Fluke 5500A Getting Started

5500A

®

Multi-Product Calibrator

Getting Started

PN 945159
August 2001

© 2001 Fluke Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
All product names are trademarks of their r espective comp ani es.

LIMITED WAR RA NTY & LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Each Fluke product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship under
normal use and service. The warranty period is one year and begins on the date of shipment.
Parts, product repairs and services are warranted for 90 days. This warranty extends only to the
original buyer or end-user customer of a Fluke authorized reseller, and does not apply to fuses,
disposable batteries or to any product which, in Fluke’s opinion, has been misused, altered,
neglected or damaged by accident or abnormal conditions of operation or handling. Fluke
warrants that software will operate substantially in accordance with its functional specifications
for 90 days and that it has been properly recorded on non-defective media. Fluke does not
warrant that software will be error free or operate without interruption.
Fluke authorized resellers shall extend this warranty on new and unused products to end-user
customers only but have no authority to extend a greater or different warranty on behalf of
Fluke. Warranty support is available if product is purchased through a Fluke authorized sales
outlet or Buyer has paid the applicable international price. Fluke reserves the right to invoice
Buyer for importation costs of repair/replacement parts when product purchased in one country
is submitted for repair in another country.
Fluke’s warranty obligation is limited, at Fluke’s option, to refund of the purchase price, free of
charge repair, or replacement of a defective product which is returned to a Fluke authorized
service center within the warranty period.
To obtain warranty service, contact your nearest Fluke authorized service center or send the
product, with a description of the difficulty, postage and insurance prepaid (FOB Destination), to
the nearest Fluke authorized service center. Fluke assumes no risk for damage in transit.
Following warranty repair, the product will be returned to Buyer, transportation prepaid (FOB
Destination). If Fluke determines that the failure was caused by misuse, alteration, accident or
abnormal condition of operation or handling, Fluke will provide an estimate of repair costs and
obtain authorization before commencing the work. Following repair, the product will be returned
to the Buyer transportation prepaid and the Buyer will be billed for the repair and return
transportation charges (FOB Shipping Point).
THIS WARRANTY IS BUYER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL
OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. FLUKE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, INCLUDING LOSS OF DATA, WHETHER
ARISING FROM BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, RELIANCE
OR ANY OTHER THEORY.
Since some countries or states do not allow limitation of the term of an implied warranty, or
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, the limitations and exclusions of
this warranty may not apply to every buyer. If any provision of this Warranty is held invalid or
unenforceable by a court of compet ent jurisdiction, such hold ing will not affect the val idi ty or
enforceability of any other provision.

Fluke Corporation Fluke Europe B.V.
P.O. Box 9090 P.O. Box 1186
Everett, WA 98206-9090 5602 BD Eindhoven
U.S.A. The Netherlands

5/94

LIMITE DE GARANTIE ET LIMITE DE RESPONSABILITE

La société Fluke garantit l'absence de vices des matériaux et à la fabrication de ce produit dans
des conditions normales d'utilisation et d'entretien. La période de garantie est de un an et prend
effet à la date d'expédition. Les pièces, les réparations de produit et les services sont garantis pour
un période de 90 jours. Cette garantie ne s'applique qu'à l'acheteur d'origine ou à l'utilisateur final
s'il est client d'un distributeur agréé par Fluke, et ne s'applique pas aux fusibles, aux batteries/piles
interchangeables ni à aucun produit qui, de l'avis de Fluke, a été malmené, modifié, négligé ou
endommagé par accident ou soumis à des conditions anormales d'utilisation et de manipulation.
Fluke garantit que le logiciel fonctionnera en grande partie conformément à ses spécifications
fonctionnelles pour une période de 90 jours et qu'il a été correctement enregistré sur des supports
non défectueux. Fluke ne garantit pas que le logiciel ne contient pas d'erreurs ou qu'il fonctionne
sans interruption.

