Technical data

3- 2 Agilent B2900A Configuration and Connection Guide, Edition 1

Connection

Connecting to a DUT

3.1 Connecting to a DUT

This section describes how to connect a device under test (DUT) to the Agilent B2900A

series.

3.1.1 “2-wire connections” or “4-wire connections”

For connecting a DUT, you can choose the connection type 2-wire connections or 4-wire

connections.

If you want to simplify the connection, use the 2-wire connections by connecting the Force

terminals only. Then open the Sense terminals. The force terminals can be used to apply

and measure dc voltage or current.

For the low resistance measurement and the high current measurement, use the 4-wire

connections. To make the 4-wire connections, remote sensing, well known as the Kelvin

connections, use both Force and Sense terminals. Connecting the Force and Sense lines

together at the terminal of the DUT minimizes the measurement error caused by the

residual resistance of the test leads or cables.

Figure 3-1 2-wire and 4-wire connections

NOTE Kelvin connections (4-wire) give good measurement results when you force high-current, The

following figure shows the equivalent circuits for Kelvin and non-Kelvin connections.

Figure 3-2 Residual resistance on the Resistance measurement

DUT

4-Wire

DUT

High Sense

Low Sense

SMU

2-Wire

High Force

Low Force

SMU

High Force

Low Force

(a) non-Kelvin connection

(b) Kelvin connection

DUT