The HP/Agilent 41501A is an expansion unit that extends the measurement capabilities of HP/Agilent 4155A, 4155B, 4155C, 4156A, 4156B, and 4156C semiconductor parameter analyzers. Connected to the rear of the host instrument, it provides additional source-measure resources that are automatically recognized at power-up without requiring physical reconfiguration. The 41501A accepts multiple module configurations—ground units, high-power source-measure units, medium-power source-measure units, and pulse generator units—each tailored for specific device characterization and reliability testing.
## Technical Specifications
Configuration options deliver distinct measurement capabilities:
• **High-Power Source Measure Unit (HPSMU):** Sources and sinks up to 1 A; supplies ±200 V
• **Medium-Power Source Measure Unit (MPSMU):** Provides 100 V and 100 mA capability
• **Pulse Generator Unit (PGU):** Integrates with HP/Agilent 16440A SMU/PGU selector for memory testing applications
• **Voltage Monitor Unit (VMU):** Input impedance ≥1 GΩ; input leakage current ≤500 pA at 0 V; measurement noise 0.01% of range (p-p) typical at 10 PLC integration time; differential mode noise 0.005% of range (p-p) typical with short integration time
**HPSMU Output Characteristics:**
• Maximum allowable Kelvin cable resistance (Force/Sense): 10 Ω
• Typical voltage source output resistance (Force line, non-Kelvin): 0.2 Ω
## Key Features
• Transparent integration—additional resources appear as standard measurement resources within the host instrument interface
• Modular design accommodates application-specific measurement needs
• Flash memory endurance testing via PGU configuration with 16440A selector
• No user reconfiguration required upon connection
## Typical Applications
• Semiconductor device parameter characterization and curve tracing
• Power device testing with high-current sourcing capability
• Non-volatile memory write/erase endurance assessment
• Multi-terminal device analysis requiring extended measurement resources
## Compatibility & Integration
The 41501A interfaces directly with the 4155A/4156A series via rear-panel connection. Remote control and data output are supported through HP-IB (IEEE-488) and serial output ports. Trigger I/O enables synchronization for automated test sequences.
