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Model 8009
Resistivity Test Fixture
Instruction Manual
8009-901-01 Rev. D / May 2019

*P8009-901-01D*
8009-901-01D
 Model 8009

Resistivity Test Fixture

Instruction Manual
 © 2019, Keithley Instruments, LLC

Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.

All rights reserved.

Any unauthorized reproduction, photocopy, or use of the information herein, in whole or in part,
without the prior written approval of Keithley Instruments, LLC, is strictly prohibited.

These are the original instructions in English.

All Keithley Instruments product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of Keithley
Instruments, LLC. Other brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.

Microsoft, Visual C++, Excel, and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Document number: 8009-901-01 Rev. D / May 2019

 Table of contents
Getting started ............................................................................................................ 1-1
Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 1-1
Features ............................................................................................................................... 1-1
Accessories .......................................................................................................................... 1-2
Cleaning ............................................................................................................................... 1-2

Operation .................................................................................................................... 2-1

Operation overview .............................................................................................................. 2-1
ASTM standard ......................................................................................................................... 2-4
Specimen mounting .................................................................................................................. 2-4
Connections ......................................................................................................................... 2-4
6517 connections ...................................................................................................................... 2-5
6517B connections .................................................................................................................... 2-6
Test voltage .......................................................................................................................... 2-7
Current measurement range and compliance limit .............................................................. 2-8
Electrification time ................................................................................................................ 2-8
Resistivity measurement procedure..................................................................................... 2-8

Derivation of resistivity equations ........................................................................... 3-1

Resistivity calculations ......................................................................................................... 3-1
Calculating resistivity............................................................................................................ 3-1
Volume resistivity ...................................................................................................................... 3-2
Surface resistivity ...................................................................................................................... 3-3
Resistivity nomographs ........................................................................................................ 3-4
Volume resistivity ...................................................................................................................... 3-4
Surface resistivity ...................................................................................................................... 3-5
Resistivity equations ............................................................................................................ 3-6
 Safety precautions
The following safety precautions should be observed before using this product and any associated instrumentation. Although
some instruments and accessories would normally be used with nonhazardous voltages, there are situations where hazardous
conditions may be present.
This product is intended for use by personnel who recognize shock hazards and are familiar with the safety precautions required
to avoid possible injury. Read and follow all installation, operation, and maintenance information carefully before using the
product. Refer to the user documentation for complete product specifications.
If the product is used in a manner not specified, the protection provided by the product warranty may be impaired.

The types of product users are:

Responsible body is the individual or group responsible for the use and maintenance of equipment, for ensuring that the
equipment is operated within its specifications and operating limits, and for ensuring that operators are adequately trained.
Operators use the product for its intended function. They must be trained in electrical safety procedures and proper use of the
instrument. They must be protected from electric shock and contact with hazardous live circuits.
Maintenance personnel perform routine procedures on the product to keep it operating properly, for example, setting the line
voltage or replacing consumable materials. Maintenance procedures are described in the user documentation. The procedures
explicitly state if the operator may perform them. Otherwise, they should be performed only by service personnel.
Service personnel are trained to work on live circuits, perform safe installations, and repair products. Only properly trained
service personnel may perform installation and service procedures.

Keithley products are designed for use with electrical signals that are measurement, control, and data I/O connections, with low
transient overvoltages, and must not be directly connected to mains voltage or to voltage sources with high transient
overvoltages. Measurement Category II (as referenced in IEC 60664) connections require protection for high transient
overvoltages often associated with local AC mains connections. Certain Keithley measuring instruments may be connected to
mains. These instruments will be marked as category II or higher.
Unless explicitly allowed in the specifications, operating manual, and instrument labels, do not connect any instrument to mains.
Exercise extreme caution when a shock hazard is present. Lethal voltage may be present on cable connector jacks or test
fixtures. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) states that a shock hazard exists when voltage levels greater than
30 V RMS, 42.4 V peak, or 60 VDC are present. A good safety practice is to expect that hazardous voltage is present in any
unknown circuit before measuring.
Operators of this product must be protected from electric shock at all times. The responsible body must ensure that operators
are prevented access and/or insulated from every connection point. In some cases, connections must be exposed to potential
human contact. Product operators in these circumstances must be trained to protect themselves from the risk of electric shock. If
the circuit is capable of operating at or above 1000 V, no conductive part of the circuit may be exposed.

