Keithley Instruments 4210-MMPC-L Multi Measurement Prober Cable Kit Owner’s Manual

Model 4210-MMPC-L
Multi-measurement Prober Cable Kit Keithley Instruments
28775 Aurora Road
Cleveland, Ohio 44139
1-800-833-9200
tek.com/keithley

Overview

The Keithley Model 4210-MMPC-L multi-measurement prober cable kit provides a collection of matched connection accessories. When properly installed, these accessories have the performance needed to allow current-voltage (I-V), capacitance-voltage (C-V), and pulsed I-V parametric characterization measurements to be made using a single prober cable setup. The components of this kit provide for a Lucas Signatone WaveLink series prober and one of the following micropositioners: SP 100, SP 150, S 926, S 931, S 725, or CAP 946.
This document contains the following information about the installation and use of this cable kit:

• Model 4200A-SCS instrument connections: Explains how to make connections from the 4200A-SCS to the top hat.
• Prober top hat to prober pin connections (basic setup): Explains how to make connections from the prober top hat to the prober pins.
• Usage scenarios: Provides the following specific prober cable setups:
• I-V testing (2-pin and 4-pin)
• C-V testing (2-pin and 4-pin)
• Pulsed I-V measurements using the Keithley Model 4225-PMU, and the 4225-PMU with the 4225-RPM

Prober cable kit contents
The following figure shows the cables, adapters, and supplies that are included in the Model 4210-MMPC-L multi-measurement cable kit.
NOTE
Each kit supplies the components to make sense and force connections to one pin. Additional kits are required to make additional connections.  The items shipped may vary from the items in the picture.

Item

| Description| Keithley Instruments part number|

Qty

---|---|---|---
1| Prober cable assembly (with clamp); length: 37.5 cm (14.75 in.)| CA-587| 1
2| BNC to SMA adapter| CS-1247| 3
3| Triaxial shorting plug| CS-1546| 1
4| Triaxial to BNC adapter| CS-712| 3
5| Dual triaxial to SMA adapter| CS-1658| 1
6| Ground jumper cable assembly Length: 17.8 cm (7 in.)| CA-535-7| 1
7| Triaxial to triaxial cable Length: 12.7 cm (5 in.)| CA-534-6| 1
Not shown| Black M3 X 12MM stainless steel socket head cap screw| M3X12MMSSSOHCBLK| 1

Related documents

The following documents are available in the 4200A-SCS Learning Center and at tek.com/keithley:

• The Model 4200A-SCS Prober and External Instrument Control (document number 4200A-913-01).
• White Paper 3023: Labs’ Demands for Greater Measurement Flexibility Require Cabling Systems Capable of Accommodating Multiple Measurement Types. This white paper explains the different cabling requirements for I-V, C-V, and pulse I-V testing. It also describes an example single multi-measurement cabling system.

Model 4200A-SCS instrument connections
WARNING
To prevent injury or death due to electric shock, remove all power from the 4200A-SCS and shut down the Signatone prober before installing the prober cable kit.
Connect the 4200A-SCS instruments to the triaxial jacks on the Signatone WaveLink series top hat. Refer to the following figure for an example.

I-V testing
For I-V testing, connect the triaxial cables of the 4200A-SCS source- measure units (SMUs) to the standard triaxial jacks on the top hat of the prober. The following figure shows the prober connections for two SMUs.
NOTE
The 4200A-SCS to prober portion of the following figure shows SMUs that do not use preamplifiers. These SMUs use triaxial cables that are terminated with a miniature triaxial connector on one end and a standard triaxial connector on the other end. These cables are supplied with the 4200A-SCS. If your SMUs are equipped with preamplifiers, use the supplied cables that are terminated with standard triaxial connectors on both ends. The cable diagrams after the following figure show both cables. C-V testing
You need two prober cable kits to connect the subminiature version A (SMA) cables of the CVU to the triaxial jacks on the top hat of the prober. The following figure shows how to make the connections. Use the torque wrench supplied with the 4200A-SCS to tighten the SMA connections to 8 in. lb.

Item| Description|

Part number

---|---|---
1| SMA cable (plug to plug), supplied with the CVU| Not applicable
2| SMA jack to BNC plug| CS-1247
3| BNC jack to triaxial plug| CS-712
4| Triaxial jacks| Not applicable

Pulsed I-V testing
You can perform 2-pin pulsed I-V measurements using two prober cable kits and a Model 4225-PMU or 4220-PGU. The following figure shows the prober connections for a 4225-PMU or a 4220-PGU.
NOTE
This setup requires two prober cable kits.

