This manual contains proprietary information, which is protected by
copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this manual may be
photocopied, reproduced or translated to another language without
prior written consent of the Teledyne LeCroy company.
The information in this manual was correct at the time of printing.
However, Teledyne LeCroy continues to improve products and
reserves the right to change specifications, equipment, and
maintenance procedures at any time without notice.
Warning: Identifies conditions or practices that could
result in injury or loss of life.
CAUTION
Caution: Identifies conditions or practices that could
result in damage to the instrument or to other properties.
DANGER High Voltage
Attention Refer to the Manual
Protective Conductor Terminal
Earth (ground) Terminal
Do not dispose electronic equipment as unsorted
municipal waste. Please use a separate collection facility
or contact the supplier from which this instrument was
purchased.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This chapter contains important safety instructions that you must follow
when operating the T3MIL50/50X or when keeping it in storage. Read the
following before any operation to ensure your safety and to keep the
T3MIL50/50X in the best possible condition.
Safety Symbols
These safety symbols may appear in this manual or on the T3MIL50/50X.
Do not place any heavy objects on the instrument.
Avoid severe impact or rough handling that leads to
damaging the instrument.
Do not discharge static electricity to the instrument.
Use only mating connectors, not bare wires, for the
terminals.
Do not disassemble the instrument unless you are
qualified as service personnel.
(Note) EN 61010-1:2010 specifies the measurement categories and
their requirements as follows. The T3MIL50/50X doesn’t fall
under category II, III or IV.
Measurement category IV is for measurements performed at the
source of low-voltage installation.
Measurement category III is for measurements performed in the
building installation.
Measurement category II is for measurements performed on the
circuits directly connected to the low voltage installation.
Power Supply
WARNING
AC Input voltage: 100 - 240 V AC, 50 - 60Hz, 25VA
The power supply voltage should not fluctuate more
than 10%.
Connect the protective grounding conductor of the AC
power cord to an earth ground, to avoid electrical
shock.
Cleaning the
T3MIL50/50X
Disconnect the power cord before cleaning.
Use a soft cloth dampened in a solution of mild
detergent and water. Do not spray any liquid into the
instrument.
Do not use chemicals or cleaners containing harsh
material such as benzene, toluene, xylene, and acetone.
Operation
Environment
Location: Indoor, no direct sunlight, dust free, almost
(Note) EN 61010-1:2010 specifies the pollution degrees and their
requirements as follows. The T3MIL50/50X falls under degree 2.
Pollution refers to “addition of foreign matter, solid, liquid, or
gaseous (ionized gases), that may produce a reduction of dielectric
strength or surface resistivity”.
Pollution degree 1: No pollution or only dry, non-conductive pollution
occurs. The pollution has no influence.
Pollution degree 2: Normally only non-conductive pollution occurs.
Occasionally, however, a temporary conductivity caused by
condensation must be expected.
Pollution degree 3: Conductive pollution occurs, or dry,
non-conductive pollution occurs which becomes conductive due to
condensation which is expected. In such conditions, equipment is
normally protected against exposure to direct sunlight, precipitation,
and full wind pressure, but neither temperature nor humidity is
controlled.
Storage
Environment
Location: Indoor
Storage Conditions: −10°C to 70°C
Temperature Range: 0~35°C, Relative Humidity:
<90%RH; >35°C, Relative Humidity: < 80%RH
Disposal
Do not dispose this instrument as unsorted municipal
waste. Please use a separate collection facility or contact
the supplier from which this instrument was purchased.
Please make sure discarded electrical waste is properly
recycled to reduce environmental impact.
When using the instrument in the United Kingdom, make sure the power
cord meets the following safety instructions.
NOTE: This lead / appliance must only be wired by competent persons
WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED
IMPORTANT: The wires in this lead are coloured in accordance with the
following code:
As the colours of the wires in main leads may not correspond with the
coloured marking identified in your plug/appliance, proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured Green & Yellow must be connected to the Earth
terminal marked with either the letter E, the earth symbol or coloured
Green/Green & Yellow.
The wire which is coloured Blue must be connected to the terminal which is
marked with the letter N or coloured Blue or Black.
The wire which is coloured Brown must be connected to the terminal marked
with the letter L or P or coloured Brown or Red.
If in doubt, consult the instructions provided with the equipment or contact
the supplier.
This cable/appliance should be protected by a suitably rated and approved
HBC mains fuse: refer to the rating information on the equipment and/or
user instructions for details. As a guide, a cable of 0.75mm2 should be
protected by a 3A or 5A fuse. Larger conductors would normally require 13A
types, depending on the connection method used.
Any exposed wiring from a cable, plug or connection that is engaged in a live
socket is extremely hazardous. If a cable or plug is deemed hazardous, turn
off the mains power and remove the cable, any fuses and fuse assemblies. All
hazardous wiring must be immediately destroyed and replaced in accordance
to the above standard.
This chapter describes the T3MIL50/50X, including its main features as well
as its front and rear panels. After going through the panel overview, follow the
Power-up sequence before attempting to use the instrument.
Please note the information in this manual was correct at the time of printing.
However as Teledyne LeCroycontinues to improve its products, changes can
occur at any time without notice.Please see theTeledyne LeCroywebsite for
the latest informationand content.
Each test function on the T3MIL50/50X can be easily
activated by pressing a single front panel key. All the
settings and measurement results are displayed and set on
the TFT-LCD panel at the same time making each
function naturally intuitive to use.
Each primary and secondary measurement result is
displayed prominently on the display along with any
corresponding settings. Sequential measurement results,
such as those from the scan or binning function, are
tabulated in an intuitive and easy-to-read format.
In addition, the meters can recall previously used settings
upon startup, allowing the meter to be ready the next
time it is used in a matter of moments. The meters can
also save or recall up to 20 sets of function settings.
