Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Keysight 3458A Multimeter

Calibration
Manual

Notices

CAUTION

WARNING

Copyright Notice

© Keysight Technologies 1988 - 2017
No part of this manual may be repro-

duced in any form or by any means
(including electronic storage and
retrieval or translation into a foreign
language) without prior agreement and
written consent from Keysight Technol­ogies as governed by United States and
international copyright laws.

Manual Part Number

03458-90017

Edition

Edition 7, July 1, 2017

Printed in:

Printed in Malaysia

Published by:

Keysight Technologies
Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone,
11900 Penang, Malaysia

Technology Licenses

The hard ware and/or software
described in this document are fur­nished under a license and may be
used or copied only in accordance with
the terms of such license.

Declaration of Conformity

Declarations of Conformity for this
product and for other Keysight prod­ucts may be downloaded from the
Web. Go to http://www.keysight.com/

go/conformity. You can then search by

product number to find the latest Dec­laration of Conformity.

U.S. Government Rights

The Software is “commercial computer
software,” as defined by Federal Acqui­sition Regulation (“FAR”) 2.101. Pursu­ant to FAR 12.212 and 27.405-3 and
Department of Defense FAR Supple­ment (“DFARS”) 227.7202, the U.S.
government acquires commercial com­puter software under the same terms
by which the software is customarily
provided to the public. Accordingly,
Keysight provides the Software to U.S.
government customers under its stan­dard commercial license, which is
embodied in its End User License
Agreement (EULA), a copy of which can
be found at http://www.keysight.com/

find/sweula. The license set forth in the

EULA represents the exclusive authority
by which the U.S. government may use,
modify, distribute, or disclose the Soft­ware. The EULA and the license set
forth therein, does not require or per­mit, among other things, that Keysight:
(1) Furnish technical information
related to commercial computer soft­ware or commercial computer software
documentation that is not customarily
provided to the public; or (2) Relinquish
to, or otherwise provide, the govern­ment rights in excess of these rights
customarily provided to the public to
use, modify, reproduce, release, per­form, display, or disclose commercial
computer software or commercial com­puter software documentation. No
additional government requirements
beyond those set forth in the EULA
shall apply, except to the extent that
those terms, rights, or licenses are
explicitly required from all providers of
commercial computer software pursu­ant to the FAR and the DFARS and are
set forth specifically in writing else­where in the EULA. Keysight shall be
under no obligation to update, revise or
otherwise modify the Software. With
respect to any technical data as
defined by FAR 2.101, pursuant to FAR

12.211 and 27.404.2 and DFARS

227.7102, the U.S. government
acquires no greater than Limited Rights
as defined in FAR 27.401 or DFAR

227.7103-5 (c), as applicable in any
technical data.

Warranty

THE MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS
DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS,”
AND IS SUBJECT TO BEING
CHANGED, WITHOUT NOTICE, IN
FUTURE EDITIONS. FURTHER, TO THE
MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY
APPLICABLE LAW, KEYSIGHT DIS­CLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH REGARD
TO THIS MANUAL AND ANY INFORMA­TION CONTAINED HEREIN, INCLUD­ING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MER­CHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. KEYSIGHT
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ERRORS
OR FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSE­QUENTIAL DAMAGES IN CONNECTION
WITH THE FURNISHING, USE, OR
PERFORMANCE OF THIS DOCUMENT
OR OF ANY INFORMATION CON­TAINED HEREIN. SHOULD KEYSIGHT
AND THE USER HAVE A SEPARATE
WRITTEN AGREEMENT WITH WAR­RANTY TERMS COVERING THE MATE­RIAL IN THIS DOCUMENT THAT
CONFLICT WITH THESE TERMS, THE
WARRANTY TERMS IN THE SEPARATE
AGREEMENT SHALL CONTROL.

Safety Information

A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It
calls attention to an operating proce­dure, practice, or the like that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in damage to the product
or loss of important data. Do not pro­ceed beyond a CAUTION notice until
the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.

A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It
calls attention to an operating proce­dure, practice, or the like that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in personal injury or death.
Do not proceed beyond a WARNING
notice until the indicated conditions are
fully understood and met.

2 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

KEYSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES WARRANTY STATEMENT

KEYSIGHT PRODUCT: 3458A multimeter

DURATION OF WARRANTY: 1 year

1 Keysight Technologies warrants Keysight hardware, accessories and supplies

against defects in materials and workmanship for the period specified above. If
Keysight receives notice of such defects during the warranty period, Keysight
will, at its option, either repair or replace products which prove to be defective.
Replacement products may be either new or like-new.

2 Keysight warrants that Keysight software will not fail to execute its

programming instructions, for the period specified above, due to defects in
material and workmanship when properly installed and used. If Keysight
receives notice of such defects during the warranty period, Keysight will
replace software media which does not execute its programming instructions
due to such defects.

3 Keysight does not warrant that the operation of Keysight products will be

interrupted or error free. If Keysight is unable, within a reasonable ntime, to
repair or replace any product to a condition as warranted, customer will be
entitled to a refund of the purchase price upon prompt return of the product.

4 Keysight products may contain remanufactured parts equivalent to new in

performance or may have been subject to incidental use.

5 The warranty period begins on the date of delivery or on the date of installation

if installed by Keysight. If customer schedules or delays Keysight installation
more than 30 days after delivery, warranty begins on the 31st day from
delivery.

6 Warranty does not apply to defects resulting from (a) improper or inadequate

maintenance or calibration, (b) software, interfacing, parts or supplies not
supplied by Keysight, (c) unauthorized modification or misuse, (d) operation
outside of the published environmental specifications for the product, or (e)
improper site preparation or maintenance.

7 TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LOCAL LAW, THE ABOVE WARRANTIES ARE

EXCLUSIVE AND NO OTHER WARRANTY OR CONDITION, WHETHER
WRITTEN OR ORAL, IS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AND KEYSIGHT
SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY, SATISFACTORY QUALITY, AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 3

8 Keysight will be liable for damage to tangible property per incident up to the

greater of $300,000 or the actual amount paid for the product that is the
subject of the claim, and for damages for bodily injury or death, to the extent
that all such damages are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to
have been directly caused by a defective Keysight product.

9 TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LOCAL LAW, THE REMEDIES IN THIS

WARRANTY STATEMENT ARE CUSTOMER’S SOLE AND EXLUSIVE REMEDIES.
EXCEPT AS INDICATED ABOVE, IN NO EVENT WILL KEYSIGHT OR ITS
SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR LOSS OF DATA OR FOR DIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL (INCLUDING LOST PROFIT OR DATA), OR
OTHER DAMAGE, WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE.
FOR CONSUMER TRANSACTIONS IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND: THE
WARRANTY TERMS CONTAINED IN THIS STATEMENT, EXCEPT TO THE
EXTENT LAWFULLY PERMITTED, DO NOT EXCLUDE, RESTRICT OR MODIFY
AND ARE IN ADDITION TO THE MANDATORY STATUTORY RIGHTS
APPLICABLE TO THE SALE OF THIS PRODUCT TO YOU.

4 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

U.S. Government Restricted Rights

The Software and Documentation have been developed entirely at private
expense. They are delivered and licensed as “commercial computer software” as
defined in DFARS 252.227- 7013 (Oct 1988), DFARS 252.211-7015 (May 1991) or
DFARS 252.227-7014 (Jun 1995), as a “commercial item” as defined in FAR

2.101(a), or as “Restricted computer software” as defined in FAR 52.227-19 (Jun

1987)(or any equivalent agency regulation or contract clause), whichever is
applicable. You have only those rights provided for such Software and
Documentation by the applicable FAR or DFARS clause or the Keysight standard
software agreement for the product involved.

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 5

Safety Symbols

The following symbols on the instrument and in the documentation indicate
precautions which must be taken to maintain safe operation of the instrument.

Direct current (DC) Alternating current (AC)

WARNING, RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.

Indicates the field wiring terminal that
must be connected to earth ground
before operating the equipment —
protects against electrical shock in
case of fault.

Instruction manual symbol affixed to
Alternating current (AC) product.
Indicates that the user must refer to
the manual for specific WARNING or
CAUTION information to avoid personal
injury or damage to the product.

Frame or chassis ground
terminal—typically connects to the
equipment's metal frame.

6 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Safety Considerations

WARNING

Read the information below before using this instrument.

The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of
operation, service, and repair of this instrument. Failure to comply with these
precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety
standards for design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Keysight
Technologies assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these
requirements.

– Ground the equipment: For Safety Class 1 equipment (equipment having

a protective earth terminal), an uninterruptible safety earth ground must
be provided from the mains power source to the product input wiring
terminals or supplied power cable.

– DO NOT operate the product in an explosive atmosphere or in the

presence of flammable gases or fumes.

– For continued protection against fire, replace the line fuse(s) only with

fuse(s) of the same voltage and current rating and type. DO NOT use
repaired fuses or short-circuited fuse holders.

– Keep away from live circuits: Operating personnel must not remove

equipment covers or shields. Procedures involving the removal of covers
or shields are for use by service-trained personnel only. Under certain
conditions, dangerous voltages may exist even with the equipment
switched off. To avoid dangerous electrical shock, DO NOT perform
procedures involving cover or shield removal unless you are qualified to
do so.

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 7

– DO NOT operate damaged equipment: Whenever it is possible that the

safety protection features built into this product have been impaired,
either through physical damage, excessive moisture, or any other reason,
REMOVE POWER and do not use the product until safe operation can be
verified by service-trained personnel. If necessary, return the product to
Keysight for service and repair to ensure that safety features are
maintained.

WARNING

– DO NOT service or adjust alone: Do not attempt internal service or

adjustment unless another person, capable of rendering first aid and
resuscitation, is present.

– DO NOT substitute parts or modify equipment: Because of the danger of

introducing add itional hazards, do not install substitute parts or perform
any unauthorized modification to the product. Return the product to
Keysight for service and repair to ensure that safety features are
maintained.

– Measuring high voltages is always hazardous: ALL multimeter input

terminals (both front and rear) must be considered hazardous whenever
inputs greater than 42V (dc or peak) are connected to ANY input terminal.

– Permanent wiring of hazardous voltage or sources capable of delivering

grater than 150 VA should be labeled, fused, or in some other way
protected against accidental bridging or equipment failure.

– DO NOT leave measurement terminals energized when not in use.

– DO NOT use the front/rear switch to multiplex hazardous signals between

the front and rear terminals of the multimeter.

8 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive

This instrument complies with the WEEE Directive marking requirement. This
affixed product label indicates that you must not discard this electrical or
electronic product in domestic household waste.

Product category:

With reference to the equipment types in the WEEE directive Annex 1, this
instrument is classified as a “Monitoring and Control Instrument” product.

The affixed product label is as shown below.

Do not dispose in domestic household waste.

To return this unwanted instrument, contact your nearest Keysight Service Center,
or visit http://about.keysight.com/en/companyinfo/environment/takeback.shtml
for more information.

Sales and Technical Support

To contact Keysight for sales and technical support, refer to the support links on
the following Keysight websites:

– www.keysight.com/find/3458A

(product-specific information and support, software and
documentation updates)

– www.keysight.com/find/assist

(worldwide contact information for repair and service)

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 9

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10 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Table of Contents

Keysight Technologies WARRANTY STATEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

U.S. Government Restricted Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Safety Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Safety Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive . . . . . . . . 9

Product category: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Sales and Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

1 3458A Calibration Introduction

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Calibration Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Security code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Changing the security code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Hardware lock-out of calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Number of calibrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Monitoring for CAL violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Monitoring Calibration Constants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

2 Operational Verification Tests

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Operational Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Required equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Preliminary steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

2-wire ohms function offset test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

4-wire ohms function gain test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

DC voltage function gain test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

DC voltage function offset test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

3 Adjustment Procedures

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Required Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 11

Preliminary Adjustment Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Front Terminal Offset Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Rear Terminal Offset Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

DC Gain Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Resistance and DC current adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

AC Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

4 Performance Verification Tests

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Required equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Test card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Calibration cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Test considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

General test procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

DC Voltage Performance Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Required equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Preliminary steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

DC voltage function offset test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

DC voltage function gain test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Analog AC voltage performance tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Required equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Preliminary steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

AC voltage test procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

DC Current Performance Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Required equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Preliminary steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

DC current function offset test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

DC current function gain test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Ohms Performance Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Required equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Preliminary steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

2-wire ohms function offset test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

4-wire ohms function offset test (rear terminals) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

12 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

4-wire ohms function gain test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Frequency Counter Performance Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Required equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Preliminary steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Frequency counter accuracy test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

5Command Summary

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

ACAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

CAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

CAL? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

CALNUM? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104

CALSTR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

REV? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107

SCAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108

SECURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

TEMP? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

TEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

A Specifications

B Electronic Calibration of the 3458A (Product Note 3458A-3)

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

Saving Calibration Time and Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119

The basis for auto-calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119

Offset adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121

DC gain adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121

Resistance and DC current adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122

AC flatness and gain adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123

One-time adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

Traceability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

Externally derived calibration constants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

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14 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

List of Figures

Figure 3-1 4-terminal short . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Figure 3-2 DC gain adjustment connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Figure 3-3 Resistance and DC current adjustment connections .45

Figure 3-4 Characterizing the adjustment setup . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Figure 3-5 AC adjustment connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Figure 4-1 General test procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

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16 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

List of Tables

Table 4-1 Offset performance tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Table 4-2 DCV gain performance tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Table 4-3 AC performance tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Table 4-4 Current offset performance tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Table 4-5 DCI gain performance tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Table 4-6 OHMF gain performance tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

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18 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Keysight 3458A Multimeter
Calibration Manual

1 3458A Calibration

Introduction

Introduction 20
Calibration Security 21
Monitoring Calibration Constants 25

19

1 3458A Calibration Introduction

WARNING

Introduction

This manual provides operation verification procedures, adjustment procedures,
and performance verification procedures for the 3458A multimeter.

