The Keysight Agilent 4156B is a Precision Semiconductor Parameter Analyzer designed for highly accurate device characterization. It features four built-in High-Resolution Source/Monitor Units (HRSMUs), two Voltage Source Units (VSUs), and two Voltage Monitor Units (VMUs), making it an industry-standard instrument for evaluating semiconductor device parameters down to fA and µV resolutions.

Specifications

General

ParameterValue
InterfacesGPIB (HP-IB), Parallel (Centronics), External I/O
Display8.4-inch TFT color LCD
Recommended Calibration Cycle1 year

Physical

ParameterValue
Power Supply90 V to 264 V AC, 47 Hz to 63 Hz, 450 VA maximum
Operating Temperature10 to 40 °C
Dimensions (W×H×D)426 mm × 235 mm × 524 mm
Weight21 kg

SMU Performance

ParameterValue
Number of SMUs4
SMU TypeHRSMU (High-Resolution Source/Monitor Unit)
SMU Maximum Voltage Range±100 V
SMU Maximum Current Range±100 mA
SMU Current Measurement Resolution1 fA
SMU Voltage Measurement Resolution2 µV
SMU Voltage Output Ranges2 V, 20 V, 100 V
SMU Current Output Ranges10 pA, 100 pA, 1 nA, 10 nA, 100 nA, 1 µA, 10 µA, 100 µA, 1 mA, 10 mA, 100 mA

VSU Performance

ParameterValue
Number of VSUs2
VSU Output Voltage Range±20 V
VSU Output Voltage Resolution20 mV
VSU Maximum Output Current100 mA

VMU Performance

ParameterValue
Number of VMUs2
VMU Measurement Voltage Range±20 V
VMU Maximum Resolution0.2 µV
VMU Measurement Ranges2 V, 20 V
VMU Input Impedance≥ 10 GΩ

Measurement Capabilities

ParameterValue
Measurement Sweep ModesLinear, logarithmic, and feedback
Maximum Measurement Channels8 (using 4 SMUs, 2 VSUs, 2 VMUs)
Maximum Sweep Points1001
Maximum Sampling Points10001
Minimum Sampling Interval60 µs

System and Hardware

ParameterValue
Floppy Disk Drive3.5-inch (1.44 MB and 720 KB formats)
Display Resolution640 × 480 pixels
Compatible Expander UnitAgilent 41501A or 41501B

General Specifications

ParameterValue
Cooling MethodForced air cooling with internal fan
Warm-up Time40 minutes
Operating Humidity Range20% to 70% RH (non-condensing)

Ground Unit (GNDU)

ParameterValue
GNDU Maximum Sink Current1.6 A
GNDU Output Voltage0 V ± 100 μV
GNDU Connector TypeTriaxial

High-Resolution SMU (HRSMU)

ParameterValue
HRSMU Maximum Power2 W
HRSMU Connector TypeTriaxial

Voltage Source Unit (VSU)

ParameterValue
VSU Connector TypeBNC

Voltage Monitor Unit (VMU)

ParameterValue
VMU Connector TypeBNC
VMU Differential Measurement ModeSupported (using VMU1 and VMU2)

System & Control

ParameterValue
Internal ControllerHP Instrument BASIC (IBASIC)
Hardcopy Output FormatsHP-GL, PCL, EPSON

Power

ParameterValue
Line Voltage90 V to 264 V (automatic selection)
Maximum Power Consumption450 VA

Inputs & Outputs

ParameterValue
Trigger I/O PortsBNC (Trigger In, Trigger Out)
GPIB Ports Configuration1x System Control, 1x External I/O
Interlock Connector6-pin circular connector
R-Box Control PortDedicated connector for 16440A Selector or 16441A R-Box

Controller & Software

ParameterValue
Built-in Programming LanguageInstrument BASIC (IBASIC)

Performance

ParameterValue
Time Stamp Resolution100 μs

Technology

Semiconductor Parameter Analysis

Applications

Semiconductor Device Characterization and Parametric Testing