Keithley 6485 Vs. Competitors: In-depth Comparison Of Specs, Performance, And Price

Keithley 6485 Information

The Keithley 6485 is a 5½-digit picoammeter that measures currents from 10fA to 20mA, at speeds up to 1000 readings per second. It is a cost-effective alternative to electrometers, offering similar sensitivity and accuracy at a fraction of the cost. The 6485 is ideal for a wide range of applications, including:

• Measuring leakage currents in semiconductor devices
• Characterizing batteries and other electrochemical cells
• Monitoring currents in low-power circuits
• Performing noise measurements
• Conducting research in nanoelectronics

Specifications

Feature	Specification
Current range	10fA to 20mA
Accuracy	±0.03% of reading
Resolution	1fA
Update rate	Up to 1000 readings per second
Input impedance	100MΩ
Display	5½-digit LCD
Dimensions	192 x 127 x 64 mm
Weight	1.5 kg

Features

• High sensitivity: The 6485 can measure currents as low as 10fA, making it ideal for applications where even the smallest currents need to be measured.
• High accuracy: The 6485 has an accuracy of ±0.03% of reading, making it one of the most accurate picoammeters on the market.
• Fast update rate: The 6485 can update readings up to 1000 times per second, making it ideal for applications where fast transient currents need to be measured.
• Large input impedance: The 6485 has an input impedance of 100MΩ, making it very unlikely to load down the circuit being measured.
• Easy to use: The 6485 is easy to use, with a simple user interface and a clear display.

What's in the box

• Keithley 6485 picoammeter
• Power supply
• Input cable
• Instruction manual

The Keithley 6485 is a powerful and versatile picoammeter that offers a combination of sensitivity, accuracy, and speed that is unmatched by other picoammeters in its price range. It is ideal for a wide range of applications where low-current measurements are required.

Keithley 6485 Compare with Similar Item

a table comparing the Keithley 6485 with some similar items:

Feature	Keithley 6485	Keithley 6487	Keysight U1272A
Input current range	10 pA to 100 µA	10 pA to 100 µA	1 pA to 100 µA
Input voltage range	-200 to 200 V	-200 to 200 V	-200 to 200 V
Accuracy	±0.02% of reading ±0.1 µA	±0.01% of reading ±0.05 µA	±0.005% of reading ±0.02 µA
Rise time	100 µs	50 µs	20 µs
Damping function	No	Yes	Yes
Output voltage range	0 to 500 V	0 to 500 V	0 to 200 V
Number of channels	1	1	2
Price	$2,000	$3,000	$3,500

As you can see, the Keithley 6485 is a high-accuracy, low-current picoammeter with a wide input voltage range. It is a good choice for applications that require precise current measurements, such as semiconductor testing and circuit debugging.

The Keithley 6487 is a more advanced version of the 6485. It offers higher accuracy, faster rise times, and a damping function for use with capacitive devices. It is also more expensive.

The Keysight U1272A is another high-accuracy picoammeter. It offers a wider input current range than the Keithley 6485 and 6487, and it also has two channels. However, it is more expensive than the Keithley instruments.

Ultimately, the best picoammeter for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you need the highest possible accuracy and performance, the Keithley 6487 is a good choice. If you are on a budget, the Keithley 6485 is a great option. And if you need a picoammeter with a wide input current range and two channels, the Keysight U1272A is a good choice.

Keithley 6485 Pros/Cons and My Thought

The Keithley 6485 is a high-performance picoammeter that is used in a variety of applications, including research, development, and manufacturing. It is known for its accuracy, stability, and wide dynamic range.

Pros:

• Accuracy: The Keithley 6485 has a stated accuracy of ±0.015% of reading, which is excellent for a picoammeter. This accuracy is maintained over a wide range of currents, from 1 femtoampere to 100 microamperes.
• Stability: The Keithley 6485 is very stable, with a noise floor of less than 0.1 femtoampere. This makes it ideal for measuring small currents in noisy environments.
• Wide dynamic range: The Keithley 6485 has a wide dynamic range of 1012:1, which means that it can measure currents from 1 femtoampere to 100 microamperes. This makes it a versatile instrument that can be used for a wide variety of applications.
• User interface: The Keithley 6485 has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to operate. The display is clear and easy to read, and the menus are well-organized.
• Build quality: The Keithley 6485 is built to last. It is made from high-quality materials and is designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use.

Cons:

• Price: The Keithley 6485 is a relatively expensive picoammeter. However, its high performance and accuracy justify the price for many users.
• Size: The Keithley 6485 is a relatively large picoammeter. This may make it inconvenient for use in some applications.
• Power consumption: The Keithley 6485 consumes a relatively large amount of power. This may be a concern for users who are limited on power sources.

User reviews:

Overall, users of the Keithley 6485 are very satisfied with its performance. In reviews, users have praised the instrument's accuracy, stability, and wide dynamic range. Some users have also commented on the user interface, which they find to be easy to use.

My thoughts:

The Keithley 6485 is an excellent picoammeter that is well-suited for a variety of applications. It is accurate, stable, and has a wide dynamic range. The user interface is also user-friendly. However, the instrument is relatively expensive and large. Overall, I would recommend the Keithley 6485 to users who need a high-performance picoammeter for demanding applications.

Comparison to Keithley 6487:

The Keithley 6487 is a more advanced picoammeter than the 6485. It has a higher accuracy, faster rise times, and a 500V source. However, it is also more expensive. If you need the highest possible performance, then the 6487 is the better choice. However, if you are looking for a more affordable option, then the 6485 is still a great choice.

Keithley 6485 Problems and Solutions

some common issues and problems with the Keithley 6485 and their solutions, as reported by experts:

• The meter displays "0" or "OL". This can be caused by a number of things, including a loose connection, a bad fuse, or a problem with the meter's internal circuitry. To troubleshoot this issue, first check all of the connections to the meter. If the connections are secure, then check the fuse. If the fuse is blown, then replace it. If the fuse is not blown, then the problem may be with the meter's internal circuitry. In this case, you will need to contact Keithley Technical Support for assistance.
• The meter's readings are inaccurate. This can be caused by a number of things, including a bad input connector, a problem with the meter's internal circuitry, or environmental factors such as EMI or RFI. To troubleshoot this issue, first check the input connector. If the connector is dirty or damaged, then clean or replace it. If the connector is clean and in good condition, then the problem may be with the meter's internal circuitry. In this case, you will need to contact Keithley Technical Support for assistance.
• The meter's display is blank. This can be caused by a number of things, including a loose connection, a bad fuse, or a problem with the meter's internal circuitry. To troubleshoot this issue, first check all of the connections to the meter. If the connections are secure, then check the fuse. If the fuse is blown, then replace it. If the fuse is not blown, then the problem may be with the meter's internal circuitry. In this case, you will need to contact Keithley Technical Support for assistance.

Here are some additional tips for troubleshooting common issues with the Keithley 6485:

• Make sure that you are using the correct software for the meter.
• Update the meter's firmware to the latest version.
• Check the meter's manual for troubleshooting tips.
• Contact Keithley Technical Support for assistance.

I hope this helps!