16A Precision Pulsed Source – Performance Series

The SpikeSafe™ 16A Performance Series Current Source (PRF) is part of the SpikeSafe Performance Series Precision Pulsed Current Source Family. It supplies precision DC, continuous pulse, and single pulse current with excellent pulse fidelity. Output pulses have microsecond rise and fall times – key to precise LED photometric and electrical measurements. A precision hardware-controlled timing system supports pulse widths from 10µs to 15000s. Programmable load tuning alters the SpikeSafe current regulator response to compensate for load conditions, cable impedance, and length. Hardware triggering ensures measurement repeatability. Continuous power conversion technology means no duty cycle or pulse width limitations. Multiple output conductor pairs keep maximum current/conductor below 4A, allowing the current output to be routed through standard switching and interconnect devices.

Vektrex also offers a source measure unit for photonic and other applications. Learn more about Vektrex High Current Pulsed SMU.

An optional bias current module supports junction temperature (Tj), thermal resistance (RΘ), and dynamic thermal impedance measurements.

Devices being tested are protected with a gentle turn-on during ramp-up and with SpikeSafe load protection during operation. SpikeSafe load protection continuously monitors voltage and current patterns and instantly shuts down the drive current when device anomalies are detected.

The notable specifications for this current source are as follows: the low range output current accuracy is 0.04%+700µA. The high range output current accuracy is 0.08%+4mA. The pulse width range is 10µs-15000s and the pulse width accuracy is 1.3µs. The pulse rise/fall time is 350ns-4.5ns and the typical pulse width jitter is 30ns. 

Vektrex-developed Control Panel Software Application enables use of the instrument “out-of-the-box”.


16A Source Pulse Shapes

Precision pulsing is key to best practices measurements. The 16A Precision Pulsed Current Source offers programmable pulse width flexibility. It is capable of long pulse widths (ms to seconds) and short pulse widths (100us pulse widths and faster). With the pulse source, minimum 10us pulse widths are possible without requiring major system upgrades.  Pulse width accuracy is 1us with pulse rise and fall times of 350ns to 6.5us. Ramp time is adjustable.

Vektrex Precision Pulsed Current Source 16A 43.3V current pulse 100uS pulse width 1680ns rise time
Vektrex Precision Pulsed Current Source 16A 43.3V current pulse 100uS pulse width 1680ns rise time

Learn more about our Performance Series Precision Pulsed Current Sources here.

Learn more about Vektrex High Current Pulsed SMU.