Fluke 5500A Operator reference Guide

5500A

Multi-Product Calibrator

Operator Reference Guide

PN 945097
December, 1994

© 1994 Fluke Corporation, Inc.
All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.

®

Table of Contents

Replacing the Fuse ............................................. 4

Selecting Line Voltage......................................... 5

Front Panel Features........................................... 5

Rear Panel Features ......................................... 10

Setup Menu....................................................... 12

Instrument Setup Menu .................................. 12

Selecting an External Amplifier ...................... 12

Utility Functions Menu.................................... 13

Format EEPROM Menu.................................. 13

Zeroing the Calibrator ....................................... 15

Operate and Standby ........................................ 16

Connecting the Calibrator to a UUT................... 16

When to Use EARTH......................................... 16

Four-Wire versus Two-Wire Connections........... 16

Cable Connections............................................ 17

Setting the Output............................................. 20

Setting DC Voltage Output............................. 20

Setting AC Voltage Output............................. 21

Setting DC Current Output............................. 23

Setting AC Current Output ............................. 24

Setting DC Power Output............................... 25

Setting AC Power Output............................... 27

Setting a Dual DC Voltage Output.................. 29

Setting a Dual AC Voltage Output.................. 30

Setting Resistance Output.............................. 33

Setting Capacitance Output ........................... 34

Setting Temperature Simulation

(Thermocouple) ........................................... 35

Setting Temperature Simulation (RTD)........... 37

Measuring Thermocouple Temperatures............ 38

1

Waveform Types............................................... 41

Sinewave ....................................................... 41

Trianglewave................................................. 41

Squarewave................................................... 42

Truncated Sinewave ...................................... 42

Setting Harmonics............................................. 43

Adjusting the Phase .......................................... 44

Entering a Phase Angle ................................. 45

Entering a Power Factor ................................ 45

Entering a DC Offset......................................... 46

Using the 5725A Amplifier................................. 47

5725A Amplifier Output.................................. 48

Editing and Error Output Settings...................... 49

Editing the Output Setting.............................. 49

Displaying the Output Error ............................ 50

Using Multiply and Divide............................... 50

Setting Output Limits ......................................... 50

Setting Voltage and Current Limits ................. 50

2

Safety Symbols

WARNING

to the manual (see the Index for
references).

Risk of electric shock. Refer

GROUND Ground terminal to chassis

(earth).

Attention Refer to the manual (see the

Index for references). This symbol indicates
that information about usage of a feature is
contained in the manual. This symbol
appears on the rear panel ground terminal
and by the fuse compartment.

AC Power Source

The instrument is intended to operate from an ac
power source that will not apply more than 264V ac
rms between the supply conductors or between either
supply conductor and ground.

Use the Proper Fuse

For fuse replacement use: 110 or 120 V operation,

2.5 ampere/250 volt time delay; 220 or 240 V
operation, 1.25 ampere/250 volt time delay.

Grounding the instrument

The enclosure must be grounded through the
grounding conductor of the power cord, or through
the rear panel ground binding post.

Use the Proper Power Cord

Use only the power cord and connector appropriate
for the voltage and plug configuration in your country.
Use only a power cord that is in good condition. Refer
power cord and connector changes to qualified
service personnel.

3

CAUTION

Verify applied voltage to the UUT does
not exceed the UUT insulation rating.

Replacing the Fuse

Disconnect line power. Follow the figure below for
fuse replacement.

MAINS SUPPLY

100V
220V

/120V
/240V

FUSE

T2.5A 250V

T1.25A 250V

CAUTION

(SB)

REPLACE ONLY WITH A 250V FUSE
OF INDICATED RATING

(SB)

FOR FIRE PROTECTION

47Hz
300VA MAX

/63Hz

LINE VOLTAGE
INDICATOR

CHANGING LINE FUSE

0V

(SB)

240

120

CHANGING LINE VOLTAGE

4

120

Selecting Line Voltage

There are four line voltage settings: 100V, 120V,
200V, and 240V (47 to 63 Hz). To check the
setting, note the voltage setting visible through the
window in the power line fuse compartment cover.
To change the line voltage setting, follow the
figure above for Changing Line Voltage.

Front Panel Features

Front panel features include all controls, displays,
indicators, and terminals.

2

EDIT
FIELD

POWER

I

O

CALIBRATOR

5500A

SCOPE

NORMAL AUX

200V PK

V, ,

A, -SENSE,

MAX

AUX V

RTD

HI

1000V

20V

RMS

RMS

MAX

MAX

TRIG

LO

OUT

1V PK
MAX

20V PK

MAX

TC

20V PK

MAX

1

Output Display

1

STBY

OPR EARTH SCOPE BOOST MENU

789

456

123

+

0•

/

394 567 8

PREV

µ

dBm sec

VHz

°F

°CA

F

ENTER

SETUP

NEW
REF

MEAS

TC

MULTxDIV

m

npW

k

M

SHIFT

RESET

CE

TRIG

OUT

÷

Two-line backlit LCD showing output
amplitudes, frequency and calibrator status.

2

Control Display

Multipurpose backlit LCD used for displaying
data entries, UUT error adjustments, softkey
labels, phase angles, watts, power factors,
and other prompts and messages.

5

3

Y

Places the 5500A in the standby mode. The
NORMAL and AUX output terminals are
internally disconnected from the 5500A.

4

O

Places the 5500A in the operate mode and
lights the indicator on the key.

5

Z

Opens/closes a connection between the
NORMAL LO terminal and earth ground, and
lights the indicator on the key.

6

a

Enables or disables the ScopeCal option if it is
present. An annunciator on the key indicates
when the option is enabled.

7

B

Enables or disables output from an amplifier.
An annunciator on the key indicates when the
5725A is being used.

8

P

Recalls the previous set of menu choices.
Each press of this key backs up one level of
the menu tree.

9

Softkeys

Softkeys are identified by labels on the Control
Display directly above each key.

