Unraveling Keithley 6485: From Full Specifications To Potential Issues

Keithley 6485 Information

The Keithley 6485 is a 5½-digit picoammeter that measures currents from 10fA to 20mA, at speeds up to 1000 readings per second. It is a cost-effective alternative to electrometers, and offers many of the same features, including high accuracy, low noise, and wide dynamic range.

Introduction

The Keithley 6485 is a versatile instrument that can be used for a wide variety of applications, including:

  • Measuring leakage currents in semiconductor devices
  • Characterizing batteries and fuel cells
  • Monitoring environmental conditions
  • Debugging electronic circuits

The 6485 is also a popular choice for education and research. It is easy to use and has a wide range of features, making it a great tool for learning about electrical measurements.

Specifications

The following table summarizes the specifications of the Keithley 6485:

FeatureSpecification
Current range10fA to 20mA
Accuracy±0.02% of reading ±0.2fA
Noise0.1fA RMS
Dynamic range1016:1
Sampling rateUp to 1000 readings per second
Display5½-digit LCD
InterfacesUSB, GPIB, RS-232

Features

The Keithley 6485 offers a number of features that make it a powerful and versatile instrument, including:

  • High accuracy: The 6485 is capable of measuring currents with an accuracy of ±0.02% of reading ±0.2fA. This makes it a great choice for applications where high precision is required.
  • Low noise: The 6485 has a low noise floor of 0.1fA RMS. This makes it possible to measure very small currents with high accuracy.
  • Wide dynamic range: The 6485 has a dynamic range of 1016:1. This means that it can measure currents from 10fA to 20mA with the same accuracy.
  • Fast sampling rate: The 6485 can sample currents at a rate of up to 1000 readings per second. This makes it possible to capture fast transients and measure the dynamics of electronic circuits.
  • USB, GPIB, and RS-232 interfaces: The 6485 can be controlled and data can be transferred to a computer using USB, GPIB, or RS-232 interfaces. This makes it easy to integrate the 6485 into a test system or to automate measurements.

What's in the box

The Keithley 6485 comes with the following items:

  • Picoammeter
  • Power supply
  • USB cable
  • Software CD
  • Instruction manual

Conclusion

The Keithley 6485 is a powerful and versatile picoammeter that offers a wide range of features and capabilities. It is a great choice for a variety of applications, including measuring leakage currents in semiconductor devices, characterizing batteries and fuel cells, monitoring environmental conditions, and debugging electronic circuits.

Image of Keithley 6485 picoammeter

I hope this information was helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Keithley 6485 Compare with Similar Item

a table comparing the Keithley 6485 with two similar instruments:

FeatureKeithley 6485Keithley 6487Agilent 34420A
Price$1,595$2,495$1,995
Accuracy1 ppm0.5 ppm1 ppm
Resolution1 fA0.1 fA1 fA
Input range10 nA to 100 µA10 nA to 100 µA10 nA to 100 µA
Output voltage100 mV500 mV100 mV
Rise time100 µs50 µs100 µs
Damping functionNoYesNo

As you can see, the Keithley 6485 is a lower-cost option that offers good accuracy and resolution. The Keithley 6487 is more expensive, but it offers higher accuracy, faster rise times, and a damping function. The Agilent 34420A is priced in between the two Keithley instruments, and it offers similar performance.

Here is a brief summary of the key differences between the three instruments:

  • Price: The Keithley 6485 is the most affordable option, followed by the Agilent 34420A and the Keithley 6487.
  • Accuracy: The Keithley 6487 is the most accurate option, followed by the Keithley 6485 and the Agilent 34420A.
  • Resolution: The Keithley 6487 offers the highest resolution, followed by the Keithley 6485 and the Agilent 34420A.
  • Input range: The Keithley 6485 and the Agilent 34420A have a similar input range, while the Keithley 6487 has a slightly larger input range.
  • Output voltage: The Keithley 6487 has a higher output voltage than the Keithley 6485 and the Agilent 34420A.
  • Rise time: The Keithley 6487 has a faster rise time than the Keithley 6485 and the Agilent 34420A.
  • Damping function: The Keithley 6487 is the only instrument that offers a damping function.

