Note: Unless ot h erwise ind i cated, this manual applies t o all Serial Nu m b e rs.
The Agilent Technologies 34401A is a 6
1
⁄
-digit, high-performance
2
digital multimeter. Its co m bination o f b e nch- to p and system f e atur e s
makes this multimeter a versatile solution for y our m easurement n eeds
now and in the future.
Convenient Bench-Top Features
• Highly visible vacuum-fluorescent displ a y
• Built-in math operations
• Continuity and diode test functions
• Hands-free, Reading Hold feature
• Portable, ruggedized case with non-skid feet
Flexible System Features
• GPIB (IEEE-488) interface and RS-232 interface
• Standard programming languages: SCPI, Agilent 3478A, and
Fluke 8840
• Reading rates up to 1000 readings per second
• Storage for up to 512 readings
• Limit testing with pass/fail signals
• Optional 34812A BenchLink/Meter Software for Microsoft
Windows
TM
Agilent 34401A
Multimeter
®
The Front Panel at a Glance
1 Measurement Function keys
2 Math Operation keys
3 Single Trigger / Autotrigger / Reading Hold key
4 Shift / Local key
2
5 Front / Rear Input Terminal Switch
6 Range / Number of Digits Displayed keys
7 Menu Operation keys
The Front-Panel Menu at a Glance
The menu is organized in a top-down tree structure with three levels.
A: MEASurement MENU
1: AC FILTER > 2: CONTINUITY > 3: INPUT R > 4: RATIO FUNC > 5: RESOLUTION
B: MATH MENU
1: MIN-MAX > 2: NULL VALUE > 3: dB REL > 4: dBm REF R > 5: LIMIT TEST > 6: HIGH LIMIT > 7: LOW LIMIT
C: TRIGger ME N U
1: READ HOLD > 2: TRIG DELAY > 3: N SAMPLES
D: SYStem MENU
1: RDGS STORE > 2: SAVED RDGS > 3: ERROR > 4: TEST > 5: DISPLAY > 6: BEEP > 7: COMMA > 8: REVISION
E: Input / Output MENU
1: HP-IB ADDR > 2: INTERFACE > 3: BAUD RATE > 4: PARITY > 5: LANGUAGE
F: CALibration MENU
1: SECURED > [ 1: UNSECURED ] > [ 2: CALIBRATE ] > 3: CAL COUNT > 4: MESSAGE
The commands enclosed in square brackets ( [ ] ) are “hidden” unless the multimeter
*
is UNSECURED for calibration.
*
3
Display Annunciators
∗
Adrs
Rmt
Man
Trig
Hold
Mem
Ratio
Math
ERROR
Rear
Shift
4W
Turns on during a measurement.
Multimeter is addressed to listen or talk over the GPIB interface.
Multimeter is in remote mode (remote interface).
Multimeter is using manual ranging (autorange is disabled).
Multimeter is waiting for a single trigger or external trigger.
Reading Hold is enabled.
Turns on when reading memo ry is enabled.
Multimeter is in dcv:dcv ratio function.
A math operation is enabled (null, min-max, dB, dBm, or limit test).
Hardware or remote interface command errors are detected.
Rear input terminals are selected.
“Shift” key has been pressed.
Multimeter is in 4-wire ohms function.
Multimeter is in continuity test function.
Multimeter is in diode test function.
Press “Shift” again to turn off.
To review the display annunciators, hold down the Shift key as you
turn on the multimeter.
4
The Rear Panel at a Glance
1 Chassis Ground
2 Power-Line Fuse-Holder Assembly
3 Power-Line Voltage Setting
4 Front and Rear Current Inpu t Fuse
5 Voltmeter Complete Output Terminal
6 External Trigger Input Terminal
7 GPIB (IEEE-488) Interface connector
8 RS-232 interface connector
Use the front-panel Input / Output Menu to:
• Select the GPIB or RS-232 interface (see chapter 4).
• Set the GPIB bus address (see chapter 4).
• Set the RS-232 baud rate and parity (see chapter 4).
5
In This Book
Quick Start Chapter 1 prepares the multimeter for use and helps you
get familiar with a few of its front-panel features.
