GW Instek GDM-8200A User Manual

Digital Multimeter

GDM-8200A Series

USER MANUAL

GW INSTEK PART NO. 82DM-8255AE E1

ISO-9001 CERTIFIED MANUFACTURER

March 2013

This manual contains proprietary information, which is protected by copyrights. All rights are reserved. No part of this manual may be photocopied, reproduced or translated to another language without prior written consent of Good Will company.

The information in this manual was correct at the time of printing. However, Good Will continues to improve products and reserves the right to change specifications, equipment, and maintenance procedures at any time without notice.

Good Will Instrument Co., Ltd.

No. 7-1, Jhongsing Rd., Tucheng Dist., New Taipei City 236, Taiwan.

Table of Contents

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .................................................... 5

Safety Symbols .................................................... 5

Safety Guidelines ................................................ 6

GETTING STARTED ............................................................ 9

GDM-8200A Series Lineup ................................ 10

GDM-8200A Series Characteristics ................... 11

Front Panel Overview ........................................ 12

Rear Panel Overview ......................................... 17

Set Up ............................................................... 19

BASIC MEASUREMENT .................................................... 21

Basic Measurement Overview ........................... 22

AC/DC/AC+DC Voltage Measurement .............. 24

AC/DC/AC+DC Current Measurement .............. 28

2W/4W Resistance Measurement ..................... 30

Diode Test ......................................................... 32

Continuity Test .................................................. 33

Frequency/Period Measurement ....................... 36

Temperature Measurement ............................... 37

ADVANCED MEASUREMENT ........................................... 40

Advanced Measurement Overview .................... 41

dBm/dB Measurement ...................................... 43

Max/Min Measurement..................................... 45

Relative Value Measurement ............................. 46

Hold Measurement ........................................... 48

Compare Measurement ..................................... 49

Math Measurement ........................................... 52

Dual Display Measurement ............................... 55

SYSTEM/DISPLAY CONFIGURATION .............................. 57

Refresh Rate Setting .......................................... 58

Trigger Setting ................................................... 59

GDM-8200A Series User Manual

Digital Filter Setting .......................................... 62

Display Setting .................................................. 64

STORE/RECALL ............................................................... 66

Store Measurement Record ............................... 67

Recall Measurement Record .............................. 68

Save Instrument Settings .................................. 69

Recall Instrument Settings ................................ 70

SCANNER (OPTIONAL) .................................................. 71

GDM-SC1 Scanner Specifications ..................... 72

Scanner Installation .......................................... 72

Setup Scan ........................................................ 80

Run Scan ........................................................... 87

DIGITAL I/O .................................................................... 90

Digital I/O Terminal Configuration ................... 91

REMOTE CONTROL ........................................................ 95

Configure Interface ............................................ 96

Command Syntax .............................................. 99

Command Set .................................................. 100

FAQ ................................................................................ 109

APPENDIX ...................................................................... 110

Firmware Version ............................................ 111

Fuse Replacement ........................................... 112

Specifications .................................................. 114

EC Declaration of Conformity .......................... 121

INDEX ............................................................................ 122

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING

Warning: Identifies conditions or practices that could result in injury or loss of life.

CAUTION

Caution: Identifies conditions or practices that could result in damage to the GDM-8200A series or to other properties.

DANGER High Voltage

Attention Refer to the Manual

Protective Conductor Terminal

Earth (ground) Terminal

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

This chapter contains important safety instructions that you must follow when operating the GDM-8200A series and when keeping them in storage. Read the following before any operation to insure your safety and to keep the best condition for the GDM-8200A series.

Safety Symbols

These safety symbols may appear in this manual or on the GDM-8200A series.

GDM-8200A Series User Manual

General Guideline

CAUTION

 Make sure that the voltage input level does not exceed

DC1000V/AC750V.

 Make sure the current input level does not exceed 10A.  Do not place any heavy object on the GDM-8200A

series.

 Avoid severe impacts or rough handling that leads to

damaging the GDM-8200A series.

 Do not discharge static electricity to the GDM-8200A

series.

 Use only mating connectors, not bare wires, for the

terminals.