6

11 1210

CALIBRATOR

5500A

SCOPE

NORMAL AUX

200V PK

V, ,

A, -SENSE,

MAX

AUX V

RTD

HI

1000V

20V

RMS

RMS

MAX

MAX

TRIG

LO

OUT

1V PK
MAX

20V PK

MAX

TC

20V PK

MAX

OPR EARTH SCOPE BOOST MENU

STBY

789

456

123

+

0•

/

PREV

µ

sec

dBm

m

VHz

n

¡F

W

k

p

M

SHIFT

21

NEW

¡CA

REF

MEAS

F

TC

MULT

ENTER

x

20

EDIT

RESETCESETUP

FIELD

TRIG

OUT

DIV

÷

10 N

Active during error mode operation, and
establishes the present output value as a new
reference for meter error computation.

11

S

Displays the setup menu in the control display.
Setup options can be selected using the
softkeys.

12

R

Aborts the current operating state of the
5500A and returns it to the power-up default
state, except during remote control.

1413

POWER

I

O

1516171819

13

G

Clears a partially completed keypad entry from
the Control Display.

7

14

L e W

Provide step adjustment of the output
magnitude by selecting digits, provides means
of adjustment and selection.

15

Turns the power on and off. The switch is a
latching push-push type.

16

T

Sets the external trigger when in the Scope
mode.

17

D

Changes the output to one tenth the reference
value (not necessarily the present output
value).

18

X

Changes the output to ten times the reference
value (not necessarily the present output
value).

19

U

Enables the TC (Thermocouple) input
connection and causes the 5500A to compute
a temperature based on the input.

20

Output Units Keys

Determine the function of the 5500A. Some
keys have a second unit if the SHIFT key is
pressed just before the units key.

21

c j d Multiplier Keys

Select output value multipliers. Some keys
have a second function using SHIFT.

8

NORMAL AUX

V, ,

RTD

1000V

RMS
MAX

20V PK

MAX

TC

CALIBRATOR

5500A

SCOPE

200V PK

A, -SENSE,

MAX

AUX V

HI

20V
RMS
MAX

TRIG

LO

OUT

1V PK

MAX

20V PK

MAX

OPR EARTH SCOPE BOOST MENU

STBY

789

456

123

+

0

/

PREV

µ

dBm sec

VHz

°F

°CA

F

ENTER

SETUP

NEW

REF

MEAS

TC

MULTxDIV

m

npW

k

M

SHIFT

•

EDIT

RESET

FIELD

CE

TRIG

OUT

÷

POWER

I

O

22

2930

28

E

25

2627

23

24

22

Loads a newly entered output value shown on
the Control Display into the 5500A, which
appears on the Output Display.

23

b

Selects alternate functions of the units keys
and alternate multipliers of the multiplier keys.

24

Numeric Keypad

Used to enter the digits of the output
amplitude and frequency

25

I

Changes the polarity of the output for dc
voltage or dc current functions.

26

Used to trigger the oscilloscope during
oscilloscope calibration.

27

Used for outputs during oscilloscope
calibration.

28

Used for thermocouple simulation during
temperature meter calibration, and
thermocouple measurements.

9

29

AUX Used for ac and dc current outputs, the

second voltage output in dual voltage modes,
and ohms sense for 2-wire and 4-wire
compensated resistance and capacitance
measurements, and RTD simulation.

30

NORMAL Used for ac and dc voltage, ohms

and capacitance sourcing, and Resistance
Temperature Detector (RTD) simulation.

Rear Panel Features

1 2

CALIBRATION

CAUTION

FOR FIRE PROTECTION

FUSE

MAINS SUPPLY

REPLACE ONLY WITH A 250V FUSE
OF INDICATED RATING

/

(SB)

T2.5A 250V

120V

100V

/

220V

240V

Fan Filter Covers the air intake to keep dust

1

T1.25A 250V

/

63Hz

47Hz

(SB)

300VA MAX

CHASSIS
GROUND

TO CLEAN FILTER REMOVE FROM INSTRUMENT
AND FLUSH WITH SOAPY WATER

WARNING

GROUNDING CONNECTOR IN POWER CORD MUST BE

CONNECTED TO ENSURE PROTECTION FROM ELECTRIC SHOCK

8

7

3 4

NORMAL
ENABLE

SERIAL 2
TO UUT

FLUKE CORPORATION
MADE IN USA
PATENTS PENDING

SERIAL 1
FROM HOST

NO INTERNAL USER SERVICEABLE
PARTS. REFER SERVICE TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL

IEEE-488

BOOST AMPLIFIER

56

and debris out of the chassis air baffles.

2 CALIBRATION SWITCH Used to write

enable/disable nonvolatile memory that stores
calibration constants.

3 SERIAL 2 TO UUT Connector used for

transmitting/receiving serial data between the
5500A and a Unit Under Test (UUT).

4 SERIAL 1 FROM HOST Connector used for

remote control of the 5500A with a host,
printer, or terminal.

10

5 BOOST AMPLIFIER Connector provides the

analog and digital interface for the Fluke
5725A Amplifier.

IEEE-488 Connector is a standard parallel

6

interface for operating the 5500A in remote
control on the IEEE-488 bus.

7

WARNING

To avoid shock hazard, connect
the factory supplied three­conductor line power cord to a
properly grounded power outlet.
Do not use a two-conductor
adapter or extension cord; this
will break the protective ground
connection.

Use the rear-panel ground
terminal for a protective
grounding wire if there is any
question as to instrument earth
grounding.

CHASSIS GROUND Binding post is internally

grounded to the chassis.

8 AC Power Input Module Provides a

grounded three-prong connector that accepts
the line power cord, a switch mechanism to
select the operating line voltage, and a line
power fuse.

11

Setup Menu

Press S for the SETUP menu.

CAL INSTMT

SHOW

SETUP

UTILITY
FUNCTNSSPECS

Instrument Setup Menu

Press the INSTMT SETUP softkey in the Setup to
open the Instrument Setup Menu.

