How to Evaluate IV Characteristics of LEDs
Evaluating IV LED characteristics using a source / measure unit
Evaluating the current-voltage (IV) characteristics of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) requires the ability to output and measure both voltage and current. You can perform these measurements using a source / measure unit (SMU). A single-channel SMU is sufficient to test the basic IV parameters of an LED. Use two channels for optical tests, with one channel measuring photo diode current and the other driving the LED.
Protect your device by setting a limit on the voltage or current output and use pulsed measurements to prevent device self-heating from distorting measurement results. Also, consider implementing a 4-wire measurement scheme to overcome the voltage error caused by test lead residual resistance. Have one pair of leads forcing current and the other monitoring voltage to eliminate cable resistance effects by only measuring the voltage drop across the device-under-test. Four-wire measurements keep the voltage between sense points at the specified voltage, characterizing the device under specified measurement conditions.
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PZ2131A High-Density Precision SMU (10 pA, 30 V)
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PZ2100A High-Density Precision SMU Mainframe (4 slots, 1U)
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PW9251A PathWave IV Curve Measurement Software
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N1295A Test Fixture
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Micro Dsub GPIB Cable Adapter for PZ2100A (0.25m)
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PX0106A Dsub25 to 5 SMB Adapter
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PX0103A Triaxial to SMB Cable, VOLT:DC 210V
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