Source meters, also called source measure units (SMUs), are specialised and sophisticated electronic test and measurement instruments designed to generate voltages and currents–precisely measuring them with robust accuracy. A source meter is a versatile instrument that incorporates the features of a pulse generator, digital multimeter, power supply, and electronic load within a single unit. Most importantly, source measuring units can provide four quadrant operations–sourcing, sinking current, and voltages. Engineers extensively use source meters to collect data about a device’s power, current, and voltage levels. A source measuring unit is also programmable, compact, and integrated with protection features, ensuring safe operations in various domains.
Broad Range Functions of Source Meters
A source meter can offer several functionalities, including:
- Voltage and Current Sourcing
- Voltage and Current Measurement
- Resistance and Power Measurement
- Sweeping and Scanning
- IV Curve Tracing
- Limit Testing
- Data Logging and Analysis
- Remote Control
- Compliance Testing.
Key Features and Benefits of Source Meters
Source measuring units come equipped with unique features, providing unparalleled benefits to professionals in terms of:
- Versatile Functionality: Source meters are versatile test and measurement devices, making them must-have instruments for characterising and testing devices like diodes, transistors, and sensors.
- Small Footprint: Source meters are typically compact and designed for benchtop use, saving valuable workspace in laboratories and test environments.
- Voltage and Current Generation: Source meters can generate precise voltage and current signals for testing multiple electronic components, devices, and circuits.
- High Precision: SMUs offer high measurement accuracy and resolution–making precise measurements of voltage, current, resistance, and other electrical parameters.
- Programmability: Many source meter models are programmable to create custom voltage and current waveforms for specific test scenarios.
- Four-Quadrant Operation: Source measuring units are capable of four-quadrant operation, making them beneficial for testing devices that require both sourcing and sinking, such as batteries or energy storage systems.
- Protection Features: Source meters often include built-in protection mechanisms to safeguard the instrument and the devices under test from over-voltage and over-current conditions.
- Cost Efficiency: Source meters can replace multiple pieces of test equipment, leading to cost savings in the long run.
Best Source Meters from the Leading Brands
Source meters are available from reputable manufacturers, including Keithley source measuring units. Keithley provides a broad range of SMU series, such as 2400 Graphical Series SMU, 2400 standard series SMU, and 2600B Series SMU. Enrgtech stocks an extensive range of SMUs from other leading suppliers and manufacturers, including Aim-TTi, Keysight Technologies, and Rohde & Schwarz.
Typical Applications of Source Meters
Source meters find applications in various industries and are used to test and characterise multiple electronic components, including:
- Semiconductor Manufacturing
- Research and Development
- Quality Control
- Production Testing
- Transistors
- Diodes
- Integrated Circuits
- Solar Cells
- LEDs.