Performance
The T3MIL50/50X has nine selectable measurement
ranges from 5mΩto 5MΩ, a constant current source of
1uA to 1A, an accuracy of up to 0.05%, a0.1uΩ
resolution and performs measurements using four wire
Kelvin connections for accurate, consistent
measurements.
The ability to choose between high accuracy
measurements at 10 samples/sec (full scale at 50000
counts) or high speed measurements at 60 samples/sec
(full scale at 50000 counts), allows the T3MIL50/50X the
flexibility to fulfill a number of different measurement
roles.
T3MIL50/50X Characteristics
T3MIL50 and T3MIL50X are modern high precision programmable DC
Milli-ohm meters suitable for low resistance measurements of switches, relays,
connectors, PCB tracks and a variety of other devices. The meters feature a
color TFT-LCD screen with easy-to-read measurement results. With the
easy-to-use features, superior performance and automatic test interfaces, these
meters are dependable instruments for resistance measurements.
The T3MIL50/50X has a number of advanced
temperature functions that can be used with the optional
temperature probe, PT-100.
The temperature compensation function can extrapolate
what the resistance of a DUT will be at a desired
temperature, if the temperature coefficient of the DUT
and the resistance of the DUT at ambient temperature
are known.
The temperature conversion function can be used to
extrapolate what the temperature rise of a DUT will be at
specified resistance if the initial resistance, initial
temperature and the constant for the DUT are known.
Drive Signals
The T3MIL50X can select a number of different drive
signals to suit a number of different measurement
scenarios, for example the Pulse setting can be used to
cancel the effects of thermoelectric EMF on the
measurement results.
Dry Circuit Testing
Dry circuit testing allows the T3MIL50X to measure the
contact resistance of switches and connectors according
to the DIN IEC 512 and ASTM B539 standards. The
open circuit voltage will not exceed 20mV in this mode
to prevent the oxidization layer on metal switches and
connector points from breakdown.
Automatic Testing
The T3MIL50/50X has a handler interface designed for
automatic testing. The handler interface outputs the
status of PASS, FAIL, HI, LO, READY and EOT signals
and inputs a trigger control signal. Automatic testing is
used with the binning, compare and scan functions.
Applications
Production testing for contact resistance of switches,
relays, connectors, cables and printed circuit boards
and other low resistance devices.
Component testing of resistors, motors, fuses and
heating elements.
Incoming inspection and quality assurance testing.
Conductivity evaluation for product design.
50,000 counts
Measurement Range: 5mΩ~5MΩ
Accuracy of up to 0.05%
Compare function
Binning function
Manual or Auto-ranging
Continuous or Triggered measurement modes
Temperature measurement, temperature
compensation and temperature conversion
Four-wire Kelvin measurement method
Selectable power-on settings
Diode test
Alarm settings for function-specific PASS/FAIL test
results
Sampling rate: 10 or 60 sampling/sec
Standard interfaces: USB/RS232/Scan/Handler
Save/Recall settings: 20 memory sets
External I/O logic function
Connect the GND (ground) terminal to
the earth ground.
GUARD Terminal
GUARD
The GUARD terminal has the same
potential as earth, but cannot be
substituted for it. Connect the GUARD
terminal to the cable shield layer of the
test leads to help reduce noise.
Function Keys
Ohm
The Ohm key activates the resistance
measurement function.
Compare
The Compare key activates the
comparator function.
Binning
The Binning key activates the binning
function to grade the DUTs into eight
bins according to the tolerance settings.
T3MIL50X only.
TC
The TC key activates the TC
(temperature compensation) function
which calculates the resistance of a
DUT at a specified temperature given
the resistance of the DUT at the
ambient temperature and the
temperature coefficient of the DUT is
known.
TCONV
The TCONV (Temperature
Conversion) function calculates the
temperature of a DUT given an initial
temperature, initial resistance, measured
resistance and a constant (inferred zero
resistance temperature) for the DUT.
TEMP
The TEMP key activates the
temperature measurement function.
The Speed key toggles between 10
samples per second and 60 samples per
second (Slow rate and Fast rate).
REL
The REL key is used to perform a zero
adjustment to the test leads or a DUT.
RT
The RT key is used to display the
real-time (not averaged) measured
resistance value.
Scan
The Scan key is used to turn on the
Scan function.
Dry
The Dry key is used to turn on the dry
circuit measurement mode which allows
the T3MIL50X to measure the contact
resistance of switches and connectors
according to DIN IEC 512 and ASTM
B539 standards. T3MIL50X only.
Trigger
When in the internal trigger mode,
pressing the Trigger key will turn on the
external trigger mode. When in the
external trigger mode, pressing the
Trigger key will perform a manual
trigger.
A long press of the Trigger key when in
external trigger mode will reset the
trigger mode back to the internal trigger
mode.
Display
The Display key toggles between the
standard display mode and the
simplified display mode (sans menus
and display icons).
Local
The Local key will switch the milliohm
meter between local and remote mode.
Diode
The Diode key is used to turn on the
Diode measurement function.
The Drive key in conjunction with the
up/down arrow keys is used to select
the measuring signal: DC+, DC-, Pulse,
PWM, Zero and Standby. In particular,
the Zero setting can be used as a
+/-10mV DC voltmeter to measure the
EMF of passive components. The
Standby, on the other hand, is used to
break off Relay of Force+/- without
outputting test current, and none of
measurements will be executed.
See page 32 for details. T3MIL50X
only. The drive signal is fixed to DC+
and Standby on the T3MIL50.
Range
Long pressing the Range key will
activate the auto ranging mode.
Range
+
Enter
The Range key in conjunction with the
up/down arrow keys is used to select
the resistance measurement range.
When in auto ranging mode, pressing
the Range key will activate the manual
ranging mode.
ESC
The ESC key cancels the current setting
and returns the cursor to its default
location or returns to the previous
menu, depending on the circumstances.
