HP 4278A Operation Manual
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HP 4278A Operation Manual

HP 4278A Operation Manual

1khz/1mhz capacitance meter
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  • Page 1 sales@artisantg.com artisantg.com (217) 352-9330 | Visit our website - Click HERE...
  • Page 2 H E W L E T T PA C K A R D OPERATION MANUAL MODEL HP 4278A lIcHzilMHz CAPACITANCE METER (Including Options 001,002, 003,101,201,202 and 301) SERIAL NUMBERS This manual applies to instruments whose serial number is 2830J01160 and above, a n d whose ROM-based firmware is version 3.02.
  • Page 3 HP w a r r a n t s t h a t i t s software and f i r m w a r e designated b y H P f o r use w i t h a...
  • Page 4 SAFETY S U M M A RY The f o l l o w i n g general s a f e t y precautions m u s t b e observed d u r i n g a l l phases o f o p - eration, service, a n d r e p a i r o f t h i s instrument.
  • Page 5 SAFETY SYMBOLS General Definitions o f Safety Symbols Used O n Equipment o r I n Manuals. Instruction m a n u a l symbol: t h e p r o d u c t w i l l b e m a r k e d w i t h this symbol when i t i s necessary f o r t h e u s e r t o r e f e r t o t h e instruction m a n u a l i n o r d e r t o p r o t e c t a g a i ns t damage t o t h e instrument.

  • Page 6: How To Use This Manual

    This Operation Manual contains six sections plus several appendixes, organized for t h e convenience of the first time user. After you receive your HP 4278A, begin with Section 1. If you are a first time user of an already installed 4278A, begin with Section 2.
  • Page 8 Storage Humidity Range: 30% to 85% (@+50°C) Do NOT shock or stress memory cards. When storing or moving your 4278A, be sure the memory card slot is empty (no memo- ry card inserted). Do NOT touch the connector contact surface of a memory card a n d d o NOT use...
  • Page 9 If the +5V internal voltage (pin 16, 17 or 18 of the handler interface connector) is not output, a fuse on the handler interface board (A32F1) has blown and must be replaced. Two replacement fuses are furnished with the 4278A option 201. Additional fuses are available from Hewlett-Packard. Order PN 2110-0046.

  • Page 10: Table Of Contents

    CONTENTS HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL SECTION 1, RECEIVING AND GETTING READY TO USE YOUR HP 4278A SECTION 2, FAMILIARIZING YOURSELF WITH THE HP 4278A SECTION 3, FUNCTIONS AND FEATURES OF THE HP 4278A SECTION 4, INTERFACES (OPTIONS) SECTION 5, GENERAL INFORMATION...
  • Page 11 The 4278A's built-in comparator allows you to sort comparison/decision results into a maxi- mum of 10 bins. B y using the interface options, the 4278A can easily be combined with a component handler and a system controller to fully automate capacitor testing, sorting, and quality control data processing, resulting in increased production efficiency.
  • Page 12 Manual change supplements are revised as often as necessary to keep manuals as current and accurate es possible. fiewiett-Packard recommends that you periodically request t h e latest edition of this supplement. Free copies are available from all HP offices. When requesting copies, quote...
  • Page 13 Page 4-1, 4-2. OPTION 101 HP-IB INTERFACE Add description of the CREJ command as follows. C R E J S O F T K E Y LABEL: LOW G LIMIT (in 'COMPARATOR') The CREJ command sets the Low C Limit mode.
  • Page 14 2. T h i s contains the information needed to adapt HP 4278A's manual to instruments with A32 handler interface board (PN 04278-66532) of Option 201 Handler interface. Replace the following pages of your manual with the attached pages in this supplement. ( A n underlined page number indicates a changed page.)

  • Page 16: Section 1, Receiving And Getting Ready To Use Your Hp 4278A

    SECTION 1 RECEIVING AND GETTING READY TO USE YOUR HP 4278A 1-1. INTRODUCTION 1-2. INITIAL INSPECTION 1-3. PREPARATION FOR USE 1-3-1. POWER REQUIREMENTS 1-3-2. LINE VOLTAGE AND FUSE SELECTION 1-3-3. POWER CABLE...
  • Page 18 RECEIVING AND GETTING READY TO USE YOUR HP 4278A 1-1. INTRODUCTION This section covers the receiving and setting up of your HP 4278A. Figure 1-1 shows the HP 4278A and its furnished accessories. Figure 1-1. HP 4278A and Furnished Accessories...
  • Page 19 1-3. PREPARATION FOR USE 1-3-1. POWER REQUIREMENTS The 4278A requires a power source of 100, 120, 220V AC -±10°/0, or 240VAC +5% -10%, 48 to 66Hz, single phase; power consumption is 200VA, maximum. WARNING) THIS IS A SAFETY CLASS 1 PRODUCT (PROVIDED WITH A PROTECTIVE EARTH TERMINAL).
  • Page 20 1-3-3. POWER CABLE To protect operating personnel, the National Electrical Manufacturer's Association (NEMA) recommends that the instrument panel and cabinet be grounded. T h e 4278A is equipped with a three-conductor power cable that, when plugged into an appropriate AC power recep- tacle, grounds the instrument.
  • Page 21 E a r t h Neutral Liar 2 Plug: NEMA 6 - 1 S P, 2 5 0 V, 1 5 A Plug: CEE 22-VI, 250V Cable: H P 8120-1396 Cable: HP 8120-0698 OPTION 912 OPTION 906 N441411111 Neutral 4g!!!..- Line aix..
  • Page 22 SECTION 2 FAMILIARIZING YOURSELF' WITH THE HP 4278A 2-1. INTRODUCTION 2-2. PANEL FEATURES 2-3. BASIC OPERATION 2-3-1. MEASURING CERAMIC CAPACITORS 24-2. STANDARDS COMPENSATION 2-3-3. USING THE COMPARATOR FUNCTION 2-10 2-3-4. SELECTING DISPLAY FORMATS 2-12 2-3-5. STORING AND AUTO LOADING CONTROL SETTINGS...

