The Agilent/Keysight 6177B is a precision DC current source engineered for applications demanding stable, accurate current output at extremely low levels. It maintains exceptional regulation and stability down to approximately 1 µA through specialized circuitry, including an internal guard supply that eliminates front-panel voltmeter isolation errors and prevents internal leakage currents from degrading performance. The instrument delivers high-resolution current control via a 10-turn potentiometer and three selectable output ranges, making it suitable for component characterization, sensor simulation, and calibration work.
Technical Specifications
• Output Current Ranges: 0–500 mA, 0–50 mA, 0–5 mA
• Resolution: 0.5 µA minimum adjustment
• Temperature Coefficient: Less than 75 ppm of output plus 5 ppm of range switch setting per °C
• Output Impedance: High impedance design
• Ripple: Very low
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C
• Storage Temperature: −40°C to +85°C
• Weight: 10 lbs net
– Key Features
• Three-position range switch for rapid reconfiguration across three decades of current
• 10-turn output current control enabling 0.5 µA resolution and precise setpoint repeatability
• Integrated guard supply isolates the front-panel voltmeter from leakage-current artifacts, preserving measurement fidelity at microampere levels
• Convection cooling with no moving parts ensures silent operation and extended service life
• High output impedance maintains constant-current behavior across varying load resistance
– Typical Applications
• Semiconductor device testing and characterization
• Precision sensor excitation and simulation
• Laboratory calibration and standards work
• Low-level circuit validation in component evaluation
– Compatibility & Integration
Operating and service documentation is available. The 6177B integrates into benchtop test setups via conventional front-panel controls and accepts standard laboratory load configurations.