Front-Panel Menu Operation Chapter 2 introduces you to the
front-panel menu and describes some of t he mu ltimeter’s menu fea tur es.
Features and Functions Chapter 3 gives a detailed description of the
multimeter’s capabilities and operation. You will find this chapter
useful whether you are operating the multimeter from the front panel or
over the remote in t er fac e.
Remote Interface Reference Chapter 4 contains reference
information to help you program th e m ultimeter over t he rem ote interface.
Error Messages Chapter 5 lists the error messages that may appear
as you are working with the multimeter. Each listing contains enough
information to help you diagnose and solve the problem.
Application Programs Chapter 6 contains several remote interface
application programs to help you develop programs for your
measurement application.
Measurement Tutorial Chapt er 7 discusses measure m e nt
considera ti ons an d te chn iq u es to hel p you obt ai n the bes t acc u rac ies
and reduce sources of measurement error.
Specifications Chapter 8 lists the multimeter’s specifications and
describes how to interpret these specifications.
If you have questions relating to the operation of the Agilent 34401A,
call 1-800-452-4844 in the United States, or contact your nearest
Agilent Sal es Of fic e .
If your 34401A fails within three years of purchase, Agilent will repair
or replace i t free of c harge. Call 1-877-444-7278 (“Agilent Express”) in
the United State s, or con tact your n ear est A gile nt Sales Office.
6
Contents
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Prepare th e Multimeter for Us e 13
If the Multi meter Does Not T urn On 14
To Adjust the Carrying Handle 16
To Measure Volt ag e 17
To Measure Resis tan ce 17
To Measur e C urr en t 18
To Measure Frequency (or Period) 18
To Test Continuity 19
To Check Di ode s 19
To Select a Range 20
To Set th e R e s olu t io n 21
Front-Panel Display Formats 22
To Rack Mount th e Multimeter 23
Chapter 2 Front-Panel Menu Operation
Front-Panel Menu Reference 27
A Front-Panel Menu Tutorial 29
To Turn Off the Comma Separator 37
To Make Null (Relative) Measur em en t s 38
To Store Mi nim u m an d Max i mum Reading s 39
To Make dB M eas urements 40
To Make dBm Measurements 41
To Trigger the Multimeter 42
To Use Reading Hold 43
To Make dcv:dcv Ratio Measurements 44
To Use Reading Memory 46
Chapter 3 Features and Functions
Measurement Configuration
AC Signal Filter 51
Continuity Threshold Resistance 52
DC Input Resistance 53
Resolution 54
Integration Time 57
Front / Rear Input Terminal Switching 58
Autozero 59
Ranging 60
Contents
7
Contents
Contents
Chapter 3 Features and Functions (continued)
Math Operations
Min-Max Operation 64
Null (Relative) Operation 65
dB Measurements 67
dBm Measurements 68
Limit Testing 69
Triggering
Trigger Source Choices 73
The Wait-for-Trigger State 76
Halting a Measurement in Progress 76
Number of S amples 77
Number of Tr ig g er s 78
Trigger Delay 79
Automatic Trigger Delays 81
Reading Hold 82
Voltmeter Complete Terminal 83
External Trigger Terminal 83
System-Related Operations
Reading Memory 84
Error Conditions 85
Self-Test 86
Display Control 87
Beeper Control 88
Comma Separators 89
Firmware Revision Query 89
SCPI Language Version Query 90
Remote Interface Conf iguration
GPIB Address 91
Remo te I n terface Selection 92
Baud Rate Se lection (RS-232) 93
Parity Selection (RS-232) 93
Programming Language Selection 94
Calibration
Calibration Security 95
Calibration Count 98
Calibration Message 99
Operator Maintenance
To Replace the Power-Line Fuse 100
To Replace the Current Input Fu s es 100
Power-On and Reset State 101
8
Contents
Chapter 4 Remote I nterface Reference
Command Su mmary 105
Simplified P rog r amming Overview 112
The MEASure? and CONFigure Commands 117
Measurement Configuration Commands 121
Math Operation Commands 124
Triggering 127
Triggering Commands 130
System-Rel ate d Commands 132
The SCPI Status Model 134
Status Reporting Commands 144
Calibration C om ma n ds 146
RS-232 Interface Configuration 148
