Keysight Technologies U1273A, U1273AX User Manual

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Keysight U1273A/U1273AX Handheld Digital Multimeter

User’s Guide

Notices

CAUTION

WARNING

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

U1273-90017

Edition

Edition 9, April 1, 2017

Printed in:

Printed in Malaysia

Published by:

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

Technology Licenses

The hardware 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, mod ify, 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.

4 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Safety Symbols

CAT III

1000 V

CAT IV 600 V

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) Caution, risk of electric shock

Alternating current (AC)

Both direct and alternating current Category III 1000 V overvoltage protection

Earth (ground) terminal Category IV 600 V overvoltage protection

Equipment protected throughout by double insulation or reinforced insulation

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

Caution, risk of hazardous voltage (icon appears on the instrument screen)

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 5

Safety Considerations

CAUTION

WARNING

Read the information below before using this multimeter. The descriptions and instructions in this manual apply to the Keysight U1273A/U1273AX Handheld Digital Multimeter (hereafter referred to as the multimeter).

– Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors

before testing resistance, continuity, diodes, or capacitance.

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

– This device is for use at altitudes of up to 3,000 m.

– Never measure voltage when current measurement is selected.

– Always use the specified battery type. The power for the multimeter is

supplied with four AAA 1.5 V batteries. Observe the correct polarity markings before you insert the batteries to ensure proper insertion of the batteries in the multimeter.

– You are advised to use low leakage batteries when changing to new

batteries. Please remember to remove the batteries when the multimeter is not in use for a long period of time. Warning on the risk of battery leakage.

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

to avoid instrument damage and the risk of electric shock.

– Do not use the multimeter if it is damaged. Before you use the

multimeter, inspect the case. Look for cracks or missing plastic. Pay particular attention to the insulation surrounding the connectors.

– Inspect the test leads for damaged insulation or exposed metal. Check

the test leads for continuity. Replace damaged test leads before you use the multimeter.

– Do not operate the multimeter around explosive gas, vapor, or wet

environments.

– Do not apply more than the rated voltage (as marked on the mul timeter)

between terminals, or between terminal and earth ground.

6 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

WARNING

– Never use the multimeter in wet conditions or when there is water on the

surface. If the multimeter is wet, ensure that the multimeter is dried only by trained personnel.

– Before use, verify the multimeter's operation by measuring a known

voltage.

– When measuring current, turn off the circuit power before connecting the

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

– When servicing the multimeter, use only the specified replacement parts.

– Use caution when working above 60 V

DC, 30 VAC RMS, or 42.4 V peak.

Such voltages pose a shock hazard.

– Be aware of the presence of hazardous AC voltage before using the Low

Pass Filter (LPF) function for AC voltage measurement. Voltages measured are usually greater than what is indicated on the multimeter as the AC voltages with higher frequencies have been filtered through the LPF function.

– Do not use the Z

(low input impedance) function to measure voltages

LOW

in circuits that could be damaged by this function’s low input impedance of 2 k

Ω.

– When using the probes, keep your fingers behind the finger guards on the

probes.

– Connect the common test lead before you connect the live test lead.

When you disconnect the leads, disconnect the live test lead first.

– Remove the test leads from the multimeter before you open the battery

cover.

– Do not operate the multimeter with the battery cover or portions of the

cover removed or loosened.

– To avoid false readings, which may lead to possible electric shock or

personal injury, replace the battery as soon as the low battery indicator appears and flashes.

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 7

Measurement Category

The Keysight U1273A/U1273AX has a safety rating of CAT III, 1000 V and CAT IV, 600 V.

Measurement CAT I Measurements performed on circuits not directly

connected to the AC mains. Examples are measurements on circuits not derived from the AC mains and specially protected (internal) mains-derived circuits.

Measurement CAT II Measurements performed on circuits directly connected

to a low-voltage installation. Examples are measurements on household appliances, portable tools, and similar equipment.

Measurement CAT III Measurements performed in the building installation.

Examples are measurements on distribution boards, circuit- breakers, wiring, including cables, bus-bars, junction boxes, switches, socket outlets in the fixed installation, and equipment for industrial use, and some other equipment including stationary motors with permanent connection to the fixed installation.

Measurement CAT IV Measurements performed at the source of the

low-voltage installation. Examples are electricity meters and measurements on primary overcurrent protection devices and ripple control units.

8 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Environmental Conditions

NOTE

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

Environmental conditions Requirements

Operating temperature

Operating humidity

Storage temperature –40 °C to 70 °C

Altitude Up to 3000 meters

Pollution degree Pollution degree II

The U1273A/U1273AX Handheld Digital Multimeter complies with the following safety and EMC requirements:

–Safety

– EN/IEC 61010-1:2001

– ANSI/UL 61010-1:2004

– U1273A: –20 °C to 55 °C, 0% to 80% RH – U1273AX: –40 °C to 55 °C, 0% to 80% RH (using Lithium

batteries)

Full accuracy up to 80% RH (relative humidity) for temperature up to 30 °C, decreasing linearly to 50% RH at 55 °C

– CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1-04

–EMC

– IEC61326-1:2005/EN61326-1:2006

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

– Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS CISPR 11:2004

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 9

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.

The RCM mark is a registered trademark of the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

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

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

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

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.

This symbol indicates the time period during which no hazardous or toxic substance elements are expected to leak or deteriorate during normal use. Forty years is the expected useful life of the product.

10 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

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

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/handhelddmm

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

– www.keysight.com/find/assist

(worldwide contact information for repair and service)

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 11

THIS PAGE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.

12 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

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

Safety Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Measurement Category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Environmental Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Regulatory Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

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

EC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Product category: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Sales and Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

1Introduction

About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Documentation map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Preparing Your Multimeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

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

Install the batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Turn on your multimeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Automatic power-off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

OLED Auto Dim function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Increase the OLED brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Select the range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Alerts and warnings during measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Adjust the tilt stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Connect the IR-USB cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Power-on options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Your Multimeter in Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Rotary switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 13

Display screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Input terminals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Cleaning Your Multimeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

2Making Measurements

Crest Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Measuring AC Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Using the LPF (Low Pass Filter) function for AC measurements . . . 57

Measuring DC Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Using the Filter Function for DC measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Measuring AC and DC Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Using the LPF (Low Pass Filter) Function for AC+DC

measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Making dB Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Using Z

for Voltage Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

LOW

Measuring Resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Measuring conductance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Testing for Continuity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Using Smart Ω for Resistance Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Testing Diodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Using Auto-diode for Diode Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Measuring Capacitance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Measuring Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Measuring AC or DC Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

% Scale of 4-20 mA or 0-20 mA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Measuring Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Measuring pulse width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Measuring duty cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

3 Multimeter Features

Making Relative Measurements (Null) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Making Scale Transfers (Scale) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

14 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Capturing Maximum and Minimum Values (MaxMin) . . . . . . . . . . . . .110

Capturing Peak Values (Peak) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

Freezing the Display (TrigHold and AutoHold) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

Recording Measurement Data (Data Logging) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115

Performing manual logs (HAND) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

Performing interval logs (AUTO) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

Performing event logs (TRIG) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

Reviewing Previously Recorded Data (View) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120

Sanitizing the Log Memories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121

4 Multimeter Setup Options

Using the Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124

Editing numerical values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

Setup Menu Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127

Setup Menu Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132

Changing the variation count . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132

Changing the recording option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132

Changing the sample interval duration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133

Changing the decibel display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133

Changing the custom dBm reference impedance . . . . . . . . . . . . .134

Changing the thermocouple type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

Changing the temperature unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

Changing the % scale range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136

Changing the continuity alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137

Changing the minimum measurable frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137

Changing the beep frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

Changing the auto power-off (APO) timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

Changing the OLED behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

Changing the power-on melody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

Changing the power-on greetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

Changing the baud rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141

Changing the data bits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141

Changing the parity check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

Enabling the echo feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 15

Enabling the print feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Enabling the overvoltage alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Changing the user scale conversion value and unit . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

Enabling smooth mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

Resetting the multimeter’s setup options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Changing the battery type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

Enabling the filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

5Characteristics and Specifications

A Shift Functions Using the Shift Key

B Dual Display Combinations Using the Dual Key

16 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

List of Figures

Figure 1-1 Installing the batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Figure 1-2 Change battery display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Figure 1-3 Input warning display (A INPUT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Figure 1-4 Input warning display (mA INPUT). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Figure 1-5 Tilt-stand adjustment and IR-USB cable connection . . .30

