KickStart Software Datasheet

Base Apps

• Data Logger
• DMM (Digital Multimeter)
• IV Characterizer
• Power Supply
• Scope
• High Resistivity
• Curve Tracer

Power Supply App

This app simplifies supplying power to your device or system. It allows for quick setup of automated tests using bias or list sweep modes, and interactive control of bias conditions while monitoring measurements on other instruments. It can be used with the Precision Multimeter App for applications like power consumption analysis or monitoring load current stability. Supports Keithley 2280S-32-6 and 22380S-60-3 Precision Measurement DC Power Supplies, 222x and 223x DC power supplies, and the 2281S-20-6 as a power supply only.

List Sweep Configuration: Create and download list sweeps of up to 99 points for the power supply.

Minimized View: View and set the most essential parameters on the power supply in KickStart's minimized view.

Precision Digital Multimeter App

This app provides a straightforward method for logging data using Keithley DMMs or other sensitive measurement instruments. It automates long-term datalogging and allows for plotting and inspection of waveforms from the DMM's built-in digitizer. The app supports triggering the digitizer on digital events or programmed analog levels, and offers continuous data streaming for digitizer operation with DMM7510 and DMM6500. It is compatible with 7½-Digit DMMs (DMM7510), 6½-Digit DMMs (DMM6500), DAQ6510 Data Acquisition and Logging Multimeter System, and DMMs like the 2001, 2010, 2100, and 2110. It also supports Picoammeters (6485, 6487) and Electrometers (6514, 6517B).

Waveform Capture: Capture waveforms with the DMM6500 Digitizing DMM using KickStart's Precision Multimeter App.

Data Logger App

Use the Data Logger App to set up and control multi-channel data acquisition instruments. It facilitates quick channel configuration and validation of connections. Multiple channels can be set up with the same configuration but with unique labels for easy scanning of results. Pass/fail limits can be configured for each channel to set alarm conditions and provide visual verification of test results. The app streams millions of readings to PC storage for archival, displays multiple measurement functions in a single window using stacked graphs, and plots measurement data versus another channel or time. Data is automatically exported in ready-to-use formats for reports and analysis, even while the test is running. Supports Keithley DAQ6510, DMM6500 (with scan card), 2700, 2701, 2750, and 3706A.

Multi-Channel Graphing: Plot and view multiple channels in a single graph with KickStart's Data Logger App.

Instrument Control: The Data Logger app aids in the quick setup and control of multi-channel data acquisition instruments.

Channel Labeling: Create personalized labels for each channel of your data logging switch card.

I-V Characterizer App

Perform current vs. voltage (I-V) tests on various materials, two-terminal and multi-terminal semiconductor devices, and solar cells. Configure each SMU for a variety of bias and sweep sourcing operations, including linear, log, list, and dual sweeps. The app allows configuration and control of up to four SourceMeter SMU instruments with independent or multi-level sweeps. Differentiate SMU instrument channels and their measurement data using relevant labels. Built-in comparison tools allow for overlaying multiple test runs on a single graph. It supports SMU instruments from the Series 2400, 2400 Graphical, 2600B, 2606B, 2657A, and 6430 families. The 2601B-Pulse is supported for testing with short pulses (10 µs at 10 A and 10 V), ideal for VCSELs, LEDs, semiconductor characterization, and surge protection testing.

I-V Characteristics: Create current vs. voltage characteristics for 2-terminal, 3-terminal, and 4-terminal devices.

Device Characterization: Characterize devices using up to four of Keithley's SourceMeter SMU instruments.

Pulsed Testing: A VCSEL I-V-T screenshot demonstrates pulsing capability added as part of the Slingshot project on the 2601B-Pulse SMU.

Scope App

Capture and log waveforms, measurements, and screenshots. It offers three modes: Waveforms Mode retrieves x-y data from scope channels for table and graph display. Measurements Mode allows selection of up to 8 measurements from the scope, logged in the KickStart Table for trend analysis. Screenshot Mode captures the oscilloscope's screen image. The app supports Analog, Reference, and Math channels, and can capture present data or wait for a trigger. It is compatible with various Tektronix oscilloscope models including the 3 Series MDO, MDO3000/4000 Series, MSO3000/4000 Series, DPO3000/4000 Series, TBS1000/2000 Series, TDS1000/2000 Series, and TDS200 Series.

Saved Screenshot: A saved screen capture of the scope with KickStart.

Setup Window: The setup window enables selection of Waveforms, Measurements, or Screenshots mode.

Data Display: Data collected from the scope can be displayed in Table View with statistics.

Multi-Channel Display: Display up to 4 channels of analog data, including Reference and Math channels.

Report Ready: Capture and save a screenshot image for use in reports and journals.

High Resistivity App for 6517B Electrometer

The optional High Resistivity Application (HRMA) for KickStart is designed for use with Keithley's 6517B Electrometer/High Resistance Meter. Paired with the 8009 Resistivity Test Fixture, it serves as a laboratory standard for volume and surface resistivity measurements on insulating materials, capable of measuring resistance up to 10¹⁸ Ω at up to 1000 V.

Key Capabilities:

• Quickly and reliably determine material resistivity using tests conforming to ASTM D257 standards.
• Perform a Step Response test to identify electrification time appropriate to the material's time constant.
• Observe resistivity dependence on temperature and relative humidity using optional probes (6517-TP and 6517-RH).
• Utilize alternating polarity measurement to eliminate inherent background currents for accurate resistivity measurements.

Setup Window: A single window allows for the setup of a High Resistivity Test.

Licensing: This application requires a license, such as the KICKSTARTFL-HRMA2 perpetual floating license or the KICKSTARTFL-HRMA2-AN 1-year time-based license. Floating licenses permit selected users to manage the transfer of individual licenses across different PCs.

Real-time View: View Step Response in real time.

I-V Tracer App

Keithley I-V Tracer Software leverages the touchscreen interface of the Graphical 2400 Series SourceMeter SMU instruments to provide a familiar curve tracer experience for two-terminal devices. It offers a dedicated user interface for tracing device characteristics through current and voltage. I-V Tracer utilizes the capabilities of compatible instruments, including the dual high-speed digitizers of the 2461, to perform tracing with AC polarity and pulsed DC, in addition to standard DC polarity.

Modern Alternative: I-V Tracer Software offers a modern alternative to traditional curve tracers.

Compatibility: Compatible with Keithley 2450, 2460, 2461, and 2470 Graphical SourceMeter SMUs.

Polarity Modes: Supports +DC, -DC, and AC polarity modes (AC mode is compatible only with the 2461 SMU).

Comparison: Compare mode allows displaying a reference device next to a measured curve.

Data Export: Save curve data to disk with KickStart for analysis in Excel.

Analysis Tools: Features screen capture of curves and pinch-and-zoom functionality for immediate data analysis.

Sourcing Capabilities: Allows users to sweep current across the device and plot current versus voltage.

Specialty App: I-V Tracer Software is a specialty KickStart App and is sold separately.

User Experience: Use the front panel knob to see your data more clearly.

Modern Workflow: Using I-V Tracer Software means engineers no longer need to share outdated equipment.

Educational Value: I-V Tracer offers an ideal engineering teaching solution.