Keysight B2901C Source Measure Unit

Features and Specifications

• Number of Channels: 1

• Max Voltage: 210 V

• Output Range Max Current (DC): 3A

• Output Range Max Current (pulse): 10.5A

• Measurement Resolution: 6.5 digit

• View Modes: Single and Graph,
  Single provides basic and advanced settings from the front panel
  Graph provides results on XY graphs (I-V and I-t/V-t curves)

• Limit Test, Fast Transient Mode and Easy File Access

Highlights

• USB2.0, LAN, GPIB and digital I/O interfaces

• 4.3-inch TFT color display (480 x 272, with LED backlight)

• Dimensions Case: 88 mm (2U) x 213 mm (half width) x 450 mm

B2901C Overview

The Keysight B2901C is a high-performance, single-channel precision Source/Measure Unit (SMU) offering accurate and versatile voltage and current sourcing and measurement capabilities. It supports voltages up to ±210 V, currents up to ±3 A DC, and pulsed currents up to ±10.5 A, making the it ideal for diverse IV measurement tasks. Its fine resolution (100 fA current measurement, 1 µV voltage sourcing) allows precise characterization of semiconductors, discrete components, photovoltaic cells, and other electronic devices, previously achievable only with specialized equipment.

The integrated four-quadrant functionality simplifies complex measurement setups, replacing multiple instruments with one compact unit. A built-in Arbitrary Waveform Generator and various sweep functions (linear, logarithmic, pulsed) enable flexible characterization under dynamic electrical conditions. The 4-wire Kelvin connection ensures accurate low-resistance measurements by eliminating lead resistance errors. Additionally, the B2901C ’s high-capacitance measurement mode supports stable testing of devices with capacitive loads up to 50 µF, addressing typical oscillation challenges.

A 4.3-inch color LCD graphical interface allows intuitive setup, data viewing, and real-time interactive testing directly from the front panel. Remote control via USB, LAN, GPIB, and available software solutions like Keysight's PathWave BenchVue and EasyEXPERT group+ facilitate seamless integration into automated test environments, improving efficiency and productivity. Rapid sampling rates (up to 50,000 points/second) and advanced trigger options provide precise timing control, ideal for capturing low-frequency transient phenomena. Compact, reliable, and user-friendly, the B2901C significantly enhances testing accuracy and throughput in both laboratory and production environments.

Simplify Difficult IV Measurement Tasks

Performing IV measurements with conventional instruments such as voltage/current sources, Arbitrary Waveform Generators (AWGs), switches, and voltage/current meters is complicated and confusing. It requires deep technical knowledge of both the measurement technique and the instrumentation to perform an accurate measurement.

Rack and Stack Solution (right): Multiple instruments connected together with no easy means to coordinate them.

The B2900C/CL Series SMU integrates many different source and measurement capabilities into one compact form factor. It can operate as a seamless 4-quadrant precision voltage/current source, an electrical load, an accurate voltage/current meter, a pulse generator and an AWG. Its versatile all-in-one integrated source and measurement capabilities allow it to perform a wide variety of measurements from DC to low frequency AC without the need to change connections or use additional equipment.

SMU Solution (right): Integrated 4-quadrant voltage and current sourcing and measurement (including AWG function).

B2900C/B2900CL Series SMU Models

Choose from six Keysight B2900C/CL Precision Source/Measure models that are compact and cost-effective bench-top Source/Measure Units (SMUs) with the capability to source and measure both voltage and current. In the chart below, the differentiation between the models is according to their available features: output range, number of digits displayed, measurement resolution, minimum timing interval, viewing modes, and SMU channels. These model choices make it easy for selecting the performance need for your testing requirements.

What's in the Box

• B2901C Source Measure Unit

• Power cable

• USB cable

• Quick Reference (English)