Keysight B2900A Series
Precision Source/Measure Unit
Conguration Guide
Cost-effective source/measurement
solutions offer superior performance and
a best-in-class graphical user interface.
02 | Keysight | B2900A Series Precision Source/Measure Unit - Conguration Guide
B2901
1
210 V
3.03
200 V
10.5
1
1
100
100
20
Single, graph
B2902
2
210 V
3.03
200 V
10.5
1
1
100
100
20
Single, dual, graph
B29
1
210 V
3.03
200 V
10.5
10
100
10
100
10
Single, graph, roll
B2912
2
210 V
3.03
200 V
10.5
10
100
10
100
10
Single, dual, graph,
roll
1.
Product Reference CD
1ea
Contains electronic user manuals files, drivers and software
2.
Keysight I/O Libraries CD
1ea
Contains driver and installation software for the Keysight I/O library
3.
Quick Reference
1ea
Printed reference for quick startup (English)
4.
Certificate of Calibration
(without test data)
1ea
Certificate of calibration (without actual test data). If you need the test
data, please specify option UK6.
5.
USB cable
1ea
Congure Your Keysight B2900A Series Precision Source/Measure Unit
The Keysight B2900A Series Source/Measure Unit (SMU) series contains the following four models.
– B2901A Precision Source/Measure Unit, 1ch, 100fA resolution, 210V, 3A DC/10.5A pulse
– B2902A Precision Source/Measure Unit, 2ch, 100fA resolution, 210V, 3A DC/10.5A pulse
– B2911A Precision Source/Measure Unit, 1ch, 10fA resolution, 210V, 3A DC/10.5A pulse
– B2912A Precision Source/Measure Unit, 2ch, 10fA resolution, 210V, 3A DC/10.5A pulse
This conguration guide has step-by-step instructions to help you congure an SMU and its related accessories to meet specic test
requirements. For detailed specications, refer to the B2900A SMU series data sheet (publication number 5990-7009EN).
Step 1. Select B2900A Series model
There are two key parameters you need to select up-front: the number of measurement channels (one or two) and the SMU performance level. The B2900A series comes in both standard (B2901A/B2902A) and high-performance (B2911A/B2912A) versions. Note:
After purchase it is not possible to upgrade an SMU to have more channels or to the high-performance version (if you currently have
the standard version).
Product
Number
A
A
11A
A
The following items are supplied standard with each B2900A series SMU:
Number of
channels
Max output
DC Pulse
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
Min
source
resolution
pA
V
pA
V
fA
nV
fA
nV
Description Qty. Additional Information
Min
measure
resolution
fA
nV
fA
nV
fA
nV
fA
nV
Min
timing
interval
s
s
s
s
Viewing mode
USB cable (1.8 m). Orderable parts number is 8121-1696.
03 | Keysight | B2900A Series Precision Source/Measure Unit - Conguration Guide
Paper Manual (Use
English
B2901A-AB
B2902A-AB
B29
B2912A-AB
Printed copy
B2901A-ABJ
B2902A-ABJ
B29
B2912A-ABJ
Printed copy
Paper Manual (Use
Chinese
Paper Manual (Use
Chinese
B2901A-AB2
B2902A-AB2
B29
B2912A-AB2
Printed copy
Rack Mount Kit
B2901A-1CM
B2902A-1CM
B29
B2912A-1CM
Rack mount kit for the B2900
2U height EI
Paper Manual (Use
English
Step 2. Add optional localized User’s Guide
The B2900A manuals (User’s Guide, etc.) are included in PDF format on the CD-ROM shipped with the B2900A. If you need printed
manuals then they can be ordered using the part numbers shown below.
Description Product Number Additional Information
r’s Guide),
Paper Manual (User’s Guide), Japanese
r’s Guide), Traditional
r’s Guide), Simplified
Download the Product Manual from the
Keysight website
11A-ABA
11A-ABJ
B2901A-AB0
B2902A-AB0
B2911A-AB0
B2912A-AB0
11A-AB2
B2901A-0B0
B2902A-0B0
B2911A-0B0
B2912A-0B0
A
A
A
Printed copy
No printed copy
The EasyEXPERT group+ software manuals (User’s Guide) are also included in PDF format on the CD-ROM shipped with the B2900A.
If you need printed manuals then they can be ordered using the part numbers shown below.
Description Product Number Additional Information
r’s Guide),
Paper Manual (User’s Guide),
Japanese
Step 3. Select optional accessories
Step 3-1. Choose a rack mount kit (optional)
Description Product Number Additional Information
B1540-90007
B1540-90021
B1540-97007
B1540-97021
11A-1CM
Printed copy, Volume 1 for EasyEXPERT group+
Printed copy, Volume 2 for EasyEXPERT group+
Printed copy, Volume 1 for EasyEXPERT group+
Printed copy, Volume 2 for EasyEXPERT group+
A series.