Figure 1-6 Keysight GUI Data Logger Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Figure 1-7 Width dimensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Figure 1-8 Height and depth dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Figure 1-9 Front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Figure 1-10 Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Figure 1-11 U1273A/U1273AX rotary switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Figure 1-12 Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Figure 1-13 Display screen example (single display) . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Figure 1-14 Display screen example (dual display). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Figure 1-15 Connector terminals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Figure 2-1 AC voltage display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Figure 2-2 Measuring AC voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Figure 2-3 AC voltage with LPF display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Figure 2-4 DC voltage display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Figure 2-5 Measuring DC voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Figure 2-6 Filter for DC voltage measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Figure 2-7 AC+DC voltage display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Figure 2-8 AC+DC current display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Figure 2-9 Low Pass Filter(LPF) for AC+DC voltage measurements 64

Figure 2-10 dBm display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Figure 2-11 dBV display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Figure 2-12 Z

Figure 2-13 Resistance display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Figure 2-14 Measuring resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Figure 2-15 Continuity operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Figure 2-16 Testing for continuity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Figure 2-17 Smart Ω (with bias voltage) display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Figure 2-18 Smart Ω (with leakage current) display. . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Figure 2-19 Measuring leakage current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

LOW

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 17

Figure 2-20 Diode display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Figure 2-21 Open diode display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Figure 2-22 Testing a forward-bias diode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Figure 2-23 Testing a reverse-bias diode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Figure 2-24 Auto-diode display (GOOD status) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Figure 2-25 Auto-diode display (NGOOD status) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Figure 2-26 Capacitance display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Figure 2-27 Measuring capacitance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Figure 2-28 Temperature display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Figure 2-29 Measuring surface temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Figure 2-30 Temperature measurement without ambient

compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Figure 2-31 DC current display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Figure 2-32 Measuring DC current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Figure 2-33 Measuring AC current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Figure 2-34 Current measurement setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Figure 2-35 4-20 mA % Scale display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Figure 2-36 Measuring DC current using the 0-20 mA % scale . . . . 99

Figure 2-37 Frequency, pulse width, and duty cycle

measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Figure 2-38 Frequency display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Figure 2-39 Pulse width display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Figure 2-40 Duty cycle display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Figure 3-1 Null display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Figure 3-2 Null operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Figure 3-3 Scale operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Figure 3-4 MaxMin display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Figure 3-5 Peak display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Figure 3-6 Peak mode operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Figure 3-7 Manual log display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Figure 3-8 Interval log display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Figure 3-9 Event log display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Figure 3-10 View display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Figure 3-11 Empty view display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

18 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

List of Tables

Table 1-1 Power-on options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Table 1-2 Front panel parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Table 1-3 Rear panel parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Table 1-4 U1273A/U1273AX rotary switch functions . . . . . . . . .38

Table 1-5 Keypad functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Table 1-6 General annunciators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Table 1-7 Measurement units display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Table 1-8 Analog bar graph display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Table 1-9 Terminal connections for different measuring

functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Table 2-1 Rotary switch positions allowing AC voltage

measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Table 2-2 Rotary switch positions allowing AC voltage

measurements with LPF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Table 2-3 Rotary switch positions allowing DC voltage

measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Table 2-4 Rotary switch positions allowing AC+DC signal

measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Table 2-5 Rotary switch positions allowing dBm measurements 65 Table 2-6 Rotary switch positions allowing dBV measurements 66 Table 2-7 Rotary switch positions allowing Z

measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Table 2-8 Rotary switch position allowing resistance

measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Table 2-9 Rotary switch position allowing continuity tests . . . . .73

Table 2-10 Threshold resistance values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

Table 2-11 Rotary switch position allowing Smart Ω

measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Table 2-12 Rotary switch position allowing diode tests . . . . . . . .79

Table 2-13 Rotary switch position allowing auto-diode tests . . . .83

Table 2-14 Auto-diode voltage thresholds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Table 2-15 Rotary switch position allowing capacitance

measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Table 2-16 Rotary switch position allowing temperature

LOW

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 19

measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Table 2-17 Rotary switch positions allowing current

measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Table 2-18 Rotary switch positions allowing current

measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Table 2-19 % Scale measurement range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Table 2-20 Rotary switch positions allowing frequency

measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Table 3-1 Available scale conversions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Table 3-2 Data logging maximum capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Table 3-3 Event log trigger conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Table 4-1 Setup menu key functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Table 4-2 Setup menu item descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Table 4-3 Filter (LPF) options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Table 4-4 Firmware version 1.64 or older . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Table 4-5 Firmware version 1.95 or newer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Table A-1 U1273A/U1273AX default and shift functions . . . . . 152

Table B-1 U1273A/U1273AX dual display combinations . . . . . 156

20 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX Handheld Digital Multimeter User’s Guide

1 Introduction

About This Manual 22 Preparing Your Multimeter 23 Your Multimeter in Brief 33 Cleaning Your Multimeter 52

This chapter lists the package contents for the U1273A/U1273AX handheld digital multimeter and teaches you how to set up your multimeter for the first time. An introduction to all the features of the multimeter is also given.

1Introduction

CAUTION

WARNING

About This Manual

Documentation map

The following manuals and software are available for your multimeter. For the very latest version, please visit our website at http://www.keysight.com/find/

hhTechLib.

Check the manual revision on the first page of each manual.

– User’s Guide. This manual.

– Quick Start Guide. Printed copy for outdoor use, included with shipment.

– Service Guide. Free download at the Keysight website.

– Keysight GUI Data Logger Software, Help, and Quick Start Guide. Free

download at the Keysight website.

Safety notes

The following safety notes are used throughout this manual. Familiarize yourself with each of the notes and its meaning before operating your multimeter. More pertinent safety notes for using this product are located under the “Safety

Symbols” section.

Caution denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or destruction of the product. Do not proceed beyond a caution notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

Warning denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in injury or loss of life. Do not proceed beyond a warning note until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

22 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Preparing Your Multimeter

CAUTION

Check the shipment

When you receive your multimeter, check the shipment according to the following procedure.

1 Inspect the shipping container 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.

2 Carefully remove the contents from the shipping container, and verify that the

standard accessories and your ordered options are included in the shipment according to the standard shipped items list found in the printed copy of the U1273A/U1273AX Quick Start Guide.

3 For any question or problems, refer to the Keysight contact numbers on the

back of this manual.

Install the batteries

Introduction 1

Your multimeter is powered by four 1.5 V AAA batteries (included with the shipment). When you receive your multimeter, the AAA batteries are not installed.

Use the following procedure to install the batteries.

Before you proceed with the batteries installation, remove all cable connections to the terminals and ensure that the rotary switch is at the OFF position. Use only the battery type specified in the datasheet at

http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf.

1 Open the battery cover. Lift the tilt stand, loosen the screws with a suitable

Phillips screwdriver, and remove the battery cover as shown in Figure 1-1.

2 Insert the battery. Observe the proper battery polarity. The terminal ends of

each battery are indicated inside the battery compartment.

3 Close the battery cover. Place the battery cover back in its original position

and tighten the screws.

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 23

1Introduction

Figure 1-1 Installing the batteries

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.

When the Change Battery warning (Figure 1-2) is shown on the display, the multimeter will power-off automatically after 5 seconds (even if the APO feature is disabled).

24 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Introduction 1

WARNING

CAUTION

Figure 1-2 Change battery display

To avoid false readings, which could lead to possible electric shock or personal injury, replace the battery as soon as the low battery indicator appears. Do not discharge the battery by shorting the battery or reverse the battery polarity in any of the subjects.

To avoid instruments being damage from battery leakage:

– Always remove dead batteries immediately.

– Always remove the batteries and store them separately if the multimeter

is not going to be used for a long period.

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 25

1Introduction

Turn on your multimeter

To power ON your multimeter, turn the rotary switch to any other position.

To power OFF your multimeter, turn the rotary switch to the position.

Automatic power-off

Your multimeter automatically turns off if the rotary switch is not moved or a key is not pressed for 10 minutes (default). Pressing any key will turn the multimeter back on after it is powered off automatically.

To change the timer period or completely disable the automatic power-off, refer to “Changing the auto power-off (APO) timer” on page 138.