Do not connect switching cards directly to unlimited power circuits. They are intended to be used with impedance-limited
sources. NEVER connect switching cards directly to AC mains. When connecting sources to switching cards, install protective
devices to limit fault current and voltage to the card.
Before operating an instrument, ensure that the line cord is connected to a properly-grounded power receptacle. Inspect the
connecting cables, test leads, and jumpers for possible wear, cracks, or breaks before each use.
When installing equipment where access to the main power cord is restricted, such as rack mounting, a separate main input
power disconnect device must be provided in close proximity to the equipment and within easy reach of the operator.
For maximum safety, do not touch the product, test cables, or any other instruments while power is applied to the circuit under
test. ALWAYS remove power from the entire test system and discharge any capacitors before: connecting or disconnecting
cables or jumpers, installing or removing switching cards, or making internal changes, such as installing or removing jumpers.

Do not touch any object that could provide a current path to the common side of the circuit under test or power line (earth)
ground. Always make measurements with dry hands while standing on a dry, insulated surface capable of withstanding the
voltage being measured.
For safety, instruments and accessories must be used in accordance with the operating instructions. If the instruments or
accessories are used in a manner not specified in the operating instructions, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.
Do not exceed the maximum signal levels of the instruments and accessories. Maximum signal levels are defined in the
specifications and operating information and shown on the instrument panels, test fixture panels, and switching cards.
When fuses are used in a product, replace with the same type and rating for continued protection against fire hazard.
Chassis connections must only be used as shield connections for measuring circuits, NOT as protective earth (safety ground)
connections.
If you are using a test fixture, keep the lid closed while power is applied to the device under test. Safe operation requires the use
of a lid interlock.

If a screw is present, connect it to protective earth (safety ground) using the wire recommended in the user documentation.

The symbol on an instrument means caution, risk of hazard. The user must refer to the operating instructions located in the
user documentation in all cases where the symbol is marked on the instrument.

The symbol on an instrument means warning, risk of electric shock. Use standard safety precautions to avoid personal
contact with these voltages.

The symbol on an instrument shows that the surface may be hot. Avoid personal contact to prevent burns.

The symbol indicates a connection terminal to the equipment frame.

If this symbol is on a product, it indicates that mercury is present in the display lamp. Please note that the lamp must be
properly disposed of according to federal, state, and local laws.
The WARNING heading in the user documentation explains hazards that might result in personal injury or death. Always read
the associated information very carefully before performing the indicated procedure.
The CAUTION heading in the user documentation explains hazards that could damage the instrument. Such damage may
invalidate the warranty.

The CAUTION heading with the symbol in the user documentation explains hazards that could result in moderate or minor
injury or damage the instrument. Always read the associated information very carefully before performing the indicated
procedure. Damage to the instrument may invalidate the warranty.
Instrumentation and accessories shall not be connected to humans.
Before performing any maintenance, disconnect the line cord and all test cables.
To maintain protection from electric shock and fire, replacement components in mains circuits — including the power
transformer, test leads, and input jacks — must be purchased from Keithley. Standard fuses with applicable national safety
approvals may be used if the rating and type are the same. The detachable mains power cord provided with the instrument may
only be replaced with a similarly rated power cord. Other components that are not safety-related may be purchased from other
suppliers as long as they are equivalent to the original component (note that selected parts should be purchased only through
Keithley to maintain accuracy and functionality of the product). If you are unsure about the applicability of a replacement
component, call a Keithley office for information.
Unless otherwise noted in product-specific literature, Keithley instruments are designed to operate indoors only, in the following
environment: Altitude at or below 2,000 m (6,562 ft); temperature 0 °C to 50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F); and pollution degree 1 or 2.
To clean an instrument, use a cloth dampened with deionized water or mild, water-based cleaner. Clean the exterior of the
instrument only. Do not apply cleaner directly to the instrument or allow liquids to enter or spill on the instrument. Products that
consist of a circuit board with no case or chassis (e.g., a data acquisition board for installation into a computer) should never
require cleaning if handled according to instructions. If the board becomes contaminated and operation is affected, the board
should be returned to the factory for proper cleaning/servicing.
Safety precaution revision as of June 2017.
 Section 1