TMP STD

its-90

its-90

ipts-68

OUTPUT

SETUP

DISPLAY

SETUP

REMOTE

SETUP

Selecting an External Amplifier

Press OUTPUT SETUP softkey in Instrument
Setup Menu to open menu for SOURCE
PREFRENCE softkey.

RTD TYPE

pt385

TC TYPE

K

SOURCE PREFRENCE
5500

OUTPUT
LIMITS

12

5500

5725

Utility Functions Menu

Press the UTILITY FUNCTNS softkey in the
Instrument setup Menu to open the utility menus.

SELF

TEST

FORMAT INSTMT

CONFIGNV MEM

Format EEPROM Menu

CAUTION

Use with extreme care. The format nonvolatile
memory menu softkeys permanently erase
calibration constants. Pressing ALL or CAL
invalidates the state of calibration of the
5500A.

Pressing FORMAT NV MEM in the utility functions
menu opens the following:

Format NV Memo

ALL

CAL SETUP

The softkeys in this menu require the rear panel
CALIBRATION switch to be in the ENABLE
position, except for SETUP.

• ALL Replaces the entire contents of the

EEPROM with factory defaults.

• CAL Replaces all calibration constants with

factory defaults.

• SETUP Replaces the setup parameters with

factory defaults (see Defaults table).

13

Factory Defaults for SETUP

Features
Temperature Standard
Host Connection
GPIB Port Address
Serial Ports

EOL (end of line)
EOF (end of file)
Remote I/F
Display Contrast*
Display Brightness*
RTD Power Up Default

Type
Thermocouple Power

Up Default Type
Source Preference
Current Limits
Voltage Limits

its-90
gpib (IEEE-488)
4
8 bits, 1 stop bit,

xon/xoff, parity none,
9600 baud, wait 30
sec.

CRLF
012,000

term
level 7,7
level 1,0
pt385

K

5500
+

11 A

+

1000 V

Remote commands

SRQSTR

*PUD string

* Output Display and Control Display, respectively.
There are 8 levels: 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7.

SRQ: %02x %02x
%04x %04x

cleared

14

Zeroing the Calibrator

To meet the specifications, zeroing is required
every 7 days, or when the 5500A Calibrator
ambient temperature changes by more than 5 °C.
Choose from complete instrument zeroing (ZERO)
or ohms-only zeroing (OHMS ZERO).

1. Turn on Calibrator and warmup (30 minutes).

2. Press R key.

3. Install copper short circuit in TC connector
(complete instrument zeroing only).

4. Press S key, opening setup menu.

CAL INSTMT

SHOW

SETUP

UTILITY
FUNCTNSSPECS

5. Press CAL softkey in setup menu.

CAL CAL

DATES

CAL

REPORTS

6. Press CAL softkey in calibration menu.

5500A OHMS

CAL

ZERO

ZERO ERR ACT

backup

7. Press ZERO softkey for complete instrument
zeroing or OHMS ZERO for ohms-only
zeroing. After zeroing routine is complete
(several minutes), press R.

15

Operate and Standby

To enable the operate mode, press O. To place
the calibrator in standby, press Y.

The calibrator goes into the standby if:

• The R key is pressed.

• A voltage ≥33V is selected when the previous

output voltage was less than 33V.

• Function changed.

• Output location is changed.

• Overload condition is detected.

Connecting the Calibrator to a UUT

WARNING

The 5500A Calibrator is capable of
supplying lethal voltages. Do not make
connections to the output terminals
when a voltage is present. Placing the
instrument in standby may not be
enough to avoid shock hazard, since
the O key could be pressed
accidentally. Press reset and verify that
the Y annunciator is lit before
making connections to the output
terminals.

When to Use EARTH

The Z key makes a connection between the
NORMAL LO terminal and earth ground. When the
common ground is not at the UUT, use Z to
make a common ground at the calibrator.

Four-Wire versus Two-Wire Connections

The external sensing capability of the four- and
two-wire compensated connections provides
increased precision for resistance values below
110 kΩ and capacitance values 110 nf and above.

16

Cable Connections

TRUE RMS MULTIMETER

87

H

MIN MAX

RANGE HOLD

REL Hz

PEAK MIN MAX

mV

mA

V

A

µ

A

V

OFF

COM

V

mA A

A

UUT Connection: DC Voltage/AC Voltage

TRUE RMS MULTIMETER

87

H

MIN MAX

RANGE HOLD

REL Hz

PEAK MIN MAX

mV

mA

V

A
A

µ

V

OFF

A

mA µ

A

V

COM

UUT Connection: DC Current/AC Current

UUT

SENSE

INPUT

4-WIRE

Ω

UUT

HI

LO

SENSE
SOURCE

SOURCE
SENSE

5500A

HI

LO

A

NORMAL

1000V
RMS
MAX

NORMAL

1000V
RMS
MAX

NORMAL

1000V

RMS
MAX

CALIBRATOR

5500A

SCOPE

AUX

200V PK

V, ,

A, -SENSE,

MAX

AUX V

RTD

HI

20V
RMS
MAX

TRIG

LO

OUT

1V PK

MAX

20V PK

MAX

TC

20V PK
MAX

CALIBRATOR

5500A

SCOPE

AUX

200V PK

A, -SENSE,

V, ,

MAX

AUX V

RTD

HI

20V
RMS
MAX

TRIG

LO

OUT

1V PK

MAX

20V PK

MAX

TC

20V PK

MAX

CALIBRATOR

5500A

SCOPE

AUX

200V PK

V, ,

A, -SENSE,

MAX

AUX V

RTD

HI

20V
RMS
MAX

LO

TRIG

OUT

1V PK
MAX

20V PK

MAX

TC

20V PK

MAX

UUT Connection: Resistance (4-Wire Comp)