Item

| Description|

Part number

---|---|---
1| SMA cable (plug to plug), supplied with the PMU or PGU| Not applicable
2| SMA jack to BNC plug| CS-1247
3| BNC jack to triaxial plug| CS-712
4| Triaxial jacks| Not applicable

Prober top hat to prober pin connections
The following figure shows the basic cable setup for the 2-pin I-V and 2-pin C-V testing scenarios described in this document. The 4-pin I-V and 4-pin C-V testing scenarios require minor setup changes. Pulsed I-V setup, which is more complex, is described in Usage scenarios (on page 9).
NOTE
This setup requires two 4210-MMPC-L kits.

Item| Description| Part number| Quantity|

Notes

---|---|---|---|---
1| Prober cable assembly| CA-587| 2|
2| Ground jumper cable assembly| CA-535-7| 2| The jumpers connect the commons of the two cable assemblies.
3| Triaxial connectors| Not applicable| 4| Prober top hat triaxial connectors
4| Prober top hat| Not applicable| 1|

Installation guidelines

The following figure shows the prober cable assemblies of two 4210-MMPC-L kits installed in a Signatone WaveLink series prober. Each blue triaxial cable (CA-587) is secured to both a metal cable clamp and the manipulator mounting bracket by one mounting screw. When properly installed, the clamp contacts the exposed metal portion of the blue triaxial cable.
To attach the cable:

1. Remove the micropositioner from the top hat.
2. While ensuring that the exposed metal portion of the blue triaxial cable contacts the metal cable clamp, firmly tighten the mounting screw to secure the cable assembly to the micropositioner mounting bracket.

Item

|

Description

---|---
1| Ground jumpers
2| Mounting screws
3. Replace the micropositioner in the top hat. 4. Route the blue cables to avoid interference with the microscope and other manipulators. Consider the possible movements of the manipulators and the movements of the camera or microscope. 5. Connect each cable assembly by plugging a black ground jumper into the ends of the assembly blocks, as shown in the following figure. This jumper connects the commons of the two cable assemblies. It is good practice to install the second jumper. It improves the connection and is a good place to store the extra jumper.
Item| Description|

Part number

---|---|---
1| Cable assemblies| Not applicable
2| Ground jumpers| CA-535-7
3| APT probe tips| Not applicable
6. Connect the cable wires of the cable assemblies (1) to the APT probe tips (3), as shown in the previous 7. When routing the wires, consider the possible movements of the manipulators or the 8. For each pin, connect the two blue triaxial cable assemblies (CA-587) to the triaxial connectors on the inside of the top hat

Usage scenarios

The following usage scenarios provide information on how to set up 2-pin and 4-pin I-V tests, 2-pin and 4-pin C-V tests, and pulsed I-V tests.
I-V testing: 2-pin I-V setup
NOTE
The setup for 2-pin I-V testing requires two prober cable kits.
To perform 2-pin I-V testing, connect two SMUs to the prober top hat and then use the setup shown in the following figure as a guide to connect to the device under test (DUT). The following figure shows two typical triaxial SMU connections to the outside of the top hat.

Item| Description| Part number| Qty.|

Notes

---|---|---|---|---
1| Prober cable assembly| CA-587| 2|
2| Ground jumper cable assembly| CA-535-7| 2| The jumpers connect the commons of the two cable assemblies.
3| Triaxial connectors| N.A.| 2| Prober top hat triaxial connectors.
4| Prober top hat| N.A.| 1|
5| Device under test| N.A.| 1| Two terminal device under test (DUT).

I-V testing: 4-pin I-V setup
NOTE
The setup for 4-pin I-V testing requires four prober cable kits.
To perform 4-pin I-V testing, connect four 4200A-SCS SMUs to the prober top hat and then use the setup shown in in the following figure as a guide to connect to the device under test (DUT). The prober top hat triaxial connectors shown in Model 4200A-SCS instrument connections (on page 3) show two typical triaxial SMU connections on the outside of the top hat. Connect the two remaining SMUs to other triaxial connectors on the top hat of the prober.

Item| Description| Part number|

Qty.

|

Notes

---|---|---|---|---
1| Prober cable assembly| CA-587| 4|
2| Ground jumper cable assembly| CA-535-7| 4| The jumpers connect the commons of the four cable assemblies.
3| Triaxial connectors| Not applicable| 8| Prober top hat triaxial connectors.
4| Prober top hat| Not applicable| 1|
5| Device under test| Not applicable| 1| Four terminal device under test (DUT).