 Do not block or obstruct the cooling fan vent opening.  Do not perform measurement at the source of

low-voltage installation or at building installations (Note below).

 Do not disassemble the GDM-8200A series unless you

are qualified as service personnel.

(Note) EN 61010-1:2001 specifies the measurement categories and their requirements as follows. The GDM-8200A series fall under category I or II.

 Measurement category IV is for measurement performed at the

source of low-voltage installation.

 Measurement category III is for measurement performed in the

building installation.

 Measurement category II is for measurement performed on the

circuits directly connected to the low voltage installation.

 Measurement category I is for measurements performed on circuits

not directly connected to Mains.

Power Supply

WARNING

 AC Input voltage: 100–240 V AC, 50–60Hz  The power supply voltage should not fluctuate more

than 10%.

 Connect the protective grounding conductor of the

AC power cord to an earth ground, to avoid electrical shock.

Safety Guidelines

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Fuse

WARNING

 Fuse type: T3.15A/ 250V  Make sure the correct type of fuse is installed before

power up.

 To ensure fire protection, replace the fuse only with

the specified type and rating.

 Disconnect the power cord before fuse replacement.  Make sure the cause of fuse blowout is fixed before

fuse replacement.

Cleaning the GDM-8200A series

 Disconnect the power cord before cleaning.  Use a soft cloth dampened in a solution of mild

detergent and water. Do not spray any liquid into the GDM-8200A series.

 Do not use chemical or cleaner containing harsh

material such as benzene, toluene, xylene, and acetone.

Operation Environment

 Location: Indoor, no direct sunlight, dust free, almost

non-conductive pollution (Note below)

 Relative Humidity: < 75%  Altitude: < 2000m  Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (operation), 18°C to 28°C

(full accuracy)

(Note) EN 61010-1:2001 specifies the pollution degrees and their requirements as follows. the GDM-8200A series falls under degree

2. Pollution refers to “addition of foreign matter, solid, liquid, or gaseous (ionized gases), that may produce a reduction of dielectric strength or surface resistivity”.

 Pollution degree 1: No pollution or only dry, non-conductive pollution

occurs. The pollution has no influence.

 Pollution degree 2: Normally only non-conductive pollution occurs.

Occasionally, however, a temporary conductivity caused by condensation must be expected.

 Pollution degree 3: Conductive pollution occurs, or dry,

non-conductive pollution occurs which becomes conductive due to condensation which is expected. In such conditions, equipment is normally protected against exposure to direct sunlight, precipitation, and full wind pressure, but neither temperature nor humidity is controlled.

Storage Environment

 Location: Indoor  Relative Humidity: < 75% (0~35°C), <50% (35~50°C)  Temperature: −10°C to 70°C

GDM-8200A Series User Manual

Green/ Yellow:

Earth

Blue:

Neutral

Brown:

Live (Phase)

Power cord for the United Kingdom

When using the GDM-8200A series in the United Kingdom, make sure the power cord meets the following safety instructions.

NOTE: This lead / appliance must only be wired by competent persons

WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED

IMPORTANT: The wires in this lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:

As the colours of the wires in main leads may not correspond with the colours marking identified in your plug/appliance, proceed as follows:

The wire which is coloured Green & Yellow must be connected to the Earth terminal marked with the letter E or by the earth symbol or coloured Green or Green & Yellow.

The wire which is coloured Blue must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured Blue or Black.

The wire which is coloured Brown must be connected to the terminal marked with the letter L or P or coloured Brown or Red.

If in doubt, consult the instructions provided with the equipment or contact the supplier.

This cable/appliance should be protected by a suitably rated and approved HBC mains fuse: refer to the rating information on the equipment and/or user instructions for details. As a guide, cable of 0.75mm2 should be protected by a 3A or 5A fuse. Larger conductors would normally require 13A types, depending on the connection method used.

Any moulded mains connector that requires removal /replacement must be destroyed by removal of any fuse & fuse carrier and disposed of immediately, as a plug with bared wires is hazardous if a engaged in live socket. Any re-wiring must be carried out in accordance with the information detailed on this label.

