CTL503 Curve Tracer

The CTL503 Curve Tracer is a cost-effective transistor (BJT, FET, MOSFET) computer controlled curve tracer. Unlike simple curve tracing units the CTL503 is designed to measure devices to 100V and upto 3A.  Four relay selected collector resistors allow the user to test the smallest of BJT’s and FET’s as well as extracting meaningful curves from larger TO3/TO247 packaged devices.  Limits on both peak test voltage and peak test current can be easily set to prevent exceeding device parameters.  

Pulse testing (80us/300us) is used to minimise device heating (this is typically disabled for smaller parts), a power limiter can be engaged to protect the DUT. 

Connected via USB and running our own free software the CTL503 is easily configured using a built-in wizards (for quicker results), or the user can adjust every instrument parameter to suit. Data from each run is automatically saved as CSV file and the graph captured as PNG.  

Connections to the DUT (device-under-test) are made via robust (4mm) binding posts on the front of the unit on the front of the instrument. 

Features & Specifications

• Step generator: 0 to 20 steps 
  
• Current mode: 1uA to 20mA (4 ranges) 
• Voltage mode: -10V to +10V (using 270R gate resistor) 
• Offset function for both current and voltage generation 
• Step generator can cross zero (e.g. start at -10V and sweep to +10V) 
• Collector sweep voltage: 0V to +100V (or -100V), adjustable peak voltage to limit chance of damage. 
• Collector resistance: 12R, 270R, 2K45, 27K (4 ranges)
• Peak collector current: 3A 
• Powered via external (supplied) mains PSU, supplied with UK, EU, US and AU/NZ adaptors.
• USB 2.0 connection to PC
• Bright RED LED indicates HV generator is active, solid bright GREEN LED indicates unit is connected.

Mains PSU (12V, 1.5V) with UK, EU, USA/CANADA and AUS/NZ adaptors  
CTL033 calibration token PCB  
CTL011 SMT token PCB (packs of 10 also available)