User`s guide

6- 4 Agilent B2900 User’s Guide, Edition 2

Function Details

Ranging Mode

The following ranging modes are available for performing source output or

measurement.

• FIXED (fixed range)

The channel uses the specified range only.

• AUTO (auto range)

The channel automatically uses the range which provides the best resolution for

the source output value or the measurement value. It is possible to specify the

minimum range effective for the auto range operation.

• BEST (best, only for the sweep source channel)

In the linear sweep mode, the channel automatically uses the minimum range

which covers the whole sweep output.

In the log sweep mode, the channel automatically uses the range which provides

the best resolution for each sweep step output.

Setting the Ranging Mode

The following points must be noted when setting the ranging mode.

• The measurement channel does not use ranges higher than the minimum range

which covers the compliance value.

• The pulsed source channel always uses the fixed range for measurement.

• For the source side measurement, the channel uses the present source range.

• To set the ranging mode of the DC (constant) source or measurement channel,

see

“Range parameters” on page 4-11.

• To set the ranging mode of the sweep source channel, see “Sweep dialog box”

on page 4-27.

• To set the detail of the auto ranging operation for measurements, see “Ranging

dialog box” on page 4-28.