Source Measure Unit (SMU) Instruments Selector Guide | Tektronix

Source Measure Unit (SMU) Instruments Selector Guide | Tektronix Toggle Search Current Language × English

Select a language:

English FRANÇAIS DEUTSCH Việt Nam 简体中文 日本語 한국어 繁體中文 Toggle Menu x To find technical documents by model, try our Product Support Center Show all results → Products Oscilloscopes and Probes Oscilloscopes High Speed Digitizers Oscilloscope Probes Software Bench Software Data Analysis Test Automation Analyzers Spectrum Analyzers Parameter Analyzers Optical Modulation Analyzers Frequency Counters Signal Generators Arbitrary Function Generators Arbitrary Waveform Generators Sources and Supplies Source Measure Units DC Power Supplies DC Electronic Loads DC Bidirectional Supplies Battery Test & Simulation Meters Digital Multimeters Data Acquisition and Switching Low-level Instrument/Sensitive and Specialty Instruments Additional Products Reference Solutions Semiconductor Test Systems Components and Accessories Refurbished Test Equipment Product Selectors & Calculators ⇨ Keithley Products EA Elektro-Automatik Products All Products Promotions Solutions Industries Advanced Research Aerospace and Defense Automotive Education and Teaching Labs Medical Devices & Systems Power Semiconductor Renewable Energy Semiconductor Design and Manufacturing Applications 3D Sensing and Image Characterization EMI/EMC Testing High Speed Serial Communication Material Science and Engineering Power Efficiency RF Testing Test Automation All Solutions Services Calibration Services Factory Verified Calibration Multi-Brand Compliant Calibration Quality and Accreditation Calibration Capabilities Locations Service Levels Factory Calibration Status Tracking Multi-Brand Service Request ⇨ Asset Management Services CalWeb Field Service Managed Calibration Repair Services Factory Repair Status Tracking Parts Warranty Status Testing Services Environmental Testing HALT & HASS Testing NEMA Compliance Testing Package Testing Shock-Vibration Testing EA Elektro-Automatik Service Tektronix Component Solutions Factory Service Plans All Services Support Products Datasheets & Manuals Order Status Product Registration Warranty Status Parts Software Software Downloads TekAMS (Software License Management) Resources EA Elektro-Automatik Support FAQs Support Center Technical Support How & Where to Buy Contact Us Distributor Locator GSA Program Promotions Compliance Export Codes Integrity and Compliance Product Recycling (Europe Only) Product Security Quality Assurance Safety Recall Traceability Company About Us Blogs Customer Stories Events Newsroom Partner Portal TekTalk User Community Get A Quote GET PRODUCT QUOTEGET SERVICE QUOTECONTACT SALES Toggle Search x To find technical documents by model, try our Product Support Center Show all results → Login Current Language × English

Select a language:

English FRANÇAIS DEUTSCH Việt Nam 简体中文 日本語 한국어 繁體中文 Contact us

Request Services Quote
Parts Ordering
Request Sales Contact
Request Technical Support
Need help on product selection? Chat with Sales Available 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST

Call

Call us at

Available 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM (PST) Business Days

Contact US Contact us with comments, questions, or feedback Download

Download Manuals, Datasheets, Software and more:

DOWNLOAD TYPE Show All Products Datasheet Manual Software Marketing Document Faq Video MODEL or KEYWORD Feedback

Have feedback? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Whether positive or negative, your feedback helps us continually improve the Tek.com experience. Let us know if you're having trouble or if we're doing an outstanding job.

Tell us what you think

Tektronix Source Measure Unit (SMU) Instruments Selector Guide Source Measure Unit (SMU) Instruments Selector Guide Please Login/register to save starred items to Your Library. Login × Download File
MAKE MULTIPLE MEASUREMENTS ACCURATELY USING A SINGLE INSTRUMENT A source measure unit (SMU) instrument is a five-in-one tool. It combines the useful features of a digital multimeter (DMM), power supply, current source, electronic load and pulse generator, all in a compact form factor. This empowers you to:

Precisely source and measure voltage and/or current at the same time Measure resistance vs. current/voltage directly or indirectly Source and measure across a very broad range of current (100 aA to 50 A) and voltage (100 nV to 3 kV) with 6½ digits of measurement resolution Run production tests 60% faster and gain up to 10X more throughput Save time, maximize speed and get jobs done quickly. WHY A KEITHLEY SOURCE MEASURE UNIT? For more than 70 years, Tektronix — the manufacturer of Keithley SMUs — has been designing, manufacturing and marketing advanced electrical test instruments and systems for the specialized needs of electronics manufacturers in high performance production testing, process monitoring, product development and research.

