The Keithley 6487 is a 5.5-digit picoammeter and voltage source, designed for high-resolution low-current measurements and high-resistance applications. It combines the capabilities of an electrometer-grade ammeter with a built-in ±500 V voltage source, making it ideal for characterizing high-resistance materials, leakage currents, and insulation resistance. It features measurement ranges from 2 nA to 20 mA with up to 10 fA resolution, low burden voltage, and rapid reading rates.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | IEEE-488 (GPIB), RS-232, Trigger Link |
| Display | 5.5-digit Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) |
| Display Resolution | 5½ digits |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 100-120 V / 220-240 V, 50/60/400 Hz, 50 VA max |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 50 |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 89 × 213 × 370 |
| Weight | 4.7 kg |
Current Measurement Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Current Ranges | 2 nA, 20 nA, 200 nA, 2 µA, 20 µA, 200 µA, 2 mA, 20 mA |
| Current Resolution | 10 fA (on 2 nA range) to 100 nA (on 20 mA range) |
| Current Accuracy (1 Year) | ±(0.3% + 400 fA) on 2 nA range to ±(0.1% + 1 µA) on 20 mA range |
| Burden Voltage | < 200 µV (2 nA to 20 µA ranges); < 1 mV (200 µA to 20 mA ranges) |
| Input Bias Current | < 3 fA at 23 °C |
Voltage Source Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Voltage Ranges | ±10 V, ±50 V, ±500 V |
| Voltage Resolution | 1 mV (10 V range), 5 mV (50 V range), 50 mV (500 V range) |
| Voltage Accuracy (1 Year) | ±(0.1% + 1 mV) on 10 V range; ±(0.1% + 4 mV) on 50 V range; ±(0.1% + 40 mV) on 500 V range |
| Maximum Output Current | 25 mA (10 V range), 2.5 mA (500 V range) |
Resistance Measurement Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Resistance Measurement Method | Alternating Voltage Method (supported via voltage source synchronization) |
Measurement Speed and Timing
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Reading Rate | Up to 1000 readings/s |
| Buffer Size / Memory Capacity | 3000 readings |
Connectivity and Interfaces
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Input Connector Type | 3-lug Triax (Current Input) |
| Analog Output | 0 to ±2 V for full scale input; 1 kΩ output impedance |
Environmental and Compliance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | -25 °C to 65 °C |
| Warm-up Time | 1 hour |
| Calibration Cycle | 1 year |
Physical and Power
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Rack Mount Compatibility | Standard half-rack width |
Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Resistance Measurement Range | Up to 5 × 10^14 Ω |
| Overrange | 105% of range on all ranges |
Protection & Isolation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Ammeter Input Protection | 505V DC |
| Isolation (LO to Earth) | 500V peak maximum |
Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Altitude | Maximum 2000 m |
Compliance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Safety Compliance | Conforms to European Union Low Voltage Directive |
| EMC Compliance | Conforms to European Union EMC Directive |
Measurement Features
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Analog Damping | Selectable On / Off |
| Alternating Voltage Method | Yes (cancels background current errors for high resistance measurements) |
Safety / Protection
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Hardware Interlock | Yes, rear panel connection (required to enable voltage source) |
Inputs & Outputs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Triggering | Keithley Trigger Link |
Technology
Picoammeter
Applications
Low Current Measurement, High Resistance Measurement, Insulation Testing, Leakage Current Testing