17

CALIBRATOR

NORMAL

1000V

RMS
MAX

5500A

SCOPE

AUX

200V PK

V, ,

A, -SENSE,

MAX

AUX V

RTD

HI

20V
RMS
MAX

LO

TRIG

OUT

1V PK

MAX
20V PK
MAX

TC

20V PK
MAX

TRUE RMS MULTIMETER

87

H

MIN MAX

RANGE HOLD

REL Hz

PEAK MIN MAX

mV

mA

V

A

A

µ

V

OFF

V

COM

A

mA A

UUT

5500A

UUT Connection: Resistance (2-Wire Comp)

CALIBRATOR

NORMAL

V, ,

1000V
RMS
MAX

20V PK

TC

5500A

AUX

A, -SENSE,

RTD

AUX V

HI

20V
RMS
MAX

LO

1V PK
MAX

MAX

20V PK

MAX

TRUE RMS MULTIMETER

87

H

MIN MAX

RANGE HOLD

REL Hz

PEAK MIN MAX

mV

mA

V

A

µ

A

V

OFF

COM

V

mA A

A

UUT

5500A

UUT Connection: Resistance (Comp Off)

SCOPE

200V PK

MAX

TRIG

OUT

18

CALIBRATOR

NORMAL

1000V

RMS
MAX

TC

5500A

AUX

V, ,

A, -SENSE,

AUX V

RTD

HI

LO

1V PK

MAX
20V PK
MAX

UUT

SENSE

INPUT

4-WIRE

HI

LO

HI

LO

UUT Connection: Capacitance (4-Wire Comp)

CALIBRATOR

NORMAL

1000V

RMS
MAX

5500A

AUX

V, ,

A, -SENSE,

AUX V

RTD

HI

20V
RMS
MAX

LO

1V PK

MAX

20V PK

MAX

TC

20V PK

MAX

TRUE RMS MULTIMETER

87

H

MIN MAX

RANGE HOLD

REL Hz

PEAK MIN MAX

mV

mA

V

A

A

µ

V

OFF

V

COM

A

mA A

UUT Connection: Capacitance (2-Wire Comp)

CALIBRATOR

87

TRUE RMS MULTIMETER

5500A

SCOPE

200V PK

MAX

20V
RMS
MAX

TRIG

OUT

20V PK

MAX

SCOPE

200V PK

MAX

TRIG

OUT

H

MIN MAX

RANGE HOLD

REL Hz

PEAK MIN MAX

mV

mA

V

A

A

µ

V

OFF

COM

V

mA A

A

NORMAL

V, ,

1000V
RMS
MAX

20V PK

TC

A, -SENSE,

RTD

HI

LO

1V PK
MAX

MAX

UUT Connection: Capacitance (Comp Off)

19

SCOPE

AUX

200V PK

MAX

AUX V

20V
RMS
MAX

TRIG

OUT

20V PK

MAX

CHART RECORDER INPUT

UUT Connection: Temperature (RTD)

K/J THERMOMETER

51

ON/OFF

F/C

HOLD

OFFSET

!

60V
24V

MAX

Connection wiring must match thermocouple type, e.g., K, J, etc.

NORMAL

V, ,

RTD

1000V

RMS
MAX

20V PK

MAX

TC

HI

LO

1V PK

5500A

A, -SENSE,

MAX

NORMAL

V, ,

1000V

RMS
MAX

20V PK

TC

CALIBRATOR

AUX

AUX V

20V
RMS
MAX

20V PK

MAX

RTD

HI

LO

MAX

SCOPE

200V PK

MAX

TRIG

OUT

CALIBRATOR

5500A

SCOPE

AUX

200V PK

A, -SENSE,

MAX

AUX V

20V

RMS

MAX

TRIG
OUT

1V PK
MAX

20V PK

MAX

UUT Connection: Temperature (Thermocouple)

Setting the Output

Setting DC Voltage Output

Sets dc voltage output at 5500A NORMAL
terminals.

1. Press R to clear 5500A output.

2. Connect UUT.

3. Set UUT to measure dc voltage.

4. Enter desired voltage output (7 digits).

5. Press I to select polarity.

20

6. Press a multiplier key, if necessary.

7. Press V.

8. Control Display shows entered value. For
example, 123.4567 mV.

123.4567 mV

9. Press E. Output appears in Output
Display.

+ 123.4567 mV

STBY

10. Press O to activate calibrator output.

330 mV
auto

auto

locked

Range (Operating Range) Selects autorange
(auto) or lock (locked) present range.

Setting AC Voltage Output

Sets ac voltage output in volts or as a power
output in dBm (referenced to a 600 Ω load) at
5500A NORMAL terminals.

1. Press R to clear 5500A output.

2. Connect UUT.

3. Set UUT to measure ac voltage.

4. Enter desired voltage output (6 digits).

5. Press a multiplier key, if necessary.

21

6. Press V (volts) or bV (dBm).

7. Control Display shows entered value. For
example, 2.44949 V.

2.44949 V

8. Enter desired frequency output (5 digits).

9. Press a multiplier key, if necessary.

10. Press H key.

11. Control Display shows entered value. For
example, 1.1234 kHz (below).

2.44949 V

1.1234 kHz

12. Press E for output in Output Display.

2.44949 V

STBY

13. Press O to activate calibrator output.

1123.4 Hz

DUTY

50.00

1.00 to

99.00%

OFFSET

+0.00000 V

See

specifications

WAVE

square

sine

tri

square
truncs

DUTY (Duty Cycle) Set squarewave duty cycle
(1.00 to 99.00%).

22

OFFSET (Voltage Offset) Add positive or negative
dc offset voltage.

WAVE (Waveform) Select type of waveform.

Setting DC Current Output

Sets dc current output at 5500A AUX terminals (or
5725A BOOST terminals).

