Keithley 6521 Scanner Card

The Keithley 6521 Scanner Card is a 10-channel multiplexer accessory that expands the measurement capacity of compatible Keithley electrometers by routing multiple low-current signals to a single instrument. Designed specifically for sensitive current measurements, it delivers offset current below 1 pA (typically <30 fA at 23°C, <60% RH) with inter-channel isolation exceeding 10¹³ Ω. The card uses break-before-make switching with contact resistance <1 Ω and contact potential <200 µV, making it ideal for precision low-current applications where signal integrity is critical. BNC input connectors and triaxial outputs accommodate shielded measurement configurations. Signal routing is sequential and deterministic - when a channel is deselected, its signal path connects to the common return, functioning as a true current switch rather than an open circuit. Actuation time is 2 ms per channel transition. Contact life exceeds 10⁶ closures at full signal level (30 V, 500 mA) and 10⁷ at low signal levels. The card integrates directly into the 6517B Electrometer/High Resistance Meter and compatible models, automating multipoint test sequences without manual reconfiguration.

Technical Specifications

Channels: 10 per card

Signal Level: 30 V, 500 mA, 10 VA (resistive load)

Contact Resistance: <1 Ω

Contact Potential: <200 µV

Offset Current: <1 pA (typically <30 fA at 23°C, 10¹³ Ω, 10¹⁰ Ω, <125 pF (HI to LO)

Common Mode Voltage: 10⁶ closures (maximum signal), >10⁷ closures (low signal)

Operating Temperature: 0°C to 50°C (up to 35°C at 70% RH)

Storage Temperature: -25°C to 65°C

Dimensions: 38 mm H × 70 mm W × 242 mm D

Weight: 623 g

Key Features

Break-before-make switching on signal HI; common signal LO for all channels

Triaxial output connectors for low-noise measurement paths

Sub-picoampere offset current for ultra-low leakage detection

High inter-channel isolation minimizes crosstalk and parasitic coupling

Typical Applications

Semiconductor reverse leakage testing on junctions

FET gate leakage characterization

Automated multipoint current scanning

Low-level current measurements requiring frequent test configuration changes

Compatibility & Integration Primary compatibility: Keithley Model 6517B Electrometer/High Resistance Meter (requires firmware A12 or later). Also compatible with Models 6517A and 6517 Electrometers.