Getting started

In this section:
Introduction .............................................................................. 1-1
Features ................................................................................... 1-1
Accessories .............................................................................. 1-2
Cleaning ................................................................................... 1-2

Introduction
The Model 8009 Resistivity Test Fixture allows volume resistivity measurements up to 1018 Ω-cm or
surface resistivity measurements up to 1017 Ω. The test fixture is designed using a three-lug triaxial
connector that allows simple connection to a Keithley Instruments Model 6517, 6517A, or 6517B
Electrometer.

All references in this manual to the 6517 are also valid for the 6517A.

Features
The 8009 test fixture features:

• Electrodes made from stainless steel for corrosion prevention.

• Switchable volume and surface resistivity modes.
• 6517 and 6517B Electrometer and High Resistance Meters operation.
• Safety interlock system and dual safety banana jacks for connection to 1 kV source in a 6517 or
6517B.
Section 1: Getting started Model 8009 Resistivity Test Fixture Instruction Manual

Accessories
The following is a list of accessories that are supplied with your 8009.

8009 supplied accessories

Model 6517-ILC-3 1- meter, 4-pin interlock cable
Model 6517B-ILC-3 3- meter, 4-pin interlock cable
Model 7078-TRX-3 A 3 ft. (0.9 m) low-noise triaxial cable that is terminated at both ends with
3-slot triaxial connectors. This is used to connect the 8009 test fixture to
the 6517 Electrometer
8007-GND-3 Safety ground wire with ground lug

Cleaning
The 8009 electrodes should be periodically cleaned with methanol or other suitable solvent. The
connectors should also be kept clean to prevent leakage when measuring low-level current.

When not in use, keep the supplied protective spacer installed between the electrodes. This will help
prevent the surfaces of the electrodes from getting nicked and scratched.

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 Section 2

Operation

In this section:
Operation overview .................................................................. 2-1
Connections ............................................................................. 2-4
Test voltage.............................................................................. 2-7
Current measurement range and compliance limit ................... 2-8
Electrification time .................................................................... 2-8
Resistivity measurement procedure ......................................... 2-8

Operation overview
The basic method used to determine resistivity of a specimen is a two-step process. A test voltage is
applied to the specimen, and the following current is measured. Then the test voltage value and
measured current value are applied to the appropriate equation and resistivity is calculated.

The 8009 is shown in following figure. The top view shows the interior of the test fixture where the
specimen is mounted. The front view shows the pushbutton switch that is used to select the desired
resistivity test. The side view shows the test fixture connectors.
Section 2: Operation Model 8009 Resistivity Test Fixture Instruction Manual

Figure 1: 8009 text fixture

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Model 8009 Resistivity Test Fixture Instruction Manual Section 2: Operation

The following figure shows a schematic diagram of the 8009. Note that the test fixture is externally
connected to the electrode using a three-lug female triaxial connector. This connector will mate
directly to the 6517 using the 6517-ILC-3 cable or to a 6517B using the 6517B-ILC-3 cable.

Figure 2: 8009 schematic diagram

The included protective spacer should only be used when the 8009 is in the closed position and
should never be used in a measurement.

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Section 2: Operation Model 8009 Resistivity Test Fixture Instruction Manual

ASTM standard
Methods, recommendations, and calculations used in this manual to make resistivity measurements
are based on the following ASTM standard:

American Society for Testing and Materials, Standard Methods of Test for Electrical Resistance of
Insulation Materials, ASTM Designation D257

Specimen mounting
The minimum and maximum sample sizes are listed in the specifications.

Do not handle the specimen with bare fingers. Body oil will provide a conductive path and may
corrupt the measurement. Acetate rayon gloves are recommended to prevent the spread of body oil.
For best results, clean the specimen surfaces with an alcohol and ether mixture or other suitable
solvent.

