Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies
Agilent TechnologiesAgilent Technologies
3458A Multimeter
3458A Multimeter
3458A Multimeter3458A Multimeter
Assembly-Level Repair Manual
Assembly-Level Repair Manual
Assembly-Level Repair ManualAssembly-Level Repair Manual
Manual Part Number: 03458-90011
Printed in U.S.A
AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES WARRANTY STATEMENT
AGILENT PRODUCT: 3458A Multimeter DURATION OF WARRANTY: 1 year
1. Agilent Technologies warrants Agilent hardware, accessories and supplies against defects in materials and workmanship for the period
specified above. If Agilent receives notice of such defects during the warranty period, Agilent will, at its option, either repair or replace
products which prove to be defective. Replacement products may be either new or like-new.
2. Agilent warrants that Agilent software will not fail to execute its programming instructions, for the period specified above, due to
defects in material and workmanship when properly installed and used. If Agilent receives notice of such defects during the warranty
period, Agilent will replace software media which does not execute its programming instructions due to such defects.
3. Agilent does not warrant that the operation of Agilent products will be interrupted or error free. If Agilent is unable, within a reasonable
time, to repair or replace any product to a condition as warranted, customer will be entitled to a refund of the purchase price upon prompt
return of the product.
4. Agilent products may contain remanufactured parts equivalent to new in performance or may have been subject to incidental use.
5. The warranty period begins on the date of delivery or on the date of installation if installed by Agilent. If customer schedules or delays
Agilent installation more than 30 days after delivery, warranty begins on the 31st day from delivery.
6. Warranty does not apply to defects resulting from (a) improper or inadequate maintenance or calibration, (b) software, interfacing, parts
or supplies not supplied by Agilent, (c) unauthorized modification or misuse, (d) operation outside of the published environmental
specifications for the product, or (e) improper site preparation or maintenance.
7. TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LOCAL LAW, THE ABOVE WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUSIVE AND NO OTHER
WARRANTY OR CONDITION, WHETHER WRITTEN OR ORAL, IS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AND AGILENT
SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY, SATISFACTORY
QUALITY, AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
8. Agilent will be liable for damage to tangible property per incident up to the greater of $300,000 or the actual amount paid for the product
that is the subject of the claim, and for damages for bodily injury or death, to the extent that all such damages are determined by a court
of competent jurisdiction to have been directly caused by a defective Agilent product.
9. TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LOCAL LAW, THE REMEDIES IN THIS WARRANTY STATEMENT ARE CUSTOMER’S
SOLE AND EXLUSIVE REMEDIES. EXCEPT AS INDICATED ABOVE, IN NO EVENT WILL AGILENT OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE
LIABLE FOR LOSS OF DATA OR FOR DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL (INCLUDING LOST PROFIT OR
DATA), OR OTHER DAMAGE, WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE.
FOR CONSUMER TRANSACTIONS IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND: THE WARRANTY TERMS CONTAINED IN THIS
STATEMENT, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT LAWFULLY PERMITTED, DO NOT EXCLUDE, RESTRICT OR MODIFY AND ARE
IN ADDITION TO THE MANDATORY STATUTORY RIGHTS APPLICABLE TO THE SALE OF THIS PRODUCT TO YOU.
U.S. Government Restricted Rights
The Software and Documentation have been developed entirely at private expense. They are delivered and licensed as "commercial
computer software" as defined in DFARS 252.227- 7013 (Oct 1988), DFARS 252.211-7015 (May 1991) or DFARS 252.227-7014 (Jun
1995), as a "commercial item" as defined in FAR 2.101(a), or as "Restricted computer software" as defined in FAR 52.227-19 (Jun
1987)(or any equivalent agency regulation or contract clause), whichever is applicable. You have only those rights provided for such
Software and Documentation by the applicable FAR or DFARS clause or the Agilent standard software agreement for the product
involved.
3458A Multimeter Assembly Level Repair Manual
Copyright © 1988, 2000 Agilent Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Edition 2
2
Documentation History
All Editions and Updates of this manual and their creation date are listed below. The first Edition of the manual is Edition 1. The Edition
number increments by 1 whenever the manual is revised. Updates, which are issued between Editions, contain replacement pages to
correct or add additional information to the current Edition of the manual. Whenever a new Edition is created, it will contain all of the
Update information for the previous Edition. Each new Edition or Update also includes a revised copy of this documentation history page.
Edition 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May, 1988
Update 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February, 1992
Edition 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October, 1992
Edition 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February, 1994
Edition 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December, 2000
Safety Symbols
Instruction manual symbol affixed to
product. Indicates that the user must refer to
the manual for specific WARNING or
CAUTION information to avoid personal
injury or damage to the product.
