Keithley Instruments

2700-851B03

Release Note for Version B03

TestPoint Runtime Software for the Model 2700, 2701, and 2750

7/7/2005

This file contains additional information regarding the installation and use of the TestPoint Runtime software for the Model 2700, 2701, and 2750 instruments. Please review the contents of this file before installing or using the software.

Important Note: If you are using Windows XP, please read item 2.1 below for important information regarding updates to Windows XP.

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Contents:

1. Introduction

1.1 Included in this release

1.1.1 Integra Up&Running TestPoint Runtime Software

1.1.2 KE2700 IVI Driver for the 2700, 2701, and 2750

1.1.3 Keithley Configuration Panel and Wizard

1.2 New Features in this Release

1.2.1 New Features in Integra Up&Running Software

1.2.2 New Features in KE2700 IVI Driver

1.3 Additional available software

2. System Requirements

2.1 Using the software with Windows XP

2.2 Using the software with LabVIEW 7 (or later)

2.3 Using the software without IVI Shared Components

3. Installation

3.1 GPIB Controller Installation

3.1.1 Keithley and INES PCMCIA Controller Installation

3.2 Connecting your Computer to your Instrument

3.3 Upgrading from a previous version of TestPoint Runtime

3.4 Software Installation

3.4.1 Installing TestPoint Runtime Software from CD

3.4.2 Installing TestPoint Runtime SW from the Web

3.4.3 KE2700 IVI Driver Installation

3.5 Device configuration

4. Using TestPoint Runtime

4.1 Preparation

4.2 Running the software

4.3 TestPoint Runtime and front panel interaction

5. Supported Modules

6. Known problems and issues

6.1 Do not use large fonts setting

6.2 Some ranges not supported

6.3 Foreign characters in directory names

6.4 Changing device selection

6.5 Controls not disabled if real-time update turned off

6.6 Read data after very large scan gives incorrect data

6.7 Error changing graph setup or no. of enabled channels

6.8 Incorrect temperature readings using simulated CJC

6.9 Saving data to a file when using the front panel terminals

6.10 Running multiple copies of TestPoint Runtime

6.11 Specifying a channel in empty slot gives wrong data

6.12 Refresh ID's button stays depressed

6.13 Doesn't work with IVI Shared Components

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1. Introduction

1.1 Included in this release

The components described below are provided as part of the TestPoint runtime. Shortcuts for them are added to the Keithley Instruments folder on your Start Menu.

1.1.1 Integra Up&Running TestPoint Runtime Software

This is an executable start-up application written in TestPoint, an Application Development Environment for Windows.

TestPoint Runtime is an easy-to-use point and click application that demonstrates the most commonly used features of the 2700, 2701, and 2750 systems. It is based on and includes the IVI driver described below. Source code for Runtime is also provided so you can purchase TestPoint and modify or extend the application to meet your specific needs. TestPoint uses object-oriented, drag-and-drop technology to bring both power and simplicity to data

acquisition and test & measurement. TestPoint offers three optional toolkits that can be added to the base version: Internet Toolkit, Database Toolkit, and Statistical Process Control (SPC) Toolkit.

Check Keithley.com or call 1-888-KEITHLEY (534-8453) for more information on TestPoint.

1.1.2 KE2700 IVI Driver for the 2700, 2701, and 2750

The TestPoint runtime uses the KE2700 IVI driver and the Keithley I/O layer (VISA) to communicate with your instrument. IVI (Interchangeable Virtual Instruments) and VISA (Virtual Instrument Software Architecture) provide a common foundation for application development across multiple communication buses and multiple instrument vendors. This software driver supports many Application Development Environments under Windows, such as Visual Basic, C/C++,

LabView, LabWindows CVI, and TestPoint.

Numerous examples and an on-line help utility are provided to help programmers build their custom applications.

1.1.3 Keithley Configuration Panel and Wizard

The Keithley Configuration Panel is provided to allow you to setup or modify the communications between the TestPoint Runtime and your instrument. Before using the TestPoint Runtime or the Driver, an instrument configuration must exist in the VISA software. This installation pre-configures instruments for Serial ports COM1 and COM2, and for a GPIB instrument at GPIB address 16. If you are using one of these, you may skip the configuration panel. Otherwise, you must create a new instrument configuration using the Keithley Configuration Panel and Wizard. See instructions below.

