Source meter range management method, source meter and computer program product

Abstract

A source meter range management method, a source meter, and a computer program product are applied to the field of source meter technology. The source meter range management method includes output range switching and measurement range switching. The measurement range switching includes cutting the measurement range up and cutting the measurement range down. The source meter range management method corresponding to the output range switching includes: performing an output range switching mode: switching the current source meter configuration mode, and configuring the switched source meter configuration mode based on the voltage value and the current value measured by the current circuit; in the switched source meter configuration mode, switching the actual output range to a target output range; switching the switched source meter configuration mode back to the current source meter configuration mode, so that the target output range takes effect. Since the current source meter configuration mode is switched and the voltage value and the current value measured by the current circuit are maintained, current or voltage interruption can be avoided and sudden changes in current and voltage can be reduced, thereby meeting switching requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of source meter technology, and in particular to a source meter range management method, a source meter, and a computer program product. Background Art

[0002] A source meter can function as both a source and a meter, including four-quadrant voltage sources, four-quadrant current sources, voltmeters, and ammeters. Therefore, source meters are widely used in automated testing, semiconductor packaging, and other fields.

[0003] Among them, in order to achieve high-precision output and measurement, the source meter must switch to the appropriate range. Therefore, the switching range of the source meter must meet both the switching characteristics of the source, that is, seamless switching without interruption of voltage or current when switching ranges, and the switching characteristics of the meter, that is, the impact on the voltage and current changes of the load is as small as possible when switching ranges.

[0004] However, in the current technical solution, when the source meter switches the range, it directly switches the range, which makes it difficult to meet the above switching requirements. In this regard, a new technical solution is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main technical problem to be solved by this application is that the range switching of the source meter cannot meet the switching requirements.

[0006] According to the first aspect, an embodiment provides a source meter range management method, including:

[0007] Acquiring configuration parameters, wherein the configuration parameters include a target output range;

[0008] Obtaining a current source meter configuration mode, and obtaining an actual output range, a voltage value measured by a current circuit, and a current value measured by a current circuit under the current source meter configuration mode; wherein the source meter configuration mode includes a voltage source mode and a current source mode;

[0009] Performing an output range switching mode: switching the current source meter configuration mode to obtain a switched source meter configuration mode, and configuring the switched source meter configuration mode based on the voltage value and the current value measured by the current circuit, so that the switched source meter configuration mode can maintain the voltage value and the current value measured by the current circuit; wherein, if the current source meter configuration mode is the voltage source mode, the switched source meter configuration mode is the current source mode; if the current source meter configuration mode is the current source mode, the switched source meter configuration mode is the voltage source mode;

[0010] In the switched source meter configuration mode, switching the actual output range to the target output range;

[0011] The switched source meter configuration mode is switched back to the current source meter configuration mode to complete the output range switching mode and enable the target output range to take effect.

[0012] In some embodiments, configuring the switched source meter configuration mode based on the current circuit measured voltage value and the current circuit measured current value includes:

[0013] If the source meter configuration mode after switching is the current source mode, the current output value configured in the current source mode is the current value measured by the current circuit in the voltage source mode before switching, and the voltage limit value configured in the current source mode includes the voltage value measured by the current circuit in the voltage source mode before switching;

[0014] If the source meter configuration mode after switching is the voltage source mode, the voltage output value configured in the voltage source mode is the voltage value measured by the current circuit in the current source mode before switching, and the current limit value configured in the voltage source mode includes the current value measured by the current circuit in the current source mode before switching.

[0015] In some embodiments, before switching the switched source meter configuration mode back to the current source meter configuration mode, the method further includes:

[0016] In the switched source meter configuration mode, the limited range in the switched source meter configuration mode is switched to match the target output range.

[0017] In some embodiments, the source meter range management method further includes:

[0018] Determining the magnitude relationship between the actual output range and the target output range;

[0019] If the actual output range is smaller than the target output range, firstly switching the actual output range to the target output range, and then switching the limit range in the source meter configuration mode after the switch to match the target output range;

[0020] If the actual output range is greater than the target output range, firstly switching the limit range in the switched source meter configuration mode to match the target output range, and then switching the actual output range to the target output range.

[0021] In some embodiments, the source meter range management method further includes:

[0022] Obtaining an actual measurement range in the current source meter configuration mode, and determining whether the actual measurement range satisfies a measurement range switching condition;

[0023] If the measurement range switching condition is met, the measurement range switching mode is performed based on the target measurement range:

[0024] Configuring the current source meter configuration mode based on the current circuit measured voltage value and the current circuit measured current value, so that the current source meter configuration mode can maintain the current circuit measured voltage value and the current circuit measured current value;

[0025] In the current source meter configuration mode, the actual measurement range is switched to the target measurement range, and the limit output of the current source meter configuration mode is switched to match the target measurement range, so as to complete the measurement range switching mode and make the target measurement range effective.

[0026] In some embodiments, the configuration parameters further include a maximum measurement range and a minimum measurement range, and the source meter range management method further includes:

[0027] Obtaining the actual measurement range in the current source meter configuration mode;

[0028] If the actual measurement range is smaller than the minimum measurement range, performing a measurement range switching mode of increasing the measurement range to switch the measurement range of the current source meter configuration mode to the minimum measurement range;

[0029] If the actual measurement range is greater than the maximum measurement range, performing a measurement range switching mode of cutting down the measurement range to switch the measurement range of the current source meter configuration mode to the maximum measurement range;

[0030] If the actual measurement range is within the range of the minimum measurement range and the maximum measurement range, and the voltage value measured by the current circuit or the current value measured by the current circuit is greater than the maximum threshold value under the actual measurement range, a measurement range switching mode of increasing the measurement range is performed to switch the actual measurement range to a measurement range corresponding to the voltage value measured by the current circuit or the current value measured by the current circuit;

[0031] If the actual measurement range is within the range of the minimum measurement range and the maximum measurement range, and the voltage value measured by the current circuit or the current value measured by the current circuit is less than the maximum threshold value under the actual measurement range, a measurement range switching mode of cutting down the measurement range is performed to switch the actual measurement range to a measurement range corresponding to the voltage value measured by the current circuit or the current value measured by the current circuit.