Arrow Keys, Enter
Key
Enter
The arrow keys and Enter key are
used to edit parameters, to navigate
the menu system and to select
parameter ranges.
Accepts the power cord. AC 100 240Vac; 50 - 60Hz.
For the power up sequence, see page
23.
RS-232 Port
RS232
Accepts an RS-232C cable for remote
control; DB-9 male connector.
For remote control details, see page 85.
USB Device Port
USB device port for remote control.
See page 84 for details.
Handler / Scan /
EXT I/O Port
HANDLER / SCAN / EXT I/O
The Handler / Scan / EXT I/O
port is used to output
pass/fail/high/low comparison
results. This port is also used for
the user-programmable EXT I/O
pins.
Temperature Sensor
Port
TC SENSOR
The temperature sensor input is for a
PT-100 temperature probe.
Resistance measurement has 6 different measuring signals
that can be applied to obtain a resistance measurement:
DC+, DC-, Pulse, PWM, Zero and Standby.
These 6 signals are described in below.
Note
The Drive function is only applicable to the T3MIL50X and
the open circuit voltage is a maximum of no greater than
20mV when Drive function is activated. The Drive signal
for the T3MIL50 is fixed to DC+ and Standby.
DC+
~ +6.25V
Open circuit
voltage
0V
V
t
Default drive
signal.
DC-
~ -6.25V
Open circuit
voltage
0V
V
t
Negative drive
signal.
Pulse
~-6.25V
0V
V
t
~+6.25V
50ms
50ms
This mode can be used to
eliminate the thermoelectric
EMF formed on the contact
between a test lead and a
DUT.
PWM
0V
V
t
~+6.25V
ON duty
This mode can be used to
avoid heating up the DUT
and thus avoid having the
measurement accuracy
compromised on
temperature-sensitive DUTs.
Standby
0V
V
t
The Standby is used to break
off Relay of Force+/without outputting test
current, and none of
measurements will be
executed.
Standby mode only applies to hardware with the latest
PCB board. Refer to page 63 for details.
Zero
0V
V
t
In this mode, T3MIL50X
outputs no measuring signal on
the Source loop; therefore, the
Sense loop can be used as a
voltage meter which can
measure up to +/-10mV for
thermoelectric EMF
measurement. This function is
useful for measuring the Vemf
of thermocouple wires.
A note about Thermoelectric EMF
When making low resistance measurements, thermoelectric electromotive
force (Vemf) can affect measurement accuracy. Vemf is created at the junction
of two dissimilar metals, such as the contact point of a test lead and the pin
of a DUT. Vemf adds a small but measurable voltage to the measurement.
There are primarily two different methods to compensate for Vemf in low
resistance measurements: Offset Compensation and Vemf Cancelling. The
T3MIL50X uses Vemf Cancelling with the pulse drive signal setting (see page
32).
The Pulse drive mode supplies a positive and a negative measurement current
source.
V
I
R
Vemf
This produces a positive and negative measurement voltage across the DUT,
which also includes the Vemf (V1+Vemf & V2+Vemf).
0V
t
Vemf
V1
V2
To cancel the Vemf, V2 is deducted from V1 and divided by 2 to get the
average measurement, as shown in the formula below:
Resistance measurement has 6 different measuring signals
that can be applied to obtain a resistance measurement:
DC+, DC-, Pulse, PWM, Zero and Standby.
Note
The Drive function is only applicable to the T3MIL50X.
The drive signal for the T3MIL50 is fixed to DC+ and
Standby.
The Drive function cannot be used with the Scan or Diode
functions. In addition, the “Zero” drive setting is only
The resistance measurement speed has 2 ranges: slow and
fast. Slow speed is the most accurate with 10
measurements/second. Fast speed has 60
measurements/second. Both have the same measurement
resolution.
The rate selection function is not applicable in Diode
measurement mode. When the PWM drive signal is used
or when the Scan function is activated, the only available
rate setting is fast.
1. Select Rate
Press the
Speed
key to toggle between the Slow and Fast
rates.
Measurement rate
Background
The Display key can be used to toggle between the
normal and the simplified display mode. The simplified
display mode clears all text, menus and function
indicators from the screen except for the measurement
and measurement mode indicators.
1. Toggle Display
mode
Press the
Display
key to toggle the display between
normal and simplified. The display will change
accordingly.
The Dry Circuit measurement function is used where the
maximum open-circuit voltage must be kept to a
minimum for applications such as measuring the contact
resistance of switches, relays and connectors. The
T3MIL50X provides a maximum of up to 20mV in this
mode.
Note
Dry circuit testing is for switch and connector contact
resistance. Switch and connector contact resistance
measurement is in accordance with DIN IEC 512 and
ASTM B539 which requires that the open circuit voltage of
the measuring device should not exceed 20mV DC.
Voltage at such low levels avoids the breakdown of any
oxides that may be present on the contacts. In this mode
the open circuit measuring voltage is limited <20mV,
while modes like DC+ or pulse mode can have an open
circuit measuring voltage as high as 6.25V.
The Dry Circuit function cannot be used with the Scan or
Diode functions. In addition, when the Dry Circuit
function is turned on, only 3 drive settings are available:
DC+, DC- and Pulse.
Dry Limitations
When the Dry Circuit measurement function is turned
on, the measurement range is reduced. See the
specifications for more details.
The DRY function indicator will appear in the middle of
the display when active.
Dry Circuit measurement
mode indicator
Background
The T3MIL50/50X can use internal or manual triggering
for the Resistance, Temperature, Temperature
Compensation, Temperature Conversion, Binning,
Handler and Scan modes.
By default the T3MIL50/50X is set to internal triggering
mode.
1. Select Manual
Trigger
Short press
Trigger
to switch to manual triggering mode.
The Ext indicator will be shown on the display when the
manual trigger is active.
