Ultra-low noise, bi-polar, programmable current sources

Abstract

We present the design process and implementation of fully open-source, ultra-low noise programmable current source systems in two configurations. Although originally designed as coil drivers for Optically Pumped Magnetometers (OPMs), the device specifications make them potentially useful in a range of applications. The devices feature a bi-directional current range of ±10 and ±250 mA on three independent channels with 16-bit resolution. Both devices feature a narrow 1/f noise bandwidth of 1 Hz, enabling magnetic field manipulation for high-performance OPMs. They exhibit a low noise of 146 pA/Hz and 4.1 nA/Hz, which translates to 15 and 16 ppb/Hz noise relative to full scale.