Keithley 2657A, Reference Manual, Page: 134 / 805

Section 3: Functions and features Model 2657A High Power System SourceMeter® Instrument Reference Manual
3-20 2657A-901-01 Rev. B/December 2012
Figure 32: Sweep types
DC and pulsed linear staircase sweeps (A):
With this type of sweep, the voltage or current
increases or decreases in fixed steps, beginning with a start voltage or current and ending with a stop
voltage or current. This portion of the figure (A) shows an increasing linear staircase sweep and a
pulsed staircase sweep. Pulsed linear staircase sweeps function the same way that DC linear
staircase sweeps function, except that pulsed linear staircase sweeps return to the idle level between
pulses.
DC and pulsed logarithmic staircase sweeps (B):
In this type of sweep, the current or voltage
increases or decreases geometrically, beginning with a start voltage or current and ending with a stop
voltage or current. This portion of the figure (B) shows an increasing logarithmic staircase sweep and
a pulsed logarithmic staircase sweep. Pulsed logarithmic staircase sweeps function the same way
that DC logarithmic staircase sweeps function, except that pulsed logarithmic staircase sweeps return
to the idle level between pulses.
DC and pulsed list sweeps (C):
The list sweep allows you to program arbitrary sweep steps
anywhere within the output voltage or current range of the Model 2657A. This portion of the figure (C)
shows a list sweep with arbitrary steps and a pulsed list sweep. Pulsed list sweeps function the same
way that DC list sweeps function, except that pulsed list sweeps return to the idle level between
pulses.
Start
Stop
DC linear staircase sweep
Start
100
DC logarithmic staircase sweep
First Point
DC list sweep
Last Point
10
1
0.1
Stop
Logarithmic scale
shown for staircase
Pulsed linear staircase sweep
Pulsed logarithmic staircase sweep
Pulsed list sweep
0.1
1
10
A
B
C
100