Repeatability Guaranteed High Accuracy and Sensitivity Fast and Precise Broadest Choices TOUCH, TEST, INVENT WITH A GRAPHICAL TOUCHSCREEN SMU 2450, 2460, 2461, and 2470 SourceMeter SMU Instruments

Five-inch, high resolution capacitive touchscreen GUI 0.012% basic measure accuracy with 6½-digit resolution Wide coverage up to 1100 V, 7 A DC, 10 A pulse, 1000 W max. Source and sink (4-quadrant) operation Dual 1 MS/s digitizers for fast sampling measurements (2461 only) Enhanced sensitivity with 20 mV and 10 nA source/measure ranges (2450 only) Built-in, context-sensitive front panel help SCPI and Test Script Processor (TSP®) programming modes Front-panel USB 2.0 memory I/O port for transferring data, test scripts, or test configurations Model 2450 2460 2461 2470 Max Current Source/Measure Range 1 A 7 A 10 A 1 A Max Voltage Source/Measure Range 200 V 100 V 100 V 1000 V Measurement Resolution (Current / Voltage) 10 fA / 10 nV 10 pA / 100 nV 1 pA / 100 nV 10 fA / 100 nV Max Output Power 20 W 100 W 1000 W 20 W 2450 LEARN MORE 2460 LEARN MORE 2461 LEARN MORE 2470 LEARN MORE Save Time, Maximize Speed, and Get Jobs Done Quickly

SMU models that use familiar graphical interfaces, like icon-based menu structures, are easier to use for all experience levels. You’ll make measurements faster by reducing the learning curve and configuration steps, enabling you to learn faster, work smarter, and invent easier.

STANDARD PERFORMANCE SMUS FOR THE MOST BASIC NEEDS Series 2400 SourceMeter SMU Instruments

Five models: 20–100 W DC, 1100 V to 1 μV; single channel Source and sink (4-quadrant) operation 0.012% basic measure accuracy with 6½-digit resolution 2-, 4-, and 6-wire remote V-source and measure sensing 1700 readings/second at 4½ digits via GPIB Pass/Fail comparator for fast sorting/binning Programmable DIO port for automation/handler/ prober control (except 2401) Standard SCPI GPIB, RS-232 and Keithley Trigger Link interfaces 2400 LEARN MORE Model 2400 2401 2410 2420* 2440* Max Current Source/Measure Range 1 A 1 A 1 A 3 A 5 A Max Voltage Source/Measure Range 200 V 20 V 1100 V 60 V 40 V Measurement Resolution (Current / Voltage) 1 pA / 100 nV 1 pA / 100 nV 1 pA / 100 nV 10 pA / 100 nV 10 pA / 100 nV Max Output Power 20 W 20 W 20 W 60 W 50 W * Limited Supply Available until August 31, 2022 or when supplies are exhausted. Consider using the newer 2460 or 2461 Graphical High Current SourceMeter in your application or design for a longer return on your investment. MORE USEFUL THAN THE COMBINATION OF INDIVIDUAL INSTRUMENTS SMU VS. POWER SUPPLIES

SMUs can automatically sweep voltage or current to and from negative and positive outputs when the source crosses zero. During these operations, there is no need to change test leads. Output of a SMU can settle to within 0.01% of the specified accuracy in as little as 50 ms. SMU has higher precision and wider operating ranges. SMU is a more flexible option SMU VS. THE DMM AND POWER SUPPLY COMBO

SMU tightly integrates the source and measure capability into one instrument, eliminating the need for a separate DMM and power supply. Improves test times, simplifies overall test system design and increases usability SMUs can outperform the DMM and Power Supply Combo on current vs. voltage (IV) measurements for a variety of applications. HIGH SPEED SYSTEM SMUS FOR DEMANDING APPLICATIONS Series 2600B System SourceMeter SMU Instruments

Tightly integrated, 4-quadrant voltage/current source and measure instruments offer best-in-class performance with 6½-digit resolution Family of models offers industry’s widest dynamic range: 10 A pulse to 0.1 fA and 200 V to 100 nV TSP technology embeds complete test programs inside the instrument for best-in-class system-level throughput TSP-Link® expansion technology for multi-channel parallel test without a mainframe Complete production test without sacrificing footprint USB 2.0, LXI-C, GPIB, RS-232, and digital I/O interfaces 2600B LEARN MORE Model 2601B 2602B 2604B 2611B 2612B 2614B 2634B 2635B 2636B Channels 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 Max Current Source/Measure Range 3 A DC / 10 A Pulse 3 A DC / 10 A Pulse 3 A DC / 10 A Pulse 1.5 A DC / 10 A Pulse 1.5 A DC / 10 A Pulse 1.5 A DC / 10 A Pulse 1.5 A DC / 10 A Pulse 1.5 A DC / 10 A Pulse 1.5 A DC / 10 A Pulse Max Voltage Source/Measure Range 40 V 40 V 40 V 200 V 200 V 200 V 200 V 200 V 200 V Measurement Resolution (Current/Voltage) 100 fA / 100 nV 100 fA / 100 nV 100 fA / 100 nV 100 fA / 100 nV 100 fA / 100 nV 100 fA / 100 nV 1 fA / 100 nV 0.1 fA / 100 nV 0.1 fA / 100 nV Max Output Power 40 W DC / 200 W Pulse 40 W DC / 200 W Pulse 40 W DC / 200 W Pulse 30 W DC / 200 W Pulse 30 W DC / 200 W Pulse 30 W DC / 200 W Pulse 30 W DC / 200 W Pulse 30 W DC / 200 W Pulse 30 W DC / 200 W Pulse Run Production Tests 60% Faster and Gain Up to 10× More Throughput SMUs streamline production testing. The instruments source voltage or current while making measurements — without needing to change connections. SMUs are designed for reliable operation in non-stop production environments.