1. Press R to clear 5500A output.

2. Connect UUT.

3. Set UUT to measure dc current.

4. Enter desired current output (6 digits).

5. Press I to select polarity.

6. Press a multiplier key, if necessary.

7. Press A.

8. Control Display shows entered value. For
example, 234.567 mA.

234.567 mA

9. Press E for output in Output Display.

+ 234.567 mA

STBY

10. Press O to activate calibrator output.

Output at 5500A
AUX terminals

23

OUTPUT

aux

boost

330 mA

auto aux

auto

locked

OUTPUT (Output Location) Selects 5500A (aux)
or 5725A (boost). If 5725A not connected,
OUTPUT softkey does not appear.

Range (Operating Range) Selects autorange
(auto) or lock (locked) present range.

Setting AC Current Output

Sets ac current output at 5500A AUX terminals (or
5725A BOOST terminals).

1. Press R to clear 5500A output.

2. Connect UUT.

3. Set UUT to measure ac current.

4. Enter desired current output (6 digits).

5. Press a multiplier key, if necessary.

6. Press A

7. Enter desired frequency (5 digits).

8. Press a multiplier key, if necessary.

9. Press H.

10. Control Display shows entered value. For
example, 123.456 mA and 1.1234 kHz.

123.456 mA

1.1234 kHz

11. Press E for output in Output Display.

123.456 mA

STBY

1123.4 Hz

24

12. Press O to activate calibrator output.

Output at 5500A OUTPUT WAVE

AUX terminals

aux

aux

boost

square

sine

tri
square
truncs

OUTPUT (Output Location) Selects 5500A (aux)
or 5725A (boost). If 5725A not connected,
OUTPUT softkey does not appear.

WAVE (Waveform) Selects one of four different
types of waveforms.

Setting DC Power Output

NOTE

Tie the terminals NORMAL LO and AUX
LO together at the UUT or at the 5500A,

via the “LO”s softkey selection “tied.”

Sets dc voltage at 5500A NORMAL terminals and
dc current on AUX terminals (or 5725A boost
terminals).

1. Press R to clear 5500A output.

2. Connect UUT

3. Set UUT to measure dc power.

4. Enter desired voltage output (7 digits).

5. Press I to select polarity.

6. Press a multiplier key, if necessary.

7. Press V.

8. Enter desired current output (6 digits).

9. Press I to select polarity.

25

10. Press a multiplier key, if necessary.

11. Press A.

12. Control Display shows entered value. For
example, 123.4567 mV and 234.567 mA.

123.4567 mV

234.567 mA

13. Press E for output in Output Display.

+123.4567 mV

STBY

+234.567 mA

14. Press O to activate calibrator output.

28.9589 mW

(Hint: Enter voltage or current and then a watts
entry value using b A. The remaining volts
or current value is calculated and displayed.)

I OUT (Current Output) Selects 5500A (aux) or
5725A (boost). If 5725A not connected, AUX is in
upper case letters.

“LO”s (Low Potential Output Terminals) Ties or
opens a connection between front panel NORMAL
LO and AUX LO terminals.

I OUT |LO|s

AUX

aux

boost

tied

tied

open

26

Setting AC Power Output

NOTE

Tie the terminals NORMAL LO and AUX
LO together at the UUT, or at the 5500A

via the “LO”s softkey selection “tied.” For
optimum phase performance, tie the LO
terminals at the UUT. At current levels
>

2.2 A, tie the terminals at the UUT using

heavy gage wire <10 mΩ resistance.

Sets ac voltage at 5500A NORMAL terminals and
ac current on AUX terminals (or 5725A boost
terminals).

1. Press R to clear 5500A output.

2. Connect UUT.

3. Set UUT to measure ac power.

4. Enter desired voltage output (6 digits).

5. Press a multiplier key, if necessary.

6. Press V.

7. Enter desired current output (6 digits).

8. Press a multiplier key, if necessary.

9. Press A.

10. Enter desired frequency output (5 digits).

11. Press a multiplier key, if necessary.

12. Press H.

13. Control Display shows entered value. For
example, 123.456 mV, 234.567 mA, and

1.1234 kHz.

123.456 mV

234.567 mA

1.1234 kHz

27

14. Press E for output in Output Display.

123.456 mV

234.567 mA

STBY

15. Press O to activate calibrator output.

28.9587 mW

1123.4 Hz

HARMONIC

MENUS

V WAVE

sine

sine

tri
square
truncs

I WAVE

sine

sine

square
truncs

tri

I OUT WAVE

AUX

aux

boost

|LO|s

tied

tied

open

MENUS

PHASE

0.00

0 to

(180.00

(Hint: Enter voltage or current and then a watts
entry value using b A. The remaining volts
or current value is calculated and displayed.)

I OUT (Current Output) Selects 5500A (aux) or
5725A (boost). If 5725A not connected, AUX is in
upper case letters.

WAVE MENUS (Waveform Menus) Selects type of
harmonic, waveform, front panel LO terminal
condition, and phase.

HARMONIC MENUS (Harmonic Frequency Menus)
Selects harmonic outputs.

28

V WAVE (Voltage Waveform) Selects voltage
waveform.

I WAVE (Current Waveform) Selects current
waveform.

“LO”s (Low Potential Output Terminals) Ties or
opens a connection between front panel NORMAL
LO and AUX LO terminals.

PHASE (Phase Difference) Selects phase
difference between NORMAL and AUX outputs.

Setting a Dual DC Voltage Output

NOTE

Tie the terminals NORMAL LO and AUX
LO together at the UUT or at the 5500A,

via the “LO”s softkey selection “tied.”

Sets dual dc voltages at 5500A NORMAL terminals
and AUX terminals.

1. Press R to clear 5500A output.

2. Connect UUT.

3. Set UUT to measure dual dc voltage.

4. Enter desired voltage output at NORMAL
terminals (7 digits).

5. Press I to select polarity.

6. Press a multiplier key, if necessary.

7. Press V.

NOTE

Voltage on the AUX output is limited to

3.3V maximum.