1.2 New Features in this Release

1.2.1 New Features in Integra Up&Running Software

The following new features have been added to the TestPoint Runtime software:

Support for 7710 option module.

Added detection of front panel input switch position.

Added 3 simplified TestPoint examples.

Added in previous (B01):

Support for Model 2701 Ethernet Based DMM.

Support for temperature measurements using thermistors.

Support for temperature measurements using RTDs (except user defined type).

Support for specifying the NPLC setting.

Supports Windows XP Pro.

Verifies correct setting of the Front/Rear selector switch.

Lockout of front panel while the software is communicating with the instrument.

1.2.2 New Features in KE2700 IVI Instrument Driver

The following new features have been added to the KE2700 IVI Instrument Driver:

Includes full support for Model 2701 Ethernet Based DMM.

KE2700 now supports 7700, 7701, 7702, 7703, 7705,

7706, 7707, 7708, 7709,7710, 7711, and 7712 Switch Cards.

Includes new I/O Configuration Wizard

to simplify configuration of instrument communications.

Supports 1 and 10 ohm ranges (2750 only).

Supports Windows XP Pro.

Supports LabView 6.1.

Includes VISA 2.6.

1.3 Additional available software

ExceLINX-1A is a Microsoft Excel add-in for the 2700, 2701, and 2750 systems. Within minutes of installing ExceLINX-1A on a PC, users can acquire data dynamically within Excel, then employ the familiar Excel graphics, charting, and analysis capabilities. No Programming is required to use ExceLINX - a few mouse clicks are all it takes to configure channels, set parameters, triggers, scan lists, etc. ExceLINX is sold separately. Check Keithley.com or

call 1-888-KEITHLEY (534-8453) for more information.

TestPoint Professional Development System is a complete package for creating test & measurement applications, including support for GPIB and serial instruments, control, math, graphing, A/D and many more features. Since this runtime software was created using TestPoint,you can easily add to and customize the runtime by purchasing the full TestPoint package.

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2. System Requirements

Pentium-class PC running Windows 98 (SE) or later, 2700 firmware release B03 or later, 2701 firmware release A01 or later, 2750 firmware release A02 or later.

Supported GPIB controller (see section 3.1), Ethernet controller (2701 only), or RS-232 Serial port for communications with the instrument.

Supported instrument switch card(s), see section 5.

2.1 Using the software with Windows XP

There are several Windows XP defects that may affect proper operation of the Integra TestPoint Runtime Software when used with Windows XP. Microsoft has made several updates available to address these issues. Visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ to determine the availability and applicability of updates for your computer system.

As a minimum, all "Critical Updates" must be installed. In addition Q318966 from the "Windows XP Update" should be installed.

Failure to install these updates may result in the Runtime software locking up or failing to operate correctly.

2.2 Using the software with LabVIEW 7 (or later)

Integra TestPoint Runtime software is compatible with LabView 7 (or later), but only if IVI shared components are not installed. See section 6.14 for further information.

2.3 Using the software without IVI Shared Components

Integra TestPoint Runtime software is only compatible on systems which do NOT have IVI Shared Components installed. If IVI Shared Components are installed, then see section 6.14 for further information.

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3. Installation

3.1 GPIB Controller Installation

If you will be using GPIB to communicate with your instrument, you must have a compatible GPIB controller card and associated software driver installed in your computer before installing TestPoint Runtime.

TestPoint Runtime is compatible with the following GPIB controller cards:

Keithley Instruments GPIB cards (ISA, PCI, PCMCIA)

CEC GPIB cards (ISA, PCI)

National Instruments GPIB cards (ISA, PCI, PCMCIA)

INES GPIB cards (PCMCIA)

When using Keithley Instruments or CEC ISA or PCI GPIB cards, you must have driver software version 6.0 or later. The latest driver for these cards is available from the CEC WEB site: www.cec488.com.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the controller card and software, and for verifying correct operation of the card and software driver. (PR15839)

3.1.1 Keithley and INES PCMCIA Controller Installation

When installing the INES driver software, do NOT install the HP I/O libraries or select HP SICL emulation.

When installing the INES driver software, DO select NI compatibility mode.

When installing the INES driver software, if the hardware test fails, change the Interrupt selection to none.