The information contained in this manual is intended for the use of
service-trained personnel who understand electronic circuitry and are aware
of the hazards involved. Do not attempt to perform any of the procedures
outlined in this section unless you are qualified to do so.

The manual contains five chapters and two appendixes.

Chapter 1: Introduction describes the manual contents and calibration

security features of the 3458A.

Chapter 2: Operational Verification provides a short test procedure to verify

that the multimeter is functioning properly.

Chapter 3: Adjustment Procedure gives the procedures for adjusting the

multimeter to obtain best accuracy.

Chapter 4: Performance Verification is comprised of test procedures used to

verify that all parts of the instrument are functioning properly and within
specification. This chapter contains Test Cards for recording the results of each
test.

Chapter 5: Command Summary provides an alphabetical summary of

commands that are used in adjusting and performance testing the 3458A.

Appendix A: 3458A Technical Specifications

Appendix B: Electronic Calibration of the 3458A, Product Note 3458A-3

20 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Calibration Security

The calibration security feature of the 3458A allows the person responsible for
calibration to enter a security code to prevent accidental or unauthorized
calibration (CAL) or autocalibration (ACAL). The SECURE command is used to
change the security code of the 3458A.

Security code

The security code is an integer from –2.1E-9 to 2.1E9. If the number specified is
not an integer, the multimeter rounds it to an integer value. The multimeter is
shipped from the factory with its security code set to 3458. Specifying 0 for the
new_code in the SECURE command disables the security feature making it no
longer necessary to enter the security code to perform a calibration or autocal.

Changing the security code

The security code is changed with the SECURE command which has the following
syntax:

SECURE old_code, new_code [,acal_secure]

The procedure for changing the security code is as follows:
1 Access the SECURE command. (Press the blue SHIFT key, then the

S menu key. If using the full command menu use the
SECURE command).

3458A Calibration Introduction 1

↓ scroll key to display the

2 Enter the old security code, the delimiter (,) and the new security code. If you

want to control the auto calibration of the multimeter, enter another delimiter
(,) and the acal_secure parameter ON. The instrument is shipped from the
factory with the security code set to 3458 and the acal_secure parameter set
to ON (security code required to do an acal).

3 Press the Enter key. The instrument will now respond to the new security code.

In the event the security code is unknown, the security feature can be disabled to
permit a new code to be entered. Perform the following procedure to disable the
current unknown security code and enter a known code:

a Turn the instrument off and remove the line cord and all external inputs to

the 3458A.

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 21

1 3458A Calibration Introduction

NOTE

b Remove the top cover.

i Remove both rear handle brackets with a #2 Pozidrive.

ii Remove the rear bezel by loosening the four #15 TORX screws.

iii With the back of the instrument facing you, remove the #10 TORX screw

securing the top cover to the right side.

iv Remove the top cover.

c Change the position of jumper JM600 on the 03458-66505 assembly, or

option 001 03458-66515 assembly from the left position to the right
position (front of instrument facing you).

d Reconnect the power and turn the instrument on.

e Access the SECURE command (Press the blue SHIFT key then the S MENU

key. Use the
SECURE command).

f Enter the number 0 followed by the delimiter (,) and the security code you

want to use.

g Press the ENTER key.

h Turn the instrument off, disconnect power, and return jumper JM600 to the

left position (front of instrument facing you).

i Replace the top cover and reconnect power. The instrument will now

respond to the new security code you just entered.

↓ scroll key if in the full command menu to display the

When jumper JM600 is in the right position, the security feature is disabled (i.e.
old_code = 0). It is possible to calibrate the instrument without entering a
security number under these conditions. If a new security number (new_code of
SECURE command) is not entered while the jumper is in the right position the
original number will again be in effect when jumper JM600 is returned to the left
position.

22 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Hardware lock-out of calibration

NOTE

You can set jumper J132 on the 03458-66505 or -66515 (option 001) assembly to
require removing the instrument cover and repositioning this jumper whenever
adjustments (CAL command) are to be made. Use the following procedure to set
hardware “lock-out” of the CAL and ACAL commands.

1 Remove the instrument top cover as described in steps a and b of the previous

section.

2 With the instrument front facing you, set jumper J132 to the right position.

Neither the CAL or ACAL command can be executed when the jumper is in this
position even when the correct security code is entered.

3 Replace the top cover.

To perform an adjustment with the CAL command or do an auto-calibration with
the ACAL command, you must remove the top cover and set jumper J132 to the
left position (instrument front facing you). You may attach a seal to the top cover
that must be broken to remove the cover indicating if unauthorized access to the
hardware has occurred.

Number of calibrations

3458A Calibration Introduction 1

You can monitor the number of times calibration has been performed (CAL and
ACAL combined if ACAL is secured by the SECURE command) by using the
CALNUM? command. CALNUM? (calibration number query) returns a decimal
number indicating the number of times the multimeter has been unsecured and
adjusted. The number of calibrations is stored in cal-protected memory and is not
lost when power is removed. The calibration number is incremented by 1
whenever the multimeter is unsecured and a CAL. (or ACAL if secured) is
executed. If autocal is secured, the calibration number is also incremented by 1
whenever an autocal is performed; if unsecured, autocal does not affect the
calibration number.

The multimeter was adjusted before it left the factory. This has incremented the
calibration number. When you receive the multimeter, read the calibration
number to determine the initial value you start with. The procedure for reading
the number of calibrations is presented after this note.

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 23

1 3458A Calibration Introduction

Read the number of calibrations with the following procedure:

1 Access the CALNUM? command. In the full command menu, press the blue

SHIFT key then the C menu key. Use the
command. (Full command menu is obtained by pressing the blue SHIFT key,
the “menu” key, the

2 Press the ENTER key.

3 The display indicates CALNUM and the current number of calibrations.

Monitoring for CAL violations

You can use the CALSTR command in conjunction with the CALNUM? command
to monitor for calibration (CAL) violations. After each authorized calibration has
taken place, use the CALNUM? command to access the current number of
calibrations as described in the previous section. Store this number in the
calibration string (must be done remotely) with the CALSTR command i.e.
OUTPUT 722;“CALSTR 'calnum = 270'”. At any later time, you can execute the
CALNUM? and CALSTR? commands and compare the two calibration numbers. If
the CALNUM is greater than the CALSTR entry, calibration security has been
violated and unauthorized adjustments performed.

↓ scroll key to display the CALNUM?

↑ scroll key, and ENTER key.)

The following example illustrates monitoring for CAL violations:

1 After adjustments are performed, execute CALNUM?. Display shows “CALNUM

270”

2 Remotely execute OUTPUT 722;“CALSTR 'CALNUM=270'”

3 At a later time you can verify if CAL has been violated by executing CALNUM?

and CALSTR shift? to see if CALNUM is greater than that stored in CALSTR.

24 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Monitoring Calibration Constants

WARNING

Each time you do an ACAL, most calibration constants are recalculated. Executing
an ACAL ALL recalculates 197 of the 253 calibration constants. The remaining
constants (such as internal reference and offset constants) are externally derived
and not changed by an ACAL. Periodically you may want to monitor a particular
constant and track its movement within the lower and upper limits (see CAL?
command, cal_item parameter). This may give you an indication of the calibration
cycle you want to establish for your 3458A. Information on the externally derived
calibration constants and the 197 internally derived calibration constants is
presented on the last page of Appendix B. Detailed information about each
constant appears in the CAL? command located in Chapter 5, "Command

Summary".

– Only qualified, service trained personnel who are aware of the hazards

involved should remove or install the multimeter or connect wiring to the
multimeter. Disconnect the multimeter's power cord before removing any
covers, changing the line voltage selector switches, or installing or
changing the line power fuse.

– Measuring high voltage is al ways hazardous. All multimeter input

terminals (both front and rear) must be considered as hazardous
whenever inputs in excess of 42 V are connected to any terminal. Regard
all terminals as being at the same potential as the highest voltage
applied to any terminal.

3458A Calibration Introduction 1

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 25

– Keysight Technologies recommends that the wiring installer attach a

label to any wiring having hazardous voltages. This label should be as
close to the input terminals as possible and should be an eye-catching
color, such as red or yellow. Clearly indicate on the label that high
voltages may be present.

1 3458A Calibration Introduction

CAUTION

Rated input Maximum non-destructive input

HI to LO Input: ±l000 V peak ±1200 V peak

HI/LO W Sense to LO Input: ±200 V peak ±350 V peak

HI to LO W Sense: ±200 V peak ±350 V peak

LO Input to Guard: ±200 V peak ±350 V peak

Guard to Earth Ground: ±500 V peak ±l000 V peak

HI/LO Input, HI/LO W Sense, or
I terminal to earth ground:

±l000 V peak ±1500 V peak

Front terminals to rear
terminals:

±1000 V peak ±1500 V peak

– The current input terminals (I) are rated at ±1.5 A peak with a maximum

non-destructive input of <1.25 A RMS. Current inputs are fuse protected.
The multimeter's input voltage ratings are:

– The multimeter will be damaged if any of the above maximum

non-destructive inputs are exceeded.

26 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Keysight 3458A Multimeter
Calibration Manual

2 Operational Verification

Tests

Introduction 28
Operational Tests 29

27

2 Operational Verification Tests

Introduction

This section contains Operational Verification Tests which provide an abbreviated
method of testing the operation and accuracy of the unit. The Operational
Verification Tests are designed to provide a 90% confidence that the 3458A is
operational and meets the specifications listed in Appendix A.

Operational Verification Tests perform a three point verification. These three
points are the basis for all internal electronic adjustments (see the section titled

The basis for auto-calibration in Appendix B, "Electronic Calibration of the 3458A
(Product Note 3458A-3)"). Prior to the three point test, a self test verifies that all

calibration constants are within their upper and lower limits, an indicator of proper
operation.

28 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Operational Tests

NOTE

Required equipment

The following equipment or its equivalent is required for these operational tests.

– Stable DC voltage/resistance standard (Fluke 5700A or equivalent)

– Transfer standard DMM (3458A Opt. 002 within 90 days of CAL)

– Low thermal short (copper wire)

– Low thermal test leads (such as Keysight 11053A, 11174A, or 11058A)

– Equipment required for the adjustment procedures can be used for

operational tests since the three-point test verifies the external adjustment
points of the adjustment procedure.

– To have your transfer standard 3458A OPT. 002 calibrated to 90 day

specifications, contact your Keysight Technologies sales and service office.

Preliminary steps

Operational Verification Tests 2

1 Verify that the DC voltage/resistance standard is properly warmed up.

2 The 3458A requires a 4 hour warm-up period. If this has not occurred turn the

instrument ON and allow it to warm up before proceeding.

3 The internal temperature of the 3458A under test must be within 5

temperature when last calibrated. Use the TEMP? command to obtain the
current internal temperature and compare it to the calibration temperature
obtained by executing the command CAL? 59 for DCV and CAL? 60 for OHMS.

You can use the
the temperatures on the Test Card.