Les distributeurs agréés par Fluke appliqueront cette garantie à des produits vendus à leurs clients
neufs et qui n'ont pas servi mais ne sont pas autorisés à appliquer une garantie plus étendue ou
différente au nom de Fluke. Le support de garantie est offert si le produit a été acquis par
l'intermédiaire d'un point de vente agréé par Fluke ou bien si l'acheteur a payé le prix international
applicable. Fluke se réserve le droit de facturer à l'acheteur les frais d'importation des pièces de
réparation ou de remplacement si le produit acheté dans un pays a été expédié dans un autre
pays pour y être réparé.

L'obligation de garantie de Fluke est limitée, au choix de Fluke, au remboursement du prix d'achat,
ou à la réparation/remplacement gratuit d'un produit défectueux retourné dans le délai de garantie
à un centre de service agréé par Fluke.

Pour avoir recours au service de la garantie, mettez-vous en rapport avec le centre de service
Fluke le plus proche ou envoyez le produit, accompagné d'une description du problème, port et
assurance payés (franco lieu de destination), au centre de service agréé par Fluke le plus proche.
Fluke dégage toute responsabilité en cas de dégradations survenues au cours du transport. Après
la réparation sous garantie, le produit sera retourné à l'acheteur, frais de port payés d'avance
(franco lieu de destination). Si Fluke estime que le problème a été causé par un traitement abusif,
une modification, un accident ou des conditions de foncti on nem ent ou de man ipu lation anormales,
Fluke fournira un devis des frais de réparation et ne commencera la réparation qu'après en avoir
reçu l'autorisation. Après la réparation, le produit sera retourné à l'acheteur, frais de port payés
d'avance, et les frais de réparation et de transport lui seront facturés.

LA PRESENTE GARANTIE EST EXCLUSIVE ET TIENT LIEU DE TOUTES AUTRES
GARANTIES, EXPLICITES OU IMPLICITES, Y COMPRIS, MAIS NON EXCLUSIVEMENT,
TOUTE GARANTIE IMPLICITE QUANT A L'APTITUDE DU PRODUIT A ETRE COMMERCIALISE
OU A ETRE APPLIQUE A UNE FIN OU A UN USAGE DETERMINE. FLUKE NE POURRA ETRE
TENU RESPONSABLE D'AUCUN DOMMAGE PARTICULIER, INDIRECT, ACCIDENTEL OU
CONSECUTIF, NI D'AUCUNS DEGATS OU PERTES DE DONNEES, QUE CE SOIT A LA SUITE
D'UNE INFRACTION AUX OBLIGATIONS DE GARANTIE, SUR UNE BASE CONTRACTUELLE,
EXTRA- CONTRACTUELLE OU AUTRE.

Etant donné que certains pays ou états n'admettent pas les limitations d'une condition de garantie
implicite, ou l'exclusi on ou la limitation de dégâts accidente ls ou co ns éc utif s, le s li mit ati on s et les
exclusions de cette garantie pourraient ne pas s'appliquer à chaque acheteur. Si une disposition
quelconque de cette garantie est jugée non valide ou inapplicable par un tribunal compétent, une
telle décision n'affectera en rien la validité ou le caractère exécutoire de toute autre disposition.

Fluke Corporation Fluke Europe B.V.
P.O. Box 9090 P.O. Box 1186
Everett, WA 98206-9090 5602 B.D. Eindhoven
USA Pays-Bas

BEFRISTETE GARANTIEBESTIMMUNGEN & HAFTUNGSBESCHRÄNKUNG

Für jedes Produkt, das Fluke herstellt, leistet Fluke eine Garantie für einwandfreie Materialqualitßt und fehlerfreie
Ausführung unter normalen Betriebs- und Wartungsbedingungen. Der Garantiezeitraum gilt für ein Jahr und beginnt
mit dem Lieferdatum. Die Garantiebestimmungen für Ersatzteile, Instandsetzungs- und Wartungsarbeiten gelten für
einen Zeitraum von 90 Tagen. Diese Garantie wird ausschließlich dem Erst erwerber bzw. dem Endverbraucher, der
das betreffende Produkt von einer von Fluke autorisierten Weiterverkaufsstelle erworben hat, geleistet und erstreckt
sich nicht auf Sicherungen, Einwegbatterien oder irgendwelche andere Produkte, die nach dem Ermessen von
Fluke unsachgemäß verwendet, verändert, vernachlässigt, durch Unfälle beschädigt oder abnormalen
Betriebsbedingungen oder einer unsachgemäßen Handhabung ausgesetzt wurden. Fluke garantiert für einen
Zeitraum von 90 Tagen, daß die Software im wesentlichen in Übereinstimmung mit den einschlägigen
Funktionsbeschreibungen funktioniert und daß diese Software auf fehlerfreien Datenträgern gespeichert wurde.
Fluke übernimmt jedoch keine Garantie dafür, daß die Software fehlerfrei ist und störungsfrei arbeitet.

