User Manual

3-22 Basic Source-Measure Operation 2400 Series SourceMeter
®
User’s Manual
Sink operation
When operating as a sink (V and I have opposite polarity), the SourceMeter is dis-
sipating power rather than sourcing it. An external source (i.e., battery) or an
energy storage device (i.e., capacitor) can force operation into the sink region.
For example, if a 12V battery is connected to the V-Source (In/Out HI to battery
high) that is programmed for +10V, sink operation will occur in the second quad-
rant (Source +V and measure -I).
CAUTION When using the I-Source as a sink, ALWAYS set V-Compliance
to a level that is higher than the external voltage level. Failure
to do so could damage the instrument due to excessive current
that will flow into the SourceMeter.
NOTE The sink operating limits are shown in Section 6, “Operating boundaries.”
Battery charging/discharging
WARNING To prevent personal injury or damage to the SourceMeter, do
not attempt to charge non-rechargeable batteries.
Some of the common batteries than can be charged with a
SourceMeter are:
Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd)
Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)
Lithium Ion (Li-ion)
Rechargeable Alkaline
Lead Acid
If you are working with a battery type that is not listed here,
please contact your local Keithley representative or call one of
our Applications Engineers at 1-800-348-3735 (U.S and Canada
only) to obtain technical assistance.
WARNING Always follow the battery manufacturers requirements for
charging or discharging batteries using a SourceMeter. Failure
to properly charge or discharge batteries may cause them to
leak or explode resulting in personal injury and property dam
-
age. Over voltage and current protection should be provided in
the charge circuit, external to the SourceMeter, when charging
batteries without built-in protection.