A and 1/2 rack width.
04 | Keysight | B2900A Series Precision Source/Measure Unit - Conguration Guide
Step 3. Select optional accessories (continued)
Step 3-2. Determine if you need to make 4-wire or guarded measurements
The B2900A SMUs support both 2-wire and 4-wire measurement. The default connection scheme is the simpler 2-wire conguration,
which uses only the force terminals. In 2-wire mode the sense terminals are left open.
If you are measuring very small resistances or applying very large currents then you should use the 4-wire measurement method (also
known as the Kelvin method). This technique uses both the force and sense terminals, and by making the measurement through the
sense terminals (in which no current is owing) the effects of cable resistance are eliminated.
High Force
High Force
High Sense
DUT
DUT
Low Sense
Low Force
Low Force
2-wire connections 4-wire connections
Low current measurements (< 1nA) require guarding to prevent leakage through the measurement cable. The schematic shown below
provides a simplied overview of the guarding technique. Guarded measurements require the use of triaxial cables. A follower (x1)
buffer amplier keeps the guard conductor at the same potential as the center conductor. Since there is no voltage difference, no
current can ow from the center conductor to the guard. Note: In this example, even the test xture has a guarded shield to prevent
leakage at the test xture.
Shield
DUT
A
x1
Force
Guard
Common
Guarding Technique
Guard Shield
05 | Keysight | B2900A Series Precision Source/Measure Unit - Conguration Guide
Recommended
accessories
U8201
Combo test lead kit
1
Kelvin probe set
Recommended
accessories
U8201
Combo test lead kit
1
Kelvin probe set
Step 3. Select optional accessories (continued)
Step 3-2. Determine if you need to make 4-wire or guarded measurements (continued)
1. Unguarded 2-Wire connection scheme
Recommended Connection Easy Connection
Typical connection
example
DUT
U8201A
The 11059A simplifies connectivity but does not
support voltage magnitudes greater than ± 42 V.
11059A
DUT
(Max. Voltage: ± 42 V)
A
2. Unguarded 4-Wire connection scheme
Recommended Connection Easy Connection
Typical connection
example
DUT
U8201A
U8201A
1059A
The 11059A simplifies connectivity but does not
support voltage magnitudes greater than ± 42 V.
11059A
DUT
(Max. Voltage: ± 42 V)
A
U8201A
1059A
06 | Keysight | B2900A Series Precision Source/Measure Unit - Conguration Guide
Recommended
accessories
2ea
2ea
Low leakage Triaxial cable (1.5 m)
1ea
1ea
N1295
1ea
16442B
1ea
Recommended
accessories
3ea
Low leakage
1ea
Banana -
16442B
1ea
T
Step 3. Select optional accessories (continued)
Step 3-2. Determine if you need to make 4-wire or guarded measurements (continued)
3. Guarded 2-Wire connection scheme
Recommended Connection
Typical connection
example
The N1295A does not support
voltages greater than ± 42 V.
DUT
N1294A-001
N1295A
16494A-001
1
1
2
4
4
3
1
2
2
3
4
3
16494A-001
N1294A-001
Low leakage Triaxial cable (1.5 m)
Banana - Triaxial Adapter for
2-wire (non-Kelvin) connection
A
Device/component test fixture
16494A-001
The 16442B supports
voltages up to 200 V.
16442B
16494A-001
SMU
Sense
1
Force
2
(Force)
DUT
16494A-001
N1294A-001
Banana - Triaxial Adapter for
2-wire (non-Kelvin) connection
Test Fixture for general use
N1294A-001
SMU 1
SMU 2
16494A-001
4. Guarded 4-Wire connection scheme
Recommended Connection
Typical connection
example
Force
16494A-001
N1294A-002
16442B
1
Sense
(Force)
SMU
DUT
16494A-001
2
3
Force
Guard
SMU 1
SMU 2
SMU 3
Triaxial cable (1.5 m)
Triaxial Adapter for 4-wire (Kelvin) connection
est Fixture for general use
N1294A-002
16494A-001
16494A-001
07 | Keysight | B2900A Series Precision Source/Measure Unit - Conguration Guide
Step 3. Select optional accessories (continued)
Step 3-3. Consider interlock circuit (optional)
To prevent accidental exposure to dangerously high voltages, the B2900A SMUs have a safety interlock. They cannot source voltages
greater than ± 42 V unless the interlock circuit is closed. This is achieved using pins 16 and 24 on the rear Digital I/O output. Normally,
these pins are routed to a shielding box or test xture that must be closed to complete the interlock circuit.
