Escort 3136A User manual

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50000 COUNT

DUAL DISPLAY MULTIMETER

Oppeerraattiioonnaall

Maannuuaall

Section 1. Introduction

1-1 Introducing the 50,000 Count Dual Display Multimeter 1 1-2 Features 2 1-3 Options and Accessories 3 1-4 How to use this manual 4 1-5 Safety 5

Section 2. Getting Started

2-1 Introduction 7 2-2 Getting Started 7 2-3 Turning the Meter ON 11 2-4 Selecting Current Input Terminals and 11

Measurement Range 2-5 Using the Pushbuttons 11 2-6 Basic Measurement Examples 12 2-7 Rack Mounting 18

Section 3. Front Panel Operation

3-1 Introduction 19 3-2 Front Panel Operations 19 3-3 Primary and Secondary Displays 20 3-4 Input Terminals 22 3-5 Initialization of Measurement Conditions 23 3-6 Selecting A Measurement Function 23 3-7 Selecting Measurement Range 26 3-8 Selecting Secondary Display 27 3-9 Entering Setup Mode 29 3-10 Selecting Local Operation Mode 31 3-11 Operating Arithmetic Functions 31 3-12 Selecting Trigger Mode 38

Section 4. Measurement Applications Examples

4-1 Introduction 41 4-2 Applications for Using Dual Display 41

4-2-1 Dual Display Operation Examples 42 4-3 Measuring Resistance 45 4-4 Measuring True RMS AC+DC 46

Section 5. Calibrating the Meter

5-1 Introduction 47 5-2 Environment Condition 47 5-3 Warm up 47 5-4 Recommended Test Equipment 48

Section 6. RS-232 Remote Operation

6-1 Introduction 49 6-2 RS-232 Interface Overview 49 6-3 RS-232 Interface Parameter Set up 49 6-4 Using Commands 51

6-4-1 Types of Commands 51 6-4-2 Command Syntax 52

6-5 Instructions of Command Sets 53

6-5-1 Key Commands 53 6-5-2 Set Commands 54 6-5-3 Query Commands 59

6-6 Remote Program Examples Using RS-232 interface 65

Section 7. GPIB Remote Operation

7-1 Introduction 71 7-2 Description of the GPIB 71 7-3 GPIB Interface Parameters Setup 71 7-4 Commands Summary 72

7-4-1 Overview of Command Type and Formats 72 7-4-2 Response Message Data Types 73 7-4-3 Status Reporting 73

7-5 Instructions of Command Sets 77

7-5-1 IEEE 488.2 Common Commands 77 7-5-2 SCPI Commands 79 7-5-3 SCPI Commands Summary 87

7-6 Remote Program Examples Using GPIB interface 89

Appendices

A. Specifications 93 B. Maintenance 101

Section 1

Introduction

1-1 Introducing the 50,000 Count Dual Display Multimeter

NOTE

1. This operation manual contains information and warning that must

be followed to ensure user operation safety and to retain the meter

safety condition.

Precaution!

TO ENSURE PERSONAL SAFETY AND TO AVOID DAMAGING THE

METER AND THE EQUIPMENT CONNECTED, READ “GETTING

STARTED” IN SECTION 2-2 BEFORE USING THE METER.

The meter is 50,000 count

bench-top, field service, and system applications with a high

performance/price ratio.

With the RS-232 computer interface (standard), the meter is fully

programmable for use on the RS-232 interface.

With the IEEE-488 computer interface (optional) installed, the meter is fully

programmable for use on IEEE-488.1 interface bus (1978). The meter is also

designed in compliance with supplemental standard IEEE-488.2 (1987).

Dual Display Multi-meter. The meter is designed for

1-2 Features

The main features provided by the meter are:

 50,000 Count Dual Display

 Vacuum-fluorescent Display (VFD)

 Low Cost and High Performances

 DCV, ACV, DCA, ACA, Frequency, Diode Continuity

 DCV Measurement to 1000V, ACV to 750V (Up 1200Vdc, 1000Vac are

measurable)

 AC/DC Current Measurements to 10A (Up to 20A is measurable in less

than 20 seconds).

 True RMS (AC, AC+DC), 30Hz to 100kHz Measurement Bandwidth.

 AC Current Measurement Bandwidth from 30Hz to 20kHz.

 Frequency Measurements Up to 500KHz, 0.01 Hz Resolution.

 Resistance Measurement Up to 50 M Ω, 10m Ω Resolutions.

 dBm measurement with variable reference impedance from 2 Ω to 8000Ω.

 Auto or Lock Ranging Relative Calculation.

 Auto or Lock Ranging Dynamic Recording (MIN/MAX) with elapsed

time.

 Compare (Hi/Lo/Pass) function for quick in-tolerance test.

 Percentage function transfers the measuring value to proportional

percentage (%) display.

 Fast Electronic and Closed-case calibration.

 Data Hold to freeze displayed value.

 Refresh Hold for difficult measuring place.

 External trigger a one-time measurement to get the result as your needs.

 RS 232 Interface.

 GPIB Interface (Option).

1-3 Options and Accessories

At the moment, one option is available for the meter, which option can be

installed at the factory and a field installable retrofit kit option is also

available:

 IEEE-488 interface (Optional) provides full programmability. There are

two types of programming commands: IEEE 488.2 Common Commands

and Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI). The

SCPI commands used in this device is conformance with the SCPI

Standard Version 1993.0.

Standard accessories come with the meter are:

 Power cord

 Protective holsters (Front and Rear)

 Operation Manual

 Test leads (Tip-type probe)

Available optional accessories are listed as below:

 Test leads (Lantern-type probe)

 Test leads (Tip-type probe)

 Insulation piercing clip

 RS-232 PC Link software and cable

 IEEE-488 Interface

 Rack-mount kit (used for single meter)

1-4 How to use this manual

This manual is designed to help the user to get a quick start. Though it is not

necessary to read the entire manual to operate the unit effectively, we recommend

the manual to be read thoroughly in order to use the meter to its full advantages.

First scan the Tables of contents to be familiar with the outline of the manual.

Then read “Getting Started” in Section 2-2. Refer to the appropriate section of the

manual as needed. The contents of each section are summarized below.

Section 1. Introduction

Introducing the general information of features, options, accessories, and

operation manual for the 50,000 count Dual Display Multi-meter.

Section 2. Getting Started

Introducing how to prepare the meter for operation and to start taking basic

front panel operations and measurements quickly.

Section 3. Operating the Meter from the Front Panel

Providing a complete description of each operation, which can be performed by

using the pushbuttons on the front panel. All related information for operations

and functions are grouped together.

Section 4. Measurement Application Examples

Describing how to use the meter in more advanced and sophisticated operations

and applications.

Section 5. Calibrating the Meter

Describing the basic information to calibrate the meter if necessary.

Section 6. RS-232 Remote Operation

Describing how to connect the meter to a terminal or a host computer and operate

the meter via RS-232 interface.

Section 7. GPIB Remote Operation (Option)

Describing how to connect the meter to a terminal or a host computer and operate

the meter via GPIB interface.

Appendices

Appendix A: Specifications Appendix B: Maintenance

1-5. SAFETY

This meter has been designed and tested according to EN61010-1 (IEC1010-1), Safety

Requirements for Electronic Measuring Apparatus. This manual contains information and

warns which must be followed to ensure safe operation and retain the meter in safe

condition. Use of this instrument in a manner not specified herein may impair the

protection provided by the equipment. Some common international electrical symbols used

in this manual are shown below Table:

Table 1-1. International Electrical Symbols

AC - Alternating Current

DC - Direct Current

AC and DC - Alternating and Direct Current

Ground

See Explanation In The Manual

Before using the meter, read the following safety information carefully. In this manual,

"WARNING", is reserved for conditions and actions that pose hazard(s) to the user; "CAUTION", is reserved for conditions and actions that may damage your meter.

WARNING

TO AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK OR OTHER INJURY:

 Be sure the meter is in good operating condition and avoid working alone.

 Follow all safety procedures for equipment being tested.

 Inspect the test leads for damaged insulation or exposed metal. Check test lead

continuity. Damaged leads should be replaced.

 This equipment operates from a power source that does not apply more than 250V

rms between the supply conductors or each supply conductor and ground. A

protective ground connection by way of the grounding conductor in the power cord is

essential for safe operation.

 This equipment is grounded through the grounding conductor of the power cord. To

avoid electrical shock, plug the power cord into a properly wired receptacle before

connecting to the equipment input or output terminals.

 To avoid explosion, do not operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.

 To avoid personal injury, do not remove the cover or panel. Refer servicing to

qualified personnel.

 Select the proper function for your measurement.

 To avoid electrical shock, use caution when working above 60V dc or 30V ac RMS.

 Disconnect the live test lead before disconnecting the common test lead.

 Disconnect the power and discharge high-voltage capacitors before testing in Ω and

diode.

 When making a current measurement, turn the circuit power off before connecting the

meter in the circuit.

 To avoid fire hazard, always use a specified fuse.

 Use clamp-on probes when measuring circuits exceeding 10 amps.

 When servicing the meter, use only the replacement parts specified.

 Do not allow meter to be used if it is damaged or if its safety is impaired.

 The meter is safety-certified in compliance with EN61010-1 and EN61010-2-31

(IEC1010-1 & IEC1010-2-31) Installation Category ΙΙI 600V and CAT II 1000V

Pollution Degree 2. In order to maintain its insulation properties, please be sure to use

with the standard or compatible test probes.

 CE requirement: Under the influence of R.F field according to standard, the supplied

test leads will pick up induced noise. To have better shielding effect, a short-twisted

lead should be used.

Getting Started

2-1 Introduction

Section 2 describes the front panel operational keys, displays, input

terminals and rear panel of the meter, adjusting handle, explains general

operating features.

2-2 Getting Started

 Unpacking and Inspecting the Meter

Carefully remove the meter from its shipping container and inspect it for

possible damage or missing items. If the meter is damaged or something

is missing, contact the place of purchase immediately. Save the container

and packing material in case user has to return the meter.

Section 2

 Front Panel

The front panel (shown in Figure 2-1) has three main elements: the input

terminals on the left, the primary/secondary displays, and the

pushbuttons. The pushbuttons are used to select major functions, ranging

operations, and function modifiers. These elements are described in

detail in Section 3.

mA Fuse

Receptacle

Front Panel

Protective Holster

Primary

Display

Secondary

Display

Power

Switch

POWER

Input

Terminals

Function

Buttons

Ranging

Buttons

Arithmetic

Buttons

Display

Selection

Shift

Button

Figure 2-1. Front Panel



Rear Panel

The rear panel (shown in Figure 2-2) contains a line fuse, the power-line

cord connector, an RS-232 interface connector, and a cutout for

IEEE-488 interface (optional) connector.

 Line Power

 Figure 2-2 illustrates the location of the Line Voltage Selector with

Fuse Holder housing. If user has already done so, plug the line cord

into the connector on the rear of the meter. The meter will operate at

any line voltage between 90Vac and 264Vac when “line voltage

selector” is set properly, and its frequency range is at 50/60Hz. For

operation safety, DO NOT APPLIES a line voltage that exceeds the

range specified to line cord connector on the rear panel of the meter.

Power-Line Cord Connector

IEEE-488 I/F Connector *

RS-232 Connector

Line Voltage Selector with

Fuse Holder Housing

Earth Ground Terminal Screw

16VA 50-60Hz

~LINE VOLTAGE

WARNING

FUSE

Line Voltage Fuse

Selection Table

*Available with IEEE-488 Interface Option only.

Otherwise covered with Plastic Decal.

GPIB

RS-232C

Real Panel

Protective Holster

Figure 2-2. Rear Panel

CAUTION!

BEFORE TURNING THE METER ON, MAKE SURE THE LINE VOLTAGE SELECTOR IS SET TO THE CORRECT POSITION FOR APPLIED LINE VOLTAGE TO THE POWER-LINE CORD CONNECTOR.

 The “line voltage selector” is settable for 100Vac, 120Vac, 220Vac,

and 240Vac line voltages.

 The correct fuse ratings: 250mA fuse for 100Vac or 120Vac is selected,

and 125mA fuse for 220Vac or 240Vac is selected.

 Case, Panels and Holsters

To avoid electric shock or injury, do not operate the meter without panels

or case in place.

The meter is provided with special designed anti-slippery protective

holsters on the front and rear panel sides (shown in Figure 2-1 and 2-2).

The holsters provide a protection to both front and rear panels of the meter

as well as its corners. User may stack up one meter on the top of the other

without concerning the slide off of the units (shown in Picture 2-1).

The holsters can be easily removed when install the rack-mounted ears to

the meter in order to mount the meter into a 19-inch standard rack. Refer

to Section 2-7 for Rack Mounting procedures.

Picture 2-1. Stack up the Meters with Holsters



Grounding the Meter

The meter is grounded through power cord. To avoid electric shock or

injury, grounding wire in the power line cord must be connected.

 Operating in Explosive Atmospheres

The meter does not provide explosion protection for explosive gasses or

arcing components. Do not operate the meter in such circumstances.

 Adjusting Handle

For bench-top use, the handle can be adjusted to provide three viewing

angles. For viewing positions, pull the ends out to a hard stop (about 1/4

inch on each side) and rotate it to one of four stop positions (shown in

Figure 2-3).

WARNING

Be sure to put the meter on a table before removing the handle.

To remove the handle, adjust it to the vertical stop position and pull the

ends all the way out.

1. Viewing Position 1

2. Carrying Position

3. Remove Handle Position

4. Viewing Position 2

5. Viewing Position 3

Figure 2-3. Adjusting Handle

2-3 Turning the Meter ON

To turn the meter on, press the

lower right of the front panel. When the meter is turned on, the primary and

secondary displays light for about 2 seconds while an internal self-test

running by its digital circuitry. If the

power-up sequence is in progress, all segments and annunciators of the entire

display remain on until another button is pressed. Then the power-up

sequence continues.

After the meter completing its power-up sequence, it resumes the power-up

measurement configuration stored in non-volatile memory. The power-up

default configuration status set at factory is shown in Table 3-2.

Power

button to “IN” position located on the

button is pressed while the

Hold

2-4 Selecting Current Input Terminals and Measurement Range

If current (dc or ac) is being measured in the Auto-ranging mode, with a

signal input on the 500mA terminal, the meter will select the range

500µA~500mA automatically.

If a signal input is applied to the 10A input terminal, the meter will select the

5A or 10A range automatically.