To mount the specimen in the 8009:

1. Remove the protective spacer.

The top electrode in the 8009 is permanently attached to the top cover. A protective spacer is
provided with the 8009 to protect the electrodes (this spacer can be used for a functional check of
the 8009).

2. Center the specimen between the top and bottom electrodes of the 8009. Make sure there are no
conductive paths between the electrodes other than those through the specimen.
3. Close the lid of the test fixture and secure the latch.
4. When your testing is complete, reinstall the protective spacer to protect the electrode surfaces
from nicks and scratches in storage.

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Model 8009 Resistivity Test Fixture Instruction Manual Section 2: Operation

Connections
The following sections show connections for using your 8009 with a 6517 or a 6517B.

The earth ground screw terminal of the 8009 Resistivity Test Fixture must be connected to a
known safety earth ground using the supplied 8007-GND-3 ground wire or the #18 AWG or a
larger wire.

The use of hazardous voltage requires that the interlock be used. The interlock circuit is
activated when the 6517-ILC-3 or the 6517B-ILC-3 interlock cable (both supplied with 8009) is
connected as shown in the following figures Whenever the lid of the 8009 is open, the 6517 or
6517B goes into standby, thus removing power from the test fixture.

To prevent electrical shock that could cause injury or death:

Put the 6517 or 6517B voltage source in STANDBY before opening the lid of the Model 8009.

6517 connections
To connect the 6517 to the 8009 test fixture, refer to the following figure. The 7078-TRX-3 triaxial
cable and the 6517-ILC-3 interlock cable are supplied with the 8009. Note that the ground link on the
6517 must be removed. Proper grounding will be performed by the 8009.

8009-901-01 Rev. D / May 2019 2-5

Section 2: Operation Model 8009 Resistivity Test Fixture Instruction Manual

Figure 3: Connecting a 6517 to the 8009

6517B connections
Refer to the following figure to connect the 6517B to the 8009 test fixture. The triaxial cable and the
6517B-ILC-3 interlock cable are supplied with the 8009. Note that the ground link on the 6517B must
be removed. Proper grounding will be performed by the Model 8009.

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Model 8009 Resistivity Test Fixture Instruction Manual Section 2: Operation

Figure 4: Connecting a 6517B to the 8009

Test voltage
Typically, specified test voltages to be applied to the specimen are 100 V, 250 V, 500 V, and 1000 V.
The maximum test voltage that can be applied to the 8009 is 1000 V. The most frequently used test
voltages are 100 V and 500 V. The 6517 can provide test voltages up to 1000 V.

8009-901-01 Rev. D / May 2019 2-7

Section 2: Operation Model 8009 Resistivity Test Fixture Instruction Manual

Current measurement range and compliance limit

To make the most accurate resistivity measurement, the 6517 must be on the most sensitive
(optimum) current measurement range. Place the 6517 in autorange to do this.

A current compliance limit protects the device under test (DUT). For almost all resistivity tests,
protecting the specimen from excessive current is not a concern.

If manual ranging must be used, you may have to experiment to determine the best measurement
range and subsequent compliance limit. For detailed information on compliance and measurement
range selection, refer to the 6517 or 6517B reference manuals.

Electrification time
Electrification time is the total time that the specified voltage is applied to the specimen when the
current measurement is made. For example, for an electrification time of 60 seconds, the current
measurement is made after the specimen was subjected to the applied voltage for 60 seconds. Keep
in mind that experimentation may dictate a different electrification time. Unless otherwise specified, an
electrification of 60 seconds is recommended.

Resistivity measurement procedure

The previously detailed operating information is integrated into the following procedure to make
resistivity measurements.

The following procedure uses hazardous voltage that could cause severe injury or death.
Exercise extreme caution when the voltage source is in operate.

To calculate volume resistivity, the average thickness of the specimen must be known. If thickness is
not known, use calipers to measure it.

