The Keithley 6221 is a highly precise AC and DC current source designed for applications requiring extremely low current sourcing with low noise, such as nanotechnology, semiconductor characterization, and superconductivity research. It offers low-current sourcing ranges from picoamps to 100mA, high-speed pulsed output capability, and an integrated arbitrary waveform generator.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | GPIB, RS-232, Ethernet (LXI Class C), Trigger Link, Digital I/O, Dedicated RS-232 for Keithley 2182A connection |
| Display | 12-character vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) |
| Cooling System | Forced air, internal fan |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 100 V to 240 V AC, 50 Hz to 60 Hz, 120 VA maximum |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 50°C |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 213 mm × 89 mm × 370 mm |
| Weight | 4.75 kg |
DC Current Source Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Current Output Ranges | 2 nA, 20 nA, 200 nA, 2 µA, 20 µA, 200 µA, 2 mA, 20 mA, 100 mA |
| Maximum Output Current | 105 mA |
| Source Programming Resolution | 100 fA (on 2 nA range) to 10 µA (on 100 mA range) |
| Compliance Voltage Range | 0.1 V to 105 V, programmable in 10 mV steps |
| Output Resistance (2 nA range) | > 10^14 Ω |
| Output Resistance (20 nA range) | > 10^14 ̢ |
| Output Resistance (200 nA range) | > 10^13 ̢ |
| Output Resistance (2 µA range) | > 10^12 ̢ |
| Output Resistance (20 µA range) | > 10^11 ̢ |
| Output Resistance (200 µA range) | > 10^10 ̢ |
| Output Resistance (2 mA range) | > 10^9 ̢ |
| Output Resistance (20 mA range) | > 10^8 ̢ |
| Output Resistance (100 mA range) | > 10^7 ̢ |
| Output Capacitance | < 10 pF (2 nA to 20 mA ranges), < 20 pF (100 mA range) |
| DC Noise (0.1 Hz to 10 Hz, p-p, 2 nA range) | 80 fA |
| Settling Time to Rated Accuracy | < 100 µs (to 0.1% of final value, resistive load, 2 µA to 100 mA ranges) |
AC Current and Waveform Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 1 mHz to 100 kHz |
| Frequency Accuracy | ±100 ppm |
| Waveform Types | Sine, Square, Ramp, Arbitrary |
| Arbitrary Waveform Memory Depth | 65,536 points |
| Waveform Sample Rate | 10 MSps |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | < 0.1% (typical, 10 Hz to 20 kHz, resistive load) |
| Amplitude Flatness (10 Hz to 10 kHz) | ±0.1% (typical) |
| Amplitude Flatness (10 kHz to 100 kHz) | ±1.0% (typical) |
Pulsed Current Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum Pulse Width | 50 µs |
| Pulse Width Programming Resolution | 1 µs |
| Pulse Jitter | < 2 µs |
Guarding and Isolation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Guard Current | 100 µA |
| Common Mode Isolation (Output Lo to Chassis) | > 10^10 Ω, < 100 pF |
Sweep and Buffer Capabilities
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Sweep Points | 65,536 (64k) |
| Buffer Memory Size | 65,536 points |
Connectivity and Control Interfaces
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Output Connector Type | 3-slot Triaxial (rear panel) |
| Emulation Modes | Keithley Model 220 Command Emulation |
Power and Environmental Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature Range | -25°C to 65°C |
| Warm-up Time | 1 hour to rated accuracy |
Physical and Regulatory Standards
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Half-rack, 2U high |
| Safety Certifications | Conforms to European Union Directive 73/23/EEC, EN 61010-1 |
| EMC Compliance | Conforms to European Union Directive 89/336/EEC, EN 61326-1 |
Accuracy (1 Year, 18°C–28°C)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Programming Accuracy (2 nA range) | ±(0.4% of rdg + 2 pA) |
| Programming Accuracy (20 nA range) | ±(0.3% of rdg + 10 pA) |
| Programming Accuracy (200 nA range) | ±(0.1% of rdg + 100 pA) |
| Programming Accuracy (2 µA range) | ±(0.05% of rdg + 1 nA) |
| Programming Accuracy (20 µA range) | ±(0.05% of rdg + 10 nA) |
| Programming Accuracy (200 µA range) | ±(0.05% of rdg + 100 nA) |
| Programming Accuracy (2 mA range) | ±(0.05% of rdg + 1 µA) |
| Programming Accuracy (20 mA range) | ±(0.05% of rdg + 10 µA) |
| Programming Accuracy (100 mA range) | ±(0.05% of rdg + 50 µA) |
Temperature Coefficient
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature Coefficient (0°C–18°C & 28°C–50°C) | ±(0.15 × accuracy specification) per °C |
Compliance Voltage
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Compliance Voltage Programming Resolution | 10 mV |
Electrical & Power
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Power Consumption | 120 VA |
| Maximum Output Power | 11 W |
| Maximum Common Mode Voltage | 250 V peak |
Interfaces & Connectivity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Digital I/O Port | 4-bit, RJ-45, 5 V TTL |
| Trigger Link Connector | 8-pin micro-DIN |
| Interlock Connector | 3-pin micro-DIN |
| Phase Synchronization Connection | BNC (Input and Output, 0 to 5 V) |
Power
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| AC Line Voltage | 100 V to 240 V AC |
| AC Line Frequency | 50 Hz to 60 Hz (automatic sensing) |
Inputs & Outputs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Digital I/O Power Output Voltage | +5 V |
| Digital I/O Power Output Current Limit | 250 mA |
Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Delta Mode Compatibility | Keithley Model 2182 and 2182A Nanovoltmeters |
| Delta Mode Minimum Cycle Time | 2.8 ms |
Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Operating Altitude | 2000 m |
Compliance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Vibration Standard Compliance | MIL-PRF-28800F Class 3 Random |
Technology
Solid State Precision Current Sourcing
Applications
Nanotechnology research, semiconductor characterization, superconductivity measurements, and low-resistance testing