Tektronix 371B User Manual
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Tektronix 371B User Manual

Tektronix 371B User Manual

Programmable high power curve tracer
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  • Page 1 T h e t e s t & me a s u r e me n t e q u i p me n t y o u n e e d a t t h e p r i c e y o u w a n t . A l l t e s t I n s t r u me n t s , I n c .
  • Page 2 User Manual 371B Programmable High Power Curve Tracer 070-A840-51 Warning The servicing instructions are for use by qualified personnel only. To avoid personal injury, do not perform any servicing unless you are qualified to do so. Refer to all safety summaries prior to performing service.
  • Page 3 Copyright Tektronix, Inc. All rights reserved. Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and pending. Information in this publication supercedes that in all previously published material. Specifications and price change privileges reserved. Tektronix, Inc., P.O. Box 500, Beaverton, OR 97077...
  • Page 4 Tektronix, with shipping charges prepaid. Tektronix shall pay for the return of the product to Customer if the shipment is to a location within the country in which the Tektronix service center is located.
  • Page 5 6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific time This phone number is toll free in North America. After office hours, please leave a voice mail message. Outside North America, contact a Tektronix sales office or distributor; see the Tektronix web site for a list of offices.
  • Page 6 ..........2–58 371B User Manual...
  • Page 7 ..........3–2 Powering-Up the 371B and Storing Power-Up Default Settings ..
  • Page 8 Figure 1–3: Location of the LINE VOLTAGE INDICATOR ..1–8 Figure 1–4: Connecting the Test Fixture Unit to the 371B ..1–11 Figure 2–1: Instrument power and display controls .
  • Page 9 ......4–22 Figure C–1: Display quality test pattern ......C–3 371B User Manual...

  • Page 10: Table Of Contents

    ..... . A–6 Table A–5: Digital Storage Acquisition ......A–6 371B User Manual...
  • Page 11 ........C–7 Table D–1: External inspection check list ..... . D–1 371B User Manual...
  • Page 12 Do Not Operate in Wet/Damp Conditions. Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere. Keep Product Surfaces Clean and Dry. Provide Proper Ventilation. Refer to the manual’s installation instructions for details on installing the product so it has proper ventilation. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 13 WARNING indicates an injury hazard not immediately accessible as you read the marking. CAUTION indicates a hazard to property including the product. Symbols on the Product. The following symbols may appear on the product: WARNING Protective Ground CAUTION Double High Voltage (Earth) Terminal Refer to Manual Insulated viii 371B User Manual...
  • Page 14 Getting Started...
  • Page 16 The 371B calculates these values for you, unlike earlier curve tracers where these functions had to be calculated manually. The 371B also has the ability to average readings to reduce the effects of random noise, which can obscure actual curve data.
  • Page 17 Tektronix-supplied rackmount hardware. Refer to page B–2 for optional accessories. 371B Components The 371B consists of two large components: a main unit and a test fixture unit. Main Unit The main unit contains front and rear panel controls, indicators and connectors, a display CRT, and the control electronics.
  • Page 18 Refer to page 1–11 how to remove the adapter panel. The test fixture connects to the main unit using the interconnect cable and connector. The top row of connectors on the patch panel are linked internally to the connector cable. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 19 When the cover is closed the collector supply voltage is enabled. The enabled state is indicated by a red WARNING indicator on the 371B. When lit, the WARNING indicator indicates that the collector supply is enabled and that a dangerous voltage may appear at the patch panel terminals on the test fixture unit.
  • Page 20 The display screen is designed to display the operating characteristics of the DUT in an easy-to-read, standard graph form. The 371B can be applied to a broad range of semiconductor test application, such as: H Semiconductor design analysis...
  • Page 21 Work carefully to avoid injury due to improper lifting. The CRT can implode if it or the 371B is handled severely. When handling the 371B always be aware of and practice safe work habits. If damaged, the CRT...

  • Page 22: Table 1-1: Line Voltage Ranges

    Getting Started 5. Thoroughly inspect the 371B for mechanical and electrical defects that may have occurred during shipment. If the instrument has been damaged in shipment, first contact the shipping company and then contact your nearest Tektronix field representative. Checking Standard Standard accessories are shipped with your 371B.
  • Page 23 CAUTION. To prevent damage to the instrument, check the position of the LINE VOLTAGE INDICATOR located on the rear panel of the 371B before connecting the instrument to a line voltage source. Also, check to ensure that the proper line fuses are installed for the main and collector power supplies.

