Stanford Research SR552 – Lock-in Voltage Preamp

The Stanford Research SR552 is a BJT input voltage preamplifier that delivers gain at the point of measurement, minimizing noise and signal pickup in connecting cables. Designed for integration with Stanford Research Systems lock-in amplifiers, it reduces measurement time in noise-limited experiments and operates either through direct connection to compatible SRS instruments or independently with external power.

Technical Specifications

• Input noise: 1.4 nV/√Hz at 1000 Hz, 1.6 nV/√Hz at 100 Hz, 2.5 nV/√Hz at 10 Hz


• Input impedance: 100 kΩ


• Input capacitance: 25 pF


• Maximum input: 70 mV RMS before overload


• Damage threshold: 20 VAC, 50 VDC


• Common mode rejection ratio: 100 dB at 100 Hz (1 V input)


• Common mode range: 1 V peak Gain and Frequency Response


• Selectable gain: 10, 20, 50, or 100


• Gain accuracy: ±2% (2 Hz to 100 kHz)


• Gain stability: 200 ppm/°C


• AC coupling: 0.016 Hz to 100 kHz (frequencies below 1 Hz not detected)


• Maximum output: 10 V peak Connections


• Input: Switch-selectable single-ended (A) or differential (A-B), BJT type


• Output (A): Single-ended, 600 Ω impedance


• Output (B): Shielded ground


• Power connector: 9-pin

Key Features

• Automatic gain control via SR510 and SR530 lock-in amplifiers


• Fixed gain of 100 with DSP lock-ins and SR850/SR810/SR830 models (requires post-measurement division by 100)


• Powered via control cable from compatible SRS lock-in amplifiers or external supply (+20 VDC at 100 mA, +5 VDC at 10 mA, −20 VDC at 100 mA)


• Compact form factor: 1.3" H × 3.0" W × 5.1" D, 1 lb

Compatibility & Integration Direct compatibility with SRS lock-in amplifiers: SR510, SR530, SR810, SR830, SR850, and SR124. When used with DSP lock-ins, gain compensation is not automatic - measurement data requires division by 100 to account for the fixed ×100 amplification.