  • Page 24: Section 2, Familiarizing Yourself With The Hp 4278A

    AND NEVER SHORT CIRCUIT THE FUSE-HOLDER. DOING SO CONSTITUTES A SHOCK AND FIRE HAZARD. CAUTION II Before you turn your 4278A on, be sure to set the voltage selector to the line voltage to be used, or the instrument will be damaged. 2-2. PANEL FEATURES Figures 2-1 and 2-2 identify and briefly describe the purpose of each key, indicator, and connector on the front and rear panels of the 4278A.
  • Page 25 PREV and NEXT keys display the previous or next set of softkey labels. (5) ENTRY Keys These keys are used to enter numeric data into the 4278A. T h e ENTER key terminates numeric input and enters the displayed value on the Input Line (third line from the bottom of the LCD).
  • Page 26 These indicators—RMT (remote), T L K (talk), LTN (listen), and SRO (service request)--show the 4278A's status when interfaced to a controller via HP-1B. These four indicators are valid only when the 4278A is equipped with an HP- 18 interface option.
  • Page 27 (3) - LINE Input Receptacle AC power cord receptacle. (4) - LINE Fuse Holder The 4278A's line fuse is installed in this fuse holder. Refer to Section 1 f o r correct fuse ratings. (5) - LINE VOLTAGE SELECTOR This switch sets the appropriate AC operating voltage.
  • Page 28 The following paragraphs describe how to perform a basic capacitance measurement when using a test fixture, and is intended for first time 4278A users. This procedure may not apply to your specific application, but will help you understand the 4278A's operation.
  • Page 29 5. The 1/2 in the lower right-hand corner of the display indicates two pages of softkey labels, and that page one is now displayed. Press the PREV or NEXT key to display additional softkey label pages. 6. To select a measurement parameter, press the corresponding softkey. The 1. marker will be displayed next to the parameter you selected.
  • Page 30 15. Press the 'AVG RATE' softkey. T h e averaging rate is displayed in the AVG : field (second line from the top of the LCD). Each time you press the 'UP' softkey, the averaging rate doubles (to a maximum averaging rate of 256), and inversely so by pressing the 'DOWN' softkey.
  • Page 31 Figure 2-5. Ceramic Capacitor Connection 29. Press the TRIGGER key. T h e ceramic capacitor's capacitance and conductance measurement results will be displayed. 30. To continue with the next practice exercise, leave the 4278A's control settings as they are now, and proceed.
  • Page 32 4.8nF using another capacitance meter, and that this reading is your working standard. T h e 4278A allows you to perform standards compensation to match the 4278A's reading to that of your working standard. Perform the following pro- cedure without changing the measurement settings established in the previous procedure.
  • Page 33 2-3-3, USING THE COMPARATOR FUNCTION The following procedure will give you practice using the 4278A's comparator function. Per- form this procedure without changing the measurement settings established in the previous procedure. 1. Press the MENU key to reset the softkey labels to the initial page.
  • Page 34 12. Press the `COMPTR ON' softkey. T h e COMPTR : field (fifth line from the top of the LCD) will display that the comparator is set to on. Press the 'return' softkey. 13. To continue with the next practice exercise, leave the 4278A's control settings as they are now, and proceed.
  • Page 35 2-3-4. SELECTING DISPLAY FORMATS You can select from four 4278A display formats. To observe the available display formats, confirm that softkey page 3/4 is displayed in the lower-right hand corner of the LCD, and perform the following procedure. 1. Press the `DISPLY PAGE' softkey, and the four available format selections will b e displayed.
  • Page 36 2-3-5. STORING AND AUTO LOADING CONTROL SETTINGS To store control settings on a memory card and to show the 4278A's auto loading feature, perform the following procedure. Confirm that softkey label page 4/4 is displayed in the lower right-hand corner of the LCD.
  • Page 37 NOTES...
  • Page 38 SECTION 3 FUNCTIONS AND FEATURES 3-1. INTRODUCTION 3-2. MEASUREMENT FUNCTIONS 3-2-1. 1kHz MEASUREMENTS 3-2-2. 1MHz NORMAL MEASUREMENTS 3-2-3. 1MHz HIGH ACCURACY MEASUREMENTS 3-3. MEASUREMENT PARAMETERS 3-3-1. PARAMETERS 3.3-2. PARAMETER RELATIONSHIPS 3-4. TEST SIGNAL 3-5. MEASUREMENT TIME 3-5-1. INTEGRATION TIME 3-5-2. AVERAGING 3-5-3.
  • Page 39 3-14 3-9. NONVOLATILE MEMORY 3-14 3-9-1. INTERNAL MEMORY 3-14 3-9-2. MEMORY CARD 3-9-3. MEMORY CARD ID COMMENTS 3-15 3-3-4. WRITE PROTECTION 3.15 3-10. COMPARATOR 3-18 3-10-1. LIMIT PARAMETERS 3-18 3-10-2. LIMIT MODES 3-18 3-10-3. SECONDARY PARAMETER AND AUX BIN 3-20 3-10-4.
  • Page 40 FUNCTIONS AND FEATURES 3-1. INTRODUCTION This section provides information about the functions and features of the HP 4278A 1kHz/ 1MHz Capacitance Meter. Read Section 2 before reading this section. Information unique to the Option Interfaces is described in Section 4.
  • Page 41 2.5m. 3-2-3. 1MHz HIGH ACCURACY MEASUREMENTS The 4278A's measurement range in the 1 MHz High Accuracy measurement mode is deter- mined differently than it is for the other measurement modes. Y o u can set the measure- ment range, u p to 2048pF, from the front panel, and can measure capacitance within the measurement range you set, -±30%.
  • Page 42 OFF when you enter the range value. Refer to paragraph 3-12-1 f o r details on Open Compensation. If the sum of the entered capacitance and open capacitance is < 2pF, the 4278A measures capacitance at the range value, -±0.6pF.
  • Page 43 3-3-1. PARAMETERS The 4278A measures parallel capacitance Cp or series capacitance Cs, and one of the fol- lowing parameters: Dissipation Factor D, Quality Factor 0, Conductance G In parallel with Cp, and Equivalent Series Resistance Rs in series with Cs. T h e measurement parameter combinations which can be selected are Cp-D, Cp-Q, Cp-G, Cs-D, Cs-Q, and Cs-Rs.
  • Page 44 3-4. TEST SIGNAL A 1kHz and 1MHz sine wave signal is used as the 4278A's test signal. T h e test signal volt- age can be set from 0.1Vrms to 1.OVrms in 0.1V steps. Test signal output impedance is very low, so the 4278A applies a constant test signal voltage to the capacitor under test.
  • Page 45 Figure 3-2. Measurement Times NOTE The 4278A does not require additional recovery time i f a measurement is per- formed on a shorted or an open capacitor. T h e analog measurement circuits will recover within the alotted settling time, ensuring measurement accuracy on suc- ceeding measurements.
  • Page 46 The row to the left of the softkey area is the MARKER field. A marker ( 0- ) will be displayed beside• the selected softkey label. The 4278A's settings and measurement results are displayed on the rest of the display--33 characters wide, from the left-hand side of the LCD. The first five lines from the top is the STATUS field.
  • Page 47 Mark Area More Area Figure 3-3. Display Fields 3-6-2. MEASUREMENT PAGE FORMAT On t h i s page, measurement results are displayed i n t h e measurement data field i n large characters, as shown in Figure 3-4. T h e time required t o display each measurement result is approximately 5 r n s .
  • Page 48 3-6-3. SORTING PAGE FORMAT On the SORTING page, comparison results (bin numbers) are displayed in the measurement data field in large characters, and measurement results are displayed in normal characters, as shown in Figure 3-5. T h e time required to display each measurement result is approxi- mately 2.4ms.
  • Page 49 This format does not display the results of each measurement, so the time required to display measurement results is saved. This format is useful when the 4278A is used in an automatic capacitor test system.
  • Page 50 T h i s format takes an additional 2ms (approximately) to display each measurement result if the comparator and the comparator's counter function are set to ON. This format is useful when the 4278A is combined with an automatic compo- nent handler.
  • Page 51 3-7. TREE STRUCTURE OF THE SOFTKEY LABELS The 4278A's softkeys are nested to a maximum of four levels. When you press a softkey which has lower levels of softkeys, the softkey labels automatical- ly change to the next lower level.
  • Page 52 * The 4278A's HP-lB address is stored in internal nonvolatile memory. I f you change the address, the address you set will be retained. The 4278A's HP-IB address is set to 17 when shipped from the factory, and i t may be reset to 17 i f the 4278A is repaired.
  • Page 53 Memory card data will be automatically recalled if the the memory card is inserted when the 4278A is turned on, and when a memory card is inserted and the LOAD key on the front panel is pressed.
  • Page 54 NOTE If a power failure occurs, the 4278A will reset to the default settings. I f you require control settings other than the default settings, store them in a memory card and load them into the 4278A as required. Make a backup copy for memory cards containing important data.
  • Page 55 HP 4278A L . ( 0 H U D REAR A7 D i g i t a l C o n t r o l Board w i t h B l a c k and 0 . • V i o l e t b o a r d e x t r a c t o r s 6 .
  • Page 56 8. S e t A 7 S 3 - 6 t o t h e r i g h t - m o s t p o s i t i o n (ON) t o d i s a b l e t h e 4 2 7 8 A ' s S T O R E f u n c t i o n ( t o write- p r o t e c t m e m o r y c a r d s ) .
  • Page 57 3-10. COMPARATOR The 4278A's built-in comparator can sort capacitors into a maximum of ten bins (Bin 1 to Bin 9 and one Out of Bins bin) using a maximum of nine pairs of primary parameter limits and one pair o f secondary parameter limits. Also, capacitors whose primary parameter measurement result is within limits, but whose secondary parameter measurement result not within limits, can be sorted into an AUXiliary BIN.
  • Page 58 There are two methods used to specify the Tolerance Mode limits, the ratio in percent and by parameter value. Refer to Figure 3-11. To l e r a n c e Mode Sequential Mode Ln: Lower l i m i t o f BINn Ln: Lower l i m i t o f BINn Hn: H i g h e r l i m i t o f BINn Hn: H i g h e r l i m i t o f BINn...
  • Page 59 3-10-3. SECONDARY PARAMETER AND AUX BIN How the secondary parameters affect the sorting results, and how the auxiliary bin works are described in this paragraph. When the secondary parameter limits are not specified in the limit table: Capacitors will be sorted according to primary parameter comparison results. Secondary Parameter OUT OF B I N...
  • Page 60 The 4278A has three planes of calibration -- at the UNKNOWN terminal (Om), to the end of the HP 16048A/B test leads (1m), and to the end of the HP 16048D test leads (2m). M e a - surement accuracy is specified at these three points. Select the cable length which cor- responds to the length of cables you are using.
  • Page 61 When you press the 'TEMP COMPEN' softkey, the 4278A measures the key offset voltages in the measurement circuit and com- pensates the measurement value on subsequent measurements. T h e compensation data is stored in volatile memory, so once you turn the 4278A off, the temperature compensation data will be reset.
  • Page 62 3-13. DISPLAY OFFSET The 4278A also has a display value offset function that adds or subtracts a constant value to/from the measurement result. Offset A subtracts a pre-entered value from the capaci- tance measurement result. Offset B subtracts a pre-entered value from one of the following parameters 0, Q, G, and ESR (Rs).
  • Page 63 The 4278A has keyboard lock-out capability that disables all front panel operation except for the power LINE switch, CONTRAST knob, and 'UNLOCK' softkey. This is useful when you don't want the control settings changed, for example, if the 4278A is performing bin sorting for a large number of capacitors.

  • Page 64: Section 4, Interfaces (Options)

