New current source for measurements of very small resistances

When measuring very small resistances, a common effect is the so-called common mode rejection  (CMR). The error that occurs from this effect can heavily distort the measured voltage. Fig. 1a shows this distortion with a determined resistance of 100 mΩ. A common current source provides a current of 10 mA and the voltage we measured is an incorrect 3 µV instead of 1 µV. The reason for this is an assumed but realistic value resistance of 20 Ω between the earth, sample and current source.

Our new partner Anmesys has developed a special current source that can suppress the CMR effect: AMS220. It comes with a lock-in amplifier and can also be used as regular current source. 

Fig. 1 shows the setup with AMS220: The CMR effect is suppressed and as a result, the correct voltage of 1 µV is detected. Contrary to regular sources, the patented AMS220 is free-floating. 

The current is directly controlled by input voltage. Fig. 2 shows a typical setup for an AC resistance measurement with lock-in amplifier and AMS220. 

The common mode rejection effect may occur

• with samples with small resistances (and high contact resistances, where applicable)
• during AC-resistance measurements, for example with lock-in technique
• during resistance measurements in cryogenics, when the sample resistance decreases with low temperatures
• with thermometry