  • Page 24: Table 1-2: Power Cord Identification

    Getting Started Table 1-2: Power cord identification Plug configuration Normal usage Option number North America Standard 125 V Europe 220 V United Kingdom 240 V Australia 240 V Switzerland 220 V C4ina 240 V No power cord supplied. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 25 11 minutes of cooling. WARNING. Prolonged use of the 371B at high power settings can make the device under test, test fixture unit, or protective cover hot enough to cause injury. Avoid touching any of these areas until cooled.
  • Page 26 Getting Started Connecting the Test Before powering-up the 371B, connect it to the test fixture unit as shown in Fixture Unit Figure 1–4. Device measurements are performed using the test fixture with its adapter panel, patch panel, and patch cords.
  • Page 27 Performing Power up and After you have ensured that the 371B is connected to the appropriate line voltage First time Operating and the test fixture unit is properly connected to the main unit, you are ready to Exercises power-up the instrument and verify its operation.
  • Page 28 Getting Started Repacking for Shipment If you must ship the 371B long distances, we recommend that you repackage the instrument the same as when it initially arrived at your site. The cartons and packaging material in which the instrument was shipped should be saved and used for this purpose.
  • Page 29 Getting Started 1-14 371B User Manual...
  • Page 32 Refer to page 2–31 for a general explanation of how the 371B operates. Refer to page 3–2 for specific demonstrations of the controls as they are actually used to perform semiconductor device measurements.
  • Page 33 Figure 2–1 shows the location of these controls on the front-panel. The POWER switch connects the 371B to its power source. Press the switch to connect the 371B to its power source; press the switch again to disconnect the 371B from its power source.
  • Page 34 (brightness) of the CRT graticule. The POSITION screwdriver adjustments control the vertical and horizontal position of display information. The TRACE ROTATION screwdriver adjustment adjusts the slant of the display information in reference to the graticule. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 35 This button has two functions: Press the RECALL button to recall a previously-stored group of 371B front-panel settings (setups). The 371B controls are then set to the front-pan- el settings read from the selected memory index location. Hold down the cursor SHIFT button and press the RECALL button to display the first page of a directory of the contents of mass storage (contents of both non-volatile memory and floppy disk).
  • Page 36 (or directory page) number to 1. This button has two functions: Press the REPEAT button to cause the 371B to generate repetitive base and collector pulses. In this way the measurement is performed repeatedly. When you hold down the cursor SHIFT button and press the REPEAT button, the function of this button changes to COPY from non-volatile memory to disk.
  • Page 37 STEP AMPLITUDE setting; except for the 5 V or 2 A settings. In this excep- tion, the output is limited to five times the STEP AMPLITUDE setting. When the sweep is complete, the output of the step generator returns to the starting offset value. The number of steps remains at 0. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 38 CAL FULL (calibration full) which displays a dot in the top right corner of the screen. This function provides a reference for checking the CRT deflection at the 10th graticule lines (vertical and horizontal). 371B User Manual...
  • Page 39 Hold down the cursor SHIFT button and press the ENTER button to activate text edit mode. Text edit mode enables you to enter up to 24 alphanumeric characters and symbols to help identify or label characteristic curves and setup displays. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 40 The sensitivity of the horizontal axis is displayed in the HORIZ/DIV (horizontal per division) readout area on the display screen. Table 2–2 shows selections controlled by the HORIZONTAL VOLTS/DIV control for specific collector supply settings. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 41 To select the step generator as the source, rotate the HORIZONTAL VOLTS/DIV control counterclockwise until the STEP GEN (V ) indicator located above the control lights. You can then position the control accordingly to select the step generator (V ) settings as listed in Table 2–2. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 42 (vertical or horizontal) of the CURSOR readout blinks. When a reference curve is displayed, the dot cursor is displayed only on the store or view curve. The dot cursor is not displayed in the non store display mode. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 43 The cursor SHIFT button is also used to change the function of other controls on the front panel. The alternate function is printed in blue below each button. Table 2–3 shows the alternate functions that can be selected by the cursor SHIFT button. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 44 Controls, Indicators, and Connectors 371B User Manual...
  • Page 45 Therefore, when necessary, the INVERT button is used to reverse polarity changes caused by changing the collector supply polarity. The INVERT indicator, located beside the button is lit to indicate inverted polarity. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 46 Press the STEP MULT .1X button to reduce the step signal amplitude by a factor of 10 without affecting the offset amplitude. The indicator above the button lights when the step multi function is enabled. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 47 The step amplitude is selected in a sequence of steps in the following ranges: Offset amplitude is set by using the STEP/OFFSET AMPLITUDE control together with the OFFSET buttons. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 48 The collector supply output automatically goes to 0 % when the polarity is switched. The step generator output level remains unchanged (except for the reversed polarity). 371B User Manual...
  • Page 49 Use the LOOPING COMPENSATION control to compensate for stray capacitance that may occur in the 371B and test fixture unit when the collector supply is in high-voltage mode. Rotate the collector supply VARIABLE knob to vary the collector supply voltage output.
  • Page 50 When the 371B is controlled by the GPIB, the REMOTE indicator lights. Press the RESET TO LOCAL button to switch the 371B back to local (front panel) control. When the remote enable (REN) signal has been sent over the GPIB and my listen address (MLA) is received, the 371B goes into remote mode and the REMOTE indicator is lit.
  • Page 51 Pressing the HARDCOPY button while holding down the LOCAL ADDR button causes the 371B to converts the waveform to CSV file format and save it into the floppy disk. The 371B can write/read 2HD floppy disk and can read 2DD floppy disk.
  • Page 52 Signal output controls, indicators, and connectors are shown in Figure 2–8. The HIGH VOLTAGE and HIGH CURRENT circuit breakers enable or disable the collector supply output. If the 371B detects an overcurrent condition, it automatically trips the breakers to disable output. The OUTPUTS ENABLED indicator lights when the collector supply or step generator outputs are enabled.
  • Page 53 The output is disabled for any other reason When the OUTPUTS ENABLED indicator is off, both the output and sense connectors are open circuits. The test fixture connector provides interconnection between the test fixture unit and the 371B. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 54 The left-most switch (as viewed when facing the rear panel) sets the message terminator; the other five switches set the address of the 371B on the GPIB. New settings become effective when the RESET TO LOCAL/ADDR button (on the front panel) is pressed while holding down the cursor SHIFT button.
  • Page 55 Controls, Indicators, and Connectors This connector is for the AC power cord. The line setting of the 371B is indicated by a screw in this area on the rear panel. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 56 CURRENT connector is the collector supply output in high current mode (when the peak power watts setting is 300 W or 3 kW). A voltage pulse with a maximum amplitude of 30 V and a pulse width of 250 s is available at this connector. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 57 The EMITTER/SOURCE/CATHODE connector is connected inside the adapter panel to the emitter (or equivalent) terminal of the test adapter connector. The EMITTER/SOURCE/CATHODE SENSE connector is connected inside the adapter panel to the emitter sense terminal of the test adapter connector. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 58 The BASE/GATE SENSE connector is connected inside the adapter panel to the base sense terminal of the test adapter connector. A test adapter plugs into the test adapter connector. These connections are wired inside the adapter panel to connectors 55 – 61. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 59 The location that displays up to 24 characters of user selectable text. System messages (such as OPERATION ERR, SAVE COM- PLETE, CHECKSUM ERROR, ERASE COMPLETE, etc.) are displayed in this area for about five seconds and are then automatically erased. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 60 RECALL button. This memory index number is called the setup ID. The curve ID and setup ID are removed from the display when a front-panel setting is changed or after five seconds have elapsed. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 61 Controls, Indicators, and Connectors 371B User Manual...
  • Page 62 This chapter describes general operating basics of the 371B. The following information leads you through the major operations associated with device measurements in the sequence listed below. Device connection Test fixture interlock Device stimulus Data acquisition Measurement modes Device characteristics display...
  • Page 63 Operating Basics The DUT connects to the 371B via the test fixture unit. All tests are made with the device mounted inside the test fixture unit and its protective cover closed. You can connect the DUT using one of two methods:...
  • Page 64 SENSE connector and the EMITTER/SOURCE/CATHODE SENSE connector. Resulting voltage and current measurements may be incorrect. One test adapters is provided as standard accessories for the 371B: the A1002 (In-Line Lead). Two other test adapters are available as optional accessories: the A1001 (Blank Adapter) and the A1005 (Axial Lead).
  • Page 65 Operating Basics 371B User Manual...
  • Page 66 Now you can connect the device directly to the patch panel as shown in Figure 2–15. The 371B main unit/test fixture is provided with a safety interlock system that disables the collector supply voltage whenever the test fixture cover is in the raised position.
  • Page 67 Operating Basics 371B User Manual...
  • Page 68 Looping is the result of either the capacitance of the 371B and the test fixture unit, or the capacitance of the DUT. It is not possible to completely compensate for capacitance in all semiconductor devices.
  • Page 69 CRT in the OFFSET readout area. . The offset is independent of the STEP MULTI .1X setting and the measurement mode. The amplitude of the selected offset is always at a constant value. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 70 To do this, press the step generator INVERT button. The 371B senses the effect of the collector supply and step generator stimulus signals on the DUT and performs voltage sensing using the SENSE connectors at the patch panel.
  • Page 71 There is a version of sweep mode for both the collector supply and the step generator as described in the following: The 371B is in collector supply sweep mode when the controls are set as follows: Collector Supply VARIABLE .
  • Page 72 ....any setting except 0 V (or 0 A) If you press SWEEP and the 371B controls are set at 0 V or 0 A, the 371B will display the OPERATION ERROR message.
  • Page 73 ENTER are stored at the memory location you specified, and the sweep continues. When the setting is recalled, sweep mode is automatically selected by the 371B. Refer to “Memory and Mass Storage” on page 2–50 for more information on saving settings.
  • Page 74 Text may be stored and recalled with setups and curves. Text entry is made using the display controls and the cursor SHIFT button. A text editing exercise is provided in “Operating Exercises” on page 3–2. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 75 Voltage sensitivity is set by the HORIZ VOLTS/DIV (horizontal volts per division) control as follows: When turned an appropriate number of positions clockwise, the HORIZ VOLTS/DIV control selects the collector measurement (V ) and sets the horizontal sensitivity in one of the ranges listed in Table 2–7. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 76 This mode can be used to observe rapid variations in a waveform. . You cannot save a displayed curve to mass storage when in the 371B is in non-store display mode.
  • Page 77 . The intensity of the characteristic curve when in non-store, store, or view modes is controlled with the NON-STORE/STORE/VIEW intensity knob. The 371B has a portion of memory allocated for a reference waveform. When the display REF (reference) button is pressed, the currently displayed store or view mode waveform is saved in reference waveform memory.
  • Page 78 Operating Basics The 371B has three types of display cursors which help make precise measure- ments: a window cursor, a dot cursor, and an f line cursor. Table 2–8 lists the relationships of these cursors. The window cursor is displayed as a rectangle with a bright dot in either the bottom left or top right corner, as selected by the cursor mode selection buttons.
  • Page 79 Demonstrations on how to use the f line cursor are provided in “Measurement Examples” on page 3–17. The 371B has a text editing mode for adding or modifying displayed text. Text is useful for labeling characteristic curve displays for ease of identification and to note conditions by which the measurement was obtained.
  • Page 80 TEXT CANCELED is displayed. To exit text edit mode and save text changes, press the ENTER button (also saves a displayed characteristic curve). Text edit mode ends and the 371B returns to normal operation. Text can also be saved as follows:...
  • Page 81 SHIFT button, then press the RECALL button. Refer to “The File Directory” on page 2–52 for details. The 371B mass storage system consists of non-volatile memory and a 3.5 inch floppy disk drive. This system is used to store both characteristic curve data (with display settings, readout values, and displayed text) and front-panel settings.
  • Page 82 371B and external devices 371B User Manual...
  • Page 83 DIRECTORY – SETUP – and the file directory lists the contents of the first five memory locations for front panel setup files. Again, the word MORE at the bottom of the page means there are more pages to the file directory. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 84 The setup SAVE and RECALL buttons allow you to save or recall a group of front panel settings. All of the front panel settings except those listed in Table 2–10 can be stored in and recalled from memory. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 85 ENTER button. Display settings, readout values, and displayed text are also saved. To view (read) a characteristic curve and associated information from a memory location, select the desired memory location number, then press the VIEW button. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 86 Operating Basics The 371B allows you to copy simultaneously up to 16 characteristic curves and up to 16 front-panel setups from floppy disk to non-volatile memory. You are able to perform tests more quickly when working files are being read from non-volatile memory rather than from directly from the floppy disk.
  • Page 87 Operating Basics The 371B allows you to simultaneously copy up to 16 characteristic curves and up to 16 front-panel setups from non-volatile memory to the floppy disk. The following example describes how you would use this feature: 1. Select the floppy disk memory location number to which you wish to copy the non-volatile memory contents.
  • Page 88 General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB). Refer to “GPIB” chapter on page 4–1 for detailed information regarding GPIB functions. A floppy disk must be formatted before it can be used in the 371B. A “371B” volume label is written and a “371B” sub-directory is made on the disk formatted on the 371B.
  • Page 89 79, formatting is completed, the message “DISK FOR- MATTED” is displayed, and the 371B returns to the preselected operating mode. The 371B can read/write 2HD floppy disk and can read 2DD floppy disk. The 3.5 inch floppy disks are easy to handle and store. However, observe the following precautions to protect the disk and the integrity of the stored data.
  • Page 90 Reference...
  • Page 92 Measurement Exercises which acquaint you with the fundamentals of performing semiconductor device measurements. NOTE. These procedures do not verify that the 371B meets the performance specifications listed in Appendix A. To verify that the 371B meets performance specifications, a qualified technician must perform the procedures provided in the 371B Service manual.
  • Page 93 These procedures are designed to acquaint the first-time user with control operations used to obtain and analyze semiconductor performance information with the 371B. After you have performed these procedures, you will be ready to work through the measurement exercises. Operating exercises are presented in the following order: H Powering-up the 371B and storing power-up default settings.
  • Page 94 5 seconds. If the Power-on Diagnostics detect no error, the message “SELFTEST PASS” is displayed on th error message area of the CRT. The 371B then configures to the default setup. Table 3–1 lists the default conditions of the 371B. The CRT controls and LOOPING COM- PENSATION control are not set at power-up.