GETTING STARTED

Characteristics

GDM-8200A Series Lineup ..................................... 10

GDM-8200A Series Characteristics ......................... 11

Panel Overview

Front Panel Overview ............................................. 12

Measurement keys (Upper row) ............................. 13

Measurement keys (Lower row) ............................. 15

Rear Panel Overview .............................................. 17

Setup

Tilt Stand ................................................................ 19

Power Up ................................................................ 20

GETTING STARTED

This chapter describes the GDM-8200A series in a nutshell, including its main features, package contents, and front / rear / display panel introduction. After going through the overview, follow the Power-up sequence and Functionality check section to properly setup the GDM-8200A series.

Please note the information in this manual was correct at the time of printing. However as GWInstek continues to improve its products, changes can occur at any time without notice. Please see the GWInstek website for the latest information and content.

GDM-8200A Series User Manual

Appearance

Both two models are identical except for the model name and the meter count of the 1st display.

Models

GDM-8251A

1st display meter: 120,000 counts

GDM-8255A

1st display meter: 199,999 counts

GDM-8200A Series Lineup

The GDM-8200A series consists of two models: GDM-8251A and GDM-8255A.

GETTING STARTED

Performance

 High DCV accuracy: 0.012%  High current range: 10A  High Voltage range: 1000V  High ACV frequency response: 100kHz

Features

 120000 meter count (GDM-8251A)  199999 meter count (GDM-8255A)  Multi functions: ACV, DCV, ACI, DCI, 2W/4W R, Hz,

Continuity, Diode test, MAX/MIN, REL, dBm, HOLD, AutoHold, Compare.

 Manual or Auto ranging  AC true RMS or AC + DC true RMS

Interface

 Voltage/Resistance/Diode/Temperature input  Current input  4W sense input  USB device/RS232 for remote control  9-pin digital I/O  16 channel scanner x2 (optional)

Optional Items

 16 channel scanner x 2

GDM-8200A Series Characteristics

The GDM-8200A series are portable, dual-display digital multimeters suitable for wide range of applications, such as production testing, research, and field verification.

GDM-8200A Series User Manual

Measurement

keys

Main Terminal

4W Ohm

Terminal

Fuse

Power Switch

Main

Display

DCI/ACI Terminal

Output On/

Off key

COM Terminal

Power Switch

Turns On or Off the main power. For power up sequence, see page20.

Main Display

Shows measurement results and parameters.

For display configuration details, see page64 (light setting).

Input fuse / 4W

Ω sense LO terminal

As a fuse, protects the instrument from over-current. Rating: T2A, 250V.

For fuse replacement procedure, see page113.

As a sense terminal, accepts 4W Ω

measurement LO connection. Also accepts current input less than 2A. For details, see page30.

4W Ω Sense HI Terminal

Accepts HI sense line in 4W resistance measurement. For details, see page30.

Front Panel Overview

GETTING STARTED

COM Terminal

Accepts ground (COM) line in all measurements except the sense line in 4W Resistance (page30).

Voltage/ 2W Ω /

(Diode)

Terminal

Accepts input in all measurements except for DC/AC Current and 4W Resistance sense line.

Current Terminal

Accepts DC/AC Current input.

For DCI/ACI details, see page28.

Output On/Off key

Turns the display on or off. When the display is turned off, all panel keys except the Output On/Off key become disabled. The Output On/Off key is On by default.

SHIFT/EXIT

As the Shift key, selects the second functionality assigned to each front panel key. When pressed, the indicator appears in the display.

As the Exit key, gets out of the parameter configuration mode and goes back to the measurement result display mode.

ACV

Measures AC Voltage (page24).

SHIFT → ACV (SCAN)

Starts the optional scan measurement (page80).

DCV

Measures DC Voltage (page24).

Measurement keys (Upper row)

GDM-8200A Series User Manual

SHIFT → DCV (STEP)

Starts the step measurement (page80) using the optional scanner.

ACV + DCV

When the ACV key and the DCV key are pressed together, they measure AC+DC Voltage (page24).

ACI

Measures AC Current (page28).

SHIFT → ACI (RECALL)

Recalls a normal measurement result (page68) or a scan measurement result (page88).

DCI

Measures DC Current (page28).