26 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

OLED Auto Dim function

NOTE

Setup

Your multimeter’s OLED automatically dims if the rotary switch is not moved or a key is not pressed for 90 seconds (default). This auto dim behavior is enabled by default. Pressing any key or changing the rotary switch position will cancel this effect and reset the auto dim timer.

To disable the auto dim, refer to “Changing the OLED behavior” on page 139.

Increase the OLED brightness

The auto dim function is enabled by default. Refer to “Changing the OLED

behavior” on page 139 to disable the auto dim function before you can manually

change the OLED brightness.

If viewing the display becomes difficult in low-light conditions, press to change the OLED brightness.

The LOW, MEDIUM, or HIGH setting must be selected in the multimeter’s setup (browse to Menu 3 > BACKLIT) prior to this action.

Introduction 1

Pressing repeatedly will increase the OLED brightness from low to medium to high (and back to low again).

You are advised to select an suitable brightness level based on your needs to conserve battery life if you wish to control the OLED brightness level manually.

Select the range

The multimeter’s selected range is always displayed above the right-hand end of the bar graph, as the range indicator. Pressing switches the multimeter between manual and auto-ranging. It also cycles through the available

multimeter ranges when manual ranging is enabled.

Auto-ranging is convenient because the multimeter automatically selects an appropriate range for sensing and displaying each measurement. However, manual ranging results in better performance, because the multimeter does not have to determine which range to use for each measurement.

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 27

1Introduction

NOTE

WARNING

The range is fixed for diode tests, temperature, and Z

In auto-range, the multimeter selects the lowest range to display the highest available precision (resolution) for the input signal. If manual range is already

enabled, press for more than 1 second to enter the auto-ranging mode.

If auto-ranging is enabled, press to enter the manual range mode.

Each additional press of sets the multimeter to the next higher range, unless it is already in the highest range, at which point the range switches to the lowest range.

Alerts and warnings during measurement

Voltage alert

For your own safety, please do not ignore the voltage alert. When the multimeter cautions you with a voltage alert, you are advised to take note of the high voltage existence and to use precautions when performing measurements.

Your multimeter provides a voltage alert for voltage measurements in both auto-ranging and manual range modes. The multimeter starts beeping periodically once the measured voltage exceeds the alert value (regardless of polarity) set in the setup menu.

By default, this feature is turned off. Be sure to set the alert voltage according to your test requirements. To change the alert voltage level, refer to “Enabling the

overvoltage alert” on page 143.

measurements.

LOW

Hazardous voltage indication

The multimeter will also display the hazardous voltage ( ) symbol as an early precaution when the measured voltage is equal to or greater than 30 V in all

voltage measurement modes.

28 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Introduction 1

CAUTION

Input warning

To avoid circuit damage and possibly blowing the mul timeter’s current fuse, do not place the probes across (in parallel with) a powered circuit when a lead is plugged into a current terminal. This causes a short circuit because the resistance through the multimeter's current terminals is very low.

The multimeter emits a continuous beep and displays Error ON A INPUT or Error ON mA INPUT when the test lead is inserted into the µA mA or A input terminal

but the rotary switch is not set to the correct current position.

Figure 1-3 Input warning display (A INPUT)

Figure 1-4 Input warning display (mA INPUT)

This warning is intended to stop you from attempting to measure voltage, continuity, resistance, capacitance, diode, or temperature values when the leads are plugged into a current terminal.

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 29

1Introduction

To PC (host)

IR-USB cable

Pull until maximum reach

Adjust the tilt stand

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

Figure 1-5 Tilt-stand ad justment and IR-USB cable connection

Connect the IR-USB cable

You can use the IR communication link (IR communication port, located at the rear panel) and the Keysight GUI Data Logger software to control your multimeter remotely, perform data logging operations, and transfer the contents of your multimeter’s memory to a PC.

Ensure that the Keysight logo on the U1173A IR-USB cable (purchased separately) connected to the multimeter is facing up. Firmly push the IR head into the multimeter’s IR communication port until it snaps into place (see Figure 1-5).

Refer to the Keysight GUI Data Logger Software Help and Quick Start Guide for more information on the IR communication link and the Keysight GUI Data Logger software.

30 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Introduction 1

Figure 1-6 Keysight GUI Data Logger Software

The Keysight GUI Data Logger software and its supporting documents (Help and Quick Start Guide) are available for free download at http://www.keysight.com/

find/hhTechLib.

You may purchase a U1173A IR-USB cable from a Keysight Sales Office nearest to you.

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 31

1Introduction

Exit

Dual

Power-on options

Some options can be selected only while you turn the multimeter on. These power-on options are listed in the table below. To select a power-on option, press and hold the specified key while turning the rotary switch to any other position (OFF to ON). Power-on options remain selected until the multimeter is turned off.

Tab le 1-1 Power-on options

Key Description

Checks firmware version. The multimeter’s firmware version will be shown on the primary display. Press any key to exit this mode.

Simulates the Auto Power-Off (APO) mode. Press any key to turn the multimeter back on and resume normal operation.

Displays the factory default power-on greeting. Press any key to exit this mode.

Auto Power-Off (APO) is disabled until the multimeter is turned off. To permanently disable APO, see

“Changing the auto power-off (APO) timer” on page 138.

Displays the user-defined power-on greeting. Press any key to exit this mode.

Tests the OLED. All OLED pixels are lighted. Use this mode to verify that there are no dead OLED pixels. Press any key to exit this mode.

Smooth is enabled until the multimeter is turned off. To permanently enable Smooth, see “Enabling

smooth mode” on page 144.

32 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Your Multimeter in Brief

92 mm

Dimensions

Front view

Introduction 1

Figure 1-7 Width dimensions

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 33

1Introduction

207 mm

59 mm

Rear and side view

Figure 1-8 Height and depth dimensions

34 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Overview

Front panel

The front panel parts of your multimeter are described in this section. Click the respective “Learn more” pages for more information on each part.

Introduction 1

Figure 1-9 Front panel

Table 1-2 Front panel parts

Legend Description Learn more on:

1 Display screen page 44

2 Keypad page 39

3 Rotary switch page 37

4 Terminals page 50

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 35

1Introduction

Rear panel

The rear panel parts of your multimeter are described in this section. Click the respective “Learn more” pages for more information on each part.

Figure 1-10 Rear panel

Tab le 1-3 Rear panel parts

Legend Description Learn more on:

1 Test probe holders -

2 IR communication port page 30

3 Battery and fuse access cover page 23

4 Tilt stand page 30

36 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Rotary switch

NOTE

WARNING

The measurement functions for each rotary switch position are described in

Table 1-4. Turning the rotary switch changes the measurement function and

resets all other measurement options.

Click the respective “Learn more” pages for more information on each function.

Some rotary switch positions have a shifted function printed in orange. Press

to switch between the shifted and default function. See page 43 for more

information on the key.

Remove the test leads from the measuring source or target before changing the rotary switch position.

Introduction 1

Figure 1-11 U1273A/U1273AX rotary switch

Each position of the U1273A/U1273AX rotary switch (shown in Figure 1-11) is described in Tab le 1 -4.

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 37

1Introduction

LOW

Smart

Auto

Tab le 1-4 U1273A/U1273AX rotary switch functions

Legend Description Learn more on:

Low impedance AC or DC voltage measurement for eliminating ghost voltages

page 67

Off page 26

AC voltage measurement with Low Pass Filter

AC voltage measurement (up to millivolts) with Low Pass

page 54 and page 57

Filter

AC, DC, or AC+DC voltage measurement

page 54, page 58, and page 61

AC, DC, or AC+DC voltage measurement (up to millivolts)

Resistance measurement, Continuity test, or Resistance measurement with offset compensation

page 69, page 73, and page 76

Diode test or Auto-diode test page 79 and page 83

Capacitance or Temperature measurement page 85 and page 87

AC, DC, or AC+DC current measurement

page 91 and page 61

AC, DC, or AC+DC current measurement (up to microamperes)

38 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Keypad

Introduction 1

The operation of each key is explained below. Pressing a key enables a function, displays a related symbol, and emits a beep. Turning the rotary switch to another position resets the current operation of the key. Click the respective “Learn more” pages for more information on each function.

Figure 1-12 Keys

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 39

1Introduction

Tab le 1-5 Keypad functions

Legend

Function when pressed for:

Less than 1 second More than 1 second

Sets the Null/Relative mode.

