The PXIe-4142 is a four-channel 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 ±24 V voltage range and current up to ±150 mA. With integrated four-wire remote sensing, current sensitivity down to 100 pA, continuous measurements up to 600 kS/s per channel and hardware-timed sequencing, the PXIe-4142 can accelerate I-V characterization and production testing.
Key Features of the PXIe-4142
- Four programmable SMU channels
- Four-quadrant source and sink operation
- ±24 V voltage range per channel
- Up to ±150 mA current per channel
- 3.6 W maximum source or sink power per channel
- Current ranges from ±10 µA to ±150 mA
- Current sensitivity down to 100 pA
- Maximum continuous measurement rate of 600 kS/s per channel
- Maximum source update rate of 100 kS/s per channel
- Integrated four-wire remote sensing
- Guard connections for low-current measurements
- Slow, normal and fast transient-response modes
- Hardware sequencing and PXI triggering
- Channels isolated from earth ground
- Single-slot 3U PXI Express form factor
PXIe-4142 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PXIe-4142 |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 782430-01 |
| Product Type | PXI Source Measure Unit |
| Number of SMU Channels | 4 |
| Operating Quadrants | Four-quadrant source and sink operation |
| Voltage Range | -24 V to +24 V |
| Maximum Current | ±150 mA per channel |
| Available Current Ranges | 10 µA, 100 µA, 1 mA, 10 mA and 150 mA |
| Current Sensitivity | 100 pA |
| Maximum Source Power | 3.6 W per channel |
| Maximum Sink Power | 3.6 W per channel |
| Maximum Module Sinking Power | 6 W total |
| Voltage Resolution and Noise | 200 µV on the 24 V range |
| Voltage Accuracy | ±(0.1% of reading + 10 mV) |
| 10 µA Range Resolution and Noise | 100 pA |
| 150 mA Range Resolution and Noise | 1.5 µA |
| 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 | No |
| Transient Response Modes | Slow, normal and fast |
| 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 |
| Dimensions | 2.0 cm × 13.0 cm × 21.6 cm |
| Weight | 412 g (14.53 oz) |
| Recommended Calibration Interval | 1 year |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to 70°C |
PXIe-4142 Part Number and Configuration
| Part Number | Channels | Voltage Range | Maximum Current | Current Sensitivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 782430-01 | 4 | ±24 V | ±150 mA | 100 pA |
The standard package includes the PXIe-4142 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-Channel SMU Architecture
The PXIe-4142 integrates four source measure unit channels into one PXI Express slot. Each channel can independently source voltage or current, apply a compliance limit and measure the resulting electrical response.
This architecture can replace multiple programmable power supplies, electronic loads and digital multimeters in automated semiconductor and component test systems.
Four-Quadrant Operation
Each channel can source or sink positive and negative voltage and current. Four-quadrant operation enables the PXIe-4142 to power a device, sweep its I-V curve and absorb limited returned energy within the module’s specified operating envelope.
The module can operate as a programmable voltage source, current source or limited electronic load, depending on the selected source function and compliance settings.
±24 V and ±150 mA Capability
Every channel supports voltages from -24 V to +24 V and current up to ±150 mA. The wider voltage range makes the PXIe-4142 suitable for devices requiring higher test voltages than lower-voltage members of the PXIe-414x family.
Maximum DC power is 3.6 W per channel. The complete voltage-current operating point must remain within this power limit, so maximum voltage and maximum current cannot always be applied simultaneously.
Source and Sink Power Limits
Each channel can source or sink up to 3.6 W, but total module sinking power is limited to 6 W. When several channels absorb power simultaneously, their combined sinking power must remain below this module-level limit.
Test sequences should be designed to account for both individual channel limits and the total power handled by the module.
Multiple Current Ranges
The PXIe-4142 provides 10 µA, 100 µA, 1 mA, 10 mA and 150 mA ranges. These ranges allow the same module to measure low leakage currents and higher device operating currents.
Selecting the lowest current range that safely covers the expected DUT current generally provides the best measurement resolution.
100 pA Current Sensitivity
On the 10 µA range, the PXIe-4142 provides resolution and noise down to 100 pA under the specified measurement conditions. This supports leakage, standby-current and low-power operating-state measurements.
Measurement quality at low current levels depends on fixture cleanliness, cable guarding, shielding, aperture time, grounding and environmental stability.
600 kS/s Measurement Rate
The PXIe-4142 can continuously transfer voltage and current measurements to the host at rates up to 600 kS/s per channel. This high-speed measurement capability helps capture startup events, transient current changes and rapid DUT responses.
The effective rate depends on the selected aperture time, source delay, hardware sequence and load settling time.
High-Speed Hardware Sequencing
The PXIe-4142 supports source updates at 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 allows the module to step through programmed voltage or current levels without a separate host command for every point, reducing software overhead and improving determinism.
Four-Wire Remote Sensing
Integrated four-wire remote sensing measures voltage directly at the device-under-test terminals. It compensates for voltage drop across power cables, switches, connectors and test fixtures.
The module supports up to 1 V of remote-sense lead drop per lead. Sense conductors should be connected as close as practical to the DUT terminals.
Guard Connections
The PXIe-4142 provides guard connections that can reduce leakage current and parasitic capacitance in low-current test fixtures and cables. Guarding is valuable when measuring currents near the lower end of the module’s measurement capability.
The guard connection must be implemented according to NI wiring guidance and should not be treated as a protective earth connection.
Shared Common LO Configuration
The four channels are isolated from earth ground but share a common LO reference. They are not independently isolated from one another.
Before connecting multiple DUT rails, verify that the circuits can safely share the same low reference. Unintended ground paths may cause measurement errors or interfere with channel operation.
