The PXIe-4141 is a four-channel precision source measure unit designed for semiconductor characterization, high-pin-count device testing and automated electronic validation. It combines programmable voltage and current sourcing with precision measurements in a single-slot PXI Express module.
Each channel supports four-quadrant operation, a ±10 V voltage range and current up to ±100 mA. With 10 pA current sensitivity, 600 kS/s continuous measurement, four-wire remote sensing and NI SourceAdapt technology, the PXIe-4141 is suitable for fast and accurate I-V characterization.
Key Features of the PXIe-4141
- Four precision SMU channels
- Four-quadrant source and sink operation
- ±10 V voltage range per channel
- Up to ±100 mA current per channel
- Up to 1 W source or sink power per channel
- Current ranges from ±10 µA to ±100 mA
- Current sensitivity down to 10 pA
- Maximum measurement rate of 600 kS/s per channel
- Maximum source update rate of 100 kS/s per channel
- Integrated four-wire remote sensing
- Programmable output resistance
- NI SourceAdapt transient-response technology
- Hardware sequencing and PXI triggering
- Channels isolated from earth ground
- Single-slot 3U PXI Express form factor
PXIe-4141 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PXIe-4141 |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 781743-01 |
| Product Type | Precision PXI Source Measure Unit |
| Number of SMU Channels | 4 |
| Operating Quadrants | Four-quadrant source and sink operation |
| Voltage Range | -10 V to +10 V |
| Maximum Current | ±100 mA per channel |
| Available Current Ranges | 10 µA, 100 µA, 1 mA, 10 mA and 100 mA |
| Current Sensitivity | 10 pA |
| Maximum Source Power | 1 W per channel |
| Maximum Sink Power | 1 W per channel |
| Voltage Resolution and Noise | 10 µV on the 10 V range |
| Voltage Accuracy | Up to ±(0.015% of reading + 600 µV) |
| 10 µA Range Resolution and Noise | 10 pA |
| 100 mA Range Resolution and Noise | 100 nA |
| Maximum Continuous Measurement Rate | 600,000 samples/s per channel |
| Maximum Source Update Rate | 100,000 updates/s per channel for supported sequences |
| Remote Sense | Four-wire remote sensing on every channel |
| Maximum Remote-Sense Lead Drop | 1 V per lead |
| Typical Settling Time | Less than 100 µs |
| Typical Transient Response | Less than 100 µs |
| SourceAdapt | Supported |
| Transient Response Modes | Slow, normal, fast and custom |
| Channel Isolation | Isolated from earth ground; channels share a common LO |
| Channel-to-Ground Isolation | 60 VDC, CAT I |
| Front Connector | 25-position male D-SUB |
| Form Factor | 3U, single-slot PXI Express module |
| Recommended Calibration Interval | 1 year |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to 70°C |
PXIe-4141 Part Number and Configuration
| Part Number | Channels | Voltage Range | Maximum Current | Current Sensitivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 781743-01 | 4 | ±10 V | ±100 mA | 10 pA |
The standard package includes the PXIe-4141 module, a PXIe-4140 terminal block pinout overlay, a 25-pin female D-SUB to 25-pin spring-terminal block and safety, environmental and regulatory documentation.
Four Precision SMU Channels
The PXIe-4141 integrates four independently programmable source measure channels into one PXI Express slot. Each channel can source voltage or current, apply compliance limits and measure the resulting voltage and current.
This integration can replace several standalone power supplies, electronic loads and digital multimeters in compact automated test systems.
Four-Quadrant Operation
Each channel can source or sink positive and negative voltage and current. This four-quadrant capability allows the PXIe-4141 to power devices, generate I-V sweeps and absorb limited returned power.
The module can operate as a precision voltage source, current source or limited electronic load within its specified voltage, current and power envelope.
±10 V and ±100 mA Capability
Every channel supports voltage from -10 V to +10 V and current up to ±100 mA. Maximum DC source and sink power is 1 W per channel.
The selected voltage and current combination must remain within the 1 W channel power limit. Maximum voltage and maximum current cannot necessarily be applied simultaneously.
Multiple Current Ranges
Available current ranges include 10 µA, 100 µA, 1 mA, 10 mA and 100 mA. These ranges allow the same channel to measure low leakage currents and higher device operating currents.
