App enables SMU to hook up to smart devices

15th October 2014

Mick Elliott

0 0

Datasheet

Keithley Instruments has developed IVy, an Android based app that allows smartphones and tablets to interact with a Keithley Series 2600B SourceMeter SMU instrument via its front panel USB interface. IVy extends Keithley's Touch, Test, Invent design philosophy to offer users of the benchtop instrument a fast, easy-to-use touchscreen tool for characterising 2- and 3-terminal devices.

By leveraging the power of smart mobile devices, IVy transforms the SMU into a powerful instrument that enables users to visualise, interact, and share measurement results more efficiently, while helping them gain a deeper understanding of their devices behaviour.

The app is more than just a tablet/smartphone version of a front panel. It leverages a smart device's built-in display (pan/pinch/zoom/swipe), computing (interaction with the instrument), and communication (WiFi, email, etc.) capabilities so users can visualise measurement data, interact with the instrument, and share results easily — all without programming.

The IVy app is designed to help instrument users "learn faster, work smarter, and invent easier." It helps users gain deeper insight into their device under test (DUT) performance by allowing them to toggle quickly between test modes, observe a DUT's response over time, and analyse results interactively by using fingertip control. IVy is compatible with any Android (V 4.0 or later) smartphone or tablet and the latest release (V 3.1.0) of the Series 2600B firmware.

The app’s patent-pending design provides for simultaneous control over the source level (using an on-screen slider) and monitoring of test results (on the smart device's graphical display). This unique capability makes it easy to analyse I-V characteristics, DUT stability, response time, or drift in a circuit visually.

Changes in DUT performance are reflected instantly on the graphical display, and further analysis or troubleshooting is simplified by pinching, zooming, or scrolling. IVy also simplifies the process of sharing test results by utilising built-in smart-device capabilities such as cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth, email, or other apps such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and more. This capability can be invaluable when collaborating on a task or project.

The Keithley Series 2600B SourceMeter SMU instruments are available in both single- and dual-channel models that combine the capabilities of a precision power supply, true current source, 6½-digit multimeter, arbitrary waveform generator, pulse generator, and electronic load in one tightly integrated instrument.