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Model 8009 Resistivity Test Fixture Instruction Manual Section 2: Operation

To make resistivity measurements:

1. Mount the specimen in the 8009 test fixture. See Specimen mounting (on page 2-4) for detailed
information.
2. Close the lid of the test fixture, secure the latch, and set the RESISTIVITY switch for the
SURFACE or VOLUME test.
3. With power off, connect the test fixture the 6517 or 6517B. See Model 6517 connections (on page
2-5) or Model 6517B connections (on page 2-6) for more information.

The use of hazardous voltage requires that the interlock be used. The interlock circuit is
activated when the 6517-ILC-3 or the 6517B-ILC-3 interlock cable (both supplied with 8009) is
connected as shown in the following figures Whenever the lid of the 8009 is open, the 6517 or
6517B goes into standby, thus removing power from the test fixture.

4. While in standby mode, set the voltage source to the appropriate test voltage. Typically, 500 V is
used as the test voltage for specimens.
5. While in standby mode, set the 6517 or 6517B to an appropriate measurement range and current
compliance limit. Autorange and a high-compliance limit satisfies the needs for most tests.
6. Put the voltage source in OPERATE mode, and after an appropriate electrification period, record
the current reading from the display. Typically, an electrification period of 60 seconds is used.
7. Put the voltage source in standby mode.

8009-901-01 Rev. D / May 2019 2-9

 Section 3

Derivation of resistivity equations

In this section:
Resistivity calculations ............................................................. 3-1
Calculating resistivity ................................................................ 3-1
Resistivity nomographs ............................................................ 3-4
Resistivity equations ................................................................ 3-6

Resistivity calculations
For instruments that do not directly measure resistivity, this section provides the equations needed to
calculate volume and surface resistivity using the applied test voltage and the measured current. If
accuracy is not needed, nomographs can be used to approximate resistivity. This section also shows
how to derive the equations used to calculate resistivity.

Calculating resistivity
The following equations are used to calculate volume and surface resistivity. They are based on the
physical dimensions of the electrodes of the 8009. For more information on how these equations are
derived, see Derivation of resistivity equations (on page 3-1).
Section 3: Derivation of resistivity equations Model 8009 Resistivity Test Fixture Instruction Manual

Figure 5: Basic measurement techniques

Volume resistivity
Volume resistivity is the electrical resistance through a 1 cm cube of insulating material and is
expressed in ohm-centimeters. Likewise, the electrical resistance through a 1 inch cube of insulating
material is expressed as ohm-inches.

Volume resistivity (ρ) is measured by applying a voltage potential across opposite sides of the
specimen, measuring the resultant current through the specimen, and then performing one of the
following calculations.

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Model 8009 Resistivity Test Fixture Instruction Manual Section 3: Derivation of resistivity equations

or

Where:

ρ is the volume resistivity of the specimen

V is the applied voltage for the electrometer

tc is the average thickness of the specimen in centimeters

ti is the average thickness of the specimen in inches

I is the current reading from the electrometer

Surface resistivity
Surface resistivity is the electrical resistance of the surface of specimen material. It is measured from
electrode to electrode along the surface of the specimen. Since surface length is fixed, the
measurement is independent of the physical dimensions of the specimen.

Surface resistivity (ρ) is measured by applying a voltage potential across the surface of the specimen,
measuring the resultant current, and then performing the following calculation:

Where:

σ is the surface resistivity of the specimen

V is the applied voltage from the electrometer

I is the current reading from the electrometer

8009-901-01 Rev. D / May 2019 3-3

Section 3: Derivation of resistivity equations Model 8009 Resistivity Test Fixture Instruction Manual

Resistivity nomographs
With test voltage, measured current, and specimen thickness for volume resistivity known, resistivity
can be approximated by using the appropriate nomograph. The following volume and surface
resistivity figures show the nomograph for surface resistivity and the nomograph for volume resistivity.

Volume resistivity
The volume resistivity nomograph, shown in the following figure, consists of four scales and a graph
line. The four scales include thickness (in cm) and current.