SHIFT → DCI (STORE)

Stores a measurement result (page67).

ACI + DCI

When the ACI key and the DCI key are pressed together, they measure AC+DC Current (page28).

2/4W (Resistance)

Measures 2-wire or 4-wire Resistance (page30).

SHIFT → 2/4W (MATH)

Enters the Math measurement mode (page52).

(Diode/

Continuity)

Tests Diode (page32) or Continuity (page33).

SHIFT → (dBm)

Measures dBm (page43).

Hz/P (Frequency/ Period)

Measures Frequency or Period (page36).

SHIFT + Hz/P (dB)

Measures dB (page44).

GETTING STARTED

(Temperature)

Measures Temperature (page37).

SHIFT + TEMP (SENSOR)

Selects the type of thermocouple used in the Temperature measurement (page38).

AUTO/ENTER

As the AUTO key, selects the measurement range automatically.

As the ENTER key, confirms the entered value.

SHIFT → AUTO (RATE)

Selects the measurement update rate: Slow, Medium, or Fast (page22).

Up/Down

Selects the parameter in various occasions: higher ( ) or lower ( ).

HOLD

Activates the Hold function (page48).

SHIFT → HOLD (COMPare)

Activates the Compare measurement (page49).

TRIG (Trigger)

Triggers sample acquisition manually (page59).

SHIFT → TRIG (Int/Ext Trigger)

Selects the Internal or the External trigger source (page59).

Left/Right

Selects the parameter in various occasions: left ( ) or right ( ).

REL

Measures the Relative value (page46).

SHIFT → REL (RELative base)

Manually sets the reference value for the Relative value measurement (page46).

Measurement keys (Lower row)

GDM-8200A Series User Manual

MX/MN (MAX/ MIN)

Measures the Maximum or the Minimum value (page45).

SHIFT → MX/MN (FILTER)

Selects the digital filter type for the signal sampling (page62).

2ND (Display) / LOCAL

As the 2nd key, selects the measurement item on the 2nd display (page55). Pressing and holding for more than 1 second turns off the 2nd display.

As the Local key, releases the remote control and goes back to the local panel operation (page96).

SHIFT → 2ND (Menu)

Enters the configuration mode. Configures or displays the following items: Display (page57), Beep (page35), Continuity threshold (page34), Scanner (page80), Digital I/O (page90), and System information (page110).

GETTING STARTED

RS-232C

Port

Optional Item

Slot x2

Power Cord

Socket

Fuse

T3.15A/250V

CAL Key

Port

Digital I/O

Port

USB Device

Port

Power Cord Socket

Accepts the power cord. AC 100–240V, 50–60Hz.

For power on sequence, see page20.

Fuse Socket

Holds the main fuse: T3.15A 250V, 20VA.

For fuse replacement details, see page112.

RS-232C port

Accepts an RS-232C cable for remote control; DB-9 male connector.

For remote control details, see page97.

USB device port

Accepts a USB device cable for remote control; Type A, female connector.

For remote control details, see page96.

CAL key port

CAL KEY

Reserved for internal uses as in firmware update and calibration.

Rear Panel Overview

GDM-8200A Series User Manual

Digital I/O port

Accepts a digital I/O cable for the Hi/Lo limit test; DB-9 pin, female connector.

For digital I/O details, see page91.

Optional slot x2

Accepts up to two optional scanner modules. 16 channels are available per scanner. When two modules are used, maximum 32 channels are available.

For scanner details, see page71.

Set Up

Tilt stand steps

Pull out the handle sideways and rotate it.

Place the unit horizontally,

Or in the tilt stand position.

Place the handle vertically for hand carry.

Tilt Stand

GETTING STARTED

Power Up

Power up steps

1. Connect the power

cord to the AC Voltage input.

Note

Make sure the ground connector of the power cord is connected to a safety ground. This will affect the measurement accuracy.

2. Push to turn On the

main power switch on the front panel.