To provide the throughput demanded by production applications, embedded test scripts can be uploaded into the SMU, enabling them to run complex test sequences without computer control or communications slowing things down.

10 A AT 10 V @ 10 µs CURRENT PULSING FOR TESTING NEXT GENERATION DEVICES 2601B-PULSE System SourceMeter 10 µs Pulser/SMU Instrument

Industry leading 10 A @ 10 V, 10 microsecond pulse output No tuning required for inductive loads up to 3 μH Dual 1 Megasample/second digitizers for high speed I/V pulse measurements (pulser function only) DC capability up to ±40 V @ ±1.0 A, 40 Watt TSP technology embeds complete test programs inside the instrument for best-in-class system-level throughput TSP-Link expansion technology for multi-channel parallel test without a mainframe USB 2.0, LXI-C, GPIB, RS-232, and digital I/O interfaces Supported in the Keithley KickStart non-programming software tool Feature Performance Minimum Pulse Width 10 µs Max Pulse I 10 A Max DC I 3 A Max DC Voltage Source/Measure Range 40 V Max DC Source/Sink Power 40 W Min DC Current Range 100 nA Pulse Tuning Required No Pulse with Confidence, No Overshoot or Ringing No Tuning of Output Required up to 3 µH. Saves Time and Money

Typical pulse output from a competitive SMU with overshoot and 6.47 μs rise time. 2601B-PULSE output without overshoot and 1.4 µs rise time When outputting current pulses, cabling and inductance can be a problem. Inductance can have a limiting effect and could even be damaging. Quite often, the inductance can be different from device to device, even when testing laser diodes on a wafer. The effect of inductance on a current source is that inductance resists changes in current. This can cause the current source to increase the output voltage. The result is overshoot and ringing as the pulse settles. This may not be acceptable in your test. Some solutions require tuning to compensate for these behaviors, which can be time consuming. The 2601B-PULSE’s control loop system eliminates the need to tune for load changes up to 3 µH so that your pulse has no overshoot and ringing when outputting pulses from 10 µs up to 500 µs at a current up to 10 amps. This ensures a fast rise time, so your devices are sourced with a current pulse to properly characterize the device or circuit. The images to the right show the performance of a competitive modular SMU outputting a 5 A, 50 µs pulse on a device with an impedance of 3 µH compared to the 2601B-PULSE with PulseMeter technology.

HIGH POWER SMUS WITH UNPRECEDENTED POWER, PRECISION, AND SPEED 2651A 50 Amp High Power System SourceMeter SMU Instrument

Source or sink:
− 2,000 W of pulsed power (±40 V, ±50 A)
− 200 W of DC power (±10 V @ ±20 A, ±20 V@ ± 10 A, ±40 V @ ±5 A) Easily connect two units (in series or parallel) to create solutions up to ±100 A or ±80 V 1 pA resolution enables precise measurement of very low leakage currents 1 μs per point (1 MHz), 18-bit sampling, accurately characterizes transient behavior 1% to 100% pulse duty cycle for pulse width modulated (PWM) drive schemes and device specific drive stimulus 2651A LEARN MORE 2657A 3000 Volt High Power System SourceMeter SMU Instrument

Source or sink up to 180 W of DC or pulsed power, (±3000 V @ 20 mA, ±1500 V @ 120 mA) 1 fA low current resolution Dual 22-bit precision ADCs and dual 18-bit 1 μs per point digitizers for high accuracy and high speed transient capture Fully TSP® compliant for easy system integration with Series 2600B System SourceMeter models and 24XX Graphical SMUs 2657A LEARN MORE Achieving Fast Pulse Measurements for Today’s High-Power Devices

Green initiatives and energy efficiency standards worldwide have motivated engineers to find ways to design more efficient semiconductor devices and integrated circuits, and measuring the true state of these devices without the effects of self-heating is critical. Pulsed characterization is a solution to this issue. The use of a pulsed stimulus demands faster measurements. For high-speed digitization or waveform capture applications that require these capabilities, Keithley’s High Power SourceMeter® Instrument also includes two high-speed ADCs for measuring current and voltage simultaneously. These ADCs use sampling technology like an oscilloscope and take snapshots of the signal over time. Each high-speed ADC samples at a rate of up to 1 MHz with 18-bit resolution, which is much higher than the typical 8-bit resolution of an oscilloscope, resulting in more precise transient characterization in comparable bandwidths. Coupled with the ability to measure asynchronously from the source, this feature makes the 2651A and 2657A ideal for many waveform capture and transient characterization applications.