  • Page 95: Table 3-1: Default Setup

    1. Turn the NON STORE/STORE/VIEW INTENSITY control clockwise until a spot appears at the bottom left corner of the CRT graticule. To avoid burning the CRT phosphor, adjust the NON STORE/STORE/VIEW INTENSITY control until the spot is just visible. 371B User Manual...

  • Page 96: Table 3-2: Display Area Readout At Power-Up

    You can set the year from 2000 until 2099, and set the time in 24 hours. The second will be reset to zero when you exit the date and time setting mode. 4. Press the cursor SHIFT button to exit the date and time setting mode. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 97 If vertical or horizontal readouts exceed the values listed above, refer a qualified technician to “Examining Calibration Voltage” in the 371B Service manual. NOTE. Failure of the instrument to meet the functional characteristic stated above will not prevent you from being able to continue with these operating exercises.
  • Page 98 11. Press the display INVERT button once again to resume normal operation. Exercising Setup Save These steps demonstrate the ability of the 371B to save and recall front-panel and Recall Features setups. 1. Press the memory up button to select memory location 4.
  • Page 99 COLLECTOR SUPPLY HIGH CURRENT SENSE to one end of the resistor. H Connect the COMMON and COMMON SENSE to the other end of the resistor. c. Close the protective cover on the test fixture unit. Proceed with the following control exercises. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 100 5 A/div. Observe that the dot moves downward. 6. Return the VERTICAL CURRENT/DIV knob to the 1 A/div setting. 7. Rotate the HORIZONTAL VOLTS/DIV knob clockwise, increasing horizontal sensitivity. Observe that the dot moves to the right. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 101 1. Observe that the memory location number is 1, then press the setup RECALL button to initialize the 371B. 2. Select the dot cursor. 3. Rotate the collector supply VARIABLE knob to move the dot to the approximate center of the display.
  • Page 102 Reference Exercising Text Editing This procedure demonstrates how text is entered and saved by the 371B. As Feature explained on page 2–48, user-entered text is useful for identifying characteristic curve displays and setups that are stored and recalled for later use.
  • Page 103 (you have about five seconds). NOTE. If the SAVE button is not pressed during the time the message PRESS SAVE is displayed, the message FORMAT ABORTED is displayed and the 371B returns to the preselected operating mode.
  • Page 104 Figure 3-2: The floppy disk write protect tab Eject Button Figure 3-3: Inserting a floppy disk Verifying Floppy Disk The following steps verify that the 371B will write to and read from a formatted Operation floppy disk. 1. Insert a formatted floppy disk into the disk drive.
  • Page 105 The following procedure demonstrates how to display a directory of memory and Directory floppy disk contents. Refer to “Memory and Mass Storage” on page 2–50 for additional information about the 371B memory and the directory display feature. 1. Hold down the cursor SHIFT button and then press the setup RECALL button.
  • Page 106 BMP File. When the HARDCOPY/BMP FILE button is pressed while holding the cursor SHIFT button, the 371B initiates making BMP file of the current screen curve image into the floppy disk. The BMP file can be made when the instru- ment is in Store mode only.
  • Page 107 20 k bytes. The file name is the same as BMP file but has the extension .csv. The data format is as follows: X1,Y1,<CR><LF>X2,Y2,<CR><LF>X3,Y3, ..X <CR><LF> where the maximum number of data “n” is 1024. 3-16 371B User Manual...
  • Page 108 H Measuring forward admittance of a power MOSFET. In the measurement examples, we will demonstrate using the dot, window, and f line cursors, as well as using other controls and 371B features that are not covered in the “Operating Exercises” earlier in this chapter.
  • Page 109 (default) control settings. One way to initialize the 371B is to cycle power off, then back on. But that’s not the best way. The best way is to save the power-up settings in memory and recall them from memory as directed in the procedures.
  • Page 110 4. Observe that the memory location is set to 1, then press the setup RECALL button to initialize the 371B. If you have not saved the initial setup in memory, refer to “Saving the Initial (Default) Setup” on page 3–18.
  • Page 111 Reference 5. Set the 371B controls as follows: a. Set the VERTICAL CURRENT/DIV and HORIZONTAL VOLTS/ DIV to appropriate values depending on the forward current and forward voltage rating of the diode. b. Disable the step generator by holding down the cursor SHIFT button and then pressing the STEP MULTI .1X button.
  • Page 112 Figure 3-6: Using f line cursor to measure forward resistance of a diode 13. Observe that the CURSOR (f:1/grad) readout area indicates the on-state resistance of the diode. 14. Set the collector supply HIGH CURRENT breaker to the DISABLED position. 3-21 371B User Manual...
  • Page 113 “Measuring Breakdown Voltage Characteristics of a Diode.” If you are finished testing at this point, open the protective cover, remove the diode, and power down the 371B. Measuring Breakdown Voltage Characteristics of a Diode. The dot cursor is used in this demonstration.
  • Page 114 H Connect COMMON to the cathode end of the diode. c. Close the protective cover on the test fixture unit. 5. Initialize the 371B by setting the memory location to 1 and then pressing the memory RECALL button. If you have not saved the initial setup in memory refer to “Saving the Initial (Default) Setup”...
  • Page 115 11. Set the collector supply HIGH VOLTAGE to the DISABLED position. 12. Open the protective cover and remove the diode, test adapter (if used) and patch cords. Reinstall the adapter panel, if removed. The 371B is now ready for another operation. 3-24...
  • Page 116 1. Obtain a high-power bipolar transistor. 2. Set the collector supply HIGH VOLTAGE and HIGH CURRENT breakers to their DISABLED position. 3. If using a test adapter, perform Step 4. If using patch cords, perform Step 5. 3-25 371B User Manual...
  • Page 117 Close the protective cover on the test fixture unit. Check the location of the transistor leads to ensure that no short circuits exist to other leads or the inside of the test fixture unit. 3-26 371B User Manual...
  • Page 118 6. Set the memory location to 1 then press the setup RECALL button to initialize the 371B. If you have not saved the initial setup in memory, refer to “Saving the Initial (Default) Setup” on page 3–18. 7. Set the 371B controls as follows: a.
  • Page 119 If you are finished testing at this point, open the protective cover, and remove the transistor and patch cords. Reinstall the adapter panel, if removed. The 371B is now ready for another operation. Figure 3-10: Collector current versus collector/emitter voltage characteristic curve 3-28...
  • Page 120 3. Press the display STORE button again, then press the measurement SWEEP button. 4. The 371B displays the collector current versus collector/emitter voltage curve as shown earlier in Figure 3–10. 5. Turn the REF INTENSITY control throughout its range. Observe that only the brightness of the reference curve is varied.
  • Page 121 “Measuring Saturation Voltage”. If you are finished testing at this point, open the protective cover, and remove the transistor and patch cords. Reinstall the adapter panel, if removed. The 371B is now ready for another operation. 3-30 371B User Manual...
  • Page 122 “Displaying Collector Current Versus Collector/Emitter Voltage”. 3. Set the memory location to 1, then press the setup RECALL button to initialize the 371B. If you have not saved the initial setup in memory, refer to “Saving the Initial (Default) Setup” on page 3–18.
  • Page 123 Reference 4. Set the 371B controls as follows: Step Generator NUMBER OF STEPS ..STEP/OFFSET AMPLITUDE ..500 mA/Step Display VERTICAL CURRENT/DIV ..HORIZONTAL VOLTS/DIV .
  • Page 124 If you are finished testing at this point, open the protective cover, and remove the transistor and patch cords. Reinstall the adapter panel if removed. The 371B is now ready for another operation. Measuring Breakdown Voltage. This procedure demonstrates how to measure the collector/emitter breakdown voltage of a bipolar transistor.
  • Page 125 Figure 3-13: Adapter panel and patch panel connections for measuring breakdown voltage characteristics of a bipolar transistor 5. If using patch cords, perform the following: a. Remove the adapter panel as described under “Device Connection” on page 2–32. 3-34 371B User Manual...
  • Page 126 6. Set the memory location to 1, then press the setup RECALL button to initialize the 371B. If you have not saved the initial setup in memory, refer to “Saving the Initial (Default) Setup” on page 3–18.
  • Page 127 CRT, as shown in Figure 3–14. Figure 3-14: Display of the BV and BV breakdown measurements with reference function 20. Set the collector supply HIGH VOLTAGE breaker to the DISABLED position. 21. This completes the transistor measurement exercises. 3-36 371B User Manual...