Indicates the field wiring terminal that must
be connected to earth ground before
operating the equipment — protects against
electrical shock in case of fault.
or
Frame or chassis ground terminal—typ ically
connects to the equipment's metal frame.
WARNING
CAUTION
Alternating current (AC)
Direct current (DC).
WARNING, RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.
Calls attention to a procedure, practice, or
condition that could cause bodily injury or
death.
Calls attention to a procedure, practice, or
condition that could possibly cause damage to
equipment or permanent loss of data.
WARNINGS
The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation, service, and repair of this product. Failure to
comply with these precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and
intended use of the product. Agilent Technologies assumes no liability for the customer's failure to comply with these requirements.
Ground the equipment: For Safety Class 1 equipment (equipment having a protective earth terminal), an uninterruptible safety earth
ground must be provided from the mains power source to the product input wiring terminals or supplied power cable.
DO NOT operate the product in an explosive atmosphere or in the presence of flammable gases or fumes.
For continued protection against fire, replace the line fuse(s) only with fuse(s) of the same voltage and current rating and type. DO NOT
use repaired fuses or short-circuited fuse holders.
Keep away from live circuits: Operating personnel must not remove equipment covers or shields. Procedures involving the removal of
covers or shields are for use by service-trained personnel only. Under certain conditions, dangerous voltages may exist even with the
equipment switched off. To avoid dangerous electrical shock, DO NOT perform procedures involving cover or shield removal unless you
are qualified to do so.
DO NOT operate damaged equipment: Whenever it is possible that the safety protection features built into this product have been
impaired, either through physical damage, excessive moisture, or any other reason, REMOVE POWER and do not use the product until
safe operation can be verified by service-trained personnel. If necessary, return the product to Agilent for service and repair to ensure that
safety features are maintained.
DO NOT service or adjust alone: Do not attempt internal service or adjustment unless another person, capable of rendering first aid and
resuscitation, is present.
DO NOT substitute parts or modify equipment: Because of the danger of introducing additional hazards, do not install substitute parts
or perform any unauthorized modification to the product. Return the product to Agilent for service and repair to ensure that safety features
are maintained.
Measuring high voltages is always hazardous: ALL multimeter input terminals (both front and rear) must be considered hazardous
whenever inputs greater than 42V (dc or peak) are connected to ANY input terminal.
Permanent wiring of hazardous voltage or sources capable of delivering grater than 150 VA should be labeled, fused, or in some other
way protected against accidental bridging or equipment failure.
DO NOT leave measurement terminals energized when not in use.
DO NOT use the front/rear switch to multiplex hazardous signals between the front and rear terminals of the multimeter.
3
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
According to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and CEN/CENELEC EN 45014
Manufacturer’s Name: Agilent Technologies, Incorporated
Manufacturer’s Address:
815 14
Loveland, CO 80537
USA
Declares, that the product
Product Name: Multimeter
Model Number: 3458A
Product Options: This declaration covers all options of the above product(s).
Conforms with the following European Directives:
The product herewith complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC
(including 93/68/EEC) and carries the CE Marking accordingly
Conforms with the following product standards:
th
ST. S.W.
EMC Standard
IEC 61326-1:1997+A1:1998 / EN 61326-1:1997+A1:1998
CISPR 11:1990 / EN 55011:1991
IEC 61000-4-2:1995+A1:1998 / EN 61000-4-2:1995
IEC 61000-4-3:1995 / EN 61000-4-3:1995
IEC 61000-4-4:1995 / EN 61000-4-4:1995
IEC 61000-4-5:1995 / EN 61000-4-5:1995
IEC 61000-4-6:1996 / EN 61000-4-6:1996
IEC 61000-4-11:1994 / EN 61000-4-11:1994
Canada: ICES-001:1998
Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS 2064.1
The product was tested in a typical configuration with Agilent Technologies test systems.
Safety
IEC 61010-1:1990+A1:1992+A2:1995 / EN 61010-1:1993+A2:1995
Canada: CSA C22.2 No. 1010.1:1992
UL 3111-1: 1994
8 March 2001
Date
Limit
Group 1 Class A
4kV CD, 8kV AD
3 V/m, 80-1000 MHz
0.5kV signal lines, 1kV power lines
0.5 kV line-line, 1 kV line-ground
3V, 0.15-80 MHz I cycle, 100%
Dips: 30% 10ms; 60% 100ms
Interrupt > 95%@5000ms
Ray Corson
Product Regulation Program Manager
Authorized EU-representative: Agilent Technologies Deutschland GmbH, Herrenberger Stra>e 130, D 71034 Böblingen, Germany
For further information, please contact your local Agilent Technologies sales office, agent or distributor.
