Tektronix 4200A-SCS Parameter Analyzer User Guide
- June 7, 2024
- Tektronix
Table of Contents
Model 4200A-SCS Parameter Analyzer Quick Start Guide
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 specifi cations.
If the product is used in a manner not specifi ed, 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 specifi cations 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 performs 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 specifi cations, 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 fi xtures. 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 specifi ed 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 defi ned in the specifi cations and operating
information and shown on the instrument panels, test fi texture panels, and
switching cards.
When fuses are used in a product, replace them with the same type and rating
for continued protection against fi re 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 fi texture, 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 fi re, 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 the accuracy and functionality of the product).
If you are unsure about the applicability of a replacement component, call a
Keithley offi ce for information.
Unless otherwise noted in product-specifi c 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 aff ected, the board should be returned to the
factory for proper cleaning/servicing.
Safety precaution revision as of June 2017.
Safety
Power and environmental ratings
For indoor use only.
Power supply | 100 V ac to 240 V ac, 50 Hz to 60 Hz |
---|---|
Maximum VA | 1000 VA |
Operating altitude | Maximum 2000 m (6562 ft) above sea level |
Operating temperature | +10 °C to +40 °C, |
5% to 80% relative humidity, non-condensing
Storage temperature| -15 °C to 60 °C,
5% to 90% relative humidity, non-condensing
CAUTION
Carefully consider and configure the appropriate output‑off state, source levels, and compliance levels before connecting the instrument to a device that can deliver energy. Failure to consider the output‑off state, source levels, and compliance levels may result in damage to the instrument or to the device under test.
Introduction
The 4200A-SCS and embedded Clarius software provide clear, uncompromised
measurement and analysis. The 4200A-SCS provides hundreds of ready-to-use
application tests for current-voltage (I-V), capacitance-voltage (C-V), and
ultra-fast pulsed I-V characterization. The Clarius user interface provides
touch-and-swipe or point-and-click control for advanced test definition,
parameter analysis, graphing, and automation capabilities for modern
semiconductor, materials, and process characterization.
For additional support information, see tek.com/keithley.
The 4200A-SCS documentation includes:
- Quick Start Guide: This document. It provides unpacking instructions, describes basic connections, reviews basic operation information, and provides a quick test procedure to ensure the instrument is operational.
- Clarius Manual: Provides comprehensive information about projects, tests, data analysis, data calculation, user libraries, and customizing Clarius.
• Hardware manuals for setup and maintenance, source-measure units (SMUs),
capacitance-voltage units (CVs), pulse-measure units (PMUs), and pulse-
generator units (GPUs), and prober and external instrument control.
• Programming guides for the LPT library, Keithley User Library Tool (KULT),
and Keithley External Control Interface (KXCI).
For complete documentation for the 4200A-SCS, see the 4200A-SCS Learning
Center . The Learning Center contains instructional videos, PDFs, and HTML
content. To access the Learning Center, click Help in the Clarius menu, press
F1 while using Clarius, or select the desktop icon.
Introduction
Unpack and inspect the instrument
To unpack and inspect the instrument:
- Inspect the box for damage.
- Open the top of the box.
- Remove the documentation, standard accessories, and optional accessories and packaging insert.
- Carefully lift the instrument out of the box.
- Inspect the instrument for any obvious signs of physical damage. Report any damage to the shipping agent immediately.
CAUTION
The 4200A‑SCS weighs approximately 27 kg (60 lb) and requires a two-person lift.
CAUTION
Do not lift the 4200A‑SCS using the front bezel.
You should have received the 4200A-SCS Parameter Analyzer with a Quick Start Guide (this document) and:
-
Keyboard
-
Mouse
-
Power line cord
-
Safety interlock cable
-
4200-TRX-2 ultra-low noise triaxial cables (two)
Refer to the packing list for additional items that might have shipped with your instrument. Connect the instrument
Important test system safety information
This system contains instruments that can produce hazardous voltages. It is the responsibility of the test system installer, maintenance personnel, and service personnel to make sure the system is safe during use and is operating properly. You must also realize that in many test systems a single fault, such as a software error, may output hazardous signal levels even when the system indicates that there is no hazard present.
It is important that you consider the following factors in your system design and use: -
The international safety standard IEC 61010-1 defines voltages as hazardous if they exceed 30 VRMS and 42.4 VPEAK or 60 V dc for equipment rated for dry locations. Keithley Instruments products are only rated for dry locations.
