Section 2: Connections and configuration
Model 4200A-SCS Parameter Analyzer Reference Manual
2-22
4200A-901-01 Rev. C / February 2017
Control and data connections
The control and data connections that interface the 4200A-SCS to external equipment and
peripherals are covered below. Topics covered include:
•
GPIB connections
•
Printer port connections
•
LAN connections
•
USB connections
GPIB connections
The built-in IEEE-488 connector allows you to interface the 4200A-SCS to a variety of GPIB-equipped
devices, such as a CV meter or switching system. The unit can also be configured as a GPIB
subordinate and be controlled by an external host computer. The following paragraphs discuss the
IEEE-488 connector, recommended cables, typical IEEE-488 connections, and configuring GPIB
controller and subordinate operation.
Recommended cables
To avoid electrical interference, use only shielded IEEE-488 connecting cables such as the Keithley
Instruments 7007-1 and 7007-2.
Configuring IEEE-488 controller operation
The 4200A-SCS can be configured to operate either as a GPIB controller or GPIB subordinate. The
4200A-SCS acts as a GPIB controller when Clarius is running. Refer to
(on page 6-2) for
more information about Clarius. When operating as a controller, the 4200A-SCS reserves primary
address 0, making that address unavailable to GPIB subordinate devices such as GPIB switch
matrices, CV meters, and probe stations. Drivers for these and other instruments, typically integrated
into semiconductor test systems, are included with the 4200A-SCS. These drivers, called user
libraries, permit Clarius and the 4200A-SCS to control GPIB subordinate devices directly.
For instrumentation and equipment that is not supported by the standard user libraries, the open
architecture of the 4200A-SCS allows you to create your own user libraries using the Keithley User
Library Tool (KULT). Refer to
(on page 8-1) for more information regarding
the standard user libraries, KULT, and controlling external instrumentation.
Configuring IEEE-488 subordinate operation
The 4200A-SCS acts as a GPIB subordinate when the Keithley External Control Interface (KXCI)
software is running. When KXCI is running, the 4200A-SCS can be controlled by an external
computer using a command set nearly identical to the GPIB command set used to control a
Keysight 4145B Semiconductor Parameter Analyzer. Refer to
Keithley External Control Interface
(on page 9-1) for detailed information regarding KXCI.
