until buffer location 100 is filled.

  • Page 355: Trace:free

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :TRACe:FREE? This command reads the status of storage memory. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Query only Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage :TRACe:FREE? :DATA:FREE? Details After sending this command and addressing the 6517B to talk, two values separated by commas are sent to the computer.

  • Page 356: Trace:points

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :TRACe:POINts This command sets the number of readings a buffer can store. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Not applicable Not applicable 10564 Usage :TRACe:POINts <n> :TRACe:POINts <DEF|MIN|MAX>...

  • Page 357: Trace:points:actual

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Buffer elements Maximum buffer Channel Timestamp Temperature Humidity Voltage source size 9507 9507 7923 8643 7313 7313 6338 10564 8643 8643 7313 7923 6791 6791 5942 0 = N (not included) 1 = Y (included) SCPI compliant.

  • Page 358: Trace:points:auto

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :TRACe:POINts:AUTO This command controls the automatic buffer sizing. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query :TRACe:POINts Not applicable Not applicable Usage :TRACe:POINts:AUTO <b> :TRACe:POINts:AUTO? :DATA:POINts:AUTO <b> :DATA:POINts:AUTO? <b>...

  • Page 359: Trace:tstamp:format

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :TRACe:TSTamp:FORMat This command selects the timestamp format for buffer readings. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage :TRACe:TSTamp:FORMat <name> :TRACe:TSTamp:FORMat? :DATA:TSTamp:FORMat <name>...

  • Page 360: Arm:[Sequence[1]]:Layer2:Timer

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual The abort command resets the source bypasses of the trigger model. If the instrument is scanning, the scan pointer resets to the first channel in the scan list. SCPI compliant. Also see None :ARM:[SEQuence[1]]:LAYer2:TIMer...

  • Page 361: Arm[:Sequence[1]]:Layer2:Delay

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Details This command specifies how many times operation loops around the scan and measure layers. For example, if the scan count is set to 10, operation continues to loop around in the scan and measure layer until 10 scans are performed.

  • Page 362: Arm[:Sequence[1]]:Layer2:Immediate

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :ARM[:SEQuence[1]]:LAYer2:IMMediate This command bypasses the scan control source and delay. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command only Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage :ARM[:SEQuence[1]]:LAYer2:IMMediate Details Use this command to bypass the scan control source of the trigger model. The instrument must be waiting for the appropriate event when this command is sent.

  • Page 363: Arm[:Sequence[1]]:Layer2:Source

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :ARM[:SEQuence[1]]:LAYer2:SOURce This command specifies the event control source for the scan layer. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings IMMediate SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :ARM[:SEQuence[1]]:LAYer2:SOURce <name>...

  • Page 364: Arm[:Sequence[1]]:Layer2:Tconfigure:asynchronous:iline

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :ARM[:SEQuence[1]]:LAYer2:TCONfigure:ASYNchronous:ILINe This command selects the input trigger line for the scan layer. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :ARM[:SEQuence[1]]:LAYer2:TCONfigure:ASYNchronous:ILINe <NRf>...

  • Page 365: Arm[:Sequence[1]]:Layer2:Tconfigure:direction

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :ARM[:SEQuence[1]]:LAYer2:TCONfigure:DIRection This command controls the source bypass for the scan layer. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings ACCeptor SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :ARM[:SEQuence[1]]:LAYer2:TCONfigure:DIRection <name>...

  • Page 366: Arm[:Sequence[1]][:Layer[1]]:Count

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :ARM[:SEQuence[1]][:LAYer[1]]:COUNt These commands set the arm layer count. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :ARM[:SEQuence[1]][:LAYer[1]]:COUNt <n> :ARM[:SEQuence[1]][:LAYer[1]]:COUNt <DEF|MIN|MAX>...

  • Page 367: Arm[:Sequence[1]][:Layer[1]]:Signal

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :ARM[:SEQuence[1]][:LAYer[1]]:SIGNal This command bypasses the arm control source. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command only Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage :ARM[:SEQuence[1]][:LAYer[1]]:SIGNal Details This command allows you to bypass the specified control source or programmed event. The instrument must be waiting for the event when the command is sent.

  • Page 368: Arm[:Sequence[1]][:Layer[1]]:Tconfigure:asynchronous:iline

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual When IMMediate is selected, operation immediately passes through the arm layer. When RTCLock is selected, event detection is satisfied at the date and time set by the :ARM[:SEQuence[1]][LAYer[1]]:RTCLock:DATE and RTCLock:TIME commands, allowing operation to continue in the trigger model (see the “IEEE-488 trigger model”).

  • Page 369: Arm[:Sequence[1]][:Layer[1]]:Tconfigure:asynchronous:oline

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :ARM[:SEQuence[1]][:LAYer[1]]:TCONfigure:ASYNchronous:OLINe This command selects the output trigger line of the arm layer. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :ARM[:SEQuence[1]][:LAYer[1]]:TCONfigure:ASYNchronous:OLINe <NRf>...

  • Page 370: Arm[:Sequence[1]][Layer[1]]:Rtclock:date

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Enabling the source bypass for the arm layer also enables the output trigger. When operation leaves the arm layer, the appropriate output trigger pulse occurs. If the trigger link control source is selected, the output trigger is available on the programmed trigger link output line.

