Keysight Technologies U1253B User's And Service Manual

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Keysight U1253B True RMS OLED Multimeter

User’s and Service Guide

Notices

CAUTION

WARNING

reproduced 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

U1253-90035

Edition

Edition 19, November 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 U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Safety Symbols

CAT III

1000 V

CAT IV

600 V

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

Direct current (DC) Off (supply)

Alternating current (AC) On (supply)

Both direct and alternating current Caution, risk of electric shock

Three-phase alternating current

Earth (ground) terminal Caution, hot surface

Caution, risk of danger (refer to this manual for specific Warning or Caution information)

Protective conductor terminal Out position of a bi-stable push control

Frame or chassis terminal In position of a bi-stable push control

Equipotentiality

Equipment protected tshroughout by double insulation or reinforced insulation

Category III 1000 V overvoltage protection

Category IV 600 V overvoltage protection

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 3

General Safety Information

CAUTION

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 of design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Keysight Technologies assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.

– Turn off the circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors in the

circuit before you perform resistance and capacitance measurements or continuity and diodes tests.

– Use the correct terminals, function, and range for your measurements.

– Never measure voltage when current measurement is selected.

– Use only the recommended rechargeable battery. Ensure proper insertion

of battery in the multimeter, and follow the correct polarity.

– Disconnect test leads from all the terminals during battery charging.

4 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

WARNING

– Do not exceed any of the measurement limits defined in the specifications

to avoid instrument damage and the risk of electric shock.

– When working above 60 VDC, 30 VAC rms, or 42.4 VAC peak, exercise

caution – such range poses a shock hazard.

– Do not measure more than the rated voltage (as marked on the

multimeter) between terminals, or between terminal and earth ground.

– Double-check the meters operation by measuring a known voltage.

– For current measurement, turn off circuit power before connecting the

multimeter to the circuit. Always place the multimeter in series with the circuit.

– When connecting probes, always connect the common test probe first.

When disconnecting probes, always disconnect the live test probe first.

– Detach test probes from the multimeter before you open the battery cover.

– Do not use the multimeter with the battery cover or part of the cover

removed or loose.

– Replace the battery as soon as the low battery indicator flashes on

screen. This is to avoid false readings, which may lead to possible electric shock or personal injury.

– Do not operate the product in an explosive atmosphere or in the presence

of flammable gases or fumes.

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 5

– Inspect the case for cracks or missing plastic. Pay extra attention to the

insulation surrounding the connectors. Do not use the multimeter if it is damaged.

– Inspect the test probes for damaged insulation or exposed metal, and

check for continuity. Do not use the test probe if it is damaged.

– Do not use any other AC charger adapter apart from the one certified by

Keysight with this product.

WARNING

– Do not use repaired fuses or short-circuited fuse-holders. For continued

protection against fire, replace the line fuses only with fuses of the same voltage and current rating and recommended type.

– Do not service or perform adjustments alone. Under certain condition,

hazardous voltages may exist, even with the equipment switched off. To avoid dangerous electric shock, service personnel must not attempt internal service or adjustment unless another person, capable of rendering resuscitation or first aid, is present.

– Do not substitute parts or modify equipment to avoid the danger of

introducing additional hazards. Return the product to the nearest Keysight Technologies Sales and Service office for service and repair to ensure the safety features are maintained.

– Do not operate damaged equipment as the safety protection features

built into this product may 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 the nearest Keysight Technologies Sales and Service office for service and repair to ensure the safety features are maintained.

6 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Environmental Conditions

NOTE

This instrument is designed for indoor use and in areas with low condensation. The table below shows the general environmental requirements for this instrument.

Environmental conditions Requirements

Operating temperature Full accuracy from –20 °C to 55 °C

Operating humidity

Storage temperature –40 °C to 70 °C (with battery removed)

Altitude Up to 2000 m

Pollution degree Pollution Degree 2

The U1253B True RMS OLED Multimeter complies with the following safety and EMC requirements.

– IEC 61010-1:2001/EN61010-1:2001 (2nd Edition)

– Canada: CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1-04

Full accuracy up to 80% R.H. (relative humidity) for temperature up to 35 °C, decreasing linearly to 50% R.H. at 55 °C

– USA: ANSI/UL 61010-1:2004

– IEC61326-1:2005 / EN61326-1:2006

– Canada: ICES/NMB-001:Issue 4,June 2006

– Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS CISPR11:2004

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 7

Regulatory Markings

The CE mark is a registered trademark of the European Community. This CE mark shows that the product complies with all the relevant European Legal Directives.

ICES/NMB-001 indicates that this ISM device complies with the Canadian ICES-001.

Cet appareil ISM est conforme a la norme NMB-001 du Canada.

The CSA mark is a registered trademark of the Canadian Standards Association.

The RCM mark is a registered trademark of the Spectrum Management Agency of Australia. This signifies compliance with

the Australia EMC Framework regulations under the terms of the

Radio Communication Act of 1992.

This instrument complies with the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking requirement. This affixed product label indicates that you must not discard this electrical/electronic product in domestic household waste.

8 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/ 96/EC

This instrument complies with the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) 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/xxxxx

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

– www.keysight.com/find/assist

(worldwide contact information for repair and service)

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 9

In This Guide…

Getting Started

This chapter contains information on the U1253B true RMS OLED multimeter front panel, rotary switch, keypad, display, terminals and rear panel.

Making Measurements

This chapter contains information on how to make measurements using the U1253B true RMS OLED multimeter.

Functions and Features

This chapter contains information on the functions and features available for the U1253B true RMS OLED multimeter.

Changing the Default Settings

This chapter will show you how to change the default factory settings of the U1253B true RMS OLED multimeter and other available setting options.

Maintenance

This chapter will help you to troubleshoot if the U1253B true RMS OLED multimeter malfunctions.

Performance Tests and Calibration

This chapter contains the performance test and adjustment procedures.

Specifications

This chapter lists the product characteristics, specification assumptions and the specifications of the U1253B true RMS OLED multimeter.

10 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Safety Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

General Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Environmental Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Regulatory Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/

EC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

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

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

In This Guide… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

1 Getting Started

Introducing the Keysight U1253B True RMS OLED Multimeter . . . . . .22

Check the shipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Installing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Adjusting the tilt-stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

The front panel at a glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

The rear panel at a glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

The rotary switch at a glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

The keypad at a glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

The display at a glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Selecting display with the Shift button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Selecting display with the Dual button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Selecting display with the Hz button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

The terminals at a glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

2 Making Measurements

Understanding The Measurement Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Measuring Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Measuring AC voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 11

Measuring DC voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Measuring AC and DC Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Measuring Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

µA and mA measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Percentage scale of 4 mA to 20 mA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

A (ampere) measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Frequency Counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Measuring Resistance, Conductance, and Testing Continuity . . . . . . . 64

Testing Diodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Measuring Capacitance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Measuring Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Alerts and Warning During Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Overload alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Input warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Charge terminal alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

3 Functions and Features

Dynamic Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Data Hold (Trigger Hold) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Refresh Hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Null (Relative) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Decibel Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

1 ms Peak Hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Data Logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Manual logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Interval logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Reviewing logged data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Square Wave Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Remote Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

4 Changing the Default Settings

Selecting Setup Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

12 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Default Factory Settings and Available Setting Options . . . . . . . . . . .111

Setting Data Hold/Refresh Hold mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115

Setting data logging mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

Setting dB measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

Setting reference impedance for dBm measurement . . . . . . . . . . .119

Setting thermocouple types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120

Setting temperature unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120

Setting percentage scale readout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122

Sound setting for continuity test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123

Setting minimum measurable frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124

Setting beep frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

Setting Auto Power Off mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

Setting power-on backlight brightness level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128

Setting the power-on melody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

Setting the power-on greeting screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