The compare function compares a measured value to a
“Reference” value that has an upper (HI) and lower (LO)
limit. If the measured value is within the upper and lower
limit, then the measured value is judged as IN.
There are three compare modes that can be used to make
a judgment: ABS, △% and % modes.
The ABS mode displays the absolute difference between
the measured and the reference value (shown as △) and
compares the measured value to the upper (HI) and
lower (LO) limit. The upper and lower limits are set as
absolute resistance values.
Compare function
indicator
Absolute
difference of
measured value
from Reference
value
Measured value
Reference, limits, compare
mode and beep mode
Pass/Fail
judgment
A measured value that falls within the upper and lower
limits is considered IN (pass), a value that falls below the
lower limits is considered LO, and a value that falls over
the upper limit is a HI.
Reference
value
Upper
limit
Lower
limit
INHILO
[Note that the reference value in the ABS mode is only
for reference purposes and is not used to make a
judgment.]
The △% compare function displays the deviation of the
measured value from the reference value as a percentage.
{[(Measured Value-Reference)/Reference]%}.
Compare function
indicator
Deviation of the
measured value from
the reference value as
a percentage
Measured value
Reference, limits, compare
mode and beep mode
Pass/Fail judgment
The upper (HI) and lower (LO) limits are set as a
percentage from the reference value. (Identical to the %
compare mode)
A measured value that falls within the upper and lower
limits is considered IN (pass), a value that falls below the
lower limits is considered LO, and a value that falls over
the upper limit is a HI.
Reference
value
Upper
limit
Lower
limit
INHILO
%
%
The % compare mode displays the measured value as a
percentage of the reference value [(Measured
Value/Reference Value)%].
The upper (HI) and lower (LO) limits are set as a
percentage from the reference value. (Identical to the △
% compare mode)
A measured value that falls within the upper and lower
limits is considered IN (pass), a value that falls below the
lower limits is considered LO, and a value that falls over
the upper limit is a HI.
Reference
value
Upper
limit
Lower
limit
INHILO
%
%
For all the compare modes, IN, HI or LO will be shown
on the display for each judgment.
1. Select the
compare function
Press
Compare
to access the compare mode, as shown
above.
2. Select the
compare mode
Use the arrow keys to navigate to the Mode setting. Press
the Enter key to toggle the compare mode.
Use the arrow keys to navigate to the Reference setting
and press Enter.
Use the left and right arrow keys to select a digit. Use the
up and down arrow keys to edit the value of the selected
digit and the unit. Press Enter to confirm the setting.
Reference
Move
and edit
Select and
confirm
Enter
Range:
000.0001~ 999.9999 (mΩ/Ω/kΩ/MΩ)
Note
After setting the Reference value, the displayed △, % or
△% values will be changed to reflect the new Reference
value setting.
4. Upper & lower
limit setting
Use the arrow keys to navigate to the Upper or Lower
limit setting and press Enter.
Use the left and right arrow keys to select a digit. Use the
up and down arrow keys to edit the value of the selected
digit. Press Enter to confirm the setting.
Repeat for the other limit (Upper or Lower).
Upper, Lower reference
Move
and edit
Select and
confirm
Enter
Setting Range:
ABS mode: 000.0000~999.9999
(mΩ/Ω/kΩ/MΩ)
△% and % mode:
-999.99 ~ +999.99
Note
The upper limit must be higher than the lower limit. Not
setting the upper limit higher than the lower limit is not
allowed. Likewise the lower limit cannot be set higher
than the upper limit.
The Binning function is used to grade DUTs into eight
different bins according to 8 sets of upper and lower
limits. Two compare modes can be used in this function,
ABS and △% modes.
Binning function
indicator
Upper and lower
limits for the 8
bins
Grading results
Reference, compare mode, beep
mode and display mode
1. Select the
Binning function
Press the
Binning
key to access this function.
2. Select the
compare mode
Use the arrow keys to go to the Mode setting.
Press Enter to toggle between ABS or △% compare
modes.
Mode setting
Move
Toggle
Enter
ABS Mode
The ABS mode allows you to set the
upper and lower limits of each bin as
absolute resistance values.
△%
The Delta % mode allows you to set the
upper and lower limits of each bin as
percentage value from the reference
value.
For further details on the ABS or △% compare modes,
see the description in the Compare section, page 38.
3. Reference value
setting
Although the 8 bins have their own upper and lower
limits, they still share a common reference value.
Use the arrow keys to go to the Reference setting and
press Enter.
Use the left and right arrow keys to select a digit. Use the
up and down arrow keys to edit the value of the selected
digit and the unit. Press Enter to confirm the setting.
Reference
Move
and edit
Select and
confirm
Enter
Range
000.0001~ 999.9999(mΩ/Ω/kΩ/MΩ)
4. Upper & lower
limit settings
Use the arrow keys to go to the upper limit of the first
bin and press Enter.
Use the Left and Right arrow keys to select a digit. Use
the Up and Down arrow keys to edit the value of the
selected digit and unit. Press the Enter key to confirm the
setting.
The upper limit must be higher than the lower limit. Not
setting the upper limit higher than the lower limit is not
allowed. Likewise the lower limit cannot be set higher
than the upper limit.
5. Beep setting
Use the arrow keys to navigate to the Beep setting.
Press Enter to toggle the beep setting.
Beep setting
Move
Toggle
Enter
Beep Setting:
Off, Pass, Fail
Note
The Beep setting can also be set from the
System>Utility>Beep>Binning menu.
6. To start binning
The binning function starts automatically if you are in
internal trigger mode.
If you are using the manual triggering mode, press the
Trigger
button or apply a pulse on the trigger pin of the
Handler interface to start binning.
See page 36 to set the triggering modes.
7. Display the
binning results
There are two different display modes to view results.
The Comp (Compare) display mode is the default display
mode. This mode will display the currently measured
value and displays which of the bins (if any) the
measured value is graded as.