  • Page 371: Arm[:Sequence[1]][Layer[1]]:Rtclock:time

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :ARM[:SEQuence[1]][LAYer[1]]:RTCLock:TIME This command sets the time for the RTCLock control source. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage :ARM[:SEQuence[1]][LAYer[]]:RTCLock:TIME <hr>, <min>, <sec> :ARM[:SEQuence[1]][LAYer[]]:RTCLock:TIME? <hr>...

  • Page 372: Initiate:poflag

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Also see None :INITiate:POFLag This command controls the no-operation-pending flag. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings INCLude SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :INITiate:POFLag <name>...

  • Page 373: System:macro:trigger:mode

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :SYSTem:MACRo:TRIGger:MODE This command specifies the basic trigger mode. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings CONTinuous SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :SYSTem:MACRo:TRIGger:MODE <name> :SYSTem:MACRo:TRIGger:MODE? <name>...

  • Page 374: System:macro:trigger:timer

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual With IMMediate selected, the trigger event is satisfied immediately. In IMMediate, readings are made continuously. With MANual selected, the trigger event occurs when the front-panel TRIG key is pressed and the instrument is in local control.

  • Page 375: System:macro:trigger[:Execute]

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :SYSTem:MACRo:TRIGger[:EXECute] This command exits from advanced triggering and selects basic triggering. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command only Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage :SYSTem:MACRo:TRIGger[:EXECute] Details If the instrument is already in basic triggering, sending this command has no effect on the instrument. Also see None :TRIGger:[SEQuence[1]]:TIMer...

  • Page 376: Trigger[:Sequence[1]]:Count

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :TRIGger[:SEQuence[1]]:COUNt These commands set the measure layer count. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings See Details SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :TRIGger[:SEQuence[1]]:COUNt <n>...

  • Page 377: Trigger[:Sequence[1]]:Immediate

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference SCPI compliant. Also see IEEE-488 trigger model (on page 6-7) :TRIGger[:SEQuence[1]]:IMMediate This command bypasses the measure control source and delay. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command only Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage...

  • Page 378: Trigger[:Sequence[1]]:Source

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :TRIGger[:SEQuence[1]]:SOURce This command specifies the event control source for the measure layer. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings IMMediate SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :TRIGger[:SEQuence[1]]:SOURce <name>...

  • Page 379: Trigger[:Sequence[1]]:Tconfigure:asynchronous:iline

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :TRIGger[:SEQuence[1]]:TCONfigure:ASYNchronous:ILINe This command selects the input trigger line for the measure layer. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :TRIGger[:SEQuence[1]]:TCONfigure:ASYNchronous:ILINe <NRf>...

  • Page 380: Trigger[:Sequence[1]]:Tconfigure:direction

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :TRIGger[:SEQuence[1]]:TCONfigure:DIRection This command controls the source bypass for the measure layer. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings ACCeptor SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :TRIGger[:SEQuence[1]]:TCONfigure:DIRection <name>...

  • Page 381: Trigger[:Sequence[1]]:Tconfigure:ssynchronous:line

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Details When ASYNchronous is selected, the input and output triggers use separate trigger lines. With SSYNchronous selected, the input and output triggers use a single trigger line. The arm and scan layers only use the asynchronous trigger link mode. Also see None :TRIGger[:SEQuence[1]]:TCONfigure:SSYNchronous:LINE...

  • Page 382: Tsequence:abort

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :TSEQuence:ABORt This command stops the test sequence that is in process. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command only Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage :TSEQuence:ABORt Details You can restart the test sequence by arming the test and providing the programmed source event. Also see :TSEQuence:ARM (on page 11-203)

  • Page 383: Tsequence:altpolarity:discard

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :TSEQuence:ALTPolarity:DISCard This command specifies the number of initial readings to discard for the alternating polarity resistance/resistivity test. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle...

  • Page 384: Tsequence:altpolarity:ofsvoltage

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :TSEQuence:ALTPolarity:OFSVoltage This command specifies the offset voltage for the alternating polarity resistance/resistivity test. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :TSEQuence:ALTPolarity:OFSVoltage <NRf>...

  • Page 385: Tsequence:arm

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :TSEQuence:ARM This command arms the selected test sequence. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command only Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage :TSEQuence:ARM Details The test starts when the programmed source event occurs. When using this command for the alternating polarity high resistance/resistivity transition filters, wait at least 0.3 seconds before using the *TRG trigger command.

  • Page 386: Tsequence:ciresistance:spoints

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :TSEQuence:CIResistance:SPOints This command specifies the number of measurement points for the cable insulation resistance test. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage...

  • Page 387: Tsequence:cleakage:spinterval

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :TSEQuence:CLEakage:SPINterval This command specifies the time interval between measurement points for the capacitor leakage test. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage...

  • Page 388: Tsequence:cleakage:svoltage

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :TSEQuence:CLEakage:SVOLtage This command specifies the bias voltage for the capacitor leakage test. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :TSEQuence:CLEakage:SVOLtage <NRf>...

