VM-10 voltage measure module
This module provides voltage measurements with resolution from low nanovolts up to 10 V from DC to 100 kHz, including amplitude, phase, and harmonic detection capabilities. Proprietary seamless ranging technology allows continuous measurements when increasing or decreasing ranges. This patented capability significantly reduces or eliminates the typical range change-induced measurement offsets/discontinuities commonly seen in signal sweeping applications requiring numerous range changes. It’s particularly useful when measuring I-V curves involving many data points and range changes and can reduce overall measurement time.
Voltage noise performance is on par with modern AC lock-in amplifier instruments but packaged in a compact, easy-to-use, remote-mountable module that can be located next to the sample or DUT to minimize cabling signal losses and noise pickup.
In addition, the module offers two configurable hardware low-pass and high-pass filters, which enable highly sensitive low-level measurements to be made in the presence of significant interfering signals. The inclusion of user-configurable hardware filters combined with the high-gain, low-noise front-end module amplifier design can eliminate the need for additional pre-amplifiers often required with traditional lock-in amplifiers. It also offers user-selectable single-ended or differential input connections providing additional options for minimizing noise and ground loop interference without the use of external converters or adapters.
Up to three simultaneously connected VM-10 modules can be used with each M81 instrument. Each module can be independently configured to perform DC, AC, or lock-in measurements.
VM-10 specifications
Specifications are subject to change
Input configuration: Single-ended (A) or differential (A-B)
Input coupling: DC or AC (0.1 Hz)
Ranges: 10 V, 1 V, 100 mV, 10 mV; seamless, automatic transitions
Best sensitivity: <1 nV1
Hardware filters: LP—10 Hz, 30 Hz, 100 Hz, 300 Hz, 1 kHz, 3 kHz, 10 kHz (20 dB or 40 dB/decade); HP—10 Hz, 30 Hz, 100 Hz, 300 Hz, 1 kHz, 3 kHz (20 dB or 40 dB/decade); Modes—High reserve, Low-noise
Typical input impedance: >1 TΩ, 120 pF (DC coupled)
Leakage current: <15 pA
CMRR: 80 dB up to 1 kHz
Magnetic field exposure: Operational limit up to 8 mT DC
Size: 142 mm W × 39 mm H × 89 mm D (5.6 in × 1.5 in × 3.5 in)
Options for the VM-10 module that you can set on the M81 instrument screen
Bandwidth/accuracy
Range | Bandwidth (-3 dB, typical) | Single-ended operation | Differential operation | ||||
DC2 ±(%rdg + V) | Lock-in2,3,4 ±%rdg + V | Temperature coefficient2,3 ±(ppm rdg/°C + V/°C) | DC2 ±(%rdg + V) | Lock-in2,3,4 ±%rdg + V | Temperature coefficient2,3 ±(ppm rdg/°C + V/°C) | ||
10 V | >100 kHz | 0.025% + 600 µV | 0.025% + 50 µV | 6 ppm/°C + 24 µV/°C | 0.025% + 150 µV | 0.025% + 50 µV | 6 ppm/°C + 6 µV/°C |
1 V | >100 kHz | 0.025% + 21 µV | 0.025% + 5 µV | 6 ppm/°C + 20 µV/°C | 0.025% + 10 µV | 0.025% + 5 µV | 6 ppm/°C + 2 µV/°C |
100 mV | 75 kHz | 0.1% + 20 µV | 0.1% + 500 nV | 120 ppm/°C + 20 µV/°C | 0.05% + 6 µV | 0.05% + 500 nV | 6 ppm/°C + 1 µV/°C |
10 mV | 75 kHz | 0.1% + 20 µV | 0.1% + 50 nV | 120 ppm/°C + 20 µV/°C | 0.05% + 6 µV | 0.05% + 50 nV | 6 ppm/°C + 1 µV/°C |
Noise (typical)
Current noise at 1 kHz: 20 fA/√Hz
Voltage noise measured with filters off, inputs shorted
Range | Single-ended operation | Differential operation | ||
Voltage noise at 1 kHz | Voltage noise at 0.1 Hz to 10 Hz | Voltage noise at 1 kHz | Voltage noise at 0.1 Hz to 10 Hz | |
10 V | 170 nV/√Hz | 4 µV RMS; 20 µV p-p | 170 nV/√Hz | 4 µV RMS; 20 µV p-p |
1 V | 50 nV/√Hz | 400 nV RMS; 2 µV p-p | 50 nV/√Hz | 500 nV RMS; 2.5 µV p-p |
100 mV | 3.8 nV/√Hz | 50 nV RMS; 250 nV p-p | 4.5 nV/√Hz | 60 nV RMS; 300 nV p-p |
10 mV | 3.2 nV/√Hz | 25 nV RMS; 125 nV p-p | 4.1 nV/√Hz | 30 nV RMS; 150 nV p-p |
1 Lock-in measurement, 10 mV range, 10 s time constant, 24 dB rolloff, 95% confidence interval
2 Total system accuracy, 95% confidence, 1 year and ±5 deg;C from Lake Shore calibration, 24 h and ±1 °C from self-calibration, filters off
3 DC to 1 kHz
4 Add 0.1% of reading when AC coupled