RS-232 Interface Commands 153
An Introd uct ion to the SCPI L an gu age 154
Output Data Formats 159
Using Device Clear to Halt Measurements 160
TALK ONLY for Printers 160
To Set the GPIB Address 161
To Select the R em ote Interface 162
To Set th e B au d Rate 163
To Set th e P arity 164
To Select the Programming Language 165
Alternate Programming Language Compatibility 166
SCPI Complianc e I nfo rmation 168
IEEE-488 Compliance Information 169
Contents
Chapter 5 Error Messages
Execution Errors 173
Self-Test E r rors 179
Calibration E rr ors 180
Chapter 6 Application Programs
Using MEASure? for a Single Measur ement 185
Using CONFigure with a Math Operation 186
Using the Status Registers 188
RS-232 Operation Using QuickBASIC 192
RS-232 Operation Using Turbo C 193
9
Contents
Contents
Chapte r 7 Measurement Tutorial
Thermal EMF Errors 199
Loading Errors (dc volts) 199
Leakage Current Errors 199
Rejecting Power-Line Noise Voltages 200
Common Mode Rejection (CMR) 201
Noise Caused by Magnetic Loops 201
Noise Caused by Ground Loops 202
Resistan ce Measurem ents 203
4-Wire Ohms Meas ur em ent s 203
Removing Test Lead Resistance Errors 204
Power Dissipat ion Effects 204
Settling T im e E f fec ts 204
Errors in High Resistance Mea surements 20 5
DC Current Measurement Errors 205
True RMS AC Measurements 206
Crest Fa ct or Errors 207
Loadi ng Errors (a c v olts) 209
Measurem ents Below Full S cal e 210
High-Voltage Self-Heating Errors 210
Temperature Coefficien t and O v erload Errors 210
Low-Level Measurement Errors 211
Common Mode Errors 212
AC Current Measurement Errors 212
Frequency and Peri od M easurement Errors 213
Making H ig h- Speed DC and Res is tance Measurements 213
Making High - Sp eed AC Measurement s 214
Chapter 8 Specifications
DC Character is tic s 216
AC Character is tic s 218
Frequency and Peri od Ch a rac teristics 220
General Information 222
Product Dimensions 223
To Calcula te Tot a l M eas urement Err or 224
Interpreting Multimeter Specifications 226
Configur in g f or H ig h est Accura cy Measurem ents 229
Index 231
Declaration of Conformity 237
10
1
1
Quick Start
Quick Start
One of the first things you will want to do with your multimeter is to
become acquainted with its front panel. We have written the exercises
in this chapter to prepare the multimeter for use and help you get
familiar with some of its front-panel operations.
The front panel has two rows of keys to select various functions and
operations. Most ke ys have a shifted function printed in bl ue above
the key. To perform a shifted function, press
annunciator will turn on). Then, press the key that has the desired
label above it. For example, to select the dc current function,
Shift DC V .
press
Shift (the Shift
If you accident a l ly press
Shift annunciato r.
The rear cover of this bo ok is a fold -out Qu ick Re feren ce Gu ide. On t his
cover you will find a quick summary of va rious multimeter features.
Shift , just press it again to turn off the
12
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Prepare the Multimeter for Use
To Prepare the Multimeter for Use
The following steps help you verify that the multimeter is ready for use.
1 Check the list of suppl ied items.
Verify that you have received the following items with your multimeter.
If anyt hi ng i s mi s si ng , c o nt a ct y o ur nearest A g ile n t Sales Offi ce.
One test lead kit.
One power cord.
This User’s Guide.
One Service Guide.
One folded Quick Reference card.
Certificate of Calibration.
2 Connect the power cord and turn on the multimeter.
1
The front-panel display will light up while the multimeter performs its
power-on self-test. The
multimeter powers up in the dc voltage function with autorang ing enab led.
To review the power-on display with all annunciators turned on,
hold down
3Perform a complete self-test.
The complete self-test perfor ms a more ex ten siv e ser i es of tests tha n
those performed at power-on. Hold down
Power switch to turn on the multimeter; hold down the key for more
than 5 seconds. The self-test will begin when you release the key.