Revision: B.01 Issue Date: March 2001
4
Contents
Safety Symbols ........................................................3
WARNINGS ............................................................3
Chapter 1 General Information
Introduction .............................................................7
Manual Description .................................................7
Instrument Description ............................................7
Safety Considerations ..............................................8
Instrument Identification .........................................8
Tools And Equipment Required ..............................8
Tools Required ...................................................8
Test Equipment Required ................................... 9
Chapter 2 Operating Information
Introduction ...........................................................11
Before Applying Power .........................................11
Applying Power .....................................................12
Power-On Self-Test .......................................... 12
Power-On State .................................................12
The Display ......................................................13
Operating from the Front Panel .............................14
Making a Measurement .................................... 15
Changing the Measurement Function ...............15
Autorange and Manual Ranging .......................16
Self-Test ...........................................................17
Reading the Error Register ...............................18
Resetting the Multimeter ..................................19
Using the Configuration Keys .......................... 19
Using the MENU Keys .....................................23
Query Commands .............................................24
Display Control ................................................25
Digits Displayed ...............................................26
Recall ................................................................27
Operating from Remote .........................................27
Input/Output Statements ...................................27
Reading the GPIB Address ...............................27
Changing the GPIB Address ............................28
Sending a Remote Command ...........................28
Getting Data from the Multimeter ....................28
The Local Key ..................................................29
Chapter 3 Disassembly/Assembly
Procedures and Parts List
Introduction ...........................................................31
Static Handling ...................................................... 31
Clean Handling ......................................................32
Printed Circuit Assembly Identification ................ 32
Board Part Number .......................................... 32
Engineering Revision Code ............................. 32
Covers Removal/Installation Procedures .............. 33
Tools Required ................................................. 33
Covers Removal Procedure .............................. 33
Covers Installation Procedure .......................... 36
Assemblies Removal/Installation Procedures ....... 39
Tools Required ................................................. 39
DC Circuitry Assembly Removal/Installation
Procedures ........................................................ 40
DC Reference Assembly Removal/Installation
Procedures ........................................................ 44
AC Converter Assembly Removal/Installation
Procedures ........................................................ 45
A/D Converter Assembly Removal/Installation
Procedures ........................................................ 46
Inguard Power Supply Assembly Removal/
Installation Procedures ..................................... 49
Outguard Controller Assembly Removal/
Installation Procedures ..................................... 51
Outguard Power Supply Assembly Removal/
Installation Procedures ..................................... 52
Display Logic Assembly Removal/Installation
Procedures ........................................................ 56
Front/Rear Terminals Switch Removal/Installation
Procedures ........................................................ 61
Replaceable Parts .................................................. 63
Ordering Information ....................................... 63
Direct Mail Ordering ........................................ 63
Telephone Ordering ......................................... 63
Replaceable Parts List ...................................... 64
Chapter 4 Assembly Level
Troubleshooting
Introduction ........................................................... 67
Test Equipment Required ...................................... 67
3458A Adjustments/Calibration ............................ 67
Assemblies Removal/Installation Procedures ....... 68
3458A Technical Description ............................... 68
General Description ......................................... 68
Technical Description ...................................... 69
Outguard Section ............................................. 70
Inguard Section ................................................ 71
Assembly Level Troubleshooting ......................... 73
Contents 5
3458A Failures .................................................73
Power Supplies Troubleshooting ........................... 82
Outguard Power Supplies Troubleshooting .....84
Inguard Power Supplies Troubleshooting ........ 84
6 Contents
Chapter 1 General Information
Introduction
This manual has information to perform assembly level troubleshooting of
the 3458A Multimeter. Included are the removal/installation procedures of
the instrument's printed circuit board assemblies, and a parts list. This manual
is intended for use by service-trained personnel only. Operating and
programming personnel should refer to the 3458A Multimeter User’s Guide.
Detailed operating and programming information is excluded from this
manual. Only sufficient information for service purposes is included. For
more detailed operating and programming information, refer to the 3458A
Multimeter User’s Guide.
WARNING The information in this manual is for the use of Service Trained
Personnel only. To avoid electrical shock, do not perform any
procedures in this manual or do any servicing to the 3458A,
unless you are qualified to do so.
Manual Description
This manual is separated into the four following chapters.
Chapter 1 - General Information
Chapter 1 contains a brief description of the instrument and other general
information.
Chapter 2 - Operating Information
Chapter 2 summarizes instrument operation geared for service-trained
personnel. Only service related commands are summarized. For more
operating information, refer to the 3458A Multimeter User’s Guide.
