Programming the PLS1000CM from the control panel
Please note that the tester can also be programmed remotely using a PC and the software program VFS2.
General
The "star" key (*) is used to indicate that you wish to change something, either the entire program or the current parameter if you are already programming. If you are in the testing mode, * means that you wish to change the program. While programming, as you see each parameter, use * to indicate that you wish to change its value.
Sometimes when changing a value you are asked to "Choose" from a list of choices. Use the * to cycle through the available choices to the one you wish to use.
When entering a numeric value and you make an incorrect entry, you can use * to "backspace" over the error and then re-enter it.
The "pound" key (#) is used to accept the value currently visible on the LCD display. You can use the # to advance through the whole list of parameters and view them without changing anything. If you see anything that should be changed, press *.
Numeric values are entered with leading zeroes. The cursor will automatically skip over any displayed decimal point or "units" characters (such as V). Use the * to backspace if necessary and the # to accept the value when you are satisfied with it.
Don't worry about the apparent low resolution visible when entering a number. The firmware will place the number on an appropriate scale. In most cases the LCD display will show you the resulting number with the final decimal point position. At this point, you can use the # key again to accept the input or the * key to re-enter it.
For example, when programming a VF test, 0001.0A will be changed to 1.000A.
After Power Up
After restoring power with the switch on the top control panel or pressing the "reset" button (recessed on this same panel), you will see an opening message, which includes "Press any key". Actually you should use any key accept the number 1. The 1 key has a special meaning to be explained elsewhere. The 0 key is a good choice.
Type of test
This is your first choice after the above opening message. The PLS1000CM can do only one type of test at a time, so you will use the * key to cycle through all the choices and the # key to accept your choice.
After choosing a type of test, you will be presented with a series of other parameters that are relevant to the type of test chosen.
Other parameters
You will see the items listed below only if they are relevant to your chosen test. You can accept the values presented or change them if you wish.
Forward current
This is used with VF, DVF, THETA, and TR tests. If you change this you will be asked to choose one of two entry scales. Choose one that will best contain your desired current and then enter the current and confirm your entry. If the value you enter is outside the range of the tester, it will be declared invalid and you will need to re-enter a valid current. If the combination of this current and the pulse width are illegal you will be notified of this also and you will need to change one of these.
Pulse width
This is used with VF, DVF, and THETA tests. You will be asked to choose a suitable time scale as above, and then you enter the desired pulse width. If the width is too great for the programmed Forward current, you will be notified as above.
SURGE current
This is the peak amplitude of the 8.3mS half sine SURGE pulse, whether used alone with the SURGE test or as the SURGE part of the 4066 tests. There is only one scale used for this current and of course the pulse width is preset.
High limit and Low limit
These two values are used to set limits on the parameter being measured. An appropriate scale will be chosen for you in most cases. However the THETA test will ask you to choose a scale.
The THETA reading is the result of calculations done on voltage readings taken on scales that are preset. You can choose the appropriate scale however for presentation of this calculated result. The limits as used with the 4066 tests, apply only to the voltage measured at the peak of the final SURGE current pulse.
Other Thermal Test parameters
Choose IM
The low current used to measure VF before and after the Heating pulse (IH). You can choose anything from 10mA to 256mA.
Set 1/K
Expressed in mV per ºC. You should know and enter this value for the IM being used.
Set TMD
This is the delay in microseconds after the falling edge of IH at which we measure the second VF reading at IM. This time must be long enough to allow the current to settle accurately as it changes from IH to IM
Max. time (S)
This is used with the THERMAL RESISTANCE test TR to set a maximum test time. The test will stop earlier if the user presses a key on the keypad. The time is entered in Seconds. The test will stop earlier also if the calculated junction temperature exceeds 100°C. In this case the reading will be marked "Invalid."
4066 test parameters
Choose -1, -2
4066-1 applies alternate half cycles of I/O and VRM, with single half cycles of SURGE and VRSM. For -2 the I/O is DC with no reverse voltage. SURGE is used in both cases.
VRM and VRSM voltages
These are both expressed in peak volts and are 8.3mS half sines.
Average I/O
For -1 this is the average current of the Forward 8.3mS half sines applied between surges. For -2, this is the DC Forward current applied.
Duty 1 in n
The number of 1/60 Second bias cycles applied between SURGE and VRSM pulses. For example, If the number is 3599, then there would be a total of 3600 cycles (1 minute) between SURGES. This applies to 4066-2 also (equivalent time).
Rest time
Optional period of rest at no bias, after each SURGE, and before the next bias cycles. This is also programmed in increments of 1/60 second (1 cycle). Internally we round this off to nearest 3 cycle interval (50mS)
# of Repetitions
You set the number of times that the above sequence is to be performed. For example if you set this to 5 with the above example, the total time would be 5 minutes.