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5-4
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2600AS-901-01 Rev. B / September 2008
Section 5: High-Capacitance Mode
Series 2600A System SourceMeter® Instruments Reference Manual
The total response times while in high-capacitance mode are a combination of the time spent
charging the capacitor (current limit) or the response time, whichever is greater. There is a direct
relationship between the current limit and the charging time. As the current limit decreases, the
amount of time required to charge the capacitor increases.
Understanding the capacitor
Based on the capacitor dielectric absorption the settling time may change and the values in
may differ.
Note the following:
•
Tantalum or electrolytic capacitors are well known for long dielectric absorption settling
times.
•
Film capacitors and ceramics perform better, with NPO/COG dielectric ceramics yielding
the best settling response.
Charging the capacitor and taking readings
Complete the following to charge the capacitor in high-capacitance mode.
1.
Set the current limit to a higher value.
2.
After the capacitor charges, lower the current limit and measure range to obtain the current
measurement.
Enabling high-capacitance mode
Note the following before enabling high-capacitance mode:
•
It is important to read the previous section to understand the impact of high-capacitance
mode.
•
Test the DUT and the capacitor to determine the best current source and range of output
voltages.
•
The settling times can vary based on the DUT. It is important to test the limits of the DUT
before you use high-capacitance mode.
•
Failure to test the DUT for the appropriate current source and output voltages can result
in damage to or destruction of the DUT.
•
For optimal performance, do not continuously switch between normal mode and high-
capacitance mode.
•
Before you charge the capacitor, start with 0 (zero) voltage across the capacitor.
•
When high-capacitance mode is enabled, a minimum load capacitance of 100nF is
recommended. In absence of this minimum load capacitance, overshoot and/or ringing
may occur.
Front panel
Complete the following steps to enable high-capacitance mode from the front panel:
1.
Press
CONFIG
>
SRC
>
HIGHC-MODE
.
2.
Select
SRC-ENABLE
>
ENABLE
. High-capacitance mode is enabled.
3.
Push the
ENTER
key.
4.
Press
EXIT
to back out of the menu structure.