Keysight / Agilent B2902A Precision Source/Measure Unit (SMU)

The Keysight Agilent B2902A (formerly Agilent) is a 2-channel, compact benchtop Precision Source/Measure Unit (SMU) designed to simultaneously source and measure both voltage and current. Delivering 4-quadrant operation with high measurement resolution of 10 fA / 100 nV, the B2902A serves as an essential instrument for semiconductor IV characterization, component testing, material science research, and automated production lines.

With a wide dynamic sourcing range up to ±210 V DC and ±3 A DC (±10.5 A pulsed), the Keysight Agilent B2902A integrates a voltage source, current source, 6.5-digit multimeter (DMM), pulse generator, and electronic load into a single dual-channel instrument.

Key Hardware Features & Technical Capabilities

Dual-Channel 4-Quadrant Sourcing and Measurement

Each channel operates independently across all four quadrants, enabling it to act as a precision power source or a electronic sink:

• Max Voltage: ±210 V DC (up to ±210 V peak).

• Max Current: ±3.03 A DC / ±10.5 A Pulsed.

• Max Power Output: 31.8 W per channel.

• 4-Wire Kelvin Sensing: Dedicated force and sense terminals per channel eliminate lead resistance errors during low-resistance and high-current measurements.

High Resolution & Measurement Sensitivity

• Min Measurement Resolution: 10 fA current / 100 nV voltage resolution with 6.5-digit measurement capability.

• Min Sourcing Resolution: 1 pA / 1 µV.

• Low Noise Output: Provides clean DC power needed for delicate nanoscale devices, MOSFETs, and sensor characterization.

Graphical User Interface & Viewing Modes

• 4.3-inch Color LCD Display: Supports multiple display modes, including Numeric Display, Graph View (I-V curve trace), Roll View, and Scope View.

• Real-Time I-V Curve Tracing: Allows engineers to quickly visualize diode, transistor, and LED characteristics on the front panel display without needing external PC software.

Arbitrary Waveform & Digitizing Capabilities

• Minimum Interval: 20 µs sampling rate for digitizing transient current and voltage responses.

• Built-in Sweep Types: Linear, logarithmic, list sweep, and custom arbitrary waveform output capabilities.

Real-World Applications

• Semiconductor Device Characterization: BJT, MOSFET, and MESFET I-V curve plotting, threshold voltage ($V_{th}$) determination, and leakage current analysis.

• Optoelectronics Testing: Characterization of LEDs, laser diodes, photodiodes, and solar cells (photovoltaic efficiency testing).

• Advanced Materials & Nanotechnology: Electrical resistance profiling of carbon nanotubes, graphene, and organic electronics.

• Automated Test Systems (ATE): Fast sampling speed via SCPI commands over GP-IB, LAN (LXI Class C), and USB interfaces.

Technical Comparison: Keysight Agilent B2902A vs. Alternative SMUs

Engineers frequently compare the Keysight Agilent B2902A against instruments like the Keithley 2602B and Keithley 2450.

Practical Comparison Insights:

1. Integrated Real-Time Curve Tracer: Unlike traditional monochrome SMUs, the Keysight Agilent B2902A features a graphical LCD that plots real-time I-V curves directly on the screen without external software setup.

2. Superior Sourcing Envelope: The Keysight Agilent B2902A combines a full ±210 V voltage limit with ±3.03 A DC current output across both channels, offering a wider simultaneous sourcing window than single-channel 2400-series units.

3. Flexible Connectivity: Standard GP-IB, USB 2.0, Ethernet (LXI), and a 14-pin digital I/O trigger interface allow integration into existing rack systems without purchasing extra option cards.

Specifications

• Model: B2902A

• Channels: 2 Independent SMU Channels

• Max Output Voltage: ±210 V

• Max Output Current: ±3.03 A DC / ±10.5 A Pulsed

• DC Power Output: 31.8 W per channel (63.6 W total)

• Measurement Digits: 6.5 Digits

• Current Sensitivity: 10 fA

• Voltage Sensitivity: 100 nV

• Display: 4.3-inch TFT Color Display

• Communication Interfaces: USB 2.0, LAN (100BASE-TX/10BASE-T), GP-IB (IEEE 488.2), Digital I/O (14-pin)

• Dimensions: 213 mm (W) x 88 mm (H) x 450 mm (D) [2U Half-Rack Size]

• Weight: Approx. 6.4 kg

What’s in the Box

• 1x Keysight Agilent B2902A Precision Source/Measure Unit

• 1x Standard AC Power Cord

• 1x USB Cable

• Quick Reference Operating Guide