  • Page 128: Table 3-3: Bipolar Transistor/Mosfet Characteristics Comparison

    Reference Open the protective cover and remove the transistor and patch cords. Reinstall the adapter panel if removed. The 371B is now ready for other test applications. Power MOSFET The techniques for measuring the operating characteristics of power MOSFET Measurement Exercises are similar to the techniques used for bipolar transistors.
  • Page 129 Connect the patch cords between connectors on the adapter and patch panels as shown in Figure 3–15. d. Close the protective cover. Figure 3-15: Adapter panel and patch panel connections for measuring power MOSFET characteristics 3-38 371B User Manual...
  • Page 130 STEP GENERATOR VOLTAGE connector helps prevent oscillation. 6. Set the memory location to 1, then press the setup RECALL button to initialize the 371B. If you have not saved the initial setup in memory, refer back to “Saving the Initial (Default) Setup” on page 3–18.
  • Page 131 “Measuring Forward Admittance of a Power MOSFET.” If you are finished testing at this point, open the protective cover, and remove the MOSFET and patch cords. Reinstall the adapter panel if removed. The 371B is now ready for another operation. 3-40 371B User Manual...
  • Page 132 Reference Figure 3-16: Drain current versus drain/source voltage characteristics for a power MOSFET 3-41 371B User Manual...
  • Page 133 Drain/Source Voltage Characteristics”. 2. Set the memory location to 1, then press the setup RECALL button to initialize the 371B. If you have not saved the initial setup in memory, refer back to “Saving the Initial (Default) Setup” earlier in this chapter.
  • Page 134 Figure 3–18. Figure 3-18: Forward transfer curve, I = 8 A 10. Use the cursor position buttons to move the dot cursor until the drain current readout attains the forward transfer admittance measurement condition value. 3-43 371B User Manual...
  • Page 135 14. Set the collector supply HIGH CURRENT breaker to the DISABLED position. 15. If you are finished testing at this point, open the protective cover, and remove the MOSFET and patch cords. Reinstall the adapter panel if removed. The 371B is now available for another operation. 3-44 371B User Manual...
  • Page 136 GPIB...
  • Page 138 GPIB This chapter describes the GPIB Interface used by the 371B following order: H Review of GPIB principles. H Interface capabilities. H System setup and configuration. H Controlling the 371B over the GPIB. H Device-dependent message format. H Front-panel settings and corresponding GPIB commands.
  • Page 139 A typical GPIB system will include a controller and one or more instruments, such as the 371B. Some instruments are talk-only or listen-only devices while others can both talk and listen. The 371B does both. Linking a controller to the 371B, and possibly other instruments, provides operation in four major task...
  • Page 140 39. The controller uses this address to set an instrument to talk or listen. Sending Data and Commands. Device-dependent messages carry commands and data from the controller to the 371B and return instrument status information and measurement data. The ATN line (pin 11 of the GPIB) is asserted while interface messages are sent to identify them from device-dependent messages.
  • Page 141 16 signal lines within the bus. Multi-line messages can be further subdivided into universal commands, addresses, and addressed commands. Figure 4–2 shows how the different types of GPIB messages are related and indicates the standard three-letter symbols assigned to them. 371B User Manual...

  • Page 142: Commands

    371B. Transmitting and Receiving Data. Most instruments talk (send data) and listen (receive data) to the system controller. The 371B does both. In fact, the 371B sends and receives two classes of data: instrument setups and measurement results.
  • Page 143 GPIB Handling Interrupts. The 371B and other devices in the system can generate interrupts to inform the controller of conditions warranting some sort of attention, such as an error condition or the completion of an operation. The controller polls the devices on the bus to find the source of the interrupt, reads its status, and takes appropriate action.