Setting baud rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

Setting data bits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131

Setting parity check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132

Setting echo mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133

Setting print mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134

Revision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

Serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

Voltage alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136

M-initial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137

Smooth refresh rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141

Returning to default factory settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

Setting the battery type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143

Setting the Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144

5 Maintenance

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146

General maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146

Battery replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

Storage considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149

Charging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150

Fuse checking procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 13

Fuse replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

Replaceable Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

To order replaceable parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

6 Performance Tests and Calibration

Calibration Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Closed-case electronic calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Keysight Technologies’ calibration services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Calibration interval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

Other recommendations for calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

Recommended Test Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

Basic Operating Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169

Testing the display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169

Current terminals test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

Charge terminals alert test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

Test Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172

Performance Verification Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

Calibration Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181

Unsecuring the instrument for calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181

Changing Calibration Security Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184

Resetting the security code to factory default . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186

Adjustment Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188

Valid adjustment reference input values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

Calibration From Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

Calibration process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

Calibration procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

Calibration count . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

Calibration error codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203

7Specifications

14 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

List of Figures

Figure 1-1 Tilt-stand at 60° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Figure 1-2 Tilt-stand at 30° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Figure 1-3 Tilt-stand at hanging position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Figure 1-4 U1253B front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Figure 1-5 Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Figure 1-6 Rotary switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Figure 1-7 U1253B keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Figure 1-8 Connector terminals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Figure 2-1 Measuring AC voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Figure 2-2 Measuring DC voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Figure 2-3 Measuring μA and mA current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Figure 2-4 Measurement scale of 4 mA to 20 mA . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Figure 2-5 A (ampere) current measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Figure 2-6 Measuring frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Figure 2-7 Type of display when Smart Ω is enabled . . . . . . . . . .65

Figure 2-8 Measuring resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Figure 2-9 Resistance, audible continuity, and conductance

Figure 2-10 Short continuity and open continuity test . . . . . . . . . .69

Figure 2-11 Conductance measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Figure 2-12 Measuring the forward bias of a diode . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Figure 2-13 Measuring the reverse bias of a diode . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

Figure 2-14 Capacitance measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Figure 2-15 Connecting the thermal probe into the

Figure 2-16 Connecting the probe with adapter into the

Figure 2-17 Surface temperature measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Figure 2-18 Input terminal warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Figure 2-19 Charge terminal alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

Figure 3-1 Dynamic recording mode operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Figure 3-2 Data hold mode operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Figure 3-3 Refresh hold mode operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Figure 3-4 Null (relative) mode operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91

tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

non-compensation transfer adapter . . . . . . . . . . . .77

multimeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 15

Figure 3-5 dBm display mode operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Figure 3-6 dBV display mode operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Figure 3-7 1 ms peak hold mode operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Figure 3-8 Manual (hand) logging mode operation . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Figure 3-9 Full log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Figure 3-10 Interval (time) logging mode operation . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Figure 3-11 Log review mode operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Figure 3-12 Frequency adjustment for square wave output . . . . 104

Figure 3-13 Duty cycle adjustment for square wave output . . . . 105

Figure 3-14 Pulse width adjustment for square wave output . . . 106

Figure 3-15 Cable connection for remote communication . . . . . . 107

Figure 4-1 Setup menu screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Figure 4-2 Data Hold/Refresh Hold setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Figure 4-3 Data logging setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Figure 4-4 Log time setup for interval (time) logging . . . . . . . . . 117

Figure 4-5 Decibel measurement setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Figure 4-6 Setting up the reference impedance for dBm unit . . 119

Figure 4-7 Thermocouple type setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Figure 4-8 Temperature unit setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Figure 4-9 Setting up percentage scale readout . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Figure 4-10 Choosing the sound used in continuity test . . . . . . . 123

Figure 4-11 Minimum frequency setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Figure 4-12 Beep frequency setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Figure 4-13 Automatic power saving setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Figure 4-14 Power-on backlight setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Figure 4-15 Power-on melody setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Figure 4-16 Power-on greeting setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Figure 4-17 Baud rate setup for remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

Figure 4-18 Data bits setup for remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Figure 4-19 Parity check setup for remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

Figure 4-20 Echo mode setup for remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Figure 4-21 Print mode setup for remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Figure 4-22 Revision number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Figure 4-23 Serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Figure 4-24 Voltage alert setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Figure 4-25 Setting initial measurement functions . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Figure 4-26 Navigating between the initial functions pages . . . . 139

16 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Figure 4-27 Editing initial measurement function/range . . . . . . .139

Figure 4-28 Editing initial measurement function/range and

initial output values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

Figure 4-29 Refresh rate for primary display readings . . . . . . . . .141

Figure 4-30 Resetting to default factory settings . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

Figure 4-31 Battery type selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143

Figure 4-32 Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144

Figure 5-1 9 V rectangular battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

Figure 5-2 Rear panel of the Keysight U1253B True RMS OLED

Multimeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148

Figure 5-3 Self-testing time display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152

Figure 5-4 Performing self-test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153

Figure 5-5 Charging mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154

Figure 5-6 Fully charged and in the trickle state . . . . . . . . . . . .155

Figure 5-7 Battery charging procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156

Figure 5-8 Fuse checking procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157

Figure 5-9 Fuse replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160

Figure 6-1 Displaying all OLED pixels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169

Figure 6-2 Current terminal error message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .170

Figure 6-3 Charge terminal error message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171

Figure 6-4 Unsecuring the instrument for calibration . . . . . . . . .183

Figure 6-5 Changing the calibration security code . . . . . . . . . . . 185

Figure 6-6 Resetting security code to factory default . . . . . . . . .187

Figure 6-7 Typical calibration process flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .196

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 17

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18 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

List of Tables

Table 1-1 Rotary switch description and functions . . . . . . . . . . .31

Table 1-2 Keypad descriptions and functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Table 1-3 General display symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Table 1-4 Primary display symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Table 1-5 Secondary display symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Table 1-6 Analog bar range and counts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Table 1-7 Selecting display with the Shift button . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Table 1-8 Selecting display with the Dual button . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Table 1-9 Selecting display with the Hz button . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Table 1-10 Terminal connections for different measurement

functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Table 2-1 Numerical steps descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Table 2-2 Percentage scale and measurement range . . . . . . . . . 59

Table 2-3 Audible continuity measurement range . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Table 3-1 Available frequencies for square wave output . . . . .103

Table 4-1 Default factory settings and available setting options

for each feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

Table 4-2 Available settings for M-initial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137

Table 4-3 Firmware version 2.25 or older . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144

Table 4-4 Firmware version 2.26 or newer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

Table 5-1 Battery voltage and corresponding percentage of

charges in standby and charging modes . . . . . . .152

Table 5-2 Error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153

Table 5-3 U1253B measurement readings for fuse checking . .158

Table 5-4 Fuse specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160

Table 5-5 Basic troubleshooting procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162

Table 6-1 Recommended test equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168

Table 6-2 Performance verification tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174

Table 6-3 Valid adjustment reference input values . . . . . . . . . .188

Table 6-4 List of calibration items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .196

Table 6-5 Calibration error codes and their respective

meanings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .201

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 19

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20 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Keysight U1253B True RMS OLED Multimeter User’s and Service Guide

1 Getting Started

Introducing the Keysight U1253B True RMS OLED Multimeter 22 Check the shipment 23 Installing the battery 24 Adjusting the tilt-stand 26 The front panel at a glance 29 The rear panel at a glance 30 The rotary switch at a glance 31 The keypad at a glance 32 The display at a glance 36 The terminals at a glance 49

This chapter contains information on the U1253B true RMS OLED multimeter front panel, rotary switch, keypad, display, terminals and rear panel.

1 Getting Started

Introducing the Keysight U1253B True RMS OLED Multimeter

The key features of the true RMS OLED multimeter are:

– DC, AC and AC+DC voltage and current measurements.

