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Model 617
Programmable Electrometer
Instruction Manual

Contains Operating and Servicing Information
WARRANTY
Keithley Instruments, Inc. warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 year from date of
shipment.

Keithley Instruments, Inc. warrants the following items for 90 days from the date of shipment: probes, cables, rechargeable batteries,
diskettes, and documentation.

During the warranty period, we will, at our option, either repair or replace any product that proves to be defective

To exercise this warranty, write or call your local Keithley representative, or contact Keithley headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. You will
be given prompt assistance and return instructions. Send the product, transportation prepaid, to the indicated service facility. Repairs
will be made and the product returned, transportation prepaid. Repaired or replaced products are warranted for the balance of the origi-
nal warranty period, or at least 90 days.

LIMITATION OF WARRANTY

This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from product modification without Keithley's express written consent, or misuse of
any product or part. This warranty also does not apply to fuses, software, non-rechargeable batteries, damage from battery leakage, or
problems arising from normal wear or failure to follow instructions.

THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE. THE REMEDIES PROVIDED HEREIN ARE
BUYER'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES.

NEITHIZR KEITHLEY INSTRUMBNTS, INC. NOR ANY OF ITS EMPLOYEES SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDI-
RECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF ITS INSTRUMENTS AND
SOmWARE EVEN IF KEITHLEY INSTRUMENTS, INC., HAS BEEN ADVISED IN ADVANCE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES. SUCH EXCLUDED DAMAGES SHALL INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: COSTS OF REMOVAL
AND INSTALLATION, LOSSES SUSTAINED AS THE RESULT OF INJURY TO ANY PERSON, OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.

Keithley Instruments, Inc. - 28775 Aurora Road - Cleveland, OH 44139 - 216-248-0400 - Fax: 216-24X-6168 - http://www.keithley.com
Model 617 Programmable Electrometer
Instruction Manual

0 1984, Keithley Instruments, Inc.
Test Instrumentation Group
All rights reserved.
Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.
Document Number: 617-901-01 Rev. C
SPECIFICATIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION l-GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Introduction ................... .......
1.2 Features ................... ..
1.3 Warranty Information ...........
1.4 ManualAddenda.. .............
1.5 Safety Symbols and Terms ....... .......
1.6 Specifications ..................
1.7 Using this Instruction Manual .....
1.8 Unpacking and Inspection ........
1.9 Getting Started ................. .......
1.10 Preparation for Use .............
1.11 Repacking for Shipment. ......... .......
1.12 Accessories .................... .......

SECTION 2-OPERATION

2.1 Introduction ................................... ....... 2-l
2.2 Power Up Procedure ............................ ....... 2-l
2.3 Power Up Self Test and Display Messages ........... 2-l
2.4 Front Panel Familiarization ....................... ....... 2-2
2.4.1 Controls .................................... ....... 2-2
2.4.2 Display and Indicators ......................... ....... 2-4
2.4.3 TiltBan ..................................... ....... 2-4
2.5 Front Panel Programs ........................... 2-4
2.5.1 IEEE-488 Address ............................. ....... 2-4
2.5.2 Exponent Mode (Alpha or Numeric) ............. ....... 2-5
2.5.3 Calibration .................................. ....... 2-5
2.6 Rear Panel Familiarization. ....................... ....... 2-5
2.6.1 Connectors and Terminals. ..................... ....... 2-5
2.6.2 V,RGUARDSwitch .......................... 2-7
2.6.3 LineFuse.. .................................. ....... 2-7
2.7 Basic Measurement Techniques. ................... ....... 2-7
2.7.1 Warm Up Period ............................. ....... 2-7
2.7.2 Input Connections ............................ ....... 2-8
2.7.3 Making Voltage Measurements. ................. ....... 2-E
2.7.4 Guarded Operation ........................... ...... Z-10
2.7.5 Making Current Measurements. ................. ...... 2-11
2.7.6 Making Charge Measurements .................. .. ... 2-13
2.7.7 Resistance Measurements ...................... .... 2-15
2.7.8 Using the Ohms Function As A Current Source ...... 2-16
2.8 Using the Voltage Source ......................... ...... 2-17
2.8.1 Basic Operating Procedure ..................... ...... 2-17
2.8.2 V/I Resistance Measurements ................... ...... 2-17
2.9 Analog Outputs ................................ ...... 2-19
2.9.1 2v Analog Output ............................ ...... 2-19
2.9.2 PreampOut ................................. ...... 2-19
2.10 Using External Feedback ......................... ...... 2-22
2.10.1 Electrometer Input Circuitry .................... ...... 2-22
2.10.2 Shielded Fixture Construction ................. ...... 2-22
2.10.3 External Feedback Procedure. ................... ...... 2-23
2.10.4 Non-Standard Coulombs Ranges ................ ...... 2-24
2.10.5 Logarithmic Currents .......................... ...... 2-24
2.10.6 Non-Decade Current Gains ..................... ...... 2-2.5

