Description
Keithley 485 Autoranging Picoammeter IEEE-488 GPIB Interface Benchtop Meter
The Keithley 485 is a precision autoranging picoammeter designed for accurate DC current measurement from the picoampere to milliampere range. It features a clear LCD digital display and a bank of front-panel range selector buttons covering seven current ranges, with an AUTO mode for hands-free ranging. A rear-panel IEEE-488 (GPIB) interface with a DIP-switch address selector allows the instrument to be integrated directly into automated test systems and computer-controlled lab setups.
Specifications & What's Included
- Model: Keithley 485 Autoranging Picoammeter
- Measurement type: DC current
- Current ranges: 2 nA, 20 nA, 200 nA, 2 µA, 20 µA, 200 µA, 2 mA
- Autoranging: Yes (AUTO mode with manual range override)
- Maximum input voltage: 50V max (most ranges)
- Display: LCD digital readout (front panel)
- Interface: IEEE-488 (GPIB) — rear-panel 24-pin connector with DIP address switches
- Front-panel functions: REL, LOG, DATA STORE, STO/CLR, RCL, ZERO CHECK, ZERO, ON/OFF with LOCK
- Input connector: Triax/BNC-style INPUT connector (front panel, right side)
- Rear panel: IEEE-488 GPIB connector, address DIP switch block, two binding posts
- Form factor: Benchtop
- Country of manufacture: United States
- Included: Unit only — no test leads or accessories
Applications
The Keithley 485 is a classic precision current measurement instrument from Keithley Instruments, introduced in the early 1980s and widely used in research, semiconductor characterization, photonics, and materials science labs. Picoammeters like the 485 are used wherever very small currents must be measured accurately — including leakage current testing on diodes and capacitors, photodetector and photomultiplier tube characterization, ion beam current monitoring, and electrochemical measurements. The built-in IEEE-488 (GPIB) interface made the 485 well suited to integration into automated bench test systems, a common requirement in both production test environments and university research labs of the era. Keithley instruments of this generation remain in active service in many labs today, valued for their measurement accuracy and straightforward GPIB programmability.
This Keithley 485 Autoranging Picoammeter was pulled from a working laboratory environment where it was previously in use. It has been visually inspected and photographed. The front panel, display, and range selector buttons appear to be in good condition with normal wear consistent with bench use. The rear IEEE-488 GPIB interface and address DIP switches are present and intact. Some minor cosmetic wear and label markings typical of used lab equipment may be present. It has not been powered up or tested at our facility. Please review all photos carefully and contact us with any questions before purchasing.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Keithley |
Model: |
485 |
MPN: |
485 |
Type: |
Autoranging Picoammeter |
SKU: |
46817 |
Measurement Type: |
DC Current |
Current Ranges: |
2nA, 20nA, 200nA, 2µA, 20µA, 200µA, 2mA |
Maximum Input Voltage: |
50V max (most ranges) |
Interface: |
IEEE-488 (GPIB) |
Display: |
LCD digital display |
Features: |
Autoranging, Data Store, REL, LOG, Zero Check |
Form Factor: |
Benchtop |
Input Connector: |
Triax / BNC (front panel) |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Seller Notes: |
Unit only — no test leads or accessories included. |
Condition Notes: |
This Keithley 485 Autoranging Picoammeter was pulled from a working lab environment. Visually inspected — front panel, display, and GPIB interface appear intact with normal bench wear. Not powered or tested at our facility. |
California Prop 65 Warning: |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and DEHP (a phthalate), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Go to P65Warnings.ca.gov |