Keysight B2901B – Source Measurement Unit (1 Channel; 100fA Resolution; 210V, 3A DC/10.5A Pulse)

The Keysight B2900B/BL Series Precision Source/Measure Units are compact and cost-effective benchtop Source/Measure Units (SMUs) with the capability to source and measure both voltage and current. These capabilities make the B2900B/BL Series SMU ideal for a wide variety of IV (current versus voltage) measurement tasks that require both high resolution and accuracy.

Several models available

There are two key parameters in selecting an SMU: the number of measurement channels (one or two) and the SMU performance level. The B2900B/BL series comes in value (B2901BL/B2910BL), standard (B2901B/B2902B) and high-performance (B2911B/B2912B) versions.

Note: After purchase, it is not possible to upgrade an SMU to have more channels or to another version.

The following is a brief overview of the main features in each:

Get rapid and accurate measurement results

The B2900B/BL Series SMU has a voltage maximum of ±210 V, a current maximum ±3 A DC, and ±10.5 A pulsed sourcing capabilities. With a precision minimum of 10 fA/100 nV sourcing and measuring resolution, a color LCD graphical user interface (GUI) and several task-based viewing modes will improve your productivity for test, debug, and characterization.

The B2900B/BL Series SMU offers superior measurement throughput and supports conventional SMU SCPI commands for easy test code migration. These features improve efficiency and lower the cost of ownership when integrating the SMUs into systems for production tests.

The B2900B/BL Series SMU consists of six models. The differentiation between the models is according to their available features: output range, number of digits displayed, measurement resolution, minimum timing interval, viewing modes, and SMU channels. These model choices make it easy for selecting the performance and price you need for your testing requirements.

The B2900B/BL Series SMU reduces measurement complexity

Performing IV measurements with conventional instruments such as voltage/current sources, arbitrary waveform generators (AWGs), switches, and voltage/current meters is complicated and confusing. It requires deep technical knowledge of both the measurement technique and the instrumentation to perform an accurate measurement.

The B2900B/BL Series SMU integrates many different sources and measurement capabilities into one compact form factor. It can operate as a seamless 4-quadrant precision voltage/current source, an electrical load, an accurate voltage/current meter, a pulse generator and an AWG. Its versatile all-in-one integrated source and measurement capabilities allow it to perform a wide variety of measurements from DC to low-frequency AC without the need to change connections or use additional equipment. Moreover, the availability of 2-channel models supports the testing of devices with up to three terminals (as long as one terminal can be tied to the circuit common).

Capture transient phenomena effortlessly

The B2900B/BL Series SMUs support a high-speed sampling measurement function that permits the capture and display of low-frequency transient phenomena. The B2901BL and B2910BL SMUs support a 200 µs (5,000 points/second) and 50 µs (20,000 points/second) sampling rate. The B2901B and B2902B SMUs support a 20 µs (50,000 points/second) sampling rate, and the B2911B and B2912B SMUs support a 10 µs (100,000 points/second) sampling rate. The maximum achievable sampling rate depends on many factors, including signal level, ambient noise, and desired resolution.

4-wire measurement capability permits accurate low resistance measurement

When measuring small resistances the innate cable resistance can create serious measurement errors. To solve this, the B2900B/BL Series SMU supports a 4-wire (also known as a remote sense or Kelvin connection) measurement function. In the 4-wire scheme, two of the connectors force current and the other two connectors measure voltage. Since the connectors measuring voltage do not have any current flowing through them, they can accurately sense the actual voltage at the DUT.

Measure large capacitive loads without oscillation

Large capacitive loads can sometimes cause SMUs to oscillate. To mitigate this, the B2900B/BL Series SMU supports a high capacitance measurement mode. The high capacitance mode enables the measurement of large capacitive loads without having to worry about SMU oscillation.