4 If the instrument self test has not been run, make certain all inputs are

disconnected and execute the TEST function. The display must read “SELF
TEST PASSED”.

5 Execute the ACAL OHMS function. This auto calibration will take approximately

ten minutes to complete.

6 Configure the transfer standard DMM as follows:

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 29

← and → scroll keys to view entire CAL? message. Record

°C of its

2 Operational Verification Tests

–OHM

–NDIG 8

– NPLC 100

–TRIG SGL

7 Configure the DMM under test as follows:

–OHM

–NDIG 8

– NPLC 100

–TRIG SGL

2-wire ohms function offset test

This procedure operation verifies 2-wire ohms offset for both the front and rear
terminals.

1 Connect a low thermal short across the 3458A front HI and LO terminals (see

Figure 3-1 on page 39).

2 Verify that the Terminals switch is in the Front position.

3 Set the 3458A under test to the 10 W range (function = OHM). Allow five

minutes for the range relays to thermally stabilize.

4 Execute Trig from the front panel two times and use the Operational Test Card

to record the offset reading. Reading must be less than the limit specified on
the test card.

5 Remove the short from the front panel input terminals and connect it to the

rear input HI and LO terminals.

6 Change the Terminals switch to the Rear position.

7 Allow 5 minutes for thermal stabilization.

8 Execute Trig from the front panel two times and record the rear terminal offset

reading on the Operational Test Card. Reading must be less than the limit
specified on the test card. If reading is greater than the limit, refer to Chapter 3
to make adjustments.

9 Remove the short from the rear input terminals.

30 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

4-wire ohms function gain test

The following procedure verifies the gain of the ohms function. The 10 kW point is
used for internal electronic calibration using ACAL. The procedure requires
alternately connecting the transfer standard DMM and then the 3458A under test
to the resistance verification standard as described in the Chapter 4 section titled

General test procedure.

1 Connect the resistance standard to the transfer standard DMM 4-wire ohms

front input terminals.

2 Set the Terminals switch of both DMMs to the Front position.

3 Set the range of the transfer standard DMM to 10 kW (function = OHMF).

4 Set the range of the 3458A under test to 10 kW (function = OHMF).

5 Set the resistance standard to 10 kW.

6 Execute Trig from the front panel two times and read the value of the

resistance standard as measured with the transfer standard DMM and record
this reading in the “Transfer standard reading” column of the ohms gain
operational test card.

7 Remove the connection between the transfer standard DMM and the

resistance standard.

Operational Verification Tests 2

8 Connect the resistance standard to the 4-wire ohms input terminals of the

3458A under test.

9 Execute Trig from the front panel two times and read the value as measured

with the 3458A under test and record this value in the “Unit under test
reading” column of the 4-wire ohms function gain operational test card.

10 Calculate and record in the column provided, the difference (absolute value)

between the transfer standard DMM reading and the unit under test reading
for the test.

11 If the difference calculated is greater than the specified limits, refer to

Chapter 3, "Adjustment Procedures", to make adjustments.

12 Disconnect the resistance standard from the 3458A input terminals.

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 31

2 Operational Verification Tests

DC voltage function gain test

The following procedure verifies the 10 V input on the 10 V range. This test verifies
the gain of the DC voltage function and checks the point used for internal
adjustments by ACAL. The procedure requires alternately connecting the transfer
standard DMM and then the 3358A under test to the DC verification source as
described in the general test description of Chapter 4, "Performance Verification

Tests".

1 Execute the ACAL DCV command using the front panel “Auto Cal” key and

scroll keys. This auto calibration will take approximately two minutes to
complete.

2 Configure the transfer standard DMM as follows:

–DCV

–NDIG 8

– NPLC 100

–Trig SGL

3 Configure the DMM under test as follows:

–DCV

–NDIG 8

– NPLC 100

–Trig SGL

4 Set the range of the transfer standard DMM to 10 V (function = DCV).

5 Set the range of the 3458A under test to 10 V (function = DCV).

6 Connect the DC voltage source to the transfer standard DMM.

7 Set the DC voltage source to 10 V.

8 Execute Trig SGL and read the output of the DC voltage source as measured

with the transfer standard DMM and record this reading in the “Transfer
standard reading” column of the DC voltage operational test record.

9 Remove the connection from the transfer standard DMM to the DC voltage

source.

10 Connect the 3458A under test to the DC voltage source.

32 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

11 Execute Trig SGL and read the value as measured with the 3458A under test

and record this value in the “Unit under test reading” column of the DC voltage
operational test record.

12 Connect the DC voltage source to the transfer standard DMM.

13 Repeat steps 8 through 11 for a –10 V DC voltage source output.

14 Calculate, and record in the column provided, the difference (absolute value)

between the transfer standard DMM reading and the unit under test reading.

15 If the difference calculated is greater than the specified limits, refer to

Chapter 3, "Adjustment Procedures" to make adjustments.

DC voltage function offset test

This procedure tests the DCV offset voltage specification on the 10 V range. This
reading and the 10 V and –10 V readings from the previous DCV gain test are used
to do a turnover check of the A-D converter and verify its linearity.

1 Connect a low thermal short across the front panel HI and LO input terminals

of the DMM under test (see Figure 3-1 on page 39).

2 Set the range of the 3458A under test to 10 V.

3 Let the instrument sit for five minutes before taking a reading to allow the

short and relays to thermally stabilize.

4 Execute Trig and record the offset reading on the Test Card.

Operational Verification Tests 2

Turnover check

The turnover check is a calculation using the unit under test readings from tests 4,
5, and 6 on the Test Card. This check verifies the linearity of the A-to-D converter
which is fundamental to the 3458A's calibration technique. Calculate the
following:

(UUT Reading #4) - (UUT Reading #6) = A

(UUT Reading #5) - (UUT Reading #6) = B
If the A-to-D converter is linear. the difference in the absolute values of

A and B will be less than or equal to 4 µV.

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 33

2 Operational Verification Tests

OPERATIONAL TEST CARD - 1 YEAR LIMITS

Keysight Model 3458A Multimeter

Serial number _________________________ Test performed by _________________________

CAL? 60 _________________________ Date _________________________

TEMP? _________________________

Difference _________________________ –(must be less than 5 degrees C)

Perform an ACAL OHMS

Test # 3458A input

3458A

range

Transfer

standard

read ing

Unit

under test

reading

Difference

Limit

(Std)

Limit

(Opt 002)

Pass Fail

2-wire ohms function offset test

1Short10 W N/A __________ N/A 00.25007 00.25007 __________ __________

(Front terminals)

2Short10 W N/A __________ N/A 00.25007 00.25007 __________ __________

(Rear terminals)

4-wire ohms function gain test

3 10 kW 10 kW __________ __________ __________ 00.000142 00.000142 __________ __________

CAL? 59 _________________________

TEMP? _________________________

Difference _________________________ –(must be less than 5 degrees C)

Perform an ACAL DCV

DC voltage function gain test

4 10 V 10 V __________ __________ __________ 00.0000892 00.0000624 __________ __________

5 –10 V 10 V __________ __________ __________ 00.0000892 00.0000624 __________ __________

DC voltage function offset test

6 Short 10 V N/A __________ N/A 00.0000023 00.0000023 __________ __________

34 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Keysight 3458A Multimeter
Calibration Manual

3 Adjustment Procedures

Introduction 36
Required Equipment 37
Preliminary Adjustment Procedure 38
Front Terminal Offset Adjustment 40
Rear Terminal Offset Adjustment 41
DC Gain Adjustment 42
AC Adjustment 46

35

3 Adjustment Procedures

Introduction

This section contains procedures for adjusting the 3458A multimeter. The 3458A
uses closed-box electronic adjustment. No potentiometers or other
electro-mechanical adjustments are used and the complete adjustment is done
without removing any of the multimeter's covers. Only a voltage standard. A
resistance standard, a low-thermal short, and an AC signal source are needed to
perform all of the adjustments. This chapter contains the following adjustment
procedures.

1 Front Terminal Offset Adjustment

2 Rear Terminal Offset Adjustment

3 DC Gain Adjustment

4 Resistance and DC Current Adjustment

5 AC Adjustment

You must perform the adjustments in the order presented in this chapter. All of
the adjustments can be performed in approximately one hour (you must allow 4
hours of warm-up time from the time power is applied to the multimeter before
performing any adjustments). Whenever adjusting the multimeter, always
perform the adjustments numbered 1 through 4 in the above list. Adjustment
number 5 (AC Adjustment) is required only once every 2 years or whenever the
03458-60502 or 03458-66503 PC assembly has been replaced or repaired.
Product Note 3458A-3 in Appendix B discusses the purpose of each adjustment
in detail.

An Adjustment Record is located at the back of this chapter. You should make
photocopies of this record and complete the record whenever the multimeter is
adjusted. The record contains information such as the date, which adjustments
were performed, the calibration number, and the multimeter's adjustment
temperature. You can then file the adjustment records to maintain a complete
adjustment history for the multimeter.

36 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Required Equipment

You will need the following equipment to perform the adjustments:

– A low-thermal 4-terminal short for the offset adjustments (this is typically a

bent piece of copper wire as shown in Figure 3-1 on page 39).

– 10 VDC Voltage Standard--Fluke 732A or equivalent (for the DC Gain

Adjustment).

– 10 kW Resistance Standard--Fluke 742-10 K or equivalent (for the Resistance

and DC Current Adjustment).

– AC Source-Keysight 3325A Synthesizer/Function Generator or equivalent (for

the AC adjustment).

The resultant accuracy of the multimeter depends on the accuracy of the
equipment used, the thermal characteristics of the short. and the type of cabling
used. We recommend high impedance, low dielectric absorption cables for all
connections.

Adjustment Procedures 3

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 37

3 Adjustment Procedures

Preliminary Adjustment Procedure

Perform the following steps prior to adjusting the 3458A:

1 Select the adjustment area. You can adjust the 3458A on the bench or in a

system cabinet. The temperature of the adjustment environment should be
between 15
more accurate the adjustment.

2 Connect the 3458A to line power and turn the multimeter on. Refer to

“Installing the Multimeter” in Chapter 1 of the 3458A User’s Guide for
information on setting the line voltage switches and installing the line power
fuse.

3 Remove all external input signals from the front and rear input terminals.

4 Select the DCV function (use the DCV key) and the 100 mV range (repeatedly

press the down arrow key until the range no longer- changes). (Refer to
Chapter 2 of the 3458A User’s Guide for more information on front panel
operation.)

5 Set the front panel Terminals switch to the Front position.

6 Allow the multimeter to warm up for 4 hours from the time power was applied.

(At this point. you can connect the 4-terminal short to the front terminals as
shown in Figure 3-1 on page 39 to prepare for the Front Terminal Offset
Adjustment.)

°C and 30 °C. The more thermally stable the environment is, the

38 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Figure 3-1 4-terminal short

Adjustment Procedures 3

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 39

3 Adjustment Procedures

NOTE

Front Terminal Offset Adjustment

This adjustment uses an external 4-terminal short. The multimeter makes offset
measurements and stores constants for the DCV, DCI, OHM, and OHMF functions.
These constants compensate for internal offset errors for front terminal
measurements.

Equipment required: A low-thermal short made of 12 or 14 gauge solid copper
wire as shown in Figure 3-1 on page 39.

1 Make sure you have performed the steps described previously under

“Preliminary Adjustment Procedures”.

2 Connect a 4-terminal short across the front panel HI and LO Input terminals

and the HI and LO W Sense terminals as shown in Figure 3-1 on page 39.

3 After connecting the 4-terminal short, allow 5 minutes for thermal equilibrium.

Take precautions to prevent thermal changes near the 4-wire short. You should
not touch the short after it is installed. If drafts exist, you should cover the input
terminals/short to minimize the thermal changes.

4 Execute the CAL 0 command. The multimeter automatically performs the front

terminal offset adjustment and the display shows each of the various steps
being performed. This adjustment takes about 5 minutes. When the
adjustment is complete, the multimeter returns to displaying DC voltage
measurements.

40 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Rear Terminal Offset Adjustment

NOTE

This adjustment compensates for internal offset errors for rear terminal
measurements.

1 Connect the 4-terminal short to the rear terminals.

2 Set the front panel Terminals switch to Rear.

3 After connecting the 4-terminal short, allow 5 minutes for thermal equilibrium.

Take precautions to prevent thermal changes near the 4-wire short. You should
not touch the short after it is installed. If drafts exist, you should cover the input
terminals/short to minimize the thermal changes.