If the self-test is successful, “
not successful, “
See the Service Guide for instructions on returning the multimeter to
Agilent for service.
Shift as you tur n on th e mu lti met e r.
FAIL” is displayed and the ERROR annunciator turns on.
GPIB bus address is displayed. Notice that the
Shift as you pres s the
PASS” is displayed. If the self-test is
13
Chapter 1 Quick Start
If the Multimeter Does Not Turn On
If the Multimeter Does Not Turn On
Use the following steps to help solve problems you might encounter
when turning on the multimeter. If you need more help, see the
Service Gui de for instructions on returning the multimeter to Agilent for
service.
1 Verify that there is ac power to the multi meter.
First, verify that the multimeter’s Power switch is in the “On” position.
Also, make sure that the power cord is firmly plugged into the power
module on the rear panel. You should also make sure that the power
source you plugged the multimeter into is energized.
2 Verify the power-line voltage setting.
The line voltage i s set to the pr oper valu e for yo ur co un tr y when the
multimeter is shipped from the factor y . Chang e t he voltag e se tt ing i f
it is not correct. The settings are: 100, 120, 220, or 240 Vac (for 230 Vac
operation, use the 220 Vac setting).
1
See the next page if you need to change the li ne-voltage setting.
3 Verify that the power-line fuse is good.
The multimeter is shipped from the factory with a 250 mA fuse
installed. This is the correct fuse for all line voltages.
See the next page if you need to replace the power-line fuse.
To replace the 250 mAT fuse, order Agilent part number 2110-0817.
14
Chapter 1 Quick Start
If the Multimeter Does Not Turn On
1
1 Remov e th e powe r co rd. Remove the
fuse-holder assembly from the rea r pan el.
3 Rotate the line-voltage selector until the
correct voltage appears in the window.
2 Remove the line-voltage selector from
the assembly.
See rear panel for proper fuse rating.
Agilent Part Number: 2110-0817 (250 mAT)
2110-0894 (125 mAT)
4 Replace the fuse-h ol der assemb ly in
the rear panel.
100, 120, 220 (230) or 240 Vac
Verify that the correct line voltage is selected and the power-line fuse is good.
15
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Adjust the Carrying Handle
To Adjust the Carrying Handle
To adjust the position, grasp the handle by the sides and pull outwar d.
Then, rotate the handle to the desired position.
Bench-top viewing positions Carrying position
16
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Measure Voltage
To Measure Voltage
Ranges: 100 mV, 1 V, 10 V, 100 V, 1000 V (750 Vac)
Maximum resolution: 100 nV (on 100 mV range)
AC technique: true
RMS, ac-coupled
1
To Measure Resistance
Ranges: 100 Ω, 1 kΩ, 10 kΩ, 100 kΩ, 1 MΩ, 10 MΩ, 100 MΩ
Maximum resolution: 100 µΩ (on 100 ohm range)
17
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Measure Current
To Measure Current
Ranges: 10 mA (dc only), 100 mA (dc only), 1 A , 3 A
Maximum resolution: 10 nA (on 10 mA range)
AC technique: true
RMS, ac-coupled
To Measure Frequency (or Period)
Measurement band: 3 Hz to 300 kHz (0.33 sec to 3.3 µsec)
Input signal range: 100 mVac to 750 Vac
Techniqu e: reciprocal count i ng
18
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Test Continuity
To Test Continuity
Test current source: 1 mA
Maximum resolution: 0.1
Beeper threshold: 1
Ω (range i s fi xed at 1 ko hm )
Ω to 1000 Ω (beeps below adjustable threshold)
1
To Check Diodes
Test current source: 1 mA
Maximum resolution: 100
Beeper threshold: 0.3 volts
µV (range i s fi xed at 1 Vd c)
≤ V
measured
≤ 0.8 volts (no t adjustable)
19
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Select a Range
To Select a Range
You can let the multimeter automatically select the range using
autoranging or you can select a fi xed range using manual ra nging.
Selects a lower range and
disables autoranging.
Selects a higher range and
disables autoranging.
