The Agilent/Keysight N3280A is a compact, four-output bipolar DC source engineered for component testing in Automated Test Equipment (ATE) environments. Delivering 5 W across four isolated outputs, this instrument excels in low-power RF and mixed-signal semiconductor characterization. The N3280A reduces test time by at least five times compared to previous Agilent DC sources through optimized command processing and measurement acquisition, while its half-rack form factor minimizes physical footprint in multi-site test scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Output Configuration
• 4 identical, isolated outputs
• Total power: 5 W
• Bipolar DC source with precision voltage and current capabilities
Voltage Characteristics
• Voltage Priority Mode: -10.25 V to +10.25 V with adjustable current limit ±0.5125 A (maximum 5.25 W per output)
• Voltage Current Priority Mode: -8 V to +8 V (full load); -11.25 V to +11.25 V (no load)
• Programming Accuracy: 0.1% ± 2 mV
• Measurement Accuracy: 0.1% ± 2 mV
• Ripple and Noise: 0.380 mV rms, 4 mV peak-to-peak (20 Hz to 20 MHz)
Current Characteristics
• Current Priority Mode: -0.5125 mA to +0.5125 mA
• Current Voltage Priority Mode: -0.5125 A to +0.5125 A
• Programming Accuracy: 0.1% ± 50 µA (±); 0.1% ± 1 µA (magnitude)
• Measurement Accuracy: 0.1% ± 200 µA (0.5 A range); 0.1% ± 5 µA (15 mA range); 0.1% ± 200 nA (0.5 mA range)
• Current Ripple: 1.5 µA rms; 40 µA rms for current limit settings
– Key Features
• Integrated 16-bit measurement system enables nanoampere-level current resolution
• Fast bipolar transition through zero volts minimizes settling delays
• Grouped command programming allows simultaneous control of all four outputs or selected combinations
• External measurement triggering with programmable delay timing eliminates external timer requirements
• GPIB/SCPI remote programming interface with optional Virtual Front Panel control software
– Typical Applications
• Low-power semiconductor component characterization
• Bias supply for RF and mixed-signal device testing
• Multi-site production test environments
• Fault analysis and low-level current measurement
– Compatibility & Integration
Remotely programmable via GPIB bus using SCPI commands. Virtual Front Panel control software available from Keysight for direct system integration.
