Keysight B2981B Femto/Picoammeter

Key Features At A Glance

• Family spans precision source/measure units, low-noise power sources, and femto/picoammeter electrometers
• 6.5-digit source and measurement resolution available across the source/measure and low-noise source models
• Source and measure from 100 nV / 10 fA up to 210 V and 3 A DC (10.5 A pulsed) across the series
• Front-panel display of I-V curves, time domain, and histogram views
• Electrometer models measure down to 0.01 fA and resistance up to 10 PΩ with an integrated 1000 V source
• ARB capability on low-noise source models with 6 built-in waveforms at speeds up to 10 kHz
• Battery-operated models available to eliminate AC power line noise
• Multiple software control options: PathWave BenchVue, Graphical Web Interface, and Quick I/V Measurement Software

The Keysight B2900 Precision Instrument Family is a set of precision source and measurement instruments built to achieve critical precision source and measurement goals. It brings together three complementary series under one family: the B2900B/BL Series Precision Source/Measure Units, the B2960B Series Low Noise Power Sources, and the B2980B Series Femto/Picoammeters and Electrometers. Together they cover sourcing, measuring, and characterizing voltage, current, resistance, and charge across an exceptionally wide dynamic range.

A source/measure unit combines a precision programmable source with high-resolution measurement in a single instrument, letting an engineer stimulate a device and measure its response together. Within this family, the B2900B/BL units display I-V curves and other graphs directly on the front panel; the B2980B electrometers measure materials and devices down to 0.01 fA and up to 10 PΩ; and graphical time domain and histogram views support quick debug and analysis. These capabilities suit precision characterization of components, materials, and low-level current and charge behavior.

Brand Heritage

Keysight Technologies traces its measurement heritage to Hewlett-Packard, whose test and measurement business was spun off as Agilent Technologies in 1999 and then established as Keysight Technologies in 2014.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The B2900 Precision Instrument Family is organized into three series that share a common precision philosophy but address different measurement tasks. The B2900B/BL Series are Precision Source/Measure Units that source and measure in a single instrument; the B2960B Series are Low Noise Power Sources focused on ultra-low-noise precision sourcing; and the B2980B Series are Femto/Picoammeters and Electrometers built for the lowest-level current, charge, and high-resistance measurements.

Each model in the family is defined by its own type, channel count, source and measurement resolution, and maximum output, as shown in the comparison table below. Selecting the right model is a matter of matching the specific source/measure, low-noise sourcing, or electrometer task to the model whose listed specifications cover it.

Each model linked below is its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing. Choose the new listing for the specific model that fits your application; specifications shown reflect that model as described in this family's data.

The models differ primarily by type and capability. Source resolution ranges from 5.5-digit to 6.5-digit across the source models, channel counts are listed as one or two depending on the model, and maximum output voltage spans 21 V to 210 V on the source/measure and low-noise source models, while the electrometer offers an integrated 1000 V source. Maximum DC output current likewise varies across the family, up to 3.03 A on the higher-current source models (10.5 A pulsed).

Functional differences also separate the series: ARB waveform generation is provided on the low-noise source models, battery operation is available on select femto/picoammeter and electrometer models to eliminate AC line noise, and resistance and charge measurement appear on the electrometer. Refer to the comparison table that follows for each model's exact resolution, range, output, and supported functions before selecting.

Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.

Product Core & Specifications

Important: For the B2901B, B2902B, B2911B, B2912B, B2961B and B2962B, the maximum DC output current is 3.03 A; maximum pulsed output current is 10.5 A (datasheet footnote 1).

Important: The B2900B/BL and B2960B Series are PathWave BenchVue software enabled.

Important: On the B2980B Series, the battery models (B2983B and B2987A) eliminate AC power line noise; the integrated 1000 V source on the electrometer supports resistance measurements up to 10 PΩ.

Important: Refer to the Keysight website (www.keysight.com/find/B2900) for full product details and technical overviews.

Recommended pairing: configure the B2961B/62B low-noise sources with the N1298C, N1298B, or N1298A output filters for low-noise, ultra-low-noise, or high-current ultra-low-noise performance.

About this New unit

This is a brand-new, factory-sealed unit, supplied exactly as it arrives from the manufacturer and backed by the full manufacturer warranty. For the exact configuration, available options, included accessories, or current lead time for your application, our Test Architects can confirm the details before you order.

ValueTronics supplies both new and used test and measurement equipment. New units ship factory-sealed, exactly as received from the manufacturer; every used unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house at our 20,000 sq ft secure facility in Elgin, Illinois before it ships. Our Test Architects can help you select the condition, calibration, and configuration that fit your application.

Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.