The best instrument for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you need the highest accuracy and fastest rise times, then the Keithley 6487 is the best option. If you are on a budget, then the Keithley 6485 is a good choice. And if you need a middle-ground option, then the Agilent 34420A is a good option.

Keithley 6485 Pros/Cons and My Thought

The Keithley 6485 is a high-performance picoammeter that is used for a variety of applications, including semiconductor testing, circuit analysis, and battery measurement. It features a wide measurement range, high accuracy, and fast response time.

Pros:

  • Wide measurement range: The 6485 can measure currents from 10 pA to 100 mA, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
  • High accuracy: The 6485 has an accuracy of ±0.01%, making it one of the most accurate picoammeters on the market.
  • Fast response time: The 6485 has a response time of 10 µs, making it ideal for measuring fast-changing currents.
  • User-friendly interface: The 6485 has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to operate.
  • Durable construction: The 6485 is built to last, with a durable construction that can withstand harsh environments.

Cons:

  • Expensive: The 6485 is a relatively expensive picoammeter.
  • Not portable: The 6485 is not a portable picoammeter, so it is not suitable for use in field applications.

User reviews:

  • Positive reviews:
    • "The 6485 is an excellent picoammeter. It is accurate, fast, and easy to use."
    • "I have been using the 6485 for several years, and I have been very impressed with its performance."
    • "The 6485 is the best picoammeter I have ever used."
  • Negative reviews:
    • "The 6485 is too expensive."
    • "The 6485 is not portable."
    • "The 6485's user interface could be improved."

My thoughts:

The Keithley 6485 is an excellent picoammeter that is well-suited for a variety of applications. It is accurate, fast, and easy to use. However, it is also expensive and not portable. If you are looking for a high-performance picoammeter that is accurate and fast, the 6485 is a great option. However, if you are looking for a portable picoammeter or a more affordable option, there are other models that may be a better fit.

Comparison to Keithley 6487:

The Keithley 6487 is a more advanced picoammeter than the 6485. It has a higher accuracy, faster rise time, and a 500V source. The 6487 is also more expensive than the 6485.

If you need the highest possible accuracy and speed, the 6487 is the better option. However, if you are on a budget or do not need the extra features, the 6485 is a great choice.

Keithley 6485 Where To Buy

some places where you can buy Keithley 6485 and spare parts:

  • Keithley Direct: This is the official website of Keithley Instruments, and they sell a wide range of Keithley products, including the 6485. You can also find spare parts on their website. Image of Keithley Direct website
  • Walmart: Walmart is a large retailer that sells a variety of electronics, including the Keithley 6485. You can find it online or in stores. Image of Walmart website
  • Amazon: Amazon is another large retailer that sells the Keithley 6485. You can find it at a variety of prices, and you can also read reviews from other customers. Image of Amazon website
  • Best Buy: Best Buy is a electronics retailer that sells the Keithley 6485. You can find it online or in stores. Image of Best Buy website
  • Lowes: Lowes is a home improvement retailer that sells a variety of electronics, including the Keithley 6485. You can find it online or in stores. Image of Lowes website
  • eBay: eBay is an online marketplace where you can find a variety of electronics, including the Keithley 6485. You can often find good deals on eBay, but be sure to read the seller's feedback before you buy. Image of eBay website

I hope this helps!

Keithley 6485 Problems and Solutions

some common issues and problems with the Keithley 6485 and their solutions:

  • The unit powers on but does not display anything.
    • Check the power supply to make sure it is providing the correct voltage and current.
    • Make sure that the unit is properly connected to the power supply.
    • Try resetting the unit by pressing and holding the RESET button for 10 seconds.
  • The unit displays an error message.
    • Check the error message to see what the specific problem is.
    • There are a number of different error messages that can occur, so you will need to consult the manual to find the solution for the specific error message you are seeing.
  • The unit is not measuring correctly.
    • Check the connections to make sure they are secure.
    • Make sure that the unit is properly calibrated.
    • Try using a different set of leads.

