Compact source measure unit (SMU) applied in four-point measurement equipment

• Grant number: 19/00553-6
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: July 01, 2020
• End date: March 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Electrical, Magnetic and Electronic Measurements, Instrumentation
• Principal Investigator: Leonardo Dias Cagnani
• Grantee: Leonardo Dias Cagnani
• Company: Developnow Projetos de Software e Eletrônica Ltda. - ME
• CNAE: Fabricação de aparelhos e equipamentos de medida, teste e controle ; Pesquisa e desenvolvimento experimental em ciências físicas e naturais
• City: São Carlos
• Associated scholarship(s): 20/08479-7 - Compact Source Measure Unit (SMU) applied in four-point measurement equipment, BP.PIPE

Abstract

The four-point technique of measuring sheet resistance is widely used in the electronics industry and laboratories that work with silicon wafers, but in recent decades it has also been used in the growing market for organic and / or printed materials with applications in OLED, photovoltaic and sensors. Commercially available equipment currently features a movable arm with the four-point probe at one end and a lever system at the other. These devices must be connected to a source and metering unit (SMU) which in turn is connected to a computer. The proposal presented in this project is a complete equipment, with the probe and SMU unit incorporated in a single structure, with the presence of a display and buttons to carry out the measurements without the need of an external computer. For this, the development of the compact SMU unit is the first challenge to be overcome, with current supply between 100nA and 10mA and measuring voltages in the range of 10µV to 10V, with accuracy better than 0.5%. A simple assembly with the four-point probe and the mobile structure will also be developed to test the assembly's functionality. It is noteworthy that the sourcemeter unit developed can serve as a basis for other electrical test equipment. Whether it is modular or embedded in other equipment, making it possible to launch a more complete line of measurement equipment. These equipments would complement the line of laboratory equipment already developed by the company, making its solutions more complete and attractive for the clients. (AU)