Toggles betwee n aut or anging
and manual ranging.
• Autoranging is sel e ct ed a t p ower-on a nd a ft e r a re m ot e i nt erf a ce reset.
• Autorange t h re sholds:
Man annu nci ator is on when
manual range is enabl ed.
Down range at <10% of range
Up range at >120% of range
• If the input signal is greater than the present range can measure,
the multimeter will give an overload indication (“
• For frequency and period measurements from the front panel,
OVLD”).
ranging applies to the signal’s input voltage, not its frequency.
• The range is fixed for conti n u ity (1 kΩ range) and diode (1 Vdc ran g e).
Ranging is local to the selected function. This means that you can select
the ranging method (auto or manual) for each function independently.
When manually ranging, the selected range is local t o th e fu nction ;
the multimeter remembers the range when you switch between functions.
20
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Set the Resolution
1
To Set the Resolution
You can set the display resolution to 4
1
1
⁄
, 5
2
⁄
, or 6
2
1
⁄
digits either to
2
optimize measur emen t speed or nois e reje ction. In this book, the most
1
⁄
significant digit (leftmost on the display) is referred to as the “
” digit,
2
since it can only be a “0” or “1.”
Press the Shift key.
1
Selects 4
⁄2 digits.
Selects 5
1
⁄2 digits.
Sele cts 61⁄2 digits (most noise reject i on ).
• The resolution is set to 5
1
⁄
digits at power-on and after a remote
2
interface reset.
• The resolution is fixed at 5
• You can also vary the number of digits displayed using the arrow keys
1
⁄
digits for continuity and diode tests.
2
(however, the integration time is not changed).
Fewer More
Digits Digits
Resolutio n is local to t he selected func tion. This means t hat you can
select the r esolutio n for each fun ction inde pendently. T he multime ter
remembers the resolution when you switch between functions.
21
5 digits
Chapter 1 Quick Start
Front-Panel Display Formats
Front-Pan el Display Formats
– Negative sign or blank (positive)
1
H “
-H.DDD,DDD EFFF
Front-pa ne l display forma t.
10.216,5 VDC
D Numeric digits
E Exponent ( m, k, M )
F Measurement units ( VDC, OHM, HZ, dB )
⁄2 ” digit (0 or 1)
“1⁄2” digit
“1⁄2” digit
This is the 10 Vdc range, 5
1
⁄
digits are displayed.
2
-045.23 mVDC
This is the 100 mVdc range, 4
1
⁄
digits are displayed.
2
113.325,6 OHM
This is the 100 ohm range, 6
1
⁄
digits are displayed.
2
OVL.D mVDC
This is an overload indication on the 100 mVdc range.
22
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Rack Mount the Multimeter
To Rack Mount the Multimeter
You can mount the multi m eter in a standard 19 -inch rack cabinet using
one of three optional kits available. In struc tions and m ountin g hardw are
are included with each r ack-mou nting kit . Any
instrument of the same size can be rack-mounted beside the 34401A.
Remove the carrying handle, and the front and rear rubber bumpers,
before rack- m ounting the multim eter.
Agilent System II
1
To remove the handle, rotate it to the vertical position and pull the ends outward.
Fron t
To remove the rubber bumper, stretch a corner and then slide it off.
Rear (bottom view)
23
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Rack Mount the Multimeter
To rack mount a single instrument, order adapter kit 5063-9240.
To rack mount two instruments side-by-side, order lock-link kit 5061-9694 and
flange kit 5063-9212.
To install one or two instruments in a sliding support shelf, order shelf 5063-9255,
and slide kit 1494-0015 (for a single instrument, also order filler panel 5002-3999).
24
2
2
Front-Panel
Menu Operation
Front-Panel Menu Operation
By now you should be familiar with the FUNCTION and RANGE / DIGITS
groups of fro nt -panel keys. You should also understand how to make
front-panel connections for the various types of measurements. If you
are not familiar with this information, we recommend that you read
chapter 1, “Quick Start,” starting on page 11.
