Test instrument characterizes current
draws down to picoamp range

A new test instrument is said to be the world’s first analyzer able to make 100-pA level dynamic current measurement. Developed by Keysight Technologies, it has a maximum 200 MHz bandwidth, 1 GSa/sec sampling rate and 14- or 16-bit wide dynamic range. The Keysight CX3300 Series Device Current Waveform Analyzer handles the simultaneous measurement of wideband and low-level current waveforms. By providing a 14-bit or 16-bit-wide dynamic measurement range, the instrument can handle chores that used to require multiple instruments. A graphical user interface on a WXGA 14.1-in. multi-touch display, and advanced measurement and analysis software, simplify low-level current waveform measurements and analyses.

Using the CX3300 analyzer, researchers can now measure transient current even if the pulse width is very narrow (less than 100 nsec.). This capability is particularly beneficial for device engineers developing semiconductor or advanced memory devices, because it lets them visualize 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 analyzer can also be used as a debugging tool, enabling deep-dive and accurate evaluation during R&D.

The CX3300 analyzer consists of a mainframe with a WXGA 14.1-in. 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 of maximum bandwidth, and a sampling rate of 1 GSa/sec. The low noise and wideband current sensors support dynamic current measurements from 10 A down to 100 pA level.

Keysight’s new CX3300 Series Device Current Waveform Analyzer has a price starting at $33,000 for the 2-channel model and $41,000 for the 4-channel model, with current sensors ranging from $4,800 to $6,900.