Agilent Technologies Switch-Measure User Manual
Agilent 34980A
Multifunction
Switch/Measure Unit
User’s Guide
Agilent Technologies
Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2004
No part of this manual may be reproduced
in any form or by any means (including
electronic storage and retrieval or translation into a foreign language) without prior
agreement and written consent from Agilent Technologies, Inc. as governed by
United States and international copyright
laws.
Manual Part Number
34980-90001
Edition
First edition, November 2004
Printed in Malaysia
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
815 14th Street SW
Loveland, CO 80537 USA
Warranty
The material contained in this document is provided “as is,” and is subject to being changed, without notice,
in future editions. Further, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable
law, Agilent disclaims all warranties,
either express or implied, with regard
to this manual and any information
contained herein, including but not
limited to the implied warranties of
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Limited Rights as defined in FAR 52.227-14
(June 1987) or DFAR 252.227-7015 (b)(2)
(November 1995), as applicable in any
technical data.
Safety Notices
CAUTION
A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like
that, if not correctly performed or
adhered to, could result in damage
to the product or loss of important
data. Do not proceed beyond a
CAUTION notice until the indicated
conditions are fully understood and
met.
WARNING
A WARNING notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure, practice, or
the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result
in personal injury or death. Do not
proceed beyond a WARNING
notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
If software is for use in the performance of
a U.S. Government prime contract or subcontract, Software is delivered and
licensed as “Commercial computer software” as defined in DFAR 252.227-7014
(June 1995), or as a “commercial item” as
defined in FAR 2.101(a) or as “Restricted
computer software” as defined in FAR
52.227-19 (June 1987) or any equivalent
i
Additional Safety Notices
The following general safety precautions
must be observed during all phases of operation of this instrument. Failure to comply
with these precautions or with specific
warnings or instructions elsewhere in this
manual violates safety standards of design,
manufacture, and intended use of the
instrument. Agilent Technologies assumes
no liability of the customer’s failure to comply with the requirements.
General
Do not use this products in any manner not
specified by the manufacturer. The protective features of this product may be
impaired if it is used in a manner not specified in the operation instructions.
Before Applying Power
Verify that all safety precautions are taken.
Make all connections to the unit before
applying power.
Ground the Instrument
This product is provided with protective
earth terminals. To minimize shock hazard,
the instrument must be connected to the
ac power mains through a grounded power
cable, with the ground wire firmly connected to an electrical ground (safety
ground) at the power outlet. Any interruption of the protective (grounding) conductor or disconnection of the protective earth
terminal will cause a potential shock hazard that could result in personal injury.
Do Not Modify the Instrument
Do not install substitute parts or perform
any unauthorized modification to the product. Return the product to an Agilent Sales
and Service Office for service and repair to
ensure that safety features are maintained.
In Case of Damage
Instruments that appear damaged or defective should be made inoperative and
secured against unintended operation until
they can be repaired by qualified service
personnel.
Safety Symbols
Alternating current
Frame or chassis
terminal
Standby supply. Unit is
not completely
disconnected from ac
mains when switch is off
Caution, risk of electric
shock
Caution, refer to
accompanying description
Do Not Operate in an Explosive
Atmosphere
Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable gases or fumes.
Do Not Remove the Instrument
Cover
Only qualified, service-trained personal
who are aware of the hazards involved
should remove instrument covers. Always
disconnect the power cable and any external circuits before removing the instrument
cover.
ii
If you have questions about your shipment, or if you need information
about warranty, service, or technical support, contact Agilent
Te ch n ol o gi e s:
In the United States: (800) 829-4444
In Europe: 31 20 547 2111
In Japan: 0120-421-345
Or go to www.agilent.com/find/assist for information on contacting
Agilent in your country of specific location. You can also contact your
Agilent Technologies Representative.
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
iii
According to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and CEN/CENELEC EN 45014
Manufacturer’s Name:
Manufacturer’ s Add ress:
Declares under sole responsibility that the product as originally delivered
Product Name:
Model Number:
Product Options:
complies with the essen t ial requirements of the following app li cabl e Eu ropean Directives, and
carries the CE marking accordingly:
Low Voltage Direc tive (73/23/EEC, amended by 93/68/EE C)
EMC Directive ( 89/336/EEC, amended by 93/68/EEC)
and conforms with the following product standards:
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
Safety
The product was tested in a typical configuration with Agilent Technologies test systems.