I
2.11 Using Zero Correct and Baseline Suppression ...... .......
2.11.1 Zero Correct and Zero Check ............. ...... .......
2.11.2 Using Suppression ...................... ...... .......
2.12 DataStorage ............................. ......
2.13 External Triggering. ....................... ......
2.13.1 External Trigger ........................ .......
2.13.2 Meter Complete ........................ .......
2.13.3 Triggering Example ..................... ...... .......
2.14 Measurement Considerations ............... ....... ......
2.14.1 GroundLoops .......................... ....... ...... .......
2.14.2 Electrostatic Interference ................. ...... .......
2.14.3 Thermal EMFs ......................... .......
2.14.4 RF1 ................................... .......
2.14.5 Leakage Resistance Effects ................ ...... .......
2.14.6 Input Capacitance Effects. ................ ......
2.14.7 Source Resistance ....................... .......
2.14.8 Source Capacitance .....................
2.15 Engineering Units Conversion ............... ..... .......

SECTION 3-IEEE-488 PROGRAMMING

3.1 Introduction ................................................................................. 3-l
3.2 BusDescription ............................................................................... 3-l
3.3 IEEE-488BUSLINES .......................................................................... 3-2
3.3.1 DataLines.. ............................................................................... 3-2
3.3.2 BusManagementLines ........................................... ..r ........................ 3-2
3.3.3 HandshakeLines ............................................................................ 3-2
3.4 BusCommands ............................................................................... 3-3
3.4.1 UniIineCommands .......................................................................... 3-3
3.4.2 UniversalCommands ........................................................................ 3-4
3.4.3 AddressedCommands ....................................................................... 3-4
3.4.4 Unaddressedcommands ..................................................................... 3-5
3.4.5 Device-DependentCommands ................................................................ 3-5
3.5 CommandCodes.. ........................................................................... 3-5
3.4 CommandSequences .......................................................................... 3-5
3.6.1 AddressedCommandSequence ............................................................... 3-5
3.6.2 UniversalCommandSequence ................................................................ 3-7
3.6.3 Device-DependentCommandSequence ......................................................... 3-7
3.7 Hardwareconsiderations.. .................................................................... 3-7
3.7.1 Typical Controlled Systems. .................................................................. 3-7
3.7.2 BusConnections ............................................................................ 3-8
3.7.3 PrimaryAddressProgramming ............................................................... 3-9
3.7.4 Talk-OnlyMode ..................... . ..................... . .............. .._ .............. 3-9
3.8 Softwareconsiderations ...................................................................... 3-10
3.8.1 Controller Handler Software, ................................................................ 3-10
3.8.2 Interface BASIC Programming Statements ................................................... 3-10
3.8.3 Interface Function Codes ..... ............................................ ............... 3-12
3.8.4 IEEECommandGroups ..................................................................... 3-12
3.9 General Bus Command Programming ............................................... : ........... 3-12
3.9.1 REN(RemoteEnable) ....................................................................... 3-13
3.9.2 IFC(InterfaceClear) ........................................................................ 3-14
3.9.3 LLO(LocalLockout) ....................................................... .._ ............. 3-14
3.9.4 GTL(GoToLocaI) ......................................................................... 3-14
3.9.5 DCL(DeviceClear) ........................................................................ 3-15
3.9.6 SDC (Selective Device Clear) ................................................................ 3-15
3.9.7 GET(GroupExecuteTrigger). ............................................................... 3-16
3.9.8 Serial Polling (WE, SPD) ...................................... ............................. 3-16
3.10 Device-Dependent Command Programming ............................. .......... ............. 3-17

