Test & Measurement


Current analyser for low-power devices

18 May 2016 Test & Measurement

Keysight Technologies introduced the world’s first analyser enabling a minimum of 100 pA level dynamic current measurements with a maximum of 200 MHz bandwidth, 1 GSps sampling rate and 14- or 16-bit wide dynamic range. The CX3300 Series device current waveform analyser is a new category of instrument and is ideally suited for researchers struggling with high-speed transient current measurements during advanced device characterisation and engineers working to reduce power/current consumption in low-power devices.

Characterising advanced devices and evaluating low-power devices are challenging tasks; ones that require engineers to measure high-speed (over 1 MHz) and low-level dynamic current (below 1 A). However, the existing methodology for this measurement is plagued by many issues – a large noise, voltage drop, limited dynamic range, bandwidth – and as a result, low-level dynamic current often goes undetected and unmeasured.

Keysight’s new analyser overcomes this limitation by enabling the simultaneous measurement of wideband and low-level current waveforms. By providing a 14-bit or 16-bit wide dynamic measurement range, the system can meet a wide range of measurement requirements without using multiple instruments. A graphical user interface on a WXGA 14,1” multi-touch display, and advanced measurement and analysis software, make previously difficult low-level current waveform measurements and analyses more efficient and easier to make.

Using the CX3300, researchers can now measure transient current even if the pulse width is very narrow (less than 100 ns). This capability is particularly beneficial for device engineers developing semiconductor or advanced memory devices, since it allows them to visualise previously unmeasurable waveforms. Current consumption waveforms can also be clearly captured at any point in time, whether the device is in its sleep/standby or active state. By being able to clearly see how a device consumes power, engineers are better able to quantitatively evaluate and reduce a device’s power/current consumption.

In addition to measuring dynamic current, the analyser can also be used as a debugging tool, enabling deep-dive and accurate evaluation during R&D. Engineers are able to write more aggressive power consumption specifications, and in turn, realise more confident power reduction.

The analyser consists of a mainframe with a touch display and current sensors specifically dedicated to precision current waveform measurements. The mainframe features a 14-bit or 16-bit wide dynamic range,

200 MHz maximum bandwidth, and a fast sampling rate of 1 GSps. The low-noise and wideband current sensors support dynamic current measurements from 10 A down to 100 pA level.

For more information contact Lizzy Mabaso, Concilium Technologies, +27 (0)12 678 9200, [email protected], www.concilium.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Analyser and voltmeter capability added to portable instruments
Tamashi Technology Investments Test & Measurement
Anritsu Company had added Vector Network Analyzer and Vector Voltmeter measurements to their industry standard Site Master instruments.

Read more...
Marktech’s latest LEDs and photodiodes
NuVision Electronics Test & Measurement
Designed for precision sensing and emission tasks, Marktech’s optoelectronic lineup serves medical, industrial, aerospace, and environmental markets.

Read more...
MEMS air quality sensor
Future Electronics Test & Measurement
Bosch Sensortec’s BME690 is the latest-generation gas sensor that combines advanced monitoring capabilities with innovative artificial intelligence functionality.

Read more...
Telemetry retrofit for sustainable resource management
CST Electronics Test & Measurement
AquaMeter is a cost-effective secure telemetry retrofit that can easily be added to hundreds of millions of legacy mechanical water meters.

Read more...
True-RMS clamp meter measures 2500 A
Comtest Test & Measurement
The Fluke 376 FC True-RMS Clamp Meter with iFlex is the most advanced troubleshooting tool for industrial and commercial electricians.

Read more...
Latest wireless barcode scanner
Brady Corporation Test & Measurement
Brady has launched its new barcode scanner, the CR2100, which is a wireless handheld scanner utilising Bluetooth 5 LE for communication with a host device.

Read more...
hybridNETBOX instrumentation platform
Vepac Electronics Test & Measurement
The hybridNETBOX from Spectrum Instrumentation is an innovative instrumentation platform that combines a multi-channel arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) and a digitiser in a single portable unit.

Read more...
14-bit AWG at 20 GS/s
Vepac Electronics Test & Measurement
The Arb Rider AWG-7000 is the world’s fastest 14-bit Arbitrary Waveform Generator, featuring a 20 GS/s real time update rate and 14-bit vertical resolution.

Read more...
Additions to APD5000 series oscilloscopes
Osiris Technical Systems Test & Measurement
Each unit is equipped with an integrated CAT II digital multimeter, three programmable power supplies, a dedicated trigger line, and an arbitrary waveform generator.

Read more...
Handheld RTSA up to 9,5 GHz
Vepac Electronics Test & Measurement
The PXE-90 implements an FFT engine on the built-in FPGA and support frame compression with trace detection while ensuring no missing samples between FFT frames.

Read more...