    4-2. OPTION 101 HP-IB INTERFACE 4-2-1. HP-IB INTERFACE You can use the HP 4278A's installed option 101 can be controlled via the easy to use, high performance HP-IB bus which links the 4278A to other instruments, desktop computers, and minicomputers t o form a n automated measurement system. H P - l B is Hewlett-Packard's implementation of IEEE Standard 488-1978, IEEE Standard 728-1982, Digital Interface for Programmable Instrumentation.
  • Page 65 CAUTION I THE 4278A'S OPTION 101 CONTAINS METRIC THREADED H P -IS CABLE MOUNTING STUDS. THE METRIC VERSION OF THE HP 10833A, B, C, OR 0 HP-IB CABLE FASTENERS ARE DISTINGUISHED FROM THE ENGLISH VER- SION BY COLOR. ENGLISH THREADED FASTENERS ARE SILVER; METRIC THREADED FASTENERS BLACK.
  • Page 66 SECTION 4 INTERFACE OPTIONS 4-1. INTRODUCTION 4-2. OPTION 101 HP-IB INTERFACE 4-2-1. HP-IB INTERFACE 4-2-2. HP-IB CONNECTION 4-2-3. HP 4278A'S HP-IB CAPABILITY 4-2-4. HP-IB DEFINITION 4-2-5. HP-IB BUS COMMANDS 4-2-6. 4278A DEVICE DEPENDENT COMMANDS 4-59 4-2-7. DATA FORMAT AND DATA TRANSFER 4 4 3 4-2-8.
  • Page 67 4-5. OPTION 301 SCANNER INTERFACE 4-117 4-5-1. DESCRIPTION 4-117 4-5-2, SCANNER INTERFACE SIGNAL INPUT/OUTPUT CONNECTOR 4.117 4-5-3. SIGNAL ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS 4.123 4-5-4. SETTING UP THE SCANNER INTERFACE BOARD 4-126 4-5-5. OPERATION 4-130...
  • Page 68 P/O TWISTED PAIR WITH PIN 7 THESE PINS PIO TWISTED PAIR WITH PIN 8 P/O TWISTED PAIR WITH PIN 9 INTERNALLY P/O TWISTED PAIR WITH PIN 10 GROUNDED P/O TWISTED PAIR WITH PIN 11 ISOLATED DIGITAL GROUND Figure 4-2. HP-(B Interfacing...
  • Page 69 4-2-3. HP 4278A'S HP-1 13 CAPABILITY Table 4-1 lists the 4278A's IEEE Standard 488-1978, HP-IB capabilities and functions. These functions provide the means for an instrument to receive, process, and to transmit, com- mands, data, and status over the HP-IB bus.
  • Page 70 Addressable Mode: The HP-IB address of the 4278A can be set from 0 to 30. The address set at the factory is 17. The procedure for setting the HP-IB address is as follows. 1. Press the MENU and the PREV keys.
  • Page 71 4-2-5. HP-IB BUS COMMANDS The 4278A will respond to the following bus commands. H P 200 series BASIC statements are used in the description that follows. 1. ABORT I/O (IFC): ABORT I/O halts all bus activity and causes the 4278A to become deselected.
  • Page 72 6. REMOTE: This command is used to set the 4278A to remote. When this command is sent except for the LCL key the front panel will be disabled. I f LOCAL LOCKOUT is active then the front panel LCL key will also be disabled.
  • Page 73 2. S e e "BASIC Interfacing Techniques for HP 200 Computers" for a fur- ther description of HP-lB bus commands. 4-2-6. 4278A DEVICE DEPENDENT COMMANDS Device dependent commands are used with Option 101 that are only used for the 4278A. This section consists of three parts: 1. Command Index: All commands in the command index are listed in alphabetical order.
  • Page 74 INDEX - A - AOFFO O F F S E T A OFF AOFF1 O F F S E T A ON AUX° A u x i l i a r y BIN OFF AUX1 A u x i l i a r y BIN ON AVE= A v e r a g i n g Rate - 8 - BIN1= L O W / H I G H Limit of BIN1 on the tolerance mode...
  • Page 75 DVAL1 D i s p l a y Value (Measurement Value) DVAL2 D i s p l a y Value (Tolerance Value) - E - ERR? E r r o r Message Query FRE01 Measurement Frequency (1kHz) FREQ2 Measurement Frequency (1MHz) - G - GSTD.
  • Page 76 STD1 S T A N D A R D Compensation ON STM? S TA N D A R D Compensation Measured Value Query STOR S t o r e the 4278A's controls to the memory card STR? S T A N D A R D Compensation Reference Value Query...
  • Page 77 - T- TRIG1 T r i g g e r Mode (Internal) TRIG2 T r i g g e r Mode (External) TRIG3 T r i g g e r Mode (Manual) - U - - V- VMONO Va l u e Monitor OFF VMON1 Va l u e Monitor (OPEN Measurement Value) VMON2 Va l u e Monitor (SHORT Measurement Value) VMON3 Va l u e Monitor (STANDARD Measurement Value)
  • Page 78 1. Command Name 2. Softkey Name corresponding to the command 3. Command Description 4. Syntax 5. Control Setting 6. Example (BASIC language for HP 9000 series 200) To use each command effectively, refer to this command reference. 4-13...
  • Page 79 AOFF S O F T K E Y LABEL: OFFSET A ON/OFF (in 'COMPEN') The AOFF command makes the offset A data valid or invalid. SYNTAX: PARAMETER: The control parameter choices are: Control Description Parameter Make offset A data invalid. Make offset A data valid.
  • Page 80 AVE= S O F T K E Y LABEL: AVG RATE <UP/DOWN> (in `MEAS TIME') The AVE= command sets the averaging rate. SYNTAX: value VALUE: You can use one of the following nine averaging rates. 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, and 256 The default setting is AVE=1.
  • Page 81 BLIM= S O F T K E Y LABEL: NOT ASSIGNED The BUM= command sets the limit values in the sequential mode. SYNTAX: SLIM value VALUE: You can not use units (for example; F), or suffixs (for example: p (pico)), with the limit value. EXAMPLE: OUTPUT 717:"BLIM=10E-12,12E-12,14E-12"...
  • Page 82 CABL S O F T K E Y LABEL: Om/1 m/2m (in 'CABLE LENGTH') The CABL command sets the cable length. SYNTAX: control CABL PARAMETER: The control parameter choices are: Control Description Parameter Set the cable length to Orn. Set the cable length to 1m. Set the cable length to 2m.
  • Page 83 B I N 6 9 . B I N 9 IMPORTANT POINTS: The 4278A acknowledges the channel number on receiving a trigger command ( including the trigger command for compensation ). When you use the trigger command for the selected channel, you must set...
  • Page 84 10 O U T P U T 717;"MCOM1" ! Set the MULTI COMPEN mode 20 O U T P U T 717;"CNO=10" S e t the compen. data no. to 10. 30 O U T P U T 717;"*TRG" ! Trigger the 4278A to set the channel 40 E N D...
  • Page 85 SOFTKEY LABEL: COUNT ON/OFF (in 'COMPARATOR') The CNT command sets BIN count to ON or OFF. SYNTAX: control PARAMETER: The control parameter choices are: Control Description Parameter Set BIN count to OFF, Set BIN count to ON. The default setting is ONTO. EXAMPLE: OUTPUT 717;"CNT1"! Set BIN count to ON.
  • Page 86 COUN? S O F T K E Y LABEL: NOT ASSIGNED The COUN? command returns all BIN counts. SYNTAX: COUN? COUNT NUMBER OUTPUTS (ASCII FORMAT ONLY): NNNNNN / C R L FA E 0 1 7 - - ) 1 bin counts 0 to 9) The count outputs are in the following order:...
  • Page 87 50 E N T E R 717;C,D! Enter the data 60 D I S P C,D! Display the data. 70 E N D When you run the above program, the 4278A is triggered, a measure- ment taken and measurement data displayed. 4.22...
  • Page 88 DBIN S O F T K E Y LABEL: NOT ASSIGNED The DBIN command selects the data with BIN NO or the data without BIN NO when the DATA? command returns the data. SYNTAX: PARAMETER: The control parameter choices are: Control Description Parameter...
  • Page 89 20 O U T P U T 717;"DST"! Start the data continuous mode 30 F O R 1=1 to 10 40 O U T P U T 717;"*TRG"! Trigger the 4278A 50 E N T E R 717;C,D! Read the 4278A's data...
  • Page 90 DFMT S O F T K E Y LABEL: NOT ASSIGNED The DFMT command sets the data output format. SYNTAX: control C D F M T ) - - - • PARAMETER: The control parameter choices are: Description Control Parameter Set the data output format to ASCII format Sei the data output format to BINARY format The default setting is DFMT1.
  • Page 91 The BINARY format is a 64-bit floating point binary number specified in IEEE Standard 728-1982. This is the same data format used by the HP Series 200 computers. T h e syntax diagram used for the BINARY format is shown below:...
  • Page 92 DFMT W h e n data is returned without the BIN NO, (cont.) data byte loop is repeated twice. (2) W h e n data is returned with the BIN NO, the data byte loop is repeated tree times. EXAMPLE: OUTPUT 717;"DFMT21 Set to BINARY format.
  • Page 93 20 O U T P U T 717;"DST"! Start the data continuous mode 30 F O R 1=1 to 10 40 O U T P U T 717;"•TRG"! Trigger the 4278A 50 E N T E R 717;C:D1 Read the 4278A's data...
  • Page 94 DTIM= S O F T K E Y LABEL: DELAY(rns)= (in `MEAS TIME') The DTIM command sets the delay time. SYNTAX: VALUE: You can not use a suffix (for example: m (milli)), or a unit (s) with the delay time value. IMPORTANT POINTS: Unit is ms, and the setting range is 0-1000ms.
  • Page 95 E R R ? S O F T K E Y LABEL: NOT ASSIGNED The ERR? command returns the error message number. SYNTAX: C E R R ? ) > I IMPORTANT POINTS: When the error does not occur, 0 (zero) is returned. EXAMPLE: (Returns and displays the error number.) 10 O U T P U T 717;"ERR?"! Return the error number 20 E N T E R 717;A I Read the error number...
  • Page 96 GSTD= S O F T K E Y LABEL: G= (in `COMPEN') The GSTD= command is used to set the standard compensation refer- ence value (G). SYNTAX: >1 GSTG= value VALUE: You cannot use a unit (S) or a suffix (for example: p (pico)), with the reference value.
  • Page 97 ITI M SOFTKEY LABEL: SHORT/MED/LONG (in `MEAS TIME') The ITIM command sets the integration time. SYNTAX: control ITIM PARAMETER: The control parameter choices are: Control Description Parameter Set the integration time to SHORT. Set the integration time to MED. Set the integration time to LONG. The default setting is ITIM3.
  • Page 98 LOAD S O F T K E Y LABEL: NOT ASSIGNED The LOAD command loads the setting conditions from the memory card. SYNTAX: L O A D EXAMPLE: OUTPUT 717;"LOAD"I Load from the memory card. LPAR S O F T K E Y LABEL: Cp-D/Cp-Q/Cp-G/Cs-D/Cs-a/Cs-Rs (in 'COMPARATOR') The LPAR command sets the limit parameter.