  • Page 389: Tsequence:dleakage:start

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :TSEQuence:DLEakage:STARt This command specifies the start voltage for the diode leakage test. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :TSEQuence:DLEakage:STARt <NRf>...

  • Page 390: Tsequence:dleakage:stop

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :TSEQuence:DLEakage:STOP This command specifies the stop test voltages and queries the stop voltage for the diode leakage test. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings 10 V SYSTem:PRESet...

  • Page 391: Tsequence:rvcoefficient:mdelay[1]

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :TSEQuence:RVCoefficient:MDELay[1] This configuration command specifies measure delay 1 for the resistor voltage coefficient test. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :TSEQuence:RVCoefficient:MDELay[1] <NRf>...

  • Page 392: Tsequence:rvcoefficient:svoltage[1]

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :TSEQuence:RVCoefficient:SVOLtage[1] This command specifies bias voltage 1 for the resistor voltage coefficient test. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :TSEQuence:RVCoefficient:SVOLtage[1] <NRf>...

  • Page 393: Tsequence:siresistance:mvoltage

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :TSEQuence:SIResistance:MVOLtage This command specifies the measure voltage for the surface insulation resistance test. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings 100 V SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage...

  • Page 394: Tsequence:siresistance:svoltage

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :TSEQuence:SIResistance:SVOLtage This command specifies the bias voltage for the surface insulation resistivity test. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings 50 V SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage...

  • Page 395: Tsequence:sqsweep:hlevel

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :TSEQuence:SQSWeep:HLEVel This command specifies the high-level voltage for the square wave sweep test. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :TSEQuence:SQSWeep:HLEVel <NRf>...

  • Page 396: Tsequence:sqsweep:llevel

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :TSEQuence:SQSWeep:LLEVel This command specifies the low-level voltage for the square wave sweep test. Type Affected by Where saved Default value −1 V Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage...

  • Page 397: Tsequence:sresistivity:dtime

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :TSEQuence:SRESistivity:DTIMe This command specifies the discharge time for the surface resistivity test. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :TSEQuence:SRESistivity:DTIMe <NRf>...

  • Page 398: Tsequence:sresistivity:mvoltage

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :TSEQuence:SRESistivity:MVOLtage This command specifies the measure voltage for the surface resistivity test. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings 500 V SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :TSEQuence:SRESistivity:MVOLtage <NRf>...

  • Page 399: Tsequence:sresistivity:stime

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :TSEQuence:SRESistivity:STIMe This command specifies the bias time for the surface resistivity test. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :TSEQuence:SRESistivity:STIMe <NRf>...

  • Page 400: Tsequence:stsweep:start

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :TSEQuence:STSWeep:STARt This command specifies the start voltage for the staircase sweep test. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :TSEQuence:STSWeep:STARt <NRf>...

  • Page 401: Tsequence:stsweep:stime

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference :TSEQuence:STSWeep:STIMe This command specifies the step time for the staircase sweep test. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :TSEQuence:STSWeep:STIMe <NRf>...

  • Page 402: Tsequence:tline

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :TSEQuence:TLIne This command specifies and queries the trigger link line for the trigger link control source. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle...

  • Page 403: Tsequence:type

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference state. If the instrument is already in the continuous measurement mode, the test starts as soon as IMMediate is selected. When BUS is selected, the test starts when a bus trigger (*TRG or GET) is sent over the bus. When TLINk is selected, the test starts when an external trigger is received through the TRIG LINK connector on the rear panel.

  • Page 404: Tsequence:vresistivity:dtime

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :TSEQuence:VRESistivity:DTIMe This command specifies the discharge time for the volume resistivity test. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :TSEQuence:VRESistivity:DTIMe <NRf>...

  • Page 405: Tsequence:vresistivity:pdtime

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 11: SCPI command reference Also see :TSEQuence:TYPE (on page 11-221) :TSEQuence:VRESistivity:PDTime This command specifies the predischarge time for the volume resistivity test. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings 10 s SYSTem:PRESet...

  • Page 406: Tsequence:vresistivity:svoltage

    Section 11: SCPI command reference Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual :TSEQuence:VRESistivity:SVOLtage This command specifies the bias voltage for the volume resistivity test. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Recall settings Save settings 500 V SYSTem:PRESet Instrument reset Power cycle Usage :TSEQuence:VRESistivity:SVOLtage <NRf>...

  • Page 407: Common Commands

    Section 12 Common commands In this section: Introduction ................12-1 Common command summary ..........12-1 Common command descriptions ..........12-2 Introduction This section provides detailed information on common IEEE-488.2 commands for the 6517B. Common command summary Common commands are device commands that are common to all devices on the bus. These commands are designated and defined by the IEEE-488.2 standard.

  • Page 408: Common Command Descriptions

    Section 12: Common commands Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Command Name Description* *SRE <NRf> Service request enable command Programs the service request enable register. *SRE? Service request enable query Reads the service request enable register. *STB? Read status byte query Reads the status byte register.

  • Page 409: Ese

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 12: Common commands *ESE This command sets and queries bits in the status enable register of the standard event register. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command and query Not applicable Not applicable See Details Usage *ESE <NRf>...
  • Page 410 Section 12: Common commands Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual The standard event status register can be read by using the *ESE? query command. Standard event enable register Bit position — Event — Decimal weighting — Value Bits B8 through B15 are not shown because they are not used. Values are: •...