Chapter 3 - Removal/Installation Procedures and Mechanical Parts List
Chapter 3 has the removal/installation procedures for the 3458A Printed
Circuit Board Assemblies. The section also has a mechanical parts list.
Chapter 4 - Assembly Level Troubleshooting
Chapter 4 contains a block diagram theory of operation and assembly level
troubleshooting information.
Instrument Description
The 3458A is a high precision digital multimeter that can measure AC and
DC volts, AC and DC current, AC+DC volts, AC+DC current, resistance,
period, and frequency. It can also perform complex math calculations.
Chapter 1 General Information 7
The multimeter has a maximum reading rate of 100,000 readings/sec. The
maximum input voltage is 1000 V peak and the resolution is from 4 1/2 to
81/2 digits.
The 3458A has a digitizing function that converts continuous analog signals
into discrete samples.
All instrument functions are selectable from the front panel or remotely over
the General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB).
Safety Considerations
The 3458A is a safety class 1 instrument provided with a protective earth
terminal. The instrument and manuals should be reviewed for safety
markings and instructions before operation. Refer to the Safety Summary
preceding this section for appropriate safety instructions and markings
covering the instrument.
Instrument Identification
Agilent instruments are identified by a two part, ten-digit serial number. The
serial number is located on the instrument's rear panel between the rear
terminals and fan filter. The number is in the form 0000A00000. The first
four digits, called the serial number prefix, is the same for all identical
instruments. It changes only when a change is made to the instrument. The
letter indicates the country of origin (A indicates the instrument was built in
the United States of America). The last five digits, called the serial number
suffix, are unique for each instrument.
Be sure to include the entire serial number, both prefix and suffix, in any
correspondence about your instrument.
Tools And Equipment Required
Tools Required You need the following tools for instrument covers removal and installation.
1. #1 Pozidriv screwdriver.
2. #TX15 Torx driver.
3. #TX10 Torx driver.
You need the following tools for the printed circuit board assemblies
removal/installation procedures.
1. #1 Pozidriv screwdriver.
2. TX10 Torx driver.
8 Chapter 1 General Information
3. 6 millimeter nut driver (for A/D Converter assembly only).
4. 7 millimeter nut driver (for Outguard Controller assembly only)
5. Small flat bladed screwdriver (for Display Logic assembly only)
6. Large screwdriver (e.g., #2 Pozidriv; for Display Logic assembly
only)
Test Equipment
Required
You need the following to troubleshoot the 3458A.
1. 4 1/2 digit digital multimeter that can measure +5 V, +18 V, and
-18 V DC.
2. Computer with GPIB capability (for GPIB failures only).
3. Logic Probe or Oscilloscope than can measure a 1 µS 5 V pulse (for
Ext Out failures only).
Chapter 1 General Information 9
10 Chapter 1 General Information
Chapter 2 Operating Information
Introduction
This section summarizes the 3458A operating information. The
3458A User’s Guide has the complete operating information.
Before Applying Power
• Make sure the line voltage selection switches on the multimeter's rear
panel are set to match the local line voltage.
• Make sure the proper line fuse is installed.
If you have any questions concerning installation or power requirements,
refer to Chapter 1.
Table 1. Line Voltage Limits
Nominal Value (RMS) Allowable Limits (RMS) Fuse Fuse part #
100 VAC 90 VAC to 110 VAC 1.5A 250V NTD FE UL 2110-0043
120 VAC 108 VAC to 132 VAC 1.5A 250V NTD FE UL 2110-0043
220 VAC 198 VAC to 242 VAC 0.5A 250V TD FE UL 2110-0202
240 VAC 216 VAC to 250 VAC 0.5A 250V TD FE UL 2110-0202
Figure 1. AC line voltage switch positions
Chapter 2 Operating Information 11
Applying Power
Power Cords
Australia Denmark Europe Great Brittain Switzerland U.S.A U.S.A.
Country Part Number Option Voltage
Australia 8120-1369 901 250V 6A
Denmark 1820-2956 912 259V 6A
Europe 1820-1689 902 250V 6A
Great Brittain 1820-1351 900 250V 6A
Switzerland 1820-2104 906 250V 6A
United States 1820-1378 903 120 10A
United States 1820-0698 904 240V 10A
Power cords supplied by Agilent have polarities matched to the power input socket
on the instrument.
NOTE:
*CSA certification includes only these power cords
Plugs are viewed from connector and. Shape of molded plug may vary
within country
Figure 2. Power Cords
To turn on the multimeter, depress the front panel Power switch. If the
multimeter does not appear to turn on, verify that the multimeter is connected
to line power. If line power is not the problem, remove the power cord and
check the line power fuse and the line voltage selection switch settings.