-
Read and comply with the specifications of all instruments in the system. The overall allowed signal levels may be constrained by the lowest-rated instrument in the system. For example, if you are using a 500 V power supply with a 300 V dc rated switch, the maximum allowed voltage in the system is 300 V dc.
-
Cover the device under test (DUT) to protect the operator from flying debris in the event of a system or DUT failure.
-
Make sure any test fixture connected to the system protects the operator from contact with hazardous voltages, hot surfaces, and sharp objects. Use shields, barriers, insulation, and safety interlocks to accomplish this.
-
Double-insulate all electrical connections that an operator can touch. Double insulation ensures the operator is still protected even if one insulation layer fails. Refer to IEC 61010-1 for specific requirements.
-
Make sure all connections are behind a locked cabinet door or another barrier. This protects the system operator from accidentally removing a connection by hand and exposing hazardous voltages. Use high-reliability fail-safe interlock switches to disconnect power sources when a test fixture cover is opened.
-
Where possible, use automatic handlers so that operators are not required to access the DUT or other potentially hazardous areas.
-
Provide training to all users of the system so that they understand all potential hazards and know how to protect themselves from injury.
-
In many systems, during power-up, the outputs may be in an unknown state until they are properly initialized. Make sure the design can tolerate this situation without causing operator injury or hardware damage.
Unpack
NOTE
To keep users safe, always read and follow all safety warnings provided with
each of the instruments in your system.
Install the instrument
The 4200A-SCS can be used on a bench or in a rack. See the instructions that
came with your rack-mount kit if you are installing the 4200A-SCS in a rack.
Wiring the interlock
If you need voltages greater than ±40 V for testing, you must add an interlock
switch to the fixture. This ensures that hazardous voltages are not present
when the exterior enclosure of the fixture is open. It also enables the 4200A-
SCS to output higher voltages when the exterior enclosure of the fixture is
closed.
When the safety interlock signal is asserted (the switch is closed and the
signal is connected to +12 V), all the voltage ranges of the SMUs are
functional. When the safety interlock signal is not asserted (the switch is
open), the 200 V range on the SMUs is disabled, limiting the nominal output to
±40 V.
If you need voltages greater than ±40 V, you must also connect the exterior of
the test fixture enclosure to protective earth (safety ground). Take care to
ensure that the wiring
(FORCE, GUARD, and SENSE) in the fixture does not electrically contact the
exterior of the enclosure.
WARNING
The 4200A‑SCS is provided with an interlock circuit that must be positively
activated for the high‑voltage output to be enabled. The interlock facilitates
the safe operation of the equipment in a test system. Bypassing the interlock
could expose the operator to hazardous
the voltage that could result in personal injury or death.
Asserting the interlock allows the SMU and preamplifier terminals to become
hazardous, exposing the user to possible electrical shock that could result in
personal injury or death. SMU and preamplifier terminals should be considered
hazardous even if the outputs are programmed to be low voltage. Precautions
must be taken to prevent a shock hazard by surrounding the test device and any
unprotected leads (wiring) with double insulation for 250 V, Category 0.
There are low-voltage and high-voltage test fixtures for the 4200A-SCS. Low-
voltage fixtures, such as the Keithley Instruments Model 8101-PIV, are
intended for applications that are less than ±40 V. For these applications, an
interlock is not needed.
For applications that are greater than ±40 V, you can use high-voltage test
fixtures. These test fixtures have a safety interlock switch connected to the
lid. When the lid is closed, the interlock circuit is closed (asserted), and
SMU ±200 V ranges are enabled.
Conversely, the interlock circuit is open (de-asserted) when the lid is open
and the SMU ±200 V ranges are disabled.
High-voltage test fixtures require extra precaution to ensure there are no
shock hazards.
For correct operation with the 4200A-SCS, the test fixture should have a
normally open switch that is used for the interlock. An open interlock
condition occurs when the switch is open.
Connect
NOTE
For the examples shown in this quick start guide, you do not need to use an
interlock. The 4200A-SCS functions on all current ranges and up to ±40 V
without asserting the interlock. When the interlock is not asserted, the
maximum voltage on the SMU and preamplifier terminals is not hazardous.
To connect the interlock cable:
- Connect one end of the supplied interlock cable to the rear panel of the 4200A-SCS. The location is shown in the following graphic.
- Connect the other end of the connector to the test fixture.
Test connections
If you are testing discrete devices, you need a test fixture that is equipped
with 3-lug triaxial connectors. The 8101-PIV test fixture, which can be
purchased from Keithley Instruments, allows the 4200A-SCS to be connected to a
discrete device.