If you are using the 16442B test xture then you can use the N1294A-011 or 012 interlock cables to connect to the interlock circuit. If
you are not using the 16442B then you should install an interlock circuit as shown in the gure below. For more detailed information,
please refer to “Installing the Interlock Circuit” in the Keysight B2900A Series User’s Guide.
Shielding box
LED
24, 25
D-sub connector
Negative or Positive
24
22, 23
15, 19
16, 17
14
Dsub cable
B2900A
Digital I/O
Access door
Interlock circuit
Mechanical switches
15, 19
14
17, 18
16
Step 3-4. Determine if you use the B2900A series with multiple free software control options (optional)
The B2900A series has multiple free software control options, allowing you to choose the solution that best ts your particular application.
Description Product Number Description
Interlock cable (1.5 m) N1294A-011 Interlock cable for 16442A/B test xture (GPIO Dsub25 to
Interlock cable (3.0 m) N129 4A-012
Software Control Option Available interface Description
BenchVue GPIB, USB, LAN Source constant voltage or current and control other
Graphical Web Interface LAN Use your web browser to make basic measurements
Quick I/V Measurement Software GPIB, USB, LAN A common software solution for the entire B2900 family
EasyEXPERT group+ GPIB Powerful sof tware for detailed characterization and
– 82357B GPIB-USB Interface is required for software control through GPIB interface.
– 1.8 m USB cable is furnished with the B2900A series for software control through USB interface.
– LAN cable is required for software control through LAN interface.
– The EasyEXPERT group+ software supports multiple unit control with synchronization. Please see the next page in detail.
6pin mini plug)
Keysight instruments
analysis of devices, circuits and materials
08 | Keysight | B2900A Series Precision Source/Measure Unit - Conguration Guide
Step 3. Select optional accessories (continued)
Step 3-4. Determine if you use the B2900A series with multiple free software control options (optional)
The EasyEXPERT group+ software is capable to control up to 4 units of the B2900A SMUs at the same time. It is required to
make a connection of trigger lines in order to synchronize one unit to the others when you use multiple units of the B2900A
SMUs with the EasyEXPERT group+ software. Only GPIB connection is available for the EasyEXPERT group+.
1. Use a single unit of the B2900A SMU
Recommended accessories for synchronization
82357B
B2900A 1ea Precision Source/Measure Unit
82357B 1ea USB/GPIB interface
2. Use two units of the B2900A SMU
Recommended accessories for synchronization
N1294A-032
B2900A 2ea Precision Source/Measure Unit
82357B 1ea USB/GPIB interface
N1294A-032 1ea Digital I/O Trigger Cable for Multiple Unit Control
108 33D 1ea GPIB cable (0.5m)
3. Use three units of the B2900A SMU
108 33D
Recommended accessories for synchronization
N1294A-032
108 33D
82357B
82357B
B2900A 3ea Precision Source/Measure Unit
82357B 1ea USB/GPIB interface
N1294A-032 1ea Digital I/O Trigger Cable for Multiple Unit Control
108 33D 2ea GPIB cable (0.5m)
09 | Keysight | B2900A Series Precision Source/Measure Unit - Conguration Guide
Step 3. Select optional accessories (continued)
Step 3-4. Determine if you use the B2900A SMUs with EasyEXPERT group+ software (continued)
The EasyEXPERT group+ software is capable to control up to 4 units of the B2900A SMUs at the same time. It is required to
make a connection of trigger lines in order to synchronize one unit to the others when you use multiple units of the B2900A
SMUs with the EasyEXPERT group+ software. Only GPIB connection is available for the EasyEXPERT group+.
4. Use 4 units of the B2900A SMUs
Recommended accessories for synchronization
N1294A-032
B2900A 4ea Precision Source/Measure Unit
82357B 1ea USB/GPIB interface
N1294A-032 1ea Digital I/O Trigger Cable for Multiple Unit Control
108 33D 3ea GPIB cable (0.5m)
108 33D
82357B
Step 3-5. Select additional accessories (optional)
The following optional accessories are available for specialized requirements.
Description Product Number Additional Information
Low leakage Triaxial cable (1.5 m) 16494 A-001 16494A triaxial cable supports up to 200 V and 1 A.
Low leakage Triaxial cable (3.0 m) 1649 4A-002
Low leakage Triaxial cable (0.8 m) 1649 4A-003
Low leakage Triaxial cable (0.4 m) 16494A-004
Low leakage Triaxial cable (4.0 m) 1649 4A-005
High Current Triaxial cable (1.5m) 16 493L- 0 0 1 16493L triaxial cable supports current higher than 1 A.
High Current Triaxial cable (3.0m) 16 493L- 0 02
Coax cable (1.5 m) 1649 3B-001 16493B coax cable supports up to 40 V and 200 mA.