– The displayed value is saved as a reference

to be subtracted from subsequent measurements.

– While in Null mode, press again to

view the stored reference value that has been saved. The display will return to normal after 3 seconds.

– Pressing while the relative value is

being displayed will cancel the Null mode.

Starts the MaxMin recording.

– Press again to cycle through

maximum (REC MAX), minimum (REC MIN), average (REC AVG), and present (REC NOW) readings.

– Press for more than 1 second to exit

this mode.

Sets the Scale mode for the specified ratio and unit display. (Only applicable for voltage measurements.)

– The most recently saved (or default) ratio

and unit will be shown on the primary and secondary displays.

–Press while the SCALE symbol is

flashing to cycle through the available ratio and unit displays.

–Press while the SCALE symbol is

flashing to save the selected ratio and unit and to start the conversion, or

– While the SCALE symbol is flashing, if

no activity is detected after 3 seconds, the conversion will begin (with the specified ratio and unit shown on the primary display).

– Press for more than 1 second to

cancel the Scale transfer mode.

Starts and stops the Peak recording.

– Press again to switch between the

maximum (P-HOLD+) and minimum (P-HOLD–) peak readings.

– Press for more than 1 second to

exit this mode.

Learn more

on:

page 106

and

page 108

page 110

and

page 112

Freezes the present reading in the display (T-HOLD mode).

– In TrigHold mode, press to manually

trigger the holding of the next measured value.

– Press for more than 1 second to exit

this mode.

Automatically freezes the present reading once the reading is stable (A-HOLD mode)

– In AutoHold mode, the reading is

updated automatically once the reading is stable and the count setting is exceeded.

– Press for more than 1 second to

exit this mode.

page 114

40 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Table 1-5 Keypad functions (continued)

Exit

Dual

Setup

Exit

Dual

Setup

Introduction 1

Legend

Function when pressed for:

Less than 1 second More than 1 second

Switches between the dual-combination displays (if available).

Changes the OLED brightness when LOW, MEDIUM, or HIGH setting is selected in the multimeter’s setup.

Exits the Hold, Null, MaxMin, Peak, frequency test, and dual display modes.

Enters or exits the setup menu.

– In the setup menu, press or

to navigate through the menu

pages. Press or at each menu page to move the cursor to a specific menu item.

– Press to edit the selected menu

item. The menu item’s value will flash to indicate that you can now change the value shown. Use the arrow keys to change the values shown.

– Press to save the new settings or

values and exit the editing mode, or press to exit the editing mode

without saving.

– Press for more than 1 second to exit

this mode.

Learn more

on:

page 155

page 27 and

page 123

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 41

1Introduction

Exit

Dual

Exit

Dual

Tab le 1-5 Keypad functions (continued)

Legend

Function when pressed for:

Less than 1 second More than 1 second

Measures the frequency for the current or voltage measurement.

– Press to scroll through the frequency

(Hz), pulse width (ms), and duty cycle (%) measurements.

– In duty cycle and pulse width

measurements, press to switch between the positive or negative edge trigger.

– Press for more than 1 second to exit

this mode.

Starts and stops the Data Logging.

– If data logging is set as HAND (manual

data logging), pressing for more than 1 second will log the present reading into the memory. The display will return to normal after a short while (≈ 1 second). To manually log another

reading, press again for more than 1 second.

– If data logging is set as AUTO

(automatic data logging), pressing

for more than 1 second will enter the automatic data logging mode, where data is logged at the interval defined in the multimeter’s setup.

– If data logging is set as TRIG (event data

logging), pressing for more than 1 second will enter the event data logging mode, where data is logged each time a triggering condition is satisfied.

– Press for more than 1 second to

exit the automatic or event data logging mode.

Learn more

on:

page 100

and page 91

42 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Table 1-5 Keypad functions (continued)

Exit

Dual

Setup

Introduction 1

Legend

Function when pressed for:

Less than 1 second More than 1 second

– Sets a manual range and disables

auto-ranging. Press again to cycle through each available measurement range.

– During temperature measurements, if

Celsius-Fahrenheit (°C-°F) or Fahrenheit-Celsius (°F-°C) is selected as the

default temperature unit, pressing changes the temperature measurement unit between Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F). See

“Changing the temperature unit” on page 135

for more information.

Switches between the default and shifted measurement function (icon printed in orange above the rotary switch position — if available).

Press again to switch back to the default measurement function.

Enables auto-ranging.

Enters the Log Review menu.

– Press again to cycle through the

previously recorded manual (VIEW H), interval (VIEW A), or event (VIEW E) 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

clear all the logged data for the selected logging mode.

– Press for more than 1 second to

exit this mode.

Learn more

on:

page 27 and

page 135

page 37 and

page 120

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 43

1Introduction

Display screen

The display annunciators of your multimeter are described in this section. See also “Measurement units” on page 48 for a list of available measurement signs and notations and “Analog bar graph” on page 49 for a tutorial on the analog bar graph located at the bottom of your display screen.

General display annunciators

The general display annunciators of your multimeter are described in the table below. Click the respective “Learn more” pages for more information on each annunciator.

Figure 1-13 Display screen example (single display)

Figure 1-14 Display screen example (dual display)

44 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Introduction 1

Table 1-6 General annunciators

Legend Description Learn more on:

Remote control enabled page 30

Bias voltage or leakage current indication for Smart Ω measurements page 76

Data logging in progress page 115

Scale transfer enabled page 108

View mode for reviewing previously logged data page 120

Secondary measurement display -

AC, DC, and AC+DC indication for secondary display

Elapsed time for Peak and Recording mode page 112 and page 115

Low-pass filter enabled for AC measurement Filter enabled for DC measurement

Hazardous voltage sign for measuring voltage ≥30 V or overload page 28

Trigger hold enabled

Auto hold enabled

Peak hold (maximum value) enabled

Peak hold (minimum value) enabled

page 64, page 67, and

page 100

page 57

page 61

page 114

page 112

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 45

1Introduction

Tab le 1-6 General annunciators (continued)

Legend Description Learn more on:

Maximum reading shown on primary display

Minimum reading shown on primary display

page 110

Averaged reading shown on primary display

Present reading shown on primary display

Relative (Null) enabled page 106

Relative value when Null is enabled page 106

Audible continuity test selected page 73

Normal open continuity indication page 73

Normal close continuity indication page 73

J-type thermocouple selected

page 88

K-type thermocouple selected

Temperature measurement without ambient compensation selected page 90

4-20 mA % scale mode selected

page 97

0-20 mA % scale mode selected

DC (direct current) page 58 and page 91

AC (alternating current) page 54 and page 91

46 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Introduction 1

Table 1-6 General annunciators (continued)

Legend Description Learn more on:

AC+DC page 61

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

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

Primary measurement display -

Battery capacity indication page 23

APO (Auto Power-Off) enabled page 26

Tone enabled -

Analog bar graph page 49

page 58 and page 100

Auto-ranging enabled or Auto-diode enabled page 27

Diode test selected page 79

Smooth mode enabled page 32 and page 144

Overload (the reading exceeds the display range) -

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 47

1Introduction

Measurement units

The available signs and notations for each measurement function in your multimeter are described in Table 1 -7. The units listed below are applicable to the primary display and secondary display measurements of your multimeter.

Tab le 1-7 Measurement units display

Sign/Notation Description

M Mega 1E+06 (1000000)

k kilo 1E+03 (1000)

n nano 1E–09 (0.000000001)

μ micro 1E–06 (0.000001)

m milli 1E–03 (0.001)

dBm Decibel unit relative to 1 mW

dBV Decibel unit relative to 1 V

mV, V Voltage, units for voltage measurement

A, mA, μA Ampere, units for current measurement

nF, μF, mF Farad, units for capacitance measurement

Ω, kΩ, MΩ Ohm, units for resistance measurement

MHz, kHz, Hz Hertz, units for frequency measurement

ms Millisecond, unit for pulse width measurement

% Percent, unit for duty cycle measurement

°C Degree Celsius, unit for temperature measurement

°F Degree Fahrenheit, unit for temperature measurement

s Seconds, unit for Peak and Recording mode elapsed time

48 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Analog bar graph

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 provides a useful indication because it has a

faster updating rate

For frequency, duty cycle, pulse width, 4-20 mA % scale, 0-20 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 value). Another example is when 4-20 mA % scale or 0-20 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 1000 or 500 counts depending on the range indicated on the peak bar graph.