For connections to a probe station for wafer testing, see the 4200A-SCS
Learning Center .
Power on the 4200A‑SCS
The 4200A-SCS operates from a line voltage of 100 V to 240 V at a frequency of
50 Hz to 60 Hz. Make sure the operating voltage in your area is compatible.
CAUTION
Operating the instrument on an incorrect line voltage may cause damage to the
instrument, possibly voiding the warranty.
NOTE
If you have a 4200A-SCS-ND model, you must use remote communications to access
the software features described in this document.
WARNING
The power cord supplied with the Model 4200A‑SCS contains a separate
protective earth (safety ground) wire for use with grounded outlets. When
proper connections are made, the instrument class is connected to power‑line
ground through the ground wire in the power cord. In addition, a redundant
protective earth connection is provided through a screw on the rear panel.
This terminal should be connected to known protective earth. In the event of a
failure, not using a properly grounded protective earth and the grounded
outlet may result in personal injury or death due to electric shock.
Do not replace detachable mains supply cords with inadequately rated cords.
Failure to use properly rated cords may result in personal injury or death due
to electric shock.
To power on the 4200A-SCS:
- Make sure the power is off. The power switch, on the front panel in the lower right corner, is not lit when power is off.
- Plug the male end of the line cord into a properly grounded ac line power receptacle.
- Turn on the 4200A-SCS by pushing the power switch.
The switch is lit when power is on.
The instrument starts up.
NOTE
When first starting a Clarius+ application, you must answer “Yes” to an on-
screen license agreement. Answering “No” makes your system nonfunctional until
you reinstall the software.
Change powerline frequency
NOTE
The default powerline frequency is set to 60 Hz. If the setting is wrong, the
4200A-SCS cannot properly reject powerline measurement noise.
To change powerline frequency:
- Close Clarius.
- Run KCon.
- From the System Configuration list, select 4200A-SCS.
- Change the Powerline Frequency as needed.
- Select Save .
FAQs
How should I clean and use the front‑panel display?
If you need to clean the front-panel LCD touchscreen display, use a soft dry
cloth. If necessary, use a microfiber cloth dampened with an ammonia-free
glass cleaner. Do not spray cleaning fluids onto the display. You can also use
a mixture of 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water.
Do not use sharp objects, such as a screwdriver, pen, or pencil, to touch the
touchscreen. It is strongly recommended to only use fingers to operate the
instrument. Use of clean-room gloves is supported for the touchscreen.
My data look odd or is wrong. What should I do?
Verify the connections from the instrument to the test fixture.
Also, check the connections from the DUT to the test fixture socket.
I cannot unplug the mini‑triaxial cable (4200A‑MTRX) from the SMU. What
should I do?
The mini-triaxial connector is a locking connector. To remove it, pull the
knurled part of the connector back.
A configuration error has been detected and I cannot launch Clarius. What
should I do?
This occurs when the physical configuration does not match the configuration
defined in KCon or when there are communication problems between instruments
and the 4200A-SCS.
The error can also occur if the preamplifier or RPM is removed or reconnected.
Note that preamplifiers are SMU specific. For example, a preamplifier that is
configured for SMU1 cannot be connected to SMU2.
To verify system configuration:
- Run KCon.
- Select Validate.
To update the system configuration:
- Run KCon.
- Select Update.
Next steps
See the 4200A-SCS Learning Center , which is preinstalled on your system. To
access the Learning Center, click Help in the Clarius menu, press F1 while
using Clarius, or select the desktop icon.
The 4200A-SCS Learning Center includes the following:
- Instructional videos: Contains basic and detailed information about using the system that will help you with the instrument.
- Clarius Manual: Provides comprehensive information about projects, tests, data analysis, data calculation, user libraries, and customizing Clarius.
- Hardware manual s for setup and maintenance, source-measure units (SMUs), capacitance-voltage units (CVs), pulse-measure units (PMUs), and pulse-generator units (GPUs), and prober and external instrument control.
- P rogramming guides for the LPT library, Keithley User Library Tool (KULT), and Keithley External Control Interface (KXCI).
- Application notes: Detailed applications that demonstrate specific applications.
- Datasheets: Technical data regarding the 4200A-SCS and related accessories.
See tek.com/keithley for support and additional information about the instrument.
FAQs and next steps
Contact information: 1-800-833-9200
For additional contacts, see https://www.tek.com/contact-us
Find more valuable resources at TEK.COM.
Copyright © 2021, Tektronix. All rights reserved.
Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and
pending. Information in this publication supersedes that in all previously
published material. Specification and price change privileges reserved.
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