Quick Results Guide
43
Pulse Mode operation
WARNING
Hazardous voltage (
≥
30V rms) can appear on input/output LO when per-
forming fast pulse operations. To eliminate this shock hazard connect the
LO terminal to chassis ground or to a known safety earth ground. If using
the front panel terminals, ground front panel LO. If using the rear panel
terminals, ground the rear panel LO.
The following steps summarize the basic procedure to output pulses:
1.
As previously explained, configure the SourceMeter for Pulse Mode operation (see
Pulse Mode configuration).
2.
Select the source (SOURCE V or SOURCE I), and set the pulse level and compliance
limit.
3.
Select the measurement function and, if not measuring the source, select the measure-
ment range. Note that AUTO range is not valid in the Pulse Mode.
4.
Turn the output on. During the output on-time, the red OUTPUT indicator light will be
on, and during the off-time, the indicator will be off.
5.
If the pulse count is a finite value, the output will turn off after the last pulse is sourced.
The output can be turned off at any time by pressing ON/OFF key.
Pulse ohms measurements
While in the Pulse Mode, auto or manual ohms measurements can be performed. Also,
offset-compensated ohms is available as a math function. After selecting and configuring the
Pulse Mode, perform the desired ohms measurement procedure as explained earlier in this
guide (see Measure ohms in Basic SourceMeter operations).
Pulse Mode sweeps
When performing a Pulse Mode sweep, the output will alternate between each sweep point
and zero. After selecting and configuring the Pulse Mode, configure and run the desired sweep
as explained earlier in this guide (see Sweep operation).
Pulse-measure considerations
In order to provide fast pulse periods, there are some aspects of normal DC Mode operation
that are different for the Pulse Mode. All the pulse-measure considerations are covered in Sec-
tion 5 of the 2400 Series SourceMeter User’s Manual. Some of the more discernible differences
are summarized as follows:
Measurement speed — In the normal DC Mode of operation, speed can be set from 0.01 to
10 PLC. In the Pulse Mode, speed can be set from 0.004 to 0.1 PLC.
Filter — Filtering is not used while in the Pulse Mode.
Auto range — Auto range is invalid while in the Pulse Mode.