  • Page 411: Esr

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 12: Common commands *ESR? This command reads the standard event status register and clears it. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Query only Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage *ESR? Details This command acquires the value of the standard event status register (see the following table). The binary equivalent of the returned decimal value determines which bits in the register are set.

  • Page 412: Idn

    Section 12: Common commands Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual The bits of the standard event status register are described as follows: Bit B0, operation complete (OPC): Set bit indicates that all pending selected device operations are completed and the 6517B is ready to accept new commands; this bit only sets in response to the *OPC? query command.

  • Page 413: Opc

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 12: Common commands Details The identification string includes the manufacturer, model number, serial number, and firmware revision of the instrument. The string is formatted as follows: KEITHLEY INSTRUMENTS,MODEL nnnn,xxxxxxxx,yyyyyy/zzzzz Where: • nnnn is the model number •...
  • Page 414 Section 12: Common commands Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual When used with the :INITiate or :INITiate:CONTinuous ON command, the OPC bit of the standard event status register does not set until the 6517B returns to the idle state. The initiate operations are not considered to be complete until the instrument is in the idle state.

  • Page 415: Opt

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 12: Common commands When used with the :INITiate or :INITiate:CONTinuous ON command, an ASCII 1 is not sent to the output queue and the MAV bit is not set until the 6517B returns to the idle state. The initiate operations are not considered to be finished until the instrument goes into the idle state.

  • Page 416: Rcl

    Section 12: Common commands Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual *RCL This command returns the instrument to the setup that was stored in a specified memory location. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command only Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage *RCL <n>...

  • Page 417: Sav

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 12: Common commands *SAV This command saves the present instrument settings as a user-saved setup. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command only Not applicable Nonvolatile memory Not applicable Usage *SAV <n> <n> The memory location: 0 to 9 Details Save the present instrument settings as a user-saved setup.
  • Page 418 Section 12: Common commands Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Details The *SRE command programs the service request enable register. This command is sent with the decimal equivalent of the binary value that determines the state (0 or 1) of each bit in the register. This register is cleared on power-up.

  • Page 419: Stb

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 12: Common commands *STB? This command reads the status byte register. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Query only Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage *STB? Details The *STB? query command acquires the value of the status byte register. The status byte register is shown in the following table.
  • Page 420 Section 12: Common commands Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Events are: • OSB = Operation Summary Bit • MSS = Master Summary Status • RQS = Request Service • ESB = Event Summary Bit • MAV = Message Available • QSB = Questionable Summary Bit •...

  • Page 421: Trg

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 12: Common commands *TRG This command sends a bus trigger to the 6517B. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command only Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage *TRG Details Use the *TRG command to issue a GPIB trigger to the 6517B. It has the same effect as a group execute trigger (GET).

  • Page 422: Wai

    Section 12: Common commands Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual *WAI This command postpones the execution of subsequent commands until all previous overlapped commands are finished. Type Affected by Where saved Default value Command only Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable Usage *WAI Details...
  • Page 423 Section 13 Status model In this section: Introduction ................13-1 Status structure ...............13-1 Queues .................13-12 Status byte and service request (SRQ) .........13-13 Introduction This section provides detailed information on the Keithley Instruments 6517B Electrometer status structure. For information on the common commands associated with the status structure, refer to Common commands (on page 12-1).
  • Page 424 Section 13: Status model Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Figure 92: Model 6517B status structure 13-2 6517B-901-01 Rev. E August 2022...

  • Page 425: Status Model

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 13: Status model Standard event status registers Figure 93: Standard event status registers Power on & Logical AND User request Logical OR Command error Execution error Device-dependent error Query error Operation complete 6517B-901-01 Rev. E August 2022 13-3...

  • Page 426: Operation Event Status Registers

    Section 13: Status model Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Operation event status registers Figure 94: Operation event status registers Sequence test running & Logical AND Calc Calculating reading Logical OR Idle Idle state of the 6517B Waiting in an arm layer Trig Waiting in trigger layer Calibrating...
  • Page 427 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 13: Status model Figure 95: Arm event status registers Positive Transition Register & Logical AND Negative Transition Register Logical OR Seq 1 Sequence 1 (set bit indicates that the 6517B is in the arm layer of Sequence 1) 6517B-901-01 Rev.
  • Page 428 Section 13: Status model Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Figure 96: Sequence event status registers Positive Transition Register & Logical AND Negative Transition Register Logical OR Lay1 Layer 1. Set bit indicates that 6517B is in arm layer 1. Lay2 Layer 1.
  • Page 429 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 13: Status model Figure 97: Trigger event status registers Positive Transition Register & Logical AND Negative Transition Register Logical OR Seq1 Sequence 1. Set bit indicates that the 6517B is in the trigger layer of Sequence 1.
  • Page 430 Section 13: Status model Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Figure 98: Measurement event status register Voltage source compliance High limit 2 Fixture lid closed Low limit 2 Out of limits High limit 1 Buffer pretriggered High limit 2 Sequence reading available Reading overflow Buffer full &...
  • Page 431 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 13: Status model Figure 99: Questionable event status registers Operation Summary Bit & Logical AND Master Summary Status Logical OR Request for Service Event Summary Bit Message Available Questionable Summary Bit Error Available Measurement Summary Bit 6517B-901-01 Rev.

