Section 8: Measuring I-V characteristics of a solar panel
Model 2460 Interactive SourceMeter® Instrument User's Manual
8-2
2460-900-01 Rev. A / September 2014
Set up remote communications
You can run this application from the front panel or any of the supported communication interfaces for
the instrument (GPIB, USB, or ethernet).
The following figure shows the rear-panel connection locations for the remote communication
interfaces. For additional information about setting up remote communications, see
(on page 3-1).
Figure 41: Model 2460 remote interface connections
Device connections
Connect the Model 2460 to the solar panel in a 4-wire configuration to provide the best measurement
accuracy and eliminate the effects of the lead resistance on the measurement.
To use the 4-wire connection method:
•
Connect the FORCE LO and SENSE LO leads to the cathode terminal.
•
Connect the FORCE HI and SENSE HI leads to the anode terminal.
•
Make the connections as close to the solar panel as possible to avoid including the resistance of
the test leads in the measurement.
You can use either the front-panel or the rear-panel terminals for this application.
Hazardous voltages may be present on all output and guard terminals. To prevent electrical
shock that could cause injury or death, never make or break connections to the Model 2460
while the output is on.
To prevent electric shock, test connections must be configured such that the user cannot
come in contact with conductors or any device under test (DUT) that is in contact with the
conductors. It is good practice to disconnect DUTs from the instrument before powering the
instrument. Safe installation requires proper shields, barriers, and grounding to prevent
contact with conductors.