The temperature measurement function uses a PT-100
temperature probe. The measured temperature is
displayed on the display. For more information on the
PT-100 sensor, see the appendix on page 141.
There is only one range for the temperature function.
However the resistance measurement range can still be
changed when in the temperature function.
Note
The temperature measurement function is used in
conjunction with the Ohm measurement function. The
two measurements share the same display, so the Ohm
readings stay on the display even after the temperature
measurement function is activated. Thus when the
Temperature function is selected, “Ohm+T” is shown as
the selected function.
1. Select the
Temperature
function
Press
TEMP
to enter the temperature measurement
function.
Temperature + Ohm
function indicator
(Ambient)
temperature
source
Resistance measurement
Ambient
temperature
The temperature is displayed on the Ohm display.
2. Select the
temperature units
From the bottom menu, go to Meas. Setup>Temperature
Unit and select ºC or ºF.
If the resistance of a DUT at a particular temperature is
needed, the compensation function can be used. This
function can simulate the resistance of a DUT at a
desired temperature. If the ambient temperature and the
temperature coefficient of the DUT are known, it is
possible to determine the resistance of a DUT at any
temperature.
The Temperature Compensation works on the following
formula:
)(1000t-tα
R
R
t
t
t
Where:
Rt = Measured resistance value (Ω)
Rt0 = Corrected resistance value (Ω)
T0 = Inferred absolute temperature
t0 = Corrected temperature (ºC)
t = Current ambient temperature (ºC)
αto = Temperature coefficient of resistance at the correct
temperature.
00 |
1
tT|
ato
.
1. Select the
Temperature
Compensation
mode
Press
TC
to access the Temperature Compensation
function.
The temperature-compensated resistance measurement
will appear on the display.
Temperature
compensation
function indicator
Ambient
temperature
source
Extrapolated resistance
measurement at the desired
(“correct”) temperature
Correct Temperature, Temperature Coefficient settings
The ambient temperature can be either measured with
the PT-100 sensor or be set manually.
If using the PT-100 sensor the Ambient temperature
setting should be turned off. If the PT-100 probe is not
used, then the ambient temperature needs to be manually
set.
From the bottom menu, go to Meas. Setup > Ambient
Temperature and set the ambient temperature.
See page 60 for setting details.
Range
Off, -50.0 ºC ~ 399.9ºC
3. Temperature
compensation
Use arrow keys to go to Correct Temperature or to
Temperature Coefficient and press Enter to select the
setting.
To edit the setting values use the left and right arrow keys
to select a digit and use the up and down arrow keys to
edit the digit. Press Enter to confirm the setting.
Correct temperature, temperature
coefficient settings
Move
and edit
Select and
confirm
Enter
Desired Temperature range
-50.0 ~ +399.9 ˚C
Temperature Coefficient range
-9999 ~ +9999 ppm
Below are the inferred zero resistance temperatures of
some common conductors:
The Temperature Conversion function allows you to
determine the temperature change of a DUT at any given
resistance, if the initial temperature, the inferred zero
resistance temperature for the DUT and the initial
resistance of the DUT are known. The displayed result
can also be the extrapolated to calculate the final
temperature (T) or the extrapolated temperature
difference (△T)*.
Temperature Conversion function works on the following
formula:
10
20
1
2
tt
tt
R
R
Where:
R2 = resistance @ temperature t2
R1 = resistance @ temperature t1
t0 = inferred zero resistance temperature in ºC**
t1 = temperature at R
1
t2 =temperature at R2
The temperature conversion function is used to
determine the temperature of transformer windings,
electric motors, or other materials where it may not be
practical to embed a temperature sensor.
*(T) Final temperature = t2 = △T +T
A
(TA) Ambient temperature = Ambient temperature when
R2 is measured. TA can either be manually measured with
the PT-100 sensor or it can be manually set.
(△T) Extrapolated temperature difference = T - TA
**“Constant” setting on the panel display is equivalent to
the absolute value of the inferred zero resistance
temperature.
Metallic conductors show increased resistivity when
temperature is increased, and likewise show reduced
resistivity when temperature is reduced. Inferred zero
resistance temperature is simply the inferred temperature
at which the material will have no resistance. This value is
derived from the temperature coefficient of the material.
Note: the inferred zero resistance temperature is an ideal
value, and not a real-world value.
Material
Inferred zero resistance temp. in ºC
Silver
-243
Copper
-234.5
Gold
-274
Aluminum
-236
Tungsten
-204
Nickel
-147
Iron
-162
1. Select the
Temperature
compensation
mode.
Press TCONV to access the temperature compensation
function.
The temperature-converted measurement will appear on
the display.
Temperature
conversion function
indicator
(Ambient)
temperature
source
Resistance measurement
Extrapolated
temperature
difference or final
temperature
The following measurement settings are used to
configure the various measurement modes.
Background
The average function smooths measurements using a
moving average. The average function sets the number of
samples used for the moving average; a higher number
results in smoother measurement results. The average
function is turned off by default.
1. Select Average
setting
From one of the main screens, press
the
ESC
key so that the menu
system at the bottom of the display
has focus.
Go to Meas. Setup and press Enter.
Go to Average and press Enter.
Meas. Setup
menu icon
Move
Select menu
or setting
Enter
2. Average setting
appears
Use the arrow keys to turn Average on and set the
average number. Press Enter to confirm the setting.
Average settings
Average
OFF, ON: 2~100
Note
Pressing ESC before pressing ENTER will exit the Average
function settings.
The Measure Delay setting inserts a delay time between
each measurement. Measure delay is turned off by
default.
Test signal
Default Measurement
start time
Measurement start with
Measure delay time
Measure delay time
The measure delay setting is useful for measuring
components that need some time to charge if the default
measurement start time is not adequate. An adequate
delay time allows the meter to avoid the effects of
transient disturbances that are usually seen when
measuring reactive DUTs with a current source.