Power-On Self-Test When power is applied, the multimeter performs a limited power-on self-test.
This test verifies that the multimeter is operating but does not necessarily
verify that measurements will be accurate.
Power-On State When the power-on self-test is finished, the multimeter beeps once,
automatically triggers, automatically selects the range, and performs DC
voltage measurements. Also, the multimeter has set many of its commands
to predefined power-on values as shown in Table 2, This is called the
power-on state.
12 Chapter 2 Operating Information
Table 2. Power-On State
Command Description
ACBAND 20, 2E6 AC bandwidth 20Hz - 2MHz
AZERO ON Autozero enabled
DCV AUTO DC voltage, autorange
DEFEAT OFF Defeat disabled
DELAY -1 Default delay
DISP ON Display Enabled
EMASK 32767 Enable all error conditions
END OFF Disable GPIB EOI function
EXTOUT ICOMP, NEG Input complete EXTOUT signal, negative pulse
FIXEDZ OFF Disable fixed input resistance
FSOURCE ACV Frequency and period source is AC voltage
INBUF OFF Disable input buffer
LEVEL 0, AC Level trigger at 0%, AC-coupled
LFILTER OFF Level filter disabled
LFREQ 50 or 60 Measured line frequency rounded to 50 or 60Hz
LOCK OFF Keyboard enabled
MATH OFF Disable real-time math
MEM OFF Disable reading memory (last memory operation = FIFO)
MFORMAT SREAL Single real reading memory format
MMATH OFF Disable post-process math
NDIG 7 Display 7.5 digits
NPLC 10 10 power line cycles of integration time
NRDGS 1, AUTO 1 reading per trigger, auto sample event
OCOMP OFF Disable offset compensated resistance
OFORMAT ASCII ASCII output format
QFORMAT NORM Normal query format
RATIO OFF Disable ratio measurements
RQS 0 (or 8) 0 disables status register conditions (if power-on
SETACV ANA Analog AC voltage mode
SLOPE POS Positive slope for level triggering
SSRC LEVEL, AUTO Level sync source event, auto synchronous AC voltage
SWEEP lOOE-9,1024 Sample interval 100 nanoseconds, 1024 samples
TARM AUTO Auto trigger arm event
TBUFF OFF Disable external trigger buffering
TIMER 1 1 second timer interval
TRIG AUTO Auto trigger event
DEGREE = 20 REF=l SCALE = 1 RES=50 PERC = 1
SRQ was on when power was removed, value = 8).
All math registers set to 0 except:
The Display In the power-on state, the display is continuously updated with each new DC
voltage reading. Along the bottom of the display are a series of annunciators.
These annunciators alert you to a variety of conditions. For example, the
SMPL annunciator flashes whenever the multimeter has completed a
reading. Table 3 describes the meaning of each display annunciator.
Chapter 2 Operating Information 13
Table 3. Display Annunciators
Display Annunciator Description
SMPL Flashes whenever a reading is completed
REM The multimeter is in the GPIB remote mode
SRQ The multimeter has generated a GPIB service request
TALK The multimeter is addressed to talk on GPIB
LSTN The multimeter is addressed to listen on GPIB
AZERO OFF Autozero is disabled
MRNG Autorange is disabled (the multimeter is using a fixed range)
MATH One or two real-time or post-process math operations enabled
ERR An error has been detected
SHIFT The shift key has been pressed
MOREINFO More information concerning the present configuration is available
(use the right arrow key to view the information)
Note If the ERR annunciator is illuminated at this point, an error was detected
during or after the power-on self-test. You will learn how to determine the
error later in this chapter in “Reading the Error Register”.
Operating from the Front Panel
This section shows you how to make a simple DC voltage measurement, how
to use the various front panel keys, and describes the multimeter functions
important to front panel operation. Figure 3 shows the multimeter's front
panel features.
Figure 3. Front Panel
14 Chapter 2 Operating Information
Making a
Measurement
In the power-on state, DC voltage measurements are selected and the
multimeter automatically triggers and selects the range. In the power-on
state, you can make DC voltage measurements simply by connecting a DC
voltage to the input terminals as shown in Figure 4. The connections shown
in Figure 4 also apply for AC voltage, 2-wire resistance, AC+DC voltage,
digitizing, and frequency or period measurements from a voltage input
source. Refer to Chapter 3 for a CAUTlON concerning the multimeter's
maximum input voltage and current.