Transient Response Settings
The PXIe-4142 provides predefined slow, normal and fast transient-response modes. These settings help balance response speed and stability for different load capacitances.
The module does not support fully customizable SourceAdapt tuning. The newer PXIe-4143 should be considered when user-programmable transient-response control is required.
Hardware Timing and Triggering
The module supports start, source, sequence-advance and measurement triggers through PXI trigger lines 0 through 7. It can also export source-complete, measure-complete and sequence-related events.
This allows the PXIe-4142 to synchronize with switches, digital pattern instruments, digitizers and other PXI SMUs in automated test sequences.
Typical Applications
- Semiconductor device characterization
- Mixed-signal IC production testing
- Power management IC testing
- Analog IC validation
- Leakage-current measurement
- Rapid I-V curve generation
- Multirail device power sequencing
- MEMS and sensor testing
- Protection circuit testing
- High-pin-count automated testing
Software Compatibility
The PXIe-4142 is controlled using the NI-DCPower instrument driver. NI-DCPower provides APIs for voltage and current sourcing, compliance limits, measurements, range selection, remote sensing, triggering and sequencing.
InstrumentStudio can be used for interactive configuration and measurements. Automated test systems can be developed using LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, supported .NET environments and NI TestStand.
PXI Express System Integration
The PXIe-4142 occupies one 3U PXI Express or compatible CompactPCI Express slot. It draws power directly from the PXI Express chassis and does not require a separate auxiliary power supply.
The selected chassis must provide sufficient power and cooling. When adjustable chassis fan settings are available, use the fan configuration required by the official specifications.
PXIe-4142 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 arrangement before wiring the DUT.
- Program safe voltage and current compliance limits.
- Use remote sensing when lead resistance affects DUT voltage.
- Use guard connections for sensitive low-current measurements.
- Allow at least 30 minutes of warm-up for precision testing.
- Perform self-calibration according to the test requirements.
PXIe-4142 Troubleshooting
A channel enters compliance unexpectedly
Check the programmed voltage and current limits, DUT resistance and fixture wiring. Incorrect sense connections or excessive lead resistance can also cause unexpected compliance behavior.
The voltage at the DUT is lower than programmed
Enable four-wire remote sensing and connect the sense terminals directly to the DUT. Confirm that voltage drop does not exceed 1 V per lead.
Low-current readings are unstable
Select the smallest suitable current range, increase the aperture time and check the fixture for leakage or contamination. Use guarding and shield sensitive connections from interference.
The output oscillates with a capacitive load
Select the slow or normal transient-response setting. The fast mode may be unstable with certain load capacitances.
Multiple channels interfere with one another
Remember that the four channels share a common LO. Check the DUT and fixture for conflicting reference potentials or unintended ground paths.
The module overheats or reports a protection error
Verify chassis airflow and fan speed. Reduce simultaneous source or sink power and confirm that total module sinking power remains below 6 W.
PXIe-4142 Compared with Related SMUs
| Model | Channels | Voltage Range | Maximum Current | SourceAdapt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PXIe-4142 | 4 | ±24 V | ±150 mA | No |
| PXIe-4143 | 4 | ±24 V | ±150 mA | Yes |
| PXIe-4144 | 4 | ±6 V | ±500 mA | No |
| PXIe-4141 | 4 | ±10 V | ±100 mA | Yes |
Recommended Related Products
- NI PXIe-4143 Precision Source Measure Unit – A newer four-channel ±24 V, ±150 mA SMU with SourceAdapt transient-response control.
- NI PXIe-4144 Source Measure Unit – Provides a lower ±6 V range with higher current capability up to ±500 mA.
- NI PXIe-4141 Precision Source Measure Unit – Suitable for four-channel ±10 V applications requiring SourceAdapt.
- NI PXIe-6571 Digital Pattern Instrument – Can be synchronized with the PXIe-4142 in mixed-signal semiconductor test systems.
How to Select the Correct PXI SMU
Choose the PXIe-4142 when the application requires four ±24 V channels, up to ±150 mA and current sensitivity down to 100 pA. It is suitable for devices requiring a wider bipolar voltage range than lower-voltage multichannel SMUs provide.
Choose the PXIe-4143 when custom SourceAdapt transient tuning is required. Select the PXIe-4144 or PXIe-4145 when the DUT needs up to ±500 mA but operates within a ±6 V range.
Why Choose the PXIe-4142?
- Combines four SMU channels in one PXI Express slot
- Supports bipolar four-quadrant operation
- Provides a wide ±24 V voltage range
- Measures currents with sensitivity down to 100 pA
- Captures measurements at up to 600 kS/s per channel
- Supports deterministic hardware sequencing
- Includes remote sensing and guard connections
- Integrates with PXI semiconductor test platforms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PXIe-4142 used for?
The PXIe-4142 sources and measures voltage and current for semiconductor characterization, mixed-signal IC testing and automated device validation.
What is the PXIe-4142 part number?
The standard NI part number is 782430-01.
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 -24 V to +24 V and currents up to ±150 mA within the 3.6 W channel power limit.
Can the PXIe-4142 sink current?
Yes. Four-quadrant operation allows every channel to source or sink voltage and current within the applicable power limits.
Does it support SourceAdapt?
No. It provides predefined slow, normal and fast transient-response modes but does not support custom SourceAdapt control.
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 PXIe-4142 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.
What software controls the PXIe-4142?
The module uses NI-DCPower and can be operated through InstrumentStudio or programmed with supported LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, .NET and TestStand environments.
Request a Quote for the PXIe-4142
Contact us for current availability, lead time and project pricing for the PXIe-4142 Four-Channel PXI Source Measure Unit. We can also help identify compatible terminal blocks, cables, PXI chassis and related semiconductor test modules.