ii
3.10.1 Execute(X) ...... ................. 3-18
3.10.2 Function (F) ........................ 3-18
3.10.3 Range(R) .......................... 3-20
3.10.4 Zero Correct and Zero Check (Z and C) 3-21
3.10.5 Baseline Suppression (N) ............. 3-22
3.10.6 Display Mode CD). .................. 3-22
3.10.7 Reading Mode (B) ............ ...... 3-23
3.10.8 Data Store Mode ................... 3-23
3.10.9 Voltage Source Value (V) ............. 3-24
3.10.10 Voltage Source Operate (0) .......... 3-25
3.10.11 Calibration Value (A). ............... 3-25
3.10.12 Non-Volatile Memory Storage (L) ..... 3-26
3.10.13 Data Format (G) .................... 3-26
3.10.14 Trigger Mode (T) ................... 3-27
3.10.15 SRQ Mode (M) and Status Byte Format 3-28
3.10.16 EOI and Bus Hold-Off Modes (K) ...... 3-30
3.10.17 Terminator(Y) ..................... 3-31
3.10.18 Status(u) ......................... 3-31
3.11 Front Panel Messages .................. 3-34
3.11.1 BusError.. ........................ 3-34
3.11.2 NumberError ...................... 3-35
3.11.3 Trigger Overrun Error ............... 3-35
3.12 Bus Data Transmission Times ........... 3-36

SECTION 4-APPLICATIONS

4.1 Introduction ................................................................. .............. 4-l
4.2 Insulation Resistance Measurements. ............................................. .............. 4-l
4.3 HighImpedanceVoItmeter ..................................................... 4-5
4.4 Low-Level Leakage Current Measurements ........................................ 4-5
4.5 DiodeCharacterization ........................................................ .............. 4-7
4.6 CapacitorLeakageMeasurements ............................................... .............. 4-8
4.7 CapacitanceMeasurement ...................................................... 4-E
4.8 Voltage Coefficients of High-Megohm Resistors .................................... ............. 4-10
4.9 Static Charge Detection ........................................................ .............. 4-12
4.10 Using the Model 617 with External Voltage Sources ................................. .............. 4-12

SECTION 5-PERFORMANCE VERIFICATION

5.1 Introduction .............................. ........... .......... .............. 5-l
5.2 Environmental Conditions .................. ........... ............. 5-l
5.3 Initial Conditions .......................... ........... .......... 5-l
5.4 Recommended Test Equipment ............... ........... .......... ............. 5-l
5.5 Verification Procedure ...................... ........... .......... ............. 5-2
5.5.1 Input Current Verification ................. .......... ............. 5-2
5.5.2 Amps Verification ....................... ........... ............. 5-2
5.5.3 Coulombs Verification. ................... ........... ............. 5-3
5.5.4 Volts Verification ........................ .......... ............. 5-5
5.5.5 Ohms Verification ....................... ........... .......... ............. 5-6
5.5.6 Ohms Verification (200M0 and Gfl Ranges) ........... 5-6
5.5.7 Voltage Source Verification. ............... ........... .......... ............. 5-8