3. The display shows the model name and the version

for a few seconds. Example: GDM-8255A, V2.10

4. Followed by the default measurement settings.

5. And the interface I/O settings.

6. Then the default setting appears.

Example: DCV, Auto, 1V range

GDM-8200A Series User Manual

BASIC MEASUREMENT

Overview

Basic Measurement Overview ................................ 22

Common attribute: refresh rate .............................. 22

Common attribute: reading indicator ..................... 23

Common attribute: manual/automatic triggering .. 23

Voltage

AC/DC/AC+DC Voltage Measurement .................... 24

Select Voltage range ............................................... 25

Voltage conversion table ........................................ 26

Crest factor table .................................................... 27

Current

AC/DC/AC+DC Current Measurement ................... 28

Select Current range ............................................... 29

Resistance

2W/4W Resistance Measurement ........................... 30

Select Resistance range .......................................... 31

Diode

Diode Test .............................................................. 32

Continuity

Continuity Test ....................................................... 33

Set continuity threshold ......................................... 34

Select beeper setting .............................................. 35

Frequency/ Period

Frequency/Period Measurement ............................ 36

Temperature

Temperature Measurement .................................... 37

Select thermocouple type ....................................... 38

Set reference junction temperature ........................ 39

BASIC MEASUREMENT

GDM-8200A Series User Manual

Background

Basic measurement refers to the eight types of measurements assigned to the upper row keys on the front panel.

Measurement type

ACV

AC Voltage

DCV

DC Voltage

ACV+DCV

AC+DC Voltage

ACI

AC Current

DCI

DC Current

ACI+DCI

AC+DC Current

2/4W

2-wire and 4-wire Resistance

Diode/Continuity

Hz/P

Frequency/Period

TEMP

Celsius/Fahrenheit Temperature

Advanced measurement

Advanced measurement (page40) mainly refers to the operation using the result obtained from one or more of the basic measurement.

Background

Refresh rate defines how frequently the GDM-8200A series captures and updates the measurement data. Faster refresh rate yields lower accuracy and resolution. Slower refresh rate yields higher accuracy and resolution. Consider these trade-offs when selecting the refresh rate.

Range

5 ½ digits

M 4 ½ digits

F 3 ½ digits

Selection step

1. Press the Shift key followed by

the AUTO (RATE) key. The refresh rate switches to the next.

Basic Measurement Overview

Common attribute: refresh rate

BASIC MEASUREMENT

2. The refresh rate indicator shows

the current status.

→ → →

Background

The reading indicator next to the 1st display flashes according to the refresh rate setting.

Automatic triggering (default)

The GDM-8200A series triggers according to the refresh rate. See the previous page for refresh rate setting details.

Manual triggering

Press the TRIG key to trigger measurement manually.

Common attribute: reading indicator

Common attribute: manual/automatic triggering

GDM-8200A Series User Manual

Voltage type

0 ~ 750V

0 ~ 1000V

AC+DC

0 ~ 1000V

AC2+DC

*AC+DC=

(AC = true RMS)

1. Activate ACV/ DCV

Press the ACV (AC Voltage) key or DCV (DC Voltage) key.

For AC+DC Voltage, press the ACV key and the DCV key together.

2. ACV/DCV mode display appears

AC(DC) + V

Indicates AC, DC, AC+DC Voltage

AUTO

Indicates Automatic range selection

100mV

2nd display shows the Voltage range

3. Connect the test lead and measure

Connect the test lead between the V and the COM port. The display updates the reading.

COM

Note

When measuring in1000V (maximum) range immediately followed by 100mV (minimum) range, an error might occur due to extreme range switching. In such case, take at least one minute in between as an interval.

AC/DC/AC+DC Voltage Measurement

BASIC MEASUREMENT

Auto range

To turn the automatic range selection On/Off, press the AUTO key.

Manual range

Press the Up or the Down key to select the range. AUTO indicator turns Off automatically. If the appropriate range is unknown, select the highest range.

Selection list

Range

Resolution / Full scale @ slow rate

Resolution

Full scale (GDM-8251A)

Full scale (GDM-8255A)

100mV

1µV

120.000mV

199.999mV

10µV

1.20000V

1.99999V

10V

100µV

12.0000V

19.9999V

100V

1mV

120.000V

199.999V

750V (AC)

10mV

750.00V

1000V (DC, AC+DC)

10mV

1000.0V

Note

For more detailed parameters, see the specifications at page114.