Von Fluke autorisierte Weiterverkaufsstellen werden diese Garantie ausschließlich für neue und nichtbenutzte, an
Endverbraucher verkaufte Produkte leisten, sind jedoch nicht dazu berechtigt, diese Garantie im Namen von Fluke
zu verlängern, auszudehnen oder in irgendeiner anderen Weise abzuändern. Der Erwerber hat das Recht aus der
Garantie abgeleitete Unterstützungsleistungen in Anspruch zu nehmen, wenn er das Produkt bei einer von Fluke
autorisierten Vertriebsstelle gekauft oder den jeweils geltenden internationalen Preis gezahlt hat. Fluke behält sich
das Recht vor, dem Erwerber Einfuhrgebühren für Ersatzteile in Rechnung zu stellen, wenn dieser das Produkt in
einem anderen Land zur Reparatur anbietet, als das Land, in dem er das Produkt ursprünglich erworben hat.

Flukes Garantieverpflichtung beschränkt sich darauf, daß Fluke nach eigenem Ermessen den Kaufpreis ersetzt
oder aber das defekte Produkt unentgeltlich repariert oder austauscht, wenn dieses Produkt innerhalb der
Garantiefrist einem von Fluke autorisierten Servicezentrum zur Reparatur übergeben wird.

Um die Garantieleistung in Anspruch zu nehmen, wenden Sie sich bitte an das nächstgelegene und von Fluke
autorisierte Servicezentrum oder senden Sie das Produkt mit einer Beschreibung des Problems und unter
Vorauszahlung von Fracht- und Versicherungskosten (FOB Bestimmungsort) an das nächstgelegene und von Fluke
autorisierte Servicezentrum. Fluke übernimmt keinerlei Haftung für eventuelle Transportschäden. Im Anschluß an
die Reparatur wird das Produkt unter Vorauszahlung von Frachtkosten (FOB Bestimmungsort) an den Erwerber
zurückgesandt. Wenn Fluke jedoch feststellt, daß der Defekt auf unsachgemäße Handhabung, Veränderungen am
Gerät, einen Unfall oder auf anormale Betriebsbedingungen oder unsachgemäße Handhabung zurückzuführen ist,
wird Fluke dem Erwerber einen Voranschlag der Reparaturkosten zukommen lassen und erst die Zustimmung des
Erwerbers einholen, bevor die Arbeiten in Angriff genommen werden. Nach der Reparatur wird das Produkt unter
Vorauszahlung der Frachtkosten an den Erwerber zurückgeschickt und werden dem Erwerber die Reparaturkosten
und die Versandkosten (FOB Versandort) in Rechnung gestellt.

DIE VORSTEHENDEN GARANTIEBESTIMMUNGEN SIND DAS EINZIGE UND ALLEINIGE RECHT AUF
SCHADENERSATZ DES ERWERBERS UND GELTEN AUSSCHLIESSLICH UND AN STELLE VON ALLEN
ANDEREN VERTRAGLICHEN ODER GESETZLICHEN GEWÄHRLEISTUNGSPFLICHTEN, EINSCHLIESSLICH ­JEDOCH NICHT DARAUF BESCHRÄNKT - DER GESETZLICHEN GEWÄHRLEISTUNG DER
MARKTFÄHIGKEIT, DER GEBRAUCHSEIGNUNG UND DER ZWECKDIENLICHKEIT FÜR EINEN BESTIMMTEN
EINSATZ. FLUKE ÜBERNIMMT KEINE HAFTUNG FÜR SPEZIELLE, UNMITTELBARE, MITTELBARE, BEGLEIT­ODER FOLGESCHÄDEN ODER ABER VERLUSTE, EINSCHLIESSLICH DES VERLUSTS VON DATEN,
UNABHÄNGIG DAVON, OB SIE AUF VERLETZUNG DER GEWÄHRLEISTUNGSPFLICHT, RECHTMÄSSIGE,
UNRECHTMÄSSIGE ODER ANDERE HANDLUNGEN ZURÜCKZUFÜHREN SIND.

