Keysight Technologies B2900A Series User manual

Conguration Guide
Cost-effective source/measurement
solutions offer superior performance and
a best-in-class graphical user interface.
Keysight B2900A Series
Precision Source/Measure Unit

02 | Keysight | B2900A Series Precision Source/Measure Unit - Conguration Guide
Congure 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 conguration guide has step-by-step instructions to help you congure an SMU and its related accessories to meet specic test
requirements. For detailed specications, 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 perfor-
mance 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).
The following items are supplied standard with each B2900A series SMU:
Product
Number
Number of
channels
Max output Min
source
resolution
Min
measure
resolution
Min
timing
interval Viewing mode
DC Pulse
B2901
A
1
210 V
3.03
A
200 V
10.5
A
1
pA
1
V
100
fA
100
nV
20
s
Single, graph
B2902
A
2
210 V
3.03
A
200 V
10.5
A
1
pA
1
V
100
fA
100
nV
20
s
Single, dual, graph
B29
11A
1
210 V
3.03
A
200 V
10.5
A
10
fA
100
nV
10
fA
100
nV
10
s
Single, graph, roll
B2912
A
2
210 V
3.03
A
200 V
10.5
A
10
fA
100
nV
10
fA
100
nV
10
s
Single, dual, graph,
roll
Description Qty. Additional Information
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
USB cable (1.8 m). Orderable parts number is 8121-1696.

03 | Keysight | B2900A Series Precision Source/Measure Unit - Conguration Guide
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.
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.
Step 3. Select optional accessories
Step 3-1. Choose a rack mount kit (optional)
Description Product Number Additional Information
Paper Manual (Use
r’s Guide),
English
B2901A-AB
A
B2902A-AB
A
B29
11A-ABA
B2912A-AB
A
Printed copy
Paper Manual (User’s Guide), Japanese
B2901A-ABJ
B2902A-ABJ
B29
11A-ABJ
B2912A-ABJ
Printed copy
Paper Manual (Use
r’s Guide), Traditional
Chinese
B2901A-AB0
B2902A-AB0
B2911A-AB0
B2912A-AB0
Printed copy
Paper Manual (Use
r’s Guide), Simplified
Chinese
B2901A-AB2
B2902A-AB2
B29
11A-AB2
B2912A-AB2
Printed copy
Download the Product Manual from the
Keysight website
B2901A-0B0
B2902A-0B0
B2911A-0B0
B2912A-0B0
No printed copy
Description Product Number Additional Information
Rack Mount Kit
B2901A-1CM
B2902A-1CM
B29
11A-1CM
B2912A-1CM
Rack mount kit for the B2900
A series.
2U height EI
A and 1/2 rack width.
Description Product Number Additional Information
Paper Manual (Use
r’s Guide),
English
B1540-90007
B1540-90021
Printed copy, Volume 1 for EasyEXPERT group+
Paper Manual (User’s Guide),
Japanese
B1540-97007
B1540-97021
Printed copy, Volume 1 for EasyEXPERT group+
Printed copy, Volume 2 for EasyEXPERT group+
Printed copy, Volume 2 for EasyEXPERT group+

04 | Keysight | B2900A Series Precision Source/Measure Unit - Conguration 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 conguration,
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.
Low current measurements (< 1nA) require guarding to prevent leakage through the measurement cable. The schematic shown below
provides a simplied overview of the guarding technique. Guarded measurements require the use of triaxial cables. A follower (x1)
buffer amplier 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.
DUT
High Force
Low Force
Low Sense
High Sense
DUT
High Force
Low Force
2-wire connections 4-wire connections
A
DUT
Common
Guard
Force
x1
Shield
Guard Shield
Guarding Technique

05 | Keysight | B2900A Series Precision Source/Measure Unit - Conguration Guide
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
2. Unguarded 4-Wire connection scheme
Recommended Connection Easy Connection
Typical connection
example
Recommended
accessories
U8201
A
Combo test lead kit
1
1059A
Kelvin probe set
DUT U8201A
The 11059A simplifies connectivity but does not
support voltage magnitudes greater than ± 42 V.
DUT
11059A
(Max. Voltage: ± 42 V)
Recommended Connection Easy Connection
Typical connection
example
Recommended
accessories
U8201
A
Combo test lead kit
1
1059A
Kelvin probe set
DUT U8201A DUT 11059A
(Max. Voltage: ± 42 V)
U8201A
U8201A
The 11059A simplifies connectivity but does not
support voltage magnitudes greater than ± 42 V.