4 Execute the CAL 0 command. The multimeter automatically performs the rear

terminal offset adjustment and the display shows each of the various steps
being performed. This adjustment takes about 5 minutes. When the
adjustment is complete, the multimeter returns to displaying DC voltage
measurements.

5 Remove the 4-terminal short from the rear terminals.

Adjustment Procedures 3

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 41

3 Adjustment Procedures

NOTE

DC Gain Adjustment

In this adjustment, the multimeter measures the standard voltage using its 10 V
range. The multimeter then adjusts its gain so that the measured value agrees
with the standard's exact value (specified using the CAL command). The
multimeter then measures its 7 V internal reference voltage using the 10 V range
and stores both the 10 V gain adjustment constant and the value of the internal 7
V reference. This adjustment also automatically performs the DCV autocalibration
with computes DC gain constants.

Equipment required: A DC voltage standard capable of providing 10 VDC (the
resultant accuracy of the 3458A depends on the accuracy of the voltage
standard).

Voltage standards from 1 V DC to 12 V DC can be used for this procedure.
However, using a voltage standard <10 V DC will degrade the multimeter's
accuracy specifications.

1 Select the DC Voltage function.

2 Set the front panel Terminals switch to Front.

3 Connect the voltage standard to the multimeter's front panel HI and LO Input

terminals as shown in Figure 3-2. If using a Guard wire (as shown in
Figure 3-2). set the Guard switch to the Open position. If not using a Guard
wire, set the Guard switch to the To LO position.

4 Execute the CAL command specifying the exact output voltage of the

standard. For example, if the standard's voltage is 10.0001 VDC, execute CAL

10.0001. The multimeter automatically performs the DC gain adjustment and
the display shows each of the various steps being performed. This adjustment
takes about 2 minutes. When the adjustment is complete, the multimeter
returns to displaying DC voltage measurements.

5 Disconnect the voltage standard from the multimeter.

42 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Adjustment Procedures 3

Figure 3-2 DC gain adjustment connections

Resistance and DC current adjustment

This adjustment calculates gain corrections for the resistance and DC current
ranges. The DC Gain Adjustment must be performed prior to this adjustment
because this adjustment relies on the values calculated by the DC Gain
Adjustment.

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 43

3 Adjustment Procedures

NOTE

NOTE

NOTE

When offset compensated ohms is enabled (OCOMP ON command), the default
delay time used by the multimeter for this adjustment is 50 ms (50 ms is the
settling time used after the current source is switched on or off). For most
resistance standards and cabling, this provides adequate settling time for the
measurements made during the adjustment. If, however, the resistance
standard and/or cabling has slow transient response or high dielectric
absorption you should specify a longer delay. You can determine this
experimentally prior to performing the following adjustment by measuring the
resistance standard using a 50 ms delay and then measuring it using a much
longer delay (e.g., 1 second). If the two measurements are significantly different,
you should use a longer delay in the adjustment procedure. You must specify the
longer delay using the DELAY command prior to executing the CAL command
(step 5). For example, to specify a 200 ms delay execute: DELAY 200E-3. The
multimeter will then use the specified delay in the adjustment. If a value of less
than 50 ms is specified, the multimeter will automatically use a delay of 50 ms.
Do not specify a delay longer than 60 seconds; a delay >60 seconds will
adversely affect the adjustment.

Equipment required: A 10 kW resistance standard (the resultant accuracy of the
multimeter depends on the accuracy of the resistance standard used).

Resistance standards from 1 kW to 12 kW can be used for the procedure.
However, using a resistance standard <10 kW will degrade the multimeter's
accuracy specifications.

1 Select the 4-wire ohms measurement function (use the shifted OHM key).

2 Execute the OCOMP ON command (use the front panel Offset Comp W key).

You can perform this adjustment with offset compensation disabled (OCOMP
OFF command). This eliminates the settling time requirement (DELAY command)
when dealing with high dielectric absorption in the adjustment setup (see note
as the beginning of this adjustment). However, with offset compensation
disabled, any offset voltages present will affect the adjustment. For most
applications, we recommend enabling offset compensation for this adjustment.

44 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Adjustment Procedures 3

3 Set the front panel Terminals switch to Front.

4 Connect the resistance standard to the multimeter's front panel HI and LO

Input and HI and LO Sense terminals as shown in Figure 3-3. If using a Guard
wire (as shown in Figure 3-2), set the Guard switch to the Open position. If not
using a Guard wire, set the Guard switch to the To LO position.

5 Execute the CAL command specifying the exact value of the resistance

standard. For example, if the standard's value is 10.003 kW, execute CAL

10.003E3. The multimeter automatically performs the resistance and DC
current adjustment and the display shows each of the various steps being
performed. This adjustment takes about 12 minutes. When the adjustment is
complete, the multimeter returns to displaying resistance readings.

6 Disconnect the resistance standard from the multimeter.

7 Execute the ACAL AC command (use the AUTO CAL key). This autocalibrates

the multimeter's AC section since the following AC Adjustment is normally
performed only once every two years or whenever the 03458-66502 or
03458-66503 PC Assembly has been replaced or repaired. The AC
autocalibration takes about 2 minute to complete.

Figure 3-3 Resistance and DC current adjustment connections

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 45

3 Adjustment Procedures

CAUTION

AC Adjustment

This adjustment is only required once every two years or whenever the
03458-66502 PC Assembly or the 03458-66503 PC Assembly has been replaced
or repaired. This adjustment sets the internal crystal frequency for the frequency
and period measurement functions: adjusts the attenuator and amplifier high
frequency response; and adjusts the Time Interpolator timing accuracy. Following
this adjustment, the internal circuits have constant gain versus frequency.

Equipment required:

– Keysight 3325A Synthesizer/Function Generator or equivalent.

– 3 V Thermal Converter, Ballantine 1395A-3 or equivalent.

– 1 V Thermal Converter, Ballantine 1395A-1 or equivalent.

– 0.5 V Thermal Converter, Ballantine 1395A-0.4 or equivalent.

– 50 W BNC cable (keep this cable as short as possible)

– 50 W resistive load (typically a 50 W carbon composition or metal film resistor).

– BNC to Banana Plug Adapter--Keysight 1251-2277 or equivalent.

In the following procedure, the output voltage of the synthesizer is adjusted
with the thermal converters in-circuit. Thermal converters are typically easily
damaged by vol tage overload. Use extreme care to ensure the voltage
applied to the thermal converters does not exceed the thermal converter's
maximum voltage rating.

Procedure

In the following procedure, steps 1 through 12 characterize the frequency flatness
of the synthesizer and cabling configuration. The equipment setting determined
from this characterization are then used in the remaining steps to precisely adjust
the multimeter.

46 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Adjustment Procedures 3

NOTE

The voltages referenced in this procedure are 3 V, 1 V and 100 mV rms for the
SCAL 10, SCAL 1, and SCAL .1 commands, respectively. If necessary, you can
use any value between 3 V and 10 V rms wherever 3 V is referenced, 300 mV to 1
V rms wherever 1 V is referenced, and 30 mV to 100 mV wherever 100 mV is
referenced (make sure not to exceed the vol tage rating of the thermal
converters). (You still execute the SCAL 10, SCAL 1, and SCAL.1 commands
regardless of the rms voltage value used). Whenever making low-level
measurements, take precautions to minimize noise and interference in the test
setup. Refer to Test considerations in Chapter 4 for more information.

1 Execute the ACAL AC command. Following the autocal, execute the RESET

command.

2 Set the front panel Terminals switch to Front. Set the Guard switch to the To

LO position.

3 Set the synthesizer to deliver a 3 V rms sinewave at a frequency of

100 kHz. Connect the synthesizer, the 3 V thermal converter, and the
multimeter as shown in Figure 3-4. Record the exact DC voltage measured by
the multimeter on Line A of the Adjustment Record.

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 47

3 Adjustment Procedures

Figure 3-4 Characterizing the adjustment setup

4 Set the synthesizer to deliver a 3 V rms sinewave at a frequency of

2 MHz. Adjust the synthesizer's output voltage until the voltage displayed on
the multimeter is within 0.2% of the voltage recorded on Line A. Record the
synthesizer's voltage setting on Line C of the Adjustment Record.

5 Set the synthesizer to deliver a 3 V rms sinewave at a frequency of

8 MHz. Adjust the synthesizer until the voltage displayed on the multimeter is
within 0.2% of the voltage recorded on Line A. Record the synthesizer's
voltage setting on Line D of the Adjustment Record.

6 Set the synthesizer to deliver a 1 V rms sinewave at a frequency of

100 kHz. Replace the 3 V thermal converter with the 1 V thermal converter.
Record the exact DC voltage measured by the multimeter on Line E of the
Adjustment Record.

48 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Adjustment Procedures 3

7 Set the synthesizer to deliver a 1 V rms sinewave at a frequency of

8 MHz. Adjust the synthesizer until the voltage displayed on the multimeter is
within 0.2% of the voltage recorded on Line E. Record the synthesizer's voltage
setting on Line F of the Adjustment Record.

8 Set the synthesizer to deliver a 100 mV rms sinewave at a frequency of 100

kHz. Replace the 1 V thermal converter with the 0.5 V thermal converter.
Record the exact DC voltage measured by the multimeter on Line G of the
Adjustment Record.

9 Set the synthesizer to deliver a 100 mV rms sinewave at a frequency of 8 MHz.

Adjust the synthesizer until the voltage displayed on the multimeter is within

0.2% of the voltage recorded on Line G. Record the synthesizer's voltage
setting on Line H of the Adjustment Record.

10 Disconnect the thermal converter and connect the synthesizer. 50 W resistive

load. and multimeter as shown in Figure 3-5.

Figure 3-5 AC adjustment connections

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 49

3 Adjustment Procedures

11 Set the synthesizer to output 3 V rms at 100 kHz. Execute the

SCAL 1E5 command. The multimeter automatically performs the adjustment.
When the adjustment is complete, the multimeter returns to displaying DC
voltage readings.

12 Without changing the synthesizer settings, execute the SCAL 10 command as

shown on Line B of the Adjustment Record.

13 Set the synthesizer to the voltage and frequency shown on Line C of the

Adjustment Record. Execute the SCAL command as shown on Line C of the
Adjustment Record.

14 Repeat step 13 for each synthesizer setting and SCAL command shown on

Lines D through H on the Adjustment Record.

15 Disconnect all equipment from the multimeter.

16 Execute the ACAL AC command.

50 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Adjustment Procedures 3

3458A ADJUSTMENT RECORD

Adjusted by _________________________ Date _________________________
3458A serial number or other device ID number _________________________
Previous calibration number (CALNUM? command) _______________ (record this number before adjusting the multimeter)

Adjustments performed
Perform an ACAL OHMS

1. _____ Front terminal offset adjustment

2. _____ Rear terminal offset adjustment

3. _____ DC gain adjustment (DCV standard uncertainty = _______________)

4. _____ Resistance and DC current adjustment (resistance standard uncertainty = _______________)

5. _____ AC adjustment

[a]

:

Multimeter reading Synthesizer setting

AC source
frequency

Execute

command

Adjustment description

Line A _____________________ V 3 V 100 kHz SCAL 1E5 Frequency adjustment
Line B 3 V 100 kHz SCAL 10 Low-freq. voltage reference
Line C _____________________ V 2 MHz SCAL 10 Time interpolator and flatness
Line D _____________________ V 8 MHz SCAL 10 Flatness adjustment
Line E _____________________ V 1 V 100 kHz SCAL 1 Low-freq. voltage reference
Line F _____________________ V 8 MHz SCAL 1 Flatness adjustment
Line G 100 mV 100 kHz SCAL .1 Low-freq. voltage reference
Line H _____________________ V _____________________ V 8 MHz SCAL .1 Flatness adjustment

Internal adjustment temperature (TEMP? command) _____ °C
Calibration number (CALNUM? command) _______________ (record this number after adjusting the multimeter)
Calibration secured _________________________ Unsecured _________________________

[a] Always perform the above adjustments numbered 1 through 4: adjustment number 5 is only required once every 2 years or whenever the

03458-66502 or 03458-66503 PC Assembly has been replace or repaired.

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 51

3 Adjustment Procedures

THIS PAGE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.

52 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Keysight 3458A Multimeter
Calibration Manual

4 Performance Verification

Tests

Introduction 54
DC Voltage Performance Tests 60
Analog AC voltage performance tests 65
DC Current Performance Tests 68
Ohms Performance Tests 72
Frequency Counter Performance Tests 76

53

4 Performance Verification Tests

NOTE

Introduction

This chapter contains performance tests designed to verify that the 3458A
multimeter is operating within the specifications listed in Appendix A. The
Performance Tests are performed without access to the interior of the instrument.

