Keithley 4200A-SCS IV, CV, and Impulse Characteristics Analyzer

SHORT DESCRIPTION

Keithley 4200A-SCS is a full-featured, customizable parametric analyzer that provides accurate measurements of current-voltage characteristics (IVC) and capacitance-voltage characteristics (C-V characteristics) of various semiconductor devices and industrial materials. The optional PMU module allows you to measure impulse current-voltage characteristics. The CVIV automatic switching module allows you to measure IV and CV characteristics without the need for manual switching of wires. You can download a full description of all the characteristics below on this page in the section Documentation.

Areas of use:
- transistors (MOSFET, BJT, etc.), diodes, various semiconductor structures
- passive electronic components
- solar cells
- LED and OLED light emitting diodes
- sensors and sensors
- microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), nanostructures
- measurement of material parameters
- electrochemistry
- scientific research

Main characteristics:
Current-voltage characteristic (CVC) range: up to 210 V, up to 1 A.
Capacitance-voltage characteristic (CVC) frequency range: from 1 kHz to 10 MHz.
Pulse current-voltage characteristic range: ±40 V, ±800 mA, 200 MSa/s.
Current resolution: up to 0.1 pA. Connection diagram: 2-wire and 4-wire.
Allows you to measure the I-V characteristics, the complex resistance to alternating current, register signals and measure the I-V characteristics of transients.
39.6 cm color touch screen (1920 x 1080 resolution).
Interfaces: USB, Ethernet (LAN), IEEE-488.2 (GPIB), RS-232, SVGA.
Weight: 29.7 kg. Dimensions: 436 x 223 x 565 mm. Working temperature: from +10°С to +40°С.
Accurate characterization of semiconductors and materials

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Keithley 4200A-SCS Parametric Analyzer makes it possible performing fast and accurate tests semiconductor and passive devices, the study of the properties of materials, the preparation of technological processes in the laboratory and in production. This analyzer is the latest addition to Keithley's long established and proven line of high precision parametric analyzers.

Structurally, the Keithley 4200A-SCS analyzer is made in the form of a laboratory instrument, in the case of which there is an industrial computer running Windows 10 with a large built-in screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The measuring capabilities of this analyzer are provided by installing replaceable modules, the number of which can be up to nine pieces. There are three categories of plug-in measurement modules (SMU, CVU and PMU) which are detailed further down this page.

This photo shows the rear panel of a Keithley 4200A-SCS Parametric Analyzer with seven measurement modules installed. If you click on the photo, the enlarged image clearly shows three categories of interchangeable measurement modules (in order from right to left): two standard modules 4200-SMU for current-voltage measurements, two high power modules 4210-SMU also for current-voltage measurements, one module 4200-CVU for measuring capacitance-voltage characteristics and two modules 4225-PMU for measuring impulse responses.

The 4200A-SCS comes with powerful software Clear, which contains hundreds of already configured tests and a large number of video instructions for performing typical measurements, which will allow you to quickly understand the functions of the device and automate your work.

To demonstrate one of the many features of the Clarius program, this screen shot of the Keithley 4200A-SCS instrument shows the process of configuring a transistor test. This test will use three SMUs (for measuring current-voltage characteristics) and a GNDU grounding device (a separate group of connectors located on the rear panel of the analyzer).

The measurement capabilities of the Keithley 4200A-SCS Parametric Analyzer are extremely versatile. Equipped with the necessary modules, it allows you to very accurately measure the key parameters of the object of study. As an example, this table shows some of the many parameters that can be measured with the Keithley 4200A-SCS analyzer.

Modules for measuring current-voltage characteristics (CVC)

A key element in the analysis of the parameters of devices and materials is the measurement of the dependence of the current on the DC voltage applied to them or the current-voltage characteristic (CV). The Keithley 4200A-SCS analyzer supports a premium line of source measure modules (SMUs) that can generate both voltage and current and measure them simultaneously with high resolution and accuracy. In addition, the Keithley 4200A-SCS analyzer can not only supply current to the load, but also consume it from the load, and also work with negative voltages. This allows you to measure the parameters of solar cells, charged capacitors and other similar devices.

As an example, this screenshot shows the result of measuring a group of current-voltage characteristics of an n-MOSFET transistor using the Keithley 4200A-SCS analyzer.

SMU (Source Measure Unit) source-measurement modules are standard power (up to 210 V, up to 100 mA, two models: 4200-SMU and 4201-SMU) and increased power (up to 210 V, up to 1 A, two models: 4210-SMU and 4211-SMU). For models 4200-SMU and 4210-SMU, the electrical capacitance of the load must not exceed 10 nF. Improved modifications 4201-SMU and 4211-SMU can operate at an increased load (up to 100 microfarads).