HIGH DENSITY, MORE CHANNELS, SMALLER FORM FACTOR 2606B System SourceMeter SMU Instrument

Incorporates the capabilities of two industry-leading Keithley 2602B SMUs. Four-channel SMU instrument in a single 1U full-rack chassis Stackable; no 1U spacing requirements between units Tightly integrated voltage/current source and measure instruments offer best-in-class performance with 6½-digit resolution 20 V @ 1 A and 6 V @ 3 A power envelopes, 20 watts 0.015% DCV basic accuracy TRIPLE THE DENSITY OF A TEST RACK

The Model 2606B form factor (only 1U high) is a perfect fit and improves density by 3×, because there is no need for an additional 1U thermal spacer between units (for air flow).

Most bench source measure units on the market today are 2U high

Lean Factories Are Critical to Manufacturers’ Success

Today, manufacturers need to speed products to market, reduce costs, and keep customers happy. That means manufacturers must build lean factories that create seamless flows of people, material and information, and prevent the build-up of inventory and excess equipment.

The Challenge

Yet as demand grows, manufacturers need to increase test capacity for products, which requires placing additional racks of test equipment on the plant floor.

SPECIALTY SMUS FOR VERY LOW CURRENT AND OPTOELECTRONICS TESTING 6430 Sub-femtoamp Remote SourceMeter SMU Instrument

0.4 fA p-p (4E–16A) noise (typical) >1016 Ω input resistance on voltage measurements High speed — up to 2000 readings/second Up to 6½-digit resolution 0.012% basic voltage accuracy; 0.025% basic current accuracy 2657A LEARN MORE 2510 and 2510-AT TEC and Autotuning TEC SourceMeter SMU Instruments

50 W TEC Controller combined with DC measurement functions Fully digital P-I-D control; Autotuning capability for the thermal control loop (2510-AT) Designed to control temperature during laser diode module testing Wide temperature setpoint range (–50˚C to +225˚C) and high setpoint resolution (±0.001˚C) and stability (±0.005˚C) Compatible with a variety of temperature sensor inputs: thermistors, RTDs, and IC sensors 2510 LEARN MORE 2520 Pulsed Laser Diode Test System

Integrated solution for in-process LIV production testing of laser diodes at the chip or bar level Combines high accuracy source and measure capabilities or pulsed and DC testing Synchronized DSP-based measurement channels ensure highly accurate light intensity and voltage measurements Programmable pulse on time from 500 ns to 5 ms up to 4% duty cycle Pulse capability up to 5 A, DC capability up to 1 A 14-bit measurement accuracy on three measurement channels (VF, front photodiode, back photodiode) Up to 1000-point sweep stored in buffer memory eliminates GPIB traffic during test, increasing throughput 2520 LEARN MORE DETERMINE WHICH KEITHLEY SMU IS RIGHT FOR YOU Need help selecting the SMU that’s right for your needs?

Let these selector tables be your guide!

Keithley 24xx Standard and Graphical SMUs

SMU SELECTOR TABLE Keithley 26xxB Series High Speed System SMUs for Demanding Applications

Keithley Specialty SMUs

Find more valuable resources at TEK.COM

Copyright © Tektronix. All rights reserved. Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and pending. Information in this publication supersedes that in all previously published material. Specification and price change privileges reserved. TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc. All other trade names referenced are the service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

082321 1KW-61458-2

Share Related Product Information 2400 Graphical Series SMU 2600B Series SMU 2606B Series SMU Electrometers Keithley Optical SourceMeter Instruments Keithley SMU 2650 Series High Power SourceMeter® 2601B-PULSE System SourceMeter® 10 μsec Pulser/SMU Instrument

About Tektronix

We are the measurement insight company committed to performance, and compelled by possibilities. Tektronix designs and manufactures test and measurement solutions to break through the walls of complexity, and accelerate global innovation.

LEARN MORE ABOUT US

Company

About Us Careers Newsroom Events EA Elektro-Automatik

Help & Learning

Contact Us Contact Technical support Owner Resources Learning Center Blog

Partners

Find a Partner

Connect With Us

Additional Links

© 2026 TEKTRONIX, INC.

Sitemap Privacy Terms of Use Terms and Conditions Call us at Feedback