Keysight / Agilent / HP 41420A Source / Monitor Module

The Keysight 41420A is a high-power Source/Monitor Module (SMU) designed for semiconductor device testing within the 4142B Modular DC Source/Monitor Mainframe. This dual-slot module delivers precise voltage and current sourcing with simultaneous monitoring, supporting both DC and pulsed operation across demanding test applications. The 41420A sources ±200 V or ±1 A at maximum 14 W power, with measurement resolution down to 40 µV and 20 fA. Its fast pulse capability (100 µs minimum width) minimizes thermal drift effects, while Kelvin connections enable accurate low-resistance characterization. Compliance limiting and high measurement accuracy (0.05% voltage, 0.2% current) make it ideal for high-throughput DC semiconductor testers requiring reliable, repeatable performance.

Technical Specifications

Source Voltage Range: ±200 V

Source Current Range: ±1 A

Maximum Power: 14 W (DC or pulsed)

Voltage Measurement Resolution: 40 µV

Current Measurement Resolution: 20 fA

Voltage Accuracy: Typically 0.05%

Current Accuracy: Typically 0.2%

Minimum Pulse Width: 100 µs

Key Features

Dual-slot architecture optimized for high-power semiconductor characterization

Voltage sourcing with current monitoring or current sourcing with voltage monitoring

Fast pulsed testing capability to reduce thermal drift in high-current applications

Compliance limiting on output voltage and current

Kelvin connections for remote sensing and elimination of lead resistance effects

Triaxial and Kelvin triaxial cable support for low-leakage-current measurements

Typical Applications

High-power device characterization and parameter extraction

Power transistor and MOSFET testing

Diode and rectifier evaluation

Thermal transient analysis via pulsed operation

Low-resistance and leakage current measurement

Compatibility & Integration The 41420A integrates into the Keysight 4142B mainframe via dedicated module slots. The 4142B provides HP-IB interface for system control and data transfer. The 41420A can be combined with other 4142B-compatible modules - such as the 41422A HCU (±10 A) and 41423A HVU (±1000 V) - to extend measurement range to 20 A and 2000 V.