Required equipment

The equipment required for the performance tests is listed below. Equipment
other than that recommended can be used as long as the specifications of the
substituted equipment is equivalent to that recommended.

– Fluke 5700A AC/DC Standard

– Keysight 3325A Function Generator/Frequency Synthesizer

– Transfer standard DMM (3458A Opt. 002 within 90 days of CAL)

– Low thermal short (see Figure 3-1 on page 39)

– Low thermal test leads (such as Keysight 11053A, 11174A, or 11058A)

– Shielded test leads (such as Keysight 11000-60001)

To have your transfer standard 3458A Opt. 002 calibrated to 90 day
specifications, contact your Keysight Technologies sales and service office.

Test card

Results of the performance tests may be tabulated on the appropriate Test Card
located at the end of the test procedures. Make copies of the Test Cards for
performance test tabulations and retain the originals to copy for use in future
performance testing. The Test Cards list all of the tested functions and the
acceptable limits for the test results.

54 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Calibration cycle

The frequency of performance verification depends on the instrument's usage and
the environmental operating conditions. To maintain 24 hour or 90-day
specifications, the instrument should be checked at these intervals by a metrology
lab with test capability for these accuracies. For normal operation, it is
recommended you perform performance verification every year.

Test considerations

This section discusses many of the major problems associated with low-level
measurements. Many of the measurements in this manual fall into this category. It
is beyond the scope of this manual to go into great detail on this subject. For more
information, refer to a textbook dealing with standard metrology practices.

– Test leads: Using the proper test leads is critical for low-level measurements.

We recommend using cable or other high impedance, low dielectric
absorption cable for all measurement

– Connections. It is important to periodically clean all connection points

(including the multimeter terminals) using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

– Noise Rejection: For DC voltage, DC current, and resistance measurements,

the multimeter achieves normal mode noise rejection (NMR)
A/D converter's reference frequency (typically the same as the power line
frequency) when the integration time is ≥ 1 power line cycles. You can specify
integration time in terms of power line cycles (PLCs) using the NPLC
command. For maximum NMR of 80dB, set the power line cycles to 1000
(NPLC 1000 command).

– Guarding: Whenever possible, make measurements with the multimeter's

Guard terminal connected to the low side of the measurement source and the
Guard switch set to the Open position (guarded measurements). This provides
the maximum effective common mode rejection (ECMR).

Performance Verification Tests 4

[1]

for noise at the

– Thermoelectric Voltages (Thermal EMF): This is a common source of errors in

low-level measurements. Thermal EMF occurs when conductors of dissimilar
metals are connected together or when different parts of the circuit being
measured are at different temperatures. Thermal EMF can become severe in
high-temperature environments. To minimize thermal EMF, minimize the

[1] Normal mode noise rejection is the multimeter’s ability to reject noise at the power line frequency

from DC voltage, DC current, or resistance measurements.

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 55

4 Performance Verification Tests

number of connections: use the same type of metal for all connections;
minimize the temperature variations across the measurement wiring: try to
keep the multimeter and the wiring at the same temperature: and avoid
high-temperature environments whenever possible.

– Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): This type of interference is generally

caused by magnetic fields or high levels of radio frequency (RF) energy.
Magnetic fields can surround all types of equipment operating off of AC line
power, especially electric motors. RF energy from nearby radio or television
stations or communications equipment can also be a problem. Use shielded
wiring whenever the measurement setup is in the presence of high EMI. If
possible, move farther away or turn off sources of high EMI. It may be
necessary to test in a shielded room.

– Ground Loops: Ground loops arise when the multimeter and the circuit under

test are grounded at physically different points. A typical example of this is
when a number of instruments are plugged into a power strip in an equipment
rack. If there is a potential difference between the ground points, a current will
flow through this ground loop. This generates an unwanted voltage in series
with the circuit under test. To eliminate ground loops, ground all equipment/
circuits at the same physical point.

– Internal Temperature: The internal temperature of the 3458A under test must

be within 5
temperature is not within 5

clean the filter. Also, make sure that you adjust the operating environment
such that the ambient temperature is at or very near 25
best results if you maintain your environment close to 25
verify performance when the temperature is not within 5
recalculate all test limits based on the temperature variation beyond the 5
limitation. The published test limits were calculated without additional

temperature coefficient errors added.

°C of its temperature when last adjusted. If the multimeter's

°C first check the multimeter's fan operation and

°C. You will achieve the

°C. If you choose to

°C, you must

°C

56 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

General test procedure

The following performance tests utilize a transfer standard DMM to precisely
measure the verification source. The transfer standard DMM recommended is an
3458A option 002 (high stability) that is within a 90-day calibration. The
verification source is first measured by the transfer standard DMM and then
connected to the unit under test. The general test procedure is as follows:

A. Performed one time prior to testing (preliminary steps)

1 Verify that the Verification Source is properly warmed up.

2 The 3458A requires a 4 hour warm-up period. Verify that the transfer standard

DMM and the 3458A unit under test (UUT) are properly warmed up.

3 The internal temperature of the 3458A under test must be within

5 degrees C of its temperature when last adjusted (CAL 0, CAL 10, and CAL
10K). These temperatures can be determined by executing the commands
CAL? 58, CAL? 59, CAL? 60.

4 If the instrument self test has not been run, verify all inputs are disconnected

and execute the TEST function. The display must read “SELF TEST PASSED”.

Performance Verification Tests 4

B. Repeated for each function and range tested

5 Execute the ACAL command for the function being tested on both the transfer

standard and the unit under test (UUT).

6 Configure the transfer DMM as specified in each test.

7 Configure the DMM under test as specified in each test.

8 Connect the Verification source to the transfer standard DMM and determine

the source output (see Figure 4-1 (A)). Record this value on the Test Card
under “Transfer Standard Reading”.

9 Disconnect the Verification Source from the transfer standard DMM and

connect it to the 3458A under test (see Figure 4-1 (B)). Record this value on
the Test Card under “Unit Under Test Reading”.

10 Calculate the difference between the transfer standard DMM reading and the

UUT reading. Record the absolute value (ignore sign) of the difference on the
Test Card under “Difference”.

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 57

4 Performance Verification Tests

11 Compare this difference to the allowable difference specified on the Test Card.

If less than the specified difference, note that the test passed. If greater than
the specified difference, note that the test failed.

58 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Performance Verification Tests 4

Figure 4-1 General test procedure

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 59

4 Performance Verification Tests

DC Voltage Performance Tests

Required equipment

The following equipment or its equivalent is required for these performance tests.

– Stable DC voltage source (Fluke 5700A or equivalent)

– Transfer standard DMM (3458A Opt. 002 within 90 days of CAL)

– Low thermal short (copper wire)

– Low thermal test leads (such as Keysight 11053A, 11174A, 11058A)

Preliminary steps

1 Verify that the DC source is properly warmed up.

2 The 3458A requires a 4-hour warm-up period. If this has not been done, turn

the instrument ON and allow it to warm up before proceeding.

3 The internal temperature of the 3458A under test must be within

5 degrees C of its temperature when last adjusted. Use the TEMP? command
to obtain the current internal temperature and compare it to the calibration
temperature obtained by executing the command CAL? 59. Record the
temperatures obtained on the DC VOLTAGE TESTS test card.

4 If the instrument self test has not been run, make certain all inputs are

disconnected and execute the TEST function. The display must read “SELF
TEST PASSED”.

5 Execute the ACAL DCV command on both the transfer standard DMM and the

UUT using the front panel “Auto Cal” key and scroll keys. This auto calibration
will take approximately two minutes to complete.

6 Configure the transfer standard DMM as follows:

–DCV

–NDlG 8

– NPLC 100

–Trig SGL

7 Configure the DMM under test as follows:

60 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

–DCV

–NDlG 8

– NPLC 100

–Trig SGL

DC voltage function offset test

The following procedure tests the offset voltage specification with the input
terminals shorted. A low-thermal short must be used to minimize thermally
induced errors. Also, you must allow five minutes before making the first
measurement to allow for thermal stabilization of the range relays.

1 Connect a low thermal short across the front panel HI and LO input terminals

of the DMM under test (see Figure 3-1 on page 39).

2 Set the range of the 3458A under test as specified in Ta ble 4-1.

3 Let the instrument sit for five minutes before taking the first reading to allow

the range relay and short to thermally stabilize. NOTE: The thermal
stabilization achieved for the 100 mV range is present for the 1V and 10V
ranges since these ranges use the same relays. The range relays are opened
for the 100V and 1000V ranges and therefore, have no thermal impact on the
measurement.

4 Execute Trig and record the offset reading (absolute value) for each range

listed in Table 4-1 and on the DC VOLTAGE TESTS Test Card provided at the
end of this chapter.

Performance Verification Tests 4

Table 4-1 Offset performance tests

Offset test number DMM range

1 100 mV

21 V

3 10 V

4 100 V

5 1000 V

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 61

4 Performance Verification Tests

5 If any of the offset readings are greater than the limits specified on the DC

VOLTAGE TESTS Test Card, the instrument should be adjusted. Refer to
Chapter 3, “Adjustment Procedures”, to make adjustments.

6 Remove the short from the front panel terminals.

DC voltage function gain test

The following is a step-by-step procedure for all test points that verify gain of the
DC voltage function. The procedure requires alternately connecting the transfer
standard DMM and then the 3458A under test to the DC voltage source as
described in the general test description.

1 Set the output of the DC voltage source to standby/off and short the HI and

LO output terminals of the source using a shorting strap.

2 Connect the leads of a shielded low-thermal EMF cable from the source output

terminals to the Input HI and LO terminals of the transfer standard DMM.

3 Connect the Guard terminal of the voltage source to the guard terminal of the

DMM.

4 Set the range of the DMM to 100 mV. Wait five minutes for the DMM to

thermally stabilize.

5 Set MATH NULL on the transfer standard DMM.

6 Execute Trig SGL to trigger the NULL reading.

7 Remove the EMF cable leads from the DMM and connect them to the HI and

LO Input terminals 3458A under test. Connect the Guard terminal of the
voltage source to the guard terminal of the 3458A under test.

8 Set the range of the 3458A under test to 100 mV. Wait five minutes for the

3458A under test to thermally stabilize.

9 Set MATH NULL on the 3458A under test and execute Trig SGL to trigger the

NULL reading

10 REMOVE THE SHORTING STRAP FROM THE VOLTAGE SOURCE HI and LO

OUTPUT TERMINALS.

62 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Performance Verification Tests 4

NOTE

Connect the output of the voltage source to the HI and LO Input terminals of
the transfer standard DMM. With the DMM range set to 100 mV, set the output
of the voltage source to 100 mV. Wait five minutes for the transfer standard
DMM to thermally stabilize.

The thermal stabilization achieved for the 100 mV range is present for the 1V
and 10V ranges since these ranges use the same relays. The range relays are
opened for the 100V and 1000V ranges and therefore, have no thermal impact
on the measurement.

11 Execute Trig SGL and read the output of the voltage source as measured with

the transfer standard DMM and record this reading in the “Transfer standard
reading” column of the DC VOLTAGE TESTS test card.

12 Move the connection from the transfer standard DMM HI and LO Input

terminals to the HI and LO Input terminals of the 3458A under test.

13 Execute Trig SGL and read the value as measured with the 3458A under test

and record this value in the “Unit under test reading” column of the DC voltage
Test Record.

14 Repeat steps 11 through 14 for each of the remaining DC voltage test points

specified in Table 4-2.

Table 4-2 DCV gain performance tests

DC gain test number DMM range Source output

1 100 mV 100 mV

21 V 1 V

310 V 1 V

4 10 V -1 V

5 10 V -10 V

610 V10 V

7 100 V 100 V

[a]

8

[a] NOTE: After completing test 8, decrease the 1000 V verification source output to 0 V before disconnecting.

1000 V 1000 V

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 63

4 Performance Verification Tests

15 After all DC gain tests have been performed, calculate and record in the

column provided. The difference (absolute value) between the transfer
standard DMM reading and the unit under test reading for each of the test
points.

16 If any of the differences calculated are beyond the specified limits, refer to

Chapter 3, “Adjustment Procedures”, to make adjustments.

64 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Analog AC voltage performance tests

Required equipment

The following list of equipment is required to test the analog AC performance of
the 3458A.

