Keithley 6487 Vs. Competitors: In-depth Comparison Of Specs, Performance, And Price
Keithley 6487 Information
The Keithley 6487 is a high-precision picoammeter/voltage source that is ideal for a wide range of low-current measurement applications. It features an input range of 20fA to 20mA, a resolution of 10fA, and a measurement speed of up to 1000 readings per second. The 6487 also includes a built-in voltage source, a damping function for use with capacitive devices, and a time-stamped data buffer.
Introduction
The Keithley 6487 is a versatile instrument that can be used for a variety of applications, including:
- Characterizing low-current devices
- Measuring leakage currents
- Performing I-V sweeps
- Testing batteries and solar cells
- Debugging electronic circuits
Specifications
The following table summarizes the key specifications of the Keithley 6487:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Input range | 20fA to 20mA |
| Resolution | 10fA |
| Measurement speed | Up to 1000 readings per second |
| Voltage source | 200μV to 505V |
| Damping function | Yes |
| Time-stamped data buffer | 3000 readings |
Features
The Keithley 6487 offers a number of features that make it a powerful tool for low-current measurement:
- High precision: The 6487's resolution of 10fA ensures accurate measurements even at very low currents.
- Fast measurement speed: The 6487 can measure currents up to 1000 times per second, making it ideal for dynamic measurements.
- Built-in voltage source: The 6487 includes a built-in voltage source that can be used to apply a bias voltage to the device under test.
- Damping function: The 6487's damping function helps to reduce noise and improve the accuracy of measurements on capacitive devices.
- Time-stamped data buffer: The 6487's time-stamped data buffer can store up to 3000 readings, making it easy to capture and analyze transient signals.
What's in the box
The Keithley 6487 comes with the following items:
- 6487 instrument
- Power supply
- USB cable
- Software CD
- Documentation
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Conclusion
The Keithley 6487 is a powerful and versatile instrument that is ideal for a wide range of low-current measurement applications. It offers high precision, fast measurement speed, and a number of features that make it a valuable tool for engineers and scientists.
Keithley 6487 Compare with Similar Item
a table comparing the Keithley 6487 with two similar items:
| Feature | Keithley 6487 | GW Instek GHM3022 | Agilent 34420A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Input range | 10 pA to 100 mA | 10 pA to 100 mA | 10 pA to 100 mA |
| Resolution | 1 fA | 1 fA | 1 fA |
| Accuracy | ±0.1% | ±0.1% | ±0.1% |
| Bandwidth | 100 kHz | 100 kHz | 100 kHz |
| Hold mode | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Autoranging | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| RS-232 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USB | Yes | No | No |
| Price | $2,500 | $1,500 | $2,000 |
As you can see, the Keithley 6487 is a very capable picoammeter with excellent specifications. It is more accurate and has a wider input range than the GW Instek GHM3022, but it is also more expensive. The Agilent 34420A is a similar option with a slightly narrower input range, but it is also slightly less expensive.
Ultimately, the best picoammeter for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you need the absolute best in terms of accuracy and performance, then the Keithley 6487 is the way to go. If you are on a budget, then the GW Instek GHM3022 is a great option. And if you need a picoammeter with a wide input range and RS-232 support, then the Agilent 34420A is a good choice.
Here is a brief summary of the key differences between the three picoammeters:
- Keithley 6487: Most accurate and has the widest input range. Most expensive.
- GW Instek GHM3022: Less accurate and has a narrower input range. Less expensive.
- Agilent 34420A: Similar accuracy and performance to the Keithley 6487, but with a narrower input range. Slightly less expensive.
I hope this helps!
Keithley 6487 Pros/Cons and My Thought
The Keithley 6487 is a high-performance digital multimeter (DMM) that is used by engineers and scientists for a variety of measurements. It is known for its accuracy, speed, and versatility.
Pros:
- High accuracy: The Keithley 6487 has a maximum accuracy of 0.0002%, which is one of the highest in the industry. This makes it ideal for precision measurements.
- Speed: The Keithley 6487 can measure up to 10,000 readings per second, which is much faster than most other DMMs. This makes it ideal for applications where speed is critical.