  • Page 144: Table 4-1: Gpib Interface Specifications

    Due to the set of interface functions required for the 371B, not all of the possible interface messages would be meaningful. The 371B does not respond to the...
  • Page 145 SDC. Go To Local (GTL). The Go To Local (CTL) message (ASCII “Control A”, decimal 1) returns the 371B to the front panel and turns off the front panel REMOTE indicator, just as the front panel LOCAL button does.
  • Page 146 (ASCII Control Y, decimal 25) switches the 371B back to normal operation. End or Identity (END or EOI). The 371B or controller sets End Or Identify (EOI) simultaneously with the last byte of the command or data if LF (line feed) /EOI is currently selected as the message terminator.
  • Page 147 1024 digitized points representing the displayed curves. These binary-coded numbers are interpreted by the controller. Two other types of data that can be read out of the 371B are: the coordinates of a cursor located on the curves, and the text shown in the text-display area of the screen.
  • Page 148 These steps are discussed in the following paragraphs. Setting the Bus Address The 371B has a configuration switch bank on the rear panel which is used to set the bus address and message terminator (see Figure 4–3). LF or EOI...
  • Page 149 The two most common terminators are the EOI (end or identify) signal line and the LF (line feed) character. If EOI is selected, the 371B will assert the EOI line simultaneously with the last data byte when sending a message, and will recognize the EOI line as the terminator when receiving a message.
  • Page 150 GPIB Connecting the GPIB The 371B is attached to the GPIB using a standard GPIB cable. A GPIB system Cable may be connected in two general configurations; a star or line as shown in Figure 4–4. Star Line Mixed Figure 4-4: Bus configurations...
  • Page 151 “on-line.” Self Test. To turn on the 371B, press the front panel POWER switch. The 371B performs a self-test at power-up and initializes itself to a pre-defined state, after which it’s ready to make measurements.
  • Page 152 The following examples show command strings for two controllers and a representative language for each. The first is an IBM PC with a Tektronix GURU card (or National Instruments model PC2 or PC2A card) running BASICA. The second is a Hewlett Packard 200 or 300 Series Scientific Computer running Series 200 or 300 BASIC.

  • Page 153: Table 4-2: Controller Output Syntax

    GPIB A useful addressing variation assigns the 371B address to a variable and uses that variable in place of the specific numeric address. In the following examples, the address is set to “6”. This method works for both the example controllers...

  • Page 154: Table 4-3: Controller Input Syntax

    710,S$ Instrument Setup Over the One popular use of the GPIB with the 371B is to store front panel settings for later recall. These stored settings are then used to set up the curve tracer for repeating specific tests. This is accomplished by using a query command to acquire from the 371B an ASCII string representing the front panel setup.
  • Page 155 RECall Figure 4-5: Transfer of settings To bring the 371B front panel setting data into the controller, use the SET? query and put the response into a string variable or variables that can hold up to 500 characters. From there it can be stored on any medium available to the controller, such as magnetic tape or disk.
  • Page 156 One way to remind the operator what needs to be done is to send a message using the text display area of the 371B screen. Send an appropriate message of up to 24 characters using the TEXt <string>...
  • Page 157 Controller Figure 4-6: Data transfer under GPIB control In most cases, acquiring data with the 371B involves two parts, both done automatically by the instrument. The first is to code the necessary scale factors and other parameters into a series of words and numbers. The words are English but are standardized so they can also be read by a computer.
  • Page 158 Together with the preamble it fully describes the displayed curve. Acquiring Data Within the 371B. To acquire data, set the display function to Store mode. The command to do this over the bus is DISplay STOre. At this point the current set of parameters are recorded and the curves being shown are digitized.
  • Page 159 Transferring the Waveform to Mass Storage. Another possibility for storing data under control of the bus is to put the waveform into a mass-storage waveform- storage location. Use the ENTer <NR1> command, where the number, <NR1>, is the storage location index. 371B User Manual 4-22...
  • Page 160 Controller of 17 through 80 requires that an unlocked floppy disk be in place. NOTE. Data transferred from the 371B in Store mode cannot be reloaded to the 371B. Loading the Preamble. The command WFMpre <string>, where <string> is a waveform preamble, will load that preamble into the 371B.
  • Page 161 Command Message Commands for the 371B Curve Tracer, like those for other Tektronix GPIB Formats instruments, follow the conventions of the Tektronix Standard Codes and Formats.
  • Page 162 GPIB The following are all valid versions of the INIt command, which resets the 371B to the initial state following power-up. INrr Init init inIT The Command List portion of this section describes all the 371B commands and queries. In the Command List, the elements of each command and query are listed in tabular format.
  • Page 163 Do not put a space between the last character of the key word and the question mark. Queries for the 371B need only the header and question mark, though the response will usually be more involved.

  • Page 164: Table 4-4: Numeric Argument Formats

    -12.3 E -2, .005E-6, 0.000E-3, scientific notation 6.7E+4, 2.35E-3, 0.E0, 125E-6 Generally: An <NR1> argument must be sent to the 371B in that format (i.e., without a decimal point). An <NR2> argument may be sent to the 371B in either <NR2> or <NR1> format.
  • Page 165 ASCII strings. As mentioned before, the only device-dependent messages not sent as ASCII strings are the binary data used for curves. All other messages, both to and from the 371B, are ASCII strings made up of numbers or key words pertaining to the applicable parameters.
  • Page 166 2 for the 10 bits of the X coordinate and 2 for the 10 bits of the Y coordinate: XXYYXXYY . . . XXYY And finally there is one byte which is the checksum for the preceding 4098 data bytes. 371B User Manual 4-29...

  • Page 167: Table 4-6: Gpib Commands And Queries For Front-Panel Controls

    GPIB 371B GPIB Commands Introduction 371B GPIB commands are divided into three classes, the front panel control commands, display data and CRT readout I/O commands, and the system commands. Each class has several command groups, sorted by function. Front Panel Control...
  • Page 168 NUMBER OF STEPS STPgen STPgen? Step Generator STEP/OFFSET AMPLITUDE STPgen STPgen? Step Generator OFFSET STPgen STPgen? Step Generator STEP MULTI .1X STPgen STPgen? Step Generator DISABLE STPgen STPgen? Step Generator Cursor Controls Cursor Mode CURsor none Cursor 371B User Manual 4-31...

  • Page 169: Table 4-7: General Setting Information And Related Gpib

    CSOut? Collector Supply Breakers Table 4-7: General Setting Information and Related GPIB Commands Setting Information Command or Query Group Set the 371B controls to the power up INIt Instrument Parameters default settings What are the current 371B SET? Instrument Parameters...