C-V testing: 2-pin C-V setup
NOTE
The setup for 2-pin C-V testing requires two prober cable kits.
To perform 2-pin C-V testing, connect a Model 4210-CVU to the prober top hat. Use the setup shown in the following figure as a guide to make connections to the device under test (DUT). The following figure shows the CVU connections to the outside of the top hat.

Item

| Description| Part number| Qty.|

Notes

---|---|---|---|---
1| Prober cable assembly| CA-587| 2|
2| Ground jumper cable assembly| CA-535-7| 2| The jumpers connect the commons of the two cable assemblies.
3| Triaxial connectors| Not applicable| 4| Prober top hat triaxial connectors.
4| Prober top hat| Not applicable| 1|
5| Device under test| Not applicable| 1| Two terminal device under test (DUT).
6| Signal path| Not applicable| |

C-V testing: 4-pin C-V setup
NOTE
The setup for 4-pin C-V testing requires four prober cable kits.
A typical test for a field effect transistor (FET) is to connect the drain, bulk, and source together and make the measurement across the gate.
To perform 4-pin C-V testing on a device, connect a CVU to the prober top hat, and then use the setup shown in the following figure as a guide to connect to the device under test (DUT).

Item

| Description| Part number| Quantity|

Notes

---|---|---|---|---
1| Prober cable assembly| CA-587| 4|
2| Ground jumper cable assembly| CA-535-7| 4| The jumpers connect the commons of the four cable assemblies.
3| Triaxial connectors| N.A.| 8| Prober top hat triaxial connectors.
4| Prober top hat| N.A.| 1|
5| Device under test| N.A.| 1| Four terminal device under test (DUT).
6| Triaxial cable| CS-534-6| 2|
7| Signal path| | |

Setup using the Keithley Model 4225-PMU for pulsed I-V measurements
NOTE
The setup for four-pin pulsed I-V testing requires four prober cable kits.
The Model 4225-PMU is an Ultra Fast I-V Module instrument card for the 4200A- SCS. The PMU has two channels of voltage pulse source with integrated simultaneous voltage and current measurement.
The following figure shows the cable and adapters needed to connect a PMU channel to the prober top hat.

Item

| Description|

Part number

---|---|---
1| SMA cable (plug to plug), 2 m, supplied with the PMU| Not applicable
2| SMA to triaxial tee| CS-1658

The following figure shows typical prober connection setup for testing a four- pin device. This example uses two pulsed I-V channels and two ground connections.

Item| Description| Part number| Qty.|

Notes

---|---|---|---|---
1| Prober cable assembly| CA-587| 4|
2| Ground jumper cable assembly| CA-535-7| 4| The jumpers connect the commons of the four cable assemblies.
3| Triaxial connectors| Not applicable| 8| Prober top hat triaxial connectors.
4| Prober top hat| Not applicable| 1|
5| Device under test| Not applicable| 1| Four terminal device under test (DUT).
6| Triaxial shorting plug| CS-1546| 2| The triaxial shorting plug connects the center conductor of the triaxial cable to its outer shield, effectively connecting the DUT LO to the pulse generator low.
7| SMA to triaxial connector tee| CS-1658| 2|

Setup using the Keithley Model 4225-RPM for I-V, C-V, or pulsed I-V measurements
NOTE
The setup for three-pin pulsed I-V testing requires three prober cable kits. The setups for four-pin testing require four prober cable kits.
The Model 4225-RPM Remote Amplifier/Switch is an optional accessory for the Model 4225-PMU. The PMU has two channels and each channel can support an RPM. The MMPC cables simplify the connection and re-connection between the instruments and the device-under-test. The combination of the MMPC cables with the RPM permits testing I-V, C-V, or pulsed I-V automatically, without any manual cable reconnections. When using only two RPMs on a four-terminal device, some re-cabling is required for certain C-V test configurations.
The 4225-RPM has the appropriate connector types at the input and output of the RPM enclosure to eliminate any adapters when connecting cables to the RPM. On the input side, there are two triaxial connectors for SMU Force and SMU Sense. There are two SMA connectors for CVU POT and CVU CUR. There is also an RPM control connector for the control and power of the RPM from the 4225-PMU. The output of the RPM is a pair of triaxial cables (Force and Sense), which connect directly to the MMPC cables as shown in the following figure.
To configure the prober:

1. Place the 4225-RPM upside down.
2. Insert the 4225-RPM force and sense connectors through the holes.
3. Secure the 4225-RPM using a nut on each triaxial connector on the inside of the top hat.

The following figure shows an example of two RPMs mounted to the prober in this way.