Table 1-8 Analog bar graph display

[1]

Introduction 1

to cater for fast-response applications.

Range

Counts/ Segments

500

1000

Used for the function

, ,

, , ,

An unstable bar graph and unmatched primary display when measuring DC voltage usually means the presence of AC voltages in the circuit.

[1] The analog bar graph measurement rate is approximately 50 times/second for DC voltage, current,

and resistance measurements.

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 49

1Introduction

Input terminals

The terminal connections for the different measurement functions of your multimeter are described in the table below. Observe the rotary switch position of your multimeter before connecting the test leads to the connector terminals.

Figure 1-15 Connector terminals

50 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Table 1-9 Terminal connections for different measuring functions

LOW

Smart

Auto

Rotary switch position Input terminals Overload protection

1000 VRMS for short circuit <0.3 A

Introduction 1

RMS

1000 V

11 A/1000 V, fast-acting fuse

440 mA/1000 V, fast-acting fuse

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 51

1Introduction

WARNING

Cleaning Your Multimeter

To avoid electrical shock or damage to the multimeter, ensure that the insides of the casing stay dry at all times.

Dirt or moisture in the terminals can distort readings. Follow the steps below to clean your multimeter.

1 Turn the multimeter off, and remove the test leads.

2 Turn the multimeter over, and shake out any dirt that may have accumulated

in the terminals.

Wipe the case with a damp cloth and mild detergent — do not use abrasives or solvents. Wipe the contacts in each terminal with a clean swab dipped in alcohol.

52 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX Handheld Digital Multimeter User’s Guide

2 Making Measurements

Crest Factor 54 Measuring AC Voltage 55 Measuring DC Voltage 58 Measuring AC and DC Signals 62 Using Z

Measuring Resistance 69 Testing for Continuity 73 Using Smart Ω for Resistance Measurements 76 Testing Diodes 79 Using Auto-diode for Diode Tests 83 Measuring Capacitance 85 Measuring Temperature 87 Measuring AC or DC Current 91 Measuring Frequency 100

for Voltage Measurements 67

LOW

The following sections describe how to take measurements with your multimeter.

2 Making Measurements

Crest factor

Peak value

True RMS value

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

WARNING

Crest Factor

The crest factor may be determined by using this formula:

You may refer to “Capturing Peak Values (Peak)” on page 112 on how to obtain the peak values.

The crest factor may be up to 3.0 at full-scale except for the 1000 V range where it is 1.5 at full scale, as explained in the table below:

Voltage range Crest factor

30 mV 3 +/– 90 mV

300 mV 3 +/– 900 mV

3 V 3 +/– 9 V

30 V 3 +/– 90 V

300 V 3 +/– 900 V

1000 V 1.5 +/– 1500 V

Maximum input (V

peak

)

Exceeding the crest factor limit may resul t in an incorrect or a lower reading. Do not exceed the crest factor limit to avoid instrument damage and the risk of electric shock.

54 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Making Measurements 2

NOTE

Measuring AC Voltage

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

Table 2-1 Rotary switch positions allowing AC voltage measurements

Legend Defaul t function

AC V AC V with LPF

AC mV AC mV with LPF

DC V

DC mV

AC voltage measurements measured with this multimeter are returned as true RMS (root mean square) readings. These readings are accurate for sinusoidal waves and other waveforms with no DC offset, such as square waves, triangle waves, and staircase waves.

Function when is pressed

Cycles between –AC V, – AC+DC V, or –DC V

Cycles between –AC mV, – AC+DC mV, or –DC mV

Figure 2-1 AC vol tage display

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 55

2 Making Measurements

NOTE

Exit

Dual

– For measuring AC voltage signals with DC offset, refer to the Using the Filter

Function for DC measurements section later in this manual.

– Press to cycle through the available dual display combinations. See

Appendix B, “Dual Display Combinations Using the Dual Key,” starting on

page 155 to learn more.

– Press to measure the frequency of the AC voltage source. See

“Measuring Frequency” on page 100 to learn more.

Figure 2-2 Measuring AC voltage

56 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Making Measurements 2

WARNING

Using the LPF (Low Pass Filter) function for AC measurements

Your multimeter is equipped with an AC low-pass filter to help reduce unwanted electronic noise when measuring AC voltage or AC frequency.

Table 2-2 Rotary switch positions allowing AC voltage measurements with LPF

Legend Defaul t function

AC V AC V with LPF

AC mV AC mV with LPF

Set up your multimeter to measure AC voltage as shown in Figure 2-2. Press

to activate the LPF option. Your multimeter continues measuring in the chosen AC mode, but now the signal diverts through a filter that blocks unwanted voltages above 1 kHz. Probe the test points, and read the display.

Figure 2-3 AC voltage with LPF d isplay

– To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury, do not use the Low

Pass Filter option to verify the presence of hazardous AC voltages. AC voltage values greater than what are indicated may be present when the Low Pass Filter is enabled.

Function when is pressed

– First, make an AC voltage measurement with the filter OFF to detect the

possible presence of hazardous voltages. Then, select the filter function if required for measurement stability and response speed.

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 57

2 Making Measurements

NOTE

The low-pass filter can improve measurement performance on composite sine waves that are typically generated by inverters and variable frequency motor drives.

Measuring DC Voltage

Set up your multimeter to measure DC voltage as shown in Figure 2-5. Probe the test points, and read the display.

Tab le 2-3 Rotary switch positions allowing DC voltage measurements

Legend Default function

DC V

DC mV

This multimeter displays DC voltage values as well as their polarity. Negative DC voltages will return a negative sign on the left of the display.

Function when is pressed

Cycles between –AC V, – AC+DC V, or –DC V

Cycles between –AC mV, – AC+DC mV, or –DC mV

Figure 2-4 DC voltage d isplay

58 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Making Measurements 2

NOTE

CAUTION

Exit

Dual

– For firmware version 1.64 and below, the Filter function is switched off by

default. Customers are advised to update their products to the latest firmware version to take advantage of the latest safety features and measurement improvements.

– Press to cycle through the available dual display combinations. See

Appendix B, “Dual Display Combinations Using the Dual Key,” starting on

page 155 to learn more.

– Press to measure the frequency of the DC voltage source. See

“Measuring Frequency” on page 100 to learn more.

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

and DC Signals” on page 62.

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

ensure that the Filter is enabled (Refer to “Enabling the filter” on page 146).

– To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury, enable the Filter(LPF) to

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

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 59

2 Making Measurements

Figure 2-5 Measuring DC voltage

60 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Using the Filter Function for DC measurements

WARNING

Turn on the Filter Function when measuring DC voltage and/or current from a mixed signal (AC+DC components) in the DC voltage measurement mode. See

“Enabling the filter” on page 146 for more information.

The Filter Function blocks and attenuates AC signals to help you read the DC measurement from a mixed signal. For instance, a DC offset with an AC voltage signal presence (for example, AC 100 V/220 V applied to the 3 V range).

The will appear if the Filter is enabled in the multimeter’s Setup.

Figure 2-6 Filter for DC vol tage measurements

Making Measurements 2

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 61

– To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury, enable the Filter(LPF)

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

– Do not enable any of the dual display options when performing

measurements to verify the presence of hazardous DC voltages.

2 Making Measurements

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.

Tab le 2-4 Rotary switch positions allowing AC+DC signal measurements

Legend Default function

DC V

DC mV

DC A (or mA)

DC µA

Set up your multimeter according to your desired measurement (voltage or current measurement). Press the key twice to cycle the measurement

function to the AC+DC option. Probe the test points, and read the display.

Function when is pressed

Cycles between –AC V, – AC+DC V, or –DC V

Cycles between –AC mV, – AC+DC mV, or –DC mV

Cycles between – AC A (or mA), –AC+DC A (or mA), or –DC A (or mA)

Cycles between –AC µA, – AC+DC µA, or –DC µA

62 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Figure 2-7 AC+DC voltage display

NOTE

Exit

Dual

Making Measurements 2

Figure 2-8 AC+DC current 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. See

Appendix B, “Dual Display Combinations Using the Dual Key,” starting on

page 155 to learn more.

– Press to measure the frequency of the AC+DC voltage source. See

“Measuring Frequency” on page 100 to learn more.