2-5 Using the Pushbuttons

The meter functions and operations can be selected by pressing the

pushbuttons on the front panel select.

A summary of pushbuttons is shown in Figure 2-4.

Pushbuttons can be used in three ways. User can:

 Press a single button to select a function or operation.

EXAMPLE:

(Press) to select AC voltage measurement for the primary display.

 Press a combination of buttons, one after the other.

EXAMPLE:

then followed by to select dBm calculation.

POWER

2 3 8 10 7 9 6 5 1

1. Power Switch 6. 2

Display Selection / Escape key

2. Measurement Function Selection 7. Local / Setup key

3. Range Selection 8. Dynamic Recording / Comparator

4. Calibration Mode Button 9. Arithmetic Function Selection

5. Shift / Enter key 10. Hold / Trigger key

Figure 2-4. Front Panel Pushbuttons

 Press multiple buttons simultaneously.

EXAMPLE:

and simultaneously to select True RMS AC volts and DC

volts (calculated) on the primary display.

More detail operations are described in Section 3.

2-6 Basic Measurement Examples

This section describes the basic measurement procedures via operations in

front panel. These procedures as follows provide the user who wants to get a

quick start, but does not want to read the entire manual thoroughly. But it is

still recommended to read this manual thoroughly in order to fully utilize all

advantages in the meter.



Voltage, Resistance or Frequency Measurements

Press the desired function button and connect the test leads as shown in

Figure 2-5 to measure voltage, resistance, or frequency. The meter will

select the appropriate range in the auto-range mode, and an annunciator

on the display will indicate measurement units.

NOTE

Excessive error may occur when making measurements with 10 to 100 µV resolutions after measuring high voltage up to 1000 volts dc. It requires two minutes before making low-level measurements.

 Current Measurements

To measure current, connect the test leads to mA input terminal or 10A

input terminal for measured current above 500mA as shown in Figure 2-6.

Be sure to turn off the power in the circuit to be measured before taking

connection.

Break the circuit on the groundside to minimize the common mode

voltage) to be measured, and place the meter in series at that point.

Turn on power to the circuit, and then read the display. The meter will

select the appropriate range automatically, and an annunciator on the

display will indicate the units of the measurement value shown.

Turn off power to the circuit and disconnect the meter from the tested

circuit.

NOTE

After making a high current measurement using the 10A input, thermal voltages are generated that may create errors when making high-resolution low-level dc measurements of volts, amps, or ohms. It requires ten minutes to allow the thermals to settle out before making low-level measurements in order to obtain the best accuracy.

Figure 2-5. Voltage, Resistance or Frequency Measurements

POWER

Figure 2-6. Current or Frequency Measurements

 VFD Bright ness Control

Press

and hold, then press or step by step to select the VFD

brightness to darker level (4 steps in this function and factory setting is set at

POWER

highest light level),

 Overload Alert

The meter has provided an overload alert for voltage and current measurements.

The beeper sounds tones periodically once the measuring value is exceeded the

value shown as below Table 2-1:

Table 2-1. Beeper Responses for overload Alert Points

Measuring Function Start Alerting Value

DC V >1000V AC V >750V DC + AC V >750V DC A >10A AC A >10A DC + AC A >10A

If the input values over above points, the beeper still sounds tones whatever the

beeper has been set to OFF state, or not.

 Diode Continuity Tests

Press

to select diode continuity function, then connect the test leads

across the diode under test as shown in Figure 2-7 (Reversing the polarity

will reverse-bias the diode).

The diode test measures the forward voltage of a semiconductor junction

at approximately 0.5mA. The beeper generates a single beep tone when

the input voltage drops below +0.7V (approximately 1.4kΩ) and generates

a continuous beep tone when the input voltage drops below +50mV

(approximately 100Ω).

Readings are displayed in the 2.3V range. “OL” is displayed for voltage

above 2.3V. If the diode continuity test is performed, readings are

displayed in 0.1mV resolution on the 2.3000V range.

WARNING!

To avoid damaging to the meter, do not apply a voltage

exceeding 500 V peak between the input terminals.

Figure 2-7. Diode Continuity Test

POWER

 Resistance/Continuity Tests

In Ohm test, press button momentarily to set continuity function ON. The sign will be lit and lock the range to 500 Ω. Then

connect the test leads and across the tested circuit as shown in Figure

2-8. While testing continuity, the beeper will sound if the resistance is

less than 10

Ω. For other ranges, the beeper will sound if the resistance

falls below the typical values indicated in Table 2-2.

Table 2-2. Beeper Responses in Continuity Test

Measuring range Beeper On

500.00 Ω <10 Ω

5.0000 kΩ <100 Ω

50.000 kΩ <1 kΩ

500.00 kΩ <10 kΩ

5.0000 MΩ <100 kΩ

50.000 MΩ <1 MΩ

WARNING!

To avoid damaging to the meter, do not apply a voltage

exceeding 500 V peak between the input terminals.

Figure 2-8. Ω/Continuity Test

POWER

2-7 Rack Mounting

User can mount the meter into a standard 19-inch rack using RK-01 (for

single meter) Rack Mount Kit. The front and rear protective holsters can be

removed when mount the meter into a rack.

To install RK-01 rack mount kit, refer to following procedures and Figure 2-9

or the instructions provided with it:

1. Adjusting the handle of the meter to its upward vertical stop position

(refer to Figure 2-3) and pull the ends all the way out.

2. Removing two protective holsters out of the front panel and rear panel of

the meter.

3. Installing the rack mount ears onto the left and right hand side of the

meter frame by using four screws provided with RK-01.

4. Paste two blind plates on the handle hole.

5. Mount the meter with RK-01 into the standard 19” rack.

Figure 2-9. Installing the Rack Mount Kit

Front Panel Operation

3-1 Introduction

This section provides a complete description of each operation that can be

performed by using the pushbuttons on the front panel.

All related information for operations and functions are grouped together.

3-2 Front Panel Operations

The following operations can be performed from the front panel:

 Select a measuring function (Vdc, Vac, Adc, Aac, resistance/continuity,

frequency, and diode continuity test) for the primary display.

 Base on primary display press to select the related function for

Section 3

secondary display.

 Take a measurement and display a reading.

 Select the manual or auto-range mode (AUTO)

 Manually select a measuring range for the primary display.

 Select function modifier that cause the meter to display relative readings

(REL), minimum or maximum values (MIN MAX) or decibels (dBm and

dB), or to enter the Data Hold mode or Refresh Hold (HOLD) to hold a

reading on the primary display.

 Set the dB reference impedance (REFΩ).

 Take a measurement and compare (COMP) it against a tolerance range

(Hi, Lo, or Pass).

 Take a measurement and percentage (%) display.

 Select the brightness for VFD display.

 Use the ”editor” to select from option list, to enter a HI-LO range for the

compare mode and percentage mode.

 Configure the computer interface (RS-232 or IEEE-488).

 Send measurement directly to a printer or terminal through the RS-232

interface (RS-232 print only mode)

These and other front panel operations are described in the remainder of

Section 3.

3-3 Primary and Secondary Displays

The meter is 50,000 count, Vacuum-Fluorescent dual display (VFD). This

display shows measuring readings, annunciator, and messages. The

annunciator indicates measuring units and the meter’s operating

configuration.

The dual display allows you to see two properties (e.g. Vac and frequency) of

the input signal you are measuring. The display contains two major parts,

primary display and secondary display (See figure 3-1).

The primary display contains of larger digits and annunciators and is located

on the left side of the dual display. Readings using the relative (REL),

minimum maximum (MIN MAX), data/refresh hold (HOLD), or decibels

(dBm) modifier can be shown on the primary display.

The secondary display contains of a set of smaller digits on the right side of

the dual display. To press

to turn the secondary display on and select

the related function with the primary display. Press cycling to turn the

secondary display off or Press

then followed by to turn off the

secondary display directly and all arithmetic functions will be disabled.

2 3 4 5 6 9 10

11 12 13

Primary Display Secondary Display

Primary Display indications: Secondary Display indications:

1. Auto range (AUTO)

2. Data/Refresh Hold mode (HOLD)

3. Dynamic recording (MIN MAX)

4. Relative mode (REL)

5. dBm indicator (dBm)

6. Diode/Continuity mode

7. Primary Numeric data display

8. 1

Measurement unit

9. 2nd Numeric data display

10. 2

11. Auto range (AUTO)

12. Remote state (REMOTE)

13. Compare function (COMP)

14. Shift mode (S)

15. Calibration mode (CAL)

16. Trigger mode

Measurement unit

Figure 3-1 Dual Display Illustrations

3-4 Input Terminals

The input terminals, shown in Figure 3-2 are located on the left side of the

front panel. The meter is protected against overloads up to the limits shown in

Table 3-1. Exceeding these limits poses a hazard to both the meter and

operator.



Input-High Terminal for V olts, Ohms, Hz, Diode/Continuity Measurements



500µA~500mA Range DC/AC Current Input

Terminal for DC/AC Current Measurement



Common T erminal (COM)



5A/10A Range Current Input Terminal for DC/AC Current Measurement



500µA/5mA/50mA/500mA Fuse & Holder

(1A/250V Fuse Fast)

Figure 3-2 Input Terminals

Table 3-1 Input Protection Limits

Function Input Terminal Maximum Allowable Input

Vdc to COM

Vac, Hz to COM

mA, Hz mA to COM 500mA dc or ac rms 10A, Hz 10A to COM

Ω

All functions Any terminal to earth 1000V dc or peak ac

(1)

In Vdc 1000V range, 1200Vdc is readable with audio warning

(2)

In Vac 750V range, 1000Vdc is readable with audio warning

(3)

10A dc or ac rms continuous, and >10A dc or ac rms for 20 seconds maximum

to COM 500V dc or ac rms to COM 500V dc or ac rms

1200V 750V

normal mode, or 1x10

10A

(1)

(2)

ac rms, 1100V peak, 2x107 V-Hz

(3)

dc or ac rms

V-Hz common mode

3.5 Initialization of Measurement Conditions

 Power up default configuration Status:

When turning the meter on, it assumes its power-up configuration. The

power-up configuration set at the factory is shown in Table 3-2.

As configuration data for IEEE-488 address, RS-232 baud rate, data bit,

stop bit, parity, echo and so on are stored in the non-volatile memory, they

are not changed when power is cycled off and on until the configurations

are changed by the user.

Table 3-2 Default configuration Status

Parameters Default Settings Function DCV Range Auto Range Remote/Local Local Data / Refresh Hold OFF Trigger Type Internal Compare mode HI: 10000(10000E+0)

OFF

Percentage (%) Relative mode OFF Dynamic Recording OFF Secondary Display mode OFF CAL mode OFF

3-6 Selecting A Measurement Function

LO: 00000(00000E+0)

Press a function button shown in Figure 3-3, to select a measuring function.

To select ac + dc total true RMS readings, press and or and

, simultaneously.

Press

toggling to turn the secondary display on and select the related

function.

The summary of ranges and scale values are shown in Table 3-3

POWER

1. Power Switch 6. 2nd Display Selection / Escape key

2 3 8 10 7 9 6 5 1

2. Measurement Function Selection 7. Local / Setup key

3. Range Selection 8. Dynamic Recording / Comparator

4. Calibration Mode Button 9. Arithmetic Function Selection

5. Shift / Enter key 10. Hold / Trigger key

Figure 3-3 Front Panel Pushbuttons

Table 3-3 Range Scale Value

Function Range Scale Auto Ranging

, +

, , + , , +

500mV, 5V, 50V, 500V, 1000V 500mV, 5V, 50V, 500V, 750V 500µA, 5mA, 50mA, 500mA • 5A, 10A

(3)

(1)

(2)

•

Hz 500Hz, 5kHz, 50kHz, 500kHz

(4)

Ω

Ω .

(1)

In Vdc 1000V range, 1200Vdc is readable with audio warning

(2)

In Vac 750V range, 1000Vdc is readable with audio warning

(3)

10A dc or ac rms continuous, and 20A dc or ac rms for 20 seconds maximum

(with audio warning)

(4)

In order to eliminate the noise interference, which might be induced to the test

leads, it is recommended to use a shielded test cable for measuring resistance above 500KΩ.

500, 5k, 50k, 500k, 5M, 50M Ω •

2.3V Fixed range 500, 5k, 50k, 500k, 5M, 50M Ω (Continuity Mode) •

More operations of selecting a measurement function are described below:



to select DC voltage measurement

•



to select AC voltage measurement

to select DC current measurement

to select AC current measurement

to select frequency measurement

to select Diode Continuity measurements

to select resistance or resistance Continuity measurements mode by

toggling

then to select dBm calculation

( and ) simultaneously to select DC+AC RMS volts calculation



( and ) simultaneously to select DC+AC RMS amps calculation

3-7 Selecting Measurement Range ( , and )

Ranging operations are performed by using the , and

buttons (see Figure 3-3).

Measuring ranges can be selected automatically by the meter in

“Auto-ranging” or manually operated by the user.

The range setting is synchronous for dual display for current or voltage

measurement. In auto ranging mode, the range setting for both the primary

and secondary display are corresponding to the higher range of two displays.

In manual ranging mode, the range setting for secondary display is following

to the range setting of primary display.

 Auto-Ranging

Press

to toggle in and out of manual ranging. When meter is in

auto-range mode, the AUTO annunciator is lit.

In auto-range, the meter selects the next higher range automatically

when a reading is greater than full scale. If no higher range is available,

‘OL’ (overload) will be displayed on primary or secondary display.

Likewise, the meter will automatically selects a lower range when a

reading is less than approximately 9.5% of the full scale.

That will be another way to set Auto-ranging for Current measurement.

You can press

then to toggle auto-ranging path for mA and

A terminals.

 Manual Range

Press

to toggle in and out of manual ranging. The range user is in

when user enters the manual range mode will become the selected range.

In manual range, the meter remains in the selected range regardless of

input.

Press

to back auto-ranging. The range setting is performed both

on readings shown in the primary display and secondary display.

 Selecting A Measuring Range

To manually select a range,

to toggle in (and out) of the manual ranging mode, or

or to select higher range or lower range directly.

In manual range mode,



or to select higher range or lower range to the desired one.

3-8 Selecting Secondary Display



To Enable the Secondary Display Mode

to turn the secondary display on and select the related

function with the primary display.



To Disable the Secondary Display Mode

cycling to turn off the secondary display ( see Table 3-4.

Descriptions for Combination of Dual Display) or

then followed by to disable the secondary display mode.

