The Keithley 2601B-PULSE combines a high-current pulser with a conventional SourceMeter source measure unit for pulsed I-V characterization. The pulser is designed for testing devices such as VCSELs, laser diodes, LEDs, and other semiconductor components. Its pulse output and ordinary SMU operation have separate electrical and measurement limits.

The pulser supplies bipolar current pulses up to 10 A at 10 V, with programmable pulse widths from 10 to 500 µs. At 10 A, the maximum duty cycle is 3% when the bias-current magnitude is 10 mA or less. Pulse timing, bias current, cable and DUT inductance, and the published thermal limits must be considered together. The specified total cable-plus-DUT inductance limit is 3 µH, measured at 100 kHz.

Two 1 MS/s, 18-bit digitizers capture pulse voltage and current in the pulser function. Effective resolution depends on the measurement aperture; this is not a claim of 18 effective bits at 1 MS/s. Ordinary SMU operation uses its separate measurement specifications and provides nominal DC operating points of 40 V at 1 A or 6 V at 3 A, with a published maximum DC power of 40.4 W. Full-power sourcing is specified through 28 °C ambient, with additional derating above 28 °C or in sink operation.

Embedded TSP test scripts, TSP-Link, GPIB, rear USB device control, RS-232, Ethernet, and digital I/O support automated test integration. The front USB host port serves mass-storage devices. Pulser accuracy specifications require remote sensing and the other stated manufacturer conditions.

Manufacturer image reference: The photograph shows the exact 2601B-PULSE model. It does not establish that an external interlock/connector box, test fixture, cables, or other accessories are included with the offered unit.