The HP/Agilent 6186C is a precision DC current source delivering 0–100mA output with 300V compliance, designed for applications requiring stable, regulated current in test, calibration, and research environments. The instrument features three current ranges (0–1mA, 0–10mA, 0–100mA) with 0.02% resolution and programming speeds below 10ms. Load regulation remains exceptionally tight: less than 25ppm of initial value plus 5ppm of range setting for standard configurations. Output current drift is controlled to less than 100ppm of output plus 25ppm of range setting over 8 hours at constant conditions. Temperature stability is maintained at less than 75ppm per °C plus 5ppm of range setting.
Technical Specifications
Current Output
• Maximum output: 100mA across three selectable ranges
• Resolution: 0.02% of range switch setting
• Load regulation: <25ppm initial value + 5ppm range setting (negative output grounded); <100nA change for full-load voltage variation (positive output grounded)
• Total drift: <100ppm output + 25ppm range setting (8-hour stability)
• Temperature coefficient: <75ppm/°C + 5ppm range setting
• Programming speed: <10ms (0–99% of rated output) Voltage Compliance
• Maximum output voltage: 300V DC
• Internal limit: 315V DC (component protection)
• Overvoltage protection: Adjustable SCR crowbar, 0.5V to 10% over rating
• Voltage programming via external source (1V/V, 20% accuracy) or resistance (820Ω/V, 15% or 3V minimum) Output Characteristics
• High output impedance; capacitor-free design
• Load transient recovery: <1ms (100mA range), <1.6ms (10mA range), <4ms (1mA range) Metering & Controls
• Dual meters: simultaneous voltage (0–360V) and current (0–120mA) readout
• Meter accuracy: 2% of full scale
• Ten-turn current control with optional decadial 10-turn control (Option 015)
• Single-turn voltage limit adjustment – Key Features • Precise 0.02% resolution current setting
• Tight load regulation and minimal temperature drift
• Fast transient recovery across all ranges
• Built-in overvoltage protection with user-adjustable threshold
• Remote programming capability via voltage or resistance control – Typical Applications • Device characterization and testing
• Precision calibration work
• Component screening and burn-in
• Precision measurement environments – Compatibility & Integration Operates as benchtop instrument or integrates into rack-mounted systems. Remote programming interfaces support external voltage and resistance control for automated test sequences.