– Stable AC voltage source (Fluke 5700A or equivalent).

– Transfer Standard DMM (3458A Opt. 002 within 90 days of Cal.)

– Shielded test leads terminated with dual banana plugs (such as

Keysight 11000-60001).

Preliminary steps

1 Make certain that the AC source is properly warmed up.

2 The 3458A requires a 4 hour warm up period. If this has not been done, turn

the instrument ON and allow it to warm up.

3 Execute the ACAL AC function on both the transfer standard DMM and the

UUT. This auto calibration will take approximately 1 minute to complete.

4 If the instrument Self Test has not been run, make certain all inputs are

disconnected and execute the TEST function. The display must read “SELF
TEST PASSED”.

5 Configure the transfer standard DMM as follows:

Performance Verification Tests 4

–ACV

–SETACV SYNC

– ACBAND 10,2E6

–RANGE10

–RES .001

–TRIG SGL

– LFILTER ON

6 Configure the DMM under test as follows:

–ACV

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 65

4 Performance Verification Tests

–SETACV ANA

– ACBAND 10,2E6

–RANGE10

–RES .01

–TRIG SGL

–LFILTER ON

AC voltage test procedure

The following is a step-by-step procedure for all test points in the AC performance
verification section. The procedure requires alternately connecting the transfer
standard DMM and then the 3458A under test to the AC source. Because of this
and because the accuracy of AC coupled measurements does not suffer due to
small thermal induced offsets, the test connection can be made using shielded
test leads terminated with dual banana plugs. Refer to the general test procedure
for test connections.

1 Connect the AC voltage source to the transfer standard DMM.

2 Set the range of the transfer standard DMM as specified in Table 4-3.

3 Set the range of the 3458A under test as specified in Table 4-3.

4 Set the AC source to the voltage level and frequency specified in Table 4-3

5 Execute Trig SGL and read the output of the AC source as measured with the

transfer standard DMM and record this reading in the “Transfer standard
reading” column of the AC VOLTAGE TESTS Test Card.

6 Remove the connection from the transfer standard DMM to the AC source.

7 Connect the 3458A under test to the AC source.

8 Execute Trig SGL and read the value as measured with the 3458A under test

and record this value in the “Unit under test reading” column of the AC

VOLTAGE TESTS Test Card.

9 Repeat steps 1 through 8 for each of the remaining AC voltage test points as

specified in Table 4-3.

66 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Performance Verification Tests 4

Table 4-3 AC performance tests

AC test number DMM range Source level Source frequency

1 100 mV 100 mV 1 kHz

21 V1 V1 kHz

3 10 V 1 V 1 kHz

4 10 V 10 V 20 Hz

5 10 V 10 V 1 kHz

6 10 V 10 V 20 kHz

7 10 V 10 V 100 kHz

8 10 V 10 V 1 MHz

9 100 V 100 V 1 kHz

[a]

10

[a] NOTE: After completing test 10, reduce the ACV standard voltage to 0 V before disconnecting.

1000 V 700 V 1 kHz

10 After all AC voltage tests have been performed, calculate and record in the

column provided, the difference between the transfer standard DMM reading
and the unit under test reading for each of the test points.

11 If any of the differences calculated are greater than the specified limits, refer to

Chapter 3, “Adjustment Procedures”, to make adjustments.

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 67

4 Performance Verification Tests

DC Current Performance Tests

Required equipment

The following equipment or its equivalent is required for these performance tests.

– Stable DC current source (Fluke 5700A or equivalent)

– Transfer standard DMM (3458A Opt. 002 within 90 days of CAL)

– Low thermal test leads (such as Keysight 11053A, 11174A, or 11058A)

Preliminary steps

1 Verify that the DC current source is properly warmed up.

2 The 3458A requires a 4 hour warm-up period. If this has not been done, turn

the instrument ON and allow it to warm up before proceeding.

3 The internal temperature of the 3458A under test must be within

5 degrees C of its temperature when last adjusted. The current internal
temperature is obtained by executing TEMP?. Compare this temperature to the
calibration temperature obtained by executing the command CAL? 60. Record
these temperatures on the DC CURRENT TESTS Test Card.

4 If the instrument self test has not been run, make certain all inputs are

disconnected and execute the TEST function. The display must read “SELF
TEST PASSED”.

5 Execute the ACAL OHMS function on both the transfer standard DMM and the

UUT. This auto calibration will take approximately ten minutes to complete.

6 Configure the transfer standard DMM as follows:

–DCI

–NDIG 8

– NPLC 100

–Trig SGL

7 Configure the DMM under test as follows:

–DCI

–NDIG 8

68 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

– NPLC 100

–Trig SGL

DC current function offset test

The following procedure tests the DC current offset specifications with the input
terminals open.

1 Set the 3458A under test to the DC Current Function (DCI).

2 Set the range of the 3458A under test as specified in Ta ble 4-4.

3 Let the instrument sit for 5 minutes to allow the range relays to thermally

stabilize.

4 Execute Trig and record the absolute value of the offset reading of each range

listed in Table 4-4 on the DC CURRENT TESTS Test Card provided at the end of
this section.

Table 4-4 Current offset performance tests

Offset test number DMM range

1 100 µA

Performance Verification Tests 4

21 mA

310 mA

4100 mA

51 A

5 If the offset tests are out of specification, perform another ACAL before

performing step 6 below.

6 If any of the offset readings are beyond the limits specified in the Test Record,

the instrument should be adjusted. Refer to Chapter 3, “Adjustment

Procedures” to make adjustments.

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 69

4 Performance Verification Tests

DC current function gain test

The following is a step-by-step procedure for all test points that performance
verify gain of the DC current function. The procedure requires alternately
connecting the transfer standard DMM and then the 3458A under test to the DC
verification source as described in the section titled General test procedure.

1 Connect the DC current source to the transfer standard DMM I and LO input

terminals using low thermal test leads.

2 Set the range of the transfer standard DMM as specified in Table 4-5.

3 Set the range of the 3458A under test as specified in Table 4-5.

4 Set the DC source to the current level specified in Table 4-5.

5 Execute Trig SGL and read the output of the DC current source as measured

with the transfer standard DMM and record this reading in the “Transfer
standard reading” column of the DC CURRENT TESTS Test Card.

6 Remove the connection from the transfer standard DMM to the DC current

source.

7 Connect the DC current source to the 3458A under test HI and LO input

terminals.

8 Execute Trig and read the value as measured with the 3458A under test and

record this value in the “Unit under test reading” column of the DC CURRENT

TESTS Test Card.

9 Repeat steps 1 through 8 for each of the remaining DC current test points as

specified in Table 4-5.

Tab le 4-5 DCI gain performance tests

DCI gain test number Source and DMM range Source output

1 100 µA 100 µA

2 1 mA 1 mA

3 10 mA 10 mA

4 100 mA 100 mA

51 A1 A

70 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Performance Verification Tests 4

10 After all DC current gain tests have been performed, calculate and record in

the column provided, the difference (absolute value) between the transfer
standard DMM reading and the unit under test reading for each test point.

11 If any of the differences calculated are beyond the specified limits, refer to

Chapter 3, “Adjustment Procedures”, to make adjustments.

12 Reduce the output of the DC Current Source and disconnect it from the 3458A

input terminals.

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 71

4 Performance Verification Tests

Ohms Performance Tests

Required equipment

The following list of equipment is required to test the ohms performance of the
3458A.

– Stable resistance standard (Fluke 5700A or equivalent)

– Transfer standard DMM (3458A Opt. 002 within 90 days of CAL)

– Low thermal short (copper wire)

– Low thermal test leads (such as Keysight 11053A, 11174A, or 11058A)

Preliminary steps

1 Verify that the resistance standard is properly warmed up.

2 The 3458A requires a 4-hour warm-up period. If this has not been done, turn

the instrument ON and allow it to warm up before proceeding.

3 The internal temperature of the 3458A under test must be within 5 degrees C

of its temperature when last ohms adjusted. The current internal temperature
can be obtained by executing TEMP?. Compare this temperature to
adjustment temperature obtained by executing the command CAL? 60 and
record both temperatures on the OHMS TESTS Test Card.

4 If the instrument self test has not been run, make certain all inputs are

disconnected and execute the TEST function. The display must read “SELF
TEST PASSED”.

5 If you have just performed DCI tests, you have done an ACAL OHMS which

takes approximately ten minutes to complete. Compare the TEMP?
temperatures recorded on the DC CURRENT TESTS and OHMS TESTS Test

Cards. If they differ by more than 1
have not been done previously, execute ACAL OHMS.

6 Configure the transfer standard DMM as follows:

–OHMF

–NDIG 8

– NPLC 100

72 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

°C. execute ACAL OHMS again. If DCI tests

–OCOMP ON

–Trig SGL

7 Configure the DMM under test as follows:

–OHM

–NDIG 8

– NPLC 100

–OCOMP ON

–Trig SGL

2-wire ohms function offset test

The following procedure performance verifies the front terminal ohms offset.

1 Connect a low thermal short across the front panel HI and LO input terminals

of the 3458A under test as shown in Figure 3-1 on page 39.

2 Set the 3458A under test to the 10 Ω range. Allow 5 minutes for the range

relays to thermally stabilize.

3 Execute Trig and use the OHMS TESTS Test Card to record the offset reading.

4 Remove the short from the front panel input terminals.

Performance Verification Tests 4

4-wire ohms function offset test (rear terminals)

This procedure performance verifies the rear terminal ohms offset.

1 Connect a low thermal short across the rear terminals of the 3458A as shown

for the front terminals in Figure 3-1 on page 39.

2 On the 3458A under test, select 4-wire ohms and the 10 W range by executing

OHMF, 10.

3 Execute Trig and use the OHMS TESTS Test Card to record the offset reading.

4 Remove the short from the rear panel input terminals.

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 73

4 Performance Verification Tests

4-wire ohms function gain test

The following is a step-by-step procedure for all test points that performance
verify gain of the ohms function. The procedure requires alternately connecting
the transfer standard DMM and then the 3458A under test to the resistance
verification source as described in the section titled General test procedure.

1 Connect the resistance standard to the transfer standard DMM 4-wire ohms

front input terminals.

2 Set the range of the transfer standard DMM as specified in Table 4-6.

3 Set the range of the 3458A under test as specified in Table 4-6.

4 Set the resistance standard to the ohms level specified in Table 4-6.

5 Execute Trig and read the output of the resistance standard as measured with

the transfer standard DMM and record this reading in the “Transfer standard
reading” column of the OHMS TESTS Test Card.

6 Remove the connection from the transfer standard DMM to the resistance

standard.

7 Connect the resistance standard to the front panel 4-wire ohms input

terminals of the 3458A under test.

8 Execute Trig two times and read the value as measured with the

3458A under test and record this value in the “Unit under test reading” column
of the OHMS TESTS Test Card.

9 Repeat steps 1 through 8 for each of the remaining resistance test points as

specified in Table 4-6.

Tab le 4-6 OHMF gain performance tests

OHMF gain test number Source and DMM range Source output

1 10 W 10 W

2 100 W 100 W

31 kW 1 kW

4 10 kW 10 kW

5 100 kW 100 kW

74 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Performance Verification Tests 4

Table 4-6 OHMF gain performance tests

OHMF gain test number Source and DMM range Source output

61 MW 1 MW

[a]

7

[a] NOTE: At 10 MW, leakage current from the Sense leads introduce additional uncertainty in the measurement. This

uncertainty, however, is accounted for in the published performance test limit. For best accuracy and consistency
across calibration sites and environments, Test 7 can be performed using a 2-wire ohms measurement. The
performance test limit remains the same for both 4-wire and 2-wire measurements of 10 MW.

10 MW 10 MW

10 After all OHMF gain tests have been performed, calculate and record in the

column provided, the difference (absolute value) between the transfer
standard DMM reading and the unit under test reading for each of the test
points.

11 If any of the differences calculated are beyond the specified limits, refer to

Chapter 3, “Adjustment Procedures” to make adjustments.

12 Disconnect the resistance standard from the 3458A input terminals.

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 75

4 Performance Verification Tests

Frequency Counter Performance Tests

Required equipment

The following equipment is required for testing the frequency counter
performance of the 3458A.

– Stable frequency source (Keysight 3325A Frequency Synthesizer or equivalent)

– Shielded test leads, BNC to dual banana plug (such as Keysight 11001-60001)

Preliminary steps

1 Verify that the frequency source is properly warmed up.

2 The 3458A requires a 4-hour warm-up period. If this has not been done, turn

the instrument ON and allow it to warm up before proceeding.

