Section 3: LPTLib command reference
S530/S540 KTE Linear Parametric Test Library (LPTLib) User's Manual
3-72
S530-900-01 Rev. E / September 2017
A total of 16 iterations can be programmed. When all iterations are completed, a value of voltage or
current is returned as the result of the search operation. This value is the voltage or current level
required to match the trigger point.
The following example shows all binary search possibilities where the minimum and maximum source
values are 0 and 20 V, respectively. Note the following:
•
Three iterations, numbered one through three, are shown. Within a given iteration, the values of
possible sourcing voltages are indicated.
•
During the first iteration of the binary search process, 10 V is applied. This represents the
midpoint of the minimum and maximum values.
•
At the end of each iteration, the program determines whether to increase or decrease the source
voltage. The determination is dependent on the evaluation of the trigger point.
Figure 3: Minimum and maximum source values
The question mark (?) is the true or false determination.
As shown in the above figure, the true or false decision determines the voltage generated in the next
step of the binary progression.
Because the command initiates a current or voltage from a source, its placement in a test sequence
is critical. Therefore:
•
Call the
limit
X
and
range
X
commands before the
search
X
command when all three refer to
the same instrument.
•
Call the
trig
X
g
or
trig
X
l
command before the
search
X
command.
The search operation determines the source voltage or current required at one circuit node to
generate a trigger point value at a second node. The resolution of the result depends on the number
of iterations or steps and the actual current or voltage range used by the instrument.