– True RMS measurement for both AC voltage and current.

– Rechargeable Ni-MH battery with built-in charging capability.

– Ambient temperature readout that accompanies most measurement readouts

(both in single and dual display modes).

– Battery capacity indicator.

– Bright yellow OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display.

– Resistance measurement up to 500 MΩ.

– Conductance measurement from 0.01 nS (100 GΩ) to 500 nS.

– Capacitance measurement up to 100 mF.

– Frequency counter up to 20 MHz.

– Percentage scale readout for 4–20 mA to 0–20 mA measurement.

– Measurement of dBm with selectable reference impedance.

– 1 ms peak hold to catch in-rush voltage and current easily.

– Temperature test with selectable 0

temperature compensation).

– J-type or K-type probe for temperature measurement.

– Frequency, duty cycle, and pulse width measurements.

– Dynamic recording for minimum, maximum, average, and present readings.

– Data hold with manual or auto trigger and relative modes.

– Diode and audible continuity tests.

– Square wave generator with selectable frequency, pulse width, and duty cycle.

– Keysight GUI Application Software (IR-USB cable sold separately).

– Closed case calibration.

– 50,000-count precision true RMS digital multimeter, designed to meet EN/IEC

61010-1:2001 Category III 1000 V/ Category IV 600 V, Pollution Degree 2 standards.

22 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

°C compensation (without ambient

Check the shipment

Verify that you have received the following items with your multimeter:

–4 mm probes

– Test leads

– Alligator clips

– Rechargeable 8.4 V battery

– Power cord & AC adapter

– Quick Start Guide

– Certificate of Calibration

Contact your nearest Keysight Sales Office if any of the above are missing.

Inspect the shipping containing for damage. Signs of damage may include a dented or torn shipping container or cushioning material that indicates signs of unusual stress or compacting. Save the packaging material in case the multimeter needs to be returned.

Please refer to the Keysight Handheld Tools brochure (5989-7340EN) for the full and latest list of handheld accessories available.

Getting Started 1

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 23

1 Getting Started

NOTE

CAUTION

Installing the battery

Your multimeter is powered by one 9 V battery. When you receive your multimeter, the batteries are not installed.

A new rechargeable battery comes in a discharged condition and must be charged before use. Upon initial use (or after a prolonged storage period), the battery may require three to four charge/discharge cycles before achieving maximum capacity. Refer to “Charging the battery” on page 150

Before you proceed with the battery installation, remove all cable connections to the terminals and ensure that the rotary switch is at the OFF position. Use only the batteries provided with your multimeter.

1 Lift the tilt stand.

2 On the rear panel, turn the screw on the

battery cover counterclockwise from the LOCK position to OPEN.

3 Slide the battery cover down and lift the

battery cover up to insert the battery.

24 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Getting Started 1

The battery level indicator in the lower left-hand corner of the display indicates the relative condition of the batteries. Replace the batteries as soon as possible

when the low battery indicator ( ↔ ) is shown.

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 25

1 Getting Started

IR-USB cable

To PC (host)

Tilt-stand at 60°

Adjusting the tilt-stand

To adjust the multimeter to a 60° standing position, pull the tilt-stand outward to its maximum reach.

Figure 1-1 Tilt-stand at 60°

26 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Getting Started 1

IR-USB cable

To PC (host)

Tilt-stand at 30°

To adjust the multimeter to a 30°

standing position, bend the tip of the stand so

that it is parallel to ground, then pull the stand outward to its maximum reach.

Figure 1-2 Tilt-stand at 30°

To adjust the multimeter to a hanging position, follow these steps below or

Figure 1-3 on page 28:

1 Flip the stand upward and over its maximum reach until it is detached from its

hinge.

2 Flip the now detached stand over so that its inner surface is facing the

multimeter as opposed to facing you.

3 Press the stand down into its hinge in an upright position.

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 27

1 Getting Started

3. Flip the til t-stand over until this sid

1. Extend the tilt-stand until its maximum reach

2. Detach the tilt-stand

4. Re-attach the tilt-stand to an upright of the stand is facing the multimeter

as opposed to facing you

position

28 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Figure 1-3 Tilt-stand at hanging position

The front panel at a glance

Rotary switch

Terminal connectors

Keypad

Display

Getting Started 1

Figure 1-4 U1253B front panel

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 29

1 Getting Started

Battery access

IR communication

port

Test probe holders

cover

Tilt-stand

The rear panel at a glance

Figure 1-5 Rear panel

30 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

The rotary switch at a glance

5 4

6 7

Figure 1-6 Rotary switch

Table 1-1 Rotary switch description and functions

No. Description/Function

1 Charge mode or OFF

Getting Started 1

2AC V

3 DC V, AC V, or AC + DC V

4 DC mV, AC mV, or AC + DC mV

5 Resistance (Ω), continuity, or conductance (nS)

6 Frequency counter or diode

7 Capacitance or temperature

8DC μA, AC μA, or AC + DC μA

9 DC mA, DC A, AC mA, AC A, AC + DC mA, or AC + DC A

10 Square wave output, duty cycle, or pulse width output

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 31

1 Getting Started

The keypad at a glance

The operation of each key is explained in Table 1-2 below. Pressing a key displays a related symbol and emits a sound on the beeper. Turning the rotary switch to another position resets the current operation of the key. Figure 1-7 shows the keypad of the U1253B.

Figure 1-7 U1253B keypad

32 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Getting Started 1

Table 1-2 Keypad descriptions and functions

Button Function when pressed for less than 1 second Function when pressed for more than 1 second

cycles through OLED display brightness

levels.

– enters Log Review mode. Press to switch

between manual or interval logging data.

– Press or to view first or last logged data respectively.

Press or to scroll through the logged data.

– Press for more than 1 second to exit this mode.

– holds the current measured value.

– In Data Hold mode ( ), press

again to trigger the holding of the next measured value. Press for more than 1 second to exit

this mode.

– In Refresh Hold mode ( ), the reading is

updated automatically once the reading is stable

[a]

and the count setting is exceeded again to exit this mode.

– saves the displayed value as a reference to

be subtracted from subsequent measurements.

– While in null mode, press to view the

relative value ( ) that has been saved. The saved relative value will be displayed for 3 seconds.

– Press while the relative value ( ) is

being displayed to cancel the Null function.

. Press

– enters the Dynamic Recording mode.

– Press again to scroll through maximum, minimum,

average, or present readings (indicated by ,

, , or on the display).

– Press for more than 1 second to exit this mode.

– enters the 1 ms Peak Hold mode.

– Press to scroll through maximum ( ) and

minimum ( ) peak readings.

– Press for more than 1 second to exit this mode.

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 33

1 Getting Started

Tab le 1-2 Keypad descriptions and functions (continued)

Button Function when pressed for less than 1 second Function when pressed for more than 1 second

scrolls through the measurement function(s)

of the present rotary switch selection.

– enters the Setup mode.

– In the Setup mode, press or to navigate through the

menu pages. Press or to scroll through the available settings.

– Press to edit the specified value.

– Press again to save the new settings and exit the

editing mode, or press to exit without saving.

– Press for more than 1 second to exit this mode.

scrolls through the available measurement

enters the Auto Range mode.

ranges (except when the rotary switch is at the

[b]

or position)

scrolls through the available

dual-combination displays (except when the rotary

exits Hold, Null, Dynamic Recording, 1 ms Peak Hold,

and dual display modes.

switch is at the , or position, or when the multimeter is in 1 ms Peak Hold or

[c]

Dynamic Recording mode)

34 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Getting Started 1

Table 1-2 Keypad descriptions and functions (continued)

Button Function when pressed for less than 1 second Function when pressed for more than 1 second

– enters the Frequency Test mode for

current or voltage measurements.

– Press to scroll through frequency (Hz),

pulse width (ms), and duty cycle (%) functions.