[0032] In some embodiments, the measurement range switching mode for performing an upward measurement range cut includes:

[0033] Based on the actual measurement range and the voltage value or current value of the current circuit measured corresponding to the actual measurement range, determining whether the actual measurement range satisfies a measurement range upper cutoff of a preset level, the preset level being greater than or equal to two levels;

[0034] If the measurement range up-scaling of the preset level is satisfied, the actual measurement range is up-scaled to the preset level, so that the level of the measurement range after up-scaling is the current level of the actual measurement range plus the preset level.

[0035] In some embodiments, the configuration parameters further include a minimum preset measurement range, the minimum preset measurement range is greater than the minimum measurement range and less than the maximum measurement range, and the source meter range management method further includes:

[0036] Obtaining the actual measurement range in the current source meter configuration mode;

[0037] When the voltage value or the current value of the current circuit measured corresponding to the actual measurement range is zero, and the actual measurement range is greater than the minimum preset measurement range, switching the actual measurement range to the minimum preset measurement range;

[0038] and / or,

[0039] When the voltage value or the current value measured by the current circuit changes from zero to non-zero, the minimum preset measurement range is switched to the measurement range corresponding to the voltage value or the current value measured by the current circuit.

[0040] According to the second aspect, an embodiment provides a source meter range management method, including:

[0041] Obtaining an actual measurement range in the current source meter configuration mode, and determining whether the actual measurement range satisfies a measurement range switching condition;

[0042] If the measurement range switching condition is met, the measurement range switching mode is performed based on the target measurement range:

[0043] Configuring the current source meter configuration mode based on the current circuit measured voltage value and the current circuit measured current value, so that the current source meter configuration mode can maintain the current circuit measured voltage value and the current circuit measured current value;

[0044] In the current source meter configuration mode, the actual measurement range is switched to the target measurement range, and the limit output of the current source meter configuration mode is switched to match the target measurement range, so as to complete the measurement range switching mode and make the target measurement range effective.

[0045] According to a third aspect, an embodiment provides a source table, including:

[0046] Source output module, used for voltage output and current output;

[0047] A current measurement module is used to measure the current of the load;

[0048] A voltage measurement module is used to measure the voltage of the load;

[0049] A processor is configured to implement the method described in the first aspect or the second aspect when executing a computer program and / or instructions.

[0050] According to a fourth aspect, an embodiment provides a computer program product, comprising a computer program and / or instructions, which implement the method described in the first aspect or the second aspect when executed by a processor.

[0051] According to the source meter range management method, source meter, and computer program product of the above-mentioned embodiment, when switching the output range, the current source meter configuration mode is first obtained, as well as the actual output range, the voltage value measured by the current circuit, and the current current value measured by the current circuit under the current source meter configuration mode. Then, the current source meter configuration mode is switched, and the switched source meter configuration mode is configured based on the current voltage value measured by the current circuit and the current current value measured by the current circuit, so that the switched source meter configuration mode can maintain the current voltage value measured by the current circuit and the current value measured by the current circuit. In the switched source meter configuration mode, the actual output range is switched to the target output range, and then the switched source meter configuration mode is switched back to the current source meter configuration mode to complete the output range switch and make the target output range effective. Since the current source meter configuration mode is switched and the voltage and current values measured by the current circuit are maintained, the actual output range is switched to the target output range in the switched source meter configuration mode. This avoids current or voltage interruptions caused by output range switching and reduces sudden changes in current and voltage, thereby meeting the switching requirements for output range switching. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a source table according to an embodiment;

[0053] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a source table according to another embodiment;

[0054] Figure 3 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a source output module according to an embodiment;

[0055] Figure 4This is a schematic structural diagram of a voltage measurement module according to an embodiment;

[0056] Figure 5 A flow chart of a source meter range management method according to an embodiment;

[0057] Figure 6 A timing diagram of output range switching according to an embodiment;

[0058] Figure 7 A flow chart of a source meter range management method according to an embodiment;

[0059] Figure 8 The figure is a flow chart of a source meter range management method according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] The present application is further described in detail below by means of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Similar elements in different embodiments are numbered with associated similar elements. In the following embodiments, many detailed descriptions are provided to enable the present application to be better understood. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that some of the features may be omitted in different circumstances, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, some operations related to the present application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid the core portion of the present application being overwhelmed by excessive descriptions. For those skilled in the art, it is not necessary to describe these related operations in detail, and the related operations can be fully understood based on the description in the specification and the general technical knowledge in the art.

[0061] In addition, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification may be combined in any appropriate manner to form various embodiments. Furthermore, the steps or actions in the method description may be reordered or adjusted in a manner readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various sequences in the specification and drawings are provided solely for the purpose of clearly describing a particular embodiment and are not intended to be mandatory, unless otherwise specified.

[0062] Component numbers used herein, such as "first" and "second," are used solely to distinguish the components being described and do not convey any sequential or technical meaning. References to "connection" and "coupling" herein, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (couplings).