  • Page 432: Condition Registers

    Section 13: Status model Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Condition registers As shown in the illustrations, all status register sets, except the standard event status register set, have a condition register. A condition register is a real-time read-only register that is constantly updated to reflect the present operating conditions of the instrument.

  • Page 433: Event Registers

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 13: Status model Event registers As shown in the illustrations, each status register set has an event register. An event register is a latched, read-only register whose bits are set by the corresponding condition register and transition filter.

  • Page 434: Queues

    Section 13: Status model Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual An enable register is not cleared when it is read. The enable registers are affected by the following operations: • Cycling power: Clears all enable registers • :STATus:PRESet clears the following enable registers: ▪...

  • Page 435: Status Byte And Service Request (Srq)

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 13: Status model When a message is placed in the error queue, the Error Available (EAV) bit in the Status Byte Register is set. An error message is cleared from the error queue when it is read. The error queue is considered cleared when it is empty.

  • Page 436: Status Byte Register

    Section 13: Status model Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Status byte and service request definitions Operation Summary bit & Logical AND Master Summary Status Logical OR Request for Service Event Summary bit Message available Questionable Summary bit Error available Measurement Summary bit Status byte register The summary messages from the status registers and queues set or clear the appropriate bits (B0, B2, B3, B4, B5, and B7) of the Status Byte Register.

  • Page 437: Service Request Enable Register

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 13: Status model Service request enable register This register is programmed by you and serves as a mask for the Status Summary Message bits (B0, B2, B3, B4, B5, and B7) of the Status Byte Register. When masked, a set summary bit in the Status Byte Register cannot set bit B6 (MSS/RQS) of the Status Byte Register.

  • Page 438: Serial Poll And Srq

    Section 13: Status model Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Serial poll and SRQ Any enabled event summary bit that goes from 0 to 1 sets RQS and generates a service request (SRQ). In your test program, you can periodically read the Status Byte Register to check if a service request (SRQ) occurred and what caused it.

  • Page 439: Calibration Procedure

    Section 14 Calibration procedure In this section: Introduction ................14-1 Warmup time and environment ..........14-1 Calibration procedure ..............14-2 Calibration command reference ..........14-15 Introduction This section discusses the calibration procedure for the Keithley Instruments 6517B. The information in this topic is intended only for qualified service personnel, as described by the types of product users in the Safety precautions.

  • Page 440: Calibration Procedure

    Section 14: Calibration procedure Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Calibration procedure This section describes the four-part procedure for calibrating the 6517B: • Meter calibration (voltage, current, and charge ranges) • Voltage source calibration • Temperature calibration • Humidity calibration The calibration procedure must be performed remotely using SCPI commands, so a computer with software for controlling the instrument over RS-232 or GPIB is required.

  • Page 441: Comprehensive Calibration Procedure

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 14: Calibration procedure Comprehensive calibration procedure The following calibration procedure should only be performed by qualified service personnel, and only after the instrument has met the warmup criteria described in Warmup period (on page 14-1). The following steps are for a complete calibration.
  • Page 442 Section 14: Calibration procedure Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual 2 nA to 200 nA range voltage offset To calibrate the voltage offset for each range: 1. Connect a 10 MΩ resistor between the 6517B input HI and input LO. Set the DMM range to 1 V dc.
  • Page 443 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 14: Calibration procedure 2 mA to 20 mA range voltage offset To calibrate the voltage offset for each range: 1. Connect a 10 Ω resistor between the 6517B input HI and input LO. Set the DMM range to 1 V dc. :CAL:PROT:VOFF:STEP 4 :CAL:PROT:VOFFSETZ 2.

  • Page 444: Current Offset Calibration

    Section 14: Calibration procedure Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual 4. Allow the input to settle for 10 seconds. 5. Make the DMM voltage reading. :CAL:PROT:VOFF4 <dmm voltage reading> Current offset calibration The following three commands are automated and require extra time to complete: ▪...

  • Page 445: Current Ranges Calibration

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 14: Calibration procedure 2 nC to 20 nC ranges current offset To calibrate the current offset for each range: :CAL:PROT:IOFF:STEP 3 200 nC to 2 uC ranges current offset To calibrate the current offset for each range: :CAL:PROT:IOFF:STEP 4 Voltage ranges current offset To calibrate the current offset for each range:...
  • Page 446 Section 14: Calibration procedure Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Calculate the calibration current for the range Determine the appropriate calibration current for the range. For the ±20 pA to ±2 mA current ranges, use the following table to determine the appropriate calibration current.

  • Page 447: Charge Range Calibration

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 14: Calibration procedure To calibrate the ±20 pA to ±2 μA ranges: 1. Calculate the ranges or note the actual current. 2. Turn the 6517B zero-check on. 3. Turn the dc current calibrator output on. 4.

