Explanation of STATUS ERROR CODES and configuration options.

AT Error Codes explained

One subtle,but important,change from the AT3600 to the AT5600 is the interpretation of the “Status codes”. Most commonly, these are used to indicate tests where the requested applied voltage or current levels could not be reached to within 1% under stable conditions.

For example, “0020” indicates “The test signal could not be trimmed to required value; incorrect test parameters for the load.”
This is analogous to ALC (Auto Level Control) on most popular LCR meters.

Consider the following example of an LS test @1kHz 5V RMS, with limits 10mH +/-10% (9-11 mH)

A - AT3600 /ATi

If, due to mismatched load and signal, the desired signal is not reached the AT3600 or ATI will report an 0020 error code.

However, it will STILL PASS if the measured parameter is within your set limits.

B - AT5600

The AT5600 will FAIL if the status error code is flagged, I.e. if desired signals not reached, even if the measured parameter is STILL a “PASS”

From feedback, we found that customers wanted positive confirmation that the requested signal in the program were achieved,before measurement,like an LCR with ALC enabled.

C - AT EDITOR settings

If you wish to make the PASS FAIL judgement ONLY on the measured parameter and your chosen limits, but to ignore the 0020 error code, then this can be achieved by selecting ”Disable test failures due to ALC error” in the AT test program options

D - AT5600 with ALC disabled

This option was enabled, and the test rerun 
The AT5600 now ignores the 0020-error code and makes the PASS/FAIL judgement purely on the measured values, and the limits you have set.

AT5600 Firmware v7.206 or later AT Editor v3.26.6 or later.
See user manual 14.5.1. - Disable test failures due to ALC error
see user manual chapter 7.7 for recommended signals for LS.

Please note
The AT3600 and ATi firmware do NOT support this option.
Regardless of the option setting, the 0020 status will never be part of the PASS/FAIL criteria for these units.

It is always recommended to adjust the test conditions (V/F) to optimum or near-optimum conditions to remove the 0020 error.
This will give better accuracy and repeatability of results (as the current will be larger) as well as confirming that the requested V/F for the test is actually obtained.