October 16, 2012 – Keithley Instruments, Inc., a global manufacturer of advanced electrical test instruments and systems, has strengthened its leadership in low-level measurement by launching a dual-channel picoammeter featuring dual 30V proprietary, non-floating bias sources and 1fA measurement resolution. The Model 6482 picoammeter, the latest addition to Keithley’s popular high-sensitivity instrument line, offers two independent picoammeter/source channels in a 2U, half-rack format, enabling simultaneous 6-1/2-digit measurements across both channels. With channel precision twice as high as other high-speed, high-precision picoammeters, this product offers simpler control and lower costs compared to competitors' single-channel picoammeter/source combinations, as well as higher measurement accuracy (1% in the 2nA range) and a wider dynamic range (1fA to 20mA). With 4-1/2-digit resolution, up to 900 readings per second are possible on each channel. For more information on the Model 6482 dual-channel picoammometer/voltage source, visit www.keithley.com/products/dcac/sensitive/lowcurrent/?mn=6482 .

The features of this product include

1. Wide dynamic measurement range
The low-current measurement range of the Model 6482 varies in decimal places between 2 nA and 20 mA. Due to its wide measurement range, it provides high sensitivity and resolution for numerous low-current applications that require simultaneous measurement at multiple points, and such applications are becoming increasingly common.

2. High-precision dark current measurement
The Model 6482's 2nA current measurement range with 1fA resolution is ideal for measuring dark current and other low currents. Once the dark current level is determined, the instrument's REL function automatically subtracts the dark current as an offset, making the measured value more accurate for optical power measurement. When measuring the dark current of photodiodes or other light-sensitive components, the Model 6482's front panel display can be turned off to block the ingress of light that could interfere with obtaining accurate results.

3. Speed and Delta Measurement
The Model 6482 features a completely independent two-channel velocity or delta measurement function. This function is accessed via the front panel or the GPIB interface. In test installations using multiple detectors, this function can be used for target control.

4. Interface Options
To increase system integration and control speed and simplify the construction of multi-instrument test systems, the Model 6482 provides a trigger link function and standard GPIB and RS-232 interfaces. The trigger link function integrates six independent software-selectable trigger lines into a single connector to easily and directly control all instruments in the system. This feature is particularly useful for reducing total test time when sweeps must be performed during the test process. To facilitate the easy transfer of measurement results from the Model 6482 to other devices, the transmission of measured data via a 0–10V analog output to DMMs, data acquisition boards, oscilloscopes, strip chart recorders, and other devices has been simplified.

5. Threshold Programming and Filters
The current and voltage limit values of Model 6482 can be programmed to protect the instrument at critical points, such as the test start point. Average and median filters are also provided, and these filters are applied to the data stored in a separate 3000-point buffer memory for each channel.

6. Adjustable Noise Prevention Option
For applications with very demanding measurement sensitivity requirements, the Model 6482 features a triaxial input on the rear panel for triaxial cable connection to minimize electrical noise. For applications with less demanding measurement conditions, the provided TRX-BNC adapter can be used to connect with a more affordable BNC cable.

7. Wide range of applications
Model 6482 is designed for low-current operations in laboratories, R&D, and production sites and is suitable for a wide range of applications related to the characterization of electronic materials and devices. Applications include the following:
• Manufacturing component testing
• Dual diode test
• Semiconductor component testing
• Multi-pin component test
• Dark current measurement
• Ion beam monitoring
• Electron microscope
Additional information
For more details on Model 6482
You can check it at www.keithley.com/products/dcac/sensitive/lowcurrent/?mn=6482 on the Keithley website.