Model 6517B Electrometer User's Manual
Section 4: Basic measurements
6517B-900-01 Rev. B August 2022
4-11
Resistance measurements
The 6517B can make resistance measurements up to 1017
Ω using the
source voltage, measure
current (SVMI) technique. From the known sourced voltage and measured current, the 6517B
calculates and displays the resultant resistance (R = V/I). The voltage source level can be set
automatically by the 6517B or it can be manually set by the user.
The following procedure summarizes the basic steps to measure resistance. To ensure proper
operation, always enable zero check (
ZeroCheck
displayed) before changing functions (V, I, R,
or Q). The Z-CHK key controls zero check.
When auto
range is selected, the instrument does not go to the 2 TΩ, 20 TΩ, or 200 TΩ ranges. For
optimum accuracy, leakage currents in the test fixture can be canceled by performing relative offset
on the current component of the measurement. To cancel leakage current, see
(on page 4-13).
Accurate high resistance measurements require the use of a low-leakage test fixture.
Hazardous voltages may be present on the output and guard terminals. To prevent electrical
shock that could cause injury or death, NEVER make or break connections to the 6517B while
the output is on. Power off the equipment from the front panel or disconnect the main power
cord from the rear of the 6517B before handling cables connected to the outputs. Putting the
equipment in standby mode does not guarantee that the outputs are not powered if a
hardware or software fault occurs.
To measure resistance:
1. Press the
Z-CHK
key to enable zero check (
ZeroCheck
displayed).
2. Select the
R
key to select the resistance function.
3. Press the
CONFIG
key.
4. Press the
R
key. The resistance configuration menu is displayed.
5. Select
MEAS-TYPE
. Press the
ENTER
key.
6. Select
RESISTANCE
. Press the
ENTER
key.
7. Select
VSOURCE
to select the voltage source adjustment mode. Press the
ENTER
key.
8. Select the voltage source setting:
AUTO:
The instrument automatically selects the optimum voltage source value (40 V or
400 V) for the measurement range.
MANUAL:
You select the voltage source range and value.
