The MiniMOD SMU: A Precision Source Measure Unit for Advanced Solar Device Characterization
Above: A 96-channel MiniMOD SMU fully outfitted for outdoor usage.
Above: SMU Controller displays bidirectional I-V sweeps of selected channels.
The Tau Science MiniMOD™ SMU is an advanced, modular Source Measure Unit (SMU) platform designed for precise electrical characterization and long-term performance monitoring of photovoltaic devices.
It combines automated I-V sweeps, intelligent maximum power point tracking (MPPT), and configurable day/night operation to provide researchers with the tools to understand device performance under real-world operating conditions.
Designed for 24x7 operation either indoors or outdoors, MiniMOD provides a comprehensive solution for solar reliability testing.
Key Features
Multi-channel: each system controls up to 800 channels across multiple cabinets
Automatic, configurable recipes specify both steady state conditions and I-V sweeps
User-friendly software displays I-V sweeps and diode parameters in real-time
Option for automatic channel disconnect at night, configurable on the channel level. The sunrise and sunset schedule is based on the NREL Solar Position Algorithm.
Max Power Point Tracking with the integrated Perturb & Observe algorithm
Engineered for continuous operation: UTC-based timestamps for consistent data records
Automatic data logging with hourly file generation for maximum protection against file corruption and data loss
Data saved in NetCDF-4 format for easy analysis
Options
Outdoor cabinets with integrated heating, cooling and humidity control
Expandable architecture allows customers to add channels in the future
User-Friendly Software Ecosystem
SMU Controller: allows users to configure channels and measurement recipes, monitor system health, and visualize live data
SMU Viewer: merges hourly data files, organizes results across multiple runs, and performs I-V curve analysis using Tau Science or custom algorithms
SMU Aggregator: collects data from up to 800 SMU channels
Key Electrical Specifications for the MiniMOD-120-22
4-Quadrant Operation
4-Wire Kelvin Connection
FORCE VOLTAGE:
Output Voltage Range: 0-22V, with 1.4mV resolution
Range is configurable upon request. Example: -1 to +21V or 0 to +22V
Compliance Current: +/- 120mA
MEASURE VOLTAGE:
Voltage Range: 22V with 1.2mV resolution
MEASURE CURRENT:
Current Ranges: +/- 120mA with 10mA resolution
VOLTAGE CLAMP:
Positive Clamp Accuracy: 180mV
Negative Clamp Accuracy: -180mV
CURRENT CLAMP:
Positive Clamp Accuracy: Programmed Value +/-25 % Full Scale Current
Negative Clamp Accuracy: Programmed Value +/-25 % Full Scale Current
MEASUREMENT SPEED [All channels enabled and operating simultaneously]:
Max Readings Per Second: 50
Max IV Data Points Per Curve: 250
CALIBRATION:
Gain & Offset Calibration are performed before shipment using a Keithley or Keysight reference instrument.