5-2
Source-Measure Concepts
Compliance limit
When sourcing voltage, the SourceMeter can be set to limit current (from 1fA to 105mA).
Conversely, when sourcing current, the SourceMeter can be set to limit voltage (from 200µV to
210V). The SourceMeter output will not exceed the compliance limit.
NOTE
For the following discussion, “measurement range” refers to the measurement func-
tion that is the opposite of the source function. When sourcing voltage, the current
measurement range is the point of discussion. Conversely, when sourcing current,
the voltage measurement range is the point of discussion.
Types of compliance
There are two types of compliance: “real” and “range.” Depending upon which value is
lower, the output will clamp at either the displayed compliance setting (real compliance) or at
the maximum possible compliance value for the fixed measurement range (range compliance).
This clamping action effectively limits the power that can be delivered to the device. When the
SourceMeter is acting as a current source, the voltage is clamped at the compliance value; con-
versely, the current is clamped at the compliance value when the SourceMeter is acting as a
voltage source. Note that range compliance cannot occur if the AUTO measurement range is
selected. Thus, to avoid range compliance, use AUTO range.
When in real compliance, the source clamps at the displayed compliance value. For exam-
ple, if the compliance voltage is set to 1V and the measurement range is 2V, output voltage will
clamp at 1V. In this case, the “CMPL” annunciator will flash.
When in range compliance, the source output clamps at the maximum compliance value for
the fixed measurement range (not the compliance value). For example, if compliance is set to
1V and the measurement range is 200mV, output voltage will clamp at 210mV. In this situation,
the units in the compliance display field will flash. For example, with the following display:
Vcmpl: 10mA, the “mA” units indication will flash.
Summary of Contents for 6430
Page 26: ......
Page 32: ......
Page 78: ...2 14 Connections ...
Page 98: ...3 20 Basic Source Measure Operation ...
Page 138: ...5 30 Source Measure Concepts ...
Page 156: ...6 18 Range Digits Speed and Filters ...
Page 168: ...7 12 Relative and Math ...
Page 176: ...8 8 Data Store ...
Page 202: ...9 26 Sweep Operation ...
Page 248: ...11 22 Limit Testing ...
Page 310: ...16 6 SCPI Signal Oriented Measurement Commands ...
Page 418: ...17 108 SCPI Command Reference ...
Page 450: ...18 32 Performance Verification ...
Page 477: ...A Specifications ...
Page 489: ...B StatusandErrorMessages ...
Page 498: ...B 10 Status and Error Messages ...
Page 499: ...C DataFlow ...
Page 503: ...D IEEE 488BusOverview ...
Page 518: ...D 16 IEEE 488 Bus Overview ...
Page 519: ...E IEEE 488andSCPI ConformanceInformation ...
Page 523: ...F MeasurementConsiderations ...
Page 539: ...G GPIB488 1Protocol ...
Page 557: ......