Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring the current-voltage characteristics of a DUT by controlling a voltage source and current source of the measurement apparatus by changing a predetermined current value in the current source or a predetermined voltage value in the voltage source in response to an output characteristic. For example, in utilizing a voltage source, the output current limiting value is incremented by a predetermined amount when the current output of a DUT reaches the current limiting value before the voltage output reaches a desired value. The current and voltage outputs of the DUT do not change unless the current limiting value is first incremented. Thus, the output characteristics with a rapid change in the DUT are more accurately measured by controlling the input and output of the DUT.

Abstract: A floating data interface, particularly for integrated circuits, is formed by a Hall-effect arrangement that includes a Hall-voltage-measuring device and a current-carrying coupling loop whose current is controlled by a data source. Because of the low internal resistance of the coupling loop, a plurality of such interfaces can be connected in series, and the individual circuits selected by addresses. Bidirectional data transfer via the floating interface is accomplished by an interrupter stage which interrupts the current flow on the bus line in an interrogation interval during one clock period and forces a predetermined mark/space ratio.