Agilent Enables Accurate Current Readings With New Modules

Agilent Technologies Inc. [NYSE: A] debuted two modules for its Agilent N6700 Modular Power System family. These modules deliver quick and accurate measurements of microamp current for a device under test (DUT). For R&D engineers designing integrated circuits and electronic devices that run on batteries, these power supplies measure current consumption and its effect on battery run time. When used in Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) systems, they give test engineers accurate measurements of microamp currents in milliseconds, allowing them to increase ATE system throughput. As these Agilent power supplies can measure low currents quickly, manufacturing test system engineers do not have to wait for current measurements, increasing system throughput, which is critical to maximize the use of expensive ATE equipment. These same power supplies can be used in R&D applications where the measurements need to accurately characterize total device power consumption and impact design decisions.

Agilent’s N6700 family of power supplies with microampere current measurement technology have fast transient response at high currents and are capable of fast, accurate, low-level current measurements. These power supplies can make small current measurements faster because they do not need to wait for large internal capacitors to charge and signals to settle. The patented design does not induce voltage disturbances (glitches), making it easier to apply and safe for the DUT. This technology, available as option 1UA to the Agilent N6760 Precision DC Power Modules, allows microampere current measurements to be made in a few milliseconds with only 100 nA of offset error, while still meeting transient response time of less than 50 microseconds for currents of 2 amperes—Santa Clara, California