Keithley

Keithley Instruments, Inc. (now part of Tektronix, a Fortive company) was a manufacturer of electronic test instruments and systems. Founded in 1946 by Joseph F. Keithley, the company became known for its precision measurement equipment, particularly in the areas of low-level measurement, source-measure units (SMUs), and data acquisition.

Keithley's products were used in a wide variety of applications, including research and development, manufacturing, and quality control, across industries such as semiconductors, electronics, materials science, and nanotechnology. Their instruments are capable of measuring extremely small currents, voltages, and resistances, making them crucial for characterizing sensitive electronic components and materials.

Key product categories included:

• Source Measure Units (SMUs): Instruments that can simultaneously source and measure voltage or current.
• Multimeters: Digital multimeters (DMMs) with high precision and specialized measurement capabilities.
• Electrometers: Instruments designed to measure extremely low currents and high resistances.
• Power Supplies: Precision power supplies for a variety of testing needs.
• Switching and Data Acquisition Systems: Systems for automated testing and data collection.

The company's focus on high accuracy and reliability led to its reputation as a leader in the test and measurement industry. Keithley products are often cited in scientific publications and are considered essential tools for researchers and engineers working with sensitive electronic systems. Following its acquisition by Tektronix, the Keithley brand continues to be used for certain product lines within the Tektronix portfolio.