The Keithley 237 is a high-voltage Source-Measure Unit (SMU) designed for simultaneous sourcing and measuring of voltage or current. Acting as four instruments in one, it offers four-quadrant operation with voltage capability up to 1100V and current up to 100mA, alongside advanced sweeping, pulsing, and 4-terminal measurement capabilities.

Specifications

General

ParameterValue
InterfacesIEEE-488
Warm-up Time1 hour (to rated accuracy)

Physical

ParameterValue
Operating Temperature0 to 50
CoolingForced air (internal fan)

Voltage Sourcing Specifications

ParameterValue
Voltage Source Ranges±1.1 V, ±11 V, ±110 V, ±1100 V
Maximum Voltage Source1100 V
Minimum Voltage Source100 µV
Load Capacitance Stability20,000 pF (typical)

Current Sourcing Specifications

ParameterValue
Current Source Ranges±1 nA, ±10 nA, ±100 nA, ±1 µA, ±10 µA, ±100 µA, ±1 mA, ±10 mA, ±100 mA
Maximum Current Source100 mA (10 mA maximum in higher voltage ranges)
Minimum Current Source100 fA

Voltage Measurement Specifications

ParameterValue
Measurement Sensitivity (Voltage)10 µV

Current Measurement Specifications

ParameterValue
Measurement Sensitivity (Current)10 fA

Sweep and Pulse Characteristics

ParameterValue
Source OperationFour Quadrant

System Speeds and Timing

ParameterValue
Maximum Source/Measure Rate1000 / second
Minimum Source-Delay-Measure Cycle Time1 ms
Maximum Reading Rate (to Internal Buffer)1 ms per point
Memory Buffer Size (Readings)1000

Connectivity and Interfaces

ParameterValue
Output Floating RangeUp to ±200 V from ground
Maximum Common Mode Voltage200 V

Performance

ParameterValue
Maximum Output Power11 W
Best Voltage Measurement Resolution10 µV (on 1.1 V range)
Best Current Measurement Resolution10 fA (on 1 nA range)
Best Voltage Source Resolution100 µV (on 1.1 V range)
Best Current Source Resolution100 fA (on 1 nA range)
Input Impedance>10^14 Ω

Control & Triggering

ParameterValue
Trigger SourcesFront panel, IEEE-488 bus, External (BNC)

Measurement

ParameterValue
Measurement SensingSelectable 2-wire (local) or 4-wire (remote)
Guard OutputDriven guard

Safety & Protection

ParameterValue
Safety InterlockRequired for 1100V high-voltage operation

Inputs & Outputs

ParameterValue
External Trigger ConnectionsBNC (Trigger In / Trigger Out)

Environmental

ParameterValue
Storage Temperature-25°C to +65°C

Technology

Source-Measure Unit (SMU)

Applications

Semiconductor and Component Characterization