8. Enter desired voltage output at AUX terminals
(6 digits).

9. Press I to select polarity.

10. Press a multiplier key, if necessary.

11. Press V.

29

12. Control Display shows entries. For example,

123.4567 mV and 234.567 mV.

123.4567 mV

234.567 mV

13. Press E for output in Output Display.

+123.4567 mV

STBY

+234.567 mV

14. Press O to activate calibrator output.

|LO|

tied

tied

open

“LO”s (Low Potential Output Terminals) Ties or
opens a connection between front panel NORMAL
LO and AUX LO terminals.

Setting a Dual AC Voltage Output

NOTE

Tie the terminals NORMAL LO and AUX
LO together at the UUT or at the 5500A,

via the “LO”s softkey selection “tied.”

Sets dual ac voltages at 5500A NORMAL terminals
and AUX terminals.

1. Press R to clear 5500A output.

2. Connect UUT.

3. Set UUT to measure dual ac voltage.

30

4. Enter desired voltage output at NORMAL
terminals (6 digits).

5. Press a multiplier key, if necessary. For
example, press c.

6. Press V.

NOTE

The AUX output is limited to 3.3V rms for
sinewaves, 6.6 V peak-to-peak for
squarewaves, 9.3 V peak-to-peak for
triangle and truncated sinewaves.

7. Enter desired voltage output at AUX terminals
(6 digits).

8. Press a multiplier key, if necessary.

9. Press V.

10. Enter desired frequency output (5 digits).

11. Press a multiplier key, if necessary.

12. Press H.

13. Control Display shows entries. For example,

123.456 mV, 234.567 mV at 1.1234 kHz.

123.456 mV

234.567 mV

14. Press E for output in Output Display.

1.1234 kHz

123.456 mV

STBY

234.567 mV

31

15. Press O to activate calibrator output.

1123.4 Hz

HARMONIC

MENUS

WAVE AUX WAVE

sine sine

sine

tri
square
truncs

sine

tri

square

truncs

V ; NOR
V ; AUX

|LO|

tied

tied

open

WAVE

MENUS

PHASE

0.00

0 to

(180.00

V @ NOR (Voltage at NORMAL Terminals) V @
AUX (Voltage at AUX Terminals) Not softkeys.

WAVE MENUS (Waveform Menus) Selects type of

harmonic, waveform, front panel LO terminal
condition, and phase.

HARMONIC MENUS (Harmonic Frequency Menus)
Selects harmonic outputs.

WAVE (Waveform) Selects one of four different
waveforms at NORMAL terminals.

AUX WAVE (Auxiliary Waveform) Selects one of
four different waveforms at AUX terminals.

“LO”s (Low Potential Output Terminals) Ties or
opens a connection between front panel NORMAL
LO and AUX LO terminals.

PHASE (Phase Difference) Selects phase
difference between NORMAL and AUX outputs.

32

Setting Resistance Output

Sets synthesized resistance output at 5500A
NORMAL terminals.

1. Press R to clear 5500A output.

2. Connect UUT.

NOTE

Be sure terminal connections from 5500A to

UUT are LO to LO and HI to HI.

3. Set UUT to measure resistance.

4. Enter desired resistance (6 digits).

5. Press a multiplier key, if necessary.

6. Press Q.

7. Control Display shows entered value. For
example, 12.3456 kΩ.

12.3456 k&

8. Press E for output in Output Display.

12.3456 k&

STBY

9. Press O to activate calibrator output.

OHMS

ZERO

COMP

off

off
2 wire
4 wire

OHMS ZERO Zeros the ohms-only function.
COMP (Compensation) Applies 4-wire, 2-wire or

compensation off (<110 kΩ only).

33

Setting Capacitance Output

Sets synthesized capacitance output at 5500A
NORMAL terminals.

1. Press R to clear 5500A output.

2. Connect UUT.

NOTE

Since this is a synthesized output, be sure the

terminal connections from the 5500A to the
UUT are LO to LO and HI to HI.

3. Set UUT to measure capacitance.

4. Enter desired capacitance output (5 digits).

5. Press a multiplier key. For example, b then
c for µf.

6. Press F.

7. Control Display shows entered value. For
example, 123.45 µf (below).

123.45 #F

8. Press E for output in Output Display.

123.45 #F

STBY

9. Press O to activate calibrator output.

34

COMP

off

off
2 wire
4 wire

COMP (Compensation) Applies 4-wire
compensation, 2-wire compensation or turns
compensation off (>110 nF).

Setting Temperature Simulation (Thermocouple)

NOTE

Make sure the thermocouple wire and
plug are not affected by extraneous
temperature sources. For example, do not
place your fingers on the thermocouple
plug or wire when simulating a
temperature.

Sets a simulated thermocouple temperature output
at 5500A front panel TC connector.

1. Press R to clear 5500A output.

2. Connect UUT.

NOTE

Use thermocouple wire and miniconnectors

that match the type of thermocouple.

3. Set UUT to measure temperature.

4. Enter desired temperature output (6 digits).

5. Press C key or fo r °F, b C keys.

6. Control Display shows entered value. For
example, 123.456 °C.

123.456 ~C

7. Press E for output in Output Display.

123.456 ~C

STBY

35

8. Press O to activate calibrator output.

NOTE

The temperature is cleared to 0 °C (32 °F) if

you change between tc and rtd, or change
the type of thermocouple (except a B-type
thermocouple is 600 °C).

Out; TC terminal
= 50.0900 mV

UNITS

~C

~C

~F

TC

MENUS

REF SRC

intrnl

intrnl
extrnl

OUTPUT

tc

rtd

tc

REF

NONE

-250

2316~C

TYPE

K

B
C
E

J
K
N
R

S
T

10#V/~C

TYPE

K

B
C
E

J

K
N

R
S
T

10#V/~C

36

Out@TC terminal (Output at front panel TC
terminals) Displays dc voltage at TC terminals.

TC MENUS (Thermocouple Menu) Shows
submenus for thermocouple outputs.

UNITS (Temperature Units) Selects °C or °F
temperature unit.