1. Select Measure
Delay setting
From one of the main screens, press
the
ESC
key so that the menu
system at the bottom of the display
has focus.
Go to Meas. Setup and press Enter.
Go to Measure Delay and press
Enter.
Meas. Setup
menu icon
Move
Select menu
or setting
Enter
2. Measure Delay
setting appears
Use the arrow keys to turn Measure Delay on and set the
delay time. Press Enter to confirm the setting.
Measure delay
setting
Measure Delay*
OFF, ON: 000.000 ~ 100.000s
* When the set value is > 0.1s, the resolution is 0.1s.
When the set value is < 0.1S, the resolution is 1mS.
Note
Pressing ESC before pressing ENTER will exit the
Measure Delay settings.
The Trigger Delay setting adds a delay when an external
trigger signal is recognized. Normally the external trigger
is recognized when there is no contact bounce in the
signal for a fixed length of time, this time is known as the
bounce monitoring window. This ensures that the
external trigger signal is stable before it is recognized.
The Trigger Delay time starts right after the bounce
monitoring window ends.
Start measurement
period
External
Trigger signal
Bounce monitoring
window
Trigger
delay time
Measurement
period
Measurement
process
Contact
bounce
Measurement
delay time
Measurement
time
The Trigger Delay setting is turned off by default.
Note
Pin 2 of the Handler/Scan/Ext I/O interface is used for
external triggering, See page 70 for pinout details.
1. Select Trigger
Delay setting
From one of the main screens, press
the
ESC
key so that the menu
system at the bottom of the display
has focus.
Temperature units can be set to Fahrenheit or Celsius for
all temperature measurements.
1. Select
Temperature Unit
setting
From one of the main screens, press
the
ESC
key so that the menu
system at the bottom of the display
has focus.
Go to Meas. Setup and press Enter.
Go to Temperature Unit and press
Enter.
Meas. Setup
menu icon
Move
Select menu
or setting
Enter
2.Temperature Unit
setting appears
Use the arrow keys to set the Temperature Unit. Press
Enter to confirm the setting.
Temperature
Unit
Temperature Unit
Fahrenheit, Celsius
Note
Pressing ESC before pressing ENTER will exit the
Temperature Unit setting.
Background
The Ambient Temperature setting is used to set the
ambient (room temperature) for the Temperature
Compensation or Temperature Conversion function in
the absence of the PT-100 temperature sensor. See page
49 and 52 respectively for details.
1. Select Ambient
Temperature setting
From one of the main screens, press
the
ESC
key so that the menu
system at the bottom of the display
has focus.
Use the arrow keys to set the Ambient Temperature.
Press Enter to confirm the setting.
Ambient
Temperature
Ambient Temperature
Off, On: -50ºC ~ 399.9ºC
Note
Pressing ESC before pressing ENTER will exit the Ambient
Temperature setting.
Background
The Line Frequency setting selects the appropriate line
filter to reduce the influence of the AC line frequency on
the milliohm measurements. This setting is set to AUTO
by default.
1. Select Line
Frequency
setting
From one of the main screens, press
the
ESC
key so that the menu
system at the bottom of the display
has focus.
Go to Meas. Setup and press Enter.
Go to Line Frequency and press
Enter.
Meas. Setup
menu icon
Move
Select menu
or setting
Enter
2.Line Frequency
setting appears
Use the arrow keys to set the Line Frequency. Press Enter
to confirm the setting.
Line Frequency
Line Frequency
Auto, 50Hz, 60Hz
Note
Pressing ESC before pressing ENTER will exit the Line
Frequency setting.
The System settings are used to view the system
information, set the power on state, the remote interface,
screen brightness, external interface and beep settings as
well as access the calibration menu.
Background
The System Information will show the manufacturer,
model, software version and serial number of the unit.
The system information is the equivalent of the return
string from the *idn? query (page 127).
1. View System
Information
From one of the main screens, press
the
ESC
key so that the menu
system at the bottom of the display
has focus.
Go to System and press Enter.
System information will be displayed
at the top of the System menu.
System
menu icon
Move
Select menu
or setting
Enter
System Information of
hardware with the old
PCB board
System Information of
hardware with the latest
PCB board
Note
From the screenshot above where “A” from the 3.01A
indicates it is equipped with the latest PCB board, which
empowers the features of HVP and Standby mode. Refer
to page 70 for details of HVP and page 30 for details of
Standby mode.
Use the arrow keys to choose an interface and to set the
baud rate (RS232). The EOL (end of line) character can
also be set. Press Enter to confirm the settings.
Pressing ESC before pressing ENTER will exit from the
Brightness settings.
Background
The External I/O User Define Pin settings set the logic
and the active level for the Define 1 and Define 2 pins on
the Handler/Scan/EXT I/O port on the rear panel. The
External I/O pins are used with the compare or bin
functions. The logic settings can be based on the pass,
fail, high, low or bin grade results of the selected
function.
1. Select External
I/O Setting
From one of the main screens, press
the
ESC
key so that the menu
system at the bottom of the display
has focus.
Go to System and press Enter.
Go to Utility and press Enter.
Go to External I/O and press
Enter.
System
menu icon
Move
Select menu
or setting
Enter
2. External I/O
Menu Appears
Use the arrow keys to choose either User Define 1 or
User Define 2 and press Enter.
Use the arrow keys to set the active level of the pin when
the logic conditions are true and to set the logic settings.
Press Enter to confirm the settings.
*The OFF operator sets the Logic as
true when Operand1 is true.
** Bin O is defined as outside bin 1~ 8.
Note
The Bin logic settings are not available for the T3MIL50.
Pressing ESC before pressing ENTER will exit from the
selected External I/O setting.
