The miniSMU MS01 has two independent channels, each capable of sourcing and measuring voltage and current. This section explains how to configure these channels for your specific measurement needs.

Understanding Channel Configuration

Before configuring the outputs, it's important to understand the basic concepts:

• Channel Independence: Channels 1 and 2 operate independently with separate settings
• 4-Quadrant Operation: Each channel can both source and sink current or voltage
• Protection Limits: Safety thresholds that prevent damage to connected devices
• Output Enable/Disable: Controls when the channel is actively sourcing

Enabling and Disabling Output

After configuring your desired voltage/current source values and protection limits, you can enable or disable the output.

To enable output for a specific channel:

OUTPx ON

Example:

OUTP1 ON

This enables the output for channel 1.

To disable output:

OUTPx OFF

Example:

OUTP2 OFF

This disables the output for channel 2.

Safety Notes:

• Always disable outputs when connecting or disconnecting your device under test
• Begin with outputs disabled when setting up a new test configuration
• Set appropriate protection limits before enabling outputs
• Be especially careful when working with sensitive components

Setting Voltage Output

To set voltage output for a specific channel, use the SOURx:VOLT command, where x is the channel number (1 or 2):

SOURx:VOLT 

Example:

SOUR1:VOLT 5

This sets channel 1 to output 5 volts.

Notes:

• Voltage can be set with up to 100μV resolution
• The actual output voltage may vary slightly due to calibration and hardware tolerances
• Setting a new voltage immediately updates the output if the channel is enabled

Setting Current Output

When you want to apply a specific current to your device under test:

To set current output for a specific channel, use the SOURx:CURR command:

SOURx:CURR 

Example:

SOUR2:CURR 0.1

This sets channel 2 to output 100 mA (0.1 A).

Notes:

• Current is specified in amperes (e.g., 0.001 for 1mA)
• Current can be set with resolution down to 10pA in the lowest range
• The actual output current may vary slightly due to calibration and hardware tolerances
• Setting a new current immediately updates the output if the channel is enabled

Setting Protection Limits

Protection limits safeguard both the miniSMU MS01 and your device under test by preventing excessive voltage or current.

Voltage Protection Limits

SOURx:VOLT:PROT 

Example:

SOUR1:VOLT:PROT 10

This sets the voltage protection limit for channel 1 to 10 volts.

Current Protection Limits

SOURx:CURR:PROT 

Example:

SOUR1:CURR:PROT 0.05

This sets the current protection limit for channel 1 to 50 mA (0.05 A).

Notes on Protection Limits:

• Protection limits should always be set before enabling outputs
• If a protection limit is exceeded, the channel will automatically disable its output
• The status LED for that channel will turn red to indicate a protection event
• Protection events are also reported in the software interface
• To recover from a protection event, address the cause and then re-enable the output

Example Configurations

Voltage Source for LED Testing

SOUR1:VOLT 3.3        # Set channel 1 to output 3.3V
SOUR1:CURR:PROT 0.02  # Limit current to 20mA for LED protection
SOUR1:FVMI ENA        # Enable Force Voltage, Measure Current mode
OUTP1 ON              # Enable the output

Current Source for Battery Charging

SOUR2:CURR 0.01       # Set channel 2 to output 10mA charging current
SOUR2:VOLT:PROT 4.2   # Limit voltage to 4.2V for Li-ion battery protection
SOUR2:FIMV ENA        # Enable Force Current, Measure Voltage mode
OUTP2 ON              # Enable the output

After properly configuring your output channels, you can proceed to performing measurements as described in the Performing Basic Measurements section.