Figure 4. Standard 2-wire (plus guard) measurements
Changing the
Measurement
Function
The row of keys located directly under the display (FUNCTION keys) select
the multimeter's standard measurement functions. Table 4 shows the
FUNCTION keys and the measurement function selected by each.
Chapter 2 Operating Information 15
Table 4. Function Keys
Autorange and
Manual Ranging
Hold This choice allows you to shut off autoranging. To do this, let autorange
Note When you press the blue shift key, the display’s SHIFT annunicator
In addition to the functions selected by the FUNCTION keys, the multimeter
can perform direct-sampled or sub-sampled digitizing, ratio measurements,
and AC or AC+DC voltage measurements using the synchronous or random
measurement methods. These functions can be selected from the front panel
by accessing the appropriate command(s) using the alphabetic menu keys
(these keys are discussed later in this section under "Using the MENU
Keys").
In the power-on state, the multimeter automatically selects the appropriate
measurement range. This is called autorange. In many cases, you will
probably want to continue using autorange. However, you have two other
ranging choices: hold and manual ranging.
choose a range and then
Press:
Hold
illuminates. The shifted keyboard functions are printed in blue above the
keys.
16 Chapter 2 Operating Information
Notice the display's MRNG (manual range) annunciator is on. This
annunciator is on whenever you are not using autorange.
Manual Ranging The second choice lets you manually select the range. When the multimeter
is in the measurement mode (that is, the multimeter is making and displaying
measurements or the display is showing OVLD) you can change the range
by pressing the up or down arrow keys. To go to a higher range.
Press:
By repeatedly pressing the up arrow key, you can increment up to the highest
range. When you reach the highest range, pressing the up arrow key no longer
changes the range. To go to a lower range.
Press:
By repeatedly pressing the down arrow key, you can decrement down to the
lowest range. When you reach the lowest range, pressing the down arrow key
no longer changes the range. To return to autoranging.
Press:
Auto
Self-Test When you applied power to the multimeter, it automatically performed a
limited power-on self-test. Before you start making measurements, however,
you may want to have more confidence that the multimeter is fully
operational. This is the job of the self-test. The self-test performs a series of
tests that check the multimeter's operability and accuracy.
Note Always disconnect any input signals before you run self-test. If you leave
an input signal connected to the multimeter, it cause a self-test failure.
The self-test takes over 50 seconds. To run self-test.
Press:
Test
If the self-test passed, the display shows:
When self-test passes, you have a high confidence that the multimeter is
operational and, assuming proper calibration and autocalibration, that
Chapter 2 Operating Information 17
measurements will be accurate.
If any of the tests failed, the ERR annunciator illuminates and the display
shows:
If the self-test failed, one or more error conditions have been detected. Refer
to the next section "Reading the Error Register".
Reading the Error
Register
Note When you get a hardware error (200-series prefix), run the self-test again. If
Whenever the display's ERR annunciator is illuminated, one or more errors
have been detected. A record of hardware errors is stored in the auxiliary
error register. A record of programming and syntax errors is stored in the
error register. To read the error record(s).
Press:
Error
_
The lowest numbered error and a description of the error is displayed. For
example, a possible error message is:
Use the right arrow key to view the entire message. When the error message
has a 100-series numeric prefix (e.g., 105), it indicates a programming or
syntax error. A 200-series prefix (e.g., 209) indicates a hardware error.
you repeatedly get the error, the multimeter may need repair.
If the ERR annunciator is still illuminated, more errors have been recorded.
Repeat the above key sequence until all errors have been read and the ERR
annunciator is no longer illuminated. When you have read all the errors, the
error annunciator goes off. If you try to read another error, the display shows:
You do not have to run self-test to get an error. The multimeter detects errors
that occur while entering data, when changing functions or ranges, and so
on. The multimeter beeps whenever it detects an error.
Whenever you want to clear information (such as an error description) from
the display and return it to displaying measurements.
Press:
18 Chapter 2 Operating Information
Clear
Back
Space
Note You can also clear the display by repeatedly pressing the Back Space key
(unshifted).
Resetting the
Multimeter
Many times during operation, you may wish to return to the power-on state.
The front panel Reset key returns you to the power-on state without having
to cycle the multimeter's power. To reset the multimeter.
Press:
Reset
The multimeter begins the reset process with a display test which illuminates
all display elements including the annunciators as shown in Figure 5. (By
holding down the Reset key, the multimeter continuously performs its
display test).
Figure 5. Display Test
Caution Pressing the shifted front panel Reset key performs the
Using the
Configuration Keys
power-on sequence which has the same effect as cycling the
multimeter’s power. This destroys any stored reading and
compressed subprograms, sets the power-on SRQ bit in the
status register (these functions are discussed later in this
manual), resets the A/D converter reference frequency and
performs the power-on self test. Executing the RESET
command from the alphabetic command menu (MENU keys)
returns the mulitmeter to the power-on state but does not
perform the power-on sequence. The MENU keys are discussed
later in this chapter.
