Keithley 580

• When measuring contact and connector resistances, it's important not to puncture oxides and films that may have formed on the surface. The 580 ensures this dry circuit condition by clamping the open circuit test voltage to 20mV on the 200mOhm, 2Ohm, and 20Ohm ranges when the 20mV MAX function is enabled.

• The 580 can test more devices by enabling both test current polarity and waveform (DC or pulsed) to be selected. When using pulsed test current, the 580 automatically compensates for thermoelectric EMFs. Tests on inductive devices are best performed using DC test current, as this avoids the effects of time constants on pulsed current resistance measurements. For temperature-sensitive components, a single trigger mode of operation minimizes power delivered to the device. Single trigger operation is possible via the front panel.

• A microprocessor-based design gives the 580 a number of advanced capabilities. Resistance measurements can be made from 10ìOhm to 200kOhm on seven ranges, with 4 1⁄2-digit resolution and accuracy to within 0.04% of reading. Ranging can be performed either manually or automatically. Settling time is less than one second to within 10 counts on a given range.

The 580 is supplied with three sets of test leads - standard leads, Kelvin probes, and Kelvin clip leads all in a rugged strap-on pouch.