– In duty cycle (%) and pulse width (ms) tests,

press to switch between positive and negative edge trigger.

– When the rotary switch is at the position, and

the Frequency Counter function is selected, pressing will cycle through the frequency,

pulse width, and duty cycle measurements.

– If data logging is set as (manual data logging),

pressing for more than 1 second will log the present reading into the memory. The display will return to normal

after 3 seconds. To manually log another reading, press

again for more than 1 second.

– If data logging is set as (automatic data logging),

pressing for more than 1 second will enter the automatic data logging mode, and data is logged at the

interval defined in Setup mode

[a]

– Press for more than 1 second to exit data logging

mode.

Notes for keypad descriptions and functions:

[a] See Tab le 4 -1 on page 111 for details of available options.

[b] When the rotary switch is at and the temperature measurement function is selected, pressing will not affect any setting. When

the rotary switch is at and the frequency counter function is selected, press to switch between dividing the signal frequency by 1 or 100.

[c] When the rotary switch is at and the temperature measurement function is selected, ETC (Environment Temperature Compensation) is

ON by default. Press to disable ETC; will appear on the display. For pulse width and duty cycle measurements, press

to switch between positive and negative edge trigger. When the multimeter is in Peak or Dynamic Recording mode, press to

restart the 1 ms Peak Hold or Dynamic Recording mode.

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 35

1 Getting Started

The display at a glance

The display symbols are explained in the following tables.

Tab le 1-3 General display symbols

OLED Annunciator Description

Remote control

, ,

Type of thermocouple: (K-type); (J-type)

Null math function

Relative value for Null mode

Diode

Audible continuity: (SINGLE) or (TONE) depending on Setup configuration

View mode for checking logged data

Data logging indication

Index for logging data

– Positive slope for pulse width (ms) and duty cycle (%) measurements – Capacitor is charging (during capacitance measurement)

– Negative slope for pulse width (ms) and duty cycle (%) measurements – Capacitor is discharging (during capacitance measurement)

Low battery indication (alternating between these two symbols)

Auto Power-Off enabled

Refresh (auto) Hold

Trigger (manual) Hold

36 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Table 1-3 General display symbols (continued)

OLED Annunciator Description

Dynamic Recording mode: Present value on primary display

Dynamic Recording mode: Maximum value on primary display

Dynamic Recording mode: Minimum value on primary display

Dynamic Recording mode: Average value on primary display

1 ms Peak Hold mode: Positive peak value on primary display

1 ms Peak Hold mode: Negative peak value on primary display

Hazardous voltage annunciator for measuring voltage ≥ 30 V or Overload

Getting Started 1

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 37

1 Getting Started

The primary display symbols are explained below.

Tab le 1-4 Primary display symbols

OLED annunciator Description

Auto range

AC+DC

Polarity, digits, and decimal points for primary display

Decibel unit relative to 1 mW

Decibel unit relative to 1 V

, ,

38 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Frequency units: Hz, kHz, MHz

Resistance units: Ω, kΩ, MΩ

Conductance unit: nS

Voltage units: mV, V

Current units: μA, mA, A

Capacitance units: nF, μF, mF

Celsius temperature unit

Fahrenheit temperature unit

Table 1-4 Primary display symbols (continued)

OLED annunciator Description

Duty cycle measurement

Pulse width unit

Percentage scale readout based on DC 0 mA to 20 mA

Percentage scale readout based on DC 4 mA to 20 mA

Reference impedance for the dBm unit

Scale of bar graph

Getting Started 1

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 39

1 Getting Started

The secondary display annunciators are described below.

Tab le 1-5 Secondary display symbols

OLED Annunciator Description

AC+DC

Polarity, digits, and decimal points for secondary display

Decibel unit relative to 1 mW

Decibel unit relative to 1 V

, ,

Frequency units: Hz, kHz, MHz

Resistance units: Ω, kΩ, MΩ

Voltage units: mV, V

Current units: μA, mA, A

Conductance unit: nS

Capacitance units: nF, μF, mF

Celsius ambient temperature unit

Fahrenheit ambient temperature unit

No ambient temperature compensation; just thermocouple measurement

Pulse width unit

Bias display

40 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Table 1-5 Secondary display symbols (continued)

OLED Annunciator Description

Leak display

Elapsed time unit: s (second) for Dynamic Recording and 1 ms Peak Hold modes

Hazardous voltage annunciator for measuring voltage >= 30 V or Overload

The analog bar emulates the needle on an analog multimeter, without displaying the overshoot. When measuring peak or null adjustments and viewing fast-changing inputs, the bar graph is useful because it provides a faster update rate to cater for fast-response applications.

For frequency, duty cycle, pulse width, 4 mA to 20 mA % scale, 0 mA to 20 mA % scale, dBm, dBV, and temperature measurements, the bar graph does not represent the primary display value.

– For example, when frequency, duty cycle, or pulse width is displayed on the

primary display during voltage or current measurement, the bar graph represents the voltage or current value (not the frequency, duty cycle, or pulse width).

Getting Started 1

– When 4 mA to 20 mA % scale ( ) or 0 mA to 20 mA % scale ( ) is

displayed on the primary display, the bar graph represents the current value and not the percentage value.

The “+” or “–” sign indicates whether the measured or calculated value is positive or negative. Each segment represents 2000 or 400 counts depending on the range indicated on the peak bar graph. See the following table.

Table 1-6 Analog bar range and counts

Range Counts/segments Used for the function

2000 V, A, Ω, nS, Diode

400 V, A, Capacitance

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 41

1 Getting Started

Selecting display with the Shift button

The table below shows the primary display selection, with respect to measurement function (rotary switch position), using the Shift button.

Tab le 1-7 Selecting display with the Shift button

Rotary switch position (Function) Primary display

(AC voltage)

(AC+DC voltage)

(Resistance)

dBm or dBV (in dual display mode)

AC V

[a] [b]

DC V

AC V

AC+DC V

DC mV

AC mV

AC+DC mV

Ω (Audible)

Diode

(Diode Test & Frequency)

(Capacitance & Temperature)

(AC+DC current)

Capacitance

Temperature

DC μA

AC μA

AC+DC μA

42 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Table 1-7 Selecting display with the Shift button (continued)

Rotary switch position (Function) Primary display

(AC+DC current)

(With the positive probe inserted into the μA.mA

terminal)

(AC+DC current)

(With the positive probe inserted into the A terminal)

% (0 mA to 20 mA or 4 mA to 20 mA

(Reading in mA or A is shown as secondary display)

Duty cycle (%)

Pulse width (ms)

Notes for selecting display with SHIFT button:

[a] Depends on the relevant setting in the Setup mode.

[b] Press for more than 1 second to return to AC V measurement only.

DC mA

AC mA

AC+DC mA

DC A

AC A

AC+DC A

Getting Started 1

[a]

)

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 43

1 Getting Started

Selecting display with the Dual button

– Press to select different combinations of the dual display.

– Press and hold for more than 1 second to return to normal single display.

– See the following table.