IEC 61010-1:2001 / EN 61010-1:2001
Canada: CSA C22.2 No. 61010.1:2004
USA: UL 61010-1: 2004
Supplementary Information:
This DoC applies to above-l isted products placed on the EU market aft er:
Agilent Technologies, Incorporated
815 – 14
th
St. SW
Loveland, CO 80537
USA
Multifunction Switch / Measure Unit
34980A, 34921A/T, 34922A/T, 34923A/T, 34925A/ T,
34931A/T, 34932A/T , 34933A/T, 34937A/T, 34938A/ T,
34941A, 34946A, 34947A, 34951A /T, 34952A/T
This declar ation covers all options of the above produc ts
Limit
Group 1 Class A
4 kV CD, 4 kV AD
3 V/m, 80-1000 MHz
0.5 kV signal lines, 1 kV power lines
0.5 kV line-line, 1 kV line-ground
3 V, 0.15-80 MHz, 80% mod
Interrupt: 10 ms, 20 ms
9 November 2004
Date
For furth er i nformati on, please c ont act y our l oc al A gi l ent Technol ogies sal es off ice, agent or dis tr i but or ,
or Agilent Technologies Deutschland GmbH, Herrenberger Straße 130, D 71034 Böblingen, Germany.
Ray Corson
Product Regulations Program Manager
Template: A5971-5302-2, Rev. B.00 34980A-DoC-A DoC Revision A
iii
Contents
1 Introduction to the 34980A
2 Features and Functions
Front Panel at a Glance 2
Rear Panel at a Glance 3
Rear Panel Connector Pinouts 4
External Trigger Input Connector (Male D-Sub) 4
Analog Bus Connector (Female D-Sub) 4
Annunciator Display Indicators 5
Front Panel Menu Reference 6
Instrument Rack Mounting 7
SCPI Language Conventions 10
Rules for Using a Channel List 10
General Measurement Configuration 12
Overview of Measurement Modes 12
Analog Buses 15
Measurement Functions 16
Measurement Range 17
Measurement Resolution 18
Custom A/D Integration Time 19
Autozero 21
Trigge r Delay 22
Automatic Trigger Delays 23
Safety Interlock 24
User-Defined Channel Labels 25
2-Wire Versus 1-Wire Mode 27
Analog Bus and Internal DMM Considerations 28
Environmental Operating Conditions 28
Electrical Operating Conditions 29
34980A User’s Guide v
Temperature Measurement Configuration 30
Measurement Units 30
Thermocouple Measurements 31
RTD Measurements 33
Thermistor Measurements 34
Voltage Measurement Configuration 35
DC Input Resistance 35
AC Low Frequency Filter 36
Resistance Measurement Configuration 37
Offset Compensation 37
Current Measurement Configuration 38
AC Low Frequency Filter 38
Frequency Measurement Configuration 39
Low Frequency Timeout 39
Mx+B Scaling 40
Scanning 42
Rules for Scanning 42
Adding Channels to the Scan List 44
Scan Trigger Source 46
Trigge r Cou nt 49
Sweep Count 50
Sample Count 51
Channel Delay 53
Automatic Channel Delays 54
Reading Format 56
Non-Sequential Scanning 57
Viewing Readings Stored in Memory 58
Monitor Mode 60
vi 34980A User’s Guide
System-Related Operations 62
Firmware Revision 62
Product Firmware Updates 63
Instrument State Storage 63
Error Conditions 64
Self-Test 66
Front-Panel Display Control 66
Front-Panel Number Format 67
Real-Time System Clock 68
Relay Cycle Count 68
SCPI Language Version 69
Calibration Overview 70
Calibration Security 70
Calibration Count 72
Calibration Message 73
Remote Interface Configuration 74
GPIB Interface 75
USB Interface 75
LAN Interface 75
Factory Reset State 84
Instrument Preset State 86
3 Introduction to the Plug-In Modules for the 34980A
Slot and Channel Addressing Scheme 90
Interconnection Solutions Overview 91
Module Considerations 92
General Considerations 92
Environmental Operating Conditions 92
Electrical Operating Conditions 93
34980A User’s Guide vii
4 Low Frequency Multiplexer Switch Modules
Low Frequency Multiplexer Switch Modules 96
Measurement Functions for the MUX Modules 97
SCPI Programming Examples for the MUX Modules 98
34921A 40-Channel Armature Multiplexer with Low Thermal Offset 102
