High-resolution quad-channel picoammeter: characterization and commissioning

To address the high demand for precise low current measurements at the Sirius accelerator and its beamlines, a quad-channel high-resolution Ethernet picoammeter has been designed*. The instrument can measure currents ranging from picoampere to milliampere across eight selectable ranges, featuring integrated ADCs enabling sample rates of up to 2 ksps and synchronization capabilities. This work aims to describe the design, characterization, and calibration results of the instrument. Special attention will be given to evaluating trigger latency, synchronization outcomes, as well as the device’s installation and commissioning at beamlines, particularly for critical applications like on-the-fly scanning experiments. Furthermore, we will explore the interplay between trigger period, digital filter bandwidth, and front-end analog bandwidth to optimize signal-to-noise ratio in specific applications.