Tab le 1-8 Selecting display with the Dual button

Rotary switch position (Function) Primary display Secondary display

AC V Hz (AC coupling)

(AC voltage)

(Default is DC voltage)

(Press to select AC voltage)

(Press twice to select AC+DC

voltage)

(Default is DC voltage)

dBm or dBV

AC+DC V Hz (AC coupling)

dBm or dBV

AC+DC V AC V

AC+DC V DC V

dBm or dBV

[a]

DC V Hz (DC coupling)

[a]

DC V AC V

AC V Hz (AC coupling)

[a]

AC V DC V

[a]

DC mV Hz (DC coupling)

[a]

DC mV AC mV

AC V

DC V

AC V

AC+DC V

DC mV

AC mV Hz (AC coupling)

(Press to select AC voltage)

dBm or dBV

[a]

AC mV DC mV

AC mV

44 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Getting Started 1

Table 1-8 Selecting display with the Dual button (continued)

Rotary switch position (Function) Primary display Secondary d isplay

AC+DC mV Hz (AC coupling)

(Press twice to select AC+DC

voltage)

(Default is DC current)

dBm or dBV

AC+DC mV AC mV

AC+DC mV DC mV

[a]

DC μA Hz (DC coupling)

DC μAAC μA

AC μA Hz (AC coupling)

AC+DC mV

(Press to select AC current)

(Press twice to select AC+DC

current)

(Default is DC current)

(Press to select AC current)

(Press twice to select AC+DC

current)

(Default is DC current)

(Press to select AC current)

AC μADC μA

AC+DC μA Hz (AC coupling)

AC+DC μAAC μA

AC+DC μADC μA

DC mA Hz (DC coupling)

DC mA AC mA

AC mA Hz (AC coupling)

AC mA DC mA

AC+DC mA Hz (AC coupling)

AC+DC mA AC mA

AC+DC mA DC mA

DC A Hz (DC coupling)

DC A AC A

AC A Hz (AC coupling)

AC A DC A

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 45

1 Getting Started

Tab le 1-8 Selecting display with the Dual button (continued)

Rotary switch position (Function) Primary display Secondary display

AC+DC A Hz (AC coupling)

(Press twice to select AC+DC

current)

AC+DC A AC A

AC+DC A DC A

(Capacitance)/ (Diode)/

(Conductance)

(Resistance)

(Temperature)

nF / V / nS

ºC (ºF)

Notes for selecting display with DUAL button:

[a] Depends the relevant setting in Setup mode.

No secondary display. Ambient temperature in ºC

or ºF is displayed in upper-right corner.

DC mV Bias, DC A Leak

Ambient temperature in ºC or ºF is displayed in

upper-right corner.

If ºC/ºF or ºF/ºC dual-display is selected in the Setup, then the secondary display will indicate

the temperature in the other unit (as opposed to

the primary display). If single-unit display is

selected in the Setup, there will be no secondary

display. Ambient temperature in ºC or ºF is

displayed in upper-right corner. Select 0 ºC

compensation by pressing .

46 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Selecting display with the Hz button

The frequency measurement function is able to detect the presence of harmonic currents in neutral conductors and determine whether these neutral currents are the result of unbalanced phases or non-linear loads.

– Press to enter the Frequency measurement mode for current or voltage

measurements — voltage or current on the secondary display, and frequency on the primary display.

– Alternatively, pulse width (ms) or duty cycle (%) can be displayed on the

primary display by pressing again. This allows simultaneous monitoring of real-time voltage or current with frequency, duty cycle, or pulse width.

– Hold for more than 1 second to resume voltage or current reading on

the primary display.

Table 1-9 Selecting display with the Hz button

Rotary switch position (Function) Primary display Secondary display

Frequency (Hz)

(For , press to select AC voltage)

Duty cycle (%)

Getting Started 1

AC VPulse width (ms)

Frequency (Hz)

(Default is DC voltage)

(Press twice to select AC+DC voltage)

(Default is DC voltage)

(Press to select AC voltage)

Pulse width (ms)

Duty cycle (%)

Frequency (Hz)

Duty cycle (%)

Frequency (Hz)

Duty cycle (%)

Frequency (Hz)

Duty cycle (%)

DC V

AC+DC VPulse width (ms)

DC mVPulse width (ms)

AC mVPulse width (ms)

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 47

1 Getting Started

Tab le 1-9 Selecting display with the Hz button (continued)

Rotary switch position (Function) Primary display Secondary d isplay

Frequency (Hz)

(Press twice to select AC+DC voltage)

(Default is DC current)

(Press to select AC current)

(Press twice to select AC+DC current)

(Default is DC current)

(Press to select AC current)

(Press twice to select AC+DC current)

Hz (Frequency counter)

(Only applicable for Divide-1 input)

Duty cycle (%)

Frequency (Hz)

Duty cycle (%)

Frequency (Hz)

Duty cycle (%)

Frequency (Hz)

Duty cycle (%)

Frequency (Hz)

Duty cycle (%)

Frequency (Hz)

Duty cycle (%)

Frequency (Hz)

Duty cycle (%)

Frequency (Hz) Pulse width (ms)

Pulse width (ms)

Duty cycle (%)

AC+DC mVPulse width (ms)

DC μAPulse width (ms)

AC μAPulse width (ms)

AC+DC μAPulse width (ms)

DC mA or APulse width (ms)

AC mA or APulse width (ms)

AC+DC mAPulse width (ms)

Frequency (Hz)

48 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

The terminals at a glance

CAUTION

To avoid damaging the multimeter, do not exceed the rated input limit.

Getting Started 1

Figure 1-8 Connector terminals

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 49

1 Getting Started

Table 1-10 Terminal connections for different measurement functions

Rotary switch position Input terminals Overload protection

COM

for short circuit <0.3 A

1000 Vrms

μA.mA COM

ACOM

COM

440 mA/1000 V, 30 kA

fast-acting fuse

11 A/1000 V, 30kA

fast-acting fuse

440 mA/1000 V

fast-acting fuse

50 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Keysight U1253B True RMS OLED Multimeter User’s and Service Guide

2 Making Measurements

Understanding The Measurement Instructions 52 Measuring Voltage 52 Measuring Current 57 Frequency Counter 62 Measuring Resistance, Conductance, and Testing Continuity 64 Testing Diodes 71 Measuring Capacitance 74 Measuring Temperature 76 Alerts and Warning During Measurement 80

This chapter contains information on how to make measurements using the U1253B true RMS OLED multimeter.

2 Making Measurements

CAUTION

Understanding The Measurement Instructions

When making measurements, follow the numerical steps labelled in the diagrams. Refer to Table 2-1 below for a description of the steps.

Tab le 2-1 Numerical steps descriptions

No. Instructions

Turn the rotary switch to the measurement OPTION shown in the diagram

Connect the test leads into the input terminals shown in the diagram

Probe the test points

Read the results on the display

Measuring Voltage

The U1253B true RMS OLED multimeter returns an accurate RMS reading not only for sine waves, but also other AC signals such as square, triangle, and staircase waves.

For AC with DC offset, use AC+DC measurement by selecting or with the rotary switch.

Ensure that terminal connections are correct for that particular measurement before making any measurement. To avoid damaging the multimeter, do not exceed the rated input limit.

52 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Measuring AC voltage

Red Lead

Black Lead

NOTE

Set up your multimeter to measure AC voltage as shown in Figure 2-1. Probe the test points and read the display.

Making Measurements 2

Figure 2-1 Measuring AC voltage

– Press if necessary to ensure is shown on the d isplay.

– Press to display dual measurements. See Table 1-8 of “Selecting

display with the Dual button” on page 44 for a list of dual measurements

available.

– Press and hold for more than 1 second to exit dual display mode.

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 53

2 Making Measurements

NOTE

Measuring DC voltage

Set up your multimeter to measure DC voltage as shown in Figure 2-2. Probe the test points and read the display.

– Press if necessary to ensure that is shown on the display.

– Press to display dual measurements. See Tab le 1-8 of “Selecting

display with the Dual button” on page 44 for a list of dual measurements

available.

– Press and hold for more than 1 second to exit dual display mode.

– For firmware version 2.25 and below, the Filter function is switched off by

default. You are strongly advised to update your products to the latest firmware version to take advantage of the latest features and measurement improvements.

– For measuring DC voltage from a mixed signal in the DC measurement mode,

ensure that the Filter is enabled (refer to “Setting the Filter” on page 144).

– To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury, enable the Low Pass Filter

to verify the presence of hazardous DC vol tages. Displayed DC voltage values can be influenced by high frequency AC components and must be filtered to assure an accurate reading.

