Keithley 2601A source plus concurrent voltage and current measurement in LabVIEW

[Steve_Anton]

Does anyone know if it is possible to configure an output (drive V or I) and make concurrent V and I measurements (measure BOTH V and I) using a Keithley 2601A with the native LabVIEW drivers (version 2.1.3)?  If I'm not mistaken, the 2601A (which is a single channel unit) has only 1 A/D converter for measurement purposes.  Can it be configured in LabVIEW to somehow multiplex both measurement channels, similar to say an NI M-series multifunctional DAQ card for example?  I don't need true simultaneous sampling in my application, but I would like to source and measure both current and voltage in a single VI.

I have found the attached example from the Keithley 2400 series drivers: "Keithley 24XX Read Multiple.vi" where it looks like current, voltage, and resistance measurements are all configured concurrently.  I believe this model also has a single ADC.  Does this code actually multiplex the inputs on the 2400?  Is there a similar way to achieve this function on the 2600 series?

After reviewing the VI library of the 2600 series drivers, there doesn't appear to be any example that shows multichannel measurement.  I'm just trying to ensure that the equipment and software can perform the task before I place an order with Keithley.  Any help is greatly appreciated!

Steve

[NathanT]

Hello Steve,

        I recommend that you talk to Keithley because they developed the driver for the 2601A and should be very familiar with the capabilities of their instruments.

Cheers,

NathanT

[Steve_Anton]

NathanT, thanks for the reply.  I'll try giving them a call to see if I can get ahold of someone who worked on the development of the driver package.  Hopefully they can share some insight.

Take care,

Steve

[cymrieg]

In the 26XX driver under the Data sub-palette, Measure.vi has an enum input named function.  Select the function IV and it will measure both I and V at the same time.  Also, the 2600's have two ADC per SMU so yes it does do both measurements at the same time.  This is true for the 2400 as well if you enable "concurrent mode"

[xdaf]

That's useful to me, too. Thanks!

[Steve_Anton]

cymrieg, thanks for the info!

I called Keithley last week and spoke to one of their engineers who confirmed that the 2600 series have two ADCs per SMU, so simultaneous current and voltage measurement should be possible.  I plan to order a 2601A this week and I will post an update once I can confirm that my application is working correctly.

Steve