Keysight SMU - the Combination Instrument for Testing

Keysight SMUs

What is an SMU Supposed to do?

The SMU (Source Measure or Meter Unit) has established itself as an important measurement and test device in the field of testing components and assemblies. This type of unit combines an up to 4-quadrant power supply with a precision measuring device for voltage and current.

Depending on the application, the SMU often focuses on one of these three requirements:

  • High channel density for extensive test tasks (IC test, burn-in test),
  • high speed in time-critical production tests or
  • high resolution/low current in applications where precision is essential (RF components etc.).

For cost reasons, it is difficult to meet all three conditions with one instrument.

Keysight offers solutions for different application areas. The most flexible is probably the SMU mainframe PZ2100. The system is modular and offers 4 slots. Suitable modules are available for all three requirements - combinable according to need and budget.

Typical applications for Keysight SMUs

  • PZ2110A: Precision SMU for low current applications, RF component test.
  • PZ2120A and PZ2121A: High speed SMU for dynamic/pulsed measurements, VCSEL, DVT for IC, IC functional test (>3 A or >200 kS/s required).
  • PZ2103A and PZ2131A: High channel density SMU for multi-channel applications, bias source for IC test, burn-in test of ICs/modules.
  • B2900B series: general-purpose bench-top SMU for static characterization for a wide range of bench-top applications with wide output range; characterization of devices.
  • N6700 series with SMU and other modules: Dynamic characterization, battery discharge test, IC functional test.

Model Overview

Model Type Specifications
PZ2100A Modular SMU, mainframe 4 slots, up to 20 channels in one system; LCD display; USB, LAN/Ethernet/LXI, GPIB
Model Type Voltage, curret range Resolution Further features
PZ2110A 1-channel high-resolution SMU module 210 V, 315 mADC 10 fA Impulse 315 mA/20 µs;
Digitizer mode 1.25 MS/s
PZ2120A 1-channel high-speed SMU module 60 V, 3.5 ADC 100 fA Impulse 10.5 A/50 µs;
Digitizer mode 1 MS/s
PZ2110A 1-channel high-speed SMU module 60 V, 3.5 ADC 100 fA Impulse 10.5 A/10 µs;
Digitizer mode 15 MS/s
PZ2130A 5-channel multi-channel SMU module 30 V, 500 mADC 100 pA -
PZ2131A 5-channel multi-channel SMU module 30 V, 500 mADC 10 pA Impuls 500 mA/100 µs;
Digitizer mode 500 kS/s
 
Model Type Specifications
B2900B-Serie Benchtop-SMU Depending on model graphic single-/graph-/dual-/roll-view display; USB, LAN/Ethernet/LXI, GPIB
Model Type Voltage, curret range Resolution Further features
B2901BL 1-channel 21 V, 1.515 ADC Source: 1 µV, 10 pA;
Meter: 100 nV, 1 pA		 Digitizer 200 µs
B2910BL 1-channel 210 V, 1.515 ADC Source: 1 µV, 100 fA;
Meter: 100 nV, 10 fA		 Digitizer 50 µs
B2901B 1-channel 210 V, 3.03 ADC Source 1 µV, 1 pA;
Meter: 100 nV, 100 fA		 Digitizer 20 µs
B2902B 2-channel Digitizer 20 µs; dual-view
B2911B 1-channel 210 V, 3.03 ADC Source: 100 nV, 10 fA;
Meter: 100 nV, 10 fA		 Digitizer 10 µs; roll-view
B2912B 2-channel Digitizer 10 µs; dual- und roll-view
 
Model Type Specifications
N6700C Modular power supply, mainframe 4 slots/4 channels up to 400 W; LCD display; USB, LAN/Ethernet/LXI, GPIB
N6701C Modular power supply, mainframe 4 slots/4 channels up to 600 W; LCD display; USB, LAN/Ethernet/LXI, GPIB
N6702C Modular power supply, mainframe 4 slots/4 channels up to 1200 W; LCD display; USB, LAN/Ethernet/LXI, GPIB
N6705C Modular power analyzer, mainframe 4 slots/4 channels up to 600 W; large graphic display; USB, LAN/Ethernet/LXI, GPIB
Model Type Voltage, curret range U, I measurement accuracy Further features
N6781A 2-quadrant SMU module 600 mV/6 V/20 V, ±300 mA 0.025% + 1.2 mV, 0.03% + 0.25 mA For battery drain analysis
N6782A 2-quadrant SMU module 20 V, ±3 A 0.025% + 1.2 mV, 0.03% + 0.25 mA For functional test
N6784A 4-quadrant SMU module ±20 V, 3 A 0.025% + 1.2 mV, 0.03% + 0.25 mA General purpose