Item| Description| Part number| Qty.|

Notes

---|---|---|---|---
1| Remote amplifier/switch| 4225-RPM| 2|
2| Sense triaxial connector| Not applicable| 1| Each Model 4225-RPM has one sense triaxial connector
3| Force triaxial connector| Not applicable| 1| Each Model 4225-RPM has one force triaxial connector
4| Nut| Not applicable| 1|
5| Top hat| Not applicable| 1|

See the Model 4200A-SCS Pulse Card (PGU and PMU) User’s Manual for Model 4225-PMU and Model 4225-RPM information and how to configure an ITM for a pulsed I-V test.
2-channel I-V or pulsed I-V setup
For I-V and pulsed I-V testing, typically only two source/measure channels are used. The two active signals are connected to the gate and drain. Source and bulk, if present, are connected to ground. See the following graphics for illustrated setup examples.
NOTE
The following 3-pin setup requires three 4210-MMPC-L kits.

Item| Description| Part number| Quantity|

Notes

---|---|---|---|---
1| Prober cable assembly| CA-587| 3|
2| Ground jumper cable assembly| CA-535-7| 2| The jumpers connect the commons of the four cable assemblies.
3| Triaxial connectors| Not applicable| 1| Prober top hat triaxial connectors.
4| Prober top hat| Not applicable| 1|
5| Triaxial shorting plug| CS-1546| 1| The triaxial shorting plug connects the center conductor of the triaxial cable to its outer shield, effectively connecting the DUT LO to pulse generator low.

NOTE
The following 4-pin setup requires four Model 4210-MMPC-L kits.

Item| Description| Part number| Quantity|

Notes

---|---|---|---|---
1| Prober cable assembly| CA-587| 4|
2| Ground jumper cable assembly| CA-535-7| 3| The jumpers connect the commons of the four cable assemblies.
3| Triaxial connectors| N.A.| 2| Prober top hat triaxial connectors.
4| Prober top hat| N.A.| 1|
5| Triaxial shorting plug| CS-1546| 2| The triaxial shorting plug connects the center conductor of the triaxial cable to its outer shield, effectively connecting the DUT LO to the pulse generator low.

2-channel 4-terminal C-V test setup
NOTE
The following 4-pin setup requires four 4210-MMPC-L kits.

Item| Description| Part number| Quantity|

Notes

---|---|---|---|---
1| Prober cable assembly| CA-587| 4|
2| Ground jumper cable assembly| CA-535-7| 3| The jumpers connect the commons of the four cable assemblies.
3| Triaxial connectors| Not applicable| 2| Prober top hat triaxial connectors.
4| Prober top hat| Not applicable| 1|
5| Triaxial cable| CS-534-6| 2| Provides CVU HI to drain, bulk, and source terminals.