The display remains in Primary display mode.



Combination of Dual Display Settings

Table 3-4 provides the available combination of inputs for the primary

display and secondary display in the dual display mode.

Table 3-4 Descriptions for Combination of Dual Display

Primary Display

Secondary Display

Step1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step5

Vdc Hz Vac dBm Vac Hz Vdc dBm Vac + Vdc Hz Vac Vdc dBm dBm Vac Vdc Vac + Vdc Adc Hz Aac Aac Hz Adc Aac + Adc Hz Aac Adc

(1)

Hz COMP (Measuring Value) Percentage (%)

Vac/Aac Aac/Vac

(2)

HI, LO, PASS

X X

(2) (2)

(2)

(Measuring Value)

(1) a.

The Frequency reading is corresponding to the current or voltage input signal,

respectively.

(2)

b. The frequency measurement is always working on auto-ranging mode. The Buttons

of AUTO, UP and DOWN are used to select the range of measuring signal.

c. If the current measurement is set before selecting Hz function, the step1 will show

Aac first, else show Vac.

(2)

The secondary display is blanking and the next step is step1.

Note: In DCV/A dual ACV/A, ACV/A dual DCV/A, (AC+DC) V/A dual DCV/A, (AC+DC) V/A dual

ACV/A mode, the ranges setting of both the primary and secondary display are corresponding to the higher range of two displays (auto range mode), the ranges of secondary display are same as the primary display (manual range mode).

3-9 Entering Setup Mode

User may select computer interface, set RS-232 interface (standard) or

GPIB interface (option), and beeper mode on Setup Mode. To ensure the

remote interface will operate appropriately, user may need to configure

the remote interface parameters by following the procedures as shown

below:

then followed by to enter the

(refer Table 3-5)

setup mode

to configure the

remote interface parameters.

or to select RS232 in first tier menu if necessary.

to enter second tier menu. The original parameter is indicated in

primary display.

or to select the parameters of the menu item. The selecting

parameter will be flashing once it is different to original parameter.

to confirm your changes. The selected parameter is indicated in

primary display without flash.

to quit the second tier menu to first tier menu.

again to quit setup mode and save all parameters into non-volatile

memory then.

Table 3-5 describes the outline of the setup menu item and indicates the factory

settings and user selectable communication parameters for using RS-232 interface

(standard) and GPIB interface (option). Some menu items would not appear once

GPIB interface didn’t install.

Table 3-5. Descriptions for Outline of Setup Menu Item

First

Tier Menu

(1)

Remote

RS-232

GPIB

Second

Factory

Selectable Parameters

Tier Menu

RS-232 RS-232 or GPIB

Baud Rate 9600

Parity None None, Od d or Even

Data Bit 8 7 or 8

Stop Bit 1 1 or 2

ECHO OFF ON or OFF

Printer-Only OFF ON or OFF

Address 8 0 to 30

Talk OFF ON or OFF

Setting

9600, 4800, 2400, 1200,600, and 300

8000, 1200, 1000, 900,

Ref Ω 600Ω

Beep ON ON or OFF

Beeper

Frequency 4096Hz 4096, 2048, 1024, 8192Hz

Refresh Hold

(1)

These items will be appeared once GPIB interface is installed.

(2)

Variation count is used to recognize new value will be updated once the

variation of measuring value is exceeded the settling value.

State OFF ON or OFF

Variation Count

(2)

300 100, 200, ……, 1000

800, 600, 500, 300, 250, 150, 135, 125, 124, 110, 93, 75, 50, 16, 8, 4, 2 Ω

3-10 Selecting Local Operation Mode

to return the operation control priority from remote mode

(computer controlled) to local mode (user controlled).

3-11 Operating Arithmetic Functions

 Using dBm Modifier

The dBm measurement is used for decibel conversion of power per 1mW

consumption into a 600Ω load and can be applied to Vdc, Vac and

Vdc+Vac measurements only. Voltage measurement is converted to dBm

by using the following formula:

dBm = 10x log

then followed by to toggle in (and out) dBm modifier mode

The meter will displays the dBm modifier on the primary display and the

reference impedance will be indicated and flashed on the secondary

display within 3 seconds. The default value by factory is 600Ω.

In dBm modifier mode, press

impedance desired, the reference impedance will be indicated and flashed

on the secondary display within 3 seconds. The new setting value will be

kept until power off.

Any of the following 21 types of reference impedance may be selected:

8000Ω, 1200Ω, 1000Ω, 900Ω, 800Ω, 600Ω, 500Ω, 300Ω, 250Ω,

[1000 x (measuring value)2 /reference impedance]

and to select the different

150Ω, 135Ω, 125Ω, 124Ω, 110Ω, 93Ω, 75Ω, 50Ω, 16Ω, 8Ω, 4Ω, 2Ω

 Operation procedures:

then followed by to enter dBm calculation mode.

or to scroll to the desired impedance value shown as the following

operation example. The secondary display will indicate the measuring value

of voltage after finished impedance selection.

Operation Example:

•

 Using MIN.MAX Modifier for Dynamic Recording

“MIN MAX”

modifier enables the meter to store the minimum and

the maximum input signals measured and elapsed time the value recorded

since the

and

“MAX”

“MIN MAX”

are defined as follows:

modifier was selected. The definitions of

“MIN”

MIN: Minimum value of calculation results for measured signal MAX: Maximum value of calculation results for measured signal

“MAX”

modifier is selected, the display indicates the latest maximum

reading and elapsed time accordingly until next measurement reading exceeds

the previous recorded reading.

“MIN”

modifier is selected, the display indicates the latest minimum reading

and elapsed time accordingly until next measurement reading drops below the

previous recorded reading.

“MIN MAX”

mode is selected, the display indicates the actual value of input

signal. Selecting this modifier in auto range, it will record the value of MAX,

MIN for different ranges.

The elapsed time is recorded since the modifier has been selected. The

elapsed time is shown on the secondary display with

“HH.MM.SS”.

The HH is

0~19 hours, MM is 0~59 minutes and SS is 0~59 seconds.

Note: If the beep mode is set to “ON”, the beeper will emit a single tone when

an effective maximum or minimum value is recorded.



Operation Procedures

to enable

“MIN.MAX”

modifier.

The recording mode will rotate as the following sequences if keep

pressing the key: Min.Max  Max  Min  Min.Max

for more than one second to disable

“MIN MAX”

then followed by to turn off all modifiers.

 Operation Example

modifier.

 Selecting HOLD (Data /Refresh Hold) Modifier

Data Hold

The data hold function allows operators to freeze the displayed value. This feature

is useful when user wants to keep the measuring reading, user may press

freeze the primary display and then read the display reading without loosing the

reading.

Refresh Hold

You can select Refresh Hold to replace Data Hold at setup mode. The Refresh

Hold allows you to take measurement in dangerous or difficult measuring field

and you can’t look at the display. This function will update hold value with new

measuring value automatically, and sound a tone to remind user. The operation of

push button is same as the operations of Data hold.

Press to enter Refresh Hold mode. The present value will be held and the

“HOLD ” will be lit. It will be ready to hold new measuring value once the

variation of measuring value exceed the setting of variation count, and the

“HOLD ” will be flashed. The hold value will be updated until the measuring

value is stable, then stop flash and light “HOLD ” and sound a tone to remind

user.

For voltage and current measurements, the holding value will not be updated

when the reading below 500 counts. For resistance and diode measurements,

the holding value will not be updated if the reading at “OL” or open state. The

holding value may not be updated once the reading can’t reach stable state for

all measurements.



Operation Procedures

to enable Data Hold mode, and the annunciator HOLD will be

shown on the primary display.

again to disable Data Hold mode.

Note: The Data Hold mode can be used for other arithmetic functions such as

dBm, REL and Min / Max.

 Selecting REL (Relative) Modifier

The relative function subtracts a stored value from the primary display and

indicates the result. This function is used for primary display only.

Press momentarily to set the relative mode. This sets the display

to zero and stores the displayed reading as a reference value. The "REL"

will be lit also. Both ranges of auto or manual can set relative mode. The

relative mode can’t set when an overload has occurred. If the relative mode

is set in auto-ranging condition, enable the COMP or Percentage function

will clear the relative mode. You do need to set relative function again.

Press

again to exit the relative mode.

 Using COMP (Compare) Function

“COMP”

function compares the measurement inputs with the pre-set HI

and LO limits. The compare function calculation expression is based on

counts without decimal point.

HI: Measurement value > High (HI) limit value LO: Measurement value < Low (LO) limit va lue PASS: High limit value ≥ Measurement value ≥ Low limit value

When

“COMP”

shown in primary display and a comparison result

function is enabled, the actual measuring value will be

“HI”, “LO”

, or “

PASS”

will be shown in secondary display.

The beeper will sound three tones as the result is changed from “

“HI”

“LO”

, and one tone from

“HI”

“LO”

to “

PASS”

Notes:

1. The Compare function can be used with other arithmetic functions such as REL, MINMAX, and dBm modifiers

2. For frequency measurement, it will be locked to the range user is in when user

enters this mode will become the selected range.

 Operation Procedures

then followed by

to enable the

again to disable the

“COMP”

function.

“COMP”

function.

 Setting a Compare Limit / Percentage Value

Using the following procedure to set the HI and the LO limit values for

“COMP” / “Percentage”

then followed by to enter the HI limit setup mode.

function:

The HI limit will be shown in primary display.

, , or to change this value.

to store the HI limit value in counts.

then followed by and repeat the above steps to set and store

the LO limit value.

Note: 1. After set the Hi and/or the LO limits, the limits can be used for all ranges.

However, at different range, the HI and the LO limits represent different values according to their respective counts.

The RIGHT and LEFT button is used to select which digit will be adjusted.

Push the buttons to left shift or right shift five digits.

D5D4D3D2D1

D5D4D3D2D1

The UP and DOWN button is used to adjust the value, press UP or down

button to increase or decrease one count for each digit, respectively. For the

most significant digit (D5), its digital variation is shown as following:

-50000-40000… 0000010000…50000

Press UP button again to 60000, then the setting value will be

subtracted 50000 automatically.

-50000-40000…-1000000000…50000

Press DOWN button again to -60000, then the setting value will

be subtracted -50000 automatically.

For digits of D4 to D1, these digits can be adjusted from –9~9 by pressing

UP and down buttons. Once the value of D5 has been set to 5 or -5, any

adjustment to other digits will cause the setting value to subtract 50000 or

-50000 automatic, respectively.

Press SHIFT button to store the settling value and exit this mode. Once the settling

value is conflicted with other limits, the current settling will be replaced with LO

limit or HI limit, respectively. For example, to store HI limit of 30000 but LO limit

was 40000. The settling value will be replaced with LO limit of 40000, and the

beeper sounds three tones to alert user to set HI limit again. It doesn’t quit settling

mode in this situation.

 Using Percentage (%) Function

To transfer the measuring value with a proportional percentage (%) display.

For example, transfer the current of 4-20 mA to 0%~100% display for

transmitter. It is based on the settling value of HI and LO limits (same as

compare function) and according to following formula to calculate

Percentage (%)= [Measuring value – LO/(HI-LO)] x100%

If HI limit is equal to LO limit, the formula is change to as below:

Percentage (%)= [(Measuring value-HI)/HI] x100%

For example, transfer the current of 4-20 mA to 0%~100% display for

transmitter. You should set LO limit to 4,000 counts and HI limit to 20,000

counts and measure in the range of 50mA.

Press

then followed by to enter percentage function. The actual

measuring value will be shown in primary display and the secondary display

will indicate calculation result for percentage (%). An “OL” will be indicated

once over the maximum display of 999.99 %. This function will be used for

lock range. If select this function during auto-ranging, it will lock to existing

range. Press

then followed by to exit percentage function

Notes:

1. The Auto-ranging Relative mode or auto-ranging dynamic record will be closed when percentage function is set. For relative or dynamic record function should be selected again if necessary.

2. For frequency measurement, it will be locked to the range user is in when user enters this mode will become the selected range.

3-12 Selecting Trigger mode

This meter has two types of trigger mode. One is internal to continuous update

reading, and the other one is external control by bus or front panel. The default

trigger mode is internal after the power up.

The external trigger is used with delay settling has been set by meter automatically. The

amount of trigger delay varies depending on different function.

When external trigger is enabled, the meter determines the ranges for the primary

display based on the input at that time. The meter is then ready to begin measuring the

input on the optimum range as soon as the trigger is received. If the input changes so

that either display auto ranges after the trigger is received, the auto ranging response

times may be required before each measuring result is displayed.

The meter takes measurements when it is triggered to do so. The two trigger types

available on the meter fall into two basic categories:

 An "internal trigger" triggers measurements continuously.

 An "external trigger" triggers a measurement only at the direction of the user.

A measurement can be externally triggered in three ways:

1. Front panel by TRIG key.

2. RS-232 interface. Please refer to chapter 6 for TGS<n> and TGM<n>.

3. GPIB interface. Please refer to chapter 7 for related commands.

 Operation Procedures for Front Panel

To enable an external trigger and trigger a measurement from the front panel,

perform the following procedures:

1. Press then followed by to enter trigger mode and standby

condition. The annunicator of TRIG will be lit, and display is indicated

with “

2. Press

”.

to get a new value. After a measuring, then the result will be

indicated and held on display.

3. Press

4. Press

to get a new value again.

, or to select auto-ranging or manual range as

necessary.

5. Press other function keys to select what you want.

6. Press

then followed by to disable external trigger.

Notes

1. When external trigger is enabled, all the arithmetic functions will be disabled.

2. Press

then followed by may disable external trigger also.

3. The trigger mode will disable the secondary display except frequency

function in primary display.

(This page is subject to be blank)

Measurement Application Examples

4-1 Introduction

Section 4 describes some advanced features and applications that help the

user to operate the meter more effectively. The user must be familiar with the

basic measurement operations described in Section 2 and Section 3 and has a

basic understanding of electronics knowledge.

4-2 Applications for Using Dual Display

The dual display capability is one of the most useful features provided with

the meter. User may take the advantages to greatly enhance the test and

measurement capabilities.

Section 4

Some common combinations and applications of using dual display are

provided in Table 4-1.

