C Andrea

Hello,
I cannot think of any intended firmware differences in 4.x that would account for it.

Can you capture a NI IO Trace during the attempt to use Labtracer with firmware 4.x and upload.
 

On the old forum, user blegeyt gave helpful answer.

The old post was for model 2400 but you have different model of product.

Suggest:  use ni trace to capture the gpib bus traffic and see which exact command and error occurs.
I suggest to verify root cause more fully.

User blegeyt suggest to stop use of status byte reading and *opc, and instead *opc? and visa read with appropriate duration timeout.  He attributes the issue to usb to gpib interface or driver used by PC.

Yes.
Typical way is to use raw sockets from the AB to talk to the instrument over LAN.
Alternately, add a KTTI-rs232 communication module to the DAQ if the AB has COM port ability.

This seems somewhat related:
Using external equipment with AB PLC

You might also want to contact David at the email in earlier post.

Are you using any output off mode commands?
Are you using the high capacitance mode?

What is the Isc at 0V of your cell?
What is the Voc at 0A?

In KCON settings, your EOI is off.  Try turning that on in KCON for the gpib communication.

Thanks for clarifying.
see if this post helps.  Same DST process for SMU or DAQ:
https://my.tek.com/en/tektalk/switching-data-acq/8644f450-3c70-ee11-a81c-000d3a32997c

 

Needs an update:

The code posted above will not take you into pulse region 4.
These high watt pulse regions are in our Extended Operating Area and have firmware imposed max PW and Duty Cycle limits.

To access the EOA regions, supply a higher voltage value for the trigger.source.limitv which will be applied only during the high watt pulse.
When not sourcing the pulse level, the lower value set for the smuX.source.limitv applies.  The combo of smuX.source.leveli and smuX.source.limitv needs to be within the DC operating area of the SMU.

These three lines in particular for accessing EOA region:

smuX.measure.rangev = EOA_limit

smuX.source.limitv = limitV

smuX.trigger.source.limitv = EOA_limit

I'll upload scope shot of 1.5A into 10Ω.

Revised code:

function Run_test(show_data, PulsePeriod, PulseWidth, MeasDelay)


   -- when passthrough is true, the timer will "tic" immediately,
   -- which for this application will start as soon as the
   -- trigger model is ARMED.  
   node[1].trigger.timer[1].delay = PulsePeriod
   node[1].trigger.timer[1].stimulus = node[1].smua.trigger.ARMED_EVENT_ID
   node[1].trigger.timer[1].count = 1  --PulseCount - 1
   node[1].trigger.timer[1].passthrough = true
   node[1].trigger.timer[1].clear()
   
   node[1].trigger.timer[2].delay = PulseWidth
   node[1].trigger.timer[2].stimulus = node[1].trigger.timer[1].EVENT_ID
   node[1].trigger.timer[2].count = 1        
   node[1].trigger.timer[2].passthrough = false
   node[1].trigger.timer[2].clear()
   
   node[1].trigger.timer[3].delay = MeasDelay
   node[1].trigger.timer[3].stimulus = node[1].trigger.timer[1].EVENT_ID
   node[1].trigger.timer[3].count = 1        
   node[1].trigger.timer[3].passthrough = false
   node[1].trigger.timer[3].clear()


    
    -- digital output trigger for external equipment
    -- configure digital IO line 1 to output a active LO/falling edge
    -- pulse at start of each current pulse
    digio.trigger[1].clear()
    digio.trigger[1].mode = digio.TRIG_FALLING  --digio.TRIG_RISINGM
    digio.trigger[1].pulsewidth = 100e-6
    digio.trigger[1].stimulus = node[1].trigger.timer[1].EVENT_ID  -- source stimulus too
    
        
   -- clear the reading buffers
   reset_buffers(node[1].smua)
     
 

    -- Turn the outputs on
    smua.source.output                    = smua.OUTPUT_ON
    
    -- after blue light state change, delay a little 
    delay(0.1)  

    -- Start the trigger model execution
    smua.trigger.initiate()   -- start this one last as all the other smus follow this leader
    
    -- Wait until the sweep has completed
    waitcomplete()