Select Voltage range

GDM-8200A Series User Manual

Waveform

Peak to Peak

(True RMS)

AC + DC

(True RMS)

Sine

PK-PK

2.828

1.000

0.000

1.000

Rectified Sine (full wave)

PK-PK

1.414

0.435

0.900

1.000

Rectified Sine (half wave)

PK-PK

2.000

0.771

0.636

1.000

Square

PK-PK

2.000

1.000

0.000

1.000

Rectified Square

PK-PK

1.414

0.707

1.000

Rectangular Pulse

PK-PK

2.000

( DD 

D=X/Y

Triangle Sawtooth

PK-PK

3.464

1.000

0.000

1.000

Voltage conversion table

This table shows the relationship between AC, DC, and AC+DC reading in various waveforms.

BASIC MEASUREMENT

Background

Crest factor is the ratio of the peak signal amplitude to the RMS value of the signal. It determines the accuracy of AC measurement. If the crest factor is less than 3.0, voltage measurement will not result in error due to dynamic range limitations at full scale. If the crest factor is more than 3.0, it usually indicates abnormal waveform as seen from the below table.

Waveform

Shape

Crest factor

Square wave 1.0

Sine wave 1.414

Triangle sawtooth

1.732

Mixed frequencies

1.414 ~ 2.0

SCR output 100% ~ 10%

1.414 ~ 3.0

White noise

3.0 ~ 4.0

AC Coupled pulse train

3.0

Spike

>9.0

Crest factor table

GDM-8200A Series User Manual

Current type

0 ~ 10A

AC+DC

0 ~ 10A

AC2+DC

*AC+DC=

(AC = true RMS)

1. Activate ACI/ DCI

Press the ACI (AC Current) key or the DCI (DC Current) key.

For AC+DC Current, press the ACI key and the DCI key together.

2. ACI/DCI mode display appears

AC(DC) + A

Indicates AC, DC, AC+DC Current (Note: AC = true RMS)

AUTO

Indicates Automatic range selection

10A

2nd display shows the Current range

3. Connect the test lead and measure

Connect the test lead between the A and COM port or LO to COM port, depending on the current. For current ≤ 2A* use the LO port; For current up to 10A use the A port. The display updates the reading.

*2A (GDM-8255A, 1.2A GDM-8251A)

COM

MAX

AC/DC/AC+DC Current Measurement

BASIC MEASUREMENT

Auto range

To turn the automatic range selection On/Off, press the AUTO key.

Manual range

Press the Up or the Down key to select the range. AUTO indicator turns Off automatically. If the appropriate range is unknown, select the highest range.

Selection list

Range

Resolution / Full scale @ slow rate

Resolution

Full scale (GDM-8251A)

Full scale (GDM-8255A)

10mA

0.1µA

12.0000mA

19.9999mA

100mA

1µA

120.000mA

199.999mA

100µA

1.2000A

1.9999A

10A

100µA

10.0000A

Note

*10A range is not available for AC+DC Current. For more detailed range, see the specifications at page116.

Select Current range

GDM-8200A Series User Manual

Measurement type

2-wire

Uses the standard V-COM ports. Recommended for measuring resistances

larger than 1kΩ.

4-wire

Compensates the test lead effect using the 4W compensation ports, in addition to the standard V-COM ports. Recommended for measuring sensitive

resistances smaller than 1kΩ.

1. Activate resistance measurement

For 2-wire resistance measurement, press the 2W/4W key once.

For 4-wire resistance measurement, press the 2W/4W key twice.

2. 2W resistance mode display appears

2W(4W) + Ω

Indicates 2W(4W) Resistance mode

AUTO

Indicates Automatic range selection

10M

2nd display shows the Resistance range

3. Connect the test lead and measure

Connect the test lead. For 2-wire resistance, use the Ω (V) and the COM port. For 4-wire resistance, use the Ω (V) and the COM port, plus the 4W sense, and LO port for sensing. The display updates the reading.

2W connection

COM

4W connection

COM

SENSE

2W/4W Resistance Measurement

+ 93 hidden pages