3 If the instrument self test has not been run, make certain all inputs are

disconnected and execute the TEST function. The display must read “SELF
TEST PASSED”.

4 Configure the DMM under test as follows:

–FREQ

–Trig SGL

–FSOURCE ACDCV

– LEVEL 0,DC

Frequency counter accuracy test

1 Execute FSOURCE ACDCV (specifies the type of signal to be used as the input

signal for frequency measurement).

2 Set the Frequency Standard to output a 1 volt p-p, 1 Hz sine-wave. Record the

exact Frequency Standard Value on the FREQUENCY TESTS Test Card.
Connect the output of the Frequency Standard to the HI and LO input
terminals of the 3458A under test.

3 Execute Trig and record the Unit Under Test Reading on the FREQUENCY

TESTS Test Card.

76 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Performance Verification Tests 4

4 Subtract the 1 Hz Unit Under Test Readings from the 1 Hz Frequency Standard

Value. Record the difference on the FREQUENCY TESTS Test Card.

5 Change the Frequency Standard to 10 MHz and record the exact Frequency

Standard Value on the FREQUENCY TESTS Test Card. Execute Trig, and record
the Unit Under Test Reading on the FREQUENCY TESTS Test Card.

6 Subtract the 10 MHz Unit Under Reading from the 10 MHz Frequency

Standard Value. Record the difference on the FREQUENCY TESTS Test Card.

7 If either of the differences are beyond the limits specified, the instrument

should be adjusted. See Chapter 3, “Adjustment Procedures” to make
adjustments.

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 77

4 Performance Verification Tests

PERFORMANCE TEST CARD - 1 YEAR LIMITS

Keysight Model 3458A Multimeter

Serial number _________________________ Test performed by _________________________

Date _________________________

DC VOLTAGE TESTS

CAL? 59 _________________________

TEMP? _________________________

Difference _________________________ –(must be less than 5 degrees C)

Perform an ACAL DCV

Test #

3458A

input

3458A

range

Transfer

standard

read ing

Unit

under test

reading

Difference

Limit

(Std)

Limit

(Opt 002)

Pass Fail

Offset test (NOTE: Math null is disabled)

1 Short 100 mV N/A __________ N/A 000.00106 mV 000.00106 mV __________ __________

2 Short 1 V N/A __________ N/A 0.00000106 V 0.00000106 V __________ __________

3 Short 10 V N/A __________ N/A 00.0000023 V 00.0000023 V __________ __________

4 Short 100 V N/A __________ N/A 000.000036 V 000.000036 V __________ __________

5 Short 1000 V N/A __________ N/A 0000.00010 V 0000.00010 V __________ __________

Gain test

1 100 mV 100 mV __________ __________ __________ 000.00212 mV 000.00188 mV __________ __________

2 1 V 1 V __________ __________ __________ 0.00000998 V 0.00000740 V __________ __________

3 1 V 10 V __________ __________ __________ 00.0000111 V 00.0000085 V __________ __________

4 –1 V 10 V __________ __________ __________ 00.0000111 V 00.0000085 V __________ __________

5 –10 V 10 V __________ __________ __________ 00.0000892 V 00.0000624 V __________ __________

6 10 V 10 V __________ __________ __________ 00.0000892 V 00.0000624 V __________ __________

7 100 V 100 V __________ __________ __________ 000.001114 V 000.000853 V __________ __________

8 1000 V 1000 V __________ __________ __________ 0000.02396 V 0000.01934 V __________ __________

78 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

PERFORMANCE TEST CARD - 1 YEAR LIMITS

Keysight Model 3458A Multimeter

Serial number _________________________ Test performed by _________________________

Date _________________________

AC VOLTAGE TESTS

Perform an ACAL AC

Test # 3458A input 3458A range

Transfer

standard

read ing

Unit

under test

reading

Difference

Limit

(Std)

Limit

(Opt 002)

Pass Fail

1 100 mV, 1kHz 100 mV __________ __________ __________ 000.0250 mV 000.0250 mV __________ __________

2 1 V, 1 kHz 1 V __________ __________ __________ 0.000250 V 0.000250 V __________ __________

3 1 V, 1 kHz 10 V __________ __________ __________ 00.00096 V 00.00096 V __________ __________

4 10 V, 20 Hz 10 V __________ __________ __________ 00.01338 V 00.01338 V __________ __________

5 10 V, 1 kHz 10 V __________ __________ __________ 00.00250 V 00.00250 V __________ __________

6 10 V, 20 kHz 10 V __________ __________ __________ 00.00272 V 00.00272 V __________ __________

7 10 V, 100 kHz 10 V __________ __________ __________ 00.05372 V 00.05372 V __________ __________

8 10 V, 1 MHz 10 V __________ __________ __________ 00.55450 V 00.55450 V __________ __________

9 100 V, 1 kHz 100 V __________ __________ __________ 000.0364 V 000.0364 V __________ __________

10 700 V, 1 kHz 1000 V __________ __________ __________ 0000.544 V 0000.544 V __________ __________

Performance Verification Tests 4

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 79

4 Performance Verification Tests

PERFORMANCE TEST CARD - 1 YEAR LIMITS

Keysight Model 3458A Multimeter

Serial number _________________________ Test performed by _________________________

Date _________________________

DC CURRENT TESTS

CAL? 59 _________________________

TEMP? _________________________

Difference _________________________ –(must be less than 5 degrees C)

Perform an ACAL OHMS

Test #

3458A

input

3458A

range

Transfer

standard

read ing

Unit

under test

reading

Difference

Limit

(Std)

Limit

(Opt 002)

Pass Fail

Offset test (NOTE: Math null is disabled)

1 Open 100 µA N/A __________ N/A 000.00095 µA 000.00095 µA __________ __________

2 Open 1 mA N/A __________ N/A 0.0000065 mA 0.0000065 mA __________ __________

3 Open 10 mA N/A __________ N/A 00.000065 mA 00.000065 mA __________ __________

4 Open 100 mA N/A __________ N/A 000.00065 mA 000.00065 mA __________ __________

5 Open 1 A N/A __________ N/A 0.0000115 A 0.0000115 A __________ __________

Gain test

1 100 µA 100 µA __________ __________ __________ 000.00356 µA 000.00356 µA __________ __________

2 1 mA 1 mA __________ __________ __________ 0.0000323 mA 0.0000323 mA __________ __________

3 10 mA 10 mA __________ __________ __________ 00.000323 mA 00.000323 mA __________ __________

4 100 mA 100 mA __________ __________ __________ 000.00489 mA 000.00489 mA __________ __________

5 1 A 1 A __________ __________ __________ 0.0001349 A 0.0001349 A __________ __________

80 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

PERFORMANCE TEST CARD - 1 YEAR LIMITS

Keysight Model 3458A Multimeter

Serial number _________________________ Test performed by _________________________

Date _________________________

OHMS TESTS

CAL? 59 _________________________

TEMP? _________________________

Difference _________________________ –(must be less than 5 degrees C)

Perform an ACAL OHMS

Test #

3458A

input

3458A

range

Transfer

standard

read ing

Unit

under test

reading

Difference

Limit

(Std)

Limit

(Opt 002)

Pass Fail

2-wire function offset test

1 Short 10 W N/A __________ N/A 00.25007 W 00.25007 W __________ __________

4-wire function offset test (rear terminals)

1 Short 10 W N/A __________ N/A 00.00007 W 00.00007 W __________ __________

4-wire function gain test

110 W 10 W __________ __________ __________ 00.00028 W 00.00028 W __________ __________

2 100 W 100 W __________ __________ __________ 000.00231 W 000.00231 W __________ __________

31 kW 1 kW __________ __________ __________ 0.0000142 kW 0.0000142 kW __________ __________

410 kW 10 kW __________ __________ __________ 0.0000142 kW 0.0000142 kW __________ __________

5 100 kW 100 kW __________ __________ __________ 0.0000142 kW 0.0000142 kW __________ __________

61 MW 1 MW __________ __________ __________ 0.0000209 MW 0.0000209 MW __________ __________

710 MW 10 MW __________ __________ __________ 00.000703 MW 00.000703 MW __________ __________

7

[a]

10 MW 10 MW __________ __________ __________ 00.000703 MW 00.000703 MW __________ __________

Performance Verification Tests 4

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 81

4 Performance Verification Tests

PERFORMANCE TEST CARD - 1 YEAR LIMITS

Keysight Model 3458A Multimeter

Serial number _________________________ Test performed by _________________________

Date _________________________

FREQUENCY TESTS

Test #

3458A

input

3458A

range

Transfer

standard

read ing

Unit

under test

reading

Difference

Limit

(Std)

Limit

(Opt 002)

Pass Fail

1 1 Hz N/A __________ __________ __________ ±0.000500 Hz ±0.000500 Hz __________ __________

2 10 MHz N/A __________ __________ __________ ±00.00100 MHz ±00.00100 MHz __________ __________

82 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Keysight 3458A Multimeter
Calibration Manual

5 Command Summary

Introduction 84
ACAL 86
CAL 88
CAL? 90
CALNUM? 104
CALSTR 105
REV? 107
SCAL 108
SECURE 111
TEMP? 113
TEST 114

83

5 Command Summary

Introduction

This section provides an alphabetical summary of commands that are used in
calibrating the 3458A (adjustments or performance verification). Detailed
command reference pages for each command are also included in this chapter.

ACAL

CAL

CAL?

CALNUM?

CALSTR

REV?

SCAL

Autocal. Instructs the multimeter to perform one or all of its
automatic calibrations.

Calibration. Calibrates the internal 7 V reference to an external
10V standard (CAL 10) followed by an ACAL DCV. It also
calibrates the internal 40 kW reference to an external 10 kW
standard (CAL 10E3) followed by an ACAL OHMS. Offset for the
front and rear terminals are also calculated (CAL 0).

Calibration query. Returns one of four values for the calibration
constant specified; the initial (nominal) value, low limit, high limit,
or actual value of the specified constant.

Calibration number query. Returns a decimal number indicating
the number of times the multimeter has be adjusted.

Calibration string (remote only). Stores a string in the
multimeter's nonvolatile calibration RAM. Typical uses for this
string include the date or place of adjustment/verification,
technician's name, or the scheduled date for the next
adjustment.

Revision query. Returns two numbers separated by a comma.
The first number is the multimeter's outguard firmware revision.
The second number is the inguard firmware revision.

Service calibration. Adjusts the AC section of the instrument.
Calculates the corrections to accurately measure frequency and
calibrates the ac ranges.

SECURE

84 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Security code. Allows the person responsible for calibration to
enter a security code to prevent accidental or unauthorized
adjustment or autocalibration.

Command Summary 5

TEMP?

TEST

Temperature query. Returns the multimeter's internal
temperature in degrees Centigrade.

Self-test. Causes the multimeter to perform a series of internal
self-tests. If all constants are within their lower and upper limits,
the self-test passes.

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 85

5 Command Summary

ACAL

Description

Autocal. Instructs the multimeter to perform one or all of its automatic
calibrations.

Syntax

ACAL [type][,security_code]

type

The type parameter choices are:

type Parameter

ALL 0 Performs the DCV, AC, and OHMS autocals

DCV 1 DC voltage gain and offset (see first Remark)

AC 2 ACV flatness, gain, and offset (see second Remark)

OHMS 4 OHMS gain and offset (see third Remark)

Numeric query

equivalent

Description

security_code

When autocal is secured, you must enter the correct security code to perform an
autocal (when shipped from the factory, autocal is secured with the security code

3458). When autocal is not secured, no security code is required. Refer to the
SECURE command for more information on the security code and how to secure
or unsecure autocal.

Remarks

– Since the DCV autocal applies to all measurement functions, you should

perform it before performing the AC or OHMS autocal. When ACAL ALL is
specified, the DCV autocal is performed prior to the other autocals.

– The AC autocal performs specific enhancements for ACV or ACDCV (all

measurement methods), ACI or ACDCI, DSAC, DSDC, SSAC, SSDC, FREQ, and
PER measurements.

86 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Command Summary 5

– The OHMS autocal performs specific enhancements for 2- or 4-wire ohms,

DCI, and ACI measurements.

– Always disconnect any AC input signals before you perform an autocal. If you

leave an input signal connected to the multimeter, it may adversely affect the
autocal.

– The autocal constants are stored in continuous memory (they remain intact

when power is removed). You do not need to perform autocal simply because
power has been cycled.