3.2 Connecting your Computer to your Instrument

Connect your Keithley 2700 or 2750 to your computer using a standard GPIB interface cable or a "straight through" (not null-modem) serial RS-232 cable.

For 2701 Ethernet Connections, refer to the quick start guide that is provided with the instrument.

3.3 Upgrading from a previous version of TestPoint Runtime

If you have an earlier version of the TestPoint Runtime software installed on your computer, uninstall it by following the steps below before installing this version.

Delete the TestPoint Runtime files. By default, these are installed in the C:\27ivi directory. Delete all the files in this directory.

Using the Add/Remove Programs Wizard in Control Panel, uninstall the KE2700 Driver and the Keithley I/O Layer.

Reboot your computer.

3.4 TestPoint Runtime Software Installation

Note: Please see section 6.13 for important information regarding installation of TestPoint runtime software on systems with Labview 7 (or later) and/or IVI Shared Components.

3.4.1 Installing TestPoint Runtime Software from CD

If you have a previous version of the TestPoint Runtime Software installed on your computer, uninstall it as described above before installing the new version.

Before installing from the CD, it is recommended you visit www.keithley.com to see if a newer version of the software is available.

Insert the TestPoint Runtime CD in your computer. The installation utility should start automatically. If it does not start automatically, run the install.exe file in the root directory of the CD.

Follow the instructions on the screen to install the software.

When the installation is complete, reboot your computer.

3.4.2 Installing TestPoint Runtime Software from the Web

If you have a previous version of the TestPoint Runtime Software installed on your computer, uninstall it as described above before installing the new version.

Download the TestPoint Runtime software from the Keithley Web site, www.keithley.com. The software is a single compressed file, approximately 25 MB in size, and should be download to a temporary directory.

Run the downloaded file from the temporary directory.

Follow the instructions on the screen to install the software.

When the installation is complete, reboot your computer.

3.4.3 Installing Only the KE2700 IVI Driver

Installing the TestPoint Runtime Software automatically also installs the KE2700 IVI driver. If you with to install only the driver and not the TestPoint Runtime software, run the setup.exe file in the KE2700 subdirectory of the CD.

3.5 Device Configuration

Before TestPoint Runtime can communicate with your instrument, An instrument configuration must exist in the VISA software. TestPoint Runtime pre-configures instruments for Serial ports 1 and 2, and for a GPIB instrument at GPIB address 16. If you are using one of these, you may skip the rest of this step.

Otherwise, you must create a new instrument configuration using the Keithley Configuration Wizard. Open the Wizard by selecting Start>Programs>Keithley Instruments>Keithley Configuration Panel, and wait for the Wizard to start. Follow the Wizard instructions to create a new configuration or modify an existing one.

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4. Using TestPoint Runtime

4.1 Preparation

A) Make certain your instrument is properly connected to your instrument as described above.

B) Power on your Keithley 2700, 2701, or 2750

C) Make sure the proper communications type (GPIB, Ethernet, or Serial RS-232)is selected via the front panel of your Instrument.

4.2 Running the software

A) From the windows "Start" button on the desktop, select "Start>Keithley Instruments>Integra Up & Running" to run the software.

B) Select "OK" if a dialog box with device information is displayed on your screen.

C) In the "Device Name" box on the screen, select a device/bus combination: COM1 for the first serial port or COM2 for the second serial port. There are three default device configurations for GPIB. All three are for an instrument at GPIB address 16, If your instrument is not at address 16, you will need to create a new or modify one of the default configurations as described above.

If you are using a National Instruments GPIB card, select KE2700_GPIB16 (or KE2700_GPIB0_16) as your device.

If you are using a Keithley Instruments or CEC ISA or PCI GPIB card, select KE2700_GPIB1_16 as your device.

If you are using a Keithley Instrument or INES PCMCIA GPIB card, select KE2700_GPIB2_16 as your device.

D) Turn "Demo Mode" off.

E) You can take measurements immediately by selecting a source (front panel or a slot) and channel number in the "Single Channel Measurement" section.

F) To learn more, please refer to the built-in help found by pressing the "Help" button.

4.3 TestPoint Runtime and front panel interaction

When using TestPoint Runtime to configure and operate your instrument, the front panel will be locked out and you will be unable to use the front panel to interact with the instrument. Closing the TestPoint runtime software will re-enable front panel operation. The front panel is locked out during software operation to prevent changes made via the front panel from causing incorrect software operation.

