Keithley 6220/6221 Precision Current Sources: The Ultimate Solution for Nanoscale Testing

Keithley Series 6200 Current Sources (include Model 6220 DC Current Source and Model 6221 AC/DC Current Source)

Designed specifically for high-precision, low-noise testing applications, the series covers a current range of 100fA to 210mA with output impedance up to 10¹⁴Ω, ensuring stability under load fluctuations. Its 65,000-point source memory function supports complex current scanning, and the reconfigurable triaxial output simplifies guard configuration.

Model Comparison and Selection Guide

• 6220: A pure DC current source, suitable for basic applications such as Hall measurement, pulsed IV testing, etc.

• 6221 (Recommended Model): Adds AC output (4 pA - 210 mA peak-to-peak) and arbitrary waveform generation function, supports 10 MHz update rate and 100 kHz sine wave, with built-in Ethernet interface. It is an ideal choice for AC characteristic analysis of semiconductors and superconducting materials.

Why do we mainly recommend 6221?
As the only commercially available low-current AC source on the market, 6221 solves the pain points of self-made solutions:

• Replaces bulky AC resistance bridges/lock-in amplifiers, and noise is reduced by 10 times

• Supports 5 μs ultra-narrow pulses (enables 50 μs class IV measurement when paired with 2182A Nanovoltmeter)

• Built-in LabVIEW sample software (compatible with Win7 and above systems), simplifies complex tests such as differential conductance measurement

Key Specifications and Accessories

Included Accessories:

• 7078-TRX-5 Low-noise Triaxial Cable (1.5m, interference shielding)

• 8501-2 Trigger Link Cable (for synchronous measurement with 2182A Nanovoltmeter)

• CA-180-3A Ethernet Cable (for remote control of 6221)

Compared with the traditional homemade "voltage source + resistor" solution, the 622X series features:

1. Voltage clamp protection: accurately limits the voltage at the DUT terminal (0.1V step), preventing overvoltage damage to devices;

2. Load independence: output impedance >10¹⁴Ω, current stability improved by 1000 times;

3. Integrated control: no external electrometer feedback required, reducing error sources.

Typical Applications

• Nanodevice Testing:100 fA level current injection for quantum dots/graphene materials

• Pulse IV Analysis:50 μs ultra-short pulse width measurement (compatible with 2182A)

• Harmonic Response Research:The pure AC signal of 6221 can replace lock-in amplifiers

• Low-Temperature Conductance Measurement:Delta mode noise reduction 1000:1 (Figure 2)

Case Study: A semiconductor manufacturer adopted the 6221+2182A kit, which increased the differential conductance testing speed by 10 times and reduced noise to below 1 nV.

Get an exclusive solution
To learn about the 6221 cost-effective configuration, please contact our technical team, we will customize a nanoscale measurement solution for you!