Angesichts der Tatsache, daß in einigen Ländern die Begrenzung einer gesetzlichen Gewährleistung sowie der
Ausschluß oder die Begrenzung von Begleit- oder Folgeschäden nicht zulässig ist, könnte es sein, daß die
obengenannten Einschränkungen und Ausschlüsse nicht für jeden Erwerber gelten. Sollte irgendeine Klausel dieser
Garantiebestimmungen von einem zuständigen Gericht für unwirksam oder nicht durchsetzbar befunden werden, so
bleiben die Wirksamkeit oder Erzwingbarkeit irgendeiner anderen Klausel dieser Garantiebestimmungen von einem
solchen Spruch unberührt.

Fluke Corporation Fluke Europe B.V.
Postfach 9090 Postfach 1186
Everett, WA 98206-9090 5602 B.D. Eindhoven
USA Niederlande

GARANTÍA LIMITADA Y LIMITACIÓN DE RESPONSABILIDAD

Se garantiza que cada uno de los productos de Fluke no tiene defectos de material y mano de

obra si es objeto de una utilizac ió n y un mante nim ie nto nor m ale s. El per í odo de garan tía es de
un año y comienza a partir de la fecha de envío. Las piezas, reparaciones y mantenimiento del
producto están garantizados durante 90 días. Esta garantía se concede exclusivamente al
comprador original o al cliente usuario final de un revendedor autorizado por Fluke, y no es de
aplicación a fusibles, baterías o pilas desechables o cualquier otro producto que, en opinión de
Fluke, haya sido objeto de una mala utilización, alteración, negligencia o daños por accidente o
manejo o manipulación anómalos. Fluke garantiza que el software operará sustancialmente de
acuerdo con sus espec ificac i on es fun ci ona le s durante 90 días y que ha sido grabado
correctamente en medios no defectuosos. Fluke no garantiza que el software carezca de
errores ni opere sin interrupc ió n.

Los revendedores autorizados por Fluke concederán esta garantía a productos nuevos y sin
utilizar suministrado s a cli ent es u suari os fina le s exclu siv a me nte, per o no tie nen autor idad para
conceder una garantía diferente o mayor por cuenta de Fluke. Puede utilizar el servicio de
garantía si el producto ha si do comprado en una oficina de ventas Fluke autorizada o si el
Comprador ha pagado el importe de aplicación internacional. Fluke se reserva el derecho de
facturar al Comprador los costes de importación debidos a la reparación o sustitución de piezas
cuando el producto comprado en un país es enviado para su reparación a otro país.

La obligación de Fluke en concepto de garantía se limita, a criterio de Fluke, al reembolso del
importe de la compra, a la reparación gratis, o a la sustitución de un producto defectuoso que
sea devuelto a un centro de servicio Fluke autorizado dentro del período de garantía.

Para obtener servicio en garantía, póngase en contacto con el Servicio Oficial Fluke autorizado
más próximo o envíe el producto, con una descripción del problema surgido, a portes y seguros
pagados por anticipado (FOB en Destino), al Servicio Oficial Fluke autorizado más próximo.
Fluke no asume ningún riesgo por los daños en tránsito. Tras la reparación en concepto de
garantía, el producto será devuelto al Comprador, previo pago del transporte (FOB en Destino).
Si Fluke decide que la avería ha sido causada por una mala utilización, alteración, accidente o
manejo o manipulación anormales, Fluke hará una estimación de los costes de reparación y
solicitará autorización antes de comenzar el trabajo. Tras la reparación, el producto será
devuelto al Comprador, prev io pago del tr an sporte, y se facturarán al Comprad or los ga sto s en
concepto de reparación y de transporte para su devolución (FOB en el Punto de envío).