Selecting the smallest range that safely covers the expected current generally provides the best resolution and accuracy.
10 pA Current Sensitivity
On the 10 µA range, the PXIe-4141 provides resolution and noise down to 10 pA under specified conditions. This makes it suitable for leakage-current testing, standby-current measurements and precision semiconductor characterization.
Low-current performance also depends on fixture cleanliness, guarding, insulation resistance, shielding, aperture time and environmental stability.
600 kS/s Measurement Rate
The PXIe-4141 can continuously transfer voltage and current measurements to the host at up to 600 kS/s per channel. This enables detailed capture of device startup behavior, transient currents and rapid changes in operating state.
The effective sampling rate depends on the selected aperture, source delay, sequence configuration and DUT settling time.
High-Speed Source Sequencing
The module supports source updates up to 100 kS/s per channel for compatible sequences containing fewer than 300 steps per iteration. Longer sequences support up to 100 kS/s per board.
Hardware sequencing reduces communication overhead by allowing the SMU to execute voltage and current changes without requiring a separate host command for every test point.
Four-Wire Remote Sensing
Each channel includes four-wire remote sensing to compensate for voltage lost across power cables, switches and test fixtures. The sense conductors measure voltage directly at the DUT without carrying the primary load current.
The PXIe-4141 supports up to 1 V of lead drop per remote-sense lead under the specified operating conditions.
NI SourceAdapt Technology
NI SourceAdapt uses a programmable digital control loop to customize the transient response of each SMU channel. Engineers can select slow, normal or fast modes or configure a custom response for the connected load.
Custom tuning can reduce overshoot, oscillation and settling time when testing capacitive, inductive or dynamically changing devices.
Programmable Output Resistance
The PXIe-4141 supports programmable output resistance over a range that depends on the selected current limit. This functionality can be used to simulate nonideal voltage sources, batteries or power rails with defined series resistance.
Programmable resistance is also useful for evaluating how a DUT responds to changes in source impedance without adding external resistors to the test fixture.
Shared Common LO Configuration
The four channels are isolated from earth ground but share a common LO reference. The channels are therefore not independently isolated from one another.
Verify that all connected DUT rails can safely share the same low reference. Conflicting ground potentials may cause measurement errors or unintended current paths.
Hardware Timing and Triggering
The PXIe-4141 supports start, source, sequence-advance and measurement triggers through PXI trigger lines. It can also export source-complete, measure-complete and sequence-completion events.
This allows deterministic synchronization with switches, digital pattern instruments, digitizers and other PXI source measure units.
Typical Applications
- Semiconductor component characterization
- Mixed-signal IC production testing
- Power management IC testing
- MEMS and sensor testing
- Leakage-current measurement
- Standby-current testing
- Rapid I-V curve generation
- Multirail power sequencing
- Battery-powered device simulation
- High-pin-count automated validation
Software Compatibility
The PXIe-4141 is controlled using the NI-DCPower instrument driver. NI-DCPower provides APIs for voltage and current sourcing, measurements, compliance limits, remote sensing, programmable resistance, SourceAdapt, triggering and sequencing.
InstrumentStudio can be used for interactive configuration and measurements. Automated systems can be developed using LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, supported .NET environments and NI TestStand.
PXI Express System Integration
The PXIe-4141 occupies one 3U PXI Express or compatible CompactPCI Express slot. It receives operating power from the PXI chassis and does not require a separate auxiliary power supply.
Verify chassis power, cooling, controller compatibility and available slot type before installation. When the chassis provides adjustable fan speeds, use the setting required by the official specifications.
PXIe-4141 Connection Guidance
- Power off the chassis before installing or removing the module.
- Use the supplied terminal block and pinout overlay.
- Confirm the shared common LO configuration before wiring the DUT.
- Set safe voltage and current compliance limits.
- Use remote sensing to compensate for connection resistance.
- Apply guarding techniques for low-current measurements.
- Allow at least 30 minutes of warm-up for precision testing.
- Perform self-calibration according to the measurement requirements.
PXIe-4141 Troubleshooting
A channel enters compliance unexpectedly
Check the programmed voltage or current limit, DUT impedance and fixture wiring. Excessive connection resistance or incorrect sense wiring may also cause compliance operation.