  • Page 170: Table 4-8: Command And Query Groups

    GPIB Command Reference The 371B has commands and queries in nine function groups: H Collector Supply: control and report collector supply settings. H CRT Readout Transfer: read and write display text and report the cursor readout. H Cursor: control and report cursor position and set cursor mode.
  • Page 171 Cursor CURsor DOT? LINe LINe? WINdow WINdow? Display DISplay DISplay? ENTer HORiz HORiz? VERt VERt? Instrument Parameter DEBug DEBug? HELp? INIt SET? TESt? Miscellaneous MEAsure MEAsure? OUTputs? PLOt RECall SAVe Status and Event EVEnt? OPC? RQS? 371B User Manual 4-34...
  • Page 172 GPIB Table 4-8: Command and Query Groups (Cont.) Query Group Command Step Generator STPgen STPgen? Waveform Transfer CURve CURve? WAVfrm? WFMpre WFMpre WFMpre? WFMpre NR.PT WFMpre? NR.PT 371B User Manual 4-35...
  • Page 173 ..........4–65 371B User Manual 4-36...
  • Page 174 ......... . 4–58 371B User Manual 4-37...
  • Page 175 Commands and Queries of the collector supply polarity, mode, peak power, and output level. They also query the 371B on the status of the collector supply HIGH CURRENT and HIGH VOLTAGE breakers, which cannot be set via the GPIB. The commands and queries in this group include:...
  • Page 176 GPIB CSOut? Group Collector Supply Purpose Queries the 371B for the current setting of the collector supply HIGH VOLT- AGE and HIGH CURRENT breakers. Header Argument Definition and Syntax CSOut? Respond with the collector supply breaker status. Response syntax: CSOut <mode>...
  • Page 177 Sets the collector supply polarity and mode. Header Argument Definition and Syntax CSPol Select the collector supply polarity and mode. POSiti e POSitive Command syntax: CSPol <mode> NEGative NEGative where: <mode>= NPN, POSitive, PNP, or NEGative 371B User Manual 4-40...
  • Page 178 GPIB CSPol? Group Collector Supply Purpose Queries the 371B for the current setting of the collector supply polarity. Header Argument Definition and Syntax CSPol? Respond with the collector supply polarity. Respond syntax: CSPOL <mode> where: <mode>= NPN or PNP 371B User Manual...
  • Page 179 Sets the collector supply peak power watts setting. Header Argument Definition and Syntax PKPower 3000 Set the maximum peak power, in watts. Command syntax: PKPower <set> where: <set> = 3000 or 300 or 30 or 3 or 0.3 or 0.03 371B User Manual 4-42...
  • Page 180 GPIB PKPower? Group Collector Supply Purpose Queries the 371B for the current setting of the collector supply peak power watts setting. Header Argument Definition and Syntax PKPower? Respond with the maximum peak power setting, in watts. Response Syntax: PKPower <set>...
  • Page 181 VCSpply <NR2> Set the collector supply output level (variable). The argument is stated as a percentage with allowed increments of 0.1 %. Command syntax: VCSpply <data> where: <data> = 0.0 or 0.1 ..99.9 or 100.0 371B User Manual 4-44...
  • Page 182 GPIB VCSpply? Group Collector Supply Purpose Queries the 371B for the current setting of the collector supply output level. Header Argument Definition and Syntax VCSpply? Respond with the collector supply output level (variable) setting. Response Syntax: VCSpply <data> where: <data> = 0.0 or 0.1 ..
  • Page 183 The CRT Readout Transfer group allows the controller to read horizontal and Commands and Queries vertical cursor parameters from the 371B, and to read or write text in the text area of the display graticule. The commands and queries in this group include:...
  • Page 184 GPIB BGM? Group CRT Readout Transfer Purpose Queries the 371B for the b or gm/DIV readout. Header Argument Definition and Syntax BGM? Respond with the b or gm/DIV readout from the display. Respond syntax: BGM <para> where: <para> = <NR1>...
  • Page 185 GPIB REAdout? Group CRT Readout Transfer Purpose Queries the 371B for the vertical and horizontal cursor parameter readouts. Header Argument Definition and Syntax REAdout? default The default argument is STRing. STRing STRing Window cursor values are for the location of the bright dot in the SCIentific corner of the window cursor.
  • Page 186 GPIB TEXt Group CRT Readout Transfer Purpose Allows the controller to write text on the 371B display. Header Argument Definition and Syntax TEXt <string> Display the text string in the text display area of the CRT graticule. Command syntax: TEXt “<text>”...
  • Page 187 GPIB TEXt? Group CRT Readout Transfer Purpose Queries the 371B for any text displayed in the text area of the CRT graticules. Header Argument Definition and Syntax TEXt? Respond with the text currently displayed in the text area of the CRT.
  • Page 188 GPIB CRT Commands and The Cursor group selects Cursor mode and positions the selected cursor on the Queries display, or queries the 371B on the position of the cursor. The commands and queries in this group include: CURSor DOT? LINe...
  • Page 189 GPIB CURSor Group Cursor Purpose Sets the 371B mode to off. Header Argument Definition and Syntax CURSor Set the cursor mode to OFF. Command syntax: CURSor OFF Also see the REAdout? query in the CRT Readout Command group for extracting data from the cursor.
  • Page 190 GPIB Group Cursor Purpose Sets the 371B dot cursor position to a specific point on the currently displayed curve. Header Argument Definition and Syntax <NR1> Set the dot cursor on the specified data point in the current curve. Command syntax: DOT <data>...
  • Page 191 GPIB DOT? Group Cursor Purpose Queries the 371B for the location of the dot cursor on the currently displayed curve. Header Argument Definition and Syntax DOT? Respond with the dot cursor position. Response syntax: DOT <NR1> where: <NR1> = a number between o and 1024 specifying the location of the dot cursor on the currently displayed curve.
  • Page 192 0, 0 and top right corner coordinates are 1000, 1000. Command syntax: LINe <data1>,<data2> where: <data1> = 0 ..1000 horizontal position <data2> = 0 ..1000 vertical position 371B User Manual 4-55...
  • Page 193 GPIB LINe? Group Cursor Purpose Queries the 371B for the intercept position on the f line cursor on the display. Header Argument Definition and Syntax LINe? Respond with the f line cursor intercept position. This position is a point on a square grid whose bottom left corner coordinates are 0, 0 and top right corner coordinates are 1000, 1000.
  • Page 194 <data1> = 0 ..1000 (bottom left horizontal position) <data2> = 0 ..1000 (bottom left vertical position) <data3> = 0 ..1000 (bottom right horizontal position) <data4> = 0 ..1000 (bottom right vertical position) 371B User Manual 4-57...
  • Page 195 GPIB WINdow? Group Cursor Purpose Queries the 371B for the positions and sizes the window cursor on the CRT graticules. Header Argument Definition and Syntax WINdow? Respond with the window cursor position (The cursor window is defined by four points, which are specified in the argument portion of the response.
  • Page 196 The Display group of commands and queries controls and reports the status of Queries the display. The 371B settings controlled by this group include: mode, polarity, source, sensitivity, and calibration mode. Also included by this group is a command to send store-mode displays to specified location in mass storage.
  • Page 197 DISplay <mode>:<status> where: <mode> = INVert <status> = ON or OFF CAL: ZERo Set the CRT calibration mode. Command syntax: FULl DISplay <mode>:<status> DISplay <mode>:<status> where: <mode> = CAL <status> = ZERo or OFF or FULl 371B User Manual 4-60...
  • Page 198 GPIB DISplay? Group Display Purpose Queries the 371B for the current settings of the display, polarity, and calibration mode. Header Argument Definition and Syntax DISplay? Respond with the current display settings. Response syntax: DISplay <mode1>,<mode2>,<mode3>,<mode4> where: <mode1> = INVERT:OFF or INVERT:ON <mode2>...
  • Page 199 Definition and Syntax ENTer <NR1> Store the displayed curve data in the specified memory location. (This command is valid only in store or view mode.) Command syntax: ENTer <index> where: <index> = 1 ..80 (memory location) 371B User Manual 4-62...
  • Page 200 GPIB HORiz Group Display Purpose Set the 371B horizontal display source and sensitivity. Header Argument Linked Argument Definition and Syntax HORiz STPgen: <NR3> Select the horizontal display source and COLlect: <NR3> sensitivity (volts/div). Command syntax: HORiz <source>:<volt> where: <source> = COLlect or STPgen When <source>...
  • Page 201 GPIB HORiz? Group Display Purpose Queries the 371B for the current horizontal source and sensitivity settings. Header Argument Definition and Syntax HORiz? Response with horizontal display source and sensitivity. Response syntax: HORiz <source>:<volt> where: <source> = COLLECT or STPGEN <volt> = sensitivity (volt/div) <NR3>...
  • Page 202 GPIB VERt Group Display Purpose Set the vertical sensitivity of the 371B. Header Argument Linked Argument Definition and Syntax VERt COLlect: <NR3> Set the vertical sensitivity (A/div). The source, COLlect, is required as the argument. Command syntax: VERt COLlect:<amp> where: <amp>...
  • Page 203 GPIB VERt? Group Display Purpose Queries the 371B for the vertical sensitivity settings. Header Argument Definition and Syntax VERt? Response with vertical display source and sensitivity. COLLECT is always given as the source in the argument portion of the query.
  • Page 204 The Instrument Parameter commands and queries group is helpful for determin- Commands and Queries ing the status of the 371B when problems are encountered. The 371B can be queried for its firmware version, all current settings, a list of all valid command and query headers, and whether debug mode is enabled.
  • Page 205 Header Argument Definition and Syntax DEBug Enable or disable the debug feature. When ON, the 371B momentarily displays the last 15 characters of the received string in the error message area of the display. Command syntax: DEBug <status> where: <status> = ON or OFF...