  • Page 99 M C O M S O F T K E Y LABEL: ON/OFF ( in 'MULTI COMPEN' ) MCOM toggles the multi compensation mode ON and OFF. This com- mand can only be used when t h e Option 301 scanner interface i s installed.
  • Page 100 N O M = S O F T K E Y LABEL: NOT ASSIGNED The NOM= command is used to set the nominal value in the tolerance mode. SYNTAX: VALUE: You cannot use units (for example: F), or a suffix (for example: p (pica), with the nominal value.
  • Page 101 OFFB= S O F T K E Y LABEL: OFS B= (in 'OFFSET') The OFFS= command is used to set the offset B data. SYNTAX: value ( O F F B . VALUE: You cannot use units (for example: S), o r suffixes (for example: p (pico)), with offset B data.
  • Page 102 OPM? S O F T K E Y LABEL: NOT ASSIGNED OPM? returns the open compensation measurement data ( ASCII for- mat only ). Running the following example program returns and dis- plays the open measurement data. SYNTAX: OPM? EXAMPLE: 10 O U T P U T 717;"OPM?"...
  • Page 103 RA S O F T K E Y LABEL: AUTO/1 00pF/1 nF/1 On F/1 00nFil 12F/10'AF/100;1F (in 'MEAS RANGE') The RA command sets the measurement range to 1kHz. SYNTAX: control PARAMETER: The control parameter choices are: Control Description Parameter Set the measurement range to AUTO. Set the measurement range to 100pF.
  • Page 104 RB S O F T K E Y LABEL: AUTO/1pF/2pF/4pF/8pF/16pF/32pF/64pF/128pF/256pF/ 512pF/1024pF (in `MEAS RANGE') The RB command sets the measurement range to 1MHz (HI ACC MODE: OFF). SYNTAX: >1 control PARAMETER: The control parameter choices are: Control Description Parameter Set the measurement range to AUTO. Set the measurement range to 1pF.
  • Page 105 RC= S O F T K E Y LABEL: RANGE(pF)= (in ‘MEAS RANGE') The RC= command sets the measurement range to 1MHz (Hi ACC MODE: ON). SYNTAX: value VALUE: You cannot use unites (F), or suffixes (for example: m (milli)), with the measurement range.
  • Page 106 REVP S O F T K E Y LABEL: REVERS PARMTR (in 'COMPARATOR') The REVP command can be used to reverse the limit parameters. SYNTAX: REVP control PARAMETER: The control parameter choices are: Control Description Parameter Set the original limit parameter. Reverse the limit parameter.
  • Page 107 SHOR S O F T K E Y LABEL: SHORT ON/OFF (in `COMPEN') The SHOR command makes the short compensation data valid o r invalid. SYNTAX: control C S H O R >i PARAMETER: The control parameter choices are: Control Description Parameter Make the short compen.
  • Page 108 SPAR S O F T K E Y LABEL: C-D/C-G (in 4COMPEN1 The SPAR command sets the parameter for standard compensation. SYNTAX: control SPAR PARAMETER: The control parameter choices are: Control Description Parameter Set the parameter to C-D. Set the parameter to C-G. The default setting is SPAR1.
  • Page 109 STM? S O F T K E Y LABEL: NOT ASSIGNED STM? returns the standard compensation measurement data ( ASCII format only ). Running the following example program returns and displays the standard measurement data. SYNTAX: STM? EXAMPLE: 10 O U T P U T 717;"STMr ! Return the STD meas. data 20 E N T E R 717;C,D Read the STD meas.
  • Page 110 STR? S O F T K E Y LABEL: NOT ASSIGNED SIR? returns the standard compensation reference data ( ASCII format only ). Running the following example program returns and displays the standard reference data. SYNTAX: STR? EXAMPLE: 10 O U T P U T 717;"STR?" ! Return the Standard ref. data 20 E N T E R 717;C,D ! Read the standard ref.
  • Page 111 VMON S O F T K E Y LABEL: MONITR OFF/OPEN/SHORT/STD/STD REF/OFFSET/ LIMIT NOM (in 'VALUE MONITR') The VMON command selects the monitor display on the monitor line. SYNTAX: control VMON PARAMETER: The control parameter choices are: Control Description Parameter Set the monitor display to OFF.
  • Page 112 SOFTKEY LABEL: OPEN COMPEN (in `COMPEN') The XOP command is used to get the open measurement data. SYNTAX: ( XOP EXAMPLE: OUTPUT 717rX0P"1 Measure the open data. SOFTKEY LABEL: SHORT COMPEN (in `COMPEN') The XSH command gets the short measurement data. SYNTAX: ( XSH EXAMPLE:...
  • Page 113 OUTPUT 717;"*CLS1 Clear the status byte. *1DN? S O F T K E Y LABEL: NOT ASSIGNED The *ION? command returns both the instrument's model name and the ROM version number as follows: HEWLETTPACKARD,4278A,0000A00000,REVn.nn Where: REVn.nn is ROM version number. SYNTAX:...
  • Page 114 *LRN? S O F T K E Y LABEL: NOT ASSIGNED The *LRN? command returns the 4278A's current status. SYNTAX: *LRN? RETURN FORMAT: The current instrument's conditions are returned as follows: conlrol O r v a l u e 7 / R L FA E 0 1 / Z - - - - > 1...
  • Page 115 When you run the above program, all option numbers are returned and displayed. *RST S O F T K E Y LABEL: NOT ASSIGNED The *RST command resets the 4278A. B u t the interface function remains (for example: HP-lB remote condition remains). SYNTAX:...
  • Page 116 *SRE SOFTKEY LABEL: NOT ASSIGNED The *SRE command masks the SRQ (Service Request). SYNTAX: *SRE VALUE: In the default instrument state the setting is *SREO (all zeros: all bits masked). *SRE ranges from *SREO to *SRE255. The *SRE command must be set in accordance with the following table. "1"...
  • Page 117 EXT TRIG. SYNTAX: *TRG EXAMPLE: Triggers the 4278A once. 10 O U T P U T 717:"TRIG2"! Set TRIG MODE to EXT TRIG. 20 O U T P U T 717;"*TRG"! Trigger the instrument 30 E N D...
  • Page 118 COMMAND FUNCTIONAL ORDER This list covers all commands in their functional order as follows: 1. MEASUREMENT 2. COMPENSATION 3. OFFSET 4. DISPLAY 5. COMPARATOR 6. LIMIT TABLE 7. MEMORY CARD 8. DATA OUTPUT 9. SELF TEST 10. OTHERS NOTE @ indicates a selected command as power-on default setting.
  • Page 119 1. MEASUREMENT Function Measurement Parameter: C p - D Cp-O Cp-G Cs-D Cs- 0 Cs-Rs Frequency: 1MHz High Accuracy Mode: O F F Trigger: External Manual OSC LEVEL: Range: A U T O RANGE at 1kHz 100pF at 1kHz 1nF at 1kHz lOnF at 1kHz 100nF at l k H z at 1kHz...
  • Page 120 2. COMPENSATION Function Code OPEN: OPEN OFF OPEN ON OPEN MEAS OPEN MEAS Query SHORT: SHORT OFF SHORT ON SHORT MEAS SHORT MEAS Query STD OFF STANDARD: STD ON STD MEAS STD MEAS Query STD Parameter (C-13) S P A R 1 STD Parameter (C-G) S P A R 2 Reference Value (C)
  • Page 121 4. D I S P L AY F u n c t i o n (cont.) Display Value: M e a s u r e m e n t Value D V A L 1 Tolerance Value Value Monitor: M o n i t o r OPEN MEAS Value V M O N 1 SHORT MEAS Value...
  • Page 122 6. LIMIT TABLE (cant.) Boundary Limits in Sequential MODE BLIM= Limits of Secondary Parameter SLIM= 7. MEMORY CARD Function Code STOR Store to Memory Card: Load from Memory Card: LOAD 8. DATA OUTPUT Function Code DATA Query: DATA? DATA Format: ASCII format DFMT1 @ BINARY format...
  • Page 123 10. OTHERS Function Clear Status Byte: Identification Query: Learn Device Setup Query: Option Identification Query: Reset the instrument: Masking Status Byte: Masking Resister Query: Read Status Byte: Trigger: Error Number Query:...
  • Page 124 4-2-7. DATA FORMAT AND DATA TRANSFER The 4278A offers two data formats, ASCII and BINARY, to transfer data to the controller over the HP-IB bus. T h e data transfer rate for each data format is different. 1. ASCII Format: ASCII Format is the default data output format.
  • Page 125 2. BINARY Format (IEEE 64 BIT Format): The BINARY format is the 64-bit floating point binary number as specified in IEEE Stan- dard 728-1982. This is the same data format used by the HP Series 200 computers. NOTE When "UNBAL" is displayed on the LCD, the output data returned is >2.00000E20.
  • Page 126 3) If Exponent part=0 and Fractional part=0 then R N=0 For example: a) I f the sign bit=0, the exponent part=all ones (1023) and the fractional part=all ones this format represents — +2.0. b) BINARY 64-bit data 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0...
  • Page 127 Table 4-2. Typical Data Transfer Rate 1. Data transfer rate using the ENTER command with an HP 9000 Series 300 model 310 computer. Format Data Type Transfer Rate ASCII Data without BIN NO. approx. 7.8ms Data with BIN NO. approx. 8.5ms BINARY Data without BIN NO.
  • Page 128 4-2-8. STATUS BYTE The status byte resister is an 8-bit word that the 4278A places on the HP-IB bus when it is serially polled. The value of each bit indicates the status of an internal 4278A function. Bits are set to "1"...
  • Page 129 BIT 5 (Error): Bit 5 reflects the logical OR of all error conditions in the instrument. The error conditions include all HP-IB, all hardware, and operation errors. BIT 6 (ROS (Request Service)): Bit 6 is set when the instrument pulls the SRQ line low. T h i s bit is cleared when a serial-poll is performed and is non-maskable.
  • Page 130 4-2-9. SAMPLE PROGRAM This paragraph contains sample programs that can be run either on the HP 9000 Series 200 (BASIC) or HP 1000 (FORTRAN). Sample Program 1 (For the HP 9000 Series 200) This sample program demonstrates the ASCII format data transfer.
  • Page 131 Sample Program 2 (For the HP 1000) This sample program uses the HP 1000 to run the same as sample program 1. The LU number is 25. FTN7X, L PROGRAM S V C DIMENSION N A M E ( 4 ) , I PA R M ( 5 )
  • Page 132 A description of each program line follows: lines 1 0 : Declare Header_1 and Header_2 as INTEGER variables. 20: Assign address 717 to the 4278A and set it to ASCII. 30: Assign address 717 to the 4278A and set it to BINARY.