[0063] In some embodiments of the present application, when switching the output range, it is necessary to switch the current source meter configuration mode to another configuration mode, and in the source meter configuration mode after the switch, the actual output range is switched to the target output range, so that the actual output range is switched to the target output range in the source meter configuration mode after the switch, thereby avoiding the current or voltage interruption caused by the output range switch. Furthermore, the source meter configuration mode after the switch is reconfigured based on the voltage value and the current value measured by the current circuit, so that the source meter configuration mode after the switch can maintain the voltage value and the current value measured by the current circuit, thereby switching the output range in the source meter configuration mode after the switch, thereby reducing the sudden change of current and voltage to meet the switching requirements of the output range switch.

[0064] Some embodiments provide a source meter that can be used as a source to output voltage and current, or as a meter to measure voltage and current. Figure 1 The source meter includes a source output module 10, a current measurement module 20, a voltage measurement module 30 and a processor 40, which are described in detail below.

[0065] The source output module 10 is used for voltage output and current output.

[0066] In some embodiments, the source output module 10 can be in a voltage source mode or a current source mode under the control of a processor, wherein the voltage source mode can output a constant voltage or a current limited in the voltage source mode. The current source mode can output a constant current or a voltage limited in the current source mode.

[0067] Please refer to Figure 2 In some embodiments, the source output module 10 includes a DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and an op amp module. The DAC is used to convert a digital signal (codeword) representing a voltage or current value into an analog signal output, thereby achieving an analog voltage output or analog current output of the corresponding amplitude. The op amp module is used to amplify or reduce the analog voltage output or analog current output and then output it as the output of the source output module 10 to meet output requirements.

[0068] In some embodiments, the digital-to-analog converter may be implemented based on a digital-to-analog converter.

[0069] Please refer to Figure 3In some embodiments, the operational amplifier module includes an operational amplifier and multiple resistor groups (e.g., resistor Ri1, resistor Ri2, resistor Ri3, and resistor Ri4). Each resistor group may include one or more resistors. Different resistor groups can enable the operational amplifier to have different amplification factors or reduction factors. Therefore, different resistor groups can be selected to adjust the output of the amplifier, so that different resistor groups can correspond to different output ranges of the operational amplifier. By adjusting the operational amplifier to connect to different resistor groups, the corresponding output range can be adjusted.

[0070] The current measurement module 20 is used to measure the current of the load.

[0071] Please refer to Figure 2 In some embodiments, the current measurement module 20 includes a sampling resistor group, an operational amplifier, and an ADC (analog-to-digital converter). The sampling resistor group includes multiple sampling resistors (resistor R1, resistor R2, ..., resistor Rn), which are connected in series with the load to collect the load current. Specifically, the amplifier obtains the voltage across each sampling resistor, amplifies it, and outputs it to the analog-to-digital converter. The analog-to-digital converter converts the voltage into a digital form and outputs it to the processor. The processor calculates the current value measured by the corresponding sampling resistor based on the voltage value. Different sampling resistors have different resistance values, so different current measurement ranges can be selected by connecting different sampling resistors.

[0072] The voltage measurement module 30 is used to measure the voltage of the load.

[0073] Please refer to Figure 2 In some embodiments, the voltage measurement module 30 includes an op amp module and an ADC (analog-to-digital converter). The op amp module's input is connected to the load's input, i.e., the op amp module's input is bypass-connected to the source meter's output. The op amp module amplifies or reduces the voltage at its input and outputs it to the ADC. The ADC converts the voltage to digital and outputs it to the processor, which calculates the corresponding voltage value.

[0074] Please refer to Figure 4 In some embodiments, the operational amplifier module includes an operational amplifier and multiple resistor groups (e.g., resistor Rv1, resistor Rv2, resistor Rv3, and resistor Rv4). Each resistor group may include one or more resistors. Different resistor groups can enable the operational amplifier to have different amplification factors or reduction factors. Therefore, selecting different resistor groups can correspond to different output ranges of the operational amplifier, so that the corresponding voltage measurement range can be adjusted by adjusting the operational amplifier to connect to different resistor groups.

[0075] The processor 40 is used to control the source output module 10, the current measurement module 20, and the voltage measurement module 30. For example, it controls the configuration mode and output range of the source output module 10 to meet output requirements, for example, controls the current measurement range of the current measurement module 20 to meet current measurement accuracy requirements, and controls the voltage measurement range of the voltage measurement module 30 to meet voltage measurement accuracy requirements. In some embodiments, the processor can be implemented based on a device with processing capabilities, such as an FPGA, a CPU, or a single-chip microcomputer.

[0076] In some embodiments, the processor 40 can control the output of the source output module 10 based on the current loop algorithm and the voltage loop algorithm, wherein the current loop algorithm is used to control the output current of the source output module 10 to meet the demand, and the voltage loop algorithm is used to control the output voltage of the source output module 10 to meet the demand. Both the current loop algorithm and the voltage loop algorithm can adopt existing feedback control algorithms. For example, the target output current is set based on the current loop algorithm. At this time, the processor controls the output of the source output module 10 based on the target output current, and obtains the current output current based on the current measurement module 20. The current loop algorithm calculates the difference between the current output current and the target output current. The processor then adjusts the output of the source output module 10 based on the difference, thereby enabling the output of the source output module 10 to reach the target output current through feedback control. The specific implementation process of the existing feedback control algorithm will not be repeated here.

