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9 - Digital I/O
Overview
77
SMU4000 Series Instruction Manual
DIGITAL I/O
CNFG >
[System] Interfaces> [DIO] Configure
CNFG
> [Source Measure Action] Manual Setup > Mode > Sequence Mode > DIO Configure
NOTE
DIO configuration is exclusively for use with sequence mode.
Overview
General
There are five independently configurable digital input/output lines for use with sequence
mode. The direction (I/O) of each individual DIO line can be configured when sequence mode is
active. Each line can be configured as an Input, Output, or Disabled. The general DIO pins can be
used for triggering input and output events from within a sequence, this allows a defined
sequence to control or be controlled by external circuitry. Such an application for this may be
automated component sorting and binning, or multi-instrument control and triggering.
Aside from the general DIO, there are also additional DIO functionalities.
Global Trigger IN / OUT
The global trigger functionality allows for triggered control of the timing of shape waveforms.
The trigger can be utilised to control the stepping through of the points of a shape waveform, in
this case an input trigger event is required in order for the source setting to move onto the next
level. The input trigger can also be used to repeat shape waveforms, in order to source the next
waveform shape. See ‘
’ for more details. Once the event has been triggered and all
associated measurements to that event have been made, the instrument sets a global trigger
output on the DIO port. This combination of global trigger in and trigger out allows for the
handshaking of multiple instruments.
SMU Link adaptor
Two SMUs can be linked together via the DIO terminals to perform simultaneously via a
handshake triggering system, effectively creating a fully functioning two channel SMU, useful for
testing three leaded components such as small signal BJT’s, FET’s and more.
To make this ‘link’ far simpler and more convenient to utilize, an ‘SMU LINK’ adaptor accessory is
available. This link adaptor can simply connect to both DIO terminal ports to synchronise the
two SMUs together, without the need to wire each DIO terminal individually as required. The
adaptor effectively connects the ‘Global Trigger In’ of each SMU to the ‘Global Trigger Out’ of
the other. The adaptor also provides push terminal access to all DIO port pins of both SMUs to
maintain external control where required.
The SMU Link is available from the manufacturers or their agents, see
details.
High Voltage Interlock
This allows for the controlling of the HV interlock via external circuitry. This is primarily designed
for helping to ensure the safe operation and safety of users of the equipment when embedded
into a test system or test fixture. For safety reasons, test fixtures that may contain hazardous
voltages often utilize a safety cover, a form of lid or even complete enclosures to protect the
user from hazardous voltage exposure.