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 63

2 Making Measurements

Exit

Dual

Using the LPF (Low Pass Filter) Function for AC+DC measurements

Your multimeter is equipped with an AC low pass filter to help reduce unwanted electronic noise when measuring a mixed signal.

1 Enable the LPF (You may refer to “Enabling the filter” on page 146)

2 Rotate the multimeter’s rotary switch to / .

3 Press to activate the low pass filter function ( ). Your multimeter

continues measuring in the AC+DC mode, but now the signal diverts through a filter that blocks unwanted voltages above 1 kHz

Figure 2-9 Low Pass Filter(LPF) for AC+DC voltage measurements

Making dB Measurements

Your multimeter is capable of displaying voltage as a dB value, either relative to 1 milliwatt (dBm) or a reference voltage of 1 volt (dBV).

Displaying dBm values

To set the multimeter to display voltage values in dBm, first set up your multimeter to measure voltage as shown in Figure 2-2 or Figure 2-5. Probe the

test points, and read the display. Then, press until the voltage measurements are displayed as a dBm value.

64 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Table 2-5 Rotary switch positions allowing dBm measurements

NOTE

Exit

Dual

Making Measurements 2

Legend Defaul t function

AC V AC V with LPF

AC mV AC mV with LPF

DC V

DC mV

A dBm measurement must use a reference impedance (resistance) to calculate a dB value based on 1 milliwatt. The reference impedance is set to 50 Ω by default. To select another reference value, see the “Changing the custom dBm

reference impedance” on page 134.

Function when is pressed

Cycles between –AC V, – AC+DC V, or –DC V

Cycles between –AC mV, –AC+DC mV, or –DC mV

Figure 2-10 dBm display

Press for more than 1 second to exit the dBm function.

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 65

2 Making Measurements

NOTE

Exit

Dual

NOTE

Displaying dBV values

To set the multimeter to display voltage values in dBV, first change the dB (decibel) display from dBm to dBV in the setup menu. See “Changing the decibel

display” on page 133 to learn more.

This change is permanent. To set the multimeter to display voltage values in dBm again, you will need to change the dB display from dBV back to dBm in the setup menu.

Next, set up your multimeter to measure voltage as shown in Figure 2-2 or

Figure 2-5. Probe the test points, and read the display. Then, press until the

voltage measurements are displayed as a dBV value.

Tab le 2-6 Rotary switch positions allowing dBV measurements

Legend Default function

AC V AC V with LPF

AC mV AC mV with LPF

DC V

DC mV

A dBV measurement uses a 1 volt reference voltage to compare the present measurement against a stored relative value. The difference between the two AC signals is d isplayed as a dBV value. The reference impedance setting is not part of a dBV measurement.

Function when is pressed

Cycles between –AC V, – AC+DC V, or –DC V

Cycles between –AC mV, – AC+DC mV, or –DC mV

66 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Making Measurements 2

Exit

Dual

CAUTION

ZLOW

Figure 2-11 dBV display

Press for more than 1 second to exit the dBV function.

Using Z

for Voltage Measurements

LOW

Do not use the Z

function to measure voltages in circuits that could be

LOW

damaged by this function’s low impedance (≈2 kΩ).

The Z

function in your multimeter presents a low impedance across the leads

LOW

to obtain a more accurate measurement.

Table 2-7 Rotary switch positions allowing Z

Legend Defaul t function

(AC/DC) V

LOW

To set up your multimeter to make a Z measurement, first set up your multimeter to measure voltage as shown in

Figure 2-2 or Figure 2-5. Probe the test points, and read the display.

measurements

LOW

Function when is pressed

(low input impedance) voltage

LOW

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 67

2 Making Measurements

NOTE

Exit

Dual

NOTE

The AC voltage measurement is shown in the primary display and the DC voltage measurement is shown in the secondary display. Press to exchange

the AC and DC voltage indication on the primary and secondary displays.

Use the Z

(low input impedance) function to remove ghost or induced

LOW

voltages from your measurements

Ghost voltages are voltages present on a circuit that should not be energized. Ghost voltages can be caused by capacitive coupling between energized wiring and adjacent unused wiring. The Z

your measurements by dissipating the coupling voltage. Use the Z

function can remove ghost voltages from

LOW

function

LOW

to reduce the possibility of false readings in areas where the presence of ghost voltages are suspected.

Figure 2-12 Z

During Z

measurements, autoranging is disabled and the multimeter’s range

LOW

display

is set to 1000 V in the manual ranging mode. The analog bar graph represents the AC+DC voltage value combined.

68 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Making Measurements 2

NOTE

CAUTION

Smart

Use Z

to test a battery’s health

LOW

Aside from reading a battery’s voltage level using the DC voltage measurement function, you can also use the Z

function to test a battery’s health.

LOW

If you detect that the measured battery’s voltage shown in the Z declining gradually, this means that the capacity of the battery-under-test is not

enough to support regular functions. Use this simple and quick test to determine if a battery has enough voltage capacity to support regular activities.

Prolonged used of the Z

function will consume the capacity of the

LOW

battery-under-test.

Measuring Resistance

Set up your multimeter to measure resistance as shown in Figure 2-14. Probe the test points, and read the display.

Table 2-8 Rotary switch position allowing resistance measurements

Legend Defaul t function

Resistance measurement (Ω)

Function when is pressed

Cycles between –Continuity test ( ), – Smart Ω measurement, or – Resistance measurement (Ω)

function is

LOW

To avoid possible damage to your multimeter or to the equipment under test, disconnect the circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before measuring resistance.

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 69

2 Making Measurements

NOTE

Resistance (opposition to the current flow) is measured by sending a small current out through the test leads to the circuit under test. Because this current flows through all possible paths between the leads, the resistance reading represents the total resistance of all paths between the leads. Resistance is measured in ohms (Ω).

Figure 2-13 Resistance display

70 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Making Measurements 2

Figure 2-14 Measuring resistance

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 71

2 Making Measurements

NOTE

Keep the following in mind when measuring resistance.

– The test leads can add 0.1 Ω to 0.2 Ω of error to resistance measurements. To

test the leads, touch the probe tips together and read the resistance of the leads. To remove lead resistance from the measurement, hold the test lead

tips together and press . Now the resistance at the probe tips will be subtracted from all future display readings.

– Because the multimeter’s test current flows through all possible paths

between the probe tips, the measured value of a resistor in a circuit is often different from the resistor’s rated value.

– The resistance function can produce enough voltage to forward-bias silicon

diode or transistor junctions, causing them to conduct. If this is suspected, press to apply a lower current in the next higher range.

Measuring conductance

Conductance is the reciprocal of resistance. High values of conductance correspond to low values of resistance. Conductance is measured in Siemens (S). The 300 nS range measures conductance in nano-Siemens (1 nS = 0.000000001 Siemens). Because small conductance values correspond to extremely high resistance values, the nS range allows you to easily calculate and determine the resistance of components up to 100 GΩ (0.01 nS resolution)

To measure conductance, set up your multimeter to measure resistance as shown in Figure 2-14. Press until the conductance measurement is selected (nS

unit shown). Probe the test points, and read the display.

High-resistance readings are susceptible to electrical noise. Use averaging to smooth out most of the noisy readings. Refer to “Capturing Maximum and

Minimum Values (MaxMin)” on page 110.

72 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Testing for Continuity

CAUTION

NOTE

Smart

Set up your multimeter to test for continuity as shown in Figure 2-16. Probe the test points, and read the display.

Table 2-9 Rotary switch position allowing continuity tests

Making Measurements 2

Legend Defaul t function

Function when is pressed

Cycles between

Resistance measurement (Ω)

–Continuity test ( ), – Smart Ω measurement, or – Resistance measurement (Ω)

To avoid possible damage to your multimeter or to the equipment under test, disconnect the circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing for continuity.

Continuity is the presence of a complete path for current flow. The continuity test features a beeper that sounds as long as a circuit is complete, if normal open is selected (or broken, if normal closed is selected). The audible alert allows you to perform quick continuity tests without having to watch the display.

In continuity, a short means a measured value is less that the threshold resistance values listed in Table 2-10.

Table 2-10 Threshold resistance values

Measuring range Threshold resistance

30.000 Ω <25 ± 10 Ω

300.00 Ω <25 ±10 Ω

3.0000 kΩ <250 ±100 Ω

30.000 kΩ <2.5 ± 1 kΩ

300.00 kΩ <25 ± 10 kΩ

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 73

2 Making Measurements

Exit

Dual

Press to enable the continuity test function.

