Model 2461 Interactive SourceMeter® Instrument Reference Manual
Section 3: Functions and features
2461-901-01 A/November 2015
3-71
Logarithmic pulse sweep
A logarithmic pulse sweep is similar to a linear pulse sweep, but the pulse level is increased or
decreased exponentially with each pulse.
When a logarithmic pulse sweep is initiated, the output goes from the bias level to the first specified
pulse level, and then back to the bias level for a specified delay and off time. The next pulse goes
from the bias level to a pulse level that is an order of magnitude higher or lower than the previous
pulse. This pattern continues until the end of the pulse sweep.
You can control the inflection of the pulse sweep curve by using the asymptote parameter. The
asymptote changes the inflection of the pulse sweep curve and allows it to sweep through zero. You
can use the asymptote parameter to customize the inflection and offset of the source value curve.
Setting this parameter to zero provides a conventional logarithmic sweep. The asymptote value is the
value that the curve has at either positive or negative infinity, depending on the direction of the
sweep. It must be outside of the range defined by the starting and ending values.
When you set up a logarithmic pulse sweep, the Model 2461 sets the order of magnitude for the
pulses based on the number of pulse sweep points and the start and stop values.
Figure 124: Logarithmic pulse sweep
Dual linear or logarithmic pulse sweep
A dual linear or logarithmic pulse sweep outputs pulses from the start level to the stop level, then
continues by outputting the pulses from the stop level to the start level.
Figure 125: Dual linear pulse sweep