Background
The Handler Mode setting determines the behavior of
the result signals from the handler interface. There are
two settings, Clear and Hold. The Clear setting will clear
the results of the previous test before starting the
succeeding one and the Hold setting will keep the test
result of the previous test until the succeeding test has
completed.
The timing diagrams below are used as examples. All the
result signals in the examples are active high.
Clear: All result signals (PASS, Fail, High and Low) are
cleared at the falling edge of EOT and the results from
the current test are output at the rising edge of the EOT
signal.
Previous
results
cleared
New
results
Trigger
Ready
EOT
Pass
Fail
High
Low
EOT falling
edge
EOT rising
edge
Previous
results
Hold example
Hold: The results of the previous tests are held until the
current test has completed.
Use the arrow keys to choose a beep setting and press
Enter.
Use the arrow keys to set the selected setting and press
Enter to confirm.
Key Click Setting
Compare Setting
Binning Setting
Beep Settings:
Key Click
On, Off
Compare
Off. Pass, Fail
Binning
Off. Pass, Fail
Note
Pressing ESC before pressing ENTER will exit from the
selected Beep setting.
Background
This page is to enable or disable the function of HVP
(High Voltage Protect), which promptly interrupts output
to DUT with warning note present when high voltage is
carried by the DUT. If, on the other hand, HVP is tuned
Off, output test will keep going without interruption in
any case.
Note
The HVP function is enabled by default and can be
deactivated manually by the user. When HVP is disabled,
the user should pay attention if any high voltage occurs
from the connected DUT, which may cause damage to the
T3MIL50/50X.
key so that the menu
system at the bottom of the display
has focus.
Go to System and press Enter.
Go to Utility and press Enter.
Go to High Voltage Protect and
press Enter.
System
menu icon
Move
Select menu
or setting
Enter
2. High Voltage
Protect menu
appears
Use the up and down arrow keys to change the High
Voltage Protect setting followed by pressing the Enter
button to confirm and take effect.
High Voltage Protect Setting:
On, Off
When high voltage is detected
from DUT, the warning
message will prompt as the
screenshot shown and will
disappear only after the high
voltage withdraws.
Note
HVP is turned ON by default and reboot will restore
the unit back to the factory default setting.
Pressing ESC before pressing ENTER will exit from the
The Handler interface is used to help grade components
based on the Compare or Binning function test results.
The appropriate pins on the handler interface are active
when the Compare or Binning function is used.
There are 17 TTL outputs and 1 TTL inputs. The
Handler interface is only applicable with the Binning
function or Compare measurement modes.
Note
Please see following pages for related functions and
settings:
Compare function: 38
Binning function: 42
Ext I/O settings: 66
Handler mode settings 67
Interface and pin
assignment
25-Pin D-SUB
(Female)
HANDLER / SCAN / EXT I/O
Pin assignment
TRIGGER
Starts the trigger for a single
measurement.
READY
High when the measurement has
finished. The instrument is ready for
the next trigger.
EOT
High when the AD conversion has
completed. The DUT is ready to be
changed.
BIN 1~8
High when the sorting result is in one
of the eight bin grades. Bin1~8 (pass).
BIN OUT
High when the sorting result is out of
all the eight bin grades (Bin1~8). The
status of this pin reflects either a HI or
LO result (fail).
High when the compare result is
either HI or LO (fail).
Compare
Out
5
High
High when the compare result is
deemed HI.
Compare
Out
6
Pass
High when the compare result is IN
(pass).
Compare
Out
7
EOT
High when the AD conversion has
completed. The DUT is ready to be
changed.
Ext
trigger
mode
Out
8
VINT
Internal DC Voltage +5V.
Out
9
Bin1
High when the binning sorting result
is within the bin1 setting range.
Binning
Out
10
Bin2
High when the binning sorting result
is within the bin2 setting range.
Binning
Out
11
Bin3
High when the binning sorting result
is within the bin3 setting range.
Binning
Out
12
Bin4
High when the binning sorting result
is within the bin4 setting range.
Binning
Out
13
Bin5
High when the binning sorting result
is within the bin5 setting range.
Binning
Out
Pin Definitions for the Handler Interface
As this interface is used for the handler and scan functions, the interface
pinout depends on the function mode. The following pinout is only applicable
when using the Binning or Compare function.
Handler Interface for Binning and Compare Functions
The Scan function is used to automatically bin groups of
up to 100 components. The associated pins in the handler
interface are active when the Scan function is activated.
There are a total of 6 outputs, 3 inputs as well as a GND
and power (+5V) pin.
Interface and pin
assignment
25Pin D-SHELL
(Female)
HANDLER / SCAN / EXT I/O
Pin Assignment
Relay
Controls the relay output.
Pass
Pass signal. Indicates the compare result
is IN(pass).
Low
Low signal. Indicates a LO compare
result.
High
High signal. Indicates a HI compare
result.
Clock
The clock signal will pulse high when
each group of output signals (Relay,
Pass, Low, High) are ready. There are up
to 100 groups of output signals
STRB
After all (100) output groups are ready,
the STRB signal will pulse high.
The clock signal will pulse high when
each group of output signals (Relay,
Pass, Low, High) are ready. There are
up to 100 groups of output signals.
Out
6
Low
Low signal. Indicates a LO compare
result.
Out
7
Pass
Pass signal. Indicates an IN compare
result (pass).
Out
8
VINT
Internal DC Voltage +5V.
Out
19
VEXT
External DC Voltage, acceptable
range is +5V.
In
20
Relay
Controls the relay output.
Out
22
STRB
After all (up to 100) output groups
are ready, the STRB signal will pulse
high.
Out
Pin Definitions for the SCAN Interface
As this interface is used for the handler and scan functions, the interface
pinout depends on the function mode. The following pinout is only applicable
when using the Scan function.
The Scan function sequentially scans up to 100 channels
and grades the resistance of the DUT on each channel to
a reference value. An automated handler or test fixture is
required to interface the DUTs to the measurement
terminals and the scan interface that controls the timing
of each scan.
