The Keysight 42841A Bias Current Source is a highly stable, high-current DC bias source designed for use with compatible LCR meters (such as the 4284A, 4285A, and E4980A) to perform accurate DC bias current measurements on inductors and magnetic components. It provides up to 20 A of DC bias current individually, and can be configured in a dual-unit setup to deliver up to 40 A of DC bias current.

Specifications

General

ParameterValue
InterfacesProprietary control interface (rear panel connector for host LCR meter)
DisplayStatus indicator LEDs (No built-in digital screen)

Physical

ParameterValue
Power Supply90 to 132 V AC / 198 to 264 V AC (switchable), 47 to 66 Hz, 600 VA max
Operating Temperature0 to 45 °C
Dimensions (W×H×D)426 mm × 177 mm × 498 mm
Weight25 kg

Current Source Output

ParameterValue
Output Current Range (Single Unit)0.01 A to 20.0 A (with 42842A/B test fixture)
Output Current Range (Dual Units)0.02 A to 40.0 A (with 42842B test fixture)
Output Current Range (with 42851A)0.01 A to 2.0 A (with 4285A and 42851A)
Programming Resolution (Single Unit)0.01 A
Programming Resolution (Dual Units)0.02 A
Programming Accuracy (Single Unit)±(1% of setting + 5 mA) at 23 °C ± 5 °C
Programming Accuracy (Dual Units)±(1% of setting + 10 mA) at 23 °C ± 5 °C
Programming Accuracy (with 42851A)±(1% of setting + 5 mA)

System Integration

ParameterValue
Compatible LCR MetersKeysight / Agilent / HP 4284A, 4285A, E4980A
Compatible Bias Current FixturesKeysight / Agilent 42842A (20 A max), 42842B (40 A max), 42851A (2 A max)
Number of Bias Channels1
Control InterfaceDedicated 25-pin D-sub connector for connection to HP 4284A/4285A

Physical and Environmental

ParameterValue
Storage Temperature Range-20 °C to 60 °C
Operating Humidity Range≤ 95% RH at 40 °C
Cooling SystemInternal forced-air cooling fan

DC Bias Output

ParameterValue
DC Compliance Voltage10 V max.

Performance

ParameterValue
Supported Frequency Range20 Hz to 1 MHz (with 4284A); 75 kHz to 30 MHz (with 4285A and 42851A)
Warm-up Time30 minutes

Safety

ParameterValue
Interlock FunctionEquipped (disables DC bias output when interlock circuit is open)

Outputs

ParameterValue
External Current Monitor Output0 to 2 V DC (corresponding to 0 to 20 A), BNC connector on rear panel

User Interface

ParameterValue
Front Panel Status IndicatorsBIAS ON, INTERLOCK, THERMAL, UNREGULATED

Inputs & Outputs

ParameterValue
Rear Panel ConnectorsHigh-current DC BIAS output terminals, 25-pin D-sub CONTROL connector, BNC INTERLOCK connector, BNC EXT MON connector

Environmental

ParameterValue
Operating AltitudeUp to 2,000 m

Compliance & Safety

ParameterValue
Safety ComplianceIEC 61010-1 / EN 61010-1
EMC ComplianceEN 55011 Group 1, Class A / EN 50082-1
Pollution Degree2
Overvoltage CategoryII

Technology

DC Bias Current Source

Applications

DC bias testing for inductors and magnetic components