The Keithley 2601A is a single-channel System SourceMeter instrument that integrates sourcing, measurement, and specialized functions into one benchtop unit. It delivers four-quadrant source or sink operation with 40.4 W maximum output power, supporting DC and pulsed measurements across voltage, current, resistance, and power parameters. The instrument combines a precision voltage/current source, digital multimeter, arbitrary waveform generator, pulse generator, power supply, and electronic load—eliminating the need for multiple instruments in characterization and automated test applications.
## Technical Specifications
**Source Capabilities**
• Voltage source: ±100 mV to ±40 V
• Current source (DC): ±100 nA to ±3.03 A
• Pulse current source: Up to 10 A
• Output power: 40.4 W maximum per channel
**Measurement Ranges**
• Voltage measurement: ±1 µV to ±40.8 V
• Current measurement: ±1 pA to ±3.06 A
• Pulse current measurement: Up to 10 A
• Resistance measurement supported
**Performance**
• Measurement speed: Up to 20,000 readings/s at 0.001 NPLC
• High-resolution measurement: Up to 24 bits at 10 NPLC
• Source settling time ranges from <80 µs (3 A range) to <25 ms (100 nA range)
• Voltage source range overshoot: <300 mV + 0.1% of larger range (typical)
## Key Features
• Four-quadrant operation enables both sourcing and sinking across all ranges
• Integrated arbitrary waveform generator and V/I pulse generator for complex stimulus patterns
• Electronic load function for power supply testing and characterization
• DMM capabilities for standalone multimeter operations
• Pulse measurement synchronized with pulse generation
• Settable output ranges from nanoamps to amps and millivolts to 40 V
## Typical Applications
• Device I-V characterization and curve tracing
• Power supply and battery testing
• LED and optoelectronic component evaluation
• Semiconductor parameter measurements
• Automated test system integration as a single-channel unit
• High-speed parallel testing with precision timing
## Compatibility & Integration
The 2601A functions as a standalone benchtop instrument or as a building block within multi-channel automated test systems. Four-quadrant operation and settable measurement ranges support diverse load and source conditions without external switching.