Table 4-1. Typical Combinations and Applications for Using Dual Display

Primary

Secondary

Applications

Display

Vdc Vac

Vac+Vdc Vdc

Vac Hz Aac Hz Adc Aac

Aac+Adc Adc

dBm dBm Vdc dBm Vac

Display

Reference

• Testing DC to AC or AC to DC converter circuit

• Measuring DC level and AC ripple of power supply

• Measuring AC frequency response of amplifier circuit

• Adjusting AC motor control

• Measuring AC ripple and DC current of power supply

• Measuring current dissipation for power supply analysis

• Setting dB reference impedance and show dBm

Ω

• Indicating DC voltage and dBm

• Indicating AC voltage and dBm

4-2-1 Dual Display Operation Examples

This section will describe some practical operations of using dual display

features.

 Measuring DC voltage and AC ripple on a rectification circuit.

To display DC voltage in primary display, and AC voltage in secondary

display or vise versus while testing a rectifier circuit, user may check the DC

voltage supplied and its AC ripples by taking a single meter.

to select DC voltage measurement for primary display.

2. Connect the meter to the unit under test as shown below:

cycling to select AC voltage measurement for secondary display.

, or to select auto-ranging or manual range as

necessary.

POWER

Notes:

1. Press

2. Press

then followed by

may turn off secondary display directly.

to select the suitable range, if the DCV + AC ripple is over the

scale of present range.

3. Regarding secondary display function setting, please refer to Section 3-6.



Measuring AC and DC current on a rectification circuit.

To display AC current in primary display and DC current in secondary

display or vise versus while testing a rectifier circuit, user may check the

DC current component and its AC ripples by taking a single meter.

to select AC current measurement for primary display

2. Connect the meter to the unit under test as shown below:

POWER

WARNING!

1. Select a correct input terminal according to the input range to be used.

2. To avoid damaging the meter do not apply current exceeding specified range to input terminals of ” mA” or “A” (see the appendix A Specifications).

3. cycling to select DC current measurement for secondary display.

Notes:

1. Press

2. Regarding secondary display function setting, please refer to Section 3-6.

, or to select auto-ranging or manual range as

necessary.

then followed by may turn off secondary display.



Measuring AC voltage and frequency on an AC circuit.

To display AC voltage in primary display and the frequency in secondary

display or vise versus while measuring an AC signal, user may check AC

voltage and its frequency of an AC Power Supply or circuit by taking a

single meter.

to select AC voltage measurement function for primary display.

2. Connect the meter to the unit under test as shown below:

to select frequency measurement for secondary display.

, or to select auto-ranging or manual range for

primary display as necessary.

POWER

Notes:

Press

Regarding secondary display function setting, please refer to Section 3-6.

then followed by

may turn off secondary display directly.

4-3 Measuring Resistance

1. Connect a resistor under test to and

input terminals as shown

COM

below:

POWER

WARNING!

Do not apply a voltage exceeding 500 V peak between and COM input terminals.

to select Ω measurement.

, or to select auto-ranging or manual range for

primary display.

Note: When measuring low resistance, use “REL” modifier function to reduce the

measuring error created by the test leads resistance and contact resistance in

Ω

the test loop (0.1

~ 0.5Ω typical).

4-4 Measuring True RMS AC+DC

The meter can measure the true rms value of ac voltages and currents.

When

and or and are pressed simultaneously, the meter

will measure the dc and ac signals alternatively then calculate and display the ac+dc

rms value by using the following formula:

(AC+DC) RMS =

acdc +

Note: When voltage (ac+dc) measurement function is selected, the Vdc input impedance is

Ω

paralleled with an ac-coupled 1.1M

ac divider.



Measurement example:

To take a true rms voltage ac+dc measurement on an ac signal, assuming the input

ac is 0.1V

1kHz sine wave ac signal and with a dc offset voltage +4.5 volts, the

rms

meter will read and display the results approximately as:

≒ 4.5011 volts

1.05.4 +

5-1 Introduction

Section 5

Calibrating the Meter

CAUTION!

TO AVOID DAMAGING THE DEFAULT CALIBRATION DATA STORED IN A NON-VOLATILE MEMORY, A CALIBRATION TO THE METER CAN ONLY BE DONE BY AN AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER AND QUALIFIED PERSONNEL WITH APPROPRIA TE EQUIPMENT . THE WARRANTY WILL BE EXPIRED IF THE SEALED LABEL ON THE CAL BUTTON OF THE FRONT PANEL IS BROKEN. FORE DETAIL INFORMATION ABOUT CALIBRATION PROCEDURES, PLEASE CONTACT FACTORY OR AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR.

It is recommended to recalibrate and verify the meter at least once a year to

ensure it meets the original designed performance and specifications.

The meter is designed with closed-case calibration capability (no internal

adjustment). To enter calibration mode by pressing the CAL button located in

the hole on the upper right position of the front panel display screen.

The meter can be calibrated and verified by keystrokes via the front panel or

through RS-232 interface command with appropriate equipment and qualified

personnel only.

5-2 Environmental Condition

Calibration or verification test should be performed under laboratory

condition which ambient temperature/ relative humidity can be controlled.

5-3 Warm up

Allow up to at least 60 minutes warm-up time before performing calibration

or a verification test to the meter. After exposure or storage in a high humidity

(condensing) environment, 2 hours warm-up time is essentially required.

5-4 Recommended Test Equipment

The test equipment requirements listed in Table 5-1 or equivalents are

required to perform the calibration and performance verification test

procedures. Alternative equipment may be used as long as the accuracy is at

least as good as those listed.

Standard

Source

DC Voltage Calibrator

AC Voltage Calibrator

DC Current Calibrator

AC Current Calibrator

Resistance Calibrator

Audio Level Generator

Table 5-1 Standard Equipment Requirements

Operating

Range

Range, 0 to 1000VDC ≤ ± 0.002%

Range, 0 to 750V, 1kHz ≤ ± 0.03%

10mA to 100mA ≤ ± 0.01% 1A to 10A ≤ ± 0.03% 10mA to 1000mA, 1kHz ≤ ± 0.1%

1A to 10A, 1kHz ≤ ± 0.2 %

450Ω, 4.5kΩ, 45kΩ, 450kΩ, 4.5MΩ

30MΩ ≤ ± 0.05%

2V/4500Hz ≤ ± 0.005%

Accuracy Required

≤ ± 0.01%

Recommended

Equipment

Fluke 5520A or equivalent

Fluke5520A or equivalent

Fluke 5520A or equivalent

RS-232 Remote Operation

6-1 Introduction

Section 6 describes how to operate the meter via standard RS-232 interface. It also explains the detail information of all RS-232 interface command sets used in the meter. The remote control operation enables the user either to manually operate the meter via a terminal or executes a host computer program automatically.

6-2 RS-232 Interface Overview

The port serial contains of D-type 9-pin male connector on rear panel of the meter is used to communicate the meter with a host computer, or terminal via RS-232 standard interface. Figure 6-1 shows the RS-232 connecting diagram between the meter and a host computer.

Section 6

RS-232 interface is a serial binary data interchange, which operates from 300 to 9600 baud rate, and the distance between any two RS-232 interfaces can be extended up to 50 feet. RS-232 port of the meter is designed in full duplex, which makes the meter more reliable and efficient in data taking.

6-3 RS-232 Interface Parameters Set up

In order to operate the meter via a host computer or terminal, the parameters in RS-232 interface within the meter has to match the parameters in the serial interface provided by the host or terminal.

The following procedures will guide the user to set up RS-232 interface parameters within the meter to comply RS-232 interface with the host. The default settings of the meter at factory are 9600-baud rate, non-parity, 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit (9600, n, 8, 1).

Table 6-1 indicates the factory settings and user selectable communication parameters by using RS-232 interface.

Null Modem Cable Meter

RXD TXD

GND

Figure 6-1. RS-232 connecting diagrams between the meter and a PC

 Setup Procedures for RS-232 Parameter

DCD RXD TXD DTR GND DSR RTS CTS RI

User may select computer interface and set RS-232 interface on Setup Mode. To ensure the remote interface will operate appropriately,

user may

need to configure the remote interface parameters. Please refer to operation

procedures of Section 3-9 Entering Setup Mode.

Table 6-1. RS-232 Interface Parameters

Item Parameter Factory Setting Selectable Parameter

1 Baud Rate 9600

2 Parity None None, Odd or Even

3 Data Bit 8 7 or 8

4 Stop Bit 1 1 or 2

5 ECHO OFF ON or OFF

6 Printer-Only OFF ON or OFF

9600, 4800, 2400, 1200, 600,

and 300

50 51

6-4 Using Commands

Note: All RS-232 commands must be entered in the upper case.

6-4-1 Types of Commands

The RS-232 commands are grouped in three types: KEY commands, SET commands, and QUERY commands.

 Key Commands

There are 16 pushbutton keys on the front panel of the meter. User may use the Key commands <K1> to <K16> for directly simulating a single keystroke by pressing on the front panel push button via RS-232 interface. User may also use other Key commands <K17> to <K20> for simulating combination keystroke functions (see complete Key commands description on Table 6-3). For example, user may use the following command sets to select the meter at Vdc 500V measuring range.

Step Command Equivalent Keystroke Response

1 <K1> Select Vdc function

2 <K9> Select one range up

3 <K9> Select one more range up

4 <K9> Select one more range up

5 <K9> Select one more range up at 1000Vdc

6 <K10> Select one range down to 500Vdc

This above operations will be more complicated and time consuming, but it would be convenient for special applications and make a virtual instrument application easier.

Please refer to Section 6-5-1 for detail information about Key Commands.

 Set Commands

Unlike Key commends, Set command controls the meter operations through a string of commands. For example, to set the meter at Vdc 500V range, user may only need one command string <S104>: <S> for setting, <1> for primary display, <0> for Vdc function, <4> for 500V range.

Please refer to Section 6-5-2 for detail information about Set Commands.



Query Commands

The purpose of Query commands is used for requesting the meter to respond its current status. An example of a query command <R1> is used for requesting the meter to respond its primary display characters. Please refer to Section 6-5-3 for detail information about Query Commands.

6-4-2 Command Syntax

 Echo

With echo ON, the meter echoes (returns) all the characters whatever it receives.

 Terminator

A terminator is a character sent by a host, which identifies the end of a command string. A valid terminator consists of two-byte data:

<CR> (Carriage Return) and <LF> (Line Feed)

 Prompts

When a host sends a command string to the meter through RS-232 interface, the meter executes the command and returns one of the prompts as shown on T able 6-2.

Table 6-2. RS-232 Return Prompts

Prompts Description

﹡

= > A command is executed and no errors are detected.

! > A command error is detected.

? > A parameter error is detected.

# > The local key is pressed.

S > The set up function is under executing.

@ > No numeric reading is available.

W> When the setting value HI<LO or LO>HI.

E> Execution error, or disallow to execute. For example, the

The meter is reset to power-up initialisation status.

K13 will not be allowed after LLO.

 Return result

After the meter executes a query command the return of the result will be in the following format:

If RS-232 of the meter is under print-only mode, the meter will print out the measured data when the measurement cycle is completed. The format of printed data will be shown as one of the following:

1. <Measurement Data> + <CR> <LF>

for only primary display mode is enabled, or

2. <Measurement Data #1>, <Measurement Data #2> + <CR> <LF>

for both primary display and secondary display mode are enabled

6-5 Instructions of Command Sets

6-5-1 Key Commands

Table 6-3. Descriptions for Key Commands

Command Equivalent Keystroke on the front panel

K10

K11

K12

K13 *1

K14

K15

K16

Press Vdc key

Press Adc key

Press Vac key

Press Aac key

Press Ω key

Press Diode key

Press Hz key

Press AUTO key

Press △ key

Press ▽ key

Press MinMax key

Press Hold key

Press Local key

Press REL key

Press Shift key

Press 2nd key.

K17

K18

K19

K20

Note: The K13 will be disabled after LLO command. For K15 then K13, it is always disabled.

Press Vdc and Vac keys simultaneously

Press Adc and Aac keys simultaneously

Press Shift and △ keys on the front panel.

(Increasing the intensity of VFD display)

Press Shift and ▽ keys on the front panel.

(Decreasing the intensity of VFD display)

6-5-2 Set Commands

 S1 command

The S1 command is used to set up the measurement functions, ranges, and reading rates for the primary display in the meter. The S1 command is followed by two parameters <f> and <r> in order. All characters for the <f> and <r> parameters must be in the upper case. For detail information of using the S1 command, see Table 6-4 and Table 6-6.

Table 6-4. Descriptions for S1 Command

Syntax Description

<f><r>

In S1 command,

display measurements:

for specifying measuring functions,

<f>

is a necessary parameter for specifying the measuring functions.

<f>

parameter is defined by a numeric value from “0” to “9” and

<f>

character “A” and “B”.

is an optional parameter for specifying measurement range.

<r>

parameter is defined by a numeric value from “0” to “6”. If

parameter is omitted, the value is assumed to “0”.

Table 6-6 shows all available S1 command parameters and available

combinations.

Example 1: “S142”

Set primary display to DCA 5mA with manual range.

Example 2: “S17” (

Set primary display to frequency with auto ranging.

<f>

and

parameters are used to set up the primary

<r>

for specifying ranges.

<r>

is omitted)

<r>

Table 6-5. Descriptions for S2 Command

Command Description

S2<f><r>

In S2 command,

measurements:

for specifying measuring functions with auto-ranging.

<f>

It is used only to select sensitivity range for AC voltage or current

<r>

measurement once the primary display is frequency measurement.

If the primary display is DCV, ACV, DCA or ACA, the command for

secondary display should be <0> or skip <r>. Otherwise, the

secondary display will be set to auto-ranging mode and return “?>”.

is a necessary parameter for specifying the measuring functions.

<f>

parameter is defined by a numeric value from “0” to “9” and

<f>

character “A” and “B”.

Because the secondary display can only display DCV, ACV, DCA, ACA,

dBm and Frequency (Hz) functions, therefore, the available parameters

are “0”, “1”, “4”, “5”, “7” and “B”.

Table 6-6 shows all available S2 command parameters and available

combinations.

parameters is used to set up the secondary display

<f>

Example 1: “S24”

Set secondary display to DCA.

Example 2: “S212”

1. Set secondary display to ACV 5V, if primary display is Hz

measurement.

