Datasheet

LOW LEVEL MEASURE & SOURCE
www.keithley.com
1.888.KEITHLEY
(U.S. only)
A Greater Measure of Confidence
• Rear panel triax input. This allows the picoammeter to be used in floating operation, up to
500V. When not floating, the addition of a triax to BNC adapter allows inexpensive, easy-to-use
BNC cables to be employed, rather than more expensive triaxial cables.
• RS-232 and IEEE-488 interfaces. These interfaces make it easy to integrate the Model 6487 into
automated test and measurement systems.
• Scaled voltage analog output. This output allows the Model 6487 to transmit measurement
results to devices like DMMs, data acquisition cards, oscilloscopes, or strip chart recorders.
• Built-in Trigger Link interface. The Trigger Link interface simplifies synchronizing the Model
6487 with other instruments and voltage sources. This interface combines six independent
selectable trigger lines on a single connector for simple, direct control over all instruments
in a system.
• Display on/off switch. For research on light-sensitive components, such as measuring the dark
currents of photodiodes or I-V measurements on unpackaged semiconductors, the front panel
display can be switched off to avoid introducing light that could significantly reduce the accuracy
of the results.
• One-touch front panel design. Functions can be configured easily with the push of a button,
without complicated function menus.
A Broad Range of Low Current Applications
Wafer-Level Photodiode Testing
The Model 6487 Picoammeter/Voltage Source can be paired with a calibrated light source and a
probing fixture to create a cost-effective photodiode test system. Multiple Model 6487s can be con-
nected to the DUT’s probe pads to provide photocurrent readings or, with the addition of a switch
matrix, one pico ammeter can take current measurements from multiple pads. In the first step of the
measurement process, performed in total darkness, the Model 6487 produces a voltage sweep and
then measures the resulting dark current. In the second step, a voltage bias is applied and the result-
ing photocurrent is meas ured while the light level is increased in calibrated steps. The same basic
test configuration can be used for testing positive intrinsic negative (PIN) and avalanche photodiodes
(APDs). The 6487’s high resolution on the 10V source range provides superior sweeping and biasing
when small biases are required. The 500V source capability is necessary to bias APDs.
Ordering Information
6487 Picoammeter/
Voltage Source
Accessories Supplied
CA-186-1B
Ground Connection
Cable, Banana
to Screw-Lug
CAP-31 Protective Shield/
Cap (3-lug)
CS-459 Safety Interlock Plug
7078-TRX-3
Low Noise Triax Input
Cable, 1m (3 ft)
8607 High Voltage Banana
Cable Set for Voltage
Source Output
Photo Diode
Ammeter
V
source
Calibrated Light Source
Probe
Needles
Wafer
Pads
Probe Needles
6487 Picoammeter/Voltage Source
APPLICATIONS
• Resistance/resistivity
measurements
• Beam monitoring and radiation
monitoring
• Leakage current testing in
insulators, switches, relays, and
other components
• Galvanic coupling
measurements
• I-V characterization
on semiconductor and
optoelectronic devices
• Fiber alignment
• Circuit test and analysis in DCLF
circuits
• Sensor characterization
• Capacitor leakage
6487
Picoammeter/ Voltage Source
Measures low currents and high resistances quickly, accurately, and economically Measures low currents and high resistances quickly, accurately, and economically