54 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Making Measurements 2

Red Lead

Black Lead

Figure 2-2 Measuring DC voltage

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 55

2 Making Measurements

NOTE

Exit

Dual

Measuring AC and DC Signals

Your multimeter is capable of displaying both AC and DC signal components, voltage or current, as two separate readings or one AC+DC (rms) value combined.

1 Set up your multimeter according to your desired measurement. Set the rotary

switch to:

i For voltage measurements: or .

ii For current measurements: or .

2 Press the key twice to cycle the measurement function to the AC+DC

mode ( ). Probe the test points and read the display.

For better accuracy when measuring the DC offset of an AC voltage, measure the AC voltage first. Note the AC voltage range, then manually select a DC voltage range equal to or higher than the AC range. This procedure improves the accuracy of the DC measurement by ensuring that the input protection circuits are not activated.

– Press to cycle through the available dual display combinations.

– Press to enable the frequency test mode for voltage measurements.

See “Frequency Counter” on page 62 to learn more.

56 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Measuring Current

NOTE

CAUTION

µA and mA measurement

Set up your multimeter to measure µA and mA as shown in Figure 2-3. Probe the test and read the display.

– Press to cycle between DC, AC, AC+DC, and % scale current

measurements.

–For μA measurement, set the rotary switch to , and connect the

positive test lead to μA.mA.

– For mA measurement, set the rotary switch to , and connect the

positive test lead to μA.mA.

– For A (ampere) measurement, set the rotary switch to , and

connect the positive test lead to A.

– Press to display dual measurements. See Table 1-8 of “Selecting

display with the Dual button” on page 44 for a list of dual measurements

available.

Making Measurements 2

– Press and hold for more than 1 second to exit dual display mode.

– For measuring DC current from a mixed signal in the DC measurement

mode, ensure that the Filter is enabled (refer to “Setting the Filter” on page 144).

– For measuring AC current signals with a DC offset, refer to “Measuring AC

and DC Signals” on page 56.

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 57

2 Making Measurements

Red Lead

Black Lead

Figure 2-3 Measuring μA and mA current

58 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Percentage scale of 4 mA to 20 mA

NOTE

Set up the multimeter to measure percentage scale as shown in Figure 2-4. Probe the test points and read the display.

– Press to select percentage scale display.

Ensure that or is shown on the display.

– The percentage scale for 4 mA to 20 mA or 0 mA to 20 mA is calculated using

its corresponding DC mA measurement. The U1253B will automatically optimize the best resolution according to Table 2-2 below.

– Press to change the measurement range.

The percentage scale for 4 mA to 20 mA or 0 mA to 20 mA is set to two ranges as follows:

Table 2-2 Percentage scale and measurement range

Making Measurements 2

Percentage scale (4 mA to 20 or 0 mA to 20 mA)

Always auto range

999.99%

9999.9%

DC mA auto or manual range

50 mA, 500 mA

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 59

2 Making Measurements

Red Lead

Black Lead

Figure 2-4 Measurement scale of 4 mA to 20 mA

60 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

A (ampere) measurement

NOTE

Red Lead

Black Lead

Set up the multimeter to measure A (ampere) as shown in Figure 2-5. Probe the test points and read the display.

Connect the red and black test leads to 10 A input terminals A (red) and COM (black) respectively. The multimeter is set to measurement automatically

when the red test lead is plugged into the A (red) terminal.

Making Measurements 2

Figure 2-5 A (ampere) current measurement

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 61

2 Making Measurements

WARNING

NOTE

Frequency Counter

– Use the frequency counter only for low voltage applications. Never use

the frequency counter on an AC power line system.

– For input more than 30 Vpp, you are required to use frequency

measurement mode available under the current or voltage measurement instead of frequency counter.

Set up the multimeter to measure frequency as shown in Figure 2-6. Probe the test points and read the display.

– Press to select the Frequency Counter ( ) function. The default

input signal frequency is divided by 1. This allows signals of up to a maximum frequency of 985 kHz to be measured.

– If the reading is unstable or zero, press to select division of input signal

frequency by 100 ( will be shown on the display). This allows for a higher frequency range of up to 20 MHz to be measured.

– The signal is out of range if the reading is still unstable after the above step

has been performed.

– Press to scroll through the pulse width (ms), duty cycle (%), and

frequency (Hz) measurements.

62 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Making Measurements 2

Press Range

Red Lead

Black Lead

Figure 2-6 Measuring frequency

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 63

2 Making Measurements

CAUTION

NOTE

Measuring Resistance, Conductance, and Testing Continuity

Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before measuring resistance or conductance, or testing circuit continuity, to avoid damaging the mul timeter or the device under test.

Set up the multimeter to measure resistance as shown in Figure 2-8. Then probe the test points (by shunting the resistor) and read the display.

Press to scroll through audible continuity test ( or , depending on

Setup configuration), conductance measurement ( ), and resistance measurement ( , , or ) as shown in Figure 2-9 on page 67.

Smart Ω

Using the offset compensation method, Smart Ω removes unexpected DC voltages within instrument, at the input, or the circuit being measured, which will add error to resistance measurement. Besides, it also displays the bias voltage or leakage current (calculated based on bias voltage and corrected resistance value) on the secondary display. With offset compensation method, the multimeter takes the difference between two resistance measurements when two different test currents are applied to determine any offset voltage in the input circuitry. The resultant displayed measurement corrects this offset, giving a more accurate resistance measurement.

64 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Making Measurements 2

NOTE

Bias display

Leak display

Press

The Smart Ω is applicable for 500 Ω, 5 kΩ, 50 kΩ, and 500 kΩ resistance range only. The maximum correctable offset/bias voltage is ±1.9 V for 500 Ω range and ±0.35 V for 5 kΩ, 50 kΩ, and 500 kΩ range.

– Press to enable Smart Ω feature. Press again to cycle through

Bias display or Leak display.

– Press for more than one second to disable Smart Ω feature.

The measurement time increases when Smart Ω is enabled.

Figure 2-7 Type of display when Smart Ω is enabled

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 65

2 Making Measurements

Red Lead

Black Lead

Figure 2-8 Measuring resistance

66 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Press Shift

Resistance

Audible continuity

Conductance

Making Measurements 2

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 67

Figure 2-9 Resistance, audible continuity, and conductance tests

2 Making Measurements

NOTE

Audible continuity

In the range of 500 Ω range, the beeper will emit a sound if the resistance value falls below 10 Ω. For other ranges, the beeper will emit a sound if the resistance falls below the typical values listed in Table 2-3 below.

Tab le 2-3 Audible continuity measurement range

Measurement range Beeper sound threshold

500.00 Ω < 10 Ω

5.0000 kΩ < 100 Ω

50.000 kΩ < 1 kΩ

500.00 kΩ < 10 kΩ

5.0000 MΩ < 100 kΩ

50.000 MΩ < 1 MΩ

500.00 MΩ < 10 MΩ

When testing continuity, you can choose to test either short continuity or open continuity.

– By default, the multimeter is set to short continuity.

– Press to select open continuity.

68 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Making Measurements 2

Short continuity

Open continuity

Press

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 69

Figure 2-10 Short continuity and open continuity test

Conductance

Set up the multimeter to measure conductance as shown in Figure 2-11. Probe the test points and read the display.

The conductance measurement function makes it easier to measure very high resistance of up to 100 GΩ. As high-resistance readings are susceptible to noise, you can capture average readings using the Dynamic Recording mode. Refer to the section “Dynamic Recording” on page 84 for more information.

2 Making Measurements

Red Lead

Black Lead

Figure 2-11 Cond uctance measurement

70 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Testing Diodes

CAUTION

NOTE

Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing diodes to avoid damaging the multimeter.

To test a diode, turn the power off to the circuit and remove the diode from the circuit.

Set up the multimeter as shown in Figure 2-12, then use the red probe lead on the positive terminal (anode) and use the black probe lead on the negative terminal (cathode) and read the display.

– The cathode of a diode is indicated with a band.