The DUT voltage differs from the programmed voltage
Enable four-wire remote sensing and connect the sense terminals directly to the DUT. Confirm that lead voltage drop remains within the supported range.
Low-current readings are unstable
Use the smallest suitable current range, increase the aperture time and inspect the test fixture for contamination or leakage. Use guard connections and shield sensitive wiring.
The output oscillates with the connected load
Select a slower SourceAdapt mode or customize the control-loop response for the load. Capacitive and inductive DUTs may require different transient settings.
Multiple channels influence one another
The four channels share a common LO. Check for incompatible floating references, unintended grounding or incorrect fixture connections.
The module reports a thermal or protection error
Verify chassis airflow and fan operation. Reduce simultaneous channel power and confirm that all voltage, current and power limits are observed.
PXIe-4141 Compared with Related SMUs
| Model | Channels | Voltage Range | Maximum Current | Current Sensitivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PXIe-4141 | 4 | ±10 V | ±100 mA | 10 pA |
| PXIe-4143 | 4 | ±24 V | ±150 mA | 10 pA |
| PXIe-4145 | 4 | ±6 V | ±500 mA | 15 pA |
| PXIe-4142 | 4 | ±24 V | ±150 mA | 100 pA |
Recommended Related Products
- NI PXIe-4143 Precision Source Measure Unit – Provides four ±24 V, ±150 mA channels for applications requiring a wider voltage range.
- NI PXIe-4145 Precision Source Measure Unit – Offers four ±6 V channels with current up to ±500 mA.
- NI PXIe-4142 Source Measure Unit – A ±24 V, ±150 mA alternative without custom SourceAdapt tuning.
- NI PXIe-6571 Digital Pattern Instrument – Can be synchronized with PXI SMUs for mixed-signal semiconductor production testing.
How to Select the Correct PXI SMU
Choose the PXIe-4141 when the application requires four precision ±10 V channels, up to ±100 mA and current sensitivity down to 10 pA. It is suitable for low-power semiconductor devices requiring both precise sourcing and high-speed measurements.
Choose the PXIe-4143 for a wider ±24 V range or the PXIe-4145 for current up to ±500 mA. For new system designs, compare the PXIe-4141 with current replacement options because NI classifies the PXIe-4141 as a mature product.
Why Choose the PXIe-4141?
- Combines four precision SMUs in one slot
- Supports four-quadrant source and sink operation
- Provides current sensitivity down to 10 pA
- Captures measurements at up to 600 kS/s per channel
- Supports programmable output resistance
- Includes remote sensing on every channel
- Optimizes transient response with SourceAdapt
- Integrates with PXI semiconductor test systems
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PXIe-4141 used for?
The PXIe-4141 sources and measures voltage and current for semiconductor characterization, mixed-signal IC testing and automated validation.
What is the PXIe-4141 part number?
The standard NI part number is 781743-01.
How many SMU channels does it provide?
The module provides four independently programmable SMU channels that share a common LO reference.
What are the maximum voltage and current?
Each channel supports voltages from -10 V to +10 V and currents up to ±100 mA within the 1 W channel power limit.
Can the PXIe-4141 sink current?
Yes. Its four-quadrant architecture allows every channel to source or sink voltage and current within the specified operating envelope.
Does it support SourceAdapt?
Yes. The PXIe-4141 supports slow, normal, fast and custom SourceAdapt transient-response configurations.
Does every channel support remote sensing?
Yes. All four channels provide four-wire remote sensing to compensate for voltage drop in the test connection.
What is the maximum sampling rate?
The module supports continuous voltage and current measurements at up to 600 kS/s per channel.
Are the channels independently isolated?
No. The channels are isolated from earth ground but share a common LO connection.
Is the PXIe-4141 recommended for new designs?
NI currently classifies the PXIe-4141 as a mature product. Verify current replacement options when designing a new test system.
Request a Quote for the PXIe-4141
Contact us for current availability, lead time and project pricing for the PXIe-4141 Four-Channel Precision PXI Source Measure Unit. We can also help identify compatible terminal blocks, cables, PXI chassis and alternative SMU models.
