Technical data

Agilent 41000 Administration Guide, Edition 3 5- 11
Measurement Techniques
Low Current Measurements
Low Current Measurements
This section describes the measurement techniques effective for the low current
measurement.
• “Guard Technique”
• “Hold Time”
• “Offset Current Subtraction”
Guard Technique
The guard technique was developed to reduce the leakage current that occurs to the
measurement path. It is important to extend the guard pattern as close as possible to the
front edge of the probe needle to maximize the effect of the guard. This also reduces the
induced noise.
Extending guard pattern will reduce the leakage current as shown in Figure 5-6.
Figure 5-6 Guard Technique
CAUTION Never connect the guard line/pattern to anything. Making connection will damage the unit.
WARNING Do not touch the guard terminal/pattern with bare hands because you may be
shocked by high voltage. The potential is equal to the force level.
Guard
Force
I
t
Guard has not been extended.
Guard has been extended.