  • Page 133 Sample Program 4 (For the HP 9000 series 200) This sample program demonstrates setting up the 4278A and storing the 4278A's settings to the memory card. ASSIGN @Hp4278a TO 7 1 7 REMOTE @Hp4278a OUTPUT @Hp4278a; "*RST" OUTPUT @Hp4278a; "FREW"...
  • Page 134 Sample Program 5 (For the HP 1000) This sample program uses the HP 1000 to run the same program as sample program 4. L U number is 25. F T N . 7 X , L PROGRAM SVC3 IDLU=25 CALL RMOTE(IDLU) W R I T E ( I D L U , ' ( "...
  • Page 135 This handler interface signal input/output connector, a standard 36-contact female Amphe- nol connector, is mounted on the 4278A's rear panel. T h e contact assignments and a brief description o f each signal are given in Table 4-4 and Figure 4-4. T h e timing diagram is shown in Figure 4-5.
  • Page 136 /BIN9 /OUT OF BINS /AUX-BIN /EXT TRIG External Trigger: EXT _TRIG 4278A Is triggered on the rising edge of a pulse applied to this pin when the trigger mode is set to EXT TRIG. EXT.DCV2 External DC voltage 2: EXT.DCV2...
  • Page 137 Pin No. Signal Name /UNBAL Unbalance: The bridge is unbalanced. /KEY LOCK When this line is asserted, all of the 4278A's front panel keys are disabled. No Connection EXT.DCV1 External DC Voltage 1: EXT.DCV1 DC voltage supply pins f o r D C isolated open collector outputs, ./BIN1 - /BIN9, /AUX_BIN, /...
  • Page 138 Figure 4-3. /PHI, /PLO, /SREJ Signal's Area Example / B I N I / P H I / B I N 2 /PLO / B I N 3 / S R E J / B I N 4 } N . 0 / B I N 5 / B I N 6 /UNBAL...
  • Page 139 Tl T 2 /EXT TRIG /INDEX /EOM Data Va l i d DATA P r e v i o u s Data Va l i d X TIMING Delay S e t t l i n g A n a l o g C a l c u l a t i o n Measurement Time T i m e...
  • Page 140 Table 4-5. DC Isolated Output Electrical Characteristics Maximum Voltage Output Output Signals Rating Current Circuit Common High Comparison Signals /BIN1-/BIN9 Internal pull-up voltage: 4278A /AUX_BIN /OUT_OF_BINS <0.5V 5V-24V circuit common /PHI /PLO External voltage /UNBAL (EXT.DCV.1): COM1 Control Signals /INDEX...
  • Page 141 HANDLER INTERFACE BOARD HANDLER INTERFACE CONNECTOR < < >) +8v +I2V EXT.DCV 1 0000 0 - 0000 0 , ' PULL-UP RESISTOR', < < / B I N ' < < r B i N 2 < < / B I N 9 /OUT_OEB IN /AUX_EHN /PH I...
  • Page 142 The JEXT_TRIO signal (pin 12 and 13) is connected to the cathode of an LED in the optocoupler. T h e 4278A is triggered on the rising edge of the /EXT_TRIG pulse. T h e anode o f the LED can be powered using the internal 5V and 12V supplies, or by an external voltage source (EXT.DCV2).
  • Page 143 The /KEY_LOCK signal (pin 25) Is connected to the cathode of the LED in an optocoupler. A N o f t h e 4278A's f ron t panel k e y s a r e disable w h e n t h e / KEY_LOCK signal is asserted.
  • Page 144 Table 4-6. Typical Electrical Characteristics Signal Input Current (Low) Circuit Commen Input Voltage Pull-up Voltage HIGH Internal pull-up Voltage: 4278A circuit common 10.5mA 13.5mA /EXT_TRIG _<_1V 5V-15V 11.1mA External pull-up Voltage: COM2 Internal pull-up Voltage: 4278A circuit common /KEY_LOCK <1V 5V-15V 5.2mA...
  • Page 145 W5, W6, and W7 must be left open, or one only one of them can be jumped at a time. When the instrument is shipped from the factory, W7 is jumped. W9, W10, or W11 must be jumped. When the 4278A is shipped from the factory W11 is jumped.
  • Page 146 Figure 4-9. Jumper Locations To set up the jumpers and pull-up resistors, perform the following steps. Procedure: 1. Disconnect the power cable from the 4278A and allow time (a few minutes), for internal capacitors to discharge. WARNING 1 DANGEROUS ENERGY/VOLTAGE EXISTS WHEN 4278A IS IN OPERATION AND JUST AFTER IT IS POWERED DOWN.
  • Page 147 2. Disconnect the two rear feet which lock the top cover and rear panel together. 3. Fully loosen the top cover retaining screws located on the rear of the top cover. 4. Slide the top cover towards the rear and lift it off. T h e top shield plate will be visible.
  • Page 148 Table 4-8. Table 4-8. Jumper Setting 1 Pull-up Pull-up Setting Jumper Setting Circuit resistor voltage Number W1 W2 W3 W4 Common intemal+5V 4278A's COM Required internal+12V 4278A's COM Required Required EXT.DCV.1 COM1 (5V-24V) Not required COM1 0: OPEN S: SHORT...
  • Page 149 Vp[v] Rild1]-= Where, Vp: Pull-up voltage R: Pull-up resistor The typical pull-up resistors are as follows: Pull-up voltage Puli-up resistor HP Part number 1.78ki2 PN0757-0278 3.16kn PN0698-3154 8.25kn PN0757-0441 HANDLER INTERFACE BOARD Figure 4-11. How to Set Up the Handler Interface Board 1 12.
  • Page 150 Table 4-9. Jumper Settings 2 Pull-up Pull-up Setting Jumper Setting Circuit voltage W5 W6 W7 W8 Common resistor Number internal+5V 4278A's COM Required Required Internal-02V 4278A's COM Required EXT.DCV.2 COM2 (5V-15V) COM2 Not required 0: OPEN S: SHORT 1 W h e n input signals are used, only W7 is jumped, (a pull-up resistor is not required).
  • Page 151 The drive voltage of the input signals uses the pull-up voltage for the control signals. Table 4-10. Jumper Settings 3 Drive Voltage Jumper Setting Circuit W10 W11 Common Internal +5V 4278A's circuit common Internal +12V 4278A's circuit common EXT.DCV.2 (5-6V) COM2 EXT.DCV.2 (6-9V) COM2 EXT.DCV.2 (9-15V) COM2...
  • Page 152 HANDLER INTERFACE BOARD Figure 4-13. How to Set Up the Handler Interface Board 3 16. Replace the handler interface board, top shield plate, rear feet, and top cover. 4-87...
  • Page 153 4-4-1. O P T I O N 202 DESCRIPTION The Option 202 Handler Interface can be configured to physically and electrically interface the HP 4278A to the following handlers: • P a l o m a r Model M16 Handler •...
  • Page 154 LOW. Control Input: The control input signal is: Trigger signal sent to the 4278A to start a measurement. Rising START IN and falling edge triggering signals are handled b y installing jumper W12 or W13 on the Option 202 Handler Interface board.
  • Page 155 Table 4-11. Pin Assignments Signal Name Description Common Isolated Common Bin 0 Bin sorting results Opto-Isolated Bin 1 open collector output Bin 2 Bin 3 Bin 4 Bin 5 Bin 6 Bin 7 Bin 8 Bin 9 + 5V OUT ±...
  • Page 156 COMMON /BIND /BIN1 / B I N 2 /BINS / B I M /BINS / B I N 6 19-36 /BIN7 NO CONNECTION /BINS /BINS +5V OUT SYSTEM GROUND START I N /B IN 10 NC(+5V WHEN W1 JUMPERED) BUSY N s / Figure 4-14.
  • Page 157 Ti T 2 1 _W8,12 W 9 , 1 0 , 1 3 START I_ w8,13 119,10,12 — 14 3 I ; : \ H , , t i f BUSY L "7 BIN DATA Previous B i n D a t a Va l i d Data Va l i d TIMING - - c - ' .
  • Page 158 80mA ). T h e opto-isolator common supply path can be con- nected to or isolated from the 4278A's system ground with jumper W2. Installing jumper W2 connects the opto-isolator common to the 4278A's system ground.
  • Page 159 8 8 8 Cc a — z z z HANDLER m m a i m c o c o c o m m a i m — INTERFACE CONNECTOR • /6I NO < /BINO / B I /B80 / 8IN1 «...
  • Page 160 /O INDEX • BINDEX • BE OM b — BUSY /BEOM COMMON SYSTEM 1 3 G R O U N D JIAI3 HANDLER INTERFACE HOARD CONTROL OUTPUT Figure 4-17. Simplified Control Output Schematic 4 - 9 5...
  • Page 161 Opto•isolated Inputs: HANDLER INTERFACE CONNECTOR START I N COMMON 0.1pF 1 0 0 0 p F HANDLER INTERFACE CONTROL INPUT Figure 4-18. Handler Interface input Schematic 4.96...
  • Page 162 Table 4-13, Typical Input Electrical Characteristics Input Signal Input Current 0 - 250uA - 60mA START IN (Opto-Isolated} Input Voltage 2.0V ( Input Current= 5mA ) Input Threshold Voltage High START IN (TTL Level) 1 0.8V 1.6V Input Current High 20uA -0.4mA 1 S c h m i t t -Trigger input, hysteresis = 0.8V.
  • Page 163 4-4-4. CONFIGURING THE OPTION 202 HANDLER INTERFACE BOARD Setting up the Option 202 Handler Interface board consists of installing jumpers and pull-up resistors as required. Table 4-14 lists the jumpers and pull-up resistors to install for various handlers on the market. Figure 4-20 shows the locations of the handler interface jumpers, Figure 4-21 shows the locations of the pull-up resistors on the handler interface board, and Figure 4-22 shows the location of the handler interface board in the 4278k Table 4-14.
  • Page 164 W8 must be left open. Adds a 0.14F capacitor to filter out noise on the START IN input. Sets the 4278A to trigger on the falling edge of the START IN input signal ( Opto-Isolator ). Sets the 4278A to trigger on the raising edge of the START IN input signal ( TTL ).
  • Page 165 If you are using one of the handlers listed in paragraph 4-4-5 perform steps 1 through 6 Of the following general configuration procedure, and then go to the setup example for your handler and install the pull-up resistors and jumpers as directed. U s e the following pro- cedure to configure the Option 202 Handler Interface Board for a handler not listed in para- graph 4-4-5.
  • Page 166 General Configuration Procedure: 1, Disconnect the 4278A's powe, cord and allow enough time ( a few minutes) for the internal supply filter capacitors to discharge. 2. Disconnect the two rear feet which lock the top cover and rear panel together.
  • Page 167 a5it C. a _ ) • Figure 4-20. Configuration Jumper Locations 4,,,4 9 9 9 g a) c a a ) c o a ) a ) M 03 6 6 6 6 I6 6 6 kg**MietrAT:nginir'-' Figure 4-21. Puli-Up Resistor Locations 4-102...
  • Page 168 Front Rear Handler 1 / F board Figure 4-22. Handler Interface Board Location 4-103...
  • Page 169 4-4-5. CONFIGURATION EXAMPLES Setup example information consisting of handler interface board configuration, timing dia- grams, list of signals used, logic levels used, and other special information pertaining to the handler under discussion will now be given. Setup examples are given for the following handlers: •...