34921A Simplified Schematic 104
34921A D-Sub Connectors 105
34921T Terminal Block 106
34922A 70-Channel Armature Multiplexer 107
34922A Simplified Schematic 108
34922A D-Sub Connectors 109
34922T Terminal Block 111
34923A 40/80-Channel Reed Multiplexer 112
34923A Simplified Schematic for Two- or Four-Wire Mode 114
34923A D-Sub Connectors for Two- or Four-Wire Mode 116
34923T-001 Terminal Block for Two- or Four-Wire Mode 117
34923A Simplified Schematic for One-Wire Mode 118
34923A D-Sub Connectors for One-Wire Mode 119
34923T-002 Terminal Block for One-Wire Mode 120
34924A 70-Channel Reed Multiplexer 121
34924A Simplified Schematic 123
34924A D-Connectors 124
34924T Terminal Block 126
34925A 40/80-Channel Optically-Isolated FET Multiplexer 127
34925A Simplified Schematic for Two- or Four-Wire Mode 130
34925A D-Sub Connectors for Two- or Four-Wire Mode 131
34925T-001 Terminal Block for Two- or Four-Wire Mode 132
34925A Simplified Schematic for One-Wire Mode 133
34925A D-Sub Connectors for One-Wired Mode 134
34925T-002 Terminal Block for One-Wire Mode 135
viii 34980A User’s Guide
5Matrix Switch Modules
Matrix Switch Modules 138
SCPI Programming Examples for the Matrix Modules 139
Linking Multiple Matrix Modules 142
34931A Dual 4x8 Armature Matrix 144
34931A Simplified Schematic 145
34931A D-Sub Connectors 146
34931T Terminal Block 147
34932A Dual 4x16 Armature Matrix 149
34932A Simplified Schematic 150
34932A D-Sub Connectors 151
34932T Terminal Block 152
34933A Dual/Quad 4x8 Reed Matrix 153
34933A Simplified Schematic for Two-Wire Mode 155
34933A D-Sub Connectors for Two-Wire Mode 156
34933T-001 Terminal Block for Two-Wire Mode 157
34933A Simplified Schematic for One-Wire Mode 159
34933A D-Sub Connectors for One-Wire Mode 160
34933T-002 Terminal Block for One-Wire Mode 161
6 General Purpose Switch Modules
General Purpose Switch Modules 164
34937A and 34938A SCPI Programming Examples 166
34937A 32-Channel GP Switch 168
34937A Simplified Schematic 168
34937A D-Sub Connectors 169
34937T Terminal Block 170
34938A 20-Channel High-Current GP Switch 171
34938A Simplified Schematic 171
34938A D-Sub Connectors 172
34938T Terminal Block 173
7 RF Multiplexer Switch Modules
34941A and 34942A RF Multiplexer Switch Modules 176
Installing SMA Connectors 177
Isolating Connector Banks 177
34941A and 34942A SCPI Programming Examples 178
34941A and 34942A Simplified Schematic 179
34980A User’s Guide ix
8 Dual/Triple Microwave Switch Modules
34946A and 34947A Dual/Triple Microwave Switch Modules 182
34946A and 34947A SCPI Programming Examples 182
Installing SMA Connectors 183
34946A and 34947A Simplified Schematics 184
9 4-Channel Isolated D/A Converter with Waveform Memory Module
34951A 4-Channel Isolated D/A Converter with Waveform Memory Module 186
34951A SCPI Programming Examples 189
34951A Simplified Schematics 193
34951A D-Sub Connector Pinout 194
34951T Terminal Block 195
10 Multifunction Module with DIO, D/A, and Totalizer
34952A Multifunction Module 198
Digital Input/Output 198
Totalizer Input 198
Analog Output (DAC) 198
34952A SCPI Programming Examples 199
34952A Simplified Schematic 201
34952 D-Sub Connector 202
34952T Terminal Block 203
x 34980A User’s Guide
Agilent 34980A Multifunction Switch/Measure Unit
User’s Guide
1
Introduction to the 34980A
Front Panel at a Glance 2
Rear Panel at a Glance 3
Rear Panel Connector Pinouts 4
Annunciator Display Indicators 5
Front Panel Menu Reference 6
Instrument Rack Mounting 7
Agilent Technologies
1
1 Introduction to the 34980A
Front Panel at a Glance
On/Standby switch WARNINGss This switch is standby only. To disconnect the mains from the instrument,
1
remove the power cord.