--[[
-- hot switch:
-- to bleed off the trapped charge on PN junction capacitance and non-zero voltage
-- briefly set the voltage compliance to small number
restore_val = smua.source.limitv
smua.source.limitv = 0.01
delay(0.001)
smua.source.limitv = restore_val
]]

    -- before blue light state change, delay a little 
    delay(0.1)
    -- Turn the output off
    smua.source.output                    = smua.OUTPUT_OFF
    

    -- IV data for the laser
    if show_data == true then
       -- Print the data back to the Console in tabular format
       print(" Voltage\tCurrent\tResistance")
       for x=1,smua.nvbuffer1.n do
          -- Voltage readings are in nvbuffer2.  Current readings are in nvbuffer1.
          print(smua.nvbuffer2[x], smua.nvbuffer1[x], smua.nvbuffer2[x]/smua.nvbuffer1[x] )
       end
    end
    

    
end

function reset_buffers(smu)
        -- Prepare the Reading Buffers
    smu.nvbuffer1.clear()
    smu.nvbuffer1.appendmode        = 1
    smu.nvbuffer1.collecttimestamps    = 1
    smu.nvbuffer2.clear()
    smu.nvbuffer2.appendmode        = 1
    smu.nvbuffer2.collecttimestamps    = 1

end


function config_smu_list_sweep(nodenum, smu, srcRange, srclist, limitV, EOA_limit, nplc, remoteSense)
    
    smu.source.func                    = smu.OUTPUT_DCAMPS
    if (remoteSense == true) then
        smu.sense                    = smu.SENSE_REMOTE
    else
        smu.sense                    = smu.SENSE_LOCAL
    end
    smu.source.autorangei            = smu.AUTORANGE_OFF
    smu.source.rangei                = srcRange
    smu.source.leveli                = 0
    smu.source.limitv                = limitV

    -- Disabling Auto-Ranging and Auto-Zero ensures accurate and consistent timing
    smu.measure.autozero            = smu.AUTOZERO_ONCE
    smu.measure.autorangev            = smu.AUTORANGE_OFF
    smu.measure.rangev                = EOA_limit
    smu.measure.nplc                = nplc
    -- A timer will be used to set the measure delay and synchronize the measurement
    -- between the SMUs so set the built in delay to 0.
    smu.measure.delay                = 0
    
    -- Configure SMU Trigger Model for Sweep
    --smu.trigger.source.lineari(start, stop, numPoints)
    smu.trigger.source.listi(srclist)
    smu.trigger.source.limitv        = EOA_limit
    smu.trigger.measure.action        = smu.ENABLE
    smu.trigger.measure.iv(smu.nvbuffer1, smu.nvbuffer2)
    smu.trigger.endpulse.action        = smu.SOURCE_IDLE
    smu.trigger.endsweep.action        = smu.SOURCE_IDLE
    smu.trigger.count                = table.getn(srclist)
    smu.trigger.arm.stimulus        = 0
    smu.trigger.source.stimulus        = trigger.timer[1].EVENT_ID
    smu.trigger.measure.stimulus    = trigger.timer[3].EVENT_ID
    smu.trigger.endpulse.stimulus    = trigger.timer[2].EVENT_ID
    smu.trigger.source.action        = smu.ENABLE
end


--  **************************************  MAIN PROGRAM BELOW *****************

reset()
errorqueue.clear()

nodesFound = tsplink.reset(1)

print("Nodes found = " .. nodesFound)

--smua.interlock.enable = smua.DISABLE


-- use of pulse region 4 of 2602B:  10A at up to 20V
-- max 1.8msec pulse with 1% duty cycle
local PulseWidth = 1.0e-3
local PulsePeriod = PulseWidth / 0.01
local MeasDelay = PulseWidth * 0.8
local nplc = (PulseWidth - MeasDelay - 60e-6) * localnode.linefreq


print("Computed NPLC value: "..tostring(nplc))

if tostring(nplc) < "0.001" then
  nplc = 0.001   -- 16.7usec, minimum value allowed
  MeasDelay = 1e-6
end -- if


-- voltage ranges on 2602B:  100mV, 1V, 6V, 40V
-- pick a limit value higher than expected I*DUT_R and
-- puts you on appropriate range.
local voltageLimit = 1
local duringPulse_voltageLimit = 20

