2606B System SourceMeter® Instrument Reference Manual
Section 3: Functions and features
2606B-901-01 Rev. B / May 2018
3-63
Understanding the capacitor
Based on the capacitor dielectric absorption, the settling time may change and the values in the
"Current measure and source settling times" table in
Understanding source settling times
(on page 3-
62) may differ.
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
The following steps outline the procedure to charge and read a capacitor in high-capacitance mode:
1. Set the current limit to a value that is higher than will be used for the measurement (for example,
if measuring at 10
µ
A, the initial current limit can be set for 1 A).
2. After the capacitor charges, lower the current limit and measure range to obtain the current
measurement.
Enabling high-capacitance mode
Before enabling high-capacitance mode, note the following:
•
It is important to read the previous section to understand the impact of high-capacitance mode.
•
Test the device under test (DUT) and the capacitor to determine the best current limit 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 limit 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.
Front panel
To enable high-capacitance mode from the virtual front panel:
1. Press the
CONFIG
key.
2. Press the
SRC
key and then select
HIGHC-MODE
.
3. Select
SRC-ENABLE
and then press the navigation wheel (or the
ENTER
key).
4. Select
ENABLE
and then press the navigation wheel (or the
ENTER
key).
5. Press the
EXIT (LOCAL)
key to back out of the menu structure.