– This multimeter can display diode forward bias of up to approximately 3.1 V.

Next, reverse the probes and measure the voltage across the diode again (refer to

Figure 2-13 on page 73). The diode’s test result is based on the following:

Making Measurements 2

The forward bias of a typical diode is within the range of 0.3 V to 0.8 V.

– A diode is considered good if the multimeter displays “OL” in reverse bias

mode.

– A diode is considered shorted if the multimeter displays approximately 0 V

in both forward and reverse bias modes, and the multimeter beeps continuously.

– A diode is considered open if the multimeter displays “OL” in both forward

and reverse bias modes.

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 71

2 Making Measurements

Red Lead

Black Lead

Figure 2-12 Measuring the forward bias of a diode

72 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Making Measurements 2

Red Lead

Black Lead

Figure 2-13 Measuring the reverse bias of a diode

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 73

2 Making Measurements

CAUTION

NOTE

Measuring Capacitance

Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before measuring capacitance to avoid damaging the multimeter or the device under test. Use the DC voltage function in order to confirm that a capacitor has fully discharged.

The U1253B true RMS OLED multimeter calculates capacitance by charging a capacitor with a known current for a period of time, measuring the voltage and then calculating the capacitance. The larger the capacitor, the longer the charge time. Below are some tips for measuring capacitance:

Measuring tips:

– For measuring capacitance values greater than 10,000 μF, discharge the

capacitor first, then select a suitable range for measurement. This will speed up the measurement time and also ensure that the correct capacitance value is obtained.

– For measuring small capacitance values, press with the test leads open

to subtract the residual capacitance of the multimeter and leads.

means that the capacitor is charging. means that the capacitor is

discharging.

Set up the multimeter as shown in Figure 2-14. Use the red test lead on the positive terminal of the capacitor and the black test lead on the negative terminal and read the display.

74 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Making Measurements 2

Red Lead

Black Lead

Figure 2-14 Capacitance measurements

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 75

2 Making Measurements

CAUTION

Measuring Temperature

Do not bend the thermocouple leads at sharp angles. Repeated bending over a period of time can result in the leads breaking.

The bead-type thermocouple probe is suitable for measuring temperatures from –20 °C to 200 °C in PTFE-compatible environments. Do not use the thermocouple probe beyond the recommended operating range. Do not immerse this thermocouple probe in any liquid. Use a thermocouple probe designed for each specific application — an immersion probe for liquid or gel, and an air probe for air measurement.

Set up the multimeter to measure temperature as shown in Figure 2-17 or observe the following steps:

1 Press to select temperature measurement.

2 Connect the miniture thermal probe into the non-compensation transfer

adapter as shown in Figure 2-15. Then connect the thermal probe with the adapter into the meter input terminals as shown in Figure 2-16.

3 For best performance, place the meter in the operating environment for at

least one hour to stabilize the unit to environment temperatures.

4 Clean the surface to be measured and ensure that the probe is securely

touching the surface. Remember to disable the applied power.

5 When measuring above ambient temperatures, move the thermocouple along

the surface until you get the highest temperature reading.

6 When measuring below ambient temperatures, move the thermocouple along

the surface until you get the lowest temperature reading.

7 For quick measurement, use the 0 °C compensation to view the temperature

variation of the thermocouple sensor. The 0 °C compensation assists you in measuring relative temperature immediately.

76 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Making Measurements 2

Figure 2-15 Connecting the thermal probe into the non-compensation

transfer adapter

Figure 2-16 Connecting the probe with adapter into the multimeter

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 77

2 Making Measurements

If you are working in a constantly varying environment, where ambient temperatures are not constant, do the following:

1 Press to select 0 °C compensation. This allows a quick measurement of

the relative temperature.

2 Avoid contact between the thermocouple probe and the surface to be

measured.

3 After a constant reading is obtained, press to set the reading as the

relative reference temperature.

4 Touch the surface to be measured with the thermocouple probe.

5 Read the display for the relative temperature.

78 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Making Measurements 2

Press Dual

Figure 2-17 Surface temperature measurement

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 79

2 Making Measurements

WARNING

Alerts and Warning During Measurement

Overload alert

For your own safety, look out for this alert. When you see this alert, immediately remove the test leads from the measuring source.

This multimeter provides an overload alert for voltage measurement in both auto and manual range modes. The multimeter starts beeping periodically once the measured voltage exceeds the V-ALERT value set in the Setup mode. Immediately remove the test leads from the source being measured.

By default, this feature is turned off. Be sure to set the alerting voltage according to your requirement.

The multimeter will also display as an early warning for hazardous voltage when the measured voltage is equal to or greater than 30 V in all three DC V, AC V,

and AC+DC V measurement modes.

For a manually selected measurement range, when the measured value is outside the range, the display will indicate OL.

80 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Input warning

The multimeter emits a continuous beep when the test lead is inserted to the A input terminal but the rotary switch is not set to the corresponding mA.A position. A warning message Error ON A INPUT will be displayed until the test lead is removed from the A input terminal. Refer to Figure 2-18.

Figure 2-18 Input terminal warning

Making Measurements 2

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 81

2 Making Measurements

Charge terminal alert

The multimeter emits a continuous beep when the terminal detects a voltage level of more than 5 V and the rotary switch is not set to the

corresponding position. A warning message Error ON mA INPUT will be

displayed until the lead is removed from the input terminal.

Refer to Figure 2-19 below.

Figure 2-19 Charge terminal alert

82 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Keysight U1253B True RMS OLED Multimeter User’s and Service Guide

3 Functions and Features

Dynamic Recording 84 Data Hold (Trigger Hold) 86 Refresh Hold 88 Null (Relative) 90 Decibel Display 92 1 ms Peak Hold 95 Data Logging 97 Square Wave Output 103 Remote Communication 107

This chapter contains information on the functions and features available for the U1253B true RMS OLED multimeter.

3 Functions and Features

NOTE

Dynamic Recording

The Dynamic Recording mode can be used to detect intermittent turn-on or turn-off voltage, current surges or to verify measurement performance without you being present during the process. While the readings are being recorded, you are free to perform other tasks.

The average reading is useful for smoothing out unstable inputs, estimating the percentage of time a circuit is operating and verifying circuit performance. The elapsed time is shown on the secondary display. The maximum time is 99,999 seconds. When this maximum time is exceeded, “OL” is shown on the display.

1 Press for more than 1 second to enter the Dynamic Recording mode.

The multimeter is now in continuous mode or non-data hold (non-trigger) mode. and the present measurement value is displayed. The

multimeter emits a sound when a new maximum or minimum value is recorded.

2 Press to cycle through maximum ( ), minimum

( ), average ( ), and present readings ( ).

3 Press or for more than 1 second to exit Dynamic Recording mode.

– Press to restart dynamic recording.

– The average value is the true average of all measured values taken in the

Dynamic recording mode. If an overload is recorded, the averaging function will stop and the average value becomes “OL” (overload). Auto Power Off

is disabled in Dynamic Recording mode.

84 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Press

Max Min

for > 1 sec.

Press

Max Min

Press

Max Min

Press

Max Min

Press Max Min for > 1 sec.

Or Press for > 1 sec.

Functions and Features 3

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 85

Figure 3-1 Dynamic recording mode operation

3 Functions and Features

Data Hold (Trigger Hold)

The Data Hold function allows you to freeze the displayed value.

1 Press to freeze the displayed value and to enter manual trigger mode.

is displayed.

2 Press again to freeze the next value being measured. The character “T”

in the annunciator flashes before the new value is updated on the display.

3 While in the Data Hold mode, you may press to switch between DC, AC,

and AC+DC measurements.

4 Press and hold or for more than 1 second to quit the data hold

function.

