500mA SpikeSafe Source Measure Unit

• Speed up your test system with precision and accuracy
• Fast pulse with nanosecond rise times keep junction temperature low
• Integrated low noise digitizer with ranges to 400V
• Measurements synchronized with fast pulse
• Easily generate IV plots using Vektrex developed Control Panel Software
• Integrated bias source enables in-situ junction temperature measurements

The SpikeSafe™ 500mA Source Measure Unit supplies precision pulsed current with excellent pulse fidelity. Short-pulses with nanosecond rise and fall times are key to accurate LED, VCSEL, and Laser Diode measurements. A precision hardware-controlled timing system synchronizes source, measure and external instrumentation.

Smart measurements contain just the data you need, from a full waveform capture that shows a device’s heating curve, to a single precisely-timed voltage measurement that corresponds to a pulsed light measurement. Smart measurements eliminate the need to transfer and post-process large data sets. With SpikeSafe SMU there is confidence in the measurements; select measurement points captured per pulse will be time aligned for each pulse.

The SpikeSafe SMUs (Source Measure Units) are designed with versatile operational modes to cater to a wide range of applications. These general operational modes include:

• DC Mode: Provides continuous direct current for applications that require a steady and stable current supply.
• Continuous Pulse Mode: Allows for pulsed current with adjustable parameters for various testing scenarios.
• Single Pulse Mode: Enables the delivery of a single, precise pulse, ideal for specific testing conditions.

Additionally, SpikeSafe SMUs come with specialized operational modes that are hardware-integrated for user convenience:

• Sweep Mode: Allows for sweeping current or voltage across a range to analyze device characteristics.
• Burst Mode: Facilitates the generation of multiple pulses in quick succession.
• Repetitive Burst Mode: Provides repeated bursts of pulses for extended testing and analysis.

Programmable load tuning alters the SpikeSafe current regulator response to compensate for load conditions, cable impedance, and length. Hardware triggering ensures measurement repeatability. Continuous power conversion technology means no duty cycle or pulse width limitations.

The 500mA model accurately drives and pulses current into the microamp range. An optional bias current module supports junction temperature (Tj), thermal resistance (RΘ), and dynamic thermal impedance measurements.

Devices being tested are protected with a gentle turn-on during ramp-up and with SpikeSafe load protection during operation. SpikeSafe load protection continuously monitors voltage and current patterns and instantly shuts down the drive current when device anomalies are detected.

The notable specifications for this source measure unit are as follows: the low range output current accuracy is 0.05%+10µA. The high range output current accuracy is 0.05%+75µA. The pulse width accuracy is 1µs. The pulse rise/fall time is 200ns-3µs and the typical pulse width jitter is 30ns. This model offers total output power to 200W.