ADVANTEST R6240 Series DC Source/Monitor Modules — R6244

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

ADVANTEST R6240 Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The ADVANTEST R6240 series of DC Voltage/Current Source/Monitor instruments occupies a well-established position in precision semiconductor test, component characterization, and industrial calibration environments worldwide. Deployed extensively in semiconductor fabs, aerospace test benches, defense electronics laboratories, and high-reliability manufacturing lines, the R6240 series provides programmable DC sourcing and measurement in a single instrument form factor. Its IEEE-488 (GPIB) and RS-232 interface compatibility made it a standard fixture in automated test equipment (ATE) racks throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Units remain in active service at facilities where legacy test programs cannot be economically rewritten for newer platforms.

The Evolution of R6240 Series Architecture

The R6240 series was introduced by ADVANTEST Corporation (formerly Takeda Riken) as part of its precision DC measurement instrument line. Early units in the R6240 family established the core architecture: a single-channel, four-quadrant DC source capable of both sourcing and sinking current, with simultaneous voltage and current measurement. The R6240 represented the base configuration, while subsequent variants extended voltage range, current range, resolution, and interface options.

The series evolved through several hardware revisions addressing stability, noise floor reduction, and GPIB command set compliance with IEEE 488.2 and SCPI standards. Later variants introduced improved DAC linearity and faster settling times to support high-throughput wafer-level test. As the series entered its mature phase, ADVANTEST positioned the R6246 and R6248 as the high-range successors, while the R6243 and R6244 addressed mid-range precision applications. Compatibility between units within the series is high at the software command level, though hardware interchangeability of internal boards is model-specific. Facilities migrating from R6240-era instruments to modern SMU platforms (such as the ADVANTEST R4131 or third-party Keithley 2400 series) must account for command syntax differences and settling time characteristics in existing test programs.

R6240 Series Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following models represent the documented R6240 series production range. Each unit functions as a standalone DC source/monitor with GPIB programmability:

R6240: Base model; ±100V / ±100mA DC source/monitor, single channel, GPIB interface.
R6241: Extended current range variant; ±100V / ±1A output, improved current sourcing for component burn-in.
R6242: Dual-channel DC source/monitor; independent channel control via GPIB, compact rack format.
R6243: High-resolution single channel; 6½-digit measurement resolution, low-noise output stage.
R6244: Mid-range precision source/monitor; ±100V / ±100mA, enhanced measurement accuracy, GPIB + RS-232.
R6245: High-voltage variant; ±200V output range, designed for high-impedance device characterization.
R6246: High-current variant; ±100V / ±1A, four-quadrant operation, fast settling for ATE integration.
R6247: Extended range dual output; supports independent voltage and current programming per channel.
R6248: High-voltage high-current model; ±200V / ±500mA, used in power device and MOSFET characterization.
R6249: Precision low-current model; femtoampere-level measurement capability for leakage current testing.
R6240A: Revised base model with updated GPIB controller and improved EMI shielding.
R6244A: Revised R6244 with firmware update for SCPI compliance and improved calibration interval.
R6245A: High-voltage variant with updated output protection circuitry and revised front-panel interface.
R6246A: Updated high-current model; revised current sense circuit for improved accuracy at low currents.
R6248A: Revised high-voltage/high-current model with enhanced thermal management and updated calibration routines.
R6249A: Updated low-current model; improved guarding and shielding for sub-picoampere measurements.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete R6240 Series Parts

The R6240 series has reached end-of-production status with ADVANTEST. Factory repair services and OEM spare parts are no longer available through standard distribution channels. DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of tested R6240 series units and subassemblies to support facilities requiring lifecycle extension beyond the OEM support window.

Quality Control for the R6240 Series Range

Each R6240 series unit processed by DriveKNMS undergoes a structured verification protocol specific to DC source/monitor instruments:

Voltage Source Accuracy Verification: Output voltage is measured at 10%, 50%, and 100% of rated range using a calibrated reference multimeter traceable to national standards. Deviation from specification is recorded and compared against ADVANTEST factory tolerance tables.
Current Source Accuracy Verification: Current output is verified across the full programmable range using a precision shunt resistor and reference measurement. Four-quadrant operation (source and sink) is confirmed for all applicable models.
Measurement Function Calibration Check: The internal voltmeter and ammeter functions are verified against external reference standards. Offset, gain, and linearity errors are documented.
GPIB Interface Functional Test: Each unit is connected to a test controller running a standardized command sequence covering output programming, measurement triggering, status byte reporting, and SRQ handling per IEEE 488.2.
Settling Time Measurement: Output settling time to within 0.1% of programmed value is measured and compared against the model's datasheet specification — critical for ATE integration validation.
Insulation and Safety Check: High-voltage output terminals are verified for insulation integrity. Ground continuity is confirmed on chassis and output commons.