iii
SECTION 6-THEORY OF OPERATION

6.1 Introduction ....................... ....... ....... ...... ...... 6-l
6.2 Overall Functional Description ........ ....... ...... ...... 6-1
6.3 Input Preamplifier .................. ....... 6-l
6.3.1 Input stage ...................... ....... ...... ...... 6-3
6.3.2 Gain Stage. ...................... ....... ....... ...... ...... 6-3
6.3.3 Output stage. .................... ....... ...... ...... 6-3
6.3.4 Ohms Voltage Source ....... ....... 6-6
6.3.5 Zero Check ...................... ....... ...... 6-7
6.4 Additional Signal Conditioning ....... ....... ....... ...... ...... 6-7
6.4.1 Ranging Amplifier ................ ....... ...... ...... 6-7
6.4.2 Multiplexer and Buffer Amplifier .... ....... ....... ...... ...... 6-8
6.4.3 - 2V Reference Source. ............ ....... ....... ...... 6-9
6.5 A/D Converter. .................... ....... 6-9
6.6 Digital Circuitry .................... ....... ....... ...... 6-11
6.6.1 Microcomputer. .................. ....... ...... ...... 6-11
6.6.2 Memory Elements. ................ ....... ....... ...... ...... 6-11
6.6.3 Device Selection .................. ....... ...... ...... 6-u
6.6.4 IEEE-486 Bus ..................... ....... ....... ...... ...... 6-11
6.6.5 Input/Output Circuitry ............ ....... ....... ...... ...... 6-12
6.6.6 Display Circuitry ................. ....... ....... 6-12
6.7 Voltage source ..................... ....... ....... ...... 6-13
6.6 Power Supplies ..................... ....... 6-14

SECTION 7-MAINTENANCE

7.1 Introduction.. .............................................................................. 7-l
7.2 LineVoltageSelection ........................................................................ 7-1
7.3 FuseReplacement ............................................................................ 7-2
7.3.1 Lim Fuse ................................................................................. 7-Z
7.3.2 COMFuse ................................................................................ 7-2
7.4 Calibration ................................................................................. 7-2
7.4.1 Recommended Calibration Equipment. ........................................................ 7-2
7.4.2 EnvironmentalConditions .................................................................. 7-3
7.4.3 WarmUpPeriod .......................................................................... 7-3
7.4.4 CalibrationJumper ......................................................................... 7-3
7.4.5 Front Panel Calibration ..................................................................... 7-3
7.4.6 IEEE-488 Bus Calibration. ................................................................... 7-4
7.4.7 Calibration Sequence ....................................................................... 7-5
7.4.8 InputOffsetAdjustment .................................................................... 7-5
7.4.9 InputCurrentAdjustment ................................................................... 7-s
7.4.10 Pemxnent Storage of Calibration Parameters ................................................... 7-6
7.4.11 AmpsCalibration.. ....................................................................... 7-4
7.4.12 Coulombs Calibration ................................................................... 7-7
7.4.13 VoltsCalibration.. ........................................................................ 7-8
7.4.14 OhmsCalibration ......................................................................... 7-a
7.4.15 Voltage Source Calibration .................................................................. 7-10
7.4.16 Additional Calibration Points ................................................................ 7-10
7.5 Special Handling of Static-Sensitive Devices ...................................................... 7-U
7.6 Disassembly Instructions ...................................................................... 7-12
7.7 Troubleshooting ............................................................................. 7-12
7.7.1 RecommendedTestEquipment ............................................................... 7-12
7.7.2 PowerUpSelfTest ......................................................................... 7-14
7.7.3 SelfDiagnosticProgram .................................................................... 7-14
7.7.4 PowerSupplyChecks ...................................................................... 7-14
7.7.5 RelayConfiguration ........................................................................ 7-15
7.7.6 Ranging Amplifier Gain Configuration ........................................................ 7-15
iv
7.7.7 A/DConverterandDisplay ................................. ........ ..... .. ... 7-16
7.7.8 Input and Ranging Amplifiers ............................................. ............ ..... 7.17
7.7.9 DigitalCircuitry.. ................................................. ..... .. ......... ... 7.17
7.7.10 Display Board ........................................... ., ...................... 7-17
7.7.11 VoltageSource .............................................................. ... ..... 7-17
7.8 InputStageBalancingProcedure ................................................................ 7-17
7.9 Handling and Cleaning Precautions .......................................... ..... ... 7-18

SECTION 8--REPLACEABLE PARTS

8.1 Introduction ...................................... ...... 8-l
8.2 Electrical Parts Lists ................................ ...... 8-l
a.3 Mechanical Parts .................................. 8-l
a.4 Ordering Information .............................. ...... 8-l
a.5 Factory Service.. ................................. ...... 8-l
8.6 Component Layout Drawings and Schematic Diagrams 8-l
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