ESTA GARANTÍA SE CONCEDE A TÍTULO ÚNICO Y EXCLUSIVO DEL COMPRADOR Y
SUSTITUYE A TODAS LAS DEMÁS GARANTÍAS, EXPRESAS O IMPLÍCITAS, INCLUYENDO,
PERO SIN LIMITARSE A, NINGUNA GARANTÍA IMPLÍCITA DE COMERCIABILIDAD O
IDONEIDAD PARA UN FIN O UN USO DETERMINADOS. FLUKE NO SE
RESPONSABILIZARÁ DE PÉRDIDAS O DAÑOS ESPECIALES, INDIRECTOS, IMPREVISTOS
O CONTINGENTES, INCLUIDA LA PÉRDIDA DE DATOS, YA SEAN PRODUCTO DE
VIOLACIÓN DE LA GARANTÍA O YA SEA EN RELACIÓN CON UN CONTRATO, POR
RESPONSABILIDAD CIVIL EXTRACONTRACTUAL, CONFIANZA O EN CUALQUIER OTRA
FORMA.

Dado que algunos países o estados no permiten la limitación del plazo de una garantía
implícita, ni la exclusión o limitación de daños imprevistos o contingentes, las limitaciones y
exclusiones de esta garantía pueden no ser de aplicación a todos los compradores. Si alguna
disposición de esta Garantía es considerada nula o no aplicable por un tribunal de justicia
competente, dicha consideración no afectará a la validez o aplicación de las demás
disposiciones.

Fluke Corporation Fluke Europe B.V.
P.O. Box 9090 P.O. Box 1186
Everett, WA 98206-9090 5602 B.D. Eindhoven
ESTADOS UNIDOS Holanda

CAUTION

This is an IEC safety Class 1 product. Before using, the ground wire in the
line cord or rear panel binding post must be connected to an earth ground
for safety.

Interference Information

This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in strict

accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio and television
reception. It has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing
device in accordance with the specifications of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to
provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation.

Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

This device may not cause harmful interference.

•

This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause

•

undesired operation.

There is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment
does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of more of
the following measures:

Reorient the receiving antenna

•

Relocate the equipment with respect to the receiver

•

Move the equipment away from the receiver

•

Plug the equipment into a different outlet so th at the com puter and re ceiver are on d ifferent

•

branch circuits
If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for
additional suggestions. The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal
Communications Commission helpful: How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference
Problems. This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.

20402. Stock No. 004-000-00345- 4.

Declaration of the Manufacturer or Importer

We hereby certify that the Fluke Model 5500A is in compliance with BMPT Vfg 243/1991 and is
RFI suppressed. The normal operation of some equipment (e.g. signal generators) may be
subject to specific restrictions. Please observe the notices in the users manual. The marketing
and sales of the equipment was reported to the Central Office for Telecommunication Permits
(BZT). The right to retest this equipment to verify compliance with the regulation was given to
the BZT.

Bescheinigung des Herstellers/Importeurs

Hiermit wird bescheinigt, daβ die Fluke Model 5500A in Übereinstimmung mit den
Bestimmungen der BMPT-AmtsblVfg 243/1991 funk-entstört sind. Der vorschriftsmäßige Betrieb
mancher Geräte (z.B. Meßsender) kann allerdings gewissen Einschränkungen unterliegen.
Beachten Sie deshalb die Hinweise in der Bedienungsanleitung. Dem Bundesamt für
Zulassungen in der Telecommunikation wurde das Inverkehrbringen dieses Gerätes angezeigt
und die Berechtigung zur Überprüfung der Serie auf Einhaltung der Bestimmungen eingeräumt.

Fluke Corporation

SAFETY TERMS IN THIS MANUAL

This instrument has been designed and tested in accordance with IEC publication
1010-1 (1992-1), Safety Requirements for Electrical Measuring, Control and Laboratory
Equipment, and ANSI/ISA-582.01-1994, and CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 1010.1-92. This User
Manual contains information, warning, and cautions that must be followed to ensure safe
operation and to maintain the instrument in a safe condition. Use of this equipment in a
manner not specified herein may impair the protection provided by the equipment.

This instrument is designed for IEC 1010-1 Installation Category II use. It is not designed
for connection to circuits rated over 4800 VA.

