Keithley 2461: Unable to create current pulse train above 1A with 100V bias limits/limits

Hello,

I am unsure if this is a bug or not so any help here would be appreciated.  I am trying to set a pulse train with the following settings
Function: Current
Bias level: 0A
Delay: 0
Pulse Level: 2A
Off time: 50mS
Pulse width: 1mS
Count: does not matter
Off Time: 50mS
Bias Limit: 100V
Limit: 100V

When I do this I get error 5112 which says that the Pulse bias limit is too high for a source pulse of level of 0A.  However, this only happens if I set the Pulse level to above 1A.  Now looking at the data sheet it looks like I should be able to do a 100V 10A pulse, so this 2A case seems odd that it is giving me this error on the 0A bias level.  What is interesting is if I set the voltage bias limit to 20V the pulse train is created with no issue, in this case the limit for the 2A is set to 100V. So again its weird its telling me its a bias level (0A) issue.

So my questions are as follows:
Should I be able to create the pulse train that I described above?
If not, why can't I? the datasheet seems to point to me being able to do this.
Is this a bug? If so is there a work around that I could implement to get my test working?

Not sure if it matters but I am using firmware version 1.7.3c.

Thanks,
Tom

I need to do some research on this.
In meantime can you confirm:  are you trying to operate in quadrant 1 (positive current, positive v), or quadrant 4 (negative current, positive V).
Related to this, is the device active or passive?  Does it have an open circuit voltage above 20V?
 

Hello Andrea,

Thanks for the response I appreciate it.  I will be operating in both when the test is complete. I am testing an active device. The open circuit voltage will be above 20V (all the way to 100V).  Basically the voltage will be at 100V during the 0A bias and current pulse.

Thanks,
Tom Bowman

Hello,

The present firmware release level is 1.7.12.
In general, especially if at beginning of a development effort, I recommend to use latest firmware.
However, the issue you are facing will not yet be resolved with firmware update.

For active devices with open circuit voltage greater than 20V, we presently have an issue that is preventing pulsing back to the bias condition of 0A at V_Limit greater than 20.  For now, need to stay within the 1Amp if VOC greater than 20V.

Andrea

Hello,

Thank you very much for the info. For now I will run with 1Amp max. if I need to do more before a fix is released then I will use two 2461's and put them in parallel them.

Thanks,
Tom Bowman