Utility menu contains settings for Remote I/O (LAN, GPIB, and USB), Date and Time, and other
2
system-related instrument parameters
Store/recall menu allows you to save and recall up to six instrument setups
3
Control keys directly control module actions
4
Number keypad enters numerical characters
5
Exponent
6
Cancel key exits a menu without saving changes
7
Arrow keys move cursor positions
8
Knob enters alphanumeric characters, selects slots, channels, and navigates menus
9
Enter key steps you through a menu or saves number entries
10
Running a program puts the display into “remote” and disables the front panel keys. Local takes you out of
11
“remote” mode and enables the front panel keys.
Configure keys select functions and set function parameters
12
Measure keys execute and monitor measurements. Depending on which measurement key you use, you can
13
have complete/direct control over the switching and measurement operation, or you can have the 34980A
automatically control these to capture the desired data.
2 34980A User’s Guide
WARNING
Rear Panel at a Glance
Introduction to the 34980A 1
Access to Analog Buses (shown with cover installed). For pinout, see page 4.
1
Module installed in slot 1
2
Slot identifier
3
Module ground screw
4
Slot cover over slot 2
5
AC power connector
6
LAN connector (10Base T/100Base Tx)
7
USB 2.0 connector
8
External trigger input. For pinout, see page 4.
9
Internal DMM option mark. If you ordered the internal DMM option, the circle is marked black.
10
IEEE 488.2 GPIB Connector
11
Chassis ground screw
12
34980A User’s Guide 3
1 Introduction to the 34980A
Rear Panel Connector Pinouts
External Trigger Input Connector (Male D-Sub)
1
6
9
Ext Trig Input (Pin 6)
Gnd (Pin 9)
5
Analog Bus Connector (Female D-Sub)
ANALOG
BUSSES
5
ABus1 HI (Pin 9)
ABus2 HI (Pin 8)
ABus3 HI (Pin 7)
ABus4 HI (Pin 6)
9
6
1
Input
5 V
0 V
> 1 µs
Current I (Pin 5)
ABus1 LO (Pin 4)
ABus2 LO (Pin 3)
ABus3 LO (Pin 2)
ABus4 LO (Pin 1)
4 34980A User’s Guide
Annunciator Display Indicators
Introduction to the 34980A 1
Display Indicator Definition
LAN Communicating with the 34980A over LAN
USB Communicating with the 34980A over USB
GPIB Communicating with the 34980A over GPIB
ABUS [1234] Analog Bus Connectivity. Normally, designated ABus connected on any module in mainframe.
During scan, if ABus 1 and ABus 2 are indicated, they will be used at some point during the scan
ERROR
Rmt Remote. Running a program puts the display into “remote” and disables the front panel keys.
Safety Interlock ABus safety interlock. Terminal block or cables have been removed from the D-sub connector of a
Trig Waiting for external or manual trigger during scans
HOT
ALARM (H1234L) Additional functionality to be implemented
Bell Symbol Additional functionality to be implemented
Mx+B Scaling enabled on channel. This appears on display after you select scaling function via front panel
4W 4-wire measurement specified on channel. This appears on display after you select the 4-wire
OC Offset Compensation specified on channel. This appears on display after you have selected the
(left side of display) Measurement is in progress
*
An error has been generated and is in the error queue
Pressing the LOCAL button takes you out of “remote” mode and enables the front panel keys.
module. For more information, see page 96 and page 138.
Over-temperature condition. One or more general purpose (34937A/34938A) modules have reached
their over-temperature limits.
or remote interface
function via the front panel or remote interface.
offset compensation function via the front panel or remote interface.
34980A User’s Guide 5
1 Introduction to the 34980A
Front Panel Menu Reference
This section gives an overview of the top two levels of menus that you access
from the front panel. The menus are designed to automatically guide you
through all parameters required to configure a particular function or
operation.
Store/Recall Store and recall instrument states
• Store up to six instrument states in non-volatile memory
• Assign a name to each storage location.
