The Keysight B2900B/BL Series is a family of compact, cost-effective bench-top Precision Source/Measure Units (SMUs) that both source and measure voltage and current. By combining a precision voltage/current source, an electronic load, an accurate voltage/current meter, a pulse generator, and an arbitrary waveform generator in one compact form factor, the series handles a wide range of current-versus-voltage (IV) measurement tasks that demand both high resolution and accuracy. The series comprises six models — the B2901BL, B2910BL, B2901B, B2902B, B2911B, and B2912B — differentiated by output range, number of displayed digits, measurement resolution, minimum timing interval, viewing modes, and number of SMU channels.

An SMU performs IV measurements across many fields thanks to its integrated voltage and current sourcing and measurement. The series suits testing of semiconductors and discrete and passive components — diodes, laser diodes, and LEDs; photodetectors and sensors; field-effect and bipolar junction transistors; analog ICs, RFICs, and MMICs; and resistors, varistors, thermistors, and switches. It also addresses precision electronics and green-energy devices such as photovoltaic cells, power transistors and power devices, batteries, automotive and medical instruments, and use as a power or DC bias source for circuit test. In research and education it supports new-material investigations, nano-device characterization (such as carbon nanotubes), giant magnetoresistance (GMR), and organic devices.

ValueTronics stocks and holds its own test-and-measurement inventory in a 20,000-square-foot secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive in Elgin, Illinois, so the instruments we list are equipment we keep on hand and ship directly.

Brand Heritage

Keysight Technologies traces its roots to Hewlett-Packard, whose test-and-measurement business was spun off as Agilent Technologies in 1999 and then established as Keysight Technologies in 2014. Instruments bearing the Keysight name continue the measurement heritage built under those earlier brands.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The B2900B/BL Series consists of six models — the B2901BL, B2910BL, B2901B, B2902B, B2911B, and B2912B — that share a common compact bench-top platform but differ in their available features. The models are differentiated by output range, number of displayed digits, measurement resolution, minimum timing interval, viewing modes, and number of SMU channels, making it straightforward to select the performance and price that match a given testing requirement.

All models provide integrated four-quadrant voltage and current sourcing and measurement, a 4.3-inch color LCD GUI, and USB, LAN, and GPIB connectivity. The choice between them comes down to how much voltage, current, resolution, speed, and channel count a particular application needs.

Each model below is its own dedicated product page with new-matched pricing. Select the specific model that fits your application to see its configuration and current new availability.

The models span a clear range of capability. The B2901BL is a single-channel unit with a 21 V maximum, 1.5 A DC, 1 pA measurement resolution, a 200 µs minimum trigger interval, and a 10,000-point buffer, and it does not support pulse mode, limit test, fast transient mode, or dual and roll views. The B2910BL adds the full 210 V range and 10 fA measurement resolution with a 50 µs interval, limit test, and a 100,000-point buffer, while remaining single-channel and DC-only. The B2901B (single-channel) and B2902B (dual-channel) reach 210 V, 3 A DC and 10.5 A pulsed with 100 fA measurement resolution and a 20 µs interval, and the B2911B and B2912B provide the finest 10 fA / 100 nV resolution with a 10 µs interval.

View modes also differ across the family: single view and graph view are available on all models, dual view is available on the B2902B and B2912B, and roll view is available on the B2911B and B2912B. The comparison table below details these per-model differences in range, resolution, timing, buffer size, and display modes.

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

Accessories Supplied

• Power cable
• USB cable
• Quick Reference (English)

Product Core & Specifications

Important: For sourcing and measuring below 1 nA, triaxial connections are recommended; a banana-jack-to-triaxial adapter is available.

Important: Pulse mode (±10.5 A pulsed sourcing) is not available on the B2901BL and B2910BL models; the 3 A and 10 A current ranges are likewise not available on the B2901BL/B2910BL.

Important: The 200 V voltage range and the 20 MΩ/200 MΩ resistance ranges are not available on the B2901BL.

Important: Banana jacks cannot support low current measurements of 1 nA and below; a banana-jack-to-triaxial adapter (N1297A for 2-wire/non-Kelvin or N1297B for 4-wire/Kelvin connection) is available and must be ordered separately to use high-performance triaxial cables for low-current measurement. The base unit is furnished only with a power cable, USB cable, and Quick Reference.

Important: For two-channel models (B2902B/B2912B), the total maximum current is limited when using both channels in the 21 V/1.515 A and 6 V/3.03 A ranges per the Maximum current limitation table; maximum current is not limited when using only one channel.

Important: Activation of both Digital I/O safety interlock pins (one active high, one active low) is required to enable output voltage greater than 42 V. The Keysight 16442B test fixture provides an interlock feature for safely applying voltages greater than 42 V (test fixtures sold separately, not included).

Recommended pairing: use the Keysight N1295A Device/Component Test Fixture for quick testing of packaged devices, or the 16442B test fixture for higher pin-count devices and interlocked operation above 42 V.

About this New unit

This is a brand-new, factory-sealed unit, supplied exactly as it arrives from the manufacturer and backed by the full manufacturer warranty. For the exact configuration, available options, included accessories, or current lead time for your application, our Test Architects can confirm the details before you order.

ValueTronics supplies both new and used test and measurement equipment. New units ship factory-sealed, exactly as received from the manufacturer; every used unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house at our 20,000 sq ft secure facility in Elgin, Illinois before it ships. Our Test Architects can help you select the condition, calibration, and configuration that fit your application.

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.