9103 Data Logging & Graphing Picoammeter
USB - Rugged - Portable - Affordable - Programmable
Actuel 1.2 Software Update (NEW VERSION)
LabVIEW Instrument Drivers (NEW)
Actuel Software Tutorial Video
Almost every vacuum lab has a Keithley picoammeter and some kind of bias supply to measure electron or ion currents in a vacuum chamber. The concept of the 9103 USB Picoammeter is to provide a better value in a combination of a picoammeter and target bias supply that also provides the flexibility of an easy to use software interface, data logging and graphing capability with user programmability. The 9103 Picoammeter design was inspired by 30+ years of using Keithley electrometers in conjunction with an external target bias supply to measure DC current from electron and ion sources in vacuum related hardware. Designed for use with electron microscopes, analyzers and spectrometers, the 9103 has a useful DC low current measurement range of low pA to low mA.
Applications Include:
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Replace your old meter and bias box with the 9103 Picoammeter!
Input can be "floated" up to 600V DC! LabVIEW compatible |
Picoammeter Features and Benefits
- Accurate Current Measurement: accurately measure current (ranges 2 nA to 2 mA)
- Auto or Manual Range: automatic or manual range selection
- Interval or Single Sampling: take samples of current at timed intervals ranging from 25 ms to 9999 ms
- Offset Null: null (zero) the offset at a particular range
- Input Grounding: enables the input to be shorted to ground when not sampling, and automatically opened when sampling (this features is designed specifically for use with electron microscopes and vacuum spectrometers to prevent the specimen stage from charging)
- Output via External Chart Recorder: convert the sample current measurement to a voltage and output to a chart recorder or similar device
- Sample Filter: select the speed and accuracy of the built-in sample filter
- Query Status: query status (including stability, over/under range indication) calibration, and diagnostic information from the device
- 90 V Bias (Optional): select a 90 V bias
- Software and Compatibility: come bundled with application software for Microsoft Windows (Actuel), hardware is compatible with various other OSs including most Linux and Apple Mac OS systems
- Programmability: ASCII command interface provided for user-defined testing and automation as well as integration with third-party instrument software
- Interface: On/Off switch, USB (type B) interface connector, BNC input connector, banana jack recorder output connectors, power and data LEDs
- Flexible Calibration: calibration procedure is provided so the unit can be calibrated annually by your local calibration service
Additional features are provided by the Actuel application
Picoammeter Control With Actuel
Actuel is RBD’s newest software application. A play on words (Actuel is French for “current”, as in “at the present moment”), Actuel provides the interface to RBD’s new 9103 Picoammeter. Version 1 of Actuel provides a control and display medium for the Picoammeter, including an easy-to-read current display and status information. It also includes an interface that provides data sampling and recording (data logging). In addition, the software provides a console for accessing advanced features of the Picoammeter, including calibration and diagnostics.
Comparison Chart:
Here's how RBD's 9103 Picoammeter stands up to the competition:
| Feature | RBD 9103 | Keithley 6485 |
|---|---|---|
| USB (included) | • | |
| Real time data logging software (included) | • | |
| Integrated 90V low noise target bias for improved accuracy of electron and ion beam measurements in vacuum | • | |
| Simple ASCII programming commands for easily integration into your application | • | |
| Low pA to mid mA current range | • | • |
| Femto range | • |
Watch Actuel in action in this tutorial::
Specifications:
General:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| USB Interfaces | 160 mW power consumption |
| 2 nA minimum DAC Resolution | 0.1 pA |
| mA minimum DAC Resolution | 100 nA |
| Ranges | 2 nA to 2 mA with 100 fA resolution |
| Input Protection | Reverse diode 1 VDC |
| Recorder Output Voltage | +/- 2.000 V per range |
| Warm-up | 1 hour to rated accuracy |
| Environment | Operating 0o C to 40o C |
| Dimensions | 55 mm high x 170 mm wide x 165 mm deep |
| Net. Weight | 0.816 kg / 1.5 lbs |
| Connections | Input: BNC; Analog Output: Banana jacks |
| Safety | Conforms to USB Power Specification - for use by qualified personnel who are trained in the use of test and measurement instrumentation |
| Accessories Included | Instructions manual, low noise BNC cable, USB power cable, USB driver, installation instructions, Actuel software |
Resolution & Accuracy per Range
| Range | Resolution | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| 2 nA | 100 fA | 0.4 +/- % |
| 20 nA | 1 pA | 0.4 +/- % |
| 200 nA | 10 pA | 0.2 +/- % |
| 2 uA | 100 pA | 0.15 +- % |
| 20 uA | 1 nA | 0.1 +/- % |
| 200 uA | 10 nA | 0.1 +/- % |
| 2 mA | 100 nA | 0.1 +/- % |
More Information
For price and delivery information, please contact our sales department at 541-330-0723 x 304 or send an email to technicalsales@rbdinstruments.com.