  • Page 170 • DEFAULT CONFIGURATION The Standard setting is the configuration of the Option 202 handler interface board as it is shipped from the factory. T h e timing for the default setup is shown in Figure 4-23 f o r reference. START I N Raising Edge...
  • Page 171 EOC I n s t a l l jumper at W4 Figure 4-24. Default Jumper and Pull-Up Resistor Locations 2. Install the configured handler interface board into the 4278A. 3. R e p l a c e the top shield plate, rear feet, and top cover.
  • Page 172 e PALOMAR MODEL M16 Have you performed steps 1 through 6 of the general procedure given in paragraph 4-4-4 ? If not, do so now, then return to this procedure. T h e Palomar M16 timing diagram is shown in Figure 4-25 for reference. START 1 N F a l l i n g Edge...
  • Page 173 Palomar M16 Configuration Procedure: 1. Configure the following interface signals by installing the jumpers as shown in Figure 4-26. START IN I n s t a l l jumper at W8 and W13 BUSY I n s t a l l jumper at W6 EOC I n s t a l l jumper at W5 Figure 4-26.
  • Page 174 . PALOMAR MODEL M11 Have you performed steps 1 through 6 of the general procedure given in paragraph 4-4-4? If not, do so now, then return and continue with this procedure. T h e Palomar M11 timing diagram is shown in Figure 4-27 for reference. Raising Edge Tr i g g e r...
  • Page 175 ( install a jumper at W1 for + 5V and at W2 for the COMMON connection ). Refer to Figure 4-28 for the locations of WI and W2. 4. Install the configured handler interface board into the 4278A. 5. Replace the top shield plate, rear feet, and top cover.
  • Page 176 • 0 -CORPORATION RTR2 Have you performed steps 1 through 6 of the general procedure given in paragraph 4-4-4 ? If not, do so now, then return and continue with this procedure. The RTR2 timing diagram is shown in Figure 4-29 for reference. Figure 4-29.
  • Page 177 ( install a jumper at W1 for + 5V and at W2 for the COMMON connection ). Refer to Figure 4-30 for the locations of W1 and W2. 3_ Install the configured handler interface board into the 4278A. 4. Replace the top shield plate, rear feet, and top cover.
  • Page 178 . ISUMECA 83 Have you performed steps 1 through 6 of the general procedure given in paragraph 4-4-4 ? If not, d o s o n o w, then return and continue w i t h this procedure. T h e Isumeca 8 3 t i m i n g diagram is shown in Figure 4-31 f o r reference.
  • Page 179 EOC I n s t a l l jumper at W4 Figure 4-32. Isumeca 83 Jumper and Pull-Up Resistor Locations 2. Install the configured handler interface board into the 4278A. 3. Replace the top shield plate, rear feet, and top cover.
  • Page 180 s EA MODEL M015 Have you performed steps 1 through 6 of the general procedure given in paragraph 4-4-4 ? If not, do so now, then return and continue with this procedure. T h e M015 timing diagram is shown in Figure 4-33 for reference. START I N F a l l i n g Edge...
  • Page 181 EOC I n s t a l l jumper at W4 * * E t Ants::'ItA,m0§ok Figure 4-34. EA M015 Jumper and Pull-Up Resistor Locations 2. Install the configured handler interface board into the 4278A. 3. Replace the top shield plate, rear feet, and top cover. 4-116...
  • Page 182 4-5. OPTION 301 SCANNER INTERFACE 4-5-1. DESCRIPTION The 4278A with the Option 301 Scanner Interface can have up to 256 sets of the compensa- tion measurement data ( OPEN, SHORT, STANDARD ), and any of these 256 sets of com- pensation data can be used for each measurement.
  • Page 183 NOTE The / ( back slash ) in the signal name means that the signal is asserted when low. The scanner interface I/O connector pin assignments are shown in Figure 4-35, and the contact assignments and a brief description of each are given in Table 4-16. /CHO /CH2 /CH3...
  • Page 184 /INDEX INDEX is asserted when a measurement is com- pleted and the 4278A is ready for the next D U I to b e connected t o t h e UNKNOWN terminals. The measurement data is not valid until /EOM is asserted.
  • Page 185 2. Set the channel selection signals ( /CHO to /CH7 ) and the channel valid signal ( CH_VALID ) to compensate CHANNEL 0. 3. Trigger the 4278A by supplying a trigger pulse through the scanner input/output connector on the rear panel. The 4278A will acknowledge the channel number as CHANNEL 0, and then measure the capacitor connected to scanner channel 0 using the compensation data for channel 0.
  • Page 186 T1 ' 1 ' 2 T 3 k*-- EXT T R I G /INDEX CH N + 1 CI I N o . / C l i VA L I D ; ' U s Minimum Maximum Time Description 11.1S Trigger Pulse Width Display Time + Measurement Start...
  • Page 187 S e l e c t i o n Channel S e l e c t o r SCANNER /INDEX /EOM 4278A 1 / F SCANNER C o n t r o l T i m i n g CONNECTO EXT.
  • Page 188 4-5-3. SIGNAL ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS The electrical characteristics of the I/O signals are as follows. Channel Selection Input Signals ( Optocoupled ): The /CHO to /CH7 and /CH_VALID signals are optocoupled to isolate inputs at do. E a c h signal is connected to the cathode of an LED in the optocoupler which is current driven and requires 5 mA t o 20 mA for proper operation.
  • Page 189 SCANNER INTERFACE BOARD SCANNER 1/F CCNNECTCR EX T.CCv 2 9 1 8 2 5 6 a 8 1 . 9 I D U 19 1 . 5 8 2 5 $ • 2 6 1 6 $ 4 8 13 . - - - /CHO / C H I tCH2...
  • Page 190 Control Output Signals ( Optocoupled ): The /INDEX and /EOM signals have open collector outputs. Each output optocoupled. T h e combination of pull u p resistor and pull-up voltage must result in a current through the optocoupler of less than 6 mA ( Refer to Table 4-18 ). Table 4-18.
  • Page 191 ( EXT_DCV ) used. Perform the following steps. PROCEDURE: 1. Disconnect the power cable from the 4278A and allow time ( a few minutes) for the internal capacitors to discharge. WARNING1 DANGEROUS ENERGY/VOLTAGE EXISTS WHEN THE 4278A IS IN OPERATION AND JUST AFTER IT IS POWERED DOWN.
  • Page 192 Figure 4-40. Scanner Interface Board Location 7. Remove the scanner interface board. 8. Set switches SW1 a n d SW2 i n accordance with Table 4-19. T h e location switches SW1 and SW2 are shown in Figure 4-41. 9. Replace the scanner interface board, top shield plate, rear feet, and top cover. 4.127...
  • Page 193 TP1 T P 2 T P 3 T P 4 TP5 EXT EXT COM I T C GND Z R T R G DCV SCANNER INTER] ACE BOARD Figure 4-41. SW1 and SW2 Switch Locations 4-128...
  • Page 194 Table 4-19. SW1 and SW2 Settings EXT _ N V • © •1 c o l cb - I I D I 5 V "-- 6 V INIIE3 Factory shipped Setting I = 1 • • 1:::) 1 = 1 DO ononan 000011000 •...
  • Page 195 2. Press the 'MULTI COMPEN' softkey. 3. Press the 'ON' softkey. NOTE When the multi-compensation mode is set via HP-1B, use the MCOM command. MCOMO command: S e t the multi-compensation mode to OFF MCOM1 command: S e t the multi-compensation mode to ON...
  • Page 196 ( for example: when the 'OPEN COMPEN' softkey is pressed ), the 4278A acknowledges the channel number. S o if "CNO.10" is sent via HP-113, the 4278A will not set the channel number to 10 until the 4278A is triggered or until the 4278A starts a compensation data measurement.
  • Page 197 1. Select the scanner channel ( select the channels i n sequence starting with CHANNEL 0 ). 2. Set the 4278A's channel number equal to that selected in step 1 t o store the selected channel's compensation data. 3. Short the selected channels measurement contacts.
  • Page 198 4. Select t h e scanner channel ( select the channels i n sequence starting w i t h CHANNEL 0 ). 5. Set the 4278A's channel number equal to that selected in step I t o store the selected channel's compensation data.
  • Page 199 I DISPLAYING COMPENSATION DATA 11 When you want to display the compensation data for a channel, perform the following steps. 1. Select the channel you want to read. 2. Press the MENU key and press the NEXT key twice. 3. Press the 'VALUE MONITR' softkey. 4.
  • Page 200 When you want to read the compensation data for any channel via HP-1B, use the following HP-IB device dependent commands. OPM? command OPEN compensation data query SHM? command SHORT compensation data query STM? command STANDARD compensation measurement data query STANDARD compensation reference data query...
  • Page 201 [ BLOCK DATA TRANSFER VIA HP-IB ( OPTION 101) When Option 101 and Option 301 are installed in the 4278A, up to 500 measurements values ( measurement and comparison results) can be stored in the data buffer in sequential mea- surement order.
  • Page 202 • ASCII FORMAT When the 4278A transfers a block of data in the ASCII format, DATA A, DATA B and BIN NO. data are repeated for as many sets of data are in the buffer ( 500 sets of data maximum ).
  • Page 203 A description of each program line follows: Lines 1 0 : Dimension the data array 20: Assign address 717 to the Hp4278a 30: Put the 4278A into the REMOTE mode 40: Initialize the HP 4278A 50: Set the trigger mode to EXT TRIG...
  • Page 204 • BINARY FORMAT When the 4278A transfers block data using the BINARY format, DATA A, DATA B and BIN NO. data are repeated f o r as many sets o f data are i n the buffer ( 500 sets o f data maximum ).
  • Page 205 30: Assign address 717 to the Hp4278a and set it to ASCII 40: Assign address 717 to the Binary and set it to BINARY 50: Put the 4278A into the REMOTE mode 60: Initialize the HP 4278A 70: Set the trigger mode to EXT_TRIG...