The configuration keys (unshifted MENU keys) let you rapidly access the
most frequently used multimeter features. Table 5 shows each key, the
corresponding multimeter command, and the function of each. (These
Chapter 2 Operating Information 19
functions are discussed in detail in Chapters 3 and 4.)
Table 5. Configuration Key Functions
We will use the Trig key to demonstrate how to use the configuration keys.
Press:
Trig
The display shows:
This is the command header for the trigger command. Notice the multimeter
automatically placed a space after the command header.
Selecting a Parameter For parameters that have a list of choices (non-numeric parameters), you can
use the up and down arrow keys to review the choices.
Press:
20 Chapter 2 Operating Information
The display shows:
Press:
The display shows:
When using the up or down arrow keys, if you step past the last parameter
choice, a wraparound occurs to the other end of the menu. Suppose you want
to suspend triggering. Press the up or down arrow key until the display shows:
Press:
Enter
You have now changed the trigger event from auto (power-on state) to HOLD
which causes the multimeter to stop taking readings. (Triggering is discussed
in detail in Chapter 4.)
Default Values Most parameters have a default value. A default value is the value selected
when you execute a command but do not specify a value. For example, the
default value for the trigger parameter is SGL.
Press:
Trig
Press:
Enter
Notice that the multimeter takes one reading and then stops (after the single
trigger, the trigger event becomes HOLD regardless of the previously
specified trigger event). You can also enter-1 to select the default value.
Press:
Enter
_
1
Enter
Chapter 2 Operating Information 21
The multimeter again takes a single reading and then stops.
Numeric Parameters Some commands use numeric parameters. A numeric parameter is the actual
value used by the multimeter. We will use the NPLC configuration key to
demonstrate numeric parameters.
Press:
NPLC
This display shows:
Notice that if you press the up or down arrow key, no parameter choice is
displayed. This means there is no menu and you must enter a number. For
example.
Press:
1
Enter
You have now selected 1 power line cycle of integration time for the A/D
converter. Integration time is the actual time that the A/D converter measures
the input signal. (Integration time is discussed in detail in Chapter 3.)
Exponential Parameters You can also enter numeric parameters using exponential notation. For
example.
Press:
NPLC
1
0
0
E
_
3
Enter
You have now selected 0.1 power line cycles of integration time. At this
point, you should reset the multimeter to return the number of power line
cycles to 10 by pressing:
Reset
Multiple Parameters Many commands have more than one parameter. (Multiple parameters are
separated by commas.) We will use the NRDGS command, which has two
parameters, as an example of a command with multiple parameters.
Press:
N Rdge/
Trig
The display shows:
22 Chapter 2 Operating Information
The first parameter in the NRDGS command is a numeric parameter that
specifies the number of readings made per trigger event. For example, to
specify 5 readings per trigger event.
Press:
5
The display shows:
The second parameter of the NRDGS command specifies the event that
initiates each reading. Since this is not a numeric parameter, a menu is
available for this parameter. Use the up or down arrow keys to cycle through
the list of choices. When the display shows:
Execute the command by pressing:
Enter
You have now selected five readings per trigger event. If you execute the
TRIG SGL command, for example, the multimeter will take five readings
and then stop. (The NRDGS command is discussed in detail in Chapter 4.)
Using the MENU Keys In addition to the configuration keys, the multimeter has an alphabetic
command menu that can be accessed using the shifted MENU keys labeled
C, E, L, N, R, S, and T. Each of these letters corresponds to the area you
will enter into the command menu. For example, to enter the menu with
commands starting with T.
Press:
T
Recall
State
The display shows:
You can now use the Menu Scroll keys (up or down arrow keys} to step
through the menu in alphabetical order (down arrow key) or in reverse
alphabetical order (up arrow key). For example, starting with the TARM
display shown above, by pressing the down arrow key once, the display
shows the next command in alphabetical order (TBUFF). (You can also press
and hold the up or down arrow key to rapidly step through the menu.) Once
you have found the desired command, you can press the Enter key to execute
it immediately (using default parameter values if applicable). If you need to
specify command parameter(s), with the command displayed, press the right
Chapter 2 Operating Information 23
arrow key or the comma key (or, if the first parameter is numeric, a numeric
key). This selects the command and allows you to specify or select
parameter(s) using the procedures described earlier in this section.
