Datasheet
LOW LEVEL MEASURE & SOURCE
www.keithley.com
1.888.KEITHLEY
(U.S. only)
A Greater Measure of Confidence
Low noise measurements for research, metrology, and other low voltage testing applications
Reliable Results
Power line noise can compromise measurement accuracy significantly at the nanovolt level. The
Model 2182A reduces this interference by synchronizing its measurement cycle to line, which
minimizes variations due to readings that begin at different phases of the line cycle. The result is
exceptionally high immunity to line interference with little or no shielding and filtering required.
Optimized for Use with Model 6220/6221 Current Sources
Device test and characterization for today’s very small and power-efficient electronics requires sourc-
ing low current levels, which demands the use of a precision, low current source. Lower stimulus
currents produce lower—and harder to measure—voltages across the devices. Linking the Model
2182A Nanovoltmeter with a Model 6220 or 6221 Current Source makes it possible to address both of
these challenges in one easy-to-use configuration.
When connected, the Model 2182A and Model 6220 or 6221 can be operated like a single instrument.
Their simple connections eliminate the isolation and noise current problems that plague other solu-
tions. The Model 2182A/622X combination allows making delta mode and differential conductance
measurements faster and with less noise than the original Model 2182 design allowed. The Model
2182A will also work together with the Model 6221 to make pulse-mode measurements.
The 2182A/622X combination is ideal for a variety of applications, including resistance measure-
ments, pulsed I-V measurements, and differential conductance measurements, providing significant
advantages over earlier solutions like lock-in amplifiers or AC resistance bridges. The 2182A/622X
combination is also well suited for many nanotechnology applications because it can measure
resistance without dissipating much power into the device under test (DUT), which would otherwise
invalidate results or even destroy the DUT.
An Easy-to-Use Delta Mode
Keithley originally created the delta mode method for measuring voltage and resistance for the
Model 2182 and a triggerable external current source, such as the Model 2400 SourceMeter
®
SMU
instrument. Basically, the delta mode automatically triggers the current source to alternate the signal
polarity, and then triggers a nanovoltmeter reading at each polarity. This current reversal technique
Ordering Information
2182A Nanovoltmeter
Accessories Supplied
2107-4 Low Thermal Input Cable
with spade lugs, 1.2m (4 ft).
User manual, service
manual, contact cleaner,
line cord, alligator clips.
DC
Measurement
Delta Mode
Measurement
4µV
5nV
APPLICATIONS
Research
• Determining the transition
temperature of superconductive
materials
• I-V characterization of a material
at a specific temperature
• Calorimetry
• Differential thermometry
• Superconductivity
• Nanomaterials
Metrology
• Intercomparisons of standard cells
• Null meter for resistance bridge
measurements
ACCESSORIES AVAILABLE
2107-30 Low Thermal Input Cable with spade lugs,
9.1m (30 ft)
2182-KIT Low Thermal Connector with strain relief
2187-4 Low Thermal Test Lead Kit
2188 Low Thermal Calibration Shorting Plug
4288-1 Single Fixed Rack Mount Kit
4288-2 Dual Fixed Rack Mount Kit
7007-1 Shielded GPIB Cable, 1m (3.2 ft)
7007-2 Shielded GPIB Cable, 2m (6.5 ft)
7009-5 Shielded RS-232 Cable, 1.5m (5 ft)
8501-1 Trigger Link Cable, 1m (3.2 ft)
8501-2 Trigger Link Cable, 2m (6.5 ft)
8503 Trigger Link Cable to 2 male BNC connectors
KPCI-488LPA IEEE-488 Interface/Controller for the PCI Bus
KUSB-488B IEEE-488 USB-to-GPIB Interface Adapter
SERVICES AVAILABLE
2182A-3Y-EW 1-year factory warranty extended to 3 years
from date of shipment
C/2182A-3Y-ISO 3 (ISO-17025 accredited) calibrations within 3
years of purchase*
* Not available in all countries
Figure 2. Results from a Model 2182A/6220 using the delta mode to measure a 10mW resistor
with a 20µA test current. The free Model 6220/6221 instrument control example start-up
software used here can be downloaded from www.keithley.com.
2182A
Nanovoltmeter