Semiconductor Curve Tracing with an Oscilloscope

Press Release
CH2
C2
R4 0.22
100uA/V
10K

+ SW1 R1 R3 1mA/V
Sweep 100 1K
CH1: Pos = +4 Div
25V R2 C1 CH2: Pos = -3 Div
1K 330 UUT Horiz: 50mS
PS Display mode: X/Y
Persistence: Infininte

- CH1

Sample sweeps, R3 (1K)

If = 5V/1K=5mA/Div
1N5817
1N4000
1N2069
1N5401
1N914

CH2=Y=-3Div
CH1=X=+4Div

NTE110

No UUT 0
Vf = 100mV/Div 0

The RC formed by R1/C1 raises the voltage across R3/UUT slowly enough so that the
oscilloscope can take samples at various I/V points. R2 discharges C1 when the button is
released. Press the button multiple times to allow the scope to get enough samples to fill
out the curves. Curves at various temperatures can be automatically overlaid by
changing the temperature of the UUT and then re-sweeping. Curve tracers simply
automate the button portion of the above circuit to continually retrace the curve or digitally
sample and then display a single sweep (A single sweep is better as this prevents heating
of the UUT!)