Table 6-6 S1, S2 Commands and <f>, <r> Parameters

Parameter

Function

Vdc 0

Vac 1

Ω 2 N/A

Adc 4

Aac 5

S1 S2

<f>

(1)

<r>

0 1 2 3 4 5

0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Auto range 500mV 5V 50V 500V 1000V

Auto range 500mV 5V 50V 500V 750V Auto range 500Ω 5kΩ 50kΩ 500kΩ 5MΩ 50MΩ

Auto range 500μA 5mA 50mA 500mA 5A 10A

Range

Diode 6 N/A

(1)

Hz 7

V (ac+dc) 8 N/A

A (ac+dc) 9 N/A

Ω Continuity

A N/A

(1)

0 1

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4 5

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

2.3V

Auto range

Auto range 500mV 5V 50V 500V 750V

Auto range 500μA 5mA 50mA 500mA 5A 10A

500Ω 500Ω 5kΩ 50kΩ 500kΩ 5MΩ 50MΩ

dBm B 0 -105.56~59.72

(1)

Not Applicable

Table 6-7. Descriptions for SHL Command

Syntax Description

SHL<m><s><nnnnn>

Example 1: “SHL1+10234”

Range High limit to be

1000.0 V +1023.4V

500.00V +102.34V

50.000V +10.234 V

Example 2: “SHL0-09876”

Range Low limit to be

1000.0 V - 0987.6V

500.00V - 098.76V

SHL command is used to set high or low limit in counts for

compare function.

<m>

numeric number “0” is to set low limit, “1” is to set high limit.

is a sign symbol for the limit, can be set as “+” or “-“.

<s>

nnnnn

is a necessary parameter for specifying the high or low limit.

> is a five-digit decimal number from “00000” to “50000”.

50.000V - 09.876 V

Table 6-8. Descriptions for SO Command

Syntax Description

SO<nn>

<nn>

Example: Command string “SO15” to set reference impedance at 600Ω.

nn Impedance nn Impedance nn Impedance

command is used to select the reference impedance for dBm

<nn>

calculation.

is a two-digit decimal numeric number from “00” to “20”,

representing 21 different types of reference impedance.

00 2Ω 07 110Ω 14 500Ω 01 4Ω 08 124Ω 15 600Ω 02 8Ω 09 125Ω 16 800Ω 03 16Ω 10 135Ω 17 900Ω 04 50Ω 11 150Ω 18 1000Ω 05 75Ω 12 250Ω 19 1200Ω

93Ω 13 300Ω 20 8000Ω

6-5-3 Query Commands

 R0 command

R0 command is used for requesting the meter to return its current status. The meter will then respond the following 11-digit character st ring to the host after receiving the R0 command: <h

><g1g2><v><s1s2><f1><r1><f2><r2>

1h2

For detail information of using R0 command, please refer to Table 6-9 and Table 6-10.

Table 6-9. Descriptions for R0 Command and Response

Syntax Response Description

R0 command is used to read the status of the meter.

The meter will respond the following character string:

><g1g2><v><s1s2><f1><r1><f2><r2>

1h2

Response Description

<h1h2>

<h <h

is a two-digit hex number; each digit contains 4-bit binary codes

(Bit 7-4 and Bit 3-0 respectively) to represent eight types of status

about the meter.

> and <

represents the ON/OFF status for other three types of arithmetic

> representations are described as follows.

function.

indicates the results of compare (COMP) function and whether the

meter is operating in a dual display mode;

Example: If <h

> contains a character string “82”, convert it to an 8-bit

1h2

binary format “10000010” that means the meter is in Single display

mode, compare function is ON, and the result of compare is Pass.

<h1h2>

Bit Status 0 1

7 Compare mode off on

6 Relative mode off on

<h1>

5 Always 0

4 dBm mode off on

3 Display Mode Single Dual

2 x Hi

1 x Pass

Compare Result

x Lo

Table 6-9. Descriptions for R0 Command and Response (cont’d)

Response Description

<g1g2>

is a two-digit hex number; each digit contains 4-bit binary codes (Bit

7-4 and Bit 3-0) respectively to represent eight types of status about the

meter.

indicates the status for four types of meter operation;

indicates the ON/OFF status for other four types of meter operation,

Example: If

1h2

> contains

a character string “18”, convert it to an 8-bit

binary code “00011000” that means the meter is under Auto-ranging for

Primary Display (1

<g1g2>

Bit

Auto-Ranging) and the reading is on hold.

Status

0 1

7 CAL Mode off on

6 Always 0

<g1>

5 Shift Key off on

4 Hold Reading off on

3 1st Auto-Ranging off on

2 2nd Auto-Ranging off on

1 MIN Recording off on

0 MAX Recording off on

is a single numeric numbers “0” to “3” used for representing the

<v>

intensity level of VFD display on the meter.

Intensity Level 0 1 2 3

Table 6-9. Descriptions for R0 Command and Response (cont’d)

<s1s2>

is a two-digit hex number; each digit contains 4-bit binary codes (Bit

7-4 and Bit 3-0) respectively to represent eight types of status about the

meter. For earlier than “v 1.20” which can be read by RV command, the

is presented with 8-bit binary codes instead of two characters.

1s2

indicates the status whether HI or LOW value for compare function is

under setting or not. The bits 7 and 6 are used to indicate AC or DC

dBm measurement, respectively. Both of bits 7 and 6 will be enabled

for AC+DC dBm measurement. There are available on “v 1.20” or later,

the version can be read by RV command.

indicates the status for other functions of meter operation,

Example: If <s

> contains a character string “08”, convert it to an 8-bit

1s2

binary code “00001000” that means the meter is under TRIG mode.

<s1s2>

<s1>

Bit

Status

0 1

Always 0

•

and

4 HI/LO Setting Disable Enable

3 TRIG

2 Buzzer off on

Disable Enable

1 R_HOLD Data Hold Refresh Hold 0 % Disable Enable

> indicates the measurement function in primary display. It contains

numeric value from “0” to “9” and character “A”.

<r1> is primary display measurement range The value is from “1” to “6”.

Please refer to Table 6-10 for an available value.

> and <r2> are similar to <f1> and <r1> but representing the secondary

display status instead. If the meter is operated under single display

mode, <f

For detail information of interpreting the < f

> and <r2> will not be returned.

><r1> and <f2><r2>, please refer

to Table 6-11.

Table 6-10 <f1><r1> and <f2><r2> Response for R0 Command

Function

Vdc 0

Vac 1

Ω 2 N/A

(1)

Adc 4

Aac 5

> or <

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5 6

Range

500mV 5V 50V 500V 1000V

500mV 5V 50V 500V 750V

500Ω 5kΩ 50kΩ 500kΩ 5MΩ 50MΩ

500μA 5mA 50mA 500mA 5A 10A

Diode 6 N/A

(1)

Hz 7

V (ac+dc) 8 N/A

A (ac+dc) 9 N/A

Ω Continuity

A N/A

(1)

1 2.3V

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5 6

500Hz 5kHz 50kHz 500kHz

500mV 5V 50V 500V 750V

500μA 5mA 50mA 500mA 5A 10A

500Ω 5kΩ 50kΩ 500kΩ 5MΩ 50MΩ

dBm B 1 -105.56~59.72

(1)

Not Applicable



R1 command

After executing R1 command, the meter will return the existing readings of primary display. For example, a returned character string “+10.234E+0” represents the primary display reading is “+10.234”.

 R2 command

After executing R2 command, the meter will return the existing readings of secondary display. For example, a returned character string “-3.0000E+0” representing the secondary display reading is “–3.0000”. If the meter is operating under primary display mode, it will return a character “@>”.

 R12 command

R12 is combined with R1 and R2 command. Please refer to accordingly.

 RALL command

RALL command is a combination of R0, R1 and R2. The meter will return the meter status, primary display readings and secondary display readings in sequence. For information regarding R0, R1 and R2, please see Table 6-9 and Table 6-10.

 RST command

RST command can reset the meter to its power up initialization status without shutting down the line power. It is useful to refresh the meter in warm-start. Recommend waiting 4 seconds to run the next command.

 RV command

RV command is used to read the firmware version and model type of the meter. The syntax of returned character string is specified by <v x.xx>, <m>. It contains two parts of character string separated by a comma (,) in between.

<v x.xx> represents the current firmware version, and <m> represents the model name “3”

For example, the returned string of “v1.00, 3” represents Model 3 installed with firmware version “v1.00”.

 TGS command

TGS<n> command is used to enable external trigger. TGS<1> and TGS<0> is used to enable and disable external trigger, respectively.

 TGM command

TGM<n> command is a BUS trigger. The command of TGM<1> is used to get measuring value from meter. See the Table 6-11 for the syntax of returned character string. If the secondary display is available, the value will be returned after primary display. TGM<0> is measuring only without return the value.

Table 6-11. The syntax of returned character string

Function Range Return Value

DC Voltage

AC / AC+DC

Voltage

DC / AC /

AC+DC

Current

500mV

50V

500V

1000V

±500.00E-3 ±5.0000E+0 ±50.000E+0 ±500.00E+0 ±1000.0E+0

500mV +500.00E-3

5V +5.0000E+0

50V +50.000E+0 500V +500.00E+0 750V +0750.0E+0

500μA

5mA

50mA

500mA

10A

±500.00E-6 ±5.0000E-3 ±50.000E-3

±500.00E-3 ±5.0000E+0 ±10.000E+0

500Ω

5KΩ

50KΩ

+500.00E+0 +5.0000E+3 +50.000E+3

Resistance

500KΩ

5MΩ

50MΩ

+500.00E+3 +5.0000E+6

+50.000E+6

500Hz +500.00E+0

5KHz +5.0000E+3

Frequency

50KHz +50.000E+3

500KHz +500.00E+3

Note: The return string of ±9E+9 means overload condition.

 LLO command

LLO command is used to lock local key operation. The K13 will not been used after this command.

 GTL command

GTL command is used to exit remote state and go to local. The K13 will be available then.

 BON command

BON command is caused the meter to sound one tone.

6-6 Remote Program Examples using RS-232 interface



Example Using Quick BASIC

DECLARE FUNCTION TKDATA! () DECLARE SUB TKECHO ()

'DEMO.BAS - This program set the meter to r ecord Vdc measurement on the primary display ' - and Vac measurement on the secondary display. ' - The results will also be printed on the computer screen. ' - Runs on MS-DOS QBasic 1.1,Microsoft Quick BASIC 4.5 'Notice: - When use this program, the RS-232 of the meter should be set the following ' - parameters. ' - 1. BAUD 9600 ' - 2. DATA 8 BIT ' - 3. PRITY NONE ' - 4. STOP 1BIT ' - 5. ECHO OFF ' - 6. PRINT OFF ' - This program uses COM1 to communicate with the meter. ' - Version 1.2 (Modified By CC Tung. May31, 2002)

OPEN "COM1:9600,N,8,1,CD,CS,DS" FOR RANDOM AS #1

'Open COM1 for communication. 9600 baud, no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, ignore Data Carrier Detect (DCD), 'Clear To Send (CTS), and Data Set Ready (DSR) signals

CMD$ = "RST" 'Reset the meter. PRINT #1, CMD$ 'Send command to the meter.

TKECHO 'Waiting "=>" and checking if the command is executed successfully. TKECHO 'Waiting "*>" to make sure the meter is in power on initial state.

CMD$ = "S101" 'Set pr imary display to Vdc function, mV range. PRINT #1, CMD$ 'Send command to the meter.

TKECHO 'Waiting "=>" and checking if the command is executed successfully.

CMD$ = "S21" 'Set secondary display to Vac function, the range will same as primary. PRINT #1, CMD$ 'Send command to the meter.

TKECHO 'Waiting "=>" and checking if the command is executed successfully.

SLEEP 3 'Wait for 3 sec.

CMD$ = "R1" 'Read primary display reading PRINT #1, CMD$ 'Send command to the meter.

PRINT TKDA TA; "V,"; 'Print the value on computer screen. TKECHO 'Waiting "=>" and checking if the command is executed successfully.

CMD$ = "R2" 'Read secondary display reading PRINT #1, CMD$ 'Send command to the meter.

PRINT TKDA TA; "V" 'Print the value on computer screen. TKECHO 'Waiting "=>" and checking if the command is executed successfully. CLOSE #1 'Release COM1. END 'End of the program.

FUNCTION TKDA TA LINE INPUT #1, RD$ 'Read COM1. TKDATA = VAL(RD$) 'Convert a string to numeric value and return

'the value to main program.

END FUNCTION

SUB TKECHO LINE INPUT #1, PROMPT$ 'Get a string from COM1. Check if

'PROMPT$=<LF>+"=>"

PROMPT$ = RIGHT$(PROMPT$, 2) 'Discard <LF>

IF PROMPT$ <> "=>" AND PROMPT$ <> "*>" THEN 'If not successful then ...

LOCATE 24, 1 'Set the printing position to Line 24, column 1 PRINT "COMMAND EXECUTE ERROR !" 'Print error message.

END IF END SUB



Example Program Using Turbo C

#include <stdio.h> #include <conio.h> #define COM1 0x3f8 #define COM2 0x2f8 #define COM3 0x3e8 #define COM4 0x2e8 #define RS232 COM1

void init_rs232(void); void send(char); char read(void); void send_buffer(char*); void tkecho(char*); char* tkdata(char*); int scan_key(void); int err;

void main(void) { char buffer[35];

clrscr(); //Clear screen init_rs232(); //Initial RS232 interface

printf("Initial RS232....\n"); //Print "Initial RS232....”on screen

send_buffer("RST\015\n"); //Send “RST” to meter. tkecho("=>\015\n"); //'Waiting "=>" and checking if the command is executed successfully.

tkecho("*>\015\n") //Waiting "*>" to make sure the meter is in power on initial state. send_buffer("S101\015\n"); //Send “S101” to meter.

tkecho("=>\015\n"); //'Waiting "=>" and checking if the command is executed successfully.

send_buffer("S21\015\n") //Send “S21” to meter.

tkecho("=>\015\n"); //'Waiting "=>" and checking if the command is executed successfully.

sleep(3); // Wait for 3 seconds.

send_buffer("R1\015\n"); //Send “R1” to meter. Read primary display reading.

printf("%s",tkdata(buffer)); //Print primary display reading on computer screen. tkecho("=>\015\n"); //'Waiting "=>" and checking if the command is executed successfully.

send_buffer("R2\015\n"); //Send “R2” to meter. Read primary reading.

printf ("%s",tkdata(buffer)); //Print secondary display reading on computer screen.

tkecho("=>\015\n"); //'Waiting "=>" and checking if the command is executed successfully. printf("Press any key to continue");

getch(); //Wait for a key. }

void init_rs232(void) { outportb(RS232+3,0x80); //Enable DLAB outportb(RS232+1,0x00); //600bps-115200bps outportb(RS232,0x0c); //9600bps outportb(RS232+3,0x03); //LCR (8N1) outportb(RS232+4,0x03); //MCR outportb(RS232+1,0x00); //IER }

void send_buffer(char *buf fe r //Send a string to RS-232 { unsigned int i; for (i=0;i<=20;i++) { send(buffer[i]); putchar(buffer[i]); if (buffer[i]=='\n') break; } }

void tkecho(char *buffer) //Wait for a specific string { unsigned int i=0; while (1) { if(buffer[i]==read()) { putchar(buffer[i]); if (buffer[i]=='\n') break; i++; } } }

char* tkdata(char* buffer) //Get a string from RS232 an d return the decimal point position. { unsigned int i=0;

while (1) { buffer[i]=read();

if (((i>0)&&(buffer[i]=='\n'))||(i>30)) break;

if((buffer[i]>33)&&(buffer[i]<126)) i++; }

buffer[++i]=0; return buffer; }

void send(char p) { unsigned int retry=0;

err=1; while(++retry<10000) if(0x20&inportb(RS232+5)) { outportb(RS232,p); err=0; break; } }

char read(void) { unsigned int retry=0; err=1; while(++retry<30000) if(0x01&inportb(RS232+5)) { err=0; break; } return(inportb(RS232)); }

GPIB Remote Operation (Option)

7-1 Introduction

This section describes how to operate the meter via GPIB interface. It also explains the detail information of all IEEE 488.2 command sets and Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI) used in the meter. The remote control operation enables the user either to manually operate the meter via a terminal or executes a host computer program automatically. The IEEE-488 interface function subsets of the meter support SH1 (Source Handshake), AH1 (Acceptor Handshake), T5 (Talker), L4 (Listener), SR1 (Service Request), RL1 (Remote/Local), DT1 (Device Trigger) and DC1 (Device Clear).