Here are some additional tips for troubleshooting problems with the Keithley 6485:

  • Check the manual. The manual contains a wealth of information on how to use the unit and troubleshoot problems.
  • Contact Keithley support. If you are unable to resolve the problem yourself, you can contact Keithley support for assistance.

Here are some step-by-step instructions on how to troubleshoot a problem with the Keithley 6485:

  1. Identify the problem. What is the specific problem that you are experiencing? Is the unit not powering on? Is it displaying an error message? Is it not measuring correctly?
  2. Check the connections. Make sure that all of the connections to the unit are secure. This includes the power connections, the input connections, and the output connections.
  3. Check the settings. Make sure that the unit is properly configured. This includes the measurement settings, the triggering settings, and the output settings.
  4. Calibrate the unit. If the unit is not measuring correctly, it may need to be calibrated.
  5. Contact Keithley support. If you are unable to resolve the problem yourself, you can contact Keithley support for assistance.

I hope this helps!

Keithley 6485 Manual

Safety Information

  • Read and understand all safety information before using the Keithley 6485 picoammeter.
  • Do not use the instrument if it is damaged or has been dropped.
  • Do not connect the instrument to a voltage source that exceeds the maximum rating.
  • Do not touch any exposed electrical components.
  • Always use dry hands when making measurements.
  • Stand on a dry, insulated surface when making measurements.
  • Do not operate the instrument in an explosive or flammable atmosphere.

Before Use

  • Inspect the instrument for any damage before using it.
  • Connect the instrument to a power supply that is within the voltage rating of the instrument.
  • Select the appropriate measurement range for the expected current levels.
  • Connect the probes to the instrument and the circuit under test.
  • Set the measurement mode and resolution.
  • Start the measurement.

Troubleshooting

  • If the instrument is not displaying any readings, check the power supply connection.
  • If the instrument is displaying incorrect readings, check the connections to the circuit under test.
  • If the instrument is displaying an error message, consult the manual for troubleshooting information.

Maintenance

  • Keep the instrument clean and free of dust.
  • Do not use harsh chemicals or solvents to clean the instrument.
  • Replace the batteries in the instrument as needed.
  • Send the instrument to a qualified service technician for repairs if it is damaged.

Warranty

  • The Keithley 6485 is warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase.
  • If the instrument is defective during the warranty period, Keithley will repair or replace it at no charge.
  • To obtain warranty service, contact Keithley Customer Service.

Contact Information

Additional Information

  • For more information on the Keithley 6485, please consult the user manual.
  • The user manual is available online at www.keithley.com.

Thank you for using the Keithley 6485 picoammeter.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Metabo Ste 100 Scs: Pros And Cons, Common Issues, And Best Places To Purchase

Image
Metabo STE 100 SCS Information The Metabo STE 100 SCS is a powerful and versatile jigsaw that is ideal for a wide range of woodworking and metalworking applications. It features a 630-watt motor that delivers plenty of power for cutting through even the toughest materials, and a four-stage pendulum action that allows you to adjust the cutting speed and aggressiveness for different materials. The STE 100 SCS also features Metabo's Quick saw blade change system, which makes it easy to swap out blades without tools. Specifications
Read more

Unraveling Genie Md 188: From Full Specifications To Potential Issues

Image
Genie MD 188 Information The Genie MD 188 is a portable ultraviolet (UV) light inspection tool that is used to identify counterfeit currency, documents, and other items. It is a popular choice for businesses and individuals who need to ensure the authenticity of their products. Introduction The Genie MD 188 is a handheld device that uses UV light to reveal hidden security features in documents and other materials. It is powered by two AA batteries and has a built-in UV lamp that produces a wavelength of 365 nanometers. The Genie MD 188 is also equipped with a magnifying lens that allows users to see the security features more clearly.
Read more