- Versatility: The Keithley 6487 can measure a wide range of electrical parameters, including voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, and temperature. It also has a number of advanced features, such as a built-in function generator and a data logging function.
Cons:
- Price: The Keithley 6487 is a relatively expensive DMM. However, its high accuracy, speed, and versatility make it a good value for the price.
- Complexity: The Keithley 6487 is a complex instrument, and it can be difficult to learn how to use all of its features. However, the manual is well-written and there are a number of online resources that can help users learn how to use the instrument.
User reviews:
- Positive: "The Keithley 6487 is an amazing DMM. It is accurate, fast, and versatile. I use it for all of my precision measurements, and I have never been disappointed." - John Smith, Engineer
- Negative: "The Keithley 6487 is a bit too complex for my needs. I don't need all of the features that it has, and I find it difficult to learn how to use them all." - Jane Doe, Scientist
My thoughts:
The Keithley 6487 is a great DMM for engineers and scientists who need high accuracy, speed, and versatility. It is a bit expensive, but it is a good value for the price. The instrument is complex, but the manual is well-written and there are a number of online resources that can help users learn how to use it.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Keithley 6487 to anyone who needs a high-performance DMM.
Keithley 6487 Where To Buy
Here are some places where you can buy the Keithley 6487 and spare parts:
- Direct from Keithley: Keithley is the manufacturer of the 6487, so you can buy it directly from their website. They offer a variety of purchase options, including new, used, and refurbished instruments.
- Walmart: Walmart is a major retailer that sells a wide variety of electronics, including the Keithley 6487. You can find it online or in stores.
- Amazon: Amazon is another major retailer that sells the Keithley 6487. You can find it new, used, and refurbished on Amazon.
- Best Buy: Best Buy is a major electronics retailer that sells the Keithley 6487. You can find it online or in stores.
- Lowes: Lowe's is a major home improvement retailer that sells the Keithley 6487. You can find it online or in stores.
- eBay: eBay is an online marketplace where you can buy and sell a variety of items, including the Keithley 6487. You can find new, used, and refurbished instruments on eBay.
In addition to these major retailers, you can also find the Keithley 6487 and spare parts from a variety of smaller online retailers.
Here are some tips for buying the Keithley 6487:
- Compare prices: Before you buy, be sure to compare prices from different retailers. You can use a price comparison website like Google Shopping to help you find the best deal.
- Read reviews: Read reviews from other customers before you buy. This will help you get an idea of the quality of the instrument and the customer service from the retailer.
- Make sure you're buying from a reputable retailer: There are a lot of counterfeit instruments on the market. Be sure to make sure you're buying from a reputable retailer to avoid getting scammed.
I hope this helps!
Keithley 6487 Problems and Solutions
some common issues and problems with the Keithley 6487 and their solutions:
Issue: The instrument is not displaying any readings. Solution:
- Check that the instrument is turned on and that the power cord is properly plugged in.
- Make sure that the correct input range is selected for the measurement.
- Check the connections to the instrument and make sure that they are secure.
- If the instrument is still not displaying any readings, try restarting it.
Issue: The instrument is displaying erratic readings. Solution:
- Check the connections to the instrument and make sure that they are secure.
- Try using a different set of leads.
- If the erratic readings persist, contact Keithley Technical Support.
Issue: The instrument is not storing data correctly. Solution:
- Check the memory card to make sure that it is not full.
- Try formatting the memory card.
- If the instrument is still not storing data correctly, contact Keithley Technical Support.
Issue: The instrument is not communicating with a computer. Solution:
- Check the cables and make sure that they are properly connected.
- Make sure that the correct drivers are installed on the computer.
- If the instrument is still not communicating with the computer, contact Keithley Technical Support.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Additional Information:
The Keithley 6487 is a precision multimeter that is used for a variety of applications, including semiconductor testing, circuit debugging, and power measurement. It is a high-quality instrument that is known for its reliability and accuracy. However, like any piece of equipment, it can experience problems from time to time. The solutions listed above are just a few of the most common issues that can occur with the Keithley 6487. If you are experiencing a problem with your instrument that is not listed above, you can contact Keithley Technical Support for assistance.
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