NI PXIe-4139 High‑Speed Source Measure Unit for Fast, Precise I‑V Characterization

The NI PXIe-4139 is a high-speed, 4‑quadrant SMU built for demanding semiconductor, sensor, and mixed‑signal test. It combines precision sourcing with fast, accurate measurements inside a PXI Express chassis, so you can run DC sweeps, transient profiling, and functional power tests on the same card. From my experience, teams pick the PXIe‑4139 when they need quick settling, guarded low‑leakage connections, and tight software integration with NI‑DCPower.

Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• – Warranty: 365 days from delivery

• – Delivery: 1 week if in stock; no more than 1 month latest

• – Payment: 50% advance; balance prior to delivery

– Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL

Key Features

• 4‑Quadrant Source/Measure
  – Seamlessly source and sink current across all quadrants for device biasing, load regulation, and reverse characterization.
• High‑Speed Transient Response
  – Typically settles quickly to programmed levels, enabling fast I‑V sweeps and pulsed tests that reduce per‑unit test time.
• Precision Force/Sense with Guarding
  – Triaxial connections help minimize leakage and improve low‑current accuracy; remote sense maintains tight regulation at the DUT.
• Tight Software Integration (NI‑DCPower)
  – Mature driver support for LabVIEW, Python, and C/C++; easy sequencing, triggers, and compliance limits for production or R&D.
• PXI Express Synchronization
  – Hardware triggers and backplane timing make it straightforward to synchronize with scopes, AWGs, or DMMs in the same chassis.
• Typical Use Cases
  – Semiconductor I‑V curves, LED/laser diode testing, sensor bias and leakage checks, IC functional power, and reliability screening.

Technical Specifications

One thing I appreciate is how stable the PXIe‑4139 feels during fast step changes—settling is typically predictable, which in many cases trims seconds off a full device sweep. A customer in LED driver validation mentioned they cut a 12‑minute DC bias profile down to about 5 minutes after moving to this module and enabling tight trigger handshakes with their PXI scope.

Related and Supporting Products

• NI PXIe-4138 – High‑speed SMU in the same family; range and speed profile differs slightly to suit alternate DUT envelopes.
• NI PXIe-4141 / PXIe-4143 – Precision source (SMU‑like behavior without full 4‑quadrant operation), useful where sink capability isn’t required.
• PXI Express Chassis & Controllers – For example, NI PXIe‑1085 chassis with a Windows or Linux RT controller for synchronized, multi‑instrument setups.
• Low‑Noise Triaxial Cables & Adapters – Shielded, guarded cabling for low‑current accuracy and stable remote sense connections.

Installation & Maintenance

• Environment & Cabinetry – Mount the PXIe‑4139 in a PXI Express chassis that meets PXIe cooling specs; leave free space for ventilation and use blank fillers where needed.
• Wiring Practices – Use guarded triax leads; route HI/LO/sense pairs together; avoid long ground loops. For low‑current work, keep cables short and clean.
• Safety & Compliance Limits – Set current/voltage compliance when bringing up new DUTs. Use fixture interlocks where appropriate.
• Calibration & Cleaning – Follow annual calibration cycles (or your quality plan). Dust the chassis filters periodically; keep triax connectors free of debris.
• Software & Firmware – Keep NI‑DCPower and system firmware current via NI MAX. You might notice stability improvements and added sequencing features over time.

Quality & Certifications

• CE and RoHS compliant; manufactured under ISO 9001 quality systems
• WEEE applicable for end‑of‑life handling
• Manufacturer warranty typically 1 year; our supplied units carry a 365‑day warranty