Section 7

7-2 Description of the GPIB

The GPIB is a bus structure that links the meter to desktop computers and others GPIB controlled instruments to form an automated measuring system. GPIB can connect up to 15 devices on one contiguous bus, star or linear bus network. Total transmission path length is 2 meters multiplies number of devices, whichever is less, with a maximum of 3 meters separating any two devices. Asynchronous 8 bits parallel data transfer using a 3-wire handshake.

One megabyte per second (maximum) over limited distances; actual data rate depends upon the capability of the slowest device involved in the transmission.

7-3 GPIB Interface Parameters Setup

With the optional GPIB (IEEE-488) interface installed, the meter is fully programmable for used on the IEEE-488.1 interface bus (1978). The meter is also designed to comply with the supplemental standard IEEE-488.2 (1987).

In order to operate the meter via a host computer or terminal, the parameters in GPIB interface within the meter has to match the parameters in the bus interface provided by the host or terminal.

The following procedures will guide you to set up GPIB interface parameters within the meter to comply GPIB interface with the host. The default settings of the meter at factory are address 8 and talk off.

Table 7-1 indicates the GPIB interface factory settings and user selectable communication parameters.

Table 7-1. GPIB Interface Parameters

Item Parameter Factory Setting Selectable Parameter

1 Address 8 0 to 30

2 Talk OFF ON or OFF

The remote state indication of the meter will be flashing on setting to GPIB Talk ON. The meter auto-asserts the SRQ control line on the GPIB for generating a new reading each second, and reminds another GPIB device to read the newest data. Because the function of GPIB Talk only sends reading data to another GPIB device, the meter doesn’t accept any IEEE 488.2 and SCPI commands.

7-4 Commands Summary

7-4-1 Overview of Command Type and Format

All commands must be entered in the upper case. There are two types of the meter

programming commands: IEEE 488.2 common commands and Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI). The SCPI commands used in the meter are in conformance with the SCPI standard Version 1993.0.

 Common Command Format

The IEEE 488.2 standard defines the common commands as commands that

perform functions like reset, self-test and status byte query. Common commands always come with the asterisk “*” character, and may include parameters. Some examples of Common command like: *IDN?, *RST, *CLS, *SRE?.

 SCPI Command Format and Query Format

The SCPI commands control instrument functions. A subsystem command has a

hierarchical structure that usually consists of a top-level (or root) keyword, one or more lower level keywords, and parameters. The following example shows a command and its associated query:

A. CONFigure:VOLTage:DC 0.5 ;

B. CONFigure:RANGe?

; Return the range of the primary display

Set the primary display to the DC voltage

measurement , and select the 500mV range.

measurement.

CONFigure is a root level keyword with the second level keyword, VOLTage,

and 0.5 is the command parameter. The query command ends with a question mark “?”.

Note:

some instrument measurements, it principally dealt with common commands and syntax or data formats. Please refer to the IEEE488.2 and SCPI reference manual for more information.

SCPI stems from IEEE488.1 and IEEE 488.2. Although the IEEE 488.2 standard addressed

7-4-2 Data Types of Responding Message

Responding message is the data from the meter in response to a query. A query is a command followed by a question mark. Table 7-2 is explanation for data types.

Table 7-2. Data Types of Responding Message

Data Type Explanation Example

+10000, -10000,

<NR1> An integer

123, -100

This numeric representation has an explicit radix

+13.234, -.00002,

<NR2>

point. This representation has an explicit radix point and

3.4567 +1.2E+2, +0.1E+0,

<NR3>

an exponent.

-0.12E-3, 9E+9

<Numeric value> Accepts <NR1>, <NR2> and <NR3> data types.

Flexible numeric representation

<NRf>

100, 255, 16

(Only positive integers). Single ASCII-encoded byte, is return for the settings

0 or 1,OFF or ON

query. ASCII-encoded bytes corresponding to the short

DCV, ACA

form of the literal used as the command parameter.

7-4-3 Status Reporting

The meter status registers conform to the SCPI and IEEE-488.2 standards.

Service Requests (IEEE-488 Only and Status Registers)

Service requests let a meter on the IEEE-488 bus get the attention of the host.

Service requests are sent over the service request (SRQ) bus line.

If more than one instrument on the bus is capable of sending service requests, the host can decide which instrument made the request by taking a "serial poll." Each instrument on the bus responds to the poll by sending the contents of its Status Byte Register.

If an instrument on the bus has made a service request, the request service bit (RQS, bit 6) of its Status Byte Register will be set to 1, identifying it as an

instrument that requested service. The contents of the Status Byte Register (STB) is decided by the Service Request Enable Register (SRE), Event Status Register (ESR), Event Status Enable Register (ESE) and the output buffer. These status registers are discussed below

and summarized in following Table. Figure 7-1 shows

the relationship of these registers.

Status Byte

Service Request Enable

Event Status

Event Status Enable

*STB? NONE SRE *SRE? *SRE NONE *ESR? NONE ESE *ESE? *ESE NONE

Note:

Figure 7-1. IEEE 488.2 Standard Status Structures

The buffer size of the Output Queue is just one.

74 75

 Status Byte Register (STB)

Bit7 Bit6 Bit5 Bit4 Bit3 Bit2 Bit1 Bit0

0 RQS/ MSS ESB MAV 0 0 0 0

Bit 0 ~ 3:

Bit 4:

Bit 5:

Bit 6:

Not used.

MAV- Message Available Data is available in the Output Buffer. Bit set to 1 when response to query placed in output buffer. Bit set to 0 when output terminator has sent to host.

ESB – Event Status It’s set to 1 when one or more of enabled events in the Event Status Register have occurred.

To determine which events have occurred,

send the meter "*ESR?" to read the Event Status Register.

RQS/MSS - Request Service / Master Summary Status. Set to 1 if any enabled bit in the STB and SRE register is set to 1, otherwise set to 0. Status of MSS bit returned by “*STB?” command.

The meter asserts the SRQ control line on the IEEE-488 interface when RQS bit is set to 1.

Bit 7:

Not Used.

Notes:

1. The Status Byte Register can be read with either a serial poll or the “* STB?” query.

2. The register is cleared at power up.

 Service Request Enable Register (SRE)

The Service Request Enable Register that enables or disables (i.e., masks) corresponding summary messages in the Status Byte Register. The SRE is cleared at power up. Refer to “Status Byte Register” for the bit functions.

Use “*SRE” to write to this register and “*SRE?” to read this register.

 Standard Event Status Register (ESR)

Bit7 Bit6 Bit5 Bit4 Bit3 Bit2 Bit1 Bit0

PON 0 CME EXE DDE QYE 0 OPC

Bit 0:

Bit 1:

Bit 2:

Bit 3:

Bit 4:

OPC - Operation complete. This bit is generated in response to the *OPC command and indicates that the interface is ready to accept another message.

Not used and always set to 0.

QYE - Query Error Attempt has been made to read data from the Output Queue when no output is present or pending. Or, both input and output buffer are full.

DDE - Device-Dependent Error. Incorrect input during calibration, or RS-232 input buffer overflow.

EXE - Execution Error. Execution Error will occur beside no command error but it is happened as following example, to query compare result, but instrument has not been set in compare mode.

Bit 5:

CME - Command Error. Command or parameter is wrong or unknown.

Bit 6:

Not used and always set to 0.

Bit 7:

PON - Power On. Power has been cycled off and on since the last time the ESR was read.

Notes:

1. The Standard Event Status Register can be read by the “*ESR?” query.

2. The register is cleared at power up or after “*ESR?” or “*CLS” command.



Standard Event Status Enable Register (ESE)

The Standard Event Status Enable Register is a mask register that allows the host to enable or disable (mask) each bit in ESR. When a bit in the ESE is 1, the corresponding bit in the ESR is enabled. When any enabled bit in the ESR changes from 0 to 1, the ESB summary bit (bit 5) of the STB register also goes to 1. Use “*ESE” to write to this register and “*ESE?” to read this register.

7-5 Instructions of Command Sets

7-5-1 IEEE 488.2 Common Commands

*CLS

Description: Clear the Standard Event Status Register and System Error Queue.

*ESE <NRf>

Description: Set the Standard Event Status Enable Register. Parameter: <NRf> (0 to 255). Example: *ESE 140

Enable bits 2 (QYE), 3 (DDE), and 7 (PON), and disable all the other bits.

*ESE?

Description: Query the Standard Event Status Enable Register. Response: (Integer) Decimal equivalent of the register byte. Range is 0 to 255.

*ESR?

Description: Query the Standard Event Status Enable Register and clears the register. Response: (Integer) Decimal equivalent of the register byte. Example: *ESR?

Return ‘32’if bit 5 (CME) is set (1) and the rest of the bits are reset (0).

*IDN?

Description: Query the Meter identification. Response: Return Model number and Firmware version.

*OPC

Description:

Set the Operation Completed bit in the Standard Event Status Register when all pending device operations are completed.

*OPC?

Description: This command pauses program execution until all operations are completed. Response:

Return ‘1’ after all pending-operations have been completed.

*RST

Description:

Note: This command will be executed for 5 seconds at least. Be sure to execute

Place the meter to power-on-reset state, but no affect following items:

1. The Service Request Enable or the Standard Event Status Enable.

2. The Output Queue and interface parameter.

other commands then.

*SRE <NRf>

Description: Parameter: <NRf> (0 to 255). The bit 6 of value and unused bits are ignored when set the

Set the Service Request Enable Register bits.

Example: *SRE 48

Enable bits 4 (MAV) and 5 (ESB) in the Service Request Enable register.

*SRE?

Description: Response: (Integer) Decimal equivalent of the register byte. Return value is 0 to 255.

Query the Service Request Enable Query Register.

*STB?

Description: Response: (Integer) Decimal equivalent of the register byte. Example: *STB?

*WAI

Query the Status Byte Register.

Return: ‘96’ if bit 5 (ESB) and 6 (MSS) is set (1) and the rest of bits are reset (0).

Description:

Command required by IEEE 488.2 standard, but non operate on this meter.

7-5-2 SCPI Commands

This subsection describes the SCPI subsystem commands for the meter. The meter is acceptable only for the upper case part of command. It is unnecessary to send complete command characters.

Table 7-3. Some SCPI Symbol Conventions

Text Symbol Meaning

[ ] Option; can be omitted

| Exclusive OR

< > Defined element

( ) Comment

? Question mark

: ;

SCPI command start Combinations of set commands

• ABORT – This commend have not any action on the meter (SCPI approved).

• INITiate Subsystem:

INITiate[:IMMediate]

Description:

This command is defined in the SCPI standard. It will initialize the meter but not affect the settings in the setup menu.

Note: This command will be executed for 5 seconds at least. Be sure to execute

other commands then.

INITiate[:IMMediate]:CONTinuous <Boolean>

Description: Parameter: <Boolean> (ON, 1; OFF, 0) Example: INIT:CONT OFF or INIT:CONT 0 ; Set the meter to data hold mode.

Set the meter to free run or data hold mode.

INITiate[:IMMediate]:CONTinuous?

Description: Parameter: 0 (Data hold) or 1 (Free run).

Query the operation state of meter.

• CONFigure Subsystem :

CONFigure [:SCALar]

:VOLTage

:DC [<numeric value>] [ [ ,@1] | ,@2 ] :AC [<numeric value>] [ [ ,@1] | ,@2 ]

:ACDC [<numeric value>] [ ,@1] :DCAC [<numeric value>] [ ,@1]

Description:

Parameter: <numeric value>: Measuring range: 0.5, 5, 50, 500, 750, 1000 V. For @2, it

Example: CONF:VOLT:DC ; Set the primary display to DC voltage.

Set the primary and secondary display to DC, AC or AC+DC voltage

measurement. The <numeric value> parameter is used to configure the measuring range. [ [@1] | ,@2 ] syntax is same as SCPI <channel_list> syntax.

is used as frequency function has been set on primary display, otherwise it will be omitted. [ [ ,@1] | ,@2 ]: Use @1 and @2 to distinguish from primary display and secondary display, respectively.

CONF:VOLT:AC ,@2 ; Set the secondary display to AC voltage. CONF:VOLT:ACDC 0.5,@1 ; Set the primary display to AC+DC voltage

and 500mV range .

CONFigure [:SCALar]

:CURRent

:DC [<numeric value>] [ [ ,@1] | ,@2 ] :AC [<numeric value>] [ [ ,@1] | ,@2 ] :ACDC [<numeric value>] [ ,@1] :DCAC [<numeric value>] [ ,@1]

Description: Set the primary and secondary display to DC, AC or AC+DC current

measurement. The <numeric value> parameter is used to configure the measuring range. [ [@1] | ,@2 ] syntax is same as SCPI <channel_list> syntax.

