Keithley 6487 Vs. Competitors: In-depth Comparison Of Specs, Performance, And Price
Keithley 6487 Information
The Keithley 6487 is a 5½-digit picoammeter/voltage source that provides high accuracy and fast rise times for measuring low current and voltage signals. It has eight current measurement ranges from 20fA to 20mA, and a voltage measurement range of 200μV to 505V. The 6487 also features a built-in voltage sweep function and an alternating voltage resistance measurement mode, making it well suited for characterizing low current devices.
Introduction
The Keithley 6487 is a versatile instrument that can be used in a wide range of applications, including:
- Characterizing low current devices, such as transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits
- Measuring leakage currents in electronic components
- Testing batteries and solar cells
- Performing insulation resistance testing
- Monitoring environmental conditions, such as humidity and temperature
The 6487 is easy to use and features a user-friendly interface with a built-in display and keyboard. It also has a number of advanced features, such as:
- High accuracy and fast rise times
- Built-in voltage sweep function
- Alternating voltage resistance measurement mode
- Time-stamped data buffer
- Emulation mode
Specifications
The following table summarizes the specifications of the Keithley 6487:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Current measurement range | 20fA to 20mA |
| Voltage measurement range | 200μV to 505V |
| Accuracy | ±(0.01% + 1 count) |
| Resolution | 10fA |
| Rise time | <1μs |
| Sampling rate | Up to 1000 readings per second |
| Data buffer | 3000 readings |
| Dimensions | 178 x 127 x 76 mm |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
Features
The Keithley 6487 has a number of features that make it a versatile and powerful instrument for measuring low current and voltage signals. These features include:
- High accuracy and fast rise times: The 6487 provides high accuracy measurements with fast rise times, making it ideal for measuring fast transient signals.
- Built-in voltage sweep function: The 6487 has a built-in voltage sweep function that can be used to measure the current-voltage characteristics of devices.
- Alternating voltage resistance measurement mode: The 6487 can be used to measure the resistance of devices using an alternating voltage method. This method is well suited for measuring the resistance of high-impedance devices.
- Time-stamped data buffer: The 6487 has a time-stamped data buffer that can store up to 3000 readings. This feature can be used to record and analyze transient signals.
- Emulation mode: The 6487 can be used in emulation mode to control it with custom code written for the Keithley 487 picoammeter.
What's in the box
The following items are included in the box with the Keithley 6487:
- Picoammeter/voltage source
- Power supply
- User manual
- Software CD
- USB cable
- Carrying case
Conclusion
The Keithley 6487 is a versatile and powerful instrument that can be used in a wide range of applications. It features high accuracy, fast rise times, and a number of advanced features that make it ideal for measuring low current and voltage signals.
Keithley 6487 Compare with Similar Item
a table comparing the Keithley 6487 picoammeter/voltage source with two similar items: the Keithley 6485 and the Keysight 34461A:
| Feature | Keithley 6487 | Keithley 6485 | Keysight 34461A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Input impedance | 100 Mohms | 10 Mohms | 10 Mohms |
| Current range | 10 pA to 100 mA | 10 pA to 10 mA | 10 pA to 10 mA |
| Voltage range | -20 V to 20 V | -20 V to 20 V | -20 V to 20 V |
| Accuracy | ±0.01% | ±0.02% | ±0.01% |
| Resolution | 1 pA | 1 pA | 1 pA |
| Max. sample rate | 100 kHz | 100 kHz | 100 kHz |
| Dimensions | 210 x 110 x 60 mm | 190 x 110 x 60 mm | 200 x 125 x 75 mm |
| Weight | 1.6 kg | 1.2 kg | 1.5 kg |
As you can see, the Keithley 6487 and the Keithley 6485 are very similar devices, with the main difference being the input impedance. The Keithley 6487 has a much higher input impedance, which makes it better suited for measuring very small currents. The Keysight 34461A is also a very similar device, but it has a slightly higher maximum sample rate and a slightly lower resolution.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs. If you need to measure very small currents, then the Keithley 6487 is the best option. If you need a high maximum sample rate or a high resolution, then the Keysight 34461A is a better choice.
Keithley 6487 Where To Buy
There are a few places where you can buy a Keithley 6487 and spare parts. These include:
- Keithley Instruments direct: This is the manufacturer's website and they usually have the widest selection of products and spare parts.
- Walmart: Walmart is a good option if you are looking for a lower price. They usually have a limited selection of products, but they may have the spare parts you need.
- Amazon: Amazon is another good option for finding a Keithley 6487 and spare parts. They usually have a wide selection of products and competitive prices.
- Best Buy: Best Buy is a good option if you are looking for a physical store where you can buy a Keithley 6487. They usually have a limited selection of products, but they may have the spare parts you need.
- Lowes: Lowes is another good option if you are looking for a physical store where you can buy a Keithley 6487. They usually have a limited selection of products, but they may have the spare parts you need.
- eBay: eBay is a good option if you are looking for a used Keithley 6487 or spare parts. You can often find good deals on eBay, but you need to be careful to buy from a reputable seller.
You can also try searching for local electronics distributors or scientific supply companies. They may have Keithley 6487s and spare parts in stock.
Once you have found a place to buy a Keithley 6487, be sure to read the reviews before you make a purchase. This will help you to ensure that you are getting a quality product.
Keithley 6487 Problems and Solutions
some of the common issues and solutions for the Keithley 6487 picoammeter/voltage source:
- The instrument is not turning on.
- Make sure that the instrument is plugged in and turned on.
- Check the power cord and outlet for any damage.
- If the instrument is still not turning on, contact Keithley Technical Support.
- The instrument is not measuring current or voltage accurately.
- Make sure that the probes are properly connected to the instrument and the device under test.
- Check the range setting of the instrument.
- If the instrument is still not measuring accurately, contact Keithley Technical Support.
- The instrument is displaying an error message.
- Refer to the Keithley 6487 manual for a list of error messages and their possible causes.
- If you are unable to resolve the error, contact Keithley Technical Support.
Here are some additional tips for troubleshooting the Keithley 6487:
- Always start with the simplest solution first. For example, if the instrument is not turning on, check the power cord and outlet before contacting Technical Support.
- Keep a record of your troubleshooting steps. This will help you to identify the source of the problem more quickly.
- If you are unable to resolve the problem, contact Keithley Technical Support. They will be able to help you to troubleshoot the problem and get your instrument back up and running.
Here are the steps on how to source voltage from Keithley 6487:
- Connect the Keithley 6487 to the device under test.
- Set the range of the Keithley 6487 to the desired voltage.
- Press the Source button to start sourcing voltage.
- Use the Up and Down arrows to adjust the output voltage.
- Press the Source button again to stop sourcing voltage.
The maximum source voltage for the Keithley 6487 is 505 V. The minimum source voltage depends on the range setting. For example, the minimum source voltage for the 200 µV range is 200 µV.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
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