Error -1074118414 When Using PXIe‑4163 In Semiconductor Test Library

Issue Details

When initializing a DC Power session for a PXIe‑4163 module using the Semiconductor Test Library (STL), the following error occurs:

Device: SMU_4163_C1_S17

Channel Names: 18

Additional Error Info: Applicable Iso Captured: [], Applicable Niso Captured: [], Applicable Iso Sticky: [SenseAbsMaxProtErrorCh18], Applicable Niso Sticky: [], Niso Captured First: 0, Errors Version: 4.0.0f54, Last Completed Setup Level: 22

Error code: -1074118414

This code was migrated from an in-house custom library to the STL. The error is generated immediately after output enables is set to true in the .NET code.

Solution

In this case, STL automatically set the Sense property to Remote, but the system was wired without any remote‑sense connections on the SMU. 

The error occurs because the PXIe‑4163 requires proper remote‑sense lead connections when the Sense mode is set to Remote. Without these leads, the module detects out‑of‑range sense conditions and triggers a protection error.

To resolve the issue:

• Confirm whether remote‑sense leads are connected to the DUT. If remote sense is not used, leads must remain unconnected at both the SMU and DUT.
• Go to the ProcessSetUp sequence and open the Module Properties for the DCPower Session step and set the Sense to "Local".
• If the error persists, ensure no channel is exceeding its absolute maximum voltage or current rating, as DCPower driver may also report protection faults under those conditions.

Additional Information

The PXIe‑4163 employs over‑voltage and sense‑lead fault protections that generate channel‑specific flags such as SenseAbsMaxProtErrorCh18. These errors commonly occur when the module expects feedback from remote‑sense terminals but receives floating signals.