5A SpikeSafe Source Measure Unit

The 5A SpikeSafe Source Measure Unit is part of the SpikeSafe Source Measure Unit family. Operational modes include DC, continuous pulse, and single pulse current. Output pulses have microsecond rise and fall times – key to repeatable LED photometric and electrical measurements. A precision hardware-controlled timing system supports pulse widths from 1µs to 15000s. Programmable load tuning alters the SpikeSafe 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.

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

The 5A SpikeSafe Source Measure Unit 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%+175µA. The high range output current accuracy is 0.08%+1mA. The pulse width range is 1µs-15000s and the pulse width accuracy is 1µs. The pulse rise/fall time is 200ns-3µs and the typical pulse width jitter is 30ns. 

The Control Panel Software Application is available with this current source. Learn more about Control Panel here


5A Source Pulse Shapes

Precision pulsing is key to best practices measurements. The 5A SpikeSafe Source Measure Unit 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 available with upgrades for fast precision pulsing (1us pulse widths). Pulse width accuracy is 1us with pulse rise and fall times of 200ns to 3us. Ramp time is adjustable.

Vektrex Precision Pulsed Current Source 5A 44.7V 100uS current pulse width 958.6ns rise time
Vektrex Precision Pulsed Current Source 5A 44.7V 100uS current pulse width 958.6ns rise time

Performance Curves

This model offers total output power of 600W.

💡 Specifications
💡 5A Datasheet

💡 Software Applications and Development Resources