  • Page 448: Voltage Measurement Ranges Calibration

    Section 14: Calibration procedure Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual To calibrate each charge range: 1. Connect the capacitor stated in the standard capacitor column in the above table. 2. Set the calibrator voltage output to 0.0 V. 3. Calculate the actual charge and send the command in the charge full scale calibration command column in the following table.

  • Page 449: Voltage Source Calibration

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 14: Calibration procedure Voltage source calibration For all voltage source ranges, to calibrate the voltage source: 1. Connect the DMM to the voltage source output. 2. Set the DMM to measure dc voltage. 3. Turn autoranging on. 100 V range calibration To calibrate the 100 V source range: 1.

  • Page 450: Temperature Calibration

    Section 14: Calibration procedure Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Temperature calibration To calibrate temperature measurements: 1. Connect the thermocouple calibrator to the temperature input connector using a type K input connector. 2. Allow the input connector to stabilize in temperature for five minutes. 3.

  • Page 451: Lock Calibration

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 14: Calibration procedure Lock calibration To prevent changes to the calibration information: Use the following command to lock the calibration after saving the calibration: :CAL:PROT:LOCK Partial calibration Perform all calibration steps if possible. You can calibrate individual ranges if the following requirements are met: •...
  • Page 452 Section 14: Calibration procedure Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Current offset partial calibration It is recommended that all calibration steps be performed if performing individual current offset steps. If a single current offset step is performed, the ranges affected by the voltage offset calibration require recalibration before a valid calibration can be saved.

  • Page 453: Calibration Command Reference

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 14: Calibration procedure Voltage source partial calibration If an individual range of the 6517B voltage source is calibrated, the following steps corresponding to a single voltage source range need to be performed: 1. Starting the voltage source zero calibration step. 2.

  • Page 454: Current Offset Calibration Commands

    Section 14: Calibration procedure Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual For each voltage offset calibration step, execute the following commands after setting the voltage offset calibration step: :CAL:PROT:VOFF1 Start the first measurement for the voltage offset calibration. :CAL:PROT:VOFF2 <preamp out voltage reading> Calibrate the first voltage offset point.

  • Page 455: Charge Calibration Commands

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 14: Calibration procedure Charge calibration commands When calibrating the 20 mA to 20 mA ranges, use a dc current calibrator. For all current ranges, the actual current supplied must be within ±5 percent of the nominal value otherwise a calibration error occurs.

  • Page 456: Voltage Measurement Calibration Commands

    Section 14: Calibration procedure Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Command Description :CAL:PROT:A200N <+200 nA value> Calibrate the +200 nA range :CAL:PROT:AN200N <-200 nA value> Calibrate the −200 nA range :CAL:PROT:AZERO2U Calibrate the 2 μA range zero :CAL:PROT:A2U <+2 uA value> Calibrate the +2 μA range :CAL:PROT:AN2U <-2 uA value>...

  • Page 457: Humidity Calibration Commands

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 14: Calibration procedure Command Description :CAL:PROT:VSETN100 Start the −100 V range calibration :CAL:PROT:VSRCN100 <measured voltage> Calibrate the −100 V range :CAL:PROT:VSET40 Start the +40 V calibration :CAL:PROT:VSRC40 <measured voltage> Calibrate the +40 V output :CAL:PROT:VSETZ1000 Start the 1000 V range zero calibration :CAL:PROT:VSRCZ1000 <measured voltage>...

  • Page 458: Calibration Error Codes

    Section 14: Calibration procedure Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Command Description :CAL:PROT:NDUE yyyy,mm,dd Set the calibration due date :CAL:PROT:NDUE? Query the next calibration due date :CAL:PROT:CODE ‘KInnnnnn’ Unlock the calibration using the password (default is 006517) :CAL:PROT:SAVE Save the calibration :CAL:PROT:LOCK Lock the calibration Calibration error codes...
  • Page 459 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 14: Calibration procedure Error Code Description +379 20 mA negative gain out of specification +380 200 mA offset out of specification +381 200 mA positive gain out of specification +382 200 mA negative gain out of specification +383 2 mA offset out of specification +384...

  • Page 460: Verification Procedure

    Section 15 Verification procedure In this section: Introduction ................15-1 Verification procedures ............15-3 Introduction Use the procedures in this section to verify that the 6517B accuracy is within the limits stated in the one-year accuracy specifications of the instrument. Perform the verification procedures: •...

  • Page 461: Equipment Needed For Verification

    Section 15: Verification procedure Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Equipment needed for verification • Fluke 5700A calibrator • Keithley Model 2002 Digital Multimeter • Thermocouple calibrator • Precision resistors with a value known to the listed uncertainty: ▪ 100 GΩ, 850 ppm ▪...

  • Page 462: Considerations

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 15: Verification procedure Considerations Always used fixed ranges for verifying voltage, current, and charge, because autoranging hysteresis may cause the instrument to be on the incorrect range. To restore the instrument to factory defaults: 1.

  • Page 463: Dc Voltage Verification

    Section 15: Verification procedure Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual DC voltage verification To verify dc voltage: 1. Connect the calibrator output to the 6517B as shown in in the following figure. Ensure that the configuration is properly grounded as noted at the beginning of this section. Figure 101: DC voltage verification configuration 2.