-- ranges:  decades of 10.....100mA, 1A, 3A, 10A
local mySrcRange = 3  
mysrclist = { 1.5}  -- use this one for a single pulse
--local numPulses = table.getn(mysrclist)



   
    --config_smu_list_sweep(nodenum, smu, srcRange, srclist, limitV, EOA_limit, nplc, remoteSense)
    config_smu_list_sweep(1, node[1].smua, mySrcRange, mysrclist, voltageLimit, duringPulse_voltageLimit, nplc, true)



   timer.reset()
   
   
   Run_test(true, PulsePeriod, PulseWidth, MeasDelay) -- pass true to print data back to console
   
   time = timer.measure.t()
   print("Time to run: "..time)
   print("****************************************")
   print("Current Source Range: "..node[1].smua.source.rangei)

​​​​​​​

Attached is a form file from a VB sample using IVI driver and 3706A.

The IVI driver is probably the way to go.
The IVI driver "sits upon" NI VISA for the communication with instruments.
Instead of GPIB0:: type resource name, pass info for your LAN connected instrument.
Typically like this:  TCPIP0::192.168.1.50::inst0::INSTR
Substitute your IP address in there.

See how this does for you.
In the attachment is scope shot of the 1.5Amp, 1msec pulse into 50mΩ resistor (~75mV response).

TSP code:

​​​​​​​

function Run_test(show_data, PulsePeriod, PulseWidth, MeasDelay)


   -- when passthrough is true, the timer will "tic" immediately,
   -- which for this application will start as soon as the
   -- trigger model is ARMED.  
   node[1].trigger.timer[1].delay = PulsePeriod
   node[1].trigger.timer[1].stimulus = node[1].smua.trigger.ARMED_EVENT_ID
   node[1].trigger.timer[1].count = 1  --PulseCount - 1
   node[1].trigger.timer[1].passthrough = true
   node[1].trigger.timer[1].clear()
   
   node[1].trigger.timer[2].delay = PulseWidth
   node[1].trigger.timer[2].stimulus = node[1].trigger.timer[1].EVENT_ID
   node[1].trigger.timer[2].count = 1        
   node[1].trigger.timer[2].passthrough = false
   node[1].trigger.timer[2].clear()
   
   node[1].trigger.timer[3].delay = MeasDelay
   node[1].trigger.timer[3].stimulus = node[1].trigger.timer[1].EVENT_ID
   node[1].trigger.timer[3].count = 1        
   node[1].trigger.timer[3].passthrough = false
   node[1].trigger.timer[3].clear()


    
    -- digital output trigger for external equipment
    -- configure digital IO line 1 to output a active LO/falling edge
    -- pulse at start of each current pulse
    digio.trigger[1].clear()
    digio.trigger[1].mode = digio.TRIG_FALLING  --digio.TRIG_RISINGM
    digio.trigger[1].pulsewidth = 100e-6
    digio.trigger[1].stimulus = node[1].trigger.timer[1].EVENT_ID  -- source stimulus too
    
        
   -- clear the reading buffers
   reset_buffers(node[1].smua)
     
 

    -- Turn the outputs on
    smua.source.output                    = smua.OUTPUT_ON
    
    -- after blue light state change, delay a little 
    delay(0.1)  

    -- Start the trigger model execution
    smua.trigger.initiate()   -- start this one last as all the other smus follow this leader
    
    -- Wait until the sweep has completed
    waitcomplete()

--[[
-- hot switch:
-- to bleed off the trapped charge on PN junction capacitance and non-zero voltage
-- briefly set the voltage compliance to small number
restore_val = smua.source.limitv
smua.source.limitv = 0.01
delay(0.001)
smua.source.limitv = restore_val
]]

    -- before blue light state change, delay a little 
    delay(0.1)
    -- Turn the output off
    smua.source.output                    = smua.OUTPUT_OFF
    

