Model 4200A-SCS Parameter Analyzer Reference Manual
Section 3: Source-measure hardware
4200A-901-01 Rev. C / February 2017
3-3
Figure 30: Basic SMU source-measure configuration
Compliance limits
You can set a limit that stops a SMU from sourcing a current or voltage that is more than that limit.
This limit is called compliance and helps prevent damage to the device under test (DUT). The SMU
will not exceed the maximum limit set for compliance. When a SMU is acting as a current source, the
voltage is clamped at the compliance value; conversely, the current is clamped at the compliance
value when the SMU is acting as a voltage source.
When a SMU reaches compliance, it continues to make measurements. However, the measurement
stays at the value it was at when compliance occurred. For example, if you are sourcing voltage and
the compliance is set to 100 mA, it continues to measure 100 mA after compliance is reached. The
voltage, however, is not at the programmed value.
You can stop the test if the source reaches compliance. Refer to
Compliance exit condition options
(on page 6-88) for detail.