86 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Press Hold

Press Shift

Updated Updated

Reading (“T” flashes)

Functions and Features 3

Figure 3-2 Data hold mode operation

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 87

3 Functions and Features

Refresh Hold

The Refresh Hold function allows you to freeze the displayed value. The bar-graph is not held and will continue to reflect the instantaneous measured value. You can use the Setup mode to enable Refresh Hold mode when you are working with fluctuating values. This function will auto trigger or update the held value with a new measured value and emit a tone as a reminder.

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

the symbol will appear.

2 It will be ready to hold a new measured value once the variation of measured

values exceeds the variation count setting. While the multimeter is waiting for a new stable value, the character “R” in the annunciator will flash.

3 The annunciator will stop flashing once the new measured value is

stable and the new value will be updated to the display. The annunciator will remain on and the multimeter will emit a tone to remind you of this.

4 Press again to disable this function. You may also press for more

than 1 second to quit the Refresh Hold function.

88 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Functions and Features 3

Press Hold

Press Shift

Variation count > setting

Updated

Reading (“R” flashes)

NOTE

Figure 3-3 Refresh hold mode operation

– For voltage and current measurements, the held value will not be updated if

the reading is below 500 counts.

– For resistance and diode measurements, the held value will not be updated if

the reading is “OL” (open state).

– For all types of measurement, the held value will not be updated until the

reading has reached a stable state.

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 89

3 Functions and Features

NOTE

Null (Relative)

The Null function subtracts a stored value from the present measurement and displays the difference between the two.

1 Press to store the displayed reading as the reference value to be

subtracted from subsequent measurements and to set the display to zero.

Null can be set for both auto and manual range settings, but not in the case of an overload.

2 Press to view the stored reference value. and the stored

reference value are displayed for 3 seconds.

3 Press within the 3 seconds when and the stored reference

value is displayed to exit this mode.

is displayed.

– In resistance measurement mode, the multimeter will read a non-zero value

even when the two test leads are in direct contact, because of the resistance of these leads. Use the Null function to zero-adjust the display.

– In DC voltage measurement mode, thermal effects will influence the

accuracy. Short the test leads and press once the displayed value is stable to zero-adjust the display.

90 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Functions and Features 3

Press Null

Auto-return after 3 seconds

Press Null while O’BASE is being displayed to exit this mode

Figure 3-4 Null (relative) mode operation

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 91

3 Functions and Features

dBm 10

1000

measured voltage

()

reference impedance

---------------------------------------------------------------

⎝⎠

⎜⎟

⎛⎞

log=

dBV 20

measured voltage

()log=

Decibel Display

The dBm unit calculates the power delivered to a reference resistance relative to 1 mW and can be applied to DC V, AC V and AC+DC V measurements for decibel conversion. Voltage measurement is converted to dBm using the following formula:

The reference impedance may be specified from 1 Ω to 9999 Ω in Setup mode. The default value is 50 Ω.

The dBV unit calculates the voltage with respect to 1 V. The formula is as shown below:

1 With the rotary switch set at , , or , press to

navigate to dBm or dBV measurement is indicated on the secondary display.

[1]

measurement on the primary display. The voltage

(1)

(2)

2 Press for more than 1 second to exit this mode.

[1] Depends on configuration in Setup mode.

92 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Functions and Features 3

Press Dual

Press Dual for > 1 sec.

Figure 3-5 dBm display mode operation

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 93

3 Functions and Features

Press Dual

Press Dual for > 1 sec.

Figure 3-6 dBV display mode operation

94 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

1 ms Peak Hold

Crest factor

Peak value

True RMS value

------------------------------------- -=

NOTE

The Peak Hold function allows the measurement of peak voltage for analysis of components such as power distribution transformers and power factor correction capacitors. The peak voltage obtained can be used to determine the crest factor:

1 Press for more than 1 second to toggle 1 ms Peak Hold mode ON and OFF.

2 Press to switch between maximum and minimum peak readings.

–If the reading is “OL”, press to change the measurement range and to

– If you need to restart peak recording without changing the range, press .

Functions and Features 3

(3)

indicates maximum peak, while indicates minimum peak.

restart peak-recording measurement.

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 95

3 Press and hold or for more than 1 second to exit this mode.

4 In the measurement example shown in Figure 3-7 on page 96, the crest factor

will be 2.2669/1.6032 = 1.414.

3 Functions and Features

Press Peak for > 1 sec.

Press Range

Press Hold

Start to capture Start to capture

Press Max Min

Press Dual

to reset

(Note: pressing Hold when in Negative P-HOLD– will change the display into Positive P-HOLD+.)

Figure 3-7 1 ms peak hold mode operation

96 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Data Logging

The data logging function provides the convenience of recording test data for future review or analysis. Since data is stored in nonvolatile memory, the data remains saved when the multimeter is turned OFF or the battery is changed.

The two options offered are manual (hand) logging and interval (time) logging functions, which is determined in the Setup mode.

Data logging records the values on the primary display only.

Manual logging

Firstly, ensure that manual (hand) logging is specified in Setup mode.

1 Press for more than 1 second to store the present value and function on

2 Press and hold again for the next value that you would like to save into

Functions and Features 3

the primary display to the non-volatile memory. The and the logging index will be displayed for 3 seconds.

the memory.

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 97

3 Functions and Features

Press Log for > 1 sec. again to log each data

Display returns to normal automatically after 3 seconds

Press Log for > 1 sec.

NOTE

Press Log for > 1 sec.

Auto-return after 3 seconds

Figure 3-8 Manual (hand) logging mode operation

The maximum number of readings that can be stored is 100 entries. When the 100 entries are all occupied, the logging index will indicate “Full”, as shown in

Figure 3-9.

Figure 3-9 Full log

98 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Interval logging

NOTE

Firstly ensure that interval (time) logging is specified in Setup mode.

1 Press for more than 1 second to store the present value and function on

the primary display into the non-volatile memory. The and the logging index will be indicated. Subsequent readings are automatically logged into the memory at the interval (LOG TIME) specified in Setup mode. Refer to

Figure 3-10 on page 100 for how to operate this mode.

The maximum number of readings that can be stored is 1000 entries. When the 1000 entries are all occupied, the logging index will ind icate “Full”.

2 Press for more than 1 second to exit this mode.

When interval (time) logging is running, all keypad operations are disabled, except for Log, which, when pressed for longer than 1 second, will exit this mode. Furthermore, Auto Power Off is disabled during interval logging.

Functions and Features 3

Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide 99

3 Functions and Features

Press Log for > 1 sec.

After first interval

After last interval

Stop logging

Last interval

+ 1

Figure 3-10 Interval (time) logging mode operation

100 Keysight U1253B User’s and Service Guide

Keysight Technologies U1253B User's And Service Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Safety Symbols

General Safety Information

Environmental Conditions

Regulatory Markings

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/ 96/EC

Product category

Sales and Technical Support

In This Guide…

Table of Contents

List of Figures

List of Tables

1 Getting Started

Introducing the Keysight U1253B True RMS OLED Multimeter

Check the shipment

Installing the battery

Adjusting the tilt-stand

The front panel at a glance

The rear panel at a glance

The rotary switch at a glance

The keypad at a glance

The display at a glance

Selecting display with the Shift button

Selecting display with the Dual button

Selecting display with the Hz button

The terminals at a glance

2 Making Measurements

Understanding The Measurement Instructions

Measuring Voltage

Measuring AC voltage

Measuring DC voltage

Measuring AC and DC Signals

Measuring Current

µA and mA measurement

Percentage scale of 4 mA to 20 mA

A (ampere) measurement

Frequency Counter

Measuring Resistance, Conductance, and Testing Continuity

Testing Diodes

Measuring Capacitance

Measuring Temperature

Alerts and Warning During Measurement

Overload alert

Input warning

Charge terminal alert

3 Functions and Features

Dynamic Recording

Data Hold (Trigger Hold)

Refresh Hold

Null (Relative)

Decibel Display

1 ms Peak Hold

Data Logging

Manual logging

Interval logging