Off-the-shelf instruments source and measure extreme currents

Off-the-shelf instruments source and measure extreme currents

Designed for testing new-technology devices, the fast benchtop/rack units also lower testing costs

Suited for testing the latest semiconductor, optoelectronic, and nanotechnology devices, the single-channel 2635 and dual-channel 2636 SourceMeters perform parametric analysis at resolutions as fine as 1 femtoamp (10−15 A). Operating as five instruments — source-measure unit, DMM, bias source, low-frequency pulse generator, and arbitrary waveform generator — the one-box measurement system performs dc and pulse testing from fA, µV levels to 1.5 A, 200 V at speeds two to ten times faster and costs 50% less than other approaches.

Each unit can operate with or without a PC, is easily programmed, and, thanks to its Test Script Processor (TSP), can execute test scripts — with sourcing, measuring, test sequence flow control, and conditional branching — to provide curve-tracer-like capabilities and more. A meter’s 16-Mbyte memory stores up to 50,000 lines of TSP code and up to 100,000 readings.

A number of test scripts are included in the instrument, while others can be downloaded at no charge from the company or developed using a free programming tool called Test Script Builder. TSP-Link master/slave connection provides a high-speed, low-latency interface to other TSP-based instruments, enabling simple, scalable multi-box and multi-instrument software control. (2635, from $8,495; 2636, from $13,995 — available six weeks ARO.)

Keithley Instruments , Cleveland , OH
Information 800-688-9951

http://www.keithley.comT