Press to switch between the normal open

and normal closed states.

Exit

Dual

Start to capture

Circuit complete.Short detected, beeper

sounds.

Open detected, beeper

sounds.

Circuit open.

Table 2-10 Threshold resistance values (continued)

Measuring range Threshold resistance

3.0000 MΩ <120 ± 60 kΩ

30.000 MΩ <120 ± 60 kΩ

300.00 MΩ <120 ± 60 kΩ

The beeper will sound as a continuity indication. Press to switch between normal open ( ) and normal close ( ) contacts.

– Normal open: Circuit is normally open, the beeper will sound when a short is

detected.

– Normal closed: Circuit is normally closed, the beeper will sound when an open

is detected.

Figure 2-15 Continuity operation

74 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Making Measurements 2

NOTE

– The continuity function detects intermittent shorts and opens lasting as short

as 1 ms. A brief short or open causes the multimeter to emit a short beep.

– You can enable or disable the audible alert via the multimeter’s setup. See

“Changing the beep frequency” on page 138 for more information on the

audible alert option.

Figure 2-16 Testing for continuity

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 75

2 Making Measurements

NOTE

Smart

Exit

Dual

NOTE

Using Smart Ω for Resistance Measurements

To use the Smart Ω function, set up your multimeter to test for resistance as shown in Figure 2-17. Probe the test points, and read the display.

Table 2-11 Rotary switch position allowing Smart Ω measurements

Legend Default function

Resistance measurement (Ω)

– Smart Ω (offset compensation) removes unexpected DC voltages within the

instrument, at the input or at the circuit being measured, which will add to resistance measurement errors. The bias voltage or leakage current is shown on the secondary display.

– Using the offset compensation method, the multimeter takes the difference

between two resistance measurements when two different test currents are applied to determine if there are any offset voltages in the input circuitry. The resultant displayed measurement corrects this offset, giving a more accurate resistance measurement.

The resistance measurement and the bias voltage measurement is shown in the primary and secondary displays respectively.

Press to switch between the leakage current (LEAk) or bias voltage (BiAS) display.

Function when is pressed

Cycles between – Continuity test ( ), – Smart Ω measurement, or – Resistance measurement (Ω)

–The Smart Ω is applicable for the 30 Ω, 300 Ω, 3 kΩ, 30 kΩ, and 300 kΩ

resistance range only. The maximum correctable offset/bias voltage is +50 mV/–30 mV for the 30 Ω range and +1.0 V/–0.2 V for the 300 Ω, 3 kΩ, 30 kΩ, and 300 kΩ ranges.

– If the DC voltage on the resistor is over the maximum correctable offset/bias

voltage, OL is shown on the secondary display.

76 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Figure 2-17 Smart Ω (with bias voltage) display

Making Measurements 2

Figure 2-18 Smart Ω (with leakage current) display

Use Smart Ω to measure the resistance of a thermocouple sensor

It is useful to measure the resistance of a thermocouple temperature sensor. The thermovoltage is proportional to the temperature and the impact of the resistance measurement. Using the Smart Ω function will help you achieve precise readings regardless of the temperature.

Use Smart Ω to measure leakage current

Use the Smart Ω function to measure leakage current or reverse current for junction diodes. Such leakage currents are negligible and are usually measured in units of μA or nA. Instead of having to source a high-precision multimeter with a 1 nA or 0.1 nA accuracy or a precision shunt, you can measure the leakage current using the Smart Ω function with just a resistor from 100 kΩ to 300 kΩ.

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 77

2 Making Measurements

Figure 2-19 Measuring leakage current

78 Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide

Testing Diodes

CAUTION

NOTE

Auto

Set up your multimeter to test diodes as shown in Figure 2-22. Probe the test points, and read the display.

Table 2-12 Rotary switch position allowing d iode tests

Making Measurements 2

Legend Defaul t function

Diode test Auto-diode test

To avoid possible damage to your multimeter or to the equipment under test, disconnect the circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing diodes.

– Use the diode test to check diodes, transistors, silicon controlled rectifiers

(SCRs), and other semiconductor devices. A good d iode allows current to flow in one direction only.

– This test sends a current through a semiconductor junction, and then

measures the junction’s voltage drop. A typical junction drops 0.3 V to 0.8 V.

– Connect the red test lead to the positive terminal (anode) of the diode and

the black test lead to the negative terminal (cathode). The cathode of a diode is indicated with a band.

Function when is pressed

Figure 2-20 Diode display

Keysight U1273A/U1273AX User’s Guide 79

2 Making Measurements

NOTE

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

The forward-bias of a typical diode is within the range of 0.3 V to 0.8 V; however, the reading can vary depending on the resistance of other pathways between the probe tips.

– If the beeper is enabled during diode test, the multimeter will beep briefly for

a normal junction and sound continuously for a shorted junction, below

0.050 V. See “Changing the beep frequency” on page 138 to disable the beeper.

Reverse the probes (as shown in Figure 2-23) and measure the voltage across the diode again. Assess the diode according to the following guidelines:

– 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.

Figure 2-21 Open diode display

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Making Measurements 2

Figure 2-22 Testing a forward-bias diode

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2 Making Measurements

Figure 2-23 Testing a reverse-bias diode

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Using Auto-diode for Diode Tests

NOTE

Auto

NOTE

Set up your multimeter to test diodes as shown in Figure 2-22. Probe the test points, and read the display.

Table 2-13 Rotary switch position allowing auto-d iode tests

Making Measurements 2

Legend Defaul t function

Diode test Auto-diode test

The auto-diode function will help you test both forward- and reverse-bias directions simultaneously. You do not need to change the measuring direction to identify the diode’s status.

Table 2-14 Auto-d iode voltage thresholds

Forward voltage Reverse voltage Diode status

Primary display Secondary d isplay Good No Good

OL or <0.3 V or >0.8 V –OL or >–0.3 V or <–0.8 V ✘

Within 0.3 V to 0.8 V –OL ✔

OL Within –0.3 V to –0.8 V ✔

The open condition will not be alerted as OL on both directions if the auto-diode function is used.

Function when is pressed

The primary display shows the forward-bias voltage value. The reverse-bias voltage value is shown in the secondary display.

– GOOD is shown briefly (along with a single beep) on the secondary display if

the diode is in a good condition.

– NGOOD is shown briefly (along with two beeps) if the diode is out of the

thresholds.

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Figure 2-24 Auto-diode display (GOOD status)

Figure 2-25 Auto-diode display (NGOOD status)

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CAUTION

NOTE

Measuring Capacitance

Set up your multimeter to measure capacitance as shown in Figure 2-27. Probe the test points, and read the display.

Table 2-15 Rotary switch position allowing capacitance measurements

Legend Defaul t function

Capacitance measurement Temperature measurement

To avoid possible damage to the multimeter or to the equipment under test, disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before measuring capacitance. Use the DC voltage function to confirm that the capacitor is fully discharged.

– The multimeter measures capacitance by charging the capacitor with a

known current for a known period of time, measuring the resulting voltage, and then calculating the capacitance.

– is shown on the bottom left of the display when the capacitor is charging,

and is shown when the capacitor is discharging.

Function when is pressed

Figure 2-26 Capacitance display

To improve measurement accuracy of small value capacitors, press with the test leads open to subtract the residual capacitance of the multimeter and leads.

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2 Making Measurements

NOTE

For measuring capacitance values greater than 1000 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.

Figure 2-27 Measuring capacitance

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WARNING

CAUTION

Measuring Temperature

Do not connect the thermocouple to electrically live circuits. Doing so will potentially cause fire or electric shock.

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

The multimeter uses a type-K (default setting) temperature probe for measuring temperature. To measure temperature, set up your multimeter as shown in

Figure 2-29.

Table 2-16 Rotary switch position allowing temperature measurements

Legend Defaul t function

Capacitance measurement Temperature measurement

Probe the test points, and read the display. The primary display normally shows temperature or the message OL (open thermocouple). The open thermocouple message may be due to a broken (open) probe or because no probe is installed into the input jacks of the multimeter.

Figure 2-28 Temperature display

Function when is pressed

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2 Making Measurements

CAUTION

NOTE

Press to change the temperature units between °C or °F (you must first change the temperature unit to switch between °C and °F or °F and °C). See

“Changing the temperature unit” on page 135 for more information.