REF SRC (Reference Source) Selects intrnl
(Internal) or extrnl (External) reference source.

TYPE (Thermocouple Type) Selects emulated
thermocouple type.

OUTPUT (Temperature Output Device) Selects
temperature device: thermocouple (tc) or
resistance temperature detector (rtd).

TYPE (Thermocouple Type) Selects emulated
thermocouple type.

Setting Temperature Simulation (RTD)

Sets a simulated RTD temperature output at
5500A NORMAL terminals.

1. Press R to clear 5500A output.

2. Connect UUT.

3. Set UUT to measure temperature.

4. Enter desired temperature output (6 digits).

5. Press C key or fo r °F, b C keys.

6. Control Display shows entered value. For
example, 123.456 °C.

123.456 ~C

7. Press E to output in Output Display.

123.456 ~C

STBY

37

8. Press O to activate calibrator output.

NOTE

The temperature is cleared to 0 °C (32 °F) if

you change between tc and rtd, or change
the type of rtd.

Output at 5500A

NORMAL terminals

TYPE
pt385

pt385

pt3926

ni120

OUTPUT

rtd

rtd

tc

COMP

off

off
2 wire
4 wire

Output at 5500A NORMAL terminal. Displays
location of output terminals (always NORMAL).

TYPE (RTD Type) Selects rtd curve pt385,
pt3926, or ni120.

OUTPUT (Temperature Output Device) Selects
temperature device: thermocouple (tc) or
resistance temperature detector (rtd).

COMP (Compensation) Applies 4-wire
compensation, 2-wire compensation or turns
compensation off.

Measuring Thermocouple Temperatures

Measures a thermocouple temperature output at
5500A front panel TC connector.

1. Press R to clear 5500A output.

2. Connect thermocouple to TC connector.

NOTE

Use thermocouple wire and miniconnectors

that match the type of thermocouple.

38

3. Press U. to display TC menus.

Meas;TC terminal
= ------- V

ù

OpenTCD

on

on

off

UNITS

~C

~C

~F

TC TYPE

MENUS

intrnl

intrnl
extrnl

OFFSET

0.00

-500 to

+500 ~C

REFREF SRC

27.75

-250 to
2316~C

10#V/~C

K

B
C
E

J
K
N
R

S
T

10#V/~C

TYPE

K

B
C
E

J

K
N
R

S

T

39

4. Measured temperature is in Output Display. A
small m blinks during a measurement.

m

22.58 ~C

Measured Value

Meas@TC terminal (Measurement at TC
terminals) Displays dc voltage at TC terminals.

TC MENUS (Thermocouple Menus) Opens
submenus supporting thermocouple outputs.

Open TCD (Open Thermocouple Detect) Selects
on or off for Open TCD feature.

UNITS (Temperature Units) Selects °C or °F
temperature unit.

REF SRC (Reference Source) Selects intrnl
(Internal) or extrnl (External) reference source.

REF (Temperature Reference) Displays value of
temperature reference.

TYPE (Thermocouple Type) Selects emulated
thermocouple type.

OFFSET (Measurement Display Offset) Selects
temperature offset value to be added or subtracted
from actual measurement.

TYPE (Thermocouple Type) Selects emulated
thermocouple type.

40

Waveform Types

For AC voltage, ac current, dual ac voltage, and ac
power, select between four waveforms.

Sinewave

For sine, a sinewave is present on calibrator
outputs. Variables are amplitude, frequency, and
dc offset voltage.

RMS (70.7% of Peak)

Peak

Period

Sinewave

Trianglewave

For tri, a trianglewave is present on calibrator
outputs. Variables are amplitude, frequency, and
dc offset voltage.

Peak to Peak

Trianglewave

41

Squarewave

For square, a squarewave is present on calibrator
outputs. Variables are duty cycle, amplitude,
frequency, and dc offset voltage.

Period

Peak to Peak

Decrease Duty Cycle

Increase Duty Cycle

Squarewave and Duty Cycle

Truncated Sinewave

For truncs, a truncated sinewave is present on
calibrator outputs. Variables are amplitude and
frequency.

1/2 Period

Peak to Peak

67.5°

112.5°

Truncated Sinewave

42

Setting Harmonics

For dual ac voltages or ac power (sinewaves only),
source two signals with adjustable harmonic
difference. Fundamentals can be configured on
either NORMAL or AUX terminals.

1. Press softkey WAVE MENUS to open
waveform menu.

2. Press softkey HARMONIC MENUS to open
harmonic menu.

28.9589 mW

1123.4 Hz

HARMONIC

MENUS

60.00 Hz

V WAVE

sine

I WAVE

sine

I OUT WAVE

|LO|s

HARMNIC

1

1 to

50

MENUSAUX

PHASE

0.00open

FUNDMTL

normal

normal

aux

3. Press softkey FUNDMTL to select NORMAL or
AUX terminals (or BOOST when 5725A
connected) for fundamental.

43

4. Press softkey HARMNIC to enter desired
harmonic (1 to 50). For example, 7th harmonic.
Press E.

Harmonic = 1
New harmonic = 7

5. Press P one or more times to return to
previous menus.

Adjusting the Phase

Sets a phase difference between outputs in dual
ac voltage and ac power output modes.

28.9589 mW

1123.4 Hz

HARMONIC

MENUS

Phase = 0.00
New phase =

Power factor = 1.00 0
New pf

V WAVE

sine

I WAVE

sine

I OUT WAVE

|LO|s

PF

lead

lead

lag

MENUSAUX

PHASE

0.00open

SHOW

PF

SHOW

PHASE

44

Entering a Phase Angle

Sets a phase shift in degrees for dual ac voltage or
ac power output.

