Section 5: Measurement options
Model 6517B Electrometer Reference Manual
5-6
6517B-901-01 Rev. C / August 2015
Setting a voltage limit
While in Auto V-source Ohms, the voltage limit of the V-source can only be set to a value that is
>400 V. The V-source can be set to a maximum absolute value of voltage that can be sourced. For
example, setting a value of 30 V limits the voltage output from -30 V to +30 V. The V-LIMIT option of
the CONFigure V-SOURCE menu is used to set the V-source voltage limit and is summarized in the
table in
VSource configuration
(on page 5-2).
1. From
the
CONF
igure
V-SOURCE
menu, select
V-LIMIT
to display the voltage limit selections:
CONTROL: Use this selection to enable (ON) or disable (OFF) the voltage limit. When
enabled, the V-source is limited to the specified voltage limit value (see
LIMIT VALUE
below)
LIMIT VALUE: Use this selection to set the voltage limit using the up, down, left, and right
arrow keys. Make sure to press
ENTER
after changing the value
2. Use
the
EXIT
key to back out of the menu structure
Selecting resistive current limit
Selecting the resistive current limit places a 20 M
resistor in series with the HI lead of the V-source.
The RESISTIVE LIMIT option of the CONFIGURE V-SOURCE menu is used to enable or disable
resistive current limit, and is summarized in the table in
VSource configuration
(on page 5-2).
1. From
the
CONF
igure
V-SOURCE
menu, select
RESISTIVE LIMIT
to display the options (on or
off).
2. To select resistive current limiting, place the cursor on the
ON
option and press
ENTER
.
Conversely, to de-select resistive current limiting, place the cursor on
OFF
and press
ENTER
.
3. Use
the
EXIT
key to back out of the menu structure.
Interlock and test fixtures
The voltage source should be used with a test fixture that incorporates a safety interlock switch, such
as the Keithley Instruments Model 8009 Resistivity Test Fixture. By using the interlock feature, the
Model 6517B cannot source voltage when the lid of the test fixture is open or ajar.
Interlock is automatically enabled when the appropriate interlock cable is connected to the Model
6517B. It is important to note that V-source does not operate unless the interlock is activated. When
interlock is used with the Model 8009, V-source goes into standby whenever the lid of the test fixture
is open or ajar. Use the Interlock Cable as shown in
General measurement procedure
(on page 4-25).
This cable uses an extra line to detect which resistivity measurement type is selected at the test
fixture (surface or volume).
Do not connect the interlock of the Model 6517B to the interlock of another instrument. The
interlock is designed to be connected to a single-pole interlock switch of a test fixture. If
connecting two or more Model 6517Bs to a single test fixture, an isolated interlock switch
for each instrument is required. Connecting multiple instrument interlocks to the same
switch could cause the safety interlock system to fail.
