Keithley 2425 100W SourceMeter

Keithley 2425 100W SourceMeter 

Keithley’s SourceMeter family are source measurement unit (SMU) instruments designed specifically for test applications that demand tightly coupled sourcing and measurement. All SourceMeter models provide precision voltage and current sourcing as well as measurement capabilities. Each SourceMeter instrument is both a highly stable DC power source and a true instrument-grade 6½-digit multimeter. The power source characteristics include low noise, precision, and readback. The multimeter capabilities include high repeatability and low noise. The result is a compact, single-channel, DC parametric tester. In operation, these instruments can act as a voltage source, a current source, a voltage meter, a current meter, and an ohmmeter. Manufacturers of components and modules for the communications, semiconductor, computer, automotive, and medical industries will find the SourceMeter instruments invaluable for a wide range of characterization and production test applications. Advantages of a Tightly Integrated Instrument By linking source and measurement circuitry in a single unit, these instruments offer a variety of advantages over systems configured with separate source and measurement instruments. For example, they minimize the time required for test station development, setup, and maintenance, while lowering the overall cost of system ownership. They simplify the test process itself by eliminating many of the complex synchronization and connection issues associated with using multiple instruments. And, their compact half-rack size conserves precious “real estate” in the test rack or bench. Power of Five Instruments in One (IV Source, IVR Measure) The tightly coupled nature of a SourceMeter instrument provides many advantages over solutions configured from separate instruments, such as a precision power supply and a digital multimeter. For example, it provides faster test times by reducing GPIB traffic and simplifies the remote programming interface. It also protects the device under test from damage due to accidental overloads, thermal runaway, etc. Both the current and voltage source are programmable with readback to help maximize device measurement integrity. If the readback reaches a programmed compliance limit, then the source is clamped at the limit, providing fault protection. Characteristics All SourceMeter instruments provide four-quadrant operation. In the first and third quadrants they operate as a source, delivering power to a load. In the second and fourth quadrants they operate as a sink, dissipating power internally. Voltage, current, and resistance can be measured during source or sink operation.  

 Automation for Speed A SourceMeter instrument streamlines production testing. It sources voltage or current while making measurements without needing to change connections. It is designed for reliable operation in non-stop production environments. To provide the throughput demanded by production applications, the SourceMeter instrument offers many built-in features that allow it to run complex test sequences without computer control or GPIB communications slowing things down.

Standard and Custom Sweeps Sweep solutions greatly accelerate testing with automation hooks. Three basic sweep waveforms are provided that can be programmed for single-event or continuous operation. They are ideal for I/V, I/R, V/I, and V/R characterization.

• Linear Staircase Sweep: Moves from the start level to the stop level in equal linear steps
• Logarithmic Staircase Sweep: Done on a log scale with a specified number of steps per decade
• Custom Sweep: Allows construction of special sweeps by specifying the number of measurement points and the source level at each point
• Up to 1700 readings/second at 4½ digits to the GPIB bus
• 5000 readings can be stored in the non-volatile buffer memory

Built-In Test Sequencer (Source Memory List) The Source Memory list provides faster and easier testing by allowing you to setup and execute up to 100 different tests that run without PC intervention.

• Stores up to 100 instrument configurations, each containing source settings, measurement settings, pass/fail criteria, etc.
• Pass/fail limit test as fast as 500µs per point
• Onboard comparator eliminates the delay caused when sending data to the computer for analysis
• Built-in, user definable math functions to calculate derived parameters

Example Test Sequence  

Digital I/O Interface The digital I/O interface can link the SourceMeter instrument to many popular component andlers, including Aetrium, Aeco, and Robotronics. Other capabilities of the interface include:

• Tight systems integration for applications such as binning and sorting
• Built-in component handler interface
• Start of test and end of test signals
• 5V, 300mA power supply
• Optional expander accessory (Model 2499-DIGIO) adds 16 digital I/O lines

Trigger Link Interface All SourceMeter instruments include Keithley’s unique Trigger Link interface which provides high-speed, seamless communications with many of Keithley’s other instruments. For example, use the Trigger Link interface to connect a SourceMeter instrument with a Series 7000 Switching System for a complete multi-point test solution. With Trigger Link, the 7000 Series Switching Systems can be controlled by a SourceMeter instrument during a high-speed test sequence independent of a computer and GPIB. Optional Contact Check Function The Contact Check function makes it simple to verify good connections quickly and easily before an automated test sequence begins. This eliminates measurement errors and false product failures associated with contact fatigue, breakage, contamination, loose or broken connection, relay failures, etc. Some capabilities of this function are:

• 350µs verification and notification process time
• The output of the SourceMeter instrument is automatically shut off after a fault and is not re-activated until good contact is verified, protecting the device under test from damage and the operator from potential safety hazards
• 3 pass/fail threshold values: 2Ω, 15Ω, and 50Ω
• No energy passes through the device under test during the operation
• Enabled either from the front panel or remotely over the GPIB
• 3 fault notification methods

Unique 6-Wire Ohms Technique SourceMeter instruments can make standard 4-wire, split Kelvin, and 6-wire, guarded ohms measurements and can be configured for either the constant current or constant voltage method. The 6-wire ohms technique:

• Uses guard and guard sense leads in addition to the 4-wire sense and source leads
• Locks out parallel current paths when measuring resistor networks or hybridcircuits to isolate the component under test
• Allows users to configure and plot data easily from Series 2400 SourceMeter instruments, making characterization of two, three, and four terminal devices a snap

 6-Wire Ohms Circuit. All test current flows through R1 because the high current guard drives the voltage across R2 to 0V.  

 Contact check option for 4-wire or 6-wire applications