Four Probe Setup, DFP-LHN/ DFP-LHC

Four Probe Setup, DFP-LHN/ DFP-LHC

The Four Probe Method is one of the standard and most widely used method for the measurement of resistivity. In its useful form, the four probes are collinear. The error due to contact resistance, which is significant in the electrical measurement on semiconductors, is avoided by the use of two extra contacts (probes) between the current contacts. In this arrangement the contact resistance may all be high compare to the sample resistance, but as long as the resistance of the sample and contact resistance's are small compared with the effective resistance of the voltage measuring device (potentiometer, electrometer or electronic voltmeter), the measured value will remain unaffected. Because of pressure contacts, the arrangement is also specially useful for quick measurement on different samples or sampling different parts of the sample.

Description of Experimental Set-up:

1. Probes Arrangement

It has four individually spring loaded probes. The probes are collinear and equally spaced. The probes are mounted in a teflon bush, which ensure a good electrical insulation between the probes. A teflon spacer near the tips is also provided to keep the probes at equal distance. The probe arrangement is mounted in a suitable stand, which also holds  the sample plate and Thermocouple sensor. This stand also serves as the lid of PID Controlled Oven. Proper leads are provided for the current and voltage measurements.

2. PID Controlled Oven cum Cryostate

In this unit heating of sample zone is done through heating coil and cooling through controlled flow of liquid nitrogen. The necessary components such as the cryostate, the flow system etc. are included.

Temperature range is from -170C to 200C. The unit is a high quality PID controller wherein the temperatures can be set and controlled easily. The P, I and D parameters are factory set for immediate use however the user may adjust these for specific applications as well as auto-tune the oven whenever required. The steps for these are given in the user manual.

Specifications of the Temperature Controller

The controller is designed around Autonics Temperature Controller Model TK4S. Although this is a very versatile piece of equipment, below is a summary of the specifications that are relevant to the present  application.

Temperature Range:  -170C to 200C

Oven:  Specially designed for Four Probe Set-Up

Display Accuracy:  +-0.3C

Sensor:  Thermocouple (Chromel-Alumel)

Setting Type:  Front push buttons

Display:  7 segment LED, two rows

Control Method:  PID, PIDF, PIDS

Values:  Process Value, PV and Set Value, SV

Temperature control range: Ambient to 200C

Power:  150W

3. Control Unit of Four Probe Setup

The unit comprises of two sections a totally isolated constant current source, and a grounded voltage measurement system. Features of these two sections are described below in some detail.

(A) Constant Current Source

It is an IC regulated current generator that is galvanically isolated from the rest of the circuit which is a basic requirement of four probe method. The isolation is achieved by using an optically coupled amplifier and associated circuits. This circuit sends a constant Current. To the changing resistance of the sample due to change in temp..

A judicious choice of the current setting as detailed in the user manual is necessary depending on the resistance value that is measured. Brief technical details of the current section are as under:

Current Range: 2 A, 20 A, 200 A, 2mA, 20mA and 200mA with over ranging

Open Circuit Voltage: 15V in the lower four ranges and 9V in the upper two

Accuracy : 0.25% of the reading 1digit

4-line LCD display with indication when current needs decreasing

(b) Digital Voltmeter Section

The voltmeter is used to read the voltage developed between the middle pins of the four probe arrangement. A primary requirement is to have very high input resistance so that the measurement  is not disturbed in case of high resistance samples. The input range of the voltmeter is thus limited by avoiding the use of any potential divider. Brief technical details are as under:

Voltage Range: 2mV, 20 mV, 200 mV, 2V with over ranging

Manual adjustment of Offset Voltage whenever current/voltage range is changed

Accuracy : 0.25% of the reading 1 digit

4-line LCD display with over voltage indication

In addition to the above, the Four Probe Setup as well as the PID Oven cum Cryostate Unit may be connected to a computer for data logging purposes. Necessary hardware and software are included in the system.

The setup is complete in itself