Keithley Instruments announces the Series 2600 System SourceMeter Instruments, a platform that allow seamless integration into systems from 1 to 16 SMU channels. The Series, which consist of the single-channel Model 2601 and the dual-channel Model 2602, are a modular, scalable instruments for building ATE systems to perform precision DC, pulse, and low-frequency AC source-measure tests.

The integrated embedded Test Script Processor (TSP) lets users program a sequence of test commands and execute high-speed automated test sequences independently of a PC operating system. TSP features an intuitive intelligence that lets a 2600 Series instrument stand alone as a complete measurement automation solution for component testing. The instrument can control sourcing, measuring, pass/fail decisions, test sequence flow control, component binning, and data storage on 1 to 16 SMU channels. Flexible triggering and flow control capability allows TSP to control other instruments, component handlers, or probers via digital I/O and RS-232 ports. With its unparalleled instrument automation capability, TSP achieves up to 10X greater test throughput over legacy products.

System SourceMeter instruments are equipped with Test Script Builder development software. Its simple graphical user interface (GUI) lets users develop, modify, and debug high-speed TSP programs. Each unit also features a built-in suite of pre-written TSP programs that can be modified for specific applications. In addition, LabTracer 2.0 software enables instrument control, data acquisition, and curve tracing in lab or device characterization applications.

TSP-Link, another Keithley technology, functions as a trigger synchronization and inter-unit communication bus to allow a single TSP program to seamlessly control 16 or more SMU channels without hubs or bulky cables. With very little network overhead and a 100Mbit/sec data rate, it is significantly faster than GPIB and 100Base T Ethernet in real applications.

Series 2600 instruments offer SMU rack density with up to two SourceMeter channels in a single half-rack, 2U chassis. Each channel offers a 40W, 3A precision four-quadrant SMU with accurate voltage and current readback and 1-pA resolution that can be configured as a precision power supply, current source, bipolar bias source, 5.5-digit DMM, low-frequency arbitrary waveform generator with measurement, and electronic load. The costs are about $4,000 to $5,000 per channel.

The System SourceMeter instruments are suitable for a wide range of applications in functional test and R&D environments. Units can perform I-V functional test and I-V characterization of a wide range of integrated devices and components including discrete and passive devices, and SSI and LSI devices such as ASICs, SOCs, and RFICs. In R&D environments, units can perform device characterization to aid in materials research for device development.

The Series 2600 System SourceMeter instruments start at $5,495 (US) for the single-channel Model 2601. The dual-channel Model 2602 pricing is $7,995 (US). Availability is two weeks ARO effective May 1, 2005.