[0077] The above is some description of the source meter. The following is a specific description of the range management and control of the source meter. Some embodiments provide a source meter range management method, which can be applied to the above source meter. Please refer to Figure 5 , the source meter range management method may include the following steps:

[0078] Step 100: Obtain configuration parameters.

[0079] In some embodiments, the source meter can obtain configuration parameters set by the user based on the corresponding control panel, for example, by means of a touch screen, buttons, knobs, etc., or by means of wired communication and wireless communication.

[0080] In some embodiments, the configuration parameters include at least a target output range. For example, in voltage source mode, the target output range is a corresponding target voltage output range, and in current source mode, the target output range is a corresponding target current output range. By configuring different output ranges, the source output module 10 of the source meter can output within a larger output range or a smaller output range.

[0081] In some embodiments, the configuration parameters may further include configuring a source meter configuration mode, as well as information such as a target output value, a limit value, and a measurement range in the source meter configuration mode. The source meter configuration modes include a voltage source mode and a current source mode. For example, configuring the current source meter configuration mode to the voltage source mode, and the voltage output value, current limit value (including positive current limit value and negative current limit value), and current measurement range in the voltage source mode; for example, configuring the current source meter configuration mode to the current source mode, and the current output value, voltage limit value (including positive voltage limit value and negative voltage limit value), and voltage measurement range in the current source mode.

[0082] Step 110: Obtain the current source meter configuration mode, and obtain the actual output range, the voltage value measured by the current circuit, and the current value measured by the current circuit in the current source meter configuration mode.

[0083] In some embodiments, current and voltage measurements can be performed after the source meter output stabilizes to obtain the current measured voltage and current values of the current circuit. For example, in the current source meter configuration mode, a corresponding target output value and limit value are configured. When the actual output reaches the target output value or the limit value, the source meter output stabilizes.

[0084] Step 120: Switch the current source meter configuration mode, and configure the switched source meter configuration mode based on the voltage value and the current value measured by the current circuit.

[0085] Before switching the output range, first switch the current SMU configuration mode to the next SMU configuration mode. Switching the configuration mode should only be done after the SMU output reaches stability.

[0086] In some embodiments, if the current source meter configuration mode is the voltage source mode, then the voltage output range of the voltage source mode needs to be switched, and the source meter configuration mode after switching is the current source mode; if the current source meter configuration mode is the current source mode, then the current output range of the current source mode needs to be switched, and the source meter configuration mode after switching is the voltage source mode. Among them, switching the output range actually switches the resistor group related to the amplification factor or reduction factor in the source output module 10, and the voltage source mode and the current source mode have different resistor groups respectively. The resistor group corresponding to the voltage source mode is used to switch the voltage output range, and the resistor group corresponding to the current source mode is used to switch the current output range.

[0087] In some embodiments, if the current source meter configuration mode is voltage source mode, the source meter controls the output voltage in voltage source mode to be the target output voltage and measures the load current to control the output current in voltage source mode to be within a limited current range. Specifically, when controlling the target output voltage, the source meter can perform feedback control based on a voltage loop algorithm. For example, when the output voltage is greater than the target output voltage, the voltage loop algorithm calculates the difference so that the output voltage is reduced to the target output voltage. Conversely, when the output voltage is less than the target output voltage, the output voltage is increased to the target output voltage. In this case, the voltage loop algorithm plays a controlling role. When controlling the output current to be within a limited current range, the source meter can perform feedback control based on a current loop algorithm. For example, when the output current exceeds the limited current range, the current loop algorithm calculates the difference so that the output current is reduced or increased to within the limited current range. In this case, the current loop algorithm plays a controlling role. For example, the limited current range includes less than the positive limited current and greater than the negative limited current.

[0088] In some embodiments, if the current source meter configuration mode is the current source mode, the source meter will control the output current in the current source mode to be the target output current. At this time, the current loop algorithm plays a control role and measures the voltage of the load to control the output voltage in the current source mode to be within the limited current range. At this time, the voltage loop algorithm plays a control role. The specific control process can refer to the above-mentioned voltage source mode and will not be repeated here.

[0089] From the above, it can be seen that whether in voltage source mode or current source mode, the voltage output of the source meter is controlled based on the voltage loop algorithm, and the current output of the source meter is controlled based on the current loop algorithm, so that the current output and voltage output of the source meter both meet the output requirements.

[0090] After the source meter configuration mode is switched, it is necessary to configure the switched source meter configuration mode based on the voltage value and the current value measured by the current circuit, so that the switched source meter configuration mode can maintain the voltage value and the current value measured by the current circuit.

[0091] In some embodiments, if the source meter configuration mode after switching is the current source mode, the current output value of the current source mode is configured to be the current value currently measured by the circuit in the voltage source mode, so that the current value currently measured by the circuit is output in the current source mode, thereby maintaining the current value currently measured by the circuit and avoiding sudden current changes caused by load changes. Furthermore, the voltage limit value of the current source mode is configured to include the voltage value currently measured by the circuit in the voltage source mode. For example, when the voltage value currently measured by the circuit is negative, the voltage limit value of the current source mode includes at least the negative value and may also include the positive value corresponding to the voltage value currently measured by the circuit, so that the voltage limit value in the current source mode is the voltage value currently measured by the circuit, avoiding sudden voltage changes caused by load changes.

[0092] In some embodiments, if the source meter configuration mode after switching is the voltage source mode, the voltage output value configured in the voltage source mode is the voltage value measured by the current circuit in the current source mode, and the current limit value configured in the voltage source mode includes the current value measured by the current circuit in the current source mode. The specific configuration process can refer to the above-mentioned current source mode and will not be repeated here.