A total of nine SMUs can be installed in the 4200A-SCS in various combinations. Brief characteristics of source-measure modules are presented in this table.

To significantly increase the capabilities of SMU modules when measuring low currents external 4200-PA preamplifiers can be used. Adding the 4200-PA preamplifier to any SMU module increases its current sensitivity by a factor of 10,000 (from 100 fA to 10 aA).

This table lists the measurement ranges of all SMU modules, as well as the current measurement accuracy in each of the ranges. As you can see from the table, the maximum capabilities are provided by the 4211-SMU module, equipped with an external 4200-PA preamplifier.

Capacitance-voltage (CV) measurement modules

The Keithley 4200A-SCS analyzer can be fitted with 4210-CVU module, which is designed to measure capacitance-voltage characteristics (CVC) in the frequency range from 1 kHz to 10 MHz and the range of electrical capacitance from units of femtofarads to microfarads. As a test signal, the 4210-CVU can supply an AC voltage in the range of 10 mVrms to the device under test. up to 100 mV RMS with 1 mV resolution. However, the 4210-CVU can supply DC bias in the range of ±30V or up to 60V differential voltage.

To measure capacitance-voltage characteristics with even higher resolution, 4215-CVU module, which is completely identical to the 4210-CVU module, except for the maximum voltage. For the 4215-CVU, the AC voltage applied to the device under test can vary from 10 mVrms up to 1 V RMS with 1 mV resolution.

The photo below shows one of the capacitance-voltage characteristics of a MOSFET transistor.

This figure shows how the 4210-CVU module installed inside the Keithley 4200A-SCS Parametric Analyzer is connected to the measurement object. The test object (DUT) is inside a shielded fixture (Metal test fixture) with BNC connectors. The module and DUT are connected using four coaxial cables with SMA connectors and four SMA-BNC adapters.

Multi-switch Keithley 4200A-CVIV

When attempting to simultaneously measure the volt-ampere and capacitance-voltage characteristics of a device under test, you are faced with the need to use different connection wires to make two completely different types of measurements. This takes a lot of time, leads to errors and significantly reduces work efficiency.

As a solution, you can use a special multi-switch Keithley 4200A-CVIV, which connects to the Keithley 4200A-SCS Parametric Analyzer and can automatically switch between capacitance-voltage and current-voltage measurement modes (up to four SMUs). The photo below shows the appearance of this useful device. Please note that the Keithley 4200A-CVIV switch has a built-in color display that provides real-time detailed information about the measurement progress.

This figure shows the switching circuit inside a Keithley 4200A-CVIV multi-switch when measuring a MOSFET transistor. Inside the 4200A-CVIV are twenty dedicated switches that can connect up to four source measure modules (SMUs) and one capacitance-voltage meter module to any DUT connector.

The figure shows the moment when the capacitance-voltage characteristic of the transistor is measured. Without manual switching of wires, you can immediately start measuring the current-voltage characteristics. The operation of the 4200A-CVIV switch is controlled by the Keithley 4200A-SCS Parametric Analyzer software.

Module for measuring impulse current-voltage characteristics

The impulse current-voltage characteristic is formed due to the series short-term applying voltage to the device under test and simultaneously measuring the current. Since the measurement voltage is applied for a very short time, the measurement object experiences minimal self-heating. This type of current-voltage characteristic is important for a number of practical applications.

4225-PMU module for the parametric analyzer, the Keithley 4200A-SCS is specifically designed for this task. It can be used to measure pulse current-voltage characteristics in the range of ±40 V and ±800 mA. The 4225-PMU contains two independent measurement channels. The voltage and current measurement rate in each channel is 200 MSa/s with 14-bit ADC resolution.

As an example, this screen shot of the Keithley 4200A-SCS analyzer shows the test configuration window using the Keithley 4225-PMU pulse module.

Keithley 4225-RPM pre-switch

To parameterize some devices, it is necessary to simultaneously perform three types of different measurements: DC IV, pulsed IV and CV. Typically, an external matrix of switches is used for this, which feed the various types of required signals to the device under test. To simplify this task, use the Keithley 4225-RPM Remote Preamp Switch, which is controlled by the Keithley 4200A-SCS and automatically switches all signals.

The photo below shows the appearance of the front (containing the input connectors) and rear (containing the output connectors) sides of the Keithley 4225-RPM preamp switcher.

This figure shows a real measurement circuit for a full diode test. The Keithley 4200A-SCS Parametric Analyzer Chassis contains four modules: two SMUs for DC I-V, one CVU for CV, and one dual-channel PMU for pulsed I-V. Two separate 4225-RPM preamplifier switches are used to automate module switching. This diagram also shows the types of connecting cables and optional accessories.