Source Measure Units
What is a Source Measure Unit (SMU)?
Source Measure Units (SMUs) combine the precision of a digital multimeter with the control of a power supply, allowing you to source and measure voltage or current simultaneously in one instrument. They’re essential for laboratory, R&D, and production environments where accuracy, repeatability, and traceability are critical.
At Vicom, we partner exclusively with Tektronix and Keithley to supply professional-grade Source Measure Units across Australia and New Zealand, backed by local expertise, calibration, and long-term support.
What is a Source Measure Unit (SMU)?
A Source Measure Unit (SMU) is a tightly integrated five-in-one instrument that combines the capabilities of a power supply, digital multimeter (DMM), true current source, electronic load, and pulse generator into one synchronised device. It can source voltage or current while precisely measuring the resulting response, enabling accurate, low-noise characterisation without multiple instruments or complex switching.
Shop Source Measure Units Online at Vicom
Explore Vicom’s range of Tektronix and Keithley Source Measure Units, with expert local support to match your application and budget. We provide Australia-wide delivery, accredited calibration, and dedicated technical assistance to help you set up and optimise your test systems.
Applications of Source Measure Units in Testing & Research
SMUs are used wherever precise sourcing and measurement are required. Common applications include: – Semiconductor and device characterisation – Testing diodes, MOSFETs, and power devices with sub-microamp and microvolt precision for IV sweeps and leakage measurements. – Battery and energy storage testing – Cycling cells, measuring capacity, and evaluating internal resistance with high repeatability and integrated safety controls. – Sensor development – Characterising optical, magnetic, pressure, and temperature sensors with stable excitation and ultra-sensitive measurements. – Materials research – Measuring resistivity and contact properties over wide dynamic ranges. Across defence, communications, manufacturing, and university research, Vicom customers use Tektronix and Keithley SMUs to validate designs, accelerate automation, and ensure measurement confidence.
Tektronix & Keithley Source Measure Units
Keithley, part of Tektronix, pioneered the Source Measure Unit and remains the global leader in precision sourcing and measurement. Keithley SMUs provide exceptional accuracy, wide dynamic ranges, and advanced programmability suited for both R&D and automated test systems.
Tektronix complements this leadership with integrated software, automation frameworks, and calibration solutions that ensure efficient workflows across your lab. Whether for semiconductor characterisation, battery testing, or materials research, Keithley SMUs deliver unmatched performance, reliability, and total cost-of-ownership advantages.
Software for your Source Measure Unit
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Learn More About Source Measure Units
Learn Source Measure Units(SMU) basics – from fundamental measurement concepts to key industry applications, such as how to use an SMU in a 2 terminal and 3 terminal device obtaining IV curves and how an SMU can simplify the test setup and increase productivity.
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What does an SMU do?
It sources voltage or current and measures the resulting response at high precision, often at the same time. This allows you to generate IV curves, run sweeps, and characterise devices without multiple instruments or complex switching.
How is an SMU different from a power supply?
A standard power supply can only deliver power with limited measurement accuracy. An SMU adds precision metering, four-quadrant operation, and programmable sweeps, so you can both stimulate and accurately measure your device under test.
How accurate are Tektronix and Keithley SMUs?
Keithley SMUs provide industry-leading accuracy with extremely low noise, supporting picoamp and nanovolt measurements. Accuracy is maintained through guarded measurements, remote sensing, and regular calibration support provided by Vicom.