  • Page 206: Section 5, General Information

    SECTION 5 GENERAL INFORMATION 5-1. INTRODUCTION 5-2. SPECIFICATIONS 5-3. COMPONENTS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY 5-4. SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS 5-5. INSTRUMENTS COVERED BY THIS MANUAL 5-6. OPERATING ENVIRONMENT 5-7. INSTALLATION OF OPTIONS 907, 908, AND 909 5-8. STORAGE AND SHIPMENT 5-8-1. ENVIRONMENT 5-8-2.
  • Page 208 5-3. COMPONENTS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY The memory card is not covered under the 4278A's warranty. I f the memory card becomes defective even within the warranty period of the 4278A, the cost of the memory card must be paid.
  • Page 209 To order an addi- tional manual, use the part number listed on the title page of this manual. 5-6. OPERATING ENVIRONMENT Temperature T h e 4278A may be operated in ambient temperatures ranging from 0 to 55°C. Humidity The instrument may be operated in environments with relative humidities up to 95% at 40°C.
  • Page 210 5 together on the left and right front sides of the 4278A using the screws provided. 5. W h e n rack mounting the 4278A (3 and 4 above), remove all four feet (lift bar on the inner side of the foot, and slide the loot toward the bar).
  • Page 211 Use cardboard to protect the control panel. 4. Seal the shipping container securely. 5. Mark the shipping container FRAGILE to help ensure careful handling. 6. I n any correspondence, refer t o the 4278A b y model number and its full serial number. CAUTION...
  • Page 212 5-9. ELECTRICAL OPTION MODIFICATIONS Electrical options can be added or deleted after you receive the 4278A. Tables 5-1 through 5-6 list the necessary parts, and the modification procedures are given in the Maintenance Manual. NOTE The part numbers listed below and the part numbers listed in the Maintenance Manual may need to be changed when circuit enhancements are made.
  • Page 213 Table 5-5. Parts Necessary to Add Option 101 HP-IB Interface HP Part Number Description QTY. 04278-66520 #101 HP-IB Board Assembly 04278-00210 HP-1 13 Connector Panel 04278-61621 Flat-cable Assembly 2190-0577 Washer Table 5-6. Parts Necessary to Add Option 201 Handler Interface...
  • Page 214 Table 5-7. Specifications (Sheet 1 of 17) GENERAL OPERATING ENVIRONMENT: Temperature: 0 ° C to 55°C Relative Humidity: <95% RH @ 40°C. Condensation must be avoided. STORAGE ENVIRONMENT: Temperature: -20°C to �60°C Relative Humidity: .95°/0 FtH @ 40°C. SAFETY: Based on IEC-348, CSA-BULLETIN-556B and UL-1244 POWER REQUIREMENTS: Line Voltage: 100, 120, and 220VAC ±10%, 240VAC +5% -10% Line Frequency: 48 to 66Hz...
  • Page 215 Table 5-7. Specifications (Sheet 2 of 17) BASIC SPECIFICATIONS PARAMETER MEASURED: Cp-D, Cp-Q, Cp-G, Cs-D, Cs-Q, and Cs-ESR Where: Cp is the capacitance in parallel circuit mode Cs is the capacitance in series circuit mode D is the dissipation factor 0 is the quality factor (=1/D) G is the conductance in the parallel circuit mode ESR is equivalent series resistance...
  • Page 216 Table 5-7. Specifications (Sheet 3 of 17) MEASUREMENT TIME MODE: Integration Time: SHORT, MEDIUM, and LONG Measurement Times MEDIUM LONG Mode SHORT 10.0 ±-1ms 21.0 -Urns Time 1 6.5±0.5ms 1 Measurement time includes Settling, Integration (analog measurements), Calculation, and Compari- son times.
  • Page 217 (1) Warm up time > 10 minutes (2) Ambient temperature 23°C±5°C: rate o f temperature change <0.2°Cf minute (3) Test cable length set to 0, 1 or 2m (HP 16048A/B/D) (4) OPEN / SHORT compensation and temperature compensation have been performed.
  • Page 218 Table 5-7. Specifications (Sheet 5 of 17) 1kHz MEASUREMENT: Tables A-1 and A-2 lists the 1kHz measurement accuracies, when all of the following conditions are satisfied. (1) D_<..0.1 (2) 0<a<1.0 at the 100pF range through 10u$ range, and 0.2..cc at the 10011F range (when 1<ot,5..2, apply 1 to a) where c(---Crdg/Cf Crdg: Reading of C (in uF) Cf: Full scale value of C range (in uF)
  • Page 219 Table 5-7. Specifications (Sheet 6 of 17) Table A-2. lkHz Measurement (G, ESR) Measurement Parameter range E SR 100 pF 1 riP 1(7.9 +*1.6 1 ko) + (3.1 + * 16 i k o ) i d i • C r d g A S 1(0.2 + 0.04 i ko)-1 (0.08+*0.4 i k o ) / 0 ' 1 - A 7 P 10 uF 1( 5 ±...
  • Page 220 Table 5-7. Specifications (Sheet 7 of 17) 1MHz MEASUREMENT: Normal Mode: Tables B-1 and B-2 lists the measurement accuracies for the 1 MHz normal mode measurement when all of the following conditions are satisfied, (1) 135_0.1 (2) 0<ci<1.25 at the all measurement range. where ci=Crdg/Cf Crdg: Reading of C (in pF) Cf: Full scale value of C range (in pF)
  • Page 221 Table 5-7. Specifications (Sheet 8 of 17) Table B-2. 1 MHz Normal Mode Measurement (G, ESR) C r a n g e Measurement P a r a m e t e r EpFJ 0.3 9 6 + (0.019 + 0.05 /1{0 /a)-Crdg AS 0.3 %-v ( 960 / k o ) •...
  • Page 222 Table 5-7. Specifications (Sheet 9 of 17) High Accuracy Mode: Tables C-1 and C-2 lists the measurement accuracies for the 1MHz high accuracy mode measurements when all of the following conditions are satisfied. (1) D.0.05 (2) 0 . 7 5 a < 1 . 3 a t Crc>2pF. Crc-0.6pF<Crdg<Crc+0.6pF at Crc<2pF.
  • Page 223 Table 5-7. Specifications (Sheet 10 of 17) Table C-2. 1 MHz High Accuracy Mode Measurement (G, ESR) E n t r y V a l u e Measurement P a r a m e t e r C r c ( p F ) (640 + 640 I ko) / Crdg°...
  • Page 224 Table 5-7. Specifications (Sheet 11 of 17) CALIBRATION UNCERTAINTY: Calibration uncertainty when t h e 4278A i s shipped from factory i s shown in the following tables. Uncertainty C r a n g e ( 1MHz ) C range...
  • Page 225 Table 5-7. Specifications (Sheet 12 of 17) Temperature Compensation: The temperature compensation function is used to minimize the tem- perature induced measurement error portion of the analog measurement error. OFFSET FUNCTION: Arithmetic compensation for measurement offset errors is performed by entering the proper compensation value.
  • Page 226 DATA OUTPUT/REMOTE CONTROL OPTIONS: Option 101 -- HP-18 Interface: Remote control and data output (ASCII and binary) via the HP-1B. Based on IEEE-STD488 and ANSI-MC1.1. Remote Control All the front panel controls except for the power line switch.
  • Page 227 Table 5-7. Specifications (Sheet 14 of 17) HANDLER INTERFACE OPTIONS: Option 201 -- Handier Interface: Output signal: N e g a t i v e true, open collector, photo isolated. Decision output: B i n number, out of bins, and rejection status. index: A n a l o g measurement complete.
  • Page 228 Table 5-7. Specifications (Sheet 15 of 17) SCANNER INTERFACE OPTIONS: Option 301 -- Scanner Interface: The scanner interface adds the following functions to the 4278A. 1. Timing synchronization between an external component scanner and the 4278A. 2. After storing up to 500 sets of measurement data, block transfers the stored data to the controller via HP-IS.
  • Page 229 ACCESSORIES FURNISHED ACCESSORIES: Memory Card PN 04278-89001, lea. Power Cable D e p e n d s on what country the 4278A is being used in. Refer to Table 2-2. AVAILABLE ACCESSORIES: Test Fixtures, Test Leads: HP 16334A (1m, Tweezer-type for Chip Components)
  • Page 230 Table 5-7. Specifications (Sheet 17 of 17) Handler Interface Connector for mating with Option 201: HP PM 1251-0084 Connector 36 pin (AM PHENOL) impedance Standards: HP 16380A Standard Air Capacitor Set (1,10,100, and 1000pF) HP 16380C Capacitance Standard Set (0.01,0,1, and 11.IF)
  • Page 231 SUPPLEMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS Table 5-8. Supplemental Performance Characteristics (sheet 1 of 3) STABILITY: Applies to measurement time LONG at constant temperature. C: .0.01%/day 0: <0.0001/day TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENTS: For measurement time LONG and temperature range 23°C-15°C. C: 5.0.01 °/or C D: 0.00004/°C (@ 1MHz High Accuracy Mode) D: S0.0001/aC (@ 1kHz and 1MHz Normal Mode) MEASUREMENT RECOVERY TIME: Within lms after an overload condition (due to a shorted capacitor connect-...
  • Page 232 Where, C, D, G, R is the measurement reading. (@ 1kHz, 1MHz Normal Mode Measurement) HP-IB (OPTION 101): Data output: Max. 75 bytes/ms, depending on the controller being used. Handshake: Typical 2 to 3ms (when used with an HP 9826/9836), depend- ing on the controller being used. 5-25...
  • Page 233 Table 5-8. Supplemental Performance Characteristics (sheet 3 of 3) SCANNER INTERFACE (OPTION 301): Electrical Characteristics: (1) I n p u t signal characteristics: photo isolate, negative true Input Voltage Rate External Input Current Signal Name Pull-Up Voltage High <1 V 5 to 15 V /CHO to /CH7 Pull-Up...