2-l Model617FrontPanel.......................................... .......... 2-2
2-2 Model617RearPanel .......................................... .......... 2-7
2-3 Input Connector Configuration .................................. .......... 2-8
2-4 Connections For Voltage Measurements ........................... .......... 2-9
2-5 Meter Loading Considerations ................................. ^. 2-10
2-6 Unguarded Circuit ........................................... ..........
2-7 GuardedCircuit ...............................................
2-a Guarded Input Connections .....................................
2-9 CurrentMeasurements .......................................... 2-13
2-10 Voltage Burden Considerations. .................................. .......... 2-13
2-11 Coulombs Connections ......................................... 2-14
Z-12 Resistance Measurement Connections ............................. 2-16
2-13 Voltage Source Connections ..................................... 2-17
2-14 V/l Resistance Measurement Connections .......................... .......... 2-18
2-15 Typical 2V Analog Output Connections ........................... ..........
2-16 Typical Preamp Out Connections. ................................
2-17 Electrometer Input Circuitry (AmpsMode) ............... .........
2-18 Shielded Fixture Construction ....................................
2-19 "Transdiode" Logarithmic Current Configuration ...................
2-20 Non-Decade Current Gains ...................................... ..........
2-21 Equivalent Input Impedance with Zero Check Enabled. ............... ..........
2-22 External Trigger Pulse Specifications .............................. ..........
2-23 Meter Complete Pulse Specifications .............................. ..........
2-24 Exlemal Triggering Example .....................................
2-25 Multiple Ground Points Create Ground Loop ......................
2-26 Eliminating Ground Loops ...................................... .......... 2-31
2-27 Leakage Resistance Effects ....................................... .......... 2-33
2-28 Input Capacitance Effects. ....................................... 2-34
2-29 Simplified Model of Source Resistance and Source Capacitance Effects .......... 2-34

3-l IEEE Bus Configuration
3-2 IEEE Handshake Sequence. .......
3-3 Commands Groups .......
3-4 System Types .......
3-5 IEEE-488 Connector .......
3-6 IEEE-488 Connections .......
3-7 617 Rear Panel IEEE Connector. .......
3-B Contact Assignments .......
3-9 General Data Format .......
3-10 SRQ Mask and Status Byte Format. .......
3-11 UO Status Word and Default Values.
3-12 Ul Status (Error Condition) Format .......
3-13 U2 Status (Data Condition) Format .......

vi
4-l Insulation Resistance Measurement (Ungaurded) .......... ......
4-2 Insulation Resistance Measurement (Guarded) ............ ......
4-3 Insuiation Resistance Measurement Using V/I Ohms Mode.
4-4 Measuring High Impedance Gate-Source Voltage ..........
4-5 Leakage Current Measurement .........................
4-6 Diode Characterization ...............................
4-7 DiodeCurves.. ..................................... ......
4-8 Capacitor Leakage Tests ..............................
4-9 Capacitor Measurement. .............................. ......
4-10 Configuration for Voltage Coefficient Studies ........... ......
4-11 Farady Cup Construction .............................
4-12 Using the Model 617 with an External High Voltage Source ......

5-l Test Fixture Construction .....................................
5-2 Connections for Amps Verification (200nA-2mA Ranges) ...........
5-3 Connections for Amps Verification (2pA-20nA Ranges) ............
5-4 Connections for Coulombs Verification ..........................
5-5 Connections for Volts Verification ..............................
5-6 Connections for Ohms Verification (2kQ-20MQ Ranges) ............
5-7 Connections for Ohms Verification (200MR. 2G0 and 20Gfl Ranges).
5-8 Input Impedance Verification ..................................
5-9 Connections for Voltage Source Verification ......................