[0093] Step 130: In the switched source meter configuration mode, the actual output range is switched to the target output range.

[0094] In some embodiments, after the output of the switched source meter configuration mode stabilizes, the actual output range can be switched to the target output range in the switched source meter configuration mode. Since when the output range is switched in the current source meter configuration mode, the configuration mode is switched first and the switched source meter configuration mode is enabled to maintain the actual current output and the actual voltage output, when the resistor group corresponding to the output range is switched, the current or voltage cutoff caused by switching the output range can be avoided, and the sudden change of current and voltage can be avoided, so that the switching requirements of the output range switching are met. Finally, the switched source meter configuration mode is switched back to the current source meter configuration mode to complete the output range switching and enable the target output range to take effect. Among them, it is necessary to switch the configuration mode back after the source meter output reaches stability.

[0095] The above-mentioned process of output range switching can be regarded as the source meter performing an output range switching mode. After completing the output range switching mode, the source meter can complete the corresponding output range switching, for example, switching the actual output range to the target output range.

[0096] In some embodiments, when the switched source meter configuration mode is switched back to the current source meter configuration mode, in order to avoid the impact of sudden changes in current and voltage caused by range changes on hardware safety, before switching back, the limited range in the switched source meter configuration mode can be switched to match the target output range in the switched source meter configuration mode, thereby improving hardware safety during the switching back process.

[0097] In some embodiments, in the source meter configuration mode after switching, it is also necessary to consider the switching order between switching the limit range to match the target output range and switching the actual output range to the target output range. Because at the switching moment of the output range, the codeword controlling the output value has not been updated to the corresponding codeword under the new range, that is, the codeword has not changed. The same codeword has different outputs under different output ranges, that is, the output value represented by the same codeword in the small range is larger. Therefore, if the output range changes while the codeword remains unchanged, it will cause the output value to change. In this regard, it is possible to first determine whether the current output range switching is from a small range to a large range, that is, the range is cut up, or from a large range to a small range, that is, the range is cut down, and then select the corresponding switching order to switch the limit range and the output range.

[0098] In some embodiments, the size relationship between the actual output range and the target output range is first determined. If the actual output range is smaller than the target output range, i.e., the range is cut off, the actual output range is first switched to the target output range, and then the limit range in the source meter configuration mode after the switch is switched is switched to match the target output range. In this case, the limit range based on the small range can avoid the output reduction caused by the range cut off. If the actual output range is larger than the target output range, i.e., the range is cut off, the limit range in the source meter configuration mode after the switch is switched is first switched to match the target output range, and then the actual output range is switched to the target output range. In this case, the limit range based on the large range can avoid the output increase caused by the range cut off.

[0099] In the above embodiment, taking the output range up-cut as an example, the process of output range switching can be referred to in chronological order. Figure 6 , that is, first switch the configuration mode, and then switch the target output range and limit range in the switched configuration mode.

[0100] The above are some instructions for switching the output range of the source instrument.

[0101] In some embodiments, the source meter can also switch measurement ranges. In voltage source mode, this switches the current measurement range, which corresponds to the actual current output. In current source mode, this switches the voltage measurement range, which corresponds to the actual voltage output. The following describes the measurement range switching process in detail.

[0102] In some embodiments, the configuration parameters may also include a maximum measurement range and a minimum measurement range, see Figure 7 The source meter range management method may further include the following steps:

[0103] Step 200: Obtain the actual measurement range in the current source meter configuration mode.

[0104] In some embodiments, after obtaining the voltage value currently measured by the circuit in current source mode, the corresponding actual voltage measurement range can be determined based on the voltage value currently measured by the circuit. In some embodiments, after obtaining the current value currently measured by the circuit in voltage source mode, the corresponding actual current measurement range can be determined based on the current value currently measured by the circuit.

[0105] Step 210: If the actual measurement range is smaller than the minimum measurement range, a measurement range switching mode of increasing the measurement range is performed to switch the measurement range of the current source meter configuration mode to the minimum measurement range.

[0106] Step 220: If the actual measurement range is greater than the maximum measurement range, a measurement range switching mode of cutting down the measurement range is performed to switch the measurement range of the current source meter configuration mode to the maximum measurement range.

[0107] In some embodiments, the measurement range up is switched from a small range to a large range, and conversely, the measurement range down is switched from a large range to a small range. In some embodiments, the measurement range switching mode is a process in which the source meter switches its measurement range. For example, after completing the measurement range switching mode, the measurement range of the current source meter configuration mode can be switched to the minimum measurement range. For example, after completing the measurement range switching mode, the measurement range of the current source meter configuration mode can be switched to the maximum measurement range. In this embodiment, when the actual measurement range is not within the range of the maximum measurement range and the minimum measurement range, the measurement range needs to be switched to the maximum measurement range or the minimum measurement range.

[0108] Step 230: If the actual measurement range is within the range of the minimum measurement range and the maximum measurement range, and the voltage value measured by the current circuit or the current value measured by the current circuit is greater than the maximum threshold value under the actual measurement range, the measurement range switching mode of cutting the measurement range up is performed to switch the actual measurement range to the measurement range corresponding to the voltage value measured by the current circuit or the current value measured by the current circuit.

[0109] Step 240: If the actual measurement range is within the range of the minimum measurement range and the maximum measurement range, and the voltage value measured by the current circuit or the current value measured by the current circuit is less than the maximum threshold value under the actual measurement range, a measurement range switching mode of cutting down the measurement range is performed to switch the actual measurement range to the measurement range corresponding to the voltage value measured by the current circuit or the current value measured by the current circuit.