  • Page 464: Dc Amps Verification

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 15: Verification procedure Limits for dc voltage verification Allowed reading range Calibrator output 6517B range 18° C to 28° C, 1 year +1.9 V +1.89949 V to +1.900515 V −1.9 V −1.900515 V to −1.89949 V +19 V 20 V +18.9950 V to +19.0050 V...
  • Page 465 Section 15: Verification procedure Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Figure 102: Model 6517B 20 pA to 2 μA current range verification configuration 2. Turn on the 6517B and allow it to warm up for at least two hours before making measurements. 3.
  • Page 466 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 15: Verification procedure Reading limits for verification of 20 pA to 2 μA ranges Nominal dc Standard Applied Reading limits 6517B range voltage value resistor value current 18° C to 28° C, 1 year 100 GΩ...

  • Page 467: Charge Verification

    Section 15: Verification procedure Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Charge verification Charge verification is performed by applying accurately known charge values (derived from a voltage source and capacitor) to the 6517B input jack, and then verifying that the 6517B readings fall within specified limits.

  • Page 468: Voltage Source Verification

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 15: Verification procedure 6. With zero check enabled, press the REL key to turn on the zero correct function. 7. Set the calibrator to 0.0 V, using the same range as the nominal value to be used. 8.
  • Page 469 Section 15: Verification procedure Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual 10. Set the 6517B voltage source off. 11. Set the 6517B voltage source range to the 1000 V range and turn VOLTAGE SOURCE OPERATE on. 12. Program the voltage source to 0.0 V and verify the readings are within the range specified in the following table.

  • Page 470: Temperature Verification

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 15: Verification procedure Temperature verification Accuracy of the 6517B temperature measurement is verified by connecting a thermocouple calibrator to the 6517B and verifying that the temperature readings are within specified limits. To verify temperature measurement: 1.

  • Page 471: Humidity Verification

    Section 15: Verification procedure Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Humidity verification To check humidity measurement accuracy, apply an accurate 0 V dc to 1 V dc to the 6517B and verify that the humidity readings are within specified limits. To verify humidity readings: 1.

  • Page 472: Resistance Verification

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 15: Verification procedure Limits for humidity verification Humidity reading limits Applied voltage (1 year, 18° to 28°C) 0.0 V 0% to 1% 0.25 V 24% to 26% 0.5 V 49% to 51% 0.75 V 74% to 76% 1.0 V 99% to 100%...
  • Page 473 Section 15: Verification procedure Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Calculating ohms reading limits Ohms reading limits must be calculated from the actual standard resistance value and the appropriate 6517B specifications. For example, assume that the 2 GΩ range is being tested, and the specifications are: •...
  • Page 474 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 15: Verification procedure Instrument setup Before performing the ohms verification procedures, make sure the instrument is properly configured as follows. Failure to do so will result in erroneous or erratic measurements. Step 1: Select the autovoltage source mode 1.
  • Page 475 Section 15: Verification procedure Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual 2 MΩ to 200 MΩ range verification To perform 2 MΩ to 200 MΩ range verification: 1. Connect the 6517B to the resistance calibrator, as shown in the following figure. Figure 105: Connections for ohms verification: 2 MΩ to 200 MΩ range 2.
  • Page 476 Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 15: Verification procedure To perform 2 GΩ to 200 GΩ range verification: 1. Connect the nominal 1 GΩ characterized resistor to the 6517B as shown in the figure in 2 TΩ to 200 TΩ range verification (on page 15-17).
  • Page 477 Section 15: Verification procedure Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual To perform 2 TΩ to 200 TΩ range verification: 1. Connect the nominal 1 TΩ characterized resistor to the 6517B as shown in the following figures. Figure 106: Connections for ohms verification: 2 TΩ to 200 TΩ ranges Figure 107: Shielded fixture construction 2.

  • Page 478: Ascii Character Codes

    Section 16 ASCII character codes In this section: Introduction ................16-1 ASCII character codes (decimal 0 to 31) ........16-1 ASCII character codes (decimal 32 to 95).......16-2 ASCII character codes (decimal 96 to 127)......16-3 Introduction The following tables summarize ASCII character codes and corresponding IEEE-488 (GPIB) multiline messages for the Keithley Instruments 6517B Electrometer.
  • Page 479 Section 16: ASCII character codes Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual ASCII character codes (decimal 32 to 95) IEEE-488 IEEE-488 Decimal Hexadecimal ASCII messages* Decimal Hexadecimal ASCII messages* MLA 0 MTA 0 MLA 1 MTA 1 " MLA 2 MTA 2 MLA 3 MTA 3 MLA 4...

  • Page 480: Ascii Character Codes (Decimal 96 To 127)

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 16: ASCII character codes ASCII character codes (decimal 96 to 127) IEEE-488 IEEE-488 Decimal Hexadecimal ASCII messages* Decimal Hexadecimal ASCII messages* « MSA 0, PPE MSA 16, PPD MSA 1, PPE MSA 17, PPD MSA 2, PPE MSA 18, PPD MSA 3, PPE...

  • Page 481: Ieee-488 Bus Overview

    Section 17 IEEE-488 bus overview In this section: Introduction ................17-1 Bus description ...............17-2 Bus lines .................17-3 Bus commands ...............17-5 IEEE-488 conformance ............17-11 Interface function codes ............17-15 Introduction The IEEE-488 bus is a communication system between two or more electronic devices. A device can be either an instrument or a computer.

