PZ2100 series High Channel Density Precision Source/Measure Unit Solution

Introduction

The Keysight PZ2100 series is the best-in-industry automated test equipment (ATE) solution that uncompromisingly and densely integrates enormous source/measure unit (SMU) resources into valuable rack space with flexible module options. It provides flexible scalability with multiple SMU module options covering a wide range of applications, from conventional static DC measurements down to 10 fA to emerging dynamic/pulsed measurements up to 15 MSa/s and down to 10 μs width. Uncompromisingly high-density integration that makes full use of available rack space, slots, or SMU module capabilities enables a lower cost per channel as well as 20x smaller rack space than conventional SMUs, thereby significantly reducing your test costs and saving valuable rack space.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you configure to meet the desired test requirements.

Configuring your Keysight PZ2100 series

Step 1. Add the PZ2100 mainframe

The PZ2100 mainframe is one model with no other option. Table 2 shows the furnished items of a PZ2100 mainframe.

Step 2. Select the types and number of SMUs

Keysight PZ2100A precision SMU mainframe has 4 slots and allows any mixed module configuration for flexible scalability. Table 3 shows the key specification of the available five SMUs. Choose at least one of the SMUs.

Step 3. Select accessories (optional)

Step 3-1. Select accessories for remote control

The GPIB, USB, and LAN interfaces are available to control the PZ2100A remotely.

Step 3-2. Select accessories for rack mount

Select a PX0113A to install a PZ2100A mainframe into a rack. You cannot use support rails for rack mounting your instrument. Support rails would block the airflow needed for cooling.

Step 3-3. Decide how to connect the SMU to your DUT interface

All PZ2100A series SMUs have High force, Low force, High sense, Low sense, and Guard. It supports both two-wire and four-wire measurements and low current measurements with a guard. Select the appropriate accessories according to your connection type.

Two-wire connection or four-wire connection

If you are measuring very small resistances or applying a very large current, you should use the four-wire measurement method (also known as the Kelvin method). This technique uses both force and sense terminals. Performing the measurement through the sense terminals (in which no current is flowing) eliminates the undesirable effects of cable resistance.

Guarding connections

Low current measurements (< 1 nA) require guarding to prevent leakage through the measurement cable. Figure 3 illustrates a simplified overview of the guarding technique. Guarded measurements require the use of triaxial cables. A follower (x1) buffer amplifier maintains the same potential between the guard conductor and the center conductor. Since there is no voltage difference, there is no current from the center conductor to the guard.

Low force connection

The low terminals of the PZ2100 series SMU are a floating configuration, enabling you to connect them to any potential up to ±40 V. If your DUT interface is floating and you need to make the low terminals grounded, you may do so by attaching a short bar, as shown in Figure 4. The PZ2100 series SMU ships with the short bar attached.

Step 3-4. Select accessories for output terminals of PZ2110A high[1]resolution SMUs

As shown in Figure 5, PZ2110A has two triaxial terminals for High force and High sense, one SMB terminal for Low sense, and a 6-pin terminal block for the module triggers and interlock.

Step 3-5. Select accessories for output terminals of PZ2120A/21A high-speed SMUs

As shown in Figure 6, PZ2120A/21A has two triaxial terminals for High force and High sense, one SMB terminal for Low sense, and a 6-pin terminal block for the module triggers and interlock.

It’s important to select cables with less inductance when applying pulses with a width of approximately 50 μs or less and a peak of approximately 100 mA or more because cable inductance is critical when applying a clean and narrow current pulse. Keysight provides special low-inductance cables, PX0105A.For other cases, Keysight provides special high current triaxial cables, PX0104A. Select the necessary cables according to your application requirements, as shown in Table 8.

Step 3-6. Select accessories for output terminals of PZ2130A/31A high channel density SMU

As shown in Figure 7, the PZ2120A/21A has a D-sub 25-pin connector. It provides High force (HF), Low force (LF), High sense (HS), Low sense (LS), and Guard (G) terminals for 5 channels. Each channel supports both two-wire and four-wire measurements and low current measurements with a guard. Note that although LF is shared by all channels, it is recommended to use each HF terminal with the LF terminal of the same channel.

For two-wire and no guard connection, select the necessary adapter and cables, as shown in Table 9.The PX0106A adapter is standard; however, a low-noise filter adapter, the PX0107A, is also available for noise-sensitive applications such as quantum computers.

For other connections, you need to develop custom cables to fit your measurement needs. Refer to Tips for making custom cables for PZ2130A/31A.