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Problem: Errors in Low Resistance Measurements

Probable Cause: Resistance of the test leads
In low resistance measurements, the resistance of the test leads can be a signicant fraction of the resistance to be measured, or can even exceed it, and can cause measurement errors.
DMM
IX Isense (picoamps)

Rsourcelead Rsenselead DUT

Remedies
A. The four-wire resistance techniqueWith the four wire resistance technique (also called the Kelvin connection), the test current is forced through the DUT through one set of leads, while the voltage across it is measured through a separate set of sense leads. Negligible current ows through the sense leads (they are connected to a high-resistance input on the instrument), so they do not create any voltage drop, and the voltage measured by the meter is essentially the same as the voltage across the DUT. Note that the voltage sensing leads should be connected as close as possible to the DUT to avoid including any of the resistance of the test leads in the measurement. B. Use of the null function on the ohmmeterUse the two-wire resistance technique and null out the test lead resistance. Some

Rsenselead Rsourcelead

The four-wire resistance technique removes the resistance in the source leads from the measurement loop.

ohmmeters have a null (Zero, Relative, etc.) function. Short the test leads at the end, then enable the null feature, which will subtract the test lead resistance from the readings. One drawback with this technique is that measurement may drift over time, and sometimes it is not practical to keep on nulling the test lead resistance to keep the measurement on track.

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Keithley Instruments, Inc.

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No. 2561 Rev. 0405

Problem: Errors in Low Resistance Measurements

October 2004