WARNING statements identify conditions or practices that could result in personal injury
or loss of life.

CAUTION statements identify conditions or practices that could result in damage to
equipment.

SYMBOLS MARKED ON EQUIPMENT

WARNING Risk of electric shock. Refer to the manual (see the Index for

references).

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 post 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. A protective ground connection by way of the grounding conductor in the
power cord is required for safe operation.

USE THE PROPER FUSE

To avoid fire hazard, for fuse replacement use only the specified unit: 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 instrument utilizes controlled overvoltage techniques that require the instrument to
be grounded whenever normal mode or common mode ac voltages or transient voltages
may occur. 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.

DO NOT OPERATE IN EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES

To avoid explosion, do not operate the instrument in an atmosphere of explosive gas.

DO NOT REMOVE COVER DURING OPERATION

To avoid personal injury or death, do not remove the instrument cover without first
removing the power source connected to the rear panel. Do not operate the instrument
without the cover properly installed. Normal calibration is accomplished with the cover
closed. Access procedures and the warnings for such procedures are contained both in
this manual and in the Service Manual. Service procedures are for qualified service
personnel only.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPERATE IF PROTECTION MAY BE IMPAIRED

If the instrument appears damaged or operates abnormally, protection may be impaired.
Do not attempt to operate the instrument under these conditions. Refer all questions of
proper instrument operation to qualified service personnel.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Introduction....................................................................................................... 1

Instruction Manuals........................................................................................... 2

5500A Getting Started Manual..................................................................... 3

5500A Operator Manual ............................................................................... 3

5500A Operator Reference Guide................................................................. 3

5500A Programmer Reference Guide........................................................... 3

5500A Service Manual.................................................................................. 3

Where to Go from Here..................................................................................... 3

Operation Overview.......................................................................................... 4

Local Operation............................................................................................. 4

Remote Operation (RS-232).......................................................................... 4

Remote Operation (IEEE-488)...................................................................... 4

Preparing for Operation..................................................................................... 5

Unpacking and Inspection................................................................................. 5

Replacing the Fuse ............................................................................................ 6

Selecting Line Voltage...................................................................................... 6

Connecting to Line Power................................................................................. 7

Service Information........................................................................................... 9

Placement and Rack Mounting.......................................................................... 9

Cooling Considerations..................................................................................... 9

5725A Amplifier ............................................................................................... 10

Connecting the 5725A Amplifier...................................................................... 10

Specifications .................................................................................................... 11

General Specifications .................................................................................. 12

DC Voltage Specifications............................................................................ 13

DC Current Specifications............................................................................ 14

Resistance Specifications.............................................................................. 15

AC Voltage (Sinewave) Specifications......................................................... 16

AC Current (Sinewave) Specifications......................................................... 18

Capacitance Specifications............................................................................ 20

Temperature Calibration (Thermocouple) Specifications............................. 21

Temperature Calibration (RTD) Specifications............................................ 22

DC Power Specification Summary................................................................ 24

AC Power (45 Hz to 65 Hz) Specification Summary, PF=1......................... 25

Power and Dual Output Limit Specifications ............................................... 26

i

5500A

Getting Started

5500A Phase Specifications.......................................................................... 27

Calculating Power Uncertainty..................................................................... 28

Additional Specifications.................................................................................. 29

Frequency Specifications.............................................................................. 29

Harmonics (2nd to 50th) Specifications........................................................ 30

AC Voltage (Sinewave) Extended Bandwidth Specifications...................... 31

AC Voltage (Non-Sinewave) Specifications................................................. 32

AC Voltage, DC Offset Specifications......................................................... 33

AC Voltage, Squarewave Characteristics..................................................... 33

AC Voltage, Triangle wave Characteristics (typical)................................... 34

AC Current (Sinewave) Extended Bandwidth Specifications....................... 34

AC Current (Non-Sinewave) Specifications................................................. 34

AC Current (Non-Sinewave) Specifications ..................................................... 35

AC Current, Squarewave Characteristics (typical)....................................... 35