• Recall stored states, power-down state, factory reset state, or preset state
Utility Configure system-related instrument parameters
• Connecting and configuring to use with LAN, GPIB, or USB
• Set the real time clock and calendar
• Set radix character, thousand separator
• Enable/disable the internal DMM
• Secure/unsecure the instrument for calibration
• Query and update the firmware revisions for the mainframe and modules
Configure Key Group Set parameters for measurement
DMM
• Set DMM measurement function (AC volts, DC volts, AC current, DC current, 2-wire ohms, 4-wire ohms,
temperature, frequency, and period
• Set function parameters
Channel
• Set channel measurement function (AC volts, DC volts, AC current (34921A only), DC current (34921A only)
2-wire ohms, 4-wire ohms, temperature, frequency, and period
• Set function parameters
Scan
• Set up trigger-in parameters
• Set up sweep count
• Set up sample count
Sequences
Available at a later firmware release
Module
• Open all relays
• Clear all measurement functions
• Clear channel labels
• Configure external trigger and clock (34951A)
• Set trace or level mode (34951A)
• Set waveform parameters (34951A)
6 34980A User’s Guide
View
• View readings, alarms, and errors
• View the scanned readings from memory
• View errors in the error queue
• Read the number of cycles for the displayed relay (relay maintenance feature).
Advanced
Available at a later firmware release
Alarm
Available at a later firmware release
Instrument Rack Mounting
Introduction to the 34980A 1
Using the optional Agilent Y1130A Rack Mount Kit, you can mount the
34980A in a standard 19- inch rack cabinet. The kit includes hardware and
instructions to forward or reverse mount the instrument in a cabinet.
34980A User’s Guide 7
1 Introduction to the 34980A
8 34980A User’s Guide
Agilent 34980A Multifunction Switch/Measure Unit
User’s Guide
2
Features and Functions
SCPI Language Conventions 10
General Measurement Configuration 12
Analog Bus and Internal DMM Considerations 28
Temperature Measurement Configuration 30
Voltage Measurement Configuration 35
Resistance Measurement Configuration 37
Current Measurement Configuration 38
Frequency Measurement Configuration 39
Mx+B Scaling 40
Scanning 42
Monitor Mode 60
System-Related Operations 62
Calibration Overview 70
Remote Interface Configuration 74
Factory Reset State 84
Instrument Preset State 86
You will find that this chapter makes it easy to look up all the details
about a particular feature of the Agilent 34980A. Whether you are
operating the instrument from the front panel or over the remote
interface, this chapter will be useful. For information specific to the
34980A plug- in modules, see the later chapters in this manual.
NOTE
For complete details on the SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable
Instruments) commands, see the Programmer’s Reference Help file
included on the Agilent 34980A Product Reference CD-ROM. The CD-ROM
is located inside the rear cover of this manual.
Agilent Technologies
9
2 Features and Functions
SCPI Language Conventions
Throughout this guide, the following conventions are used for SCPI
command syntax for remote interface programming:
• Braces ( { } ) enclose the parameter choices for a given command
string. The braces are not sent with the command string.
• A vertical bar ( | ) separates multiple parameter choices for a given
command string.
• Triangle brackets ( < > ) indicate that you must specify a value for the
enclosed parameter. The brackets are not sent with the command string.
• Some parameters are enclosed in square brackets ( [ ] ). This indicates
that the parameter is optional and can be omitted. The brackets are not
sent with the command string. If you do not specify a value for an
optional parameter, the instrument chooses a default value.
Rules for Using a Channel List
Many of the SCPI commands for the 34980A include a channel list
parameter which allows you to specify one or more channels.
From the remote interface, the channel number has the form (@sccc),
where s is the mainframe slot number (1 through 8) and ccc is the
channel number. You can specify a single channel, multiple channels,
or a range of channels.
The following command closes channel 10 on the module in slot 3.
ROUT:CLOS (@3010)
The following command closes channels 10, 12, and 15 on the module
in slot 2.
ROUT:CLOS (@2010,2012,2015)
The following command closes channels 5 through 10 (slot 1) and channel
15 (slot 2). When you specify a range of channels, any channels that are
invalid will be ignored (no error will be generated) but the first and last
channel in the range must be valid.
ROUT:CLOS (@1005:1010,2015)
10 34980A User’s Guide
Features and Functions 2
The Analog Bus relays (numbered s911, s912, s913, etc.) on the
multiplexer and matrix modules are ignored if they are included in a
range of channels. An error will be generated if an Analog Bus relay is
specified as the first or last channel in a range of channels. For example,
the following command closes all valid channels between channel 30
(slot 1) and channel 5 (slot 2). In addition, this command closes Analog
Bus relay 911 on the module in slot 1 (Bank 1). Note that although the
specified range of channels includes the other Analog Bus relays, they are
ignored and are not closed by this command.
ROUT:CLOS (@1030:2005,1911)
The following command will generate an error since the Analog Bus relays
cannot be specified as the first or last channel in a range of channels
(none of the channels will be closed).