There are two alphabetic menus available: FULL and SHORT. You can
select between these menus using the shifted Menu key. The specified menu
choice is stored in continuous memory (not lost when power is removed).
The FULL menu contains all commands except query commands that can
be constructed by appending a question mark to a command (e.g., BEEP,
BEEP?). (Query commands are discussed next.) The SHORT menu
eliminates the GPIB bus-related commands, commands that are seldom used
from the front panel, and any commands that have dedicated front panel keys
(e.g., the NPLC key or the Trig key).
Query Commands There are a number of commands in the alphabetic command directory that
end with a question mark. These commands are called query commands since
each returns a response to a particular question. For example, access the
LINE? query command from the command menu and press the Enter key.
The multimeter responds to this query command by measuring and
displaying the power line frequency. (Use the right arrow key to view the
entire response.) As another example, access the TEMP? command from the
command menu and press Enter. This command returns the multimeter's
internal temperature in degrees Centigrade.
Standard Queries The FULL command menu contains the following standard query
commands:
AUXERR? MCOUNT?
CAL? MSIZE?
CALNUM? OPT?
ERR? REV?
ERRSTR? SSPARM?
ID? STB?
ISCALE? TEMP?
LINE?
Additional Queries In addition to the queries listed above, you can create others by appending a
question mark to any command that can be used to program the multimeter.
For example, the AZERO command (Auto Zero configuration key) enables
or disables the autozero function. You can determine the present autozero
mode by appending a question mark to the AZERO command. To do this,
Press:
?
Auto
Zero
The multimeter responds by displaying the present autozero mode (power-on
mode = ON). (Notice that this command is immediately executed; you do
not have to press the Enter key.)
Store
State
Note The QFORMAT command can be used to specify whether query responses
24 Chapter 2 Operating Information
will be numeric, alpha, or a combination of alpha and numeric. Refer to the
QFORMAT command, in Chapter 6, for more information.
Display Control The shifted Clear key, the Back Space key, and the Display/Window keys
(left and right arrow keys) allow you to control the display.
Clearing the Display Whenever you want to clear information (such as a query response) from the
display.
Press:
Clear
Back
Space
Display Editing The Back Space key allows you to edit parts of a command string while
entering the string or when the string is recalled (discussed later), For alpha
parameters or command headers, pressing the Back Space key once erases
the entire parameter or header. For commas, spaces, and numeric parameters,
only one character is erased each time you press Back Space. For example,
Press:
N Rdge/
Trig
1
0
The display shows:
By pressing the Back Space key once, the entire second parameter (LINE)
is erased. The display shows:
Now by pressing Back Space once, the comma is erased. Pressing Back
Space two more times erases both numeric characters (10). At this point, you
can reenter the first parameter using the numeric keypad and the second
parameter using the Menu Scroll keys. Press the Enter key to execute the
edited command.
Viewing Long Displays When entering commands containing more than 16 characters, the previously
entered characters are scrolled off the left side of the display to make room
for those being entered. The Display/Window keys (left and right arrow
keys) allow you to view the entire line by scrolling it left or right. The
Display/Window keys can also be used to view long strings such as error
messages, the calibration string (CALSTR? command), and user-defined key
definitions (discussed later). For example.
Press:
N Rgds/
Trig
100000
Chapter 2 Operating Information 25
The display shows:
By pressing the left arrow key, you can view the first part of the command
while scrolling the last part off the right side of the display. Now, by pressing
the right arrow key, you can view the last part of the command and scroll the
first part off the left side of the display.
Note Think of the display as a window you can move to the left or right using the
arrow keys.
MORE INFO Display In addition to scrolling the display left and right, the Display/Window keys
allow you to view additional display information when the display's MORE
INFO annunciator is illuminated. For example, access and execute the
SETACV RNDM command from the alphabetic command menu. Now press
the front panel ACV key. Notice that the multimeter's MORE INFO
annunciator is illuminated. This means there is more information available
than is being displayed.
Press:
The present AC voltage measurement method (SETACV RNDM) is
displayed. At this point, reset the multimeter to return it to the power-on state
by pressing:
Reset
Digits Displayed When the multimeter is displaying readings, you can vary the number of
digits it displays. In the power-on state, the display is showing 7.5 digits
although the multimeter is resolving 8.5 digits. To display all 8.5 digits.
Press:
N
Offset
Comp 9
8
Note The display’s leftmost digit (referred to as a 1/2 digit) is implied when you
are specifying display digits.
The NDlG command only masks digits from the display. It does not affect
readings sent to reading memory or transferred over the GPIB bus. Also, you
cannot view more digits than are being resolved by the multimeter.
Enter
26 Chapter 2 Operating Information
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