AC Current, Trianglewave Characteristics (typical)..................................... 35

ii

Introduction

The Fluke Model 5500A Multi-Product Calibrator (Figure 1) is a precise instrument that
calibrates a wide variety of electrical measuring instruments. With the 5500A Calibrator,
you can calibrate precision multimeters that measure ac or dc voltage, ac or dc current,
ac or dc power, resistance, capacitance, and temperature. With the Oscilloscope
Calibration option, you can use the 5500A Calibrator to calibrate analog and digital
oscilloscopes. Specifications are provided in this manual. Complete operating
information is provided in the Operator Manual and complete service information is
provided in the Service Manual. Both manuals are provided on the CD-ROM you
received with your Calibrator.

If the 5500A Calibrator is operated in any way not specified by
this manual or other documentation provided by Fluke, the
protection provided by the Calibrator may be impaired.

Getting Started

Warning

NORMAL AUX

V, ,

RTD

1000V

RMS
MAX

20V PK

MAX

TC

1V PK

MAX

HI

LO

5500A

A, -SENSE,

AUX V

20V
RMS
MAX

20V PK

MAX

CALIBRATOR

SCOPE

60V PK

MAX

TRIG
OUT

p

SHIFT

µ

n

M

m

k

PREV

dBm sec

VHz

W

¡F

A

¡C

F

ENTER

SETUP

RESET

NEW

CE

REF

MEAS

TRIG

TC

OUT

MULT

DIV

x

÷

EDIT
FIELD

OPRSTBY EARTH SCOPE BOOST MENU

789

456

123

+

/

0•

Figure 1. 5500A Multi-Product Calibrator

POWER

F1-01.eps

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5500A

Getting Started

The 5500A Calibrator is a fully programmable precision source of the following:

• DC voltage from 0 V to +1020 V.

• AC voltage from 1 mV to 1020 V, with output from 10 Hz to 500 kHz.

• AC current from 0.01 µA to 11.0 A, with output from 10 Hz to 10 kHz.

• DC current from 0 to +11.0 A.

• Resistance values from a short circuit to 330 MΩ.

• Capacitance values from 330 pF to 1100 µF.

• Simulated output for three types of Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs).

• Simulated output for nine types of thermocouples.

Features of the 5500A Calibrator include the following:

• Automatic meter error calculation.

• X and D keys that change the output value to pre-determined cardinal values

for various functions.

• Programmable entry limits that prevent invalid amounts from being entered.

• Simultaneous output of voltage and current, up to 11 kW.

• Simultaneous output of two voltages.

• Extended bandwidth mode outputs multiple waveforms down to 0.01 Hz, and sine

waves to 2 MHz.

• Variable phase signal output.

• Standard IEEE-488 (GPIB) interface, complying with ANSI/IEEE Standards

488.1-1987 and 488.2-1987.

• EIA Standard RS-232-C serial data interface for printing, displaying, or transferring

internally stored calibration constants, and for remote control of the 5500A.

• Pass-through RS-232-C serial data interface for communicating with the Unit Under

Test (UUT).

• Extensive automatic internal self testing and diagnostics of analog and digital

functions.

Instruction Manuals

The 5500A Manual Set provides complete information for operators and service or
maintenance technicians. The set includes:

• 5500A Getting Started Manual (PN 945159)

• 5500A Operator Reference Guide (PN 945097)

• 5500A Remote Programming Reference Guide (PN 105783)

• 5500A Operator Manual (Provided on CD-ROM or printed copy available for

purchase (PN 1628802) through the Fluke Service Department.)

• 5500A Service Manual (PN 105798)

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5500A Getting Started Manual

This 5500A Getting Started Manual contains a brief introduction to the 5500A Manual
Set, instructions on how to get your calibrator prepared for operation and a complete set
of specifications.

5500A Operator Manual

The 5500A Operator Manual provides complete information for installing the 5500A
Calibrator and operating it from the front panel keys and in remote configurations. This
manual also provides a glossary of calibration, specifications, and error code
information. The Operator Manual includes the following topics:

• Installation

• Operating controls and features, including front panel operation

• Remote operation (IEEE-488 bus or serial port remote control)

• Serial port operation (printing, displaying, or transferring data, and setting up for

serial port remote control)

• Operator maintenance, including verification procedures and calibration approach

for the 5500A

• Oscilloscope Calibration Option

• Accessories

5500A Operator Reference Guide

The 5500A Operator Reference Guide contains a summary of operating instructions, and
a front panel and rear panel feature reference. This guide is included with this manual.