– The approximate time required to perform each autocal routine is:

ALL: 14 minutes

DCV: 2 minutes and 20 seconds

AC: 2 minutes and 20 second s

OHMS: 10 minutes

– If power is turned off or the Reset button is pushed during an ACAL, an error is

generated. You must perform an ACAL ALL to recalculate new calibration
constants.

– Related command s: CAL, SCAL, SECURE

Example

OUTPUT 722;"ACAL ALL,3458" !RUNS ALL AUTOCALS, SECURITY CODE IS 3458!
(FACTORY SECURITY CODE SETTING)

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 87

5 Command Summary

CAL

Description

Calibration. Calibrates the internal 7 V reference to an external 10V standard
(CAL10) and does the equivalent of ACAL DCV. Also calibrates the internal 40 K
reference to an external 10 K standard (CAL 10E3) and does the equivalent of
ACAL OHMS. Alternate CAL standard values can be used as described in the first
remark. It also calculates the offset for the front and rear terminals (CAL 0).

Syntax

CAL value [,security _ code]

value

Specifies the value of the adjustment source that will be used to adjust the
multimeter. For highest accuracy. 10 V and 10 K ohm standards are
recommended and the value sent must be the exact output value of the
adjustment source. If the 10 V source actually outputs 10.0001, then specify a
value of 10.0001 in the CAL command.

security_code

When a security code is set to a number other than 0 by the SECURE command,
you must enter the correct security code to perform a CAL. If CAL is not secured
(security code = 0), no security code is required to execute CAL. Refer to the
SECURE command for more information on the security code and how to secure
the calibration of the 3458A.

Remarks

– For highest accuracy, the value sent with the CAL command must exactly

equal the actual output value of the adjustment source. It is recommended
that 10V be used for CAL 10 and 10 K ohms be used for CAL 10E3. NOTE: Any

standard value between 1 V and 12 V or 1 k
less than 10 V or less than 10 k
multimeter's accuracy specifications. For example, a 1 V DC standard can be
used instead of 10 V (you would execute CAL 1.0000). A 1 k
used instead of 10 k
accuracy specifications of the instrument.

88 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

W

(you would execute CAL 1E3). Each case degrades the

W

will introduce additional uncertainty to the

W

and 12 kW can be used. A value

W

standard can

Command Summary 5

– For highest accuracy when performing a CAL 0, a four-point short must be

used. Also, CAL 0 must be performed twice, once for the front terminals and
again for the rear terminals. You must manually switch the terminals to be
calibrated using the front panel switch.

– It is recommended that the OCOMP command be executed prior to adjusting

with the 10 K source and OCOMP be set to ON. This will account for any
thermals and result in a more accurate adjustment.

– Related command s: ACAL, SCAL, SECURE

Example

OUTPUT 722; "CAL 10.0011" !DCV ADJUSTMENT SOURCE = 10.0011 VOLTS

OUTPUT 722;"OCOMP ON"

OUTPUT 722:"CAL 10000.001" !RESISTANCE ADJUSTMENT SOURCE = 10000.001
OHMS

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 89

5 Command Summary

CAL?

Description

Calibration query. Returns a string containing one of four values for the
calibration constant specified; the initial (nominal) value, low limit, high limit, or
actual value of the specified constant. The returned string also contains a
description of the constant. This command is in the full command menu; it is not
in the short command menu.

Syntax

CAL? const_id [,cal_item]

cal_item

Specifies which of the four calibration constant values is to be returned. The
cal_item parameter choices are:

cal_item Description

0 Initial (nominal) value

1

3 Upper limit

Actual value

[a]

5 Lower limit

[a] The default for cal_item is the actual value.

90 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Command Summary 5

const_id

Specifies the identifier number for the calibration constant of interest. Each
const_id and the associated calibration constant description is listed below.

const_id Description Constant derived from

1 40 K Reference External gain adjustment

2 7 V Reference External gain adjustment

3 dcv zero front 100 mV

4 dcv zero rear 100 mV

5 dcv zero front 1 V

6 dcv zero rear 1 V

7 dcv zero front 10 V

8 dcv zero rear 10 V

9 dcv zero front 100 V

10 dcv zero rear 100 V

11 dcv zero front 1 kV

12 dcv zero rear 1 kV -External zero adjustment

13 ohm zero front 10

14 ohm zero front 100

15 ohm zero front 1 K

16 ohm zero front 10 K

17 ohm zero front 100 K

18 ohm zero front 1 M

19 ohm zero front 10 M

20 ohm zero front 100 M

21 ohm zero front 1 G

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 91

5 Command Summary

const_id Description Constant derived from

22 ohm zero rear 10

23 ohm zero rear 100

24 ohm zero rear 1 K

25 ohm zero rear 10 K

26 ohm zero rear 100 K

27 ohm zero rear 1 M

28 ohm zero rear 10 M

29 ohm zero rear 100 M

30 ohm zero rear 1 G

31 ohmf zero front 10

32 ohmf zero front 100

33 ohmf zero front 1 K

34 ohmf zero front 10 K -External zero adjustment

35 ohmf zero front 100 K

36 ohmf zero front 1 M

37 ohmf zero front 10 M

38 ohmf zero front 100 M

39 ohmf zero front 1 G

40 ohmf zero rear 10

41 ohmf zero rear 100

42 ohmf zero rear 1 K

43 ohmf zero rear 10 K

44 ohmf zero rear 100 K

45 ohmf zero rear 1 M

46 ohmf zero rear 10 M

92 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Command Summary 5

const_id Description Constant derived from

47 ohmf zero rear 100 M

48 ohmf zero rear 1 G

49 offset ohm 10

50 offset ohm 100

51 offset ohm 1 K

52 offset ohm 10 K -External zero adjustment

53 offset ohm 100 K

54 offset ohm 1 M

55 offset ohm 10 M

56 offset ohm 100 M

57 offset ohm 1 G

58 cal 0 temperature

59 cal 10 temperature -Internal temperatures at time of last

60 cal 10 K temperature CAL adjustment

61 vos dac (Dac count to zero boot-strap amp Q7, U12) -External zero adj

62 dci zero rear 100 nA

63 dci zero rear 1 µA

64 dci zero rear 10 µA

65 dci zero rear 100 µA

66 dci zero rear 1 mA -ACAL OHMS

67 dci zero rear 10 mA

68 dci zero rear 100 mA

69 dci zero rear 1 A

70 dcv gain 100 mV

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 93

5 Command Summary

const_id Description Constant derived from

71 dcv gain 1 V

72 dcv gain 10 V -ACAL DCV

73 dcv gain 100 V

74 dcv gain 1 kV

75 ohm gain 10

76 ohm gain 100

77 ohm gain 1 K

78 ohm gain 10 K

79 ohm gain 100 K -ACAL OHMS

80 ohm gain 1 M

81 ohm gain 10 M

82 ohm gain 100 M

83 ohm gain 1 G

84 ohm ocomp gain 10

85 ohm ocomp gain 100

86 ohm ocomp gain 1 K

87 ohm ocomp gain 10 K

88 ohm ocomp gain 100 K

89 ohm ocomp gain 1 M -ACAL OHMS

90 ohm ocomp gain 10 M

91 ohm ocomp gain 100 M

92 ohm ocomp gain 1 G

93 dci gain 100 nA

94 dci gain 1 µA

95 dci gain 10 µA

94 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Command Summary 5

const_id Description Constant derived from

96 dci gain 100 µA

97 dci gain 1 mA

98 dci gain 10 mA -ACAL OHMS

99 dci gain 100 mA

100 dci gain 1 A

101 precharge dac

102 mc dac (dac settings to minimize charge coupling from input fets)

103 high speed gain

-ACAL OHMS

104 il (OFF leakage of ohmmeter current source)

105 il2 (input leakage correction used on 1 MW and higher)

106 rin (value of 10 MW attenuator RP7)

107 low aperture

108 high aperture

109 high aperture slope .01 PLC

110 high aperture slope .1 PLC

111 high aperture null .01 PLC -ACAL DCV

112 high aperture null .1 PLC

113 underload dcv 100 mV

114 underload dcv 1 V

115 underload dcv 10 V

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 95

5 Command Summary

const_id Description Constant derived from

116 underload dcv 100 V -ACAL DCV

117 underload dcv 1000 V

118 overload dcv 100 mV

119 overload dcv 1 V

120 overload dcv 10 V -ACAL DCV

121 overload dcv 100 V

122 overload dcv 1000 V

123 underload ohm 10

124 underload ohm 100

125 underload ohm 1 K

126 underload ohm 10 K

127 underload ohm 100 K

128 underload ohm 1 M

129 underload ohm 10 M

130 underload ohm 100 M

131 underload ohm 1 G -ACAL OHMS

132 overload ohm 10

133 overload ohm 100

134 overload ohm 1 K

135 overload ohm 10 K

136 overload ohm 100 K

137 overload ohm 1 M

138 overload ohm 10 M

139 overload ohm 100 M

96 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Command Summary 5

const_id Description Constant derived from

140 overload ohm 1 G

141 underload ohm ocomp 10

142 underload ohm ocomp 100

143 underload ohm ocomp 1 K

144 underload ohm ocomp 10 K

145 underload ohm ocomp 100 K

146 underload ohm ocomp 1 M

147 underload ohm ocomp 10 M

148 underload ohm ocomp 100 M

149 underload ohm ocomp 1 G

150 overload ohm ocomp 10

151 overload ohm ocomp 100

152 overload ohm ocomp 1 K -ACAL OHMS

153 overload ohm ocomp 10 K

154 overload ohm ocomp 100 K

155 overload ohm ocomp 1M

156 overload ohm ocomp 10 M

157 overload ohm ocomp 100 M

158 overload ohm ocomp 1 G

159 underload dci 100 nA

160 underload dci 1 µA

161 underload dci 10 µA

162

163 underload dci 1 mA

underload dci 100

µA

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 97

5 Command Summary

const_id Description Constant derived from

164 underload dci 10 mA

165 underload dci 100 mA

166 underload dci 1 A

167 overload dci 100 nA

168 overload dci 1 µA -ACAL OHMS

169 overload dci 10 µA

170 overload dci 100 µA

171 overload dci 1 mA

172 overload dci 10 mA

173 overload dci 100 mA

174 overload dci 1 A

175 acal dcv temperature

176 acal ohm temperature -Last ACAL temperatures

177 acal acv temperature

178 ac offset dac 10 mV

179 ac offset dac 100 mV

180 ac offset dac 1 V

181 ac offset dac 10 V

182 ac offset dac 100 V -ACAL AC

183 ac offset dac 1 kV

184 acdc offset dac 10 mV

185 acdc offset dac 100 mV

186 acdc offset dac 1 V

98 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual

Command Summary 5

const_id Description Constant derived from

187 acdc offset dac 10 V

188 acdc offset dac 100 V

189 acdc offset dac 1 kV

190 acdci offset dac 100 µA

191 acdci offset dac 1 mA

192 acdci offset dac 10 mA

193 acdci offset dac 100 mA

194 acdci offset dac 1 A

195 flatness dac 10 mV

196 flatness dac 100 mV

197 flatness dac 1 V

198 flatness dac 10 V

199 flatness dac 100 V -ACAL AC

200 flatness dac 1 kV

201 level dac dc 1.2 V

202 level dac dc 12 V

203 level dac ac 1.2 V

204 level dac dc 12 V

205 dcv trigger offset 100 mV

206 dcv trigger offset 1 V

207 dcv trigger offset 10 V

208 dcv trigger offset 100 V

209 dcv trigger offset 1000 V

Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual 99

5 Command Summary

const_id Description Constant derived from

210 acdcv sync offset 10 mV

211 acdcv sync offset 100 mV

212 acdcv sync offset 1 V

213 acdcv sync offset 10 V

214 acdcv sync offset 100 V

215 acdcv sync offset 1 kV

216 acv sync offset 10 mV

217 acv sync offset 100 mV

218 acv sync offset 1 V

219 acv sync offset 10 V

220 acv sync offset 100 V

221 acv sync offset 1 kV -ACAL AC

222 acv sync gain 10 mV

223 acv sync gain 100 mV

224 acv sync gain 1 V

225 acv sync gain 10 V

226 acv sync gain 100 V

227 acv sync gain 1 kV

228 ab ratio

229 gain ratio

230 acv ana gain 10 mV

231 acv ana gain 100 mV

100 Keysight 3458A Calibration Manual