Modular Test System suits high channel count test applications.

Press Release Summary:




Model 4500-MTS features expandable test platform built on open PCI backplane architecture with 9 card slots. When fully populated with Quad I-V Cards, system can simultaneously characterize light-current-voltage performance of 36 laser diodes in multi-head test fixture. Unit can be configured to execute up to 8 separate hardware-synchronized test sequences, each running independently, on 8 different test heads. Rack-mountable, 19 in. chassis is 5U high and accepts 3rd party PCI cards.



Original Press Release:



New Modular Test System from Keithley Dramatically Increases Test Throughput and Lowers Cost of Manufacturing



CLEVELAND-November 13, 2002-Keithley Instruments, Inc. (NYSE: KEI) today introduced its Model 4500-MTS Modular Test System for high speed, high channel count automated test applications. Typical applications include testing fiberoptic telecommunication system components, such as tunable laser diodes, laser diode modules, Raman amplifier pump laser modules, and other active optoelectronic devices. The Model 4500-MTS is the only open architecture modular test chassis with sufficient power source capability, throughput, and accuracy to lower the cost of manufacturing significantly, not just the cost of testing. For a fully configured Model 4500-MTS chassis, the cost per channel is one-third that of conventional rack-and-stack solutions. For even the system's minimal configuration (chassis and one plug-in card), the cost per channel is half that of the "resolution-equivalent" rack-and-stack system, while providing three times the throughput per channel. The Model 4500-MTS also lowers a user's total capital cost by reducing system integration expense and minimizing the test equipment footprint.

Application Background. Active fiberoptic components and modules have continued to evolve during the current downturn in the telecommunications market. This evolution has led to more complex modules that support self-configuring networks, an essential feature for continued growth of fiberoptic telecommunications. These new modules, such as tunable laser diodes and multi-wavelength Raman pump modules, require more source and measurement channels in production test systems. In the past, two or three channels of sourcing and measuring capacity were sufficient to characterize simple devices like laser diode modules. Today and in the future, tens of channels will be required to characterize the next generation of active components. This new "high channel count" demand is accompanied by the need for precision beyond the capacity of conventional modular test solutions.

Product Details. The Model 4500-MTS addresses these test needs with a highly flexible and expandable test platform built on an open PCI backplane architecture with nine card slots. When fully populated with Series 4500 QIVC Quad I-V Cards, the system can simultaneously characterize the light-current-voltage (LIV) performance of 36 laser diodes in a multi-head test fixture. Conversely, the Model 4500-MTS can be configured to execute as many as eight separate hardware-synchronized test sequences, each running independently, on eight different test heads. The precise drive current control, fast settling time, and high resolution make the Model 4500-MTS ideal for DC testing of laser diodes at all stages of production, including wafer level (VCSELs), bar stage (edge emitters), and finished product (laser diode modules).

While other modular platforms are designed for measurement and control, they lack the integral low noise, high current DC power source and distribution system of the Model 4500-MTS, which make possible its precision high speed sourcing and measuring capabilities. The mainframe's Pentium®-based PC and information display options provide flexibility to customize the system for a wide range of user devices and test programs.

The 19" rack-mountable chassis is 5U (8.75") high and requires a fraction of the space used by rack-and-stack systems. The chassis accepts a wide variety of third-party PCI cards for integrating additional test, measurement, and control functions.
The system's trigger bus simplifies intercard hardware synchronization for Series 4500 cards. The base configuration consists of a mainframe and at least one Quad I-V Card:

o Model 4500-MTS/F Mainframe - PCI platform for source-measure cards (nine slots) with a built-in flat panel display and Pentium® PC running Windows® 2000.
o Model 4500-MTS/C Mainframe - Similar to the /F chassis, except without the flat panel display; one of the slots is occupied by a display card, reducing the usable slot count from nine to eight.
o Model 4500-QIVC Low Source Current Quad I-V Card - Provides ideal source ranges for characterizing tunable laser diodes and VCSELs, as well as a 500mA range for transmitter modules and low power pump lasers. Each of four channels provides a drive current source, Kelvin voltage measurements, and photocurrent measurement channels with programmable voltage bias.
o Model 4501-QIVC High Source Current Quad I-V Card - Using the QIVC architecture, the Model 4501-QIVC provides CW/DC testing up to 1A per channel, and higher currents by using up to four current source channels in parallel. These features and high throughput dramatically reduce the cost of test for multi-wavelength Raman pump modules, high output transmitter modules, and EDFA pump lasers.

The 4500-MTS chassis controller PC is compatible with many industry standard test development and execution environments, as are the Series 4500 card software drivers. This open environment allows the test engineer to incorporate much of the test cell control into the 4500-MTS chassis, thereby reducing test system complexity. If external instruments are needed, the Model 4500-MTS can be equipped with a GPIB card. Also, USB instruments can be controlled with a built-in USB interface.

Price and Availability. List prices for the Model 4500-MTS mainframes start at $7,995; card prices start at $5,995. Available for order January 1, 2003; shipment planned to start March 1, 2003.

For More Information. For more information on the Model 4500-MTS, or any of Keithley's test and measurement solutions, contact Keithley Instruments at:
Telephone: 888-534-8453
440-248-0400
FAX: 440-248-6168
E-mail: product_info@keithley.com
Internet: www.keithley.com
Address: Keithley Instruments, Inc.
28775 Aurora Road
Cleveland, OH 44139-1891

About Keithley Instruments. Keithley Instruments, Inc. provides optical and electrical measurement solutions from DC to RF (radio frequency) to the wireless, semiconductor, optoelectronics, and other electronics manufacturing industries. Engineers and scientists around the world use Keithley's advanced hardware and software for process monitoring, production test, and basic research.

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