Multi-Product Calibrator

Where to Go from Here

5500A Programmer Reference Guide

The 5500A Programmer Reference Guide contains a summary of remote commands and
reference information useful in determining system status using the status byte and
related registers. This guide is included with this manual.

5500A Service Manual

The 5500A Service Manual is available in PDF format on the CD-ROM provided with
your instrument. It can also be ordered through your local Fluke Sales or Service
representative. The 5500A Service Manual includes: theory of operation, performance
testing, maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, parts lists, and schematic diagrams.

Where to Go from Here

To locate specific information concerning the operation of the 5500A calibrator, refer to
the following list:

• Controls, indicators, and displays: Operator Manual - Chapter 3, “Features”

• Front panel operation: Operator Manual - Chapter 4, “Front Panel Operation”

• Cabling to a UUT (Unit Under Test): Operator Manual - Chapter 4, “Front Panel

Operation”

• Using the auxiliary amplifier: Operator Manual - Chapter 4, “Front Panel

Operation”

• Remote operation (IEEE-488 or serial): Operator Manual - Chapter 5, “Remote

Operation”

• Calibrating an Oscilloscope: Operator Manual - Chapter 8, “Oscilloscope

Calibration Option”

• Accessories to the 5500A Calibrator: Operator Manual - Chapter 9, “Accessories”

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5500A

Getting Started

Operation Overview

Local Operation

Remote Operation (RS-232)

The 5500A Calibrator may be operated at the front panel in the local mode, or remotely
using RS-232 or IEEE-488 ports. For remote operations, several software options are
available to integrate 5500A operation into a wide variety of calibration requirements.

Typical local operations include front panel connections to the Unit Under Test (UUT),
and then manual keystroke entries at the front panel to place the calibrator in the desired
output mode. The front panel layout facilitates hand movements from left to right, and
multiply and divide keys make it easy to step up or down at the press of a single key.
You can also review 5500A Calibrator specifications at the push of a button [available,
July, 1995]. The backlit liquid crystal display is easy to read from many different
viewing angles and lighting conditions, and the large, easy-to-read keys are color-coded
and provide tactile feedback when they are pressed.

There are two rear-panel serial data RS-232 ports: SERIAL 1 FROM HOST, and
SERIAL 2 TO UUT (Figure 2). Each port is dedicated to serial data communications for
operating and controlling the 5500A during calibration procedures. For complete
information on remote operations, see Chapter 5.

The SERIAL 1 FROM HOST serial data port connects a host terminal or personal
computer to the 5500A. You have several choices for sending commands to the 5500A:
you can enter commands from a terminal (for example, using the Terminal accessory
from Windows using a PC), you can write your own programs using BASIC, or you can
run optional Windows-based software such as 5500/CAL or MET/CAL. The 5500/CAL
software includes more than 200 example procedures covering a wide range of test tools
the 5500A can calibrate. (See Chapter 6 for a discussion of the RS-232 commands.)

The SERIAL 2 TO UUT serial data port connects a UUT to a PC or terminal via the
5500A (see Figure 2). This “pass-through” configuration eliminates the requirement for

two COM ports at the PC or Terminal. A set of four commands control the operation of
the SERIAL 2 TO UUT serial port. See Chapter 6 for a discussion of the UUT_*
commands.

Remote Operation (IEEE-488)

The 5500A rear panel IEEE-488 port is a fully programmable parallel interface bus
meeting standard IEEE-488.1 and supplemental standard IEEE-488.2. Under the remote
control of an instrument controller, the 5500A Calibrator operates exclusively as a
“talker/listener.” You can write your own programs using the IEEE-488 command set or
run the optional Windows-based MET/CAL software. (See Chapter 6 in the Operator
Manual for a discussion of the commands available for IEEE-488 operation.)

The 5500A Calibrator can supply lethal voltages. Read this
section before operating the calibrator.

Warning

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