  • Page 206 GPIB DEBug? Group Instrument Parameter Purpose Queries the 371B for the status of the debug mode. Header Argument Definition and Syntax DEBug? Respond with the status of the debug mode. Response syntax: DEBUG <status> where: <status> = ON or OFF...
  • Page 207 GPIB HELp? Group Instrument Parameter Purpose Ask the 371B for a list of all valid command and query headers. Header Argument Definition and Syntax HELp? Respond with a list of all valid command and query headers. Response syntax: HELP READOUT, TEXT, LINE, DOT, WINDOW, CURSOR, BGM,...
  • Page 208 GPIB Group Instrument Parameter Purpose Queries the 371B for its firmware version. Header Argument Definition and Syntax Respond with the 371B ID. Response syntax: ID SONY_TEK/371B, V81.1F <version> where: <version> = current firmware version 371B User Manual 4-71...
  • Page 209 GPIB INIt Group Instrument Parameter Purpose Initializes the 371B to its power-up settings. Header Argument Definition and Syntax INIt Initializes the instrument. Settings are the same as at power up and are shown below. Function INIt Value DISplay STORE CURSor...
  • Page 210 GPIB SET? Group Instrument Parameter Purpose Queries the 371B for its current front-panel settings. Header Argument Definition and Syntax SET? Respond with the front panel settings. Response syntax: OPC<mode>;RQS<mode>;PKPOWER<watts>; CSPOL,<polarity>;HORIZ<source:size>;VERT COLLECT:<size>; STPGEN OUT:<mode>,NUMBER;<number>,OFFSET:<offset>, VERT:<mode>,MULT:<mode>,<source:size>;VCSPPLY:<mode>; CAL:<mode>,<display mode>,REF:<mode>,TEXT”<text>”; CURSOR<mode> Response syntax [when the measurement mode is SWEep or SSWeep (slow sweep)]: OPC<mode>;RQS<mode>;PKPOWER<watts>;...
  • Page 211 Perform ROM and RAM checks and respond with the result. Response example (with no error found): TEST ROM:00000, RAM:0000 NOTE: Refer to GPIB Diagnostics" in CHapter 3: Maintenance of the 371B Service manual for codes other than 0000. 371B User Manual 4-74...
  • Page 212 PSTatus? RECall SAVe An alphabetical listing of all command and query headers is given in the “Command Index”. A cross reference for front-panel controls and corresponding GPIB commands and queries is also given in Table 4–6. 371B User Manual 4-75...
  • Page 213 Miscellaneous Purpose Selects the measurement mode. Header Argument Definition and Syntax MEAsure REPeat Select the measurement mode. SINgle SINgle Command syntax: SWEep MEAsure <mode> SWEep? SWEep? where: <mode> = REPeat or SINgle or SWEep or SSWeep 371B User Manual 4-76...
  • Page 214 GPIB MEAsure? Group Miscellaneous Purpose Queries the 371B for the current measurement mode setting. Header Argument Definition and Syntax MEAsure? Respond with the current measurement mode setting. Response syntax: MEASURE <mode> where: <mode> = REPEAT or SINGLE or SWEEP or SSWEEP...
  • Page 215 GPIB OUTput? Group Miscellaneous Purpose Queries the 371B for the status of the output connectors. Header Argument Definition and Syntax OUTput? Respond with the status of the output connectors. Response syntax: OUTPUT <status> where: <status> = ENABLED or DISABLED ENABLED = all connector outputs enabled except interlock.
  • Page 216 Select the printer interface mode, curve only or curve plus CURve readout and graticule, and start the output to the printer. Command syntax: PLOt <mode> where: <mode> = ALL or CURve ALL = Curve with readout data and graticule CUR = Curve only 371B User Manual 4-79...
  • Page 217 GPIB PSTatus? Group Miscellaneous Purpose Queries the 371B for the status of the printer interface. Header Argument Definition and Syntax PSTatus Respond with the current status of the printer. Response syntax: PSTatus <status> where: <status> = READY or BUSY READY = idle mode...
  • Page 218 Purpose Recalls a set of front-panel settings. Header Argument Definition and Syntax RECall <NR1> Recall the front panel settings from a specified memory location. Command syntax: RECall <index> where: <index> = 1 ..80 (memory location) 371B User Manual 4-81...
  • Page 219 Saves the current set of front-panel settings. Header Argument Definition and Syntax SAVe <NR1> Save the current front panel settings in the specified memory location. Command syntax: SAVe <index> where: <index> = 1 ..80 (memory location) 371B User Manual 4-82...
  • Page 220 EVEnt? OPC? RQS? An alphabetical listing of all command and query headers is given in the “Command Index”. A cross reference for front-panel controls and corresponding GPIB commands and queries is also given in Table 4–6. 371B User Manual 4-83...
  • Page 221 GPIB EVEnt? Group Status and Event Purpose Queries the 371B for the event code of the most recent event. Header Argument Definition and Syntax EVEnt? Return the event code for the most recent event. Response syntax: EVENT <code> where: <code> = A three digit event code. Refer to Event Codes" later in this chapter for a list of event codes and definitions.
  • Page 222 Enable or disable assertion of operation complete service request upon completion of an operation, a change in the circuit breaker status, or a change in the status of the interlock system. Command syntax: OPC <status> where: <status> = ON or OFF 371B User Manual 4-85...
  • Page 223 GPIB OPC? Group Status and Event Purpose Queries the 371B for the status of the operation complete service request (OPC). Header Argument Definition and Syntax OPC? Respond with the current status of the operation complete service request feature. Response syntax: OPC <status>...
  • Page 224 GPIB Group Status and Event Purpose Sets the status of Service Requests. Header Argument Definition and Syntax Enabled or disabled assertion of service requests (RQSs). Command syntax: RQS <status> where: <status> = ON or OFF 371B User Manual 4-87...
  • Page 225 GPIB RQS? Group Status and Event Purpose Queries the 371B for the status of service request. Header Argument Definition and Syntax RQS? Respond with the current status of service request. Response syntax: RQS? <status> where: <status> = ON for enabled or OFF for disabled.
  • Page 226 The commands and queries in this group include: STPgen STPgen? An alphabetical listing of all command and query headers is given in the “Command Index”. A cross reference for front-panel controls and corresponding GPIB commands and queries is also given in Table 4–6. 371B User Manual 4-89...
  • Page 227 OFFset: <NR2> Set the offset of the step generator. Command syntax: STPgen OFFset: <val> where: <val> = 0.00 or 0.01 ..9.99 or 10.00 (0.00 through 5.00 when Step/Offset Amplitude is 5 V or 2 A) 371B User Manual 4-90...
  • Page 228 GPIB STPgen? Group Step Generator Purpose Queries the 371B for the current settings of the step generator source, number of steps, step size, polarity, step multiplication, and offset. Header Argument Definition and Syntax STPgen? Respond with the step generator source, amps/step or volt/step, number of steps, offset, polarity, multiplier mode, or output mode.
  • Page 229 WFMpre NR.PT WFMpre? NR.PT An alphabetical listing of all command and query headers is given in the “Command Index”. A cross reference for front-panel controls and corresponding GPIB commands and queries is also given in Table 4–6. 371B User Manual 4-92...
  • Page 230 <point> = two bytes indicating the X coordinate and two bytes indicating Y coordinate for a point (00 through FF). <checksum> = One byte, the two's complement of the modulo 256 sum of the preceding binary data. 371B User Manual 4-93...
  • Page 231 GPIB CURve? Group Waveform Transfer Purpose Queries the 371B for curve data. Header Argument Definition and Syntax CURve? Respond with the curve data for the view curve when in view mode, and with the curve data for the current display when in store mode.
  • Page 232 GPIB WAVfrm? Group Waveform Transfer Purpose Queries the 371B for the curve and preamble data. This query function as a combination of the WFMpre? and CURve? queries. Header Argument Definition and Syntax WAVfrm? Respond with both preamble and curve data for the current waveform.
  • Page 233 ( 1 thru 1024) <x multi> = horizontal scale factor, <NR3> <x off> = horizontal offset, <NR1> <y multi> = vertical scale factor, <NR3> <y off> = vertical offset, <NR1> <format> = VECTOR, DOT, or SWEEP <cnt> 371B User Manual 4-96...
  • Page 234 GPIB WFMpre? Group Waveform Transfer Purpose Queries the 371B for the preamble data stored in a specified memory location. Header Argument Definition and Syntax WFMpre? Respond with the waveform preamble from the specified memory location. Response syntax: WFD:<wfid>,ENCDG:BIN,NR.PT:<point>,PT.FMT:XY, XMULT:<x multi>,XZERO:0,XOFF:<x off>,XUNIT:V, YMULT:<y multi>,YZERO:YOFF:<y off>,YUNIT:A,BYT/NR:2,...
  • Page 235 Sets the length of the waveform. Header Argument Linked Argument Definition and Syntax WFMpre NR.PT: <NR1> Set the number of points input for the CURve command. Command syntax: WFMpre NR.PT:<points> where: <points> = 1 ..1024 371B User Manual 4-98...
  • Page 236 GPIB WFMpre? NR.PT Group Waveform Transfer Purpose Queries the 371B for the length of a waveform previously defined with the WFMpre NR.PT command. Header Argument Definition and Syntax WFMpre? NR.PT: Respond with the NR.PT waveform preamble data. Response syntax: WFMPRE NR.PT:<points>...
  • Page 237 (A complete list of status bytes that can occur is found in Table 4–9.) After polling the 371B for the status byte, the controller can obtain more detailed information about the service request event by sending the EVEnt? query. The response to an EVEnt? query is an event code, which is an <NR1>...
  • Page 238 371B will not assert them until the mask is removed. This masking is accom- plished with the RQS and OPC commands. RQS ON enables the 371B to assert an SRQ when it has an event to report. If this feature is turned off (RQS OFF), up to 10 events are still accumulated and can be retrieved with successive EVEnt? queries.