To determine volume resistivity:

1. Plot the average specimen thickness (in cm) on the thickness scale.
2. Plot the test voltage value on the voltage scale.
3. Draw a straight line connecting the plotted thickness and voltage values. Note that this line will
intersect the graph line.
4. Plot the measured current value on the current scale.
5. Draw a straight line from where the first line intersects the graph line to the plotted current value.
6. Read the volume resistivity value (in Ω-cm) from where the second line intersects the resistivity
scale.

An example is shown on the following graph. The first dashed line (a) connects a specimen thickness
of 0.15 cm to a test voltage of 200 V. The second dashed line (b) connects the graph line intersection
point to a measured current of 6 × 10-11 amps (60 pA). The second dashed line (b) intersects the
resistivity scale at approximately 5 × 1013 Ω-cm (5.09 × 1014 Ω-cm by calculation).

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Model 8009 Resistivity Test Fixture Instruction Manual Section 3: Derivation of resistivity equations

Figure 6: Volume resistivity nomograph

Surface resistivity
The surface resistivity nomograph is made up of three scales: voltage, resistivity, and current.

To determine resistivity:
1. Plot the test voltage value on the voltage scale.
2. Plot the measure current value on the current scale.
3. Draw a straight line connecting the plotted voltage and current values.
4. Read the surface resistivity value (in ohms) from where the drawn line intersects the resistivity
scale.

An example is shown in the graph. The dashed line connects a test voltage of 200 V to a measured
current of 3 × 10-10 amps (0.3 nA). The dashed line intersects the resistivity scale at just under 4 ×
1013 Ω (3.56 × 1013 Ω by calculation).

8009-901-01 Rev. D / May 2019 3-5

Section 3: Derivation of resistivity equations Model 8009 Resistivity Test Fixture Instruction Manual

Figure 7: Surface resistivity nomograph

Resistivity equations
The ASTM standard states that volume resistivity (ρ) shall be calculated as follows:

Where:

A is the effective area of the guarded electrode for the electrode arrangement

R is the volume resistance in ohms

t is the average thickness of the specimen

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Model 8009 Resistivity Test Fixture Instruction Manual Section 3: Derivation of resistivity equations

For the 8009, which uses circular electrode, A is calculated as follows:

Where D0, which is the effective diameter of the guarded electrode, is 5.40 cm (2.123 in.), as
calculated by the following equation:

or

By using the calculated values for A, the volume resistivity equation looks like this:

or

Where:

tc is the average thickness of the specimen in centimeters

ti is the average thickness of the specimen in inches

8009-901-01 Rev. D / May 2019 3-7

Section 3: Derivation of resistivity equations Model 8009 Resistivity Test Fixture Instruction Manual

Volume resistance (R) is calculated by dividing the applied test voltage (V) by the subsequent
measured current (I). By substituting R with V/I, the following equations that are used to calculate
volume resistivity are realized:

or

The ASTM standard states that surface resistivity (σ) shall be calculated as follows:

Where:

R is the surface resistance in ohms

g is 0.125 inches. This is the distance between the guarded electrode and the ring electrode.

P is the effective perimeter of the guarded electrode for the particular electrode arrangement
employed

For the 8009, which uses circular electrodes, P is calculated as follows:

Where:

D0, which is the effective diameter of the guarded electrode, is 2.125 inches, see the figure below.
Then use this equation:

By substituting the values for g and P, the equation looks like this:

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Model 8009 Resistivity Test Fixture Instruction Manual Section 3: Derivation of resistivity equations

Surface resistance (R) is calculated by dividing the applied test voltage (V) by the subsequent
measured content (I). By substituting R with V/I, the following equation is used to calculate surface
resistivity is known.

Figure 8: Electrode dimensions

The figure above measures the diameter of the guarded electrode from the air gap rather than the
edge of the electrode.

8009-901-01 Rev. D / May 2019 3-9

 Specifications are subject to change without notice.
All Keithley trademarks and trade names are the property of Keithley Instruments.
All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective companies.

Keithley Instruments
Corporate Headquarters • 28775 Aurora Road • Cleveland, Ohio 44139 • 440-248-0400 • Fax: 440-248-6168 • 1-800-935-5595 • tek.com/keithley

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