Keithley 2600a series, Reference Manual, Page: 158 / 696

9-2 Return to Section Topics 2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008
Section 9: Sweep Operation Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual
Overview
Section overview
Following a brief overview of the types of sweeps (linear staircase, logarithmic staircase, and list),
the documentation in this section provides detailed information on characteristics, commands, and
programming for each type of sweep.
Sweep overview
As shown in Figure 9-1 , the Keithley Instruments Series 2600A System SourceMeter
®
instrument
can generate DC and pulsed sweeps to perform source-only sweeps, source-and-measure
sweeps, or measure-only sweeps. The following sweeps can be programmed:
DC and pulsed linear staircase sweeps: With these sweeps, the voltage or current increases or
decreases in specific steps, beginning with a start voltage or current and ending with a stop
voltage or current.
Figure 9-1A shows an increasing linear staircase sweep and a pulsed staircase
sweep. Pulsed linear staircase sweeps function the same way as DC linear staircase sweeps
except they return to the idle level between pulses.
DC and pulsed logarithmic staircase sweeps: In this case, the current or voltage increases or
decreases geometrically, beginning with a start voltage or current and ending with a stop voltage
or current.
Figure 9-1B shows an increasing logarithmic staircase sweep and a pulsed logarithmic
staircase sweep. Pulsed logarithmic staircase sweeps function the same way as DC logarithmic
staircase sweeps except they return to the idle level between pulses.
DC and pulsed list sweeps: The list sweep allows you to program arbitrary sweep steps
anywhere within the output voltage or current range of the Series 2600A. Figure 9-1C shows a list
sweep with arbitrary steps and a pulsed list sweep. Pulsed list sweeps function the same way as
DC list sweeps except they return to the idle level between pulses.