  • Page 482: Bus Description

    Section 17: IEEE-488 bus overview Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Bus description The IEEE-488 bus, which is also referred to a general purpose interface bus (GPIB), is a parallel transfer medium that optimizes data transfer without using an excessive number of bus lines. In keeping with this goal, the bus has only eight data lines that are used for both data and with most commands.

  • Page 483: Bus Lines

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 17: IEEE-488 bus overview There are system controllers and basic controllers. Both can control other instruments, but only the system controller has absolute authority in the system. In a system with more than one controller, only one controller may be active at any given time.

  • Page 484: Bus Management Lines

    Section 17: IEEE-488 bus overview Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Bus management lines The bus management lines help to ensure proper interface control and management. These lines send the uniline commands. ATN (attention): The ATN line is one of the more important management lines because the state of this line determines how information on the data bus is interpreted.

  • Page 485: Bus Commands

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 17: IEEE-488 bus overview Figure 109: IEEE-488 handshake sequence Once all NDAC and NRFD are properly set, the source sets DAV low, signaling to accepting devices that the byte on the data lines is now valid. NRFD then goes low, and NDAC goes high once all devices have accepted the data.

  • Page 486: Uniline Commands

    Section 17: IEEE-488 bus overview Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual These bus commands and their general purposes are summarized in the following table. IEEE-488 bus command summary State of Command type Command ATN line Comments REN (remote enable) Uniline Sets up devices for remote operation Marks end of transmission IFC (interface clear) Clears interface...

  • Page 487: Universal Multiline Commands

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 17: IEEE-488 bus overview Universal multiline commands Universal commands are multiline commands that require no addressing. All devices equipped to implement such commands do so simultaneously when the commands are transmitted. All multiline commands are transmitted with ATN true. LLO (local lockout): LLO is sent to the instrument to lock out the LOCAL key and all front-panel controls of the instrument.

  • Page 488: Addressed Commands

    Section 17: IEEE-488 bus overview Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Addressed commands Addressed commands include two primary command groups and a secondary address group. ATN is true when these commands are asserted. The commands include: • LAG (listen address group): These listen commands are derived from the primary address of the instrument and address devices to listen.

  • Page 489: Command Codes

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 17: IEEE-488 bus overview Command codes Command codes for the various commands that use the data lines are summarized in the following figure. Figure 110: Command codes 6517B-901-01 Rev. E August 2022 17-9...

  • Page 490: Typical Command Sequences

    Section 17: IEEE-488 bus overview Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Typical command sequences For the multiline commands, a specific bus sequence must take place to properly send the command. In particular, the correct listen address must be sent to the instrument before it responds to addressed commands.

  • Page 491: Ieee-488 Conformance

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 17: IEEE-488 bus overview IEEE command groups Handshake command group NDAC = Not data accepted NRFD = Not ready for data DAV = Data valid Universal command group ATN = Attention DCL = Device clear IFC = Interface clear REN = Remote enable SPD = Serial poll disable...

  • Page 492: Ieee-488 Documentation Requirements

    Section 17: IEEE-488 bus overview Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual IEEE-488 documentation requirements Item Number Requirement Description or reference IEEE-488 interface function codes Refer to Interface function codes (on page 17-15) Behavior of 6517B when the address Cannot enter an invalid address is set outside the range of 0 to 30 Behavior of 6517B when valid address Address changes and bus resets...

  • Page 493: Coupled Commands

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 17: IEEE-488 bus overview Coupled commands Command Also changes :TRIG:COUN :TRAC:POIN:AUTO TRAC:POIN:AUTO is ON and TRIG:COUN is an illegal buffer size :TRAC:POIN TRIG:COUN TRAC:POIN:AUTO is :TRAC:FEED:PRET:AMO:READ TRIG:COUN * TRAC:FEED:PRE TRAC:POIN:AUTO is T: AMO:PERC / :TRAC:FEED:CONT :TRIG:SOUR TRAC:FEED:CONT is...
  • Page 494 Section 17: IEEE-488 bus overview Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Command Also changes :RES:OCOM :RES:RANG:UPP RES:OCOM is ON and 200k RES:RANG:UPP > 200k :RES:RANG:AUTO:ULIM 200k RES:OCOM is ON and RES:RANG:AUTO:ULIM > 200k :RES:RANG:AUTO:LLIM 200k RES:OCOM is ON and RES:RANG:AUTO: LLIM > 200k :CURR:DC:METH :CURR:DC:RANG:UPP CURR:DC:METH is...

  • Page 495: Interface Function Codes

    Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual Section 17: IEEE-488 bus overview Interface function codes The interface function codes, which are part of the IEEE-488 standards, define the ability of an instrument to support various interface functions and should not be confused with programming commands found elsewhere in this manual.
  • Page 496 Specifications are subject to change without notice. All Keithley trademarks and trade names are the property of Keithley Instruments. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective companies. Keithley Instruments • 28775 Aurora Road • Cleveland, Ohio 44139 • 1-800-833-9200 • tek.com/keithley 04/2022...

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