06 | Keysight | B2900A Series Precision Source/Measure Unit - Conguration Guide
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
4. Guarded 4-Wire connection scheme
Recommended Connection
Typical connection
example
Recommended
accessories
16494A-001
2ea
Low leakage Triaxial cable (1.5 m) 16494A-001
2ea
Low leakage
T
riaxial cable (1.5 m)
N1294A-001
1ea
Banana - Triaxial Adapter for
2-wire (non-Kelvin) connection
N1294A-001
1ea
Banana - Triaxial Adapter for
2-wire (non-Kelvin) connection
N1295
A
1ea
Device/component test fixture
16442B
1ea
Test Fixture for general use
N1294A-001
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
4
3
16494A-001
16494A-001
N1295A
DUT
Force
1 Sense
(Force)
2
SMU
DUT SMU 1
SMU 2
N1294A-001
16494A-001
16494A-001
16442B
The N1295A does not support
voltages greater than ± 42 V.
The 16442B supports
voltages up to 200 V.
N1294A-002
16494A-001
16494A-001
Force
1
Sense
(Force)
2
SMU
DUT
SMU 1
SMU 2
16442B
Force
3
Guard
SMU 3
16494A-001
Recommended Connection
Typical connection
example
Recommended
accessories
16494A-001
3ea
Low leakage
Triaxial cable (1.5 m)
N1294A-002
1ea
Banana -
Triaxial Adapter for 4-wire (Kelvin) connection
16442B
1ea
T
est Fixture for general use

07 | Keysight | B2900A Series Precision Source/Measure Unit - Conguration 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.
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.
B2900A
Digital I/O
Dsub cable
15, 19
24, 25
24
14
15, 19
LED
14
Negative or Positive
Mechanical switches
Access door
Interlock circuit
D-sub connector
22, 23
17, 18
16
Shielding box
16, 17
Software Control Option Available interface Description
BenchVue GPIB, USB, LAN Source constant voltage or current and control other
Keysight instruments
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 software for detailed characterization and
analysis of devices, circuits and materials
–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.
Description Product Number Description
Interlock cable (1.5 m) N1294A-011 Interlock cable for 16442A/B test xture (GPIO Dsub25 to
6pin mini plug)
Interlock cable (3.0 m) N1294A-012

08 | Keysight | B2900A Series Precision Source/Measure Unit - Conguration 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
B2900A 1ea Precision Source/Measure Unit
82357B 1ea USB/GPIB interface
2. Use two units of the B2900A SMU
Recommended accessories for synchronization
B2900A 2ea Precision Source/Measure Unit
82357B 1ea USB/GPIB interface
N1294A-032 1ea Digital I/O Trigger Cable for Multiple Unit Control
10833D 1ea GPIB cable (0.5m)
3. Use three units of the B2900A SMU
Recommended accessories for synchronization
B2900A 3ea Precision Source/Measure Unit
82357B 1ea USB/GPIB interface
N1294A-032 1ea Digital I/O Trigger Cable for Multiple Unit Control
10833D 2ea GPIB cable (0.5m)
82357B
82357B
10833D
N1294A-032
82357B
10833D
N1294A-032

09 | Keysight | B2900A Series Precision Source/Measure Unit - Conguration 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
B2900A 4ea Precision Source/Measure Unit
82357B 1ea USB/GPIB interface
N1294A-032 1ea Digital I/O Trigger Cable for Multiple Unit Control
10833D 3ea GPIB cable (0.5m)
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) 16494A-001 16494A triaxial cable supports up to 200 V and 1 A.
Low leakage Triaxial cable (3.0 m) 16494A-002
Low leakage Triaxial cable (0.8 m) 16494A-003
Low leakage Triaxial cable (0.4 m) 16494A-004
Low leakage Triaxial cable (4.0 m) 16494A-005
High Current Triaxial cable (1.5m) 16493L-001 16493L triaxial cable supports current higher than 1 A.
High Current Triaxial cable (3.0m) 16493L-0 02
Coax cable (1.5 m) 16493B-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) U2921A-100
Combo test lead kit U8201A
Kelvin probe set 11059A
82357B
10833D
N1294A-032