ROUT:CLOS (@1005:1911) !Generates an error
In the following command, since the optional <ch_list> parameter is
omitted, the command will be applied to the internal DMM. If the internal
DMM is disabled or is not present, an error will be generated.
INP:IMP:AUTO ON !Applies to the internal DMM
34980A User’s Guide 11
2 Features and Functions
General Measurement Configuration
This section contains general information to help you configure the
instrument for making measurements. Since these parameters are used
by several measurement functions, the discussion is combined into one
common section. Refer to the later sections in this chapter for more
information on parameters that are specific to each measurement function.
Overview of Measurement Modes
Two modes of operation are available with the 34980A, depending on the
level of switching and measurement that you wish to directly control:
the Stand- Alone DMM Mode and the Scanning Mode.
Stand-Alone DMM Mode
In the Stand- Alone DMM Mode, the internal DMM makes measurements of
whatever signals are present on the Analog Buses. In this mode, you have
full control of what channel relays are closed and connected to the
appropriate Analog Bus for the measurement. You can route your signals
directly to the internal DMM using the 34980A multiplexer and matrix
modules, or you can connect to external signals via the Analog Bus
connector located on instrument’s rear panel (see “Analog Buses” on
page 15).
Front Panel Operation:
• To configure the most common measurement parameters for the
internal DMM, use the DMM (Configure) key.
• To close the desired channel relays and Analog Bus relays, use the
Close key. The Analog Bus relays on the multiplexer and matrix modules
are numbered s911, s912, s913, etc.
• To auto-trigger the internal DMM and display continuous readings,
press the DMM (Measure) key. Press the DMM (Measure) key again to stop
taking measurements.
• For additional triggering control and to store DMM readings in memory,
use the Scan (Configure) key to set the triggering parameters, and then
press and hold the Scan (Measure) key to initiate the DMM measurement.
These selections are available only for stand- alone DMM use when a
scan list has not been defined (see “Stand- Alone DMM Mode” on
page 12).
• To stop storing readings in memory during long measurements,
press and hold the Scan (Measure) key.
12 34980A User’s Guide
Features and Functions 2
• To view the readings in memory, use the View key (the readings are
not erased when you read them). Each time you initiate a new
DMM- only scan, the instrument will clear the previous set of readings
from memory.
Remote Interface Operation:
• You can use the MEASure? command without specifying a <ch_list> to
quickly take a stand- alone DMM reading. Note, however, that with the
MEASure? command, most measurement parameters are set to their
default values.
• To close the desired channel relays and Analog Bus relays, use the
ROUTe:CLOSe command. The Analog Bus relays on the multiplexer and
matrix modules are numbered s911, s912, s913, etc.
• To directly control all measurement parameters or triggering, use the
CONFigure, SENSe, and TRIGger commands without specifying a
<ch_list> parameter. To initiate the measurement, use the INITiate or
READ? command without specifying a <ch_list>. Each time you initiate a
new measurement, the instrument will clear the previous set of
readings from memory.
• To stop a measurement in progress, use the
• To view the readings in memory, use the
ABORt command.
FETCh? command
(the readings are not erased when you read them).
Scanning Mode
In the Scanning Mode, the 34980A automatically controls a sequence
of measurements using the internal DMM, possibly across multiple
channels, and stores the results in memory. The 34980A closes and
opens the appropriate channel relays and Analog Bus relays required
for the sequence. The following general rules apply to the Scanning Mode
(for more information on using the Scanning Mode, see “Scanning” on
page 42.)
• Any channel that can be “read” by the instrument can also be included
in a scan. A scan can also include a read of a digital channel or a read
of the totalizer count on the digital modules.
• Before you can initiate a scan, you must set up a scan list to include all
desired multiplexer or digital channels. Channels which are not in the
scan list are skipped during the scan.
• The Analog Bus relays are automatically opened and closed as required
during the scan to connect to the internal DMM for the measurement.
For example, all 2- wire measurements use the ABus1 (MEAS) relays; for
4- wire measurements, the ABus2 (SENS) relays are used in addition to
the ABus1 relays.
• Each time you initiate a new scan, the instrument will clear the
previous set of readings from memory.
34980A User’s Guide 13
2 Features and Functions
Front Panel Operation:
• To configure the measurement parameters and add a channel to the
• To initiate a scan and store all readings in memory, press the
• To stop a scan in progress, press and hold the Scan (Measure) key.
scan list, use the Channel (Configure) key.