6-l Overall Block Diagram ............................ .., .., 6-2
6-2 Basic Configuration Electrometer Preamplifier ......... 6-3
6-3 Electrometer Preamplifier Configuration .............. b-4
b-4 Simplified Schematic of Input Stage .................. b-5
b-5 GainStage ....................................... 6-5
6-b Output Stage Configuration (Volts and Ohms) ......... 6-5
6-7 Output Stage Configuration (Amps and Coulombs) ..... 6-b
6-8 Ohms Voltage Source Simplified Schematic ........... b-6
6-9 Zero Check Configuration (Volts and Ohms) .......... b-7
6-10 Zero Check Configuration (Amps and Coulombs) ...... .......... ................... 6-7
6-11 Simplified Schematic of Ranging Amplifier ............ .......... b-8
6-12 Multiplexer and Buffer ............................. .......... ................... 6-8
b-13 Multiplexer Phases ............................... 6-9
b-14 -2V Reference Source. ............................ 6-9
b-15 A/D Converter. .................................. b-10
6-16 Simplified Schematic of Voltage Source Output Stage ... 6-13

7-l Test Fixture Construction ....................................... ...... 7-l
7-2 Calibration Jumper Location ..................................... ...... 7-3
7-3 Input Offset Adjustment Locations. ............................... ...... 7-5
7-4 Connections for Amps Calibration (20pA Range) .................... ...... 7-6
7-5 Connections for Amps Calibration (20nA. 20/rA and 20mA Ranges) ...... 7-7
7-6 Connections for Coulombs Calibration ............................ ...... 7-a
7-7 Connections for Volts Calibration ................................ ...... 7-8
7-8 Connections for Ohms Calibration (20GQ and 2OOMO Ranges) ......... 7-9
7-9 Connections for Ohms Calibration (2Ok%ZOMQ) .................... ...... 7-10
7-10 Connections for Voltage Source Calibration ..................... ...... 7-10
7-11 Model617ExplodedView ....................................... 7-13

vii
8-l Electrometer Board, Component Location Drawing. .. 8-11
g-2 Mother Board, Component Location Drawing ....... g-13
8-3 Display Board, Component Location Drawing ....... 8-17
8-4 Electrometer Board, Schematic Diagram ............ 8-19
8-5 Mother Board, Schematic Diagram. ................ 8-21
8-6 Display Board, Schematic Diagram ................ 8-27

..
VW
LIST OF TABLES

2-l Display Error Messages .................................
2-2 Front Panel Program Messages ............ .. .... .....
2-3 Typical Display Exponent Values ................ ... ......
2-4 Ohms Function Current Output Values .. ........... .... ......
2-5 Typical 2V Analog Output Values ........................ ......
2-6 Full Range PREAMP OUT V&es ...... ......... ... ..
2-7 Data Store Reading Rates ........... ........... .... ......
2-8 Voltage and Percent Error For Various Time Constants .......
2-9 Minimum Recommended Source Resistance Values in Amps. .. ......
2-10 Engineering Units Conversion .................. .....
2-11 Equivalent Voltage Sensitivity of 617 Amps Ranges .........

3-l IEEE-488 Bus Command Summary. ......................... ...... 3-4
3-2 Hexadecimal and Decimal Command Codes .................. ...... 3-5
3-3 Typical Addressed Command Sequence ............. ...... 3-7
3-4 Typical Device-Dependent Command Sequence. .............. ...... 3-7
3-5 IEEE Contact Designations ................................ 3-9
3-6 BASIC Statements Necessary to Send Bus Commands ....... 3-11
3-7 Model 617Interface Function Codes. ........................ ...... 3-12
3-a IEEE Command Groups. .................................. 3-13
3-9 General Bus Commands and Associated BASIC Statements ..... ...... 3-13
3-10 Default Conditions. ...................................... 3-15
3-11 Device-Dependent Command Summary ..................... ...... 3-19
3-12 Range Command Summary ............................... 3-21
3-13 SRQ (M) Command Parameters ............................ 3-28
3-14 Bus Hold-Off Times ...................................... 3-31
3-15 Typical Bus Times For Various Functions and Trigger Modes 3-36

4-l Diode Currents and Voltages. 4-7

5-l Recommended Test Equipment for Performance Verification ...... 5-l
5-2 Limits for A mps Verlflcatlon ...... 5-3
5-3 Limits for Volts Verification ...... 5-5
5-4 Limits for Ohms Verification (2kn-2OMa Ranges). ...... 5-b
5-5 Limits for Ohms Verification (2COMn, 2Gn and 2OOGil Ranges) 5-7
5-6 Voltage Source Verification Limits 5-8