Coax cable (3.0 m) 16493B-002
High Current BNC Coax cable (1.5 m) 16493U-001 16493U coax cable supports up to 40 V and 20 A pulse.
High Current BNC Coax cable (3.0 m) 16493U-002
Coaxial BNC cable (1.2 m) U2 921A-10 0
Combo test lead kit U8201A
Kelvin probe set 11059A
10 | Keysight | B2900A Series Precision Source/Measure Unit - Conguration Guide
Step 3. Select optional accessories (continued)
Step 3-5. Select additional accessories (continued)
Description Product Number Additional Information
Triaxial(m) to BNC (f) adaptor N125 4A-101
Triaxial(f) to BNC (m) adaptor N125 4A-102
Triaxial(m) to BNC (f) adaptor N125 4A-10 3
Triaxial (f) to BNC (m) adaptor N12 5 4 A-104
Triaxial (f) to BNC (m) adaptor N12 5 4 A-105
Triaxial (m) to BNC (f) adaptor N12 5 4 A-106
Triaxial (m) to Triaxial (f) adaptor N12 5 4 A-107
Coax Tee Adapter (m-f-f) 125 0 -24 0 5
Triaxial Tee Adapter (f-m-f) 1250-15 51
Digital I/O cable (1.5 m) 16 493G - 001 To synchronize triggering between member of the
Digital I/O cable (3.0 m) 16 493G - 002
Digital I/O T-cable N12 5 3 A -100 To synchronize triggering between member of the
Interlock cable (1.5 m) N1294A-011 Interlock cable for the 16442A/B test xture (GPIO Dsub-25 to 6-pin
Interlock cable (3.0 m) N12 9 4 A - 012
GPIO - BNC Trigger Adapter N1294A-031
Digital I/O Trigger Cable for Multiple Unit
Control
USB A-BI-O Cable (2.0 m) 8121-169 6 USB A-B I-O cable
USB/GPIB interface 82357B
Banana - Triaxial Adapter for 2-wire (non
Kelvin) connection
Banana - Triaxial Adapter for 4-wire
(Kelvin) connection
Device/component test xture N1295A
Test Fixture for E5270 and general use 164 42B
GPIB cable (1.0 m) 1083 3A
GPIB cable (2.0 m) 1083 3B
GPIB cable (4.0 m) 1083 3C
GPIB cable (0.5 m) 1083 3D
N1294A-032 Required to use EasyEXPERT group+ software with
N1294A-001
N1294A-002
B2900A Series
B2900A Series
mini plug)
multiple units
11 | Keysight | B2900A Series Precision Source/Measure Unit - Conguration Guide
Step 4. Select warranty length and calibration plan
Step 4-1. Select extended warranty (optional)
A 3-year warranty is included at no additional charge.
Description Product Number Additional Information
Warranty Assurance Plan – Return
to Service Center – 5 years
R-51B-001-5F
Step 4-2. Select calibration services (optional)
Keysight factory calibration is provided as standard and free of additional charges.
Description Product Number Additional Information
ANSI Z540-1-1994 Calibration B2901A-A6J
B2902A-A6J
B2911A-A6J
B2912A-A6J
Commercial Calibration Certicate
with Test Data
Calibration Assurance Plan –
Return to Service Center - 3 years
Calibration Assurance Plan Return to Service Center - 5 years
B2901A-UK6
B2902A-UK6
B2911A-UK6
B2912A-UK6
R- 5 0C- 011- 3
R-50C-011-5
Calibration certicate with measurement results available only at time
of purchase
Calibration certicate with measurement results available only at time
of purchase
Software Upgrade Package for B2900A Series
If you’d like to use the EasyEXPERT group+ or latest functions on GUI with your existing B2900A Series, a product update may be
required. Please contact Keysight in detail.
Description Product Number Additional Information
B2901A Sof tware Upgrade Package B2901AU Extension Support and Subscription
B2902A Software Upgrade Package B2902AU Extension Support and Subscription
B2911A Software Upgrade Package B2911AU Extension Support and Subscription
B2912A Software Upgrade Package B 2 912AU Extension Support and Subscription
Related Literature
Publication Number Publication Title
599 0-70 0 9 EN Keysight B2900A Series Precision Source/Measure Unit, datasheet
5991-3878EN Accessories for the B2900 Precision Instrument Family
59 91-35 42EN GPIO-BNC trigger Adapter Simplies Triggering Connections
12 | Keysight | B2900A Series Precision Source/Measure Unit - Conguration Guide
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B2900 Precision Instrument Family
The B2900A Family includes products for both precision sourcing and precision
measurement. www.keysignt.com/nd/b2900a
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This information is subject to change without notice.
© Keysight Technologies, 2015, 2016
Published in USA, January 19, 2016
5992-0660EN
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