Scan (Measure) key. If you press the Scan (Measure) key with no
scan list defined, the instrument initiates a DMM- only measurement
(see “Stand- Alone DMM Mode” below).
• To view the readings in memory, use the
View key (the readings are not
erased when you read them).
Remote Interface Operation:
• To define the list of channels to be included in the scan list, use the
ROUTe:SCAN command.
• To configure the measurement parameters on the desired channels,
use the
• To initiate a scan and store all readings in memory, use the
CONFigure and SENSe commands.
INITiate
or READ? command. Each time you initiate a new scan, the instrument
will clear the previous set of readings from memory.
• To stop a scan in progress, use the
• To view the readings in memory, use the
ABORt command.
FETCh? command
(the readings are not erased when you read them).
NOTE
You can use the READ? command in one of three forms depending on
which measurement mode you wish to use.
• If you omit the optional <ch_list> parameter and a scan list is not
currently defined, the READ? command applies to the internal DMM.
• If you omit the optional <ch_list> parameter and a scan list is
currently
defined, the READ? command performs a scan of the channels in the
scan list.
• If you specify a <ch_list>, regardless of whether a scan list is currently
defined, the READ? command performs a “temporary” scan of the
specified channels (independent of the present scan list).
NOTE
You can use the MEASure? command in one of two forms depending on
which measurement mode you wish to use.
• If you omit the optional <ch_list> parameter, the MEASure? command
applies to the internal DMM.
• If you specify a <ch_list>, the MEASure? command performs a
“temporary” scan of the specified channels (independent of the
present scan list).
14 34980A User’s Guide
Analog Buses
The 34980A provides four 2- wire internal Analog Buses for easier signal
routing. You can route your measurements directly to the internal DMM
using the 34980A multiplexer and matrix modules, or you can connect to
external signals via the Analog Bus connector located on the instrument’s
rear panel (see connector pinout below). Since four 2- wire buses are
provided, you can dedicate one bus for use with the internal DMM and
use the other three buses for module extensions or additional signal
routing between modules.
ABus1 HI (Pin 9)
ABus2 HI (Pin 8)
ABus3 HI (Pin 7)
ABus4 HI (Pin 6)
ANALOG
BUSSES
5
9
6
1
Features and Functions 2
Current I (Pin 5)
ABus1 LO (Pin 4)
ABus2 LO (Pin 3)
ABus3 LO (Pin 2)
ABus4 LO (Pin 1)
Analog Bus connector (as viewed from rear of instrument)
34980A User’s Guide 15
2 Features and Functions
Measurement Functions
The following table shows which DMM measurement functions are
supported by each of the multiplexer modules.
Note that similar considerations must be taken into account on the
34931A, 34932A, and 34933A matrix modules. Since the matrix modules
cannot be incorporated into a scan list, you must use the Stand- Alone
DMM Mode for these modules.
34921A
40-Ch Arm
MUX
Function
34922A
70-Ch Arm
MUX
34923A
40-Ch Reed
MUX
(2-Wire)
34923A
80-Ch Reed
MUX
(1-Wire)
34924A
70-Ch Reed
MUX
34925A
40-Ch FET
MUX
(2-Wire)
34925A
80-Ch FET
MUX
(1-Wire)
Vo ltag e , A C /DC Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Ye s Yes
Current, AC/DC Yes
1
No No No No No No
Frequency/Period Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ye s
5
5
3,4
5
5
5
Oh m s 2 -W i r e Yes Yes Yes
Oh m s 4 -W i r e Yes Yes Yes
Thermocouple Yes
2
Ye s
3
RTD 2 - W i r e Yes Yes Yes
RTD 4 - W i r e Yes Yes Yes
The r m i stor Ye s Yes Yes
1
Direct current measurements are allowed on channels 41 through 44 only (for all other channels, external shunts are required).
2
Optional 34921T Terminal Block is required for thermocouple measurements with built-in internal reference junction.
3
A fixed or external reference junction temperature is required for thermocouple measurement with this module.
4
Impact of higher offset voltage specification (< 50 µV) must be taken into consideration.
5
1 kΩ or higher range used unless 100Ω series resistors are bypassed on module.
6
10 kΩ or higher range used for loads over approximately 300Ω due to series resistance of FET channels.