10 | Keysight | B2900A Series Precision Source/Measure Unit - Conguration 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 N1254A-101
Triaxial(f) to BNC (m) adaptor N125 4A-102
Triaxial(m) to BNC (f) adaptor N1254A-103
Triaxial (f) to BNC (m) adaptor N1254A-104
Triaxial (f) to BNC (m) adaptor N1254A-105
Triaxial (m) to BNC (f) adaptor N1254A-106
Triaxial (m) to Triaxial (f) adaptor N1254A-107
Coax Tee Adapter (m-f-f) 1250-2405
Triaxial Tee Adapter (f-m-f) 1250-1551
Digital I/O cable (1.5 m) 16493G-001 To synchronize triggering between member of the
B2900A Series
Digital I/O cable (3.0 m) 16493G-002
Digital I/O T-cable N1253A-100 To synchronize triggering between member of the
B2900A Series
Interlock cable (1.5 m) N1294A-011 Interlock cable for the 16442A/B test xture (GPIO Dsub-25 to 6-pin
mini plug)
Interlock cable (3.0 m) N1294A-012
GPIO - BNC Trigger Adapter N1294A-031
Digital I/O Trigger Cable for Multiple Unit
Control
N1294A-032 Required to use EasyEXPERT group+ software with
multiple units
USB A-BI-O Cable (2.0 m) 8121-1696 USB A-B I-O cable
USB/GPIB interface 82357B
Banana - Triaxial Adapter for 2-wire (non
Kelvin) connection
N1294A-001
Banana - Triaxial Adapter for 4-wire
(Kelvin) connection
N1294A-002
Device/component test xture N1295A
Test Fixture for E5270 and general use 16442B
GPIB cable (1.0 m) 10833A
GPIB cable (2.0 m) 10833B
GPIB cable (4.0 m) 10833C
GPIB cable (0.5 m) 10833D

11 | Keysight | B2900A Series Precision Source/Measure Unit - Conguration 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
Calibration certicate with measurement results available only at time
of purchase
Commercial Calibration Certicate
with Test Data
B2901A-UK6
B2902A-UK6
B2911A-UK6
B2912A-UK6
Calibration certicate with measurement results available only at time
of purchase
Calibration Assurance Plan –
Return to Service Center - 3 years
R-50C-011-3
Calibration Assurance Plan -
Return to Service Center - 5 years
R-50C-011-5
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 Software 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 B2912AU Extension Support and Subscription
Related Literature
Publication Number Publication Title
5990-7009EN Keysight B2900A Series Precision Source/Measure Unit, datasheet
5991-3878EN Accessories for the B2900 Precision Instrument Family
5991-3542EN GPIO-BNC trigger Adapter Simplies Triggering Connections

12 | Keysight | B2900A Series Precision Source/Measure Unit - Conguration Guide
This information is subject to change without notice.
© Keysight Technologies, 2015, 2016
Published in USA, January 19, 2016
5992-0660EN
www.keysight.com
For more information on Keysight
Technologies’ products, applications or
services, please contact your local Keysight
office. The complete list is available at:
www.keysight.com/find/contactus
Americas
Canada [phone]
Brazil 55 11 3351 7010
Mexico 001 800 254 2440
United States [phone]
Asia Pacic
Australia 1 800 629 485
China 800 810 0189
Hong Kong 800 938 693
India 1 800 11 2626
Japan 0120 (421) 345
Korea 080 769 0800
Malaysia 1 800 888 848
Singapore 1 800 375 8100
Taiwan 0800 047 866
Other AP Countries (65) 6375 8100
Europe & Middle East
Austria 0800 001122
Belgium 0800 58580
Finland 0800 523252
France 0805 980333
Germany 0800 6270999
Ireland 1800 832700
Israel 1 809 343051
Italy 800 599100
Luxembourg [phone]
Netherlands 0800 0233200
Russia 8800 5009286
Spain 800 000154
Sweden 0200 882255
Switzerland 0800 805353
Opt. 1 (DE)
Opt. 2 (FR)
Opt. 3 (IT)
United Kingdom 0800 0260637
For other unlisted countries:
www.keysight.com/find/contactus
(BP-01-01-16)
www.keysight.com/go/quality
Keysight Technologies, Inc.
DEKRA Certified ISO 9001:2008
Quality Management System
myKeysight
www.keysight.com/find/mykeysight
A personalized view into the information most relevant to you.
Three-Year Warranty
www.keysight.com/find/ThreeYearWarranty
Keysight’s committed to superior product quality and lower total cost of
ownership. Keysight is the only test and measurement company with a
three-year warranty standard on all instruments, worldwide. And, we provide
a one-year warranty on many accessories, calibration devices, systems and
custom products.
Keysight Assurance Plans
www.keysight.com/find/AssurancePlans
Up to ten years of protection and no budgetary surprises to ensure your
instruments are operating to specification, so you can rely on accurate
measurements.
Keysight Infoline
www.keysight.com/find/service
Keysight’s insight to best in class information management. Free access to
your Keysight equipment company reports and e-library.
www.keysight.com/find/b2900a
From Hewlett-Packard through Agilent to Keysight
For more than 75 years, we‘ve been helping you unlock measurement insights. Our
unique combination of hardware, software and people can help you reach your next
breakthrough. Unlocking measurement insights since 1939.
1939 THE FUTURE
B2900 Precision Instrument Family
The B2900A Family includes products for both precision sourcing and precision
measurement. www.keysignt.com/nd/b2900a