Byungjun Kang

Hello, I have used the Keithley 2450 SourceMeter for measuring sheet resistance of samples.

The other day, co-researcher in my lab asked me to source 2V and check if any current value is measured on HZO sample.
After I turned on the Keithley 2450 SMU, HOME of which showed the continuously changing current and voltage values, 
I selected the function of measuring current and sourcing voltage, enabled the auto range for V, I and set 2V for sourcing voltage.

Then, I located one probe connected to Force HI to (+) electrode and the other connected to Force LO to (-) electrode in the probe station.
As far as I know, Molybdenum (Mo) is used for the both electrodes.

When I came back to Keithley 2450 SMU to check the results, the voltage value was stopped at the strange value, like 0.04V? and the current, too. I was about to try again, but the SMU didn't response for the button I pushed. So, I power cycled the SMU, but HOME screen didn't show any values unlike until now. And, when I clicked RANGE in the HOME screen, a blue screen appeared with telling me the instrument has encountered a fatal, unrecoverable error like the image I uploaded.....

I've entrusted the repair to the company, because they said the motherboard is faulty and needs replacement. However, separately from the repair, I want to know the reason of fatal error to prevent future issues. That's why I explained the situation before I noticed the malfunction of the SMU in detail. The company mentioned they also don't know the exact cause either, so I'm writing here for assistance.

Any advice or comment for the reason of fatal error with blue screen will be really helpful for me and our lab !! ;)