  • Page 239: Table 4-9: Status Byte Responses

    1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Device dependent event. This status byte is set when there is an event specific to the 371B. Primarily, these events signify the completion of a process, such as "PRINTER OUTPUT COMPLETE."...

  • Page 240: Table 4-10: Status Byte And Event Code

    NR, PT and byte count unmatch No waveform available Step Gen setting in Step Gen. Disabled mode Format error NVM data empty NVM read/write error Checksum error FD data empty FD not ready Write protect Disk full Invalid data FD fault 371B User Manual 4-103...
  • Page 241 Sweep measurement complete (at OPC ON) Printer output complete Collector Supply recovered Collector Supply breaker changed (at OPC ON) Interlock system changed (at OPC ON) Format complete (at OPC ON) Copy complete (at OPC ON) NVM erase complete (at OPC ON) 371B User Manual 4-104...
  • Page 244 This appendix specifies the electrical, mechanical, and environment performance requirements of the 371B. The following electrical and environmental characteristics are valid for instru- ments operated at ambient temperatures from +10HC to +40HC after an initial warmup period of 20 minutes, when previously calibrated at a temperature from +20 to +30HC.
  • Page 245 Appendix A: Specification 371B User Manual...
  • Page 246 Appendix A: Specification 371B User Manual...
  • Page 247 Appendix A: Specification 371B User Manual...
  • Page 248 Appendix A: Specification 371B User Manual...
  • Page 249 Appendix A: Specification 371B User Manual...
  • Page 250 Appendix A: Specification 371B User Manual...
  • Page 251 Appendix A: Specification β β 371B User Manual...
  • Page 252 Appendix A: Specification 371B User Manual...
  • Page 253 Appendix A: Specification 371B User Manual...
  • Page 254 Appendix A: Specification 371B User Manual...
  • Page 255 Appendix A: Specification 371B User Manual...
  • Page 256 Appendix A: Specification The IEEE-488-1978 (GPIB) standard defines the GPIB interface functions and the allowed subsets of those functions. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 257 Appendix A: Specification 371B User Manual...
  • Page 258 371B Programmable High Power Curve Tracer comes configured for installation in a 19-inch wide instrument rack. A calibration data test result report will be provided with the 371B Program- mable High Power Curve Tracer when this option is specified. 371B Programmable High Power Curve Tracer comes without the power cord.
  • Page 259 Appendix B: Options and Accessories The 371B Programmable High Power Curve Tracer includes the standard accessories listed in Table B–1: The following optional accessories, listed in Table B–2, are recommended for use with the instrument: 371B User Manual...
  • Page 260 Appendix B: Options and Accessories The following optional accessories, listed in Table B–3, are recommended for use with the instrument: 371B User Manual...
  • Page 261 Appendix B: Options and Accessories 371B User Manual...
  • Page 262 “SELFTEST PASS” message at the error message area of the CRT and sets the initial front panel setup. If the 371B power is turned on while the cursor SHIFT button is pressed , a more detailed Power-on Diagnostic routine occurs in the following order:...
  • Page 263 The 371B checks the Display RAM by read/write operation. When a read/write error is found (such as bus shorted), the memory index display alternately blinks 0 and 3 , and the 371B does not advance to the next routine. The 371B checks the Acquisition RAM by a read/ write operation.
  • Page 264 When the adjustment is finished, press cursor SHIFT to exit this routine. The 371B executes this test. If an error is found, the error message is displayed on the CRT, pressing SHIFT button exists this routine.
  • Page 265 Appendix C: Diagnostic Routines and Messages When the CPU detects acquisition timeout, the memory index LED blinks with 0 and 6, the 371B shuts down with collector supply disabled. The CPU WAIT ERROR message will be appeared. Table C–1 shows the Power on System Error Messages displayed on the memory index display.
  • Page 266 Appendix C: Diagnostic Routines and Messages 371B User Manual...
  • Page 267 Appendix C: Diagnostic Routines and Messages The GPIB TEST? command initiates the 371B system ROMs and RAMs diagnostic routine. The 371B responds to this command by returning system ROM and RAM information to the controller as follows: TEST ROM:000X, RAM:YYYY...
  • Page 268 Appendix C: Diagnostic Routines and Messages The following is an alphabetical listing of 371B messages that can be displayed in the error message area of the display graticule. Refer to Table C–1and C–2 in Appendix C: Diagnostics for power–up system error messages and user–initiated push button messages.
  • Page 269 Appendix C: Diagnostic Routines and Messages 371B User Manual...
  • Page 270 Appendix C: Diagnostic Routines and Messages 371B User Manual...
  • Page 271 Appendix C: Diagnostic Routines and Messages 371B User Manual...
  • Page 272 You should thoroughly check instruments that appear to have been dropped or otherwise abused to verify correct operation and perfor- mance. Immediately repair defects that could cause personal injury or lead to further damage to the instrument. 371B User Manual...
  • Page 273 3. Clean the monitor screen with a lint-free cloth dampened with either ethyl alcohol or, preferably, a gentle, general purpose detergent-and-water solution. Only qualified personnel should access the inside of the 371B Program- mable High Power Curve Tracer for inspection and cleaning, refer to the Maintenance section in the 371B Programmable High Power Curve Tracer service manual.
  • Page 274 Index...
  • Page 276 4–2 DEBug command, 4–68 data storage and data transfer, 4–19 DEBug? query, 4–69 device dependent messages, 4–9 default settings, 3–3 GPIB cable, 4–13 device connection, 2–32 instrument setup, 4–17 directory, 2–52 interface messages, 4–7 371B User Manual Index-1...
  • Page 277 OUTput? query, 4–78 HORIZONTAL VOLTS/DIV control, 2–9 patch cords, 1–3, 2–35 ID? query, 4–71 PEAK POWER WATTS buttons, 2–18 IEEE STD 488 PORT, 2–23 Phone number, Tektronix, 5 INIt command, 4–72 physical specification, A–9 initial inspection, 1–6 PKPower command, 4–42 inspection, D–1 PKPower? query, 4–43...
  • Page 278 A–9 power requirements, A–9 power source, A–9 step generator, A–3 WAVfrm? query, 4–95 surge current, A–9 Web site address, Tektronix, 5 vertical deflection system, A–6 WFMpre command, 4–96 step generator, 2–38 WFMpre NR.PT command, 4–98 STEP MULTI .1X/DISABLED button, 2–15 WFMpre? NR.PT query, 4–99...
  • Page 279 Index 371B User Manual Index-4...

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