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5. Supported Modules

The current release of TestPoint Runtime supports the following switch card modules:

7700, 7702, 7708.

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6. Known problems and issues

6.1 Do not use large fonts setting

TestPoint Runtime is not compatible with the Windows Large Font setting. (PR16666)

6.2 Some ranges not supported

The following measurement ranges are not supported:

DCI - 20mA range (2700, 2701, & 2750)

Ohms2 - 10 Ohms range (2750 only)

Ohms4 - 1 & 10 Ohms ranges (2750 only)

Measurements of signals in these ranges may be accomplished using the auto-range setting. (PR17139)

6.3 Foreign characters in directory names

When specifying path and/or file names when installing the software under non-English Windows, if non-English characters, such as an umlauted character are specified, the software will install, but will not launch properly. This may be corrected by manually editing the properties of the TestPoint Runtime shortcut, but it is best to avoid the use of non-English

characters in path and file names. (PR17227)

6.4 Changing device selection

If the device selection is changed while the software is in run mode, the change will not take effect until the software is set to Demo mode and then returned to Run mode. (PR17234)

6.5 Controls not disabled if graph real-time update turned off

Normally disabled scan functions (Mode, Scan Setup, Graph Setup, & Demo Data) all remain enabled if Graph Setup Real-Time Update is turned off (unchecked).

Do not use these functions while scanning is in progress or incorrect operation will result. (PR17244)

6.6 Read data after very large scan gives incorrect data

If a very large scan, one with enough channels and trigger counts to exceed the instrument's buffer capacity is executed with real-time graphing enabled, and then a read data function is executed once the scan has completed, both the resulting graph and logged data will be incorrect.

Do not attempt to follow a large scan with a read data function. Use the data and log obtained during the scan. (PR17257)

6.7 Error after changing graph setup or number of enabled channels

If the number of enabled channels in a scan is reduced, or the graph setup is changed such that the number of enable channels is less than the number of channels to be graphed, a run time error will occur. Always insure that number of graphed channels is less than or equal to the number of enabled channels. (PR19645)

6.8 Incorrect temperature readings using simulated CJC

Legal values for simulated CJC are 32-122 F, 0-50 C , and 273-323 K. User must enter value in the same units as selected in the units box. If an illegal value is entered for simulated CJC, the current instrument setting will not be changed and this may result in unexpected temperature readings. Always enter a legal simulated CJC value when using simulated CJC. (PR17158)

6.9 Saving data to a file when using the front panel terminals

To view or save the data acquired using the front panel terminals, press the inspect button on the graph. This will display a frozen version of the graph which can then be printed if desired, or the user can select "copy" from the edit menu and paste the acquired data into an Excel spreadsheet or a text file. (PR17184)

6.10 Running multiple copies of TestPoint Runtime

Only a single copy of the TestPoint Runtime software, communicating with a single instrument, may be run at a time. Do not attempt to execute multiple copies of the software simultaneously. (PR19513, 19519)

6.11 Specifying a channel in empty slot gives wrong data

If the first or only switch card is installed in a slot other than slot 1, the software will allow you to specify a channel in an empty slot for scanning, but will return incorrect data. Do not specify a channel in an empty slot for scanning. (PR17143)

6.12 Refresh ID's button stays depressed

Under certain conditions, the Refresh IDs button appears to remain depressed. This does not affect normal operation of the software. (PR19504)

6.13 Doesn't work with IVI Shared Components

TestPoint Runtime software is not compatible with IVI Shared Components. IVI Shared Components are commonly found on systems which use LabView 7 and/or IVI Drivers. In order to use TestPoint Runtime software on a system which has IVI Shared Components installed, you must remove IVI Shared Components prior to TestPoint installation. Note: removal of IVI Shared Components may affect drivers and applications which make of use of IVI Shared Components.

To remove IVI Shared Components properly, you must first install the latest IVI Compliance Package (ICP) software (available for download from www.ivifoundation.org).

Next, use the Windows Add or Remove programs wizard to remove the following:

"IVI Shared Components" "Keithley I/O Layer" (if present)

The Testpoint Runtime software can now be installed.

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Notice:

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End of Release notes.