6-l MemoryMapping .._...................................................... 6-11

ix
7-1 Line Voltage Selection (50-60Hz). ........................... .................................... 7-l
7-2 LineFuseSelection ............................................................................ 7-2
7-3 Recommended Calibration Equipment ........................ ...... .. ...... ......... ...... 7-2
7-4 AmpsCalibration ............................................................................. 7-7
7-5 VoltsCalibration.. ........ .. ........................ ........ ....... .............. 7-8
7-6 OhmsCalibration ............................................................................. 7-9
7-7 StaticSensitiveDevices ..... . ........................... ................................ 7-11
7-8 Recommended Troubleshooting Equipment ............... ... ... ... ...... ................. 7-14
7-9 DiagnosticProgramPhase ..................................................................... 7-15
7-10 PowerSupplyChecks .............................................. . ......................... 7-15
7-11 Relayconfiguration .......................................................................... 7-16
7-12 Ranging Amplifier Gains ... ......... .......... ........ ...... ............. 7-17
7-13 A/DConverterChecks ......... ......... ............. .......... ....... .............. 7-18
7-14 Preamplifierchecks .......................................................................... 7-19
7-15 RangingAmplifierChecks.......................................................................7-1 9
7-16 DigitalCircuitryChecks ................ ......................... ........................ 7-20
7-17 DisplayBoardChecks ........ ... ........ ........ ...... ................................ 7-20
7-18 VoltageSourceChecks ........................................................................ 7-21
7-19 InputStageBalancing ......................................................................... 7-21
8-l MotherBoard,PartsList .......................... .... ...... .......... .. .... 8-2
a-2 DisplayBoard,PartsList ......................... .. ...... ..... ..... .... ........ 8-6
8-3 Electrometer Board, Parts List ... ......... ........... ..... .......... ...... .... 8-7
8-4 Mechanicall'artsList ....... ............ .................. ........ ...... ., .... S-10

x
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

The following safety precautions should be observed before operating the Model 617

This instrument is intended for use by qualified personnel who recognize shock hazards and are familiar with the
safety precautions required to avoid possible injury. Read over the manual carefully before operating this instru-
ment.

Exercise extreme caution when a shock hazard is present at the instrument's input. The American National Stan-
dards Institute (ANSI) states that a shock hazard exists when voltage levels greater than 30V rms or 42.4V peak
are present. A good safety practice is to expect that a hazardous voltage is present in any unknown circuit before
measuring.

Do not exceed 5oOV peak between input low and earth ground. Do not connect PREAh4P OUT, COM, OI
2V ANALOG OUTPUT to earth ground when floating input.

Inspect the test leads for possible wear, cracks or breaks before each use. If any defects are found, replace with test
leads that have the same measure of safety as those supplied with the instrument.

For optimum safety do not touch the test leads or the instrument while power is applied to the circuit under test.
Turn the power off and discharge all capacitors, before connecting or disconnecting the instrument.

Do not touch any object which 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.

Do not exceed the instrument's maximum allowable input as defined in the specifications and operation section.

Safe operation and good measurement practice dictates use of an external resistor when necessary to limit input
currents to less than 30mA.
SECTION 1
GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 INTRODUCTION l Minimum and maximum data points can be stored and are
accessible from the front panel or over the IEEE-488 bus.

The Keithley Model 617 Programmable Electrometer is a
highly sensitive instrument designed to measure voltage, cur- 1.3 WARRANG INFORMATION
rent, charge, and resistance. Two forms of resistance
measurements are included in the standard configuration: a
constant current method, and a constant voltage method that Warranty information for your Model 617 may be found in-
uses a built in voltage source for greater sensitivity. The side the front cover of this manual. Should you need to use
measuring range of the Model 617 is between 1OpV and 200V the warranty, contact your Keithley representative or the fac-
for voltage measurements, O.lfA and 2OmA in the current tory for information on obtaining warranty service. Keithley
mode, O.ln and 200GO (up to 1OlQ using the built in voltage Instruments, Inc. maintains service facilities in the United
source), and lOfC and 20