1. Press softkey WAVE MENUS to open
waveform menu.

2. Press softkey PHASE to open phase entry
menu.

3. Enter desired phase angle (5 digits).

4. Press I to select leading (+) or lagging (-)
phase shift.

5. Control Display shows entries. For example, a
leading phase angle of 123.45 degrees. Press
E.

Phase = 0.00
New phase = +123.45

SHOW
PF

6. Press P one or more times to return to
previous menus.

Entering a Power Factor

Sets a phase shift as a power factor (PF), where
PF = Cosine Φ, and Φ is phase shift.

1. Press softkey WAVE MENUS to open
waveform menu.

2. Press softkey PHASE to open phase entry
menu.

3. Press softkey SHOW PF to open power factor
entry menu.

4. Enter desired power factor (3 digits).

45

5. Press softkey PF to toggle a leading (lead) or
lagging (lag) power factor. For example, a
leading power factor of .678. Press E.

Power factor = 1.000

New pf = .678

PF

lead

lead

SHOW

PHASE

lag

6. Press P one or more times to return to
previous menus.

Entering a DC Offset

Sets a dc offset for single ac voltage outputs.

OFFSET

+0.00000 V

1. Press softkey WAVE to select desired
waveform.

2. Press softkey OFFSET to open offset entry
menu.

3. Enter desired offset. For example, 0.123 V.
Press E.

WAVE

sine

sine

square

truncs

tri

Offset = +0.0000 V
New offset = 0.123 V

46

4. Press P one or more times to return to
previous menus.

Using the 5725A Amplifier

In voltage boost mode, 5725A output appears on
5500A NORMAL terminals. In current boost mode,
5725A output appears on 5725A terminals.
Redirected 5500A current to 5725A output
terminals is 0 - 2.2 A dc, and 300 µA - 2.2 A ac.

Rules of Operation

Whenever B key annunciator is on, 5725A
voltage boost or current boost amplifier is in use.

If 5725A Current Amplifier indicator is on, while
B annunciator is off, 5500A current is being
redirected to 5725A.

When sourcing current, OUTPUT softkey choice
AUX or BOOST takes precedence over Source
Preference softkey and front panel B key.
Exception: When selected current cannot be
sourced by 5500A, output automatically switches
to BOOST and displays Current OUTPUT moved
to 5725A in Control Display.

Source Preference softkey chooses 5500A or
5725A when either can source output. B key is
a temporary Source Preference selection.

Any current or voltage combination outside
capabilities of 5500A but within capabilities of
5725A will activate 5725A output.

47

5725A Amplifier Output

WARNING

Boosted voltage operation produces
high voltage at higher current levels
than normally available from the
calibrator. During boosted voltage
operation, the potential risk of injury or
fatal accident is greater than during
normal operation.

Set a boosted output from 5725A Amplifier:

1. Press R to clear 5500A output.

2. Install 5725A, as described in 5725A manual.

3. Connect UUT. For boosted current, connect to
5725A terminals; for boosted voltage, connect
to 5500A NORMAL terminals.

4. Set UUT to measure output.

5. Set source preference to 5725: press front
panel S key; softkey INSTMT SETUP;
softkey OUTPUT SETUP; softkey SOURCE
PREFRNCE to select 5725.

6. Press P key one or more times to return to
previous menus.

7. Enter desired output value described under

“Setting the Output.”

NOTE

You can have the 5725A source a dc current

below 1.5 A to take advantage of the

amplifier’s higher compliance voltage. To
do so, press the RANGE softkey to lock
onto the 11 A range when the 5500A is set
for over 2.2 A, or set the lower current and
press

B O

8. Press B key.

to turn on the amplifier.

48

Editing and Error Output Settings

Edit outputs using Edit Field knob and associated

L, W, and e keys. In addition, multiply
X and divide D keys edit output by decades.

Keys That Exit Error Mode

.H\V $FWLRQ

E

I E
Keypad entry + E New reference.

N

X

D

R

Returns to previous
reference value.

New reference.

Present output as new
reference.

Sets calibrator to x10
reference value and
new reference.

Sets calibrator to 1/10
reference value and
new reference.

Returns to power-up
state.

Editing the Output Setting

Turn Edit Field knob clockwise to increase output
value or counter-clockwise to decrease output
value. To select higher order digit, use Edit Field
cursor key L or W. Output digit in edit is
always underlined.

+ 10.00030 V

OPR

49

Displaying the Output Error

Edit output so UUT displays expected value and
thus indicates UUT accuracy.

ref= +10.00000 V
err= -30.0 ppm

For example, edited difference of .00030 volts for
output of 10.00000 V represents
.00030/10.00000=.000030, or 30 parts per million.

Using Multiply and Divide

Press X key to multiply output by x10. Press
D key to divide output by 1/10. If multiplied

output exceeds 33V, 5500A is placed in STBY
(Standby).

Setting Output Limits

Output limits help prevent accidental damage to
UUTs from overcurrent or overvoltage. Selections
are saved in nonvolatile memory. Voltage limits
are expressed in rms.

Setting Voltage and Current Limits

Sets voltage and current limits.

1. Press R to clear 5500A output.

2. Press S. Press softkey INSTMT SETUP to
open setup submenus.

3. Press softkey OUTPUT SETUP to open output
setup submenus.

50

4. Press softkey SET LIMITS to open set limits
menu.

DISPLAY OR CHANGE ENTRY LIMITS
VOLTAGE

CURRENT

5. To Limit Voltage (applies to both dc and ac
voltages) Press softkey under VOLTAGE.

V+ LIM 1000.0000
V- LIM -1000.0000

UPPER
LIMIT

LOWER
LIMIT

a. Press “Upper Limit” or “Lower Limit” softkey,

as desired, and enter new limit.

b. Press E then P one or more times

to return to previous menus.

6. To Limit Current (applies to both dc and ac
currents) Press softkey under CURRENT.

I+ LIM 11.0000

I- LIM -11.0000

UPPER
LIMIT

LOWER
LIMIT

a. Press “Upper Limit” or “Lower Limit” softkey,

as desired, and enter new limit.

b. Press E then P one or more times

to return to previous menus.

51

52