5
Ye s
No Yes
3,4
Ye s
5
Ye s
No Yes
5
Ye s
Ye s
Ye s
Ye s
Ye s
3,4
5
5
5
5
5
6
Ye s
Ye s
Ye s
6
3
Ye s
Ye s
No No
6
Ye s
No No
6
No
3
No
Front Panel Operation: DMM or Channel (Configure) > DMM MEASUREMENT
Use the knob (or numeric keypad) to select the desired channel. Then
select the desired measurement function for this channel. You are
automatically guided to the next level of the menu where you can
configure other measurement parameters (range, integration time, etc.).
Remote Interface Operation: You can select the measurement function using
the
CONFigure and MEASure? commands. For example, the following
command configures the specified channel for dc voltage measurements.
CONF:VOLT:DC 10,DEF,(@3001)
16 34980A User’s Guide
Measurement Range
You can allow the instrument to automatically select the measurement
range using autoranging or you can select a fixed range using manual
ranging. Autoranging is convenient because the instrument decides which
range to use for each measurement based on the input signal. For fastest
scanning operation, use manual ranging on each measurement (some
additional time is required for autoranging since the instrument has to
make a range selection).
• Autorange thresholds:
Features and Functions 2
Down range at:
Up range at:
<10% of range
>120% of range
• If the input signal is greater than can be measured on the selected
range (manual ranging), the instrument gives an overload indication:
“±OVLD” from the front panel or “±9.9E+37” from the remote interface.
• For temperature measurements, the instrument internally selects the
range; you cannot select which range is used. For thermocouple
measurements, the instrument internally selects the 100 mV range.
For thermistor and RTD measurements, the instrument autoranges to
the correct range for the transducer resistance measurement.
• For frequency and period measurements, the instrument uses one
“range” for all inputs between 3 Hz and 300 kHz. The range parameter
is required only to specify the resolution. Therefore, it is not necessary
to send a new command for each new frequency to be measured.
• The
CONFigure and MEASure? commands contain an optional parameter
which allows you to specify the range or autoranging.
• The instrument returns to autoranging when the measurement function
is changed and after a Factory Reset (
*RST command). An Instrument
Preset (SYSTem:PRESet command) or Card Reset (SYSTem:CPON
command) does not change the range setting.
Front Panel Operation: DMM or Channel (Configure) > RANGE
First, select the measurement function on the active channel. You are
automatically guided to the next level of the menu where you can select
a specific range or autoranging.
Remote Interface Operation: You can select the range using parameters in
the CONFigure and MEASure? commands. For example, the following
command selects the 10 Vdc range on the specified channel.
CONF:VOLT:DC 10,DEF,(@3001)
34980A User’s Guide 17
2 Features and Functions
Measurement Resolution
Resolution is expressed in number of digits the internal DMM can
measure or display on the front panel. You can set the resolution to 4, 5,
or 6 full digits, plus a “½” digit which can be “0” or “1”. To increase the
measurement accuracy and improve noise rejection, select 6½ digits.
To increase the measurement speed, select 4½ digits.
• For ac voltage measurements, the resolution is fixed at 6½ digits.
• The specified resolution is used for all measurements on the selected
• Changing the number of digits does more than just change the
The only way to control the reading rate for ac measurements is by
changing the channel delay (see page 53) or by setting the ac filter to
the highest frequency limit (see page 36).
channel. If you have applied Mx+B scaling or have assigned alarms to
the selected channel, those measurements are also made using the
specified resolution. Measurements taken during the Monitor function
also use the specified resolution.
resolution of the instrument. It also changes the integration time,
which is the period the instrument’s analog- to- digital (A/D) converter
samples the input signal for a measurement. See “Custom A/D
Integration Time” on page 19 for more information.
• The
CONFigure and MEASure? commands contain an optional parameter
which allows you to specify the resolution.
• The instrument returns to 5½ digits when the measurement function is
changed and after a Factory Reset (
*RST command). An Instrument
Preset (SYSTem:PRESet command) or Card Reset (SYSTem:CPON
command) does not change the resolution setting.
Front Panel Operation: DMM or Channel (Configure) > INTEGRATION > NPLC
First, select the measurement function on the active channel. You are
automatically guided to the next level of the menu where you can select a
specific resolution.
Remote Interface Operation: Specify the resolution in the same units as
the measurement function, not in number of digits. For example, if the
function is dc voltage, specify the resolution in volts. For frequency,
specify the resolution in hertz.
You can select the resolution using parameters in the
MEASure? commands. For example, the following command selects the
CONFigure and
10 Vdc range with 4½ digits of resolution on the specified channel.
CONF:VOLT:DC 10,0.001,(@3001)
18 34980A User’s Guide
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