In the R&D lab, this tracer is used for characterization of new designs, extraction of SPICE parameters, failure analysis and data sheet generation. In manufacturing test, the tracer is used to verify device quality and process monitoring. They are also used for incoming inspection to verify device performance, perform failure analysis and match components. The 371B, the industry leader in high-power curve tracers, performs DC parametric characterization on a wide variety of power semiconductors including thyristors, SCRs, IGBTs and power MOSFETs. The high-voltage collector mode permits testing the Off-Characteristics of a device up to 3,000 volts. The pulsed high-current collector mode provides output current pulses greater than 400 amps peak to test On-Characteristics and permits high-power testing up to 3,000 watts. In the sweep measurement mode, the 371B automatically constructs a family of curves while stimulating the device with low-duty-cycle pulses. With this capability, power curves can be displayed without excessive heating of the device.

Interactive control of the Tektronix 371B measurements is accomplished from the full-featured front panel or over the GPIB. Every operating parameter can be controlled using the GPIB controller. Tektronix 371B Series LabView drivers are available at the Tektronix.com web site. These drivers have many of the building blocks to create a custom measurement solution.

Up to 80 digitized characteristic curves can be stored on a diskette or in internal non-volatile memory and recalled at the touch of a button. A live curve can then be compared with a previously stored curve to assess temperature drift or other changes in operating parameters. To help identify the data, up to 24 characters of text may be used to label or annotate the curve data. Operating parameters can be adjusted, stored and recalled using several storage methods including the system memory, the built-in 1.44 MB floppy drive, or sent externally via the GPIB controller.

The Tektronix 371B provides three cursor measurement modes. The dot cursor provides direct screen readout of voltage, current, gm or DC beta at any point. The window cursor can be positioned between two curves to measure small signal beta or gm and can also be used for visual go/no-go tests. The function line cursor provides screen readout of a slope or intercept value.

A test fixture is a standard accessory that provides safe device enclosure to ensure operator protection during measurements. The test fixture accommodates standard adapters with Kelvin sensing.

In the sweep measurement mode, the curve tracer automatically constructs a family of curves. The 371B achieves this with low duty-cycle pulses. With this capability, power curves can be displayed without excessive heating of the device

Curve output data can be sent directly from the tracer to a Citizen iDP-3240thermal printer. Printing can continue while the tracer performs the next tasks.

Tektronix 371B Features

• High Precision Measurements of Semiconductor Devices
• High Voltage and Current Sourcing (Up to 3,000 V or 400 A)
• Built-in Cursor Measurements - Dot, Window and Function Line
• Waveform Comparison and Averaging
• Kelvin Sense Measurements
• Fully Programmable
• 1.44 MB Floppy Drive Stores Setup and Bitmap of Curves
• Direct Hardcopy with Third-party Printer