[0110] In some embodiments, in voltage source mode, if the current value measured by the current circuit is greater than the maximum threshold value of the actual current measurement range, the measurement range needs to be increased. Conversely, if the current value measured by the current circuit is less than the minimum threshold value of the actual current measurement range, the measurement range needs to be decreased. Specifically, if the current value measured by the current circuit is greater than the minimum threshold value of a current measurement range and less than the maximum threshold value of the current measurement range, the current measurement range is the measurement range corresponding to the current value measured by the current circuit.

[0111] In some embodiments, in current source mode, if the voltage value currently measured by the circuit is greater than the maximum threshold value of the actual voltage measurement range, the measurement range needs to be increased. Conversely, if the voltage value currently measured by the circuit is less than the minimum threshold value of the actual voltage measurement range, the measurement range needs to be decreased. Specifically, if the voltage value currently measured by the circuit is greater than the minimum threshold value of a certain voltage measurement range and less than the maximum threshold value of the certain voltage measurement range, the certain voltage measurement range is the measurement range corresponding to the voltage value currently measured by the circuit.

[0112] In some embodiments, each level of measurement range has a corresponding minimum threshold and maximum threshold. The maximum threshold of the current level measurement range is equal to the minimum threshold of the previous level measurement range, and the minimum threshold of the current level measurement range is equal to the maximum threshold of the next level measurement range. That is, under the current level measurement range, if the actual output is greater than the minimum threshold of the current level measurement range and less than the maximum threshold, then the actual output matches the current level measurement range, that is, the measurement accuracy is the highest under the current level measurement range. If the actual output is greater than the maximum threshold of the current level measurement range, then at least the previous level measurement range needs to be matched to ensure measurement accuracy. If the actual output is less than the minimum threshold of the current level measurement range, then at least the next level measurement range needs to be matched to ensure measurement accuracy.

[0113] In some embodiments, when downscaling the measurement range, performing multiple downscaling steps simultaneously can easily cause the measured value to change from a partial full value to a full value, thereby prolonging the time it takes for the source meter output to stabilize. Therefore, it is necessary to downscale the measurement range one level at a time. For example, first switch the actual measurement range to the next lower measurement range. If the actual output value is still less than the minimum threshold of the next lower measurement range, continue switching to the next lower measurement range until the measurement range corresponding to the actual output value is reached.

[0114] In some embodiments, when increasing the measurement range, since the currently read measurement value is already full, multiple measurement ranges can be increased at once, thereby reducing the number of switches and thus reducing the overall switching time for increasing the measurement range.

[0115] In some embodiments, when performing a measurement range up-scaling, a determination is first made as to whether the actual measurement range satisfies a preset level of measurement range up-scaling based on the actual measurement range and the voltage value or current value of the current circuit measured corresponding to the actual measurement range, where the preset level is greater than or equal to two levels. In current source mode, the voltage value of the current circuit measured corresponding to the actual voltage measurement range is compared with a maximum threshold of a measurement range that is a preset level greater than the actual voltage measurement range. If the voltage value of the current circuit measured is greater than the maximum threshold, or if the voltage value of the current circuit measured is less than the maximum threshold but greater than the minimum threshold of a measurement range that is a preset level greater than the actual voltage measurement range, then the actual measurement range satisfies the preset level of measurement range up-scaling. Conversely, if the voltage value of the current circuit measured is less than the maximum threshold, then the preset level of measurement range up-scaling is not satisfied. In this embodiment, performing multiple measurement range up-scaling steps simultaneously can also prolong the time it takes for the source meter output to stabilize. Therefore, the preset level can be determined based on actual conditions, for example, setting the preset level to three levels.

[0116] In some embodiments, if the actual measurement range satisfies a preset level for a measurement range up-scaling, the actual measurement range is up-scaled by the preset level, such that the level of the measurement range after up-scaling is the current level of the actual measurement range plus the preset level. In some embodiments, if the voltage value currently measured by the circuit is greater than a maximum threshold of a measurement range that is a preset level greater than the actual voltage measurement range, after performing a measurement range up-scaling by the preset level, it is possible to continue determining whether the preset level for a measurement range up-scaling is satisfied until the measurement range corresponding to the actual output value is switched to.

[0117] In some embodiments, if the actual measurement range does not meet the requirement for a preset level of measurement range up-scaling, a determination may be made as to whether the actual measurement range meets the requirement for a preset level minus one measurement range up-scaling. If so, the corresponding measurement range up-scaling is performed. If not, the determination continues as to whether the actual measurement range meets the requirement for a preset level minus two measurement range up-scaling, until the range is switched to the measurement range corresponding to the actual output value, or until the range is switched to the measurement range one level above the actual measurement range. For example, if the preset level is level three, the current value measured by the current circuit is first determined to meet the requirement for a current measurement range up-scaling to level three. Specifically, the current value measured by the current circuit is compared to see if it is greater than the maximum threshold corresponding to the upper level three current measurement range. If it is greater than the maximum threshold, or greater than the corresponding minimum threshold and less than the maximum threshold, the current measurement range is up-scaled to level three. If not, the current value measured by the current circuit is then compared to see if it is greater than the maximum threshold corresponding to the upper level two current measurement range. If the corresponding switching condition is met, the current measurement range is up-scaled to level two. If not, the current measurement range is up-scaled to level one.