Safety precautions

The following safety precautions should be observed before using this product and any associated instrumentation. Although some instruments and accessories would normally be used with nonhazardous voltages, there are situations where hazardous conditions may be present.
This product is intended for use by personnel who recognize shock hazards and are familiar with the safety precautions required to avoid possible injury. Read and follow all installation, operation, and maintenance information carefully before using the product.
Refer to the user documentation for complete product specifications.
If the product is used in a manner not specified, the protection provided by the product warranty may be impaired.
The types of product users are:
Responsible body is the individual or group responsible for the use and maintenance of equipment, for ensuring that the equipment is operated within its specifications and operating limits, and for ensuring that operators are adequately trained.
Operators use the product for its intended function. They must be trained in electrical safety procedures and proper use of the instrument. They must be protected from electric shock and contact with hazardous live circuits.
Maintenance personnel perform routine procedures on the product to keep it operating properly, for example, setting the line voltage or replacing consumable materials. Maintenance procedures are described in the user documentation. The procedures explicitly state if the operator may perform them. Otherwise, they should be performed only by service personnel.
Service personnel are trained to work on live circuits, perform safe installations, and repair products. Only properly trained service personnel may perform installation and service procedures.
Keithley products are designed for use with electrical signals that are measurement, control, and data I/O connections, with low transient overvoltages, and must not be directly connected to mains voltage or to voltage sources with high transient overvoltages.
Measurement Category II (as referenced in IEC 60664) connections require protection for high transient overvoltages often associated with local AC mains connections. Certain Keithley measuring instruments may be connected to mains. These instruments will be marked as category II or higher.
Unless explicitly allowed in the specifications, operating manual, and instrument labels, do not connect any instrument to mains.
Exercise extreme caution when a shock hazard is present. Lethal voltage may be present on cable connector jacks or test fixtures.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) states that a shock hazard exists when voltage levels greater than 30 V RMS, 42.4 V peak, or 60 VDC are present. A good safety practice is to expect that hazardous voltage is present in any unknown circuit before measuring.
Operators of this product must be protected from electric shock at all times. The responsible body must ensure that operators are prevented access and/or insulated from every connection point. In some cases, connections must be exposed to potential human contact. Product operators in these circumstances must be trained to protect themselves from the risk of electric shock. If the circuit  is capable of operating at or above 1000 V, no conductive part of the circuit may be exposed.
Do not connect switching cards directly to unlimited power circuits. They are intended to be used with impedance-limited sources.
NEVER connect switching cards directly to AC mains. When connecting sources to switching cards, install protective devices to limit fault current and voltage to the card.
Before operating an instrument, ensure that the line cord is connected to a properly-grounded power receptacle. Inspect the connecting cables, test leads, and jumpers for possible wear, cracks, or breaks before each use.
When installing equipment where access to the main power cord is restricted, such as rack mounting, a separate main input power disconnect device must be provided in close proximity to the equipment and within easy reach of the operator.
For maximum safety, do not touch the product, test cables, or any other instruments while power is applied to the circuit under test.
ALWAYS remove power from the entire test system and discharge any capacitors before connecting or disconnecting cables or jumpers, installing or removing switching cards, or making internal changes, such as installing or removing jumpers.
Do not touch any object that could provide a current path to the common side of the circuit under test or power line (earth) ground.
Always make measurements with dry hands while standing on a dry, insulated surface capable of withstanding the voltage being measured.
For safety, instruments and accessories must be used in accordance with the operating instructions. If the instruments or accessories are used in a manner not specified in the operating instructions, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
Do not exceed the maximum signal levels of the instruments and accessories. Maximum signal levels are defined in the specifications and operating information and shown on the instrument panels, test fixture panels, and switching cards.
When fuses are used in a product, replace with the same type and rating for continued protection against fire hazard.
Chassis connections must only be used as shield connections for measuring circuits, NOT as protective earth (safety ground) connections.
If you are using a test fixture, keep the lid closed while power is applied to the device under test. Safe operation requires the use of a lid interlock.
If a ** screw is present, connect it to protective earth (safety ground) using the wire recommended in the user documentation.
The symbol on an instrument means caution, risk of hazard. The user must refer to the operating instructions located in the user documentation in all cases where the symbol is marked on the instrument.
The symbol on an instrument means warning, risk of electric shock. Use standard safety precautions to avoid personal contact with these voltages.
The symbol on an instrument shows that the surface may be hot. Avoid personal contact to prevent burns.
The symbol indicates a connection terminal to the equipment frame.
If this symbol is on a product, it indicates that mercury is present in the display lamp. Please note that the lamp must be properly disposed of according to federal, state, and local laws.
The WARNING heading in the user documentation explains hazards that might result in personal injury or death. Always read the associated information very carefully before performing the indicated procedure.
The CAUTION heading in the user documentation explains hazards that could damage the instrument. Such damage may invalidate the warranty.
The CAUTION** heading with the symbol in the user documentation explains hazards that could result in moderate or minor injury or damage the instrument. Always read the associated information very carefully before performing the indicated procedure.
Damage to the instrument may invalidate the warranty.
Instrumentation and accessories shall not be connected to humans.
Before performing any maintenance, disconnect the line cord and all test cables.
To maintain protection from electric shock and fire, replacement components in mains circuits — including the power transformer, test leads, and input jacks — must be purchased from Keithley. Standard fuses with applicable national safety approvals may be used if the rating and type are the same. The detachable mains power cord provided with the instrument may only be replaced with a similarly rated power cord. Other components that are not safety- related may be purchased from other suppliers as long as they
are equivalent to the original component (note that selected parts should be purchased only through Keithley to maintain accuracy and functionality of the product). If you are unsure about the applicability of a replacement component, call a Keithley office for information.
Unless otherwise noted in product-specific literature, Keithley instruments are designed to operate indoors only, in the following environment: Altitude at or below 2,000 m (6,562 ft); temperature 0 °C to 50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F); and pollution degree 1 or 2.
To clean an instrument, use a cloth dampened with deionized water or mild, water-based cleaner. Clean the exterior of the instrument only. Do not apply cleaner directly to the instrument or allow liquids to enter or spill on the instrument. Products that consist of a circuit board with no case or chassis (e.g., a data acquisition board for installation into a computer) should never require cleaning if handled according to instructions. If the board becomes contaminated and operation is affected, the board should be returned to the factory for proper cleaning/servicing.
Safety precaution revision as of June 2018.

References

• Keithley Instruments & Products | Tektronix
• Keithley Instruments & Products | Tektronix

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