Parameter: <numeric value>: Measuring range: 5E-4, 5E-3, 0.05, 0.5, 5, 10 A. For @2, it

is used as frequency function has been set on primary display, otherwise it will be omitted.

[ [ ,@1] | ,@2 ]: Use @1 and @2 to distinguish from primary display and

secondary display, respectively.

Example: CONF:CURR:DC ;Set the primary display to DC current.

CONF:CURR:AC,@2 ;Set the secondary display to AC current CONF:CURR:ACDC ,@1 ;Set the primary display to AC+DC current.

CONFigure[:SCALar]:DIOCtest

Description:

Set the primary display to diode with continuity test.

CONFigure[:SCALar]:FREQuency [ [ ,@1] | ,@2 ]

Description:

Parameter: [ [ ,@1] | ,@2 ]: Use @1 and @2 to distinguish from primary display and

Example: CONF:FREQ ;Set the primary display to frequency test.

Note: The frequency measurement is always keeping on auto-ranging on this

Set the primary and secondary display to frequency measurement.

[ [@1] | ,@2 ] syntax is same as SCPI <channel_list> syntax.

secondary display, respectively.

CONF:FREQ,@2 ;Set the secondary display to frequency test.

model.

CONFigure[:SCALar]:RESistance

[:2W] [<numeric value>]

Description:

Set the primary display to 2-wire resistance measurement. The <numeric

value>

parameter is used to configure the measuring range.

Parameter: <numeric value>: Measuring range: 500, 5000, 5E+4, 5E+5, 5E+6, 5E+7 Example:

CONF:RES 5E+4 ; Set the primary display to resistance and 50kΩ range.

CONFigure] [:SCALar] :FUNCtion? [ [ ,@1] | ,@2 ]

Description:

Response:

Query the measuring function. Use @1 and @2 to distinguish from primary

display and secondary display, respectively.

<literal> format ; Returned string of syntax as follows:

 DCV (DC voltage function)  ACV (AC voltage function)  AC+DCV (AC+DC voltage function)  DCA (DC current function)  ACA (AC current function)  AC+DCA (AC+DC current function)  Hz (Frequency function)  RES2W (Resistance 2-wire function)  DIOC (Diode with Continuity test)  DBM (dBm function)  NONE (No function, only for secondary display)

CONFigure[:SCALar]:OFFDual

Description: Note: After this command, the secondary display still indicates signal source as the

Turn off the secondary display.

frequency measurement is on primary display.

CONFigure[:SCALar]:OFFRecord

Description:

Exit the dynamic recording mode (MAX / MIN).

CONFigure[:SCALar]:RANGe:AUTO <Boolean> [ ,@1]

Description: Parameter: <Boolean> (ON, 1; OFF, 0)

Enable or disable the auto range mode.

CONFigure[:SCALar]:RANGe:AUTO? [ [ ,@1] | ,@2 ]

Description: Response: 1 (Enable) or 0 (Disable).

Query the auto-ranging status.

CONFigure[:SCALar]:RANGe:DIRection < UP | DOWN > [ [ ,@1] | ,@2 ]

Description: Parameter: < UP >, increases one step; < DOWN >, decreases one step.

Change measuring range, to increase or decrease the range one step.

CONFigure] [:SCALar] :RANGe? [ [ ,@1] | ,@2 ]

Description: Query the measuring range. Use @1 for the primary display, and @2 for the

Response: Example:

secondary display.

Return the range value as Table 7-4. CONF:RANG? ; Query the measuring range of primary display. CONF:RANG? ,@2 ; Query the measuring range of secondary display.

Table 7-4. Return values of measuring range

Function Range

500mV 0.5

5V 5

DC Voltage

50V 50

500V 500

1000V 1000

500mV 0.5

5V 5

AC / AC+DC

50V 50

Voltage

500V 500 750V 750

500μA

5mA 5E-3

DC / AC /

50mA 0.05

AC+DC

Current

500mA 0.5

5A 5

Return

Value

5E-4

10A 10

500Ω

5KΩ

50KΩ

500

5000

5E+4

Resistance

500KΩ

5MΩ

50MΩ

5E+5 5E+6

5E+7

500Hz 500

5KHz 5000

Frequency

50KHz 5E+4

500KHz 5E+5

Diode 2.3V 2

None for 2ND

display

•CALCulate Subsystem:

CALCulate:MODE?

Description: Response:

Query the calculation type.

<literal> format; Returned the string of types: DBM - dBm calculation. REC - record calculation LIM - comparator calculation REL - relative calculation PER – percentage calculation NOR - normal mode

Example:

Return “ DBM,REC ”, means the dBm and record modes are enabled.

CALCulate:DBM[:STAT] <Boolean>

Description: Parameter: <Boolean> (ON, 1; OFF, 0) Example: CALC:DBM ON ; enable dBm calculation.

Enable or disable the dBm calculation.

CALCulate:DBM:IMPedance <reference>

Description: Parameter: <reference>; The allowed value are 2, 4, 8, 16, 50, 75, 93, 110, 124, 125,

Example:

Set dBm reference impedance.

135, 150, 250, 300, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1200, 8000 ohms. CALC:DBM:IMP 1000 ;Set the dBm impedance value to 1000Ω.

CALCulate:RELative[:STAT] <Boolean>

Description:

Parameter: <Boolean> (ON, 1; OFF, 0)

Enable or disable the relative (REL) calculation mode, and using the primary

display reading as the relative base.

CALCulate:PERcentage[:STAT] <Boolean>

Description: Parameter: <Boolean> (ON, 1; OFF, 0) Example: CALC:PER ON ; Set the percentage display on secondary display.

Enable or disable the percentage mode.

CALCulate:LIMit[:STAT] <Boolean>

Description: Parameter: <Boolean> (ON, 1; OFF, 0)

Enable or disable the comparator mode.

CALCulate :LIMit :UPPer [:DATA] <numeric value> :LOWer [:DATA] <numeric value>

Description: Parameter: <numeric value> is a six-digit number; For value range: -50000 to +50000. Example: CALC:LIM:UPP 50000 ; Set the upper limit value to 50000

Set the compare limits values (upper and lower limit value).

CALC:LIM:LOW -50000 ; Set the lower limit value to -50000

CALCulate:LIMit:FAIL?

Description: Response:

Return the compare result.

1: HI, 0: PASS, –1: LO.

CALCulate :RECord :MAXimum :MINimum :MINMAX :OFF

Description:

Set the dynamic recording mode. The dynamic recording mode causes the

meter to store the minimum and maximum readings or to show current

Example:

reading.

CALC:REC:MAX ; Set the meter to maximum recording mode.

CALC:REC:MIN ; Set the meter to minimum recording mode. CALC:REC:MINMAX ; Set the meter to show current reading. CALC:REC:OFF ; Turn off Recording mode.

• READing Subsystem:

READ? [ [ ,@1] | ,@2 ]

Description:

Response: Numeric data transferred as ASCII byte in <NR3> format. Example:

Return the display value of output buffer after the next triggered

measurement is complete. Use @1 to select the primary display, and @2 to select the secondary display.

READ? ; Return the value of primary display, e.g. “ +12.345E+0 ”.

READ??

Description:

Response: Numeric data transferred as ASCII byte in <NR3> format. Example:

Return both display values of output buffer after the next triggered

measurement is complete.

READ?? ; For example, might output “ +1.2345E+0,+12.345E+0 ”.

• TRIGger Subsystem:

TRIGger:SOURce

Description: Parameter: BUS - Selects a bus command and enter single trigger mode.

Example: TRIG:SOUR BUS

Selects the source of the start trigger signal. (SCPI approved).

<BUS| IMMediate >

IMMediate - Selects the internal trigger source and escape single trigger mode.

Select a bus command as the trigger source then trigger a measurement.

TRIGger:SOURce?

Description: Response:

Queries the trigger source type (SCPI approved).

<literal> format ; Return the type string : BUS, IMM

MEASure?

Description: Response: Numeric data transferred as ASCII byte in <NR3> format. Example: MEAS? ; Meter returns the value shown on the primary display.

Causes the meter to trigger a measurement and then output it.

• SYSTem Subsystem : (SCPI approved).

SYSTem:VERSion?

Description:

Return the firmware version of the meter.

SYSTem:ERRor?

Description: Response: <string> format, Table 7-5 is a list of SCPI error message that might occur

Return the next message from the system error queue.

during operation.

Table 7-5. SCPI Error Message

Number Error String Number Error String

0 No error -108 Parameter not allowed

-100 Command error -109 Missing parameter

-102 Syntax error -200 Execution error

-103 Invalid separator -222 Data out of range

-104 Data type error -224 Illegal parameter value

7-5-3 Command Summary of SCPI

Command Parameter Std/New Explanation

ABORT Std Event, no query CONFigure[:SCALar] Std :CURRent :AC

:ACDC :DCAC

:DC

:DIOCtest

:FREQuency

[<numeric value>]

New Set the current measurement.

[[,@1]|,@2]

[,@1]

[[,@1]|,@2]

New

[[,@1]|,@2]

New

New Set the meter to frequency measurement.

Configure meter to perform specified

measurement.

Set the primary display to diode with the

continuity test.

:FUNCtion?

:OFFDual

:OFFRecord

:RANGe

:AUTO

:AUTO?

:DIRection

:RANGe?

:RESistance

[:2W]

:VOLTage :AC :ACDC

:DCAC :DC

[[,@1]|,@2] New

New Turn off the 2ND display. New Turn off the dynamic recording mode. Std Set the measuring range.

<Boolean>[,@1] New

[[,@1]|,@2] New

<UP|DOWN>

[[,@1]|,@2] [[,@1]|,@2] New

[<numeric value>]

New Set the voltage measurement.

[<numeric value>]

[[,@1]|,@2]

[<numeric value>]

[,@1]

[<numeric value>]

[[,@1]|,@2]

New

New Set the resistance measurement. New

New

Query the measuring function.

Query the measuring range.

Command Parameter Std/New Explanation

CALCulate Std Set the calculation function.

:DBM

:IMPedance

[:STAT]

:LIMit

:FAIL?

:LOWer[:DATA]

[:STAT]

:UPPer[:DATA]

:RECord

:MAXimum

:MINimum

:MINMAX

:OFF

:RELative

[:STAT]

:PERcentage

New Set dBm reference impedance

<reference> New

<Boolean> New

Std Set and query the comparator.

Std

<number value> Std

<Boolean> New

<number value> Std New Set the dynamic recording mode. New New New New Turn off recording mode

New

<Boolean> New

New

[:STAT]

:MODE?

INITiate[IMMediate] Std Reset meter without changing setup :CONTinuous :CONTinuous?

TRIGger Std :SOURce :SOURce?

MEASure? Std READ? [[,@1]|,@2] Std READ?? New SYSTem Std Subsystem

:ERRor?

:VERSion?

<Boolean> New

New Query the calculation function.

<Boolean> Std

New Query the operation mode.

<BUS|IMM> Std Select a trigger source.

Std Query the trigger source type.

Std

Set the meter at free run or data hold operation mode.

Trigger function

Trigger an d get measuring value. Read the display value. Read the both display values.

Read the error message. Return the firmware version.

Note:

“Std” commands means defined in SCPI standard and “New” commands are not defined.

7-6 Remote Program Examples using GPIB interface



Example Using Quick BASIC

GPIBEXAMPLE.BAS ' ' This sample program is for reference only. It can only be expected to ' function with a Digital Multimeter. ' ' This program reads 10 measurements from the meter and averages ' the sum. ' ' The status variables IBST A%, IBERR%, an d IBC NT% are defined in QBDECL.BAS. ' Each bit of IBSTA% and each value of IBERR% are defined in QBDECL.BAS as ' a mnemonic constant for easy recognition in application programs. In this ' example, these mnemonic definitions are logically ANDed with the variable ' IBSTA% to determine if a particular bit has been set. The mnemonic ' definitions are equated with the variable IBERR% to determine the error ' code. ' ' The subroutine GPIBERR is called when a NI-488 function fails. The ' error message is printed along with the status variables IBSTA%, IBERR%, ' and IBCNT%. The subroutine DVMERR is called when the serial poll response ' byte indicates the meter does not have valid data to send. The error ' message and the serial poll response byte are printed. ' ' The NI-488 function IBONL is called from the main body of th e program or ' from the two subroutines, GPIBERR and DVMERR. When the second parameter ' of the function IBONL is zero, the software and hardware are disabled. ' Execution of this program is terminated after the call to the function ' IBONL to disable the software and hardware. ' ' The STOP command or END command will terminate this program. '=========================================================================

' QBDECL.BAS contains constants, declarations, and subroutine prototypes.

REM $INCLUDE: 'qbdecl.bas'

' GPIBERR is an error subroutine that is called when a NI-488 function fails. ' DVMERR is an error subroutine that is called when the meter does not ' have valid data to send.

DECLARE SUB gpiberr (msg$) DECLARE SUB dvmerr (msg$, spr%)

CLS PRINT "Read 10 measurements from the meter..." PRINT

' Assign a unique identifier to the meter and store in the variable ' DVM. IBDEV opens an available device and assigns it to access GPIB0 ' with a primary address of 8, a secondary address of 0, a timeout of ' 30 seconds, the END message enabled, and the EOS mode disabled. ' If DVM is less than zero, call GPIBERR with an error message.

CALL ibdev(0, 8, 0, T30s, 1, 0, dvm%)

IF (dvm% < 0) THEN CALL gpiberr("Ibdev Error")

' Clear the internal or device functions of the meter. If the error bit

' EERR is set in IBSTA%, call GPIBERR with an error message.

CALL ibclr(dvm%) IF (ibsta% AND EERR) THEN CALL gpiberr("Ibclr Error")

' Reset the meter by issuing the reset (*RST) command and delay 4 second. Instruct the ' meter to measure the volts direct current (VDC) using auto-ranging (AUTO). ' If the error bit EERR is set in IBSTA%, call GPIBERR with an error message.

wrt$ = "*RST" CALL ibwrt(dvm%, wrt$) IF (ibsta% AND EERR) THEN CALL gpiberr("Ibwrt Error")

SLEEP 4

wrt$ = "CONF:VOLT:DC" CALL ibwrt(dvm%, wrt$) IF (ibsta% AND EERR) THEN CALL gpiberr("Ibwrt Error")

' Initialize the accumulator of the 10 measurements to zero.

sum = 0!

' Establish FOR loop to read the 10 measurements. The variable i% will ' serve as a counter for the FOR loop.