    -- IV data for the laser
    if show_data == true then
       -- Print the data back to the Console in tabular format
       print(" Voltage\tCurrent\tResistance")
       for x=1,smua.nvbuffer1.n do
          -- Voltage readings are in nvbuffer2.  Current readings are in nvbuffer1.
          print(smua.nvbuffer2[x], smua.nvbuffer1[x], smua.nvbuffer2[x]/smua.nvbuffer1[x] )
       end
    end
    

    
end

function reset_buffers(smu)
        -- Prepare the Reading Buffers
    smu.nvbuffer1.clear()
    smu.nvbuffer1.appendmode        = 1
    smu.nvbuffer1.collecttimestamps    = 1
    smu.nvbuffer2.clear()
    smu.nvbuffer2.appendmode        = 1
    smu.nvbuffer2.collecttimestamps    = 1

end


function config_smu_list_sweep(nodenum, smu, srcRange, srclist, limitV, nplc, remoteSense)
    
    smu.source.func                    = smu.OUTPUT_DCAMPS
    if (remoteSense == true) then
        smu.sense                    = smu.SENSE_REMOTE
    else
        smu.sense                    = smu.SENSE_LOCAL
    end
    smu.source.autorangei            = smu.AUTORANGE_OFF
    smu.source.rangei                = srcRange
    smu.source.leveli                = 0
    smu.source.limitv                = limitV

    -- Disabling Auto-Ranging and Auto-Zero ensures accurate and consistent timing
    smu.measure.autozero            = smu.AUTOZERO_ONCE
    smu.measure.autorangev            = smu.AUTORANGE_OFF
    smu.measure.rangev                = limitV
    smu.measure.nplc                = nplc
    -- A timer will be used to set the measure delay and synchronize the measurement
    -- between the SMUs so set the built in delay to 0.
    smu.measure.delay                = 0
    
    -- Configure SMU Trigger Model for Sweep
    --smu.trigger.source.lineari(start, stop, numPoints)
    smu.trigger.source.listi(srclist)
    smu.trigger.source.limitv        = limitV
    smu.trigger.measure.action        = smu.ENABLE
    smu.trigger.measure.iv(smu.nvbuffer1, smu.nvbuffer2)
    smu.trigger.endpulse.action        = smu.SOURCE_IDLE
    smu.trigger.endsweep.action        = smu.SOURCE_IDLE
    smu.trigger.count                = table.getn(srclist)
    smu.trigger.arm.stimulus        = 0
    smu.trigger.source.stimulus        = trigger.timer[1].EVENT_ID
    smu.trigger.measure.stimulus    = trigger.timer[3].EVENT_ID
    smu.trigger.endpulse.stimulus    = trigger.timer[2].EVENT_ID
    smu.trigger.source.action        = smu.ENABLE
end


--  **************************************  MAIN PROGRAM BELOW *****************

reset()
errorqueue.clear()

nodesFound = tsplink.reset(1)

print("Nodes found = " .. nodesFound)

--smua.interlock.enable = smua.DISABLE


-- use of pulse region 4 of 2602B:  10A at up to 20V
-- max 1.8msec pulse with 1% duty cycle
local PulseWidth = 1.0e-3
local PulsePeriod = PulseWidth / 0.01
local MeasDelay = PulseWidth * 0.8
local nplc = (PulseWidth - MeasDelay - 60e-6) * localnode.linefreq


print("Computed NPLC value: "..tostring(nplc))

if tostring(nplc) < "0.001" then
  nplc = 0.001   -- 16.7usec, minimum value allowed
  MeasDelay = 1e-6
end -- if


-- voltage ranges on 2602B:  100mV, 1V, 6V, 40V
-- pick a limit value higher than expected I*DUT_R and
-- puts you on appropriate range.
local voltageLimit = 1

-- ranges:  decades of 10.....100mA, 1A, 3A, 10A
local mySrcRange = 3  
mysrclist = { 1.5}  -- use this one for a single pulse
--local numPulses = table.getn(mysrclist)



   
    --config_smu_list_sweep(nodenum, smu, srcRange, srclist, limitV, nplc, remoteSense)
    config_smu_list_sweep(1, node[1].smua, mySrcRange, mysrclist, voltageLimit, nplc, true)



   timer.reset()
   
   
   Run_test(true, PulsePeriod, PulseWidth, MeasDelay) -- pass true to print data back to console
   
   time = timer.measure.t()
   print("Time to run: "..time)
   print("****************************************")
   print("Current Source Range: "..node[1].smua.source.rangei)