Section 6: Instrument programming
2606B System SourceMeter® Instrument Reference Manual
6-46
2606B-901-01 Rev. B / May 2018
TSP-Link system expansion interface
The TSP-Link
®
expansion interface allows the 2606B instrument to communicate with other Test
Script Processor (TSP
®
) enabled instruments. The test system can be expanded to include up to 32
TSP-Link enabled instruments.
Combining two modules to achieve greater currents in both source voltage and source
current applications requires specific precautions, including configuration settings. Make
sure that you adequately understand the risks involved and the measures needed to
accommodate the combination of two modules. To prevent damage to the 2606B, connected
instruments, and the device under test, make sure proper procedures are used. For further
information, visit the Keithley website at
for application notes on combining
channels from two modules.
Master and subordinates
In a TSP-Link
®
system, one of the nodes (instruments) is the master node and the other nodes are
the subordinate nodes. The master node in a TSP-Link
®
system can control the other nodes
(subordinates) in the system.
When any node transitions from local operation to remote operation, it becomes the master of the
system. All other nodes also transition to remote operation and become its subordinates. When any
node transitions from remote operation to local, all other nodes also transition to local operation, and
the master/subordinate relationship between nodes is dissolved.
The expanded system can be stand-alone or computer-based.
Stand-alone system:
You can run a script from the virtual front panel of any instrument (node)
connected to the system. When a script is run, all nodes in the system go into remote operation (REM
indicators turn on). The node running the script becomes the master and can control all of the other
nodes, which become its subordinates. When the script is finished running, all the nodes in the
system return to local operation (REM indicators turn off), and the master/subordinate relationship
between nodes is dissolved.
Computer-based system:
You can use a computer and a remote communications interface to any
single node in the system. This node becomes the interface to the entire system. When a command
is sent through this node, all nodes go into remote operation (REM indicators turn on). The node that
receives the command becomes the master and can control all of the other nodes, which become its
subordinates. In a computer-based system, the master/subordinate relationship between nodes can
only be dissolved by performing an abort operation.