This chapter introduces you to three new groups of front-panel keys:
MENU, MATH, and TRIG. You will also learn how to use the comma
separator and store readings in memory. This chapter does not give a
detailed description of every front-panel ke y or menu operation. It does,
however, give you a good ov er vie w of th e fro nt- pan el menu a nd many
front-panel operations. See chap t er 3 “ F eat u re s and Fun c tion s ,” starting
on page 49, for a complete discussion of the multimeter’s capabilities
and operation.
26
Chapter 2 Front-Panel Menu Operation
Front-Panel Menu Reference
Front-Panel Menu Reference
A: MEASurement MENU
1: AC FILTER > 2: CONTINUITY > 3: INPUT R > 4: RATIO FUNC > 5: RESOLUTION
1: AC FILTER
2: CONTINUITY
3: INPUT R
4: RATIO FUNC
5: RESOLUTION
Selects the slow, medium, or fast ac filter.
Sets the continuity beeper threshold (1 Ω to 1000 Ω).
Sets the input r esistance for dc voltage measurements.
Enables the dcv:dcv ratio function.
Selects the measuremen t resolution.
B: MATH MENU
1: MIN-MAX > 2: NULL VALUE > 3: dB REL > 4: dBm RE F R > 5: LIMIT TES T > 6: HIGH LIMI T > 7: LOW LIMIT
1: MIN- MAX
2: NULL VALUE
3: dB REL
4: dBm REF R
5: LIMIT TEST
6: HIGH LIMIT
7: LOW LIMIT
Recalls the stored minimum, maximum, average, and reading count.
Recalls or sets the null value stored in the null re gister.
Recalls or sets the dBm value stor ed in the d B relati ve register.
Selects the dBm reference resistance value.
Enables or disables limit testing.
Sets the upper limit for limit testing.
Sets the low er limit for limit testing.
C: TRIGger MENU
1: READ HOLD > 2: TRIG DELAY > 3: N SAMPLES
2
1: READ HOLD
2: TRIG DELAY
3: N SAMPLES
Sets the readin g ho ld se ns itiv ity ban d.
Specifies a time inte rval which is inserted before a mea s uremen t.
Sets the nu mb er of sa mp le s p er tr ig ge r .
27
Chapter 2 Front-Panel Menu Operation
Front-Panel Menu Reference
D: SYStem MENU
1: RDGS STORE > 2: SAVED RDGS > 3: ERROR > 4: TEST > 5: DISPLAY > 6: BEEP > 7: COMMA > 8: REVISION
1: RDGS STORE
2: SAVED RDGS
3: ERROR
4: TEST
5: DISPLAY
6: BEEP
7: COMMA
8: REVISION
Enables or disables reading memory.
Recalls readings sto red in memory (up to 512 readings).
Retrieves errors from the error queue (up to 20 errors).
Performs a complete self-test.
Enables or disables th e front-panel display.
Enables or disables the beeper function.
Enables or disables a co mma separator between digi ts on the display.
Displays the multimeter’s fir mware revision codes.
E: Input / Output MENU
1: HP-IB ADDR > 2: INTERFACE > 3: BAUD RATE > 4: PARITY > 5: LANGUAGE
1: HP-IB ADDR
2: INTERFACE
3: BAUD RATE
4: PARITY
5: LANGUAGE
F: CALibra tion MENU
1: SECURED > [ 1: UNSECURED ] > [ 2: CALIBRATE ] > 3: CAL COUNT > 4: MESSAGE
*
1: SECURED
1: UNSECURED
2: CALIBRATE
3: CAL COUNT
4: MESSAGE
Sets the GPIB bus address (0 to 31).
Selects the GPIB or RS-232 interface.
Selects the baud rate for RS-232 operation.
Selects even, odd, or no parity for RS-232 operation.
Selects the interface language: SCPI, Agilent 3478, or Fluke
8840/ 42.
The multimeter is secur ed against calibration; enter c ode to unse cure.
The multimeter is unsecured for calibration; enter code to secure.
Performs complete calibration of present function; must be UNSECURED.
Reads the total number of times the multimeter has been calibrated.
Reads the calibration string (up to 12 characters) entered from remote.
The commands enclosed in square brackets ( [ ] ) are “hidden” unless the multimeter is UNSECURED for calibration.
*
28
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