  • Page 234: Section 6, Performance Tests

    6-8. 1MHz CAPACITANCE ACCURACY TEST 6-12 6-9. STORE AND LOAD FUNCTION TEST 6-18 6-10. HP-IB INTERFACE TEST (OPTION 101 ONLY) 6-19 6-11. HANDLER INTERFACE FUNCTION TEST ( OPTION 201 ) 6-21 6-12. HANDLER INTERFACE FUNCTION TEST ( OPTION 202 ) 6-25 6-13.
  • Page 236 I f the performance tests indicate that the 4278A is not within specifica- tions, check your test setup, then proceed to Adjustments or Troubleshooting as required. NOTE Allow the 4278A to warm up for at least 10 minutes before you execute any of the performance tests. NOTE Performance tests are valid only when performed in an ambient temperature o f 23°C ±5°C.
  • Page 237 4278A meets its indicated specifications. 6-4. CALIBRATION CYCLE The 4278A requires periodic performance verification. H o w often you verify performance depends on the operating and environmental conditions. Check the 4278A using the perfor- mance tests described in this section at least once a year. To minimize instrument down- time and to ensure optimum operation, perform preventive maintenance and calibration at least twice a year.
  • Page 238 Equipment Requirements Recommended Model Test Leads Cable Length, (1m) HP 16048A Cable Length, (2m) HP 16048D HP 10833A HP-IB HP-IB cable, l m Cable Computer HP Technical Computer HP 9826 Memory (furnished accessory) HP PN 04278-89001 Card Handler HP PN 04278-65001...
  • Page 239 This test verifies that the accuracy of the 4278A's test signal frequency is within ±0.02%. NOTE If the 4278A is equipped with Option 001, perform steps 1 through 3. i f the 4278A is equipped with Option 002, perform steps 1, 2, 4, and 5.
  • Page 240 This test verifies that the 4278A's test signal level is within the specified level accuracy of *10%. NOTE If the 4278A is equipped with Option 001, perform steps 1 through 3. I f the 4278A is equipped with Option 002, perform steps 1, 4, and 5. HP4278A...
  • Page 241 3. Set the OSC level in accordance with Table 6-2, and confirm that the output level of the 4278A is within the test limits given in Table 6-2. 4. Change the 4278A's controls as follows: Test Frequency Measurement Range 1 0 2 4 p F...
  • Page 242 6-7. 1kHz CAPACITANCE ACCURACY TEST This capacitance test verifies the 4278A's measurement accuracy at 1kHz. Capacitance accuracy checks are made by connecting a standard capacitor to the 4278A and comparing measurement results with the calibrated values of the standard. Accuracies for dissipation factors near zero are also checked during this test.
  • Page 243 PROCEDURE: 1. Connect the OPEN reference to the 4278A's UNKNOWN terminals. 2. Set the 4278A's controls as follows: Test Frequency 1kHz Measurement Parameter Cp-D 100pF Measurement Range 05C Level 1.0Vrms 1NTEG TIME LONG Trigger Mode MAN TRIG Cable Length Initial Settings...
  • Page 244 Cp and D limit values in parenthesis only apply for the OSC LEVEL 0.3V setting. 19. Disconnect the 1uF standard capacitor, and connect the Oil standard resistor to the UNKNOWN terminals. 20. Change the 4278A's controls as follows: Measurement Parameter Measurement Range 1 0 0 u F...
  • Page 245 °DOB O P E N , SHORT r e f e r e n c e Standard C a p a c i t o r Figure 6-4. lkhlz Capacitance Accuracy Test Setup 2 29. Change the 4278A's controls as follows: Measurement Parameter C p - D Measurement Range...
  • Page 246 OPEN reference using the 16048D test leads. NOTE Make sure there is a good connection between the 4278A's front panel ground ter- minal (next to the UNKNOWN terminals) and the 160480's ground lead. The ground lead of the 16048D's end of cable should be connected to nothing.
  • Page 247 6-8. 1MHz CAPACITANCE ACCURACY TEST This test verifies capacitance measurement accuracy a t 1MHz. Capacitance accuracy checks are made by connecting a standard capacitor to the 4278A and comparing the mea- surement results with the calibrated values of the standard. Measurement accuracy of dis- sipation factors near zero are also checked in this test.
  • Page 248 PROCEDURE: 1. Connect the OPEN reference to the UNKNOWN terminals. 2. Set the 4278A's controls as follows: Test Frequency 1MHz HI ACC Mode Measurement Parameter Cp-D LONG INTEG TIME Measurement Range 1.0Vrms OSC Level Cable Length Trigger Mode MAN TRIG...
  • Page 249 [Range Change Accuracy Check] 13. Disconnect the OPEN reference, and connect the 1 pF standard capacitor to the UNKNOWN terminals. 14. Press the TRIGGER key. 15. Confirm that Cp and t7 are within the test limits in Table 6-5. 16. Set the standard capacitor and the measurement range in accordance with Table 6-5.
  • Page 250 15.04pF C.V. ±0.010pF ±0.0005 C.V. : Calibration Value of the 10pF Standard Capacitor at lkHz [Integration Time Change Accuracy Check] 22. Set the 4278A's controls as follows: HI ACC Mode Measurement Range 8 p F 23. Press the TRIGGER key.
  • Page 251 BUDD O P E N , SHORT r e f e r e n c e Standard C a p a c i t o r Figure 6-6. 1MHz Capacitance Accuracy Test Setup 2 27, Set the 4278A's controls as Follows: HI ACC Mode Measurement Range 1 0 0 p F...
  • Page 252 NOTE Make sure there is a good connection between the 4278A's front panel ground terminal (next to the UNKNOWN terminals) and the 16048's ground lead. T h e ground lead of the 160480's end of cableshould be connected to nothing.
  • Page 253 6-9. STORE AND LOAD FUNCTION TEST This test verifies the 4278A's ability to store information to, and load information from a memory card, EQUIPMENT: HP PN 04278-89001 Memory Card PROCEDURE: 1. Insert the memory card into the MEMORY card slot.
  • Page 254 PROCEDURE: 1. Set the 4278A's HP-IB address to 17. 2. Set up the equipment as shown in Figure 6-8. U s e the HP 9826's interface Se- lect Code (7). 3. Load BASIC and input the following program (do not RUN the program yet, however).
  • Page 255 7. Confirm that the LTN lamp stays lit, the RMT lamp goes out, and the softkey label page can be changed by pressing the NEXT key. 8. Press the STEP key on the HP 9826 to execute line 30 and confirm that the I L K lamp is lit.
  • Page 256 EQUIPMENT: Handler Simulator PN 04278-65001 PROCEDURE: 1. Disconnect the power cable from the 4278A and allow enough time ( a few minutes ), for the internal capacitors to discharge. WARNING' DANGEROUS ENERGY/VOLTAGE EXISTS WHEN THE 4278A IS IN OPERATION AND FOR A TIME AFTER IT IS POWERED DOWN. ALLOW A FEW MINUTES FOR THE INTERNAL CAPACITORS TO DISCHARGE.
  • Page 257 9 P 9 P 9 P 4 9 9 re 7e 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 Figure 6-10. Jumper Settings 9. Replace the interface board, top shield plate and top cover. 10. Turn the 4278A on. 6-22...
  • Page 258 11, Connect the handler interface connector on the 4278A's rear panel to the handler simulator as shown in Figure 6-11. & • . ! , • - Figure 6-11. Handler Interface Test Setup (Option 201) 12. Press the MENU key.
  • Page 259 19. Press the 'exit TEST' softkey. CAUTION DO NOT EXECUTE ANY SELF TEST EXCEPT FOR THE HANDLER I/F TEST OR THE 4278A WILL BECOME INOPERATIVE. THE REMAINING SELF TESTS ARE FOR SERVICE USE ONLY. 20. Replace the jumpers and resisters to previous setting.
  • Page 260 6-12. HANDLER INTERFACE FUNCTION TEST (OPTION 202 ONLY) This test verifies option 202 handler interface functions. When this test is performed the following LEDs WILL NOT turn ON because the signals they represent are not used by the Option 202 handler interface board. PHI-, PLO-, SREJ-, UNBAL- and ALARM- EQUIPMENT: Handler Simulator...
  • Page 261 5. Replace the handler interface board, top shield plate and the top cover. • 6. Turn the 4278A on. 7. Connect the handler interface connector on the 4278A's rear panel t o the handler simulator as shown in Figure 6-14.
  • Page 262 15. Press the 'exit TEST' softkey. CAUTION DO NOT EXECUTE ANY SELF TEST EXCEPT FOR THE HANDLER I/F TEST OR THE 4278A WILL BECOME INOPERATIVE. T H E REMAINING SELF TESTS ARE FOR SERVICE USE ONLY. 16. Replace the jumpers and resisters to previous setting.
  • Page 263 6-13. SCANNER INTERFACE FUNCTION TEST (OPTION 301 ONLY) This test verifies option 301 scanner interface functions. EQUIPMENT: Scanner Simulator PN 04278-65301 PROCEDURE: 1. Perform steps 1 through 5 described on page 6- . 2. Disconnect the flat cable connected to the scanner interface board. The scanner interface board is the one with the BLACK and YELLOW extractors ( See Figure 6-9 ).
  • Page 264 7. Turn the 4278A on. 8. Connect the cable furnished with the scanner simulator to the scanner I/O con- nector on the rear panel of the 4278A. Refer to Figure 6-17. Figure 6-17. Scanner Simulator Connections 9. Press the MENU key.
  • Page 265 15. Watch the scanner simulator to confirm that the 4278A's settings displayed in the message area are the same as the signal output. 16. Press the 'exit TEST' softkey. CAUTION DO NOT EXECUTE ANY SELF TEST EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE SELF TESTS OR THE 4278A WILL BECOME INOPERATIVE.
  • Page 266 PERFORMANCE TEST RECORD Hewlett-Packard 4278A Tested by 1 kHz/1 MHz Capacitance Meter Date Serial No. Results Test Minimum Actual Maximum 6-5. T E S T FREQUENCY ACCURACY TEST Test Frequency: 999.8Hz 1000.2Hz 1 MHz 999.8kHz 1000.2kHz Option 003 Test Frequency: 1009.798Hz...
  • Page 267 Results Test Actual Maximum Minimum 6-7. 1kHz CAPACITANCE MEASUREMENT ACCURACY TEST [Range Change Accuracy Check] OSC level=1 V C.V.+ Meas. Range:100pF C.V.- 0.100pF 0.100pF -0.00060 0.00060 C.V.- C.V.+ 0.00100nF 0.00100nF -0.00060 0.00060 10nF C.V.- C.V.+ 0.0100nF 0.0100nF -0.00070 0.00070 - - - 100nF C C.V.- C.V.+...
  • Page 268 Results Test Actual Minimum Maximum [Cable Length Compensation Accuracy Check) Cable Length: l m C.V.- C.V.+ 0.100pF 0.100pF -0.00060 0.00060 Cable Length: 2m C.V.- C.V.+ 0.100pF 0.100pF 0.00060 -0.00060 6-8. 1MHz CAPACITANCE MEASUREMENT ACCURACY TEST [Range Change Accuracy Check) C.V.+ Meas.
  • Page 269 0.10pF 0.10pF -0.0005 0.0005 6-9. STORE AND LOAD FUNCTION TEST PASS FAIL 6-10. HP-IB INTERFACE TEST (OPTION 101 ONLY) PASS FAIL 6-11. HANDLER INTERFACE FUNCTION TEST (OPTION 201 ONLY) PASS FAIL 6-12. HANDLER INTERFACE FUNCTION TEST (OPTION 202 ONLY) PASS FAIL 6-13.
  • Page 270 APPENDIXES APPENDIX A, MANUAL CHANGES APPENDIX B, SOFTKEY TREE APPENDIX C, DISPLAY MESSAGES APPENDIX D, POSSIBLE PROBLEMS AND THEIR SOLUTIONS D - 1...
  • Page 272 4278A's serial number. If your 4278A's serial number is not listed on the title page of this manual or in Table A, it may be documented in a yellow MANUAL CHANGES supplement. F o r additional informa- tion on serial number coverage, refer to INSTRUMENTS COVERED BY THIS MANUAL in Section 5.
  • Page 273 2.1 and below. Page 4.1, paragraph 4-2. OPTION 101 HP-IB INTERFACE The following HP-I B device dependent commands cannot be used. CCOU? command: B I N Count Query of the selected channel CNO= command : Channel number selection MCOM command: MULTI-COMPEN mode OFF/ON Thus delete the description for these commands on the following pages.
  • Page 274 - E X T TIVG - M A N TRIO return - r e t u r n HP-18 DEFINE A P E S A B L E CABLE L E N O T H T e m - TALK ONLY HP-18 AWES...
  • Page 275 The following changes adapt this manual to instruments with firmware version 3.01 and below. Page 4-62, Table 4-2. Data Transfer Rate Change the table as follows. 1. Typical data transfer rate using the ENTER command with an HP 9000 Series 200 (9816) computer. Format Data Type...
  • Page 276 APPENDIX B SOFTKEY TREE This appendix shows the HP 4278A's softkey tree. Bolded softkey labels indicate default settings.
  • Page 277 Seitkey Page I et 4 Page 2 el 4 7 TRIO MODE I N T TRIG 148AS PA R M T R - r C p . ( ) EXT TRIG E C p - 0 - MAN TRIO Cp-G prey - return.
  • Page 278 W i l l e y Pape 3 of 4 page 4 of 4 - MEMORY CARD S T O R E C O M PA R ATO R C O M P T R ON COMPTR OFF LIMIT TABLE - CLEAR LIMIT CHANGE P A R M T R - C p .
  • Page 279 NOTES...
  • Page 280 Comments, Error Messages, and Error Messages of Power-on Self Test. Comments instruct the operator what to do, and informs the operator when the 4278A has completed a special operation (compensation, etc.). E r r o r Messages indicates an operator error o r a memory card read/write error.
  • Page 281 Meaning Comment This message w i l l b e displayed Press ENTER key to clear limits when the 'CLEAR LIMIT' softkey is pressed. T h i s i s a confirmation inquiry to determine if the operator really wants to clear the limits. Press ENTER to store This message w i l l b e displayed when t h e 'STORE' s o f t k e y i s...
  • Page 282 Comment VerA.AA BBCC OPT-ODD, EEE This message i s displayed when the 4278A is turned on. " A A,4" indicates t h e firmware version. "BB" indicates the last two digits of the firmware release year. " C C "...
  • Page 283 ERROR MESSAGES NOTE Use the ERR? command to read error numbers via the HP-IB bus. The operation that caused the error message will be ignored and the 4278A will not be affected by the operation. Meaning Error Message This message w i l l b e displayed...
  • Page 284 LOAD k e y was pressed without a memory card being insert- ed o r w h e n a n o n -HP specified memory card is inserted. T h i s will be displayed also when un-initialized memory cards are used.
  • Page 285 The 'STORE' softkey was pressed MEMORY CARD is write protected when the write protect switch, inside the 4278A, w a s s e t t o t h e write protect position. The 'OFFSET B O N ' softkey w a s...
  • Page 286 Into the stan- dard data table. EEPROM write failed This message w i l l b e displayed when the 4278A fails t o write t h e analog calibration d a t a t o t h e EEPROM. Query Error...
  • Page 287 ERROR MESSAGES OF POWER-ON SELF TEST When a hardware failure is detected on the power-on self test, the following error messages will b e displayed. Refer to the HP 4278A Maintenance Manual (HP PN 04278-90100) for details. Error Messages Meaning...
  • Page 288 The default control settings were not achieved when the 4278A was turned on. Make sure that a memory card is not installed, because the 4278A will load the stored settings from the memory card if it is inserted when the 4278A is turned on. No characters appear on the LCD.
  • Page 289 "Memory card write protected" is displayed. The 4278A's memory protect function is implemented with a switch in the 4278A rather than o n t h e memory card. R e f e r t o the Maintenance Manual f o r more...

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