[0118] In some embodiments, when the voltage value or current value measured by the current circuit becomes zero, for example, the source meter stops outputting or reduces the output value to a level that is undetectable, the actual measurement range will be cut down to the minimum measurement range step by step. When the voltage value or current value measured by the current circuit changes from zero to non-zero, it is necessary to cut up from the minimum measurement range to the measurement range corresponding to the voltage value or current value measured by the current circuit. Since it is necessary to cut down to the minimum measurement range and then cut up from the minimum measurement range each time, more switching times and more switching time are required.

[0119] In this regard, in some embodiments, a minimum preset measurement range can be set by the user, and the minimum preset measurement range is greater than the minimum measurement range and less than the maximum measurement range. When it is necessary to switch the measurement range, the actual measurement range in the current source meter configuration mode is first obtained. When the voltage value measured by the current circuit or the current value measured by the current circuit corresponding to the actual measurement range is zero, and the actual measurement range is greater than the minimum preset measurement range, the actual measurement range is switched to the minimum preset measurement range. Compared with switching to the minimum measurement range, the number of range down-cuts can be reduced, thereby reducing the switching time of the range down-cuts. When the voltage value measured by the current circuit or the current value measured by the current circuit changes from zero to non-zero, the minimum preset measurement range is switched to the measurement range corresponding to the voltage value measured by the current circuit or the current value measured by the current circuit. Compared with switching up from the minimum measurement range, the number of range up-cuts can be reduced, thereby reducing the switching time of the range up-cuts.

[0120] The above is an explanation of the switching process of switching the measurement range. The following is an explanation of the specific implementation process of switching the measurement range.

[0121] For some examples, please refer to Figure 8 The source meter range management method may further include the following steps:

[0122] Step 300: Obtain the actual measurement range in the current source meter configuration mode, and determine whether the actual measurement range meets the measurement range switching condition.

[0123] In some embodiments, when the source meter's measurement range is in automatic mode, a determination is made as to whether the actual current output or actual voltage output corresponding to the actual measurement range satisfies the actual measurement range. If not, the actual measurement range satisfies the measurement range switching condition. In some embodiments, when a user sets a target measurement range, a determination is made as to whether the target measurement range is equal to the actual measurement range. If not, the actual measurement range satisfies the measurement range switching condition.

[0124] Step 310: If the measurement range switching condition is met, the current source meter configuration mode is configured based on the voltage value and the current value measured by the current circuit.

[0125] In some embodiments, if the current source meter configuration mode is a voltage source mode, the voltage output value configured in the voltage source mode is the voltage value measured by the current circuit, and the limiting current configured in the voltage source mode includes the current value measured by the current circuit, for example, including the positive and negative values corresponding to the current value measured by the current circuit, so that the voltage source mode can maintain the voltage value measured by the current circuit and the current value measured by the current circuit.

[0126] In some embodiments, if the current source meter configuration mode is the current source mode, the current output value of the configured current source mode is the current value measured by the current circuit, and the limiting voltage of the configured current source mode includes the voltage value measured by the current circuit, for example, including the positive and negative values corresponding to the voltage value measured by the current circuit, so that the current source mode can maintain the voltage value measured by the current circuit and the current value measured by the current circuit.

[0127] Step 320: In the current source meter configuration mode, the actual measurement range is switched to the target measurement range, and the limit output of the current source meter configuration mode is switched to match the target measurement range.

[0128] In some embodiments, the target measurement range may be a switching range set by a user, or may be a measurement range achieved by performing a range up-scaling operation, or may be a measurement range achieved by performing a range down-scaling operation.

[0129] In some embodiments, the relationship between the actual measurement range and the target measurement range is first determined. If the actual measurement range is smaller than the target measurement range, i.e., a range-up, the actual measurement range is first switched to the target measurement range. After the output stabilizes, the output limit of the current source meter configuration mode is switched to match the target measurement range. In this case, the smaller output limit can prevent output exceeding the limit caused by the range-up. If the actual measurement range is larger than the target measurement range, i.e., a range-down, the output limit of the current source meter configuration mode is first switched to match the target measurement range. After the output stabilizes, the actual measurement range is switched to the target measurement range. In this case, the larger output limit can prevent output exceeding the limit caused by the range-down.

[0130] The above-mentioned measurement range switching process can be regarded as the source meter performing a measurement range switching mode. After completing the measurement range switching mode, the source meter can complete the corresponding measurement range switching, for example, switching the actual measurement range to the target measurement range.

[0131] In some embodiments, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program and / or instructions, which implement the above-mentioned source meter range management method when the computer program and / or instructions are executed by a processor.

[0132] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that all or part of the functions of the various methods in the above embodiments can be implemented by hardware or by computer program. When all or part of the functions in the above embodiments are implemented by computer program, the program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and the storage medium can include: read-only memory, random access memory, disk, optical disk, hard disk, etc., and the program is executed by a computer to implement the above functions. For example, the program is stored in the memory of the device, and when the program in the memory is executed by the processor, all or part of the above functions can be implemented. In addition, when all or part of the functions in the above embodiments are implemented by computer program, the program can also be stored in a storage medium such as a server, another computer, disk, optical disk, flash disk or mobile hard disk, and saved in the memory of the local device by downloading or copying, or the system of the local device is updated. When the program in the memory is executed by the processor, all or part of the functions in the above embodiments can be implemented.

[0133] The above specific examples are used to illustrate the present application, which is only used to help understand the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art of the present application, based on the concept of the present application, they can also make some simple deductions, modifications or substitutions.

