Use the NI-DCPower driver with the PXIe-4138 to control the output the instrument generates. Depending on the output function and source mode, you can configure the appropriate output levels and limits.

Complete the following steps to define an output type, choose a source mode, and set the output levels and limits relevant to those selections.
  1. Use the Configure Output Function to set the output type you want to generate: DC Voltage, DC Current, Pulse Voltage, or Pulse Current.
    • Select an output type:
      Option Description
      Pulse Voltage A channel attempts to generate the output pulse voltage level, as long as the output current is below the pulse current limit. Once the pulse on time has elapsed, the channel generates a pulse bias voltage level for the pulse off time.
      Pulse Current A channel attempts to generate the output pulse current level, as long as the output voltage is below the pulse voltage limit. Once the pulse on time has elapsed, the channel generates a pulse bias current level for the pulse off time.
  2. Configure the source mode with the Configure Source Mode With Channels function.
    The source mode controls how the channel generates output levels.
  3. Depending on your output function and source mode, set the relevant levels and limits with the following functions and/or properties.
    • Pulse output functions:
      Output Function Source Mode Level Control Limit Control
      Pulse Voltage Single Point pulse voltage level input to Configure Pulse Voltage Level pulse current limit input to Configure Pulse Current Limit
      Sequence Simple sequence values input to Set Sequence pulse current limit input to Configure Pulse Current Limit
      Advanced sequence Pulse Voltage Level, Pulse Bias Voltage Level properties Pulse Current Limit property
      Pulse Current Single Point pulse current level input to Configure Pulse Current Level pulse voltage limit input to Configure Pulse Voltage Limit
      Sequence Simple sequence values input to Set Sequence pulse voltage limit input to Configure Pulse Voltage Limit
      Advanced sequence Pulse Current Level, Pulse Bias Current Level properties Pulse Voltage Limit property
  4. Further define the parameters of the channel output.
    The NI-DCPower API includes numerous functions and properties to exert finer control over the output. For example, among other aspects, you can specify output ranges, set asymmetric compliance limits with respect to zero, control the on and off time of pulses, or take advantage of triggering.