FOR i% = 1 TO 10

' Request the measurement by sending the instruction ' "READ?". If the error bit EERR is set in IBSTA%, call GPIBERR ' with an error message.

wrt$ = "READ?" CALL ibwrt(dvm%, wrt$) IF (ibsta% AND EERR) THEN CALL gpiberr("Ibwrt Error")

' Read the meter measurement. If the error bit EERR is set in ' IBSTA%, call GPIBERR with an error message.

rd$ = SPACE$(11) CALL ibrd(dvm%, rd$) IF (ibsta% AND EERR) THEN CALL gp iberr("Ibrd Error")

' Remove blank spaces in RD$ and assign resulting buffer to READING$. ' Print measurement returned by the meter.

reading$ = LEFT$(rd$, ibcnt%) PRINT "reading: "; reading$

' Convert READING$ to its numeric value and add to the accumulator.

sum = sum + VAL(reading$)

NEXT i% ' Continue FOR loop until 10 measurements are read.

' Print the average of the 10 readings.

PRINT "The average of the 10 readings is: ", sum / 10

' Call the IBONL function to disable the hardware and software.

CALL ibonl(dvm%, 0)

END

'====================================================================== ' Subroutine DVMERR ‘ ‘

' This subroutine will notify you that the meter returned an invalid ' serial poll response byte. The error message will be printed along with ' the serial poll response byte. ' ' The NI-488 function IBONL is called to disable the hardware and software. ' ' The STOP command will terminate this program. '====================================================================== '

SUB dvmerr (msg$, spr%) STATIC

PRINT msg$

PRINT "Status Byte = &H"; HEX$(spr%)

' Call the IBONL function to disable the hardware and software.

CALL ibonl(dvm%, 0)

STOP

END SUB

'====================================================================== ' Subroutine GPIBERR ' This subroutine will notify you that a NI-488 function failed by printing ' an error message. The status variable IBSTA% will also be printed ' in hexadecimal along with the mnemonic meaning of the bit position. ' The status variable IBERR% will be printed in decimal along with the ' mnemonic meaning of the decimal value. The status variable IBCNT% will ' be printed in decimal. ' ' The NI-488 function IBONL is called to disable the hardware and software. ' ' The STOP command will terminate this program. '====================================================================== '

SUB gpiberr (msg$) STATIC

PRINT msg$

PRINT "ibsta = &H"; HEX$(ibsta%); " <"; IF ibsta% AND EERR THEN PRINT " ERR"; IF ibsta% AND TIMO THEN PRINT " TIMO"; IF ibsta% AND EEND THEN PRINT " END"; IF ibsta% AND SRQI THEN PRINT " SRQI"; IF ibsta% AND RQS THEN PRINT " RQS"; IF ibsta% AND SPOLL THEN PRINT " SPOLL"; IF ibsta% AND EEVENT THEN PRINT " EVENT"; IF ibsta% AND CMPL THEN PRINT " CMPL";

IF ibsta% AND LOK THEN PRINT " LOK"; IF ibsta% AND RREM THEN PRINT " REM"; IF ibsta% AND CIC THEN PRINT " CIC"; IF ibsta% AND AATN THEN PRINT " ATN"; IF ibsta% AND TACS THEN PRINT " TACS"; IF ibsta% AND LACS THEN PRINT " LACS"; IF ibsta% AND DTAS THEN PRINT " DTAS"; IF ibsta% AND DCAS THEN PRINT " DCAS"; PRINT " >" PRINT "iberr = "; iberr%;

IF iberr% = EDVR THEN PRINT " EDVR <DOS Error>" IF iberr% = ECIC THEN PRINT " ECIC <Not CIC>" IF iberr% = ENOL THEN PRINT " ENOL <No Listener>" IF iberr% = EADR THEN PRINT " EADR <Address error>" IF iberr% = EARG THEN PRINT " EARG <Invalid argument>" IF iberr% = ESAC THEN PRINT " ESAC <Not Sys Ctrlr>" IF iberr% = EABO THEN PRINT " EABO <Op. aborted>" IF iberr% = ENEB THEN PRINT " ENEB <No GPIB board>" IF iberr% = EOIP THEN PRINT " EOIP <Async I/O in prg>" IF iberr% = ECAP THEN PRINT " ECAP <No capability>" IF iberr% = EFSO THEN PRINT " EFSO <File sys. error>" IF iberr% = EBUS THEN PRINT " EBUS <Command error>" IF iberr% = ESTB THEN PRINT " ESTB <Status byte lost>" IF iberr% = ESRQ THEN PRINT " ESRQ <SRQ stuck on>" IF iberr% = ETAB THEN PRINT " ETAB <Table Overflow>"

PRINT "ibcnt = "; ibcnt%

' Call the IBONL function to disable the hardware and software.

CALL ibonl(dvm%, 0)

STOP

END SUB

92 93

Appendix A

Specifications

A-1 Introduction

Appendix A describes the complete specifications of this meter.

A-2 Technical Specifications

 Specifications assumptions:

• One-year calibration cycle.

• Operating temperature at 18°C to 28°C (64.4°F to 82.4°F).

• Accuracy is express ed as: ± (% of reading + digits) after 30 minutes warm-up.

• Temperature coefficient: Add ± [0.15 x (the applicable accuracy)/°C] for 0°C to 18°C and 28°C to 50°C.

• Relative Humidity (RH): up to 80% (60% for 50MΩ range of resistance

measurement).

• All specifications are specified under single display mode in operation only.

 Display Counts and Reading Rates

Full Scale Display Counts: 51,000 Counts

Reading Rate (Approx.)

Measuring Function Readings/Sec Measuring Function Readings/Sec

DCV 3 DCV / Frequency 1.3/2

DCA 3 ACV / Frequency 3/2

Diode 3 ACV+DCV / Frequency 1.3/2

ACV 3 DCA / ACA 1.3

ACA 3 ACA+DCA / DCA 1.3

Ω

Frequency/ACV or ACA 2/3 DCA / Frequency 1.3/2

ACV+DCV 1.3 ACA / Frequency 3/2

ACA+DCA 1.3 ACA+DCA / Frequency 1.3/2

DCV / ACV 1.3 dBm / DCV 3

3 ACA+DCA / ACA 1.3

ACV+DCV / DCV 1.3 dBm / ACV 3

ACV+DCV / ACV 1.3 dBm / ACV+DCV 1.3

Notes:

1. The reading rate is measured as above combinations and applications at lock range.

2. Using RS-232 or GPIB remote interface, the reading rate is similar to normal mode.



DC Voltage

Resolution, Full Scale Reading and Accuracy

Range Resolution

Full Scale

Reading

500mV

50V

500V

1000V

(1)

In 1000V range, 1200V is readable with audio warning.

(2)

Input Impedance is in paralleled with capacitance <100pF.

10µV

100µV

1mV

10mV

100mV

510.00

5.1000

51.000

510.00

1200.0

(1)

Accuracy

(1 year)

0.02% + 4

Typical Input

Impedance

10.0MΩ

11.1MΩ

10.1MΩ

10.0MΩ

(2)

• Maximum input voltage: 1200Vdc or peak ac on any range

• Response Time: Approximately 1.0 second when the displayed reading reaches 99.9% dc

value of the tested input signal at the same range.

Note: When voltage (ac+dc) measurement is selected, the Vdc input impedance is

Ω

paralleled with an ac-coupled 1.1M

ac divider.

Noise Rejection Ratio

CMRR

>90dB at dc, 50/60Hz ± 0.1%

(1kΩ Unbalanced)

(1)

CMRR is the Common Mode Reject Ratio

(2)

NMRR is the Normal Mode Rejection Ratio

(1)

NMRR

(2)

>50dB at 50/60Hz ± 0.1%



AC Voltage (True RMS, AC Coupling)

Resolution, Full Scale Reading and Accuracy

Range Resolution

Full Scale

Reading

30 to 50 Hz 50 to 10k Hz 10k to 30k Hz 30k to 100k Hz

Accuracy (1 year)

(2)

500mV

50V

500V

750V

(1)

In 750V range, 1000.0V is readable with audio warning.

(2)

Accuracy specified at input >5% of Range.

(3)

Input Voltage < 200V rms.

(4)

For 5k ~10k Hz, the accuracy is 0.7%+15.

10µV

100µV

1mV

10mV

100mV

510.00

5.1000

51.000

510.00

1000.0

1% + 40

1% + 20

Not Specified

(1)

Not Specified

0.5% + 40

0.35% + 15

0.5% + 15

(4)

2% + 60

1% + 20

(3)

3% +120

3% + 50

Not Specified

• Measurement method: True RMS

• Maximum Crest Factor: 3.0 at full scale

• Maximum input voltage: 1000V rms, 1400V peak ac

2x107 V-Hz product on any range, normal mode input

1x106 V-Hz product on any range, common mode input

• Input Impedance: 1MΩ in parallel with capacitance <100pF

• Response Time: Approximately 1.5 seconds when the displayed reading reaches 99.9%

ac rms value of the tested input signal at the same range.

(3)

 DC Current

Resolution, Full Scale Reading and Accuracy

Range Resolution

Accuracy (1 year)

Reading

Full Scale

500µA

5mA

50mA

500mA

10A

(1)

Typical at full scale reading and voltage across the input terminals

(2)

In 10A range, >10~20Adc is readable for 20 seconds maximum with audio warning.

10nA

100nA

1µA

10µA

100µA

1mA

510.00

5.1000

51.000

510.00

5.1000

20.000

(2)

0.05% + 5

0.05% + 4

0.25% + 5

Burden Voltage

& Shunt Resistor

<0.06V / 100Ω

<0.6V / 100Ω

<0.08V / 1Ω

<0.8V / 1Ω

<0.3V / 0.01Ω

<0.6V / 0.01Ω

(1)

• Response Time: Approximately 1.0 second when the displayed reading reaches 99.9% dc

value of the tested input signal at the same range.

 AC Current (True RMS, AC Coupling)

Resolution, Full Scale Reading and Burden Voltage

Accuracy (1 year)

50 to

2k Hz

0.5% + 20

2k to

5k Hz

1.5% + 50

Range

500µA

Resolu-

tion

10nA

Full Scale

Reading

510.00

30 to

50 Hz

1.5% + 50

(5)

5k to

20k Hz

3% + 75

Burden Voltage

&Shunt Resistor

(4)

<0.06V/ 100Ω

(1)

5mA

50mA

500mA

10A

(1)

Typical at full scale reading and voltage across the input terminals

(2)

In 10A range, >10~20Aac is readable for 20 seconds maximum with audio warning.

(3)

Input Current < 3 Arms.

(4)

Input Current > 35µArms.

(5)

Accuracy specified at input >5% of range and >1A for 10A range except other specified.

100nA

1µA

10µA

100µA

1mA

5.1000

51.000

510.00

5.1000

20.000

1.5% + 40

2% + 40

(2)

2% + 40

(3)

0.5% + 20

0.5% + 30

(<1kHz)

1.5% + 40

Not Specified

3% + 60

<0.6V / 100Ω

<0.08V / 1Ω

<0.8V / 1Ω

<0.3V / 0.01Ω

<0.6V / 0.01Ω

• Measurement method: True RMS

• Maximum Crest Factor: 3.0 at full scale

• Response Time: Approximately 1.5 seconds when the displayed reading reaches 99.9%

ac rms value of the tested input signal at the same range.

AC Voltage (True RMS, AC+DC Coupling)



Resolution, Full Scale Reading and Accuracy

(2)

Range Resolution

Full Scale

Reading

Accuracy (1 year)

50 to 10k Hz 10k to 30k Hz 30k to 100k Hz

500mV

50V

500V

750V

(1)

In 750V range, 1000.0V is readable with audio warning.

(2)

Accuracy specified at input >5% of Range.

(3)

Input Voltage < 200V rms.

10µV

100µV

1mV

10mV

100mV

510.00

5.1000

51.000

510.00

1000.0

(4)

(1)

For 5k ~10 k Hz, the accuracy is 0.7%+25.

0.5% + 50

0.5% + 25

(4)

2% + 70

1% + 30

(3)

3% + 130

3% + 60

Not Specified

• Measurement method: True RMS

• Maximum Crest Factor: 3.0 at full scale

• Maximum input voltage: 1000V rms, 1400V peak ac

2x107 V-Hz product on any range, normal mode input

1x106 V-Hz product on any range, common mode input

• Input Impedance: 1MΩ in parallel with capacitance <100pF

• Response Time: Approximately 1.5 seconds when the displayed reading reaches 99.9%

ac rms value of the tested input signal at the same range.

(3)

Escort 3136A User manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Table of Contents

1-1 Introducing the 50,000 Count Dual Display Multimeter

1-2 Features

1-3 Options and Accessories

1-4 How to use this manual

1-5. SAFETY

2-1 Introduction

2-2 Getting Started

2-3 Turning the Meter ON

2-4 Selecting Current Input Terminals and Measurement Range

2-5 Using the Pushbuttons

2-6 Basic Measurement Examples

2-7 Rack Mounting

3-1 Introduction

3-2 Front Panel Operations

3-3 Primary and Secondary Displays

3-4 Input Terminals

3.5 Initialization of Measurement Conditions

3-6 Selecting A Measurement Function

3-8 Selecting Secondary Display

3-9 Entering Setup Mode

3-10 Selecting Local Operation Mode

3-11 Operating Arithmetic Functions

3-12 Selecting Trigger mode

4-1 Introduction

4-2 Applications for Using Dual Display

4-2-1 Dual Display Operation Examples

4-3 Measuring Resistance

4-4 Measuring True RMS AC+DC

5-1 Introduction

5-2 Environmental Condition

5-3 Warm up

5-4 Recommended Test Equipment

6-1 Introduction

6-2 RS-232 Interface Overview

6-3 RS-232 Interface Parameters Set up

6-4 Using Commands

6-4-1 Types of Commands

6-4-2 Command Syntax

6-5 Instructions of Command Sets

6-5-1 Key Commands

6-5-2 Set Commands

6-5-3 Query Commands

6-6 Remote Program Examples using RS-232 interface

7-1 Introduction

7-2 Description of the GPIB

7-3 GPIB Interface Parameters Setup

7-4 Commands Summary

7-4-1 Overview of Command Type and Format

7-4-2 Data Types of Responding Message

7-4-3 Status Reporting

7-5 Instructions of Command Sets

7-5-2 SCPI Commands

7-5-3 Command Summary of SCPI

7-6 Remote Program Examples using GPIB interface

A-1 Introduction

A-2 Technical Specifications