The option to change the temperature unit is locked for certain regions. Always set the temperature unit display per the official requirements and in compliance with the National laws of your region.

– Shorting the terminal to the COM terminal will display the temperature at

the multimeter’s terminals.

– To change the default thermocouple type from type-K to type-J, see

“Changing the thermocouple type” on page 135 for more information.

The bead-type thermocouple probe is suitable for measuring temperatures from –40 °C to 204 °C (399 °F) in PTFE-compatible environments. Do not immerse this thermocouple probe in any liquid. For best results, use a thermocouple probe designed for each specific application — an immersion probe for liquid or gel, and an air probe for air measurement.

Observe the following measurement techniques:

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

touching the surface. Remember to disable the applied power.

– When measuring above ambient temperatures, move the thermocouple

along the surface until you get the highest temperature reading.

– When measuring below ambient temperatures, move the thermocouple

along the surface until you get the lowest temperature reading.

– Place the mul timeter in the operating environment for at least 1 hour as the

multimeter is using a non-compensation transfer adapter with miniature thermal probe.

For quick measurement, use the compensation to view the temperature variation of the thermocouple sensor. The compensation assists you in

measuring relative temperature immediately.

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Making Measurements 2

Type-K Thermocouple Probe

Figure 2-29 Measuring surface temperature

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2 Making Measurements

Exit

Dual

Temperature measurement without ambient compensation

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

1 Press to select 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 and read the

display.

Figure 2-30 Temperature measurement without ambient compensation

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WARNING

CAUTION

Measuring AC or DC Current

Set up your multimeter to measure AC or DC current as shown in Figure 2-32 and

Figure 2-33. Open the circuit path to be tested. Probe the test points, and read

the display.

Table 2-17 Rotary switch positions allowing current measurements

Legend Defaul t function

DC A (or mA)

DC µA

Never attempt an in-circuit current measurement where the open-circuit potential to earth is greater than 1000 V. Doing so will cause damage to the multimeter and possible electric shock or personal injury.

To avoid possible damage to the multimeter or to the equipment under test:

– Check the multimeter’s fuses before measuring current.

– Use the proper terminals, function, and range for your measurement.

– Never place the probes across (in parallel with) any circuit or component

when the leads are plugged into the current terminals.

Function when is pressed

Cycles between – AC A (or mA), –AC+DC A (or mA) – % Scale of 4-20 mA (or 0-20 mA), or –DC A (or mA)

Cycles between –AC µA, – AC+DC µA, or –DC µA

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2 Making Measurements

NOTE

CAUTION

– To measure current, you must open the circuit under test, then place the

multimeter in series with the circuit.

– Turn off power to the circuit. Discharge all high-voltage capacitors. Insert the

black test lead into the COM terminal. Insert the red test lead in an input appropriate for the measurement range.

– If you are using the A terminal, set the rotary switch to .

– If you are using the µA mA terminal, set the rotary switch to for currents

below 5000 μA (5 mA), or for currents above 5000 μA.

– Press to cycle between DC current measurement, AC current

measurement, AC+DC current measurement, or % scale current measurements.

– Reversing the leads will produce a negative reading, but it will not damage

the multimeter.

Figure 2-31 DC current display

– To avoid blowing the multimeter’s 440 mA fuse, use the µA mA terminal

only if you are sure the current is less than 400 mA. See Figure 2-34 for test lead connections and function selection. Refer to the Input warning section for information on the alerts the multimeter uses when leads are not used correctly for current measurements.

– Placing the probes across (in parallel with) a powered circuit when a lead

is plugged into a current terminal can damage the circuit you are testing and blow the multimeter's fuse. This happens because the resistance through the multimeter's current terminals are very low, resulting in a short circuit.

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CAUTION

NOTE

Exit

Dual

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

Filter Function for DC measurements” on page 61.

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

ensure that the Filter is enabled (Refer to “Enabling the filter” on page 146).

– Press to cycle through the available dual display combinations. See

Appendix B, “Dual Display Combinations Using the Dual Key,” starting on

page 155 to learn more.

– Press to measure the frequency of the AC or DC current source. See

“Measuring Frequency” on page 100 to learn more.

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2 Making Measurements

LOAD

Figure 2-32 Measuring DC current

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Making Measurements 2

Figure 2-33 Measuring AC current

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Figure 2-34 Current measurement setup

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NOTE

% Scale of 4-20 mA or 0-20 mA

To display the current measurement in % scale, position your multimeter’s rotary switch position to and set up your multimeter to measure DC current by

following the steps listed in the Measuring AC or DC Current section.

Table 2-18 Rotary switch positions allowing current measurements

Legend Defaul t function

DC A (or mA)

– The 4-20 mA current loop output from a transmitter is a type of electrical

signal that is used in a series circuit to provide a robust measurement signal that is proportional to the applied pressure, temperature, or flow in process control. The signal is a current loop where 4 mA represents the zero percent signal and 20 mA represents the 100 percent signal.

– The % scale for 4-20 mA or 0-20 mA in this multimeter is calculated using its

corresponding DC mA measurement. The multimeter will automatically optimize the best resolution for the selected measurement. Two ranges are available for the % scale as shown in Table 2-19.

Function when is pressed

Cycles between – AC A (or mA), –AC+DC A (or mA) – % Scale of 4-20 mA (or 0-20 mA), or –DC A (or mA)

Figure 2-35 4-20 mA % Scale display

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The analog bar graph displays the current measurement value. (In the example above, 24 mA is represented as 125% in the 4-20 mA % scale.)

Table 2-19 % Scale measurement range

% Scale of 4-20 mA or 0-20 mA DC mA measurement range

999.99%

9999.9%

[a] Applies to both autoranging and manual range selection.

30 mA or 300 mA

You can change the % scale range (4-20 mA or 0-20 mA) by accessing the multimeter’s setup. See “Changing the % scale range” on page 136 for more information.

Use the % scale with a pressure transmitter, a valve positioner, or other output actuators to measure pressure, temperature, flow, pH, or other process variables.

[a]

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Pressure transmitter

Figure 2-36 Measuring DC current using the 0-20 mA % scale

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2 Making Measurements

WARNING

Measuring Frequency

Never measure the frequency where the voltage or current level exceeds the specified range. Manually set the voltage or current range if you want to measure frequencies below 20 Hz.

Your multimeter allows simultaneous monitoring of real- time voltage or current with frequency, duty cycle, or pulse width measurements. Ta ble 2- 20 highlights the functions allowing frequency measurements in your multimeter.

Table 2-20 Rotary switch positions allowing frequency measurements

Legend Default function

AC V AC V with LPF

AC mV AC mV with LPF

DC V

DC mV

DC A (or mA)

DC µA

Function when is pressed

Cycles between –AC V, – AC+DC V, or –DC V

Cycles between –AC mV, – AC+DC mV, or –DC mV

Cycles between – AC A (or mA), –AC+DC A (or mA) – % Scale of 4-20 mA (or 0-20 mA), or –DC A (or mA)

Cycles between –AC µA, – AC+DC µA, or –DC µA

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Keysight Technologies U1273A, U1273AX User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Safety Symbols

Safety Considerations

Measurement Category

Environmental Conditions

Regulatory Markings

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

Product category:

Sales and Technical Support

Table of Contents

List of Figures

List of Tables

1 Introduction

About This Manual

Documentation map

Safety notes

Preparing Your Multimeter

Check the shipment

Install the batteries

Turn on your multimeter

Automatic power-off

OLED Auto Dim function

Increase the OLED brightness

Select the range

Alerts and warnings during measurement

Adjust the tilt stand

Connect the IR-USB cable

Power-on options

Your Multimeter in Brief

Dimensions

Overview

Rotary switch

Keypad

Display screen

Input terminals

Cleaning Your Multimeter

2 Making Measurements

Crest factor

Measuring AC Voltage

Using the LPF (Low Pass Filter) function for AC measurements

Measuring DC Voltage

Using the Filter Function for DC measurements

Measuring AC and DC Signals

Using the LPF (Low Pass Filter) Function for AC+DC measurements

Making dB Measurements

Measuring Resistance

Measuring conductance

Testing for Continuity

Testing Diodes

Using Auto-diode for Diode Tests

Measuring Capacitance

Measuring Temperature

Measuring AC or DC Current

% Scale of 4-20 mA or 0-20 mA

Measuring Frequency