How to Characterize LEDs with Precision IV Measurements

+ Modular PXIe Precision SMU

Characterize LED Current-Voltage Behavior

Light-emitting diode (LED) current-voltage characterization requires sourcing a controlled bias voltage while measuring current across both reverse- and forward-bias operating regions. Reverse-bias characterization uses a voltage sweep with a low-current measurement range to capture leakage current, with measurement delay and aperture time adjusted to account for settling behavior and measurement noise.

Forward-bias characterization can use narrow voltage pulses while simultaneously sampling voltage and current to capture transient device behavior. A four-wire connection can be used for the pulsed measurement, while short pulse widths help reduce device self-heating. Fast sampling captures the voltage pulse and corresponding transient current so the device response can be evaluated over time.

Precision LED IV Characterization Solution

Characterizing LED current-voltage behavior requires controlled voltage sourcing together with sensitive current measurement for reverse bias and fast sampling for pulsed forward bias. The Keysight PXIe Precision Source / Measure Unit integrates voltage and current sourcing and measurement with current resolution down to 10 fA and voltage resolution down to 500 nV. It supports pulse widths down to 20 µs and sampling rates up to 1.25 MSa/s. Engineers can perform low-current reverse-bias sweeps and narrow-pulse forward-current measurements while adjusting measurement delay and aperture time to balance settling, noise, and test time.

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