The HP 4155B Semiconductor Parameter Analyzer is a bench-top instrument for DC parametric characterization of semiconductor devices. The mainframe integrates four Medium Power Source Monitor Units (MPSMUs), two Voltage Source Units (VSUs), and two Voltage Monitor Units (VMUs) behind an 8.4-inch color LCD and a built-in HP Instrument BASIC environment, so the engineer can define stimulus, measurement, and analysis from a single front panel.

The 4155B is designed to set measurement and stress conditions, control execution, perform arithmetic calculations on results, display measured and calculated data on the LCD, and perform graphical analysis. Predefined library setups for Vce-Ic, Vds-Id, Vgs-Id, and Vf-If curves give immediate access to the most common transistor and diode characterizations, while user-defined setups can be stored on the built-in 3.5-inch disk or recalled over LAN.

ValueTronics International has supplied test and measurement instruments since 1992 from our 20,000-square-foot facility at 1675 Cambridge Drive in Elgin, Illinois. Semiconductor parameter analyzers like the 4155B are inspected, powered up, and functionally verified by our technicians on site before shipment, and we hold the supporting documentation, accessories, and triaxial cable sets needed to keep the instrument productive when it reaches your bench. Working with a stocking specialist rather than a drop-shipper means the unit you order has been seen by a person who can answer questions about its condition before the box leaves the warehouse.

Brand Heritage

Hewlett-Packard's test and measurement business was spun out as Agilent Technologies in 1999, and the electronic measurement portion of Agilent was subsequently transferred to Keysight Technologies in 2014. Instruments originally branded HP — including the 4155B and 4156B parameter analyzer family — therefore trace their support and calibration heritage through Agilent to today's Keysight organization.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The HP 4155B and HP 4156B share a common mainframe, the same 8.4-inch color LCD, the same HP Instrument BASIC environment, the same sweep / sampling / stress measurement architecture, and the same HP 41501B expansion path. They differ in the source-monitor unit installed: the 4155B ships with four Medium Power SMUs (MPSMUs), while the 4156B ships with four High Resolution SMUs (HRSMUs).

Both models include two Voltage Source Units and two Voltage Monitor Units, both support optional addition of an HPSMU (±200 V / ±1 A) or two more MPSMUs through the 41501B expander, and both can drive up to two Pulse Generator Units. The choice between the 4155B and 4156B therefore comes down to the resolution and low-current floor required by the application.

Each pre-owned model in this family is listed on its own product page with condition-matched pricing and accessory detail. Selecting the right configuration starts with the SMU type required for the measurement, then the optional 41501B expander, HPSMU, and PGU complement.

The 4155B's MPSMU has a minimum current resolution of 100 fA on the ±1 nA range and a minimum voltage resolution of 2 µV on the ±2 V range, which is sufficient for the large majority of digital-logic, power-device, and process-monitoring measurements. For sub-picoamp leakage characterization, gate-oxide work, or measurements that require an offset-cancellation specification at the 1 fA level, the HRSMU-equipped 4156B is the appropriate selection within the same family.

The MPSMU in the 4155B covers ±1 nA to ±100 mA in eight current ranges with a 100 fA minimum resolution and uses single-triaxial, non-Kelvin connection. The HRSMU in the 4156B extends two ranges lower, down to ±10 pA, with a 1 fA minimum resolution and dual-triaxial Kelvin (remote-sensing) connection. Voltage ranges (±2 V, ±20 V, ±40 V, ±100 V), maximum current per voltage quadrant, and compliance behavior are otherwise equivalent between the two SMU types.

The comparison table below summarizes the source and measurement floors, connection type, and standard configuration for each model so the appropriate analyzer can be matched to the device's bias and leakage characteristics.

Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.

Accessories Supplied

• Kelvin triaxial cable, 4 ea.
• Coaxial cable, 4 ea.
• Interlock cable, 1 ea.
• Keyboard, 1 ea.
• User manual, 1 set
• Sample application program disk, 1 ea.
• Sample VEE program disk, 1 ea.
• VXIplug&play drivers disk for the HP 4155B & HP 4156B, 1 ea.
• VXIplug&play drivers disk for the HP E5250A, 1 ea.

Product Core & Specifications

About this used unit

• Warranty included
• Functional verification included
• Standard Calibration Upgrade Options: No Calibration Required, NIST Traceable, Z540.1 or ISO 17025 with Data, Z540.3 Guardbanding with Data.
• Note that unnecessary accessories may not be included (contact Test Architect to confirm).

Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.