Claims

1. A source meter range management method, characterized in that: include: Acquiring configuration parameters, wherein the configuration parameters include a target output range; Obtaining a current source meter configuration mode, and obtaining an actual output range, a voltage value measured by a current circuit, and a current value measured by a current circuit under the current source meter configuration mode; wherein the source meter configuration mode includes a voltage source mode and a current source mode; Performing an output range switching mode: switching the current source meter configuration mode to obtain a switched source meter configuration mode, and configuring the switched source meter configuration mode based on the voltage value and the current value measured by the current circuit, so that the switched source meter configuration mode can maintain the voltage value and the current value measured by the current circuit; wherein, if the current source meter configuration mode is the voltage source mode, the switched source meter configuration mode is the current source mode; if the current source meter configuration mode is the current source mode, the switched source meter configuration mode is the voltage source mode; In the switched source meter configuration mode, switching the actual output range to the target output range; The switched source meter configuration mode is switched back to the current source meter configuration mode to complete the output range switching mode and enable the target output range to take effect.

2. The source meter range management method according to claim 1, wherein: Configuring the switched source meter configuration mode based on the voltage value and the current value measured by the current circuit includes: If the source meter configuration mode after switching is the current source mode, the current output value configured in the current source mode is the current value measured by the current circuit in the voltage source mode before switching, and the voltage limit value configured in the current source mode includes the voltage value measured by the current circuit in the voltage source mode before switching; If the source meter configuration mode after switching is the voltage source mode, the voltage output value configured in the voltage source mode is the voltage value measured by the current circuit in the current source mode before switching, and the current limit value configured in the voltage source mode includes the current value measured by the current circuit in the current source mode before switching.

3. The source meter range management method according to claim 1, wherein: Before switching the switched source meter configuration mode back to the current source meter configuration mode, the method further includes: In the switched source meter configuration mode, the limited range in the switched source meter configuration mode is switched to match the target output range.

4. The source meter range management method according to claim 3, wherein: Also includes: Determining the magnitude relationship between the actual output range and the target output range; If the actual output range is smaller than the target output range, firstly switching the actual output range to the target output range, and then switching the limit range in the source meter configuration mode after the switch to match the target output range; If the actual output range is greater than the target output range, firstly switching the limit range in the switched source meter configuration mode to match the target output range, and then switching the actual output range to the target output range.

5. The source meter range management method according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: Obtaining an actual measurement range in the current source meter configuration mode, and determining whether the actual measurement range satisfies a measurement range switching condition; If the measurement range switching condition is met, the measurement range switching mode is performed based on the target measurement range: Configuring the current source meter configuration mode based on the current circuit measured voltage value and the current circuit measured current value, so that the current source meter configuration mode can maintain the current circuit measured voltage value and the current circuit measured current value; In the current source meter configuration mode, the actual measurement range is switched to the target measurement range, and the limit output of the current source meter configuration mode is switched to match the target measurement range, so as to complete the measurement range switching mode and make the target measurement range effective.

6. The source meter range management method according to claim 1, wherein: The configuration parameters further include a maximum measurement range and a minimum measurement range, and the source meter range management method further includes: Obtaining the actual measurement range in the current source meter configuration mode; If the actual measurement range is smaller than the minimum measurement range, performing a measurement range switching mode of increasing the measurement range to switch the measurement range of the current source meter configuration mode to the minimum measurement range; If the actual measurement range is greater than the maximum measurement range, performing a measurement range switching mode of cutting down the measurement range to switch the measurement range of the current source meter configuration mode to the maximum measurement range; If the actual measurement range is within the range of the minimum measurement range and the maximum measurement range, and the voltage value measured by the current circuit or the current value measured by the current circuit is greater than the maximum threshold value under the actual measurement range, a measurement range switching mode of increasing the measurement range is performed to switch the actual measurement range to a measurement range corresponding to the voltage value measured by the current circuit or the current value measured by the current circuit; If the actual measurement range is within the range of the minimum measurement range and the maximum measurement range, and the voltage value measured by the current circuit or the current value measured by the current circuit is less than the maximum threshold value under the actual measurement range, a measurement range switching mode of cutting down the measurement range is performed to switch the actual measurement range to a measurement range corresponding to the voltage value measured by the current circuit or the current value measured by the current circuit.

7. The source meter range management method according to claim 6, wherein: The measurement range switching mode for performing measurement range up-scaling includes: Based on the actual measurement range and the voltage value or current value of the current circuit measured corresponding to the actual measurement range, determining whether the actual measurement range satisfies a measurement range upper cutoff of a preset level, the preset level being greater than or equal to two levels; If the measurement range up-scaling of the preset level is satisfied, the actual measurement range is up-scaled to the preset level, so that the level of the measurement range after up-scaling is the current level of the actual measurement range plus the preset level.

8. The source meter range management method according to claim 1, wherein: The configuration parameters further include a minimum preset measurement range, where the minimum preset measurement range is greater than the minimum measurement range and less than the maximum measurement range. The source meter range management method further includes: Obtaining the actual measurement range in the current source meter configuration mode; When the voltage value or the current value of the current circuit measured corresponding to the actual measurement range is zero, and the actual measurement range is greater than the minimum preset measurement range, switching the actual measurement range to the minimum preset measurement range; and / or, When the voltage value or the current value measured by the current circuit changes from zero to non-zero, the minimum preset measurement range is switched to the measurement range corresponding to the voltage value or the current value measured by the current circuit.

9. A source meter, characterized in that: include: Source output module, used for voltage output and current output; A current measurement module is used to measure the current of the load; A voltage measurement module is used to measure the voltage of the load; A processor, configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 when executing a computer program and / or instructions.

10. A computer program product comprising a computer program and / or instructions, characterized in that When the computer program and / or instructions are executed by a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is implemented.

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