T3MIL50/50X
Scan I/O
Measurement terminals
Automated Handler/Test Fixture
123456NChannel
DUT 1~N
S+ Source+Source- S-
·····
Note: The automated handler/test fixture is
user-supplied. Please see your distributor for support and
technical details.
Grading of each DUT is essentially the same as the
compare function (page 38), the difference being the
Scan function will compare up to 100 DUTs sequentially,
whereas the Compare function will compare only one
DUT at a time.
The scan function compares a measured value to a
“Reference” value that has an upper (HI) and lower (LO)
limit. If the measured value is within the upper and lower
limit, then the measured value is judged as IN.
There are two modes that can be used to make a
judgment: ABS and △% modes.
The ABS mode compares the measured value to the
upper (HI) and lower (LO) limits. The upper and lower
limits are set as absolute resistance values.
A measured value that falls within the upper and lower
limits is considered IN (pass), a value that falls below the
lower limits is considered LO, and a value that falls over
the upper limit is a HI.
Reference
value
Upper
limit
Lower
limit
INHILO
For both scan modes, the IN, HI or LO will be shown on
the display for each judgment (if the time between each
judgment is not too fast).
Display Overview
Scan function
indicator
Ready to start scan message
Reference, limits, scan mode, current
channel, measurement delay
Change
display view
1. Select the Scan
function
Press
Scan
Scan to access the scan mode, as shown
above.
2. Select the
compare mode
Use the arrow keys to navigate to the Mode setting. Press
the Enter key to toggle the compare mode.
The Channel setting sets the number of DUT channels
that are used.
Use the arrow keys to navigate to the Channel setting and
press Enter.
Use the left and right arrow keys to select a digit. Use the
up and down arrow keys to edit the value of the selected
digit. Press Enter to confirm the setting.
Channel setting
Move
and edit
Select and
confirm
Enter
Channel Range:
01 ~100
4. Delay setting
The Delay setting adds a pause between each channel
measurement.
The Use the arrow keys to navigate to the Delay setting
and press Enter.
Use the left and right arrow keys to select a digit. Use the
up and down arrow keys to edit the value of the selected
digit. Press Enter to confirm the setting.
Delay setting
Move
and edit
Select and
confirm
Enter
Delay Range:
400ms ~ 30000ms
5. Start the scan.
Press the
Trigger
key or input a pulse signal on the
Trigger pin of the SCAN interface port to start a scan
test.
Note
See page 59 to set the external trigger edge as a rising or
falling leading edge.
The results will be displayed on the screen as each test is
performed. The results will also be output through the
scan port until the scan has finished.
Scan function
indicator
Pass/Fail
judgment
Measured value
Reference, limits, scan mode, current
channel, measurement delay
Change
display view
6. View Results
After the last SCAN test has
finished, press the
ESC
key
so that the menu system at the
bottom of the display has focus.
Go to View and press Enter to
view the results of each channel.
View display
results
Move
Select
Enter
Use the Previous and Next soft-keys to view each page.
Use the Back soft-key to return to the previous window.
The RS-232 and USB interfaces are standard for both
models. The remote control interfaces allow the
T3MIL50/50X to be programmed for automatic testing.
For more information on remote control programming,
please see the Command Overview chapter on page 92.
Interface
USB
USB Device
RS-232
DB-9 male port
Background
The Type B USB port on the rear panel is used for
remote control. This interface creates a virtual COM port
when connected to a PC.
Note
The USB interface requires the USB driver to be installed.
See page 84 to install the USB driver.
1. Connect and
configure to USB.
Configure the interface to USB in
System>Utility>Interface menu.
Page 64
Connect the Type A-B USB cable to the
rear panel USB B port on the
T3MIL50/50X.
Connect the other end to the Type A port
on the PC.
Background
The USB driver needs to be installed when using the USB
port for remote control. The USB interface creates a
virtual COM port when connected to a PC.
1. Select the USB
driver.
Configure the interface to USB in
System>Utility>Interface menu.
Connect the Type A-B USB cable to the
rear panel USB B port on the
T3MIL50/50X. Connect the other end to
the Type A port on the PC.
Go to the Windows Device Manager.
For Windows 7 go to:
Start Menu > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound >
Device Manager
The T3MIL50/50X will appear as an unknown Virtual
Com Port under “Other Devices”.
Right-click Other Devices and select “Update Driver
Software”.
Select “Browse my computer for driver software” and
select the driver previously downloaded from the
Teledyne LeCroy website.
The T3MIL50X and the COM port that it is assigned to
will now appear in under the Ports (COM & LPT) node.
Background
The T3MIL50/50X can also use an RS-232C connection
for remote control. When connecting to a PC ensure the
correct baud rate, parity, data bits, stop bit and data
control settings are used.
The RS232C connection uses a Null-modem connection,
in which transmit (TxD) and receive (RxD) lines are
cross-linked.
T3MILPC
TxD
RxD
GND
Pin2
Pin3
Pin5
TxD
RxD
GND
Pin2
Pin3
Pin5
Operation
Note
If you are not familiar with using a terminal application to
send/receive remote commands from the serial port or
via a USB connection, please page 87 (Using Realterm to
Establish a Remote Connection) for more information.
RS232/USB Function Check
Invoke a terminal application such as Realterm.
For RS-232, set the COM port, baud rate, stop bit, data
bit and parity accordingly.
To check the COM settings in Windows, see the Device
Manager. For example, in WinXP go to the Control panel
→ System → Hardware tab.
Run this query from the terminal.
*idn?
This should return the Manufacturer, Model number,
Serial number, and Firmware version.
Teledyne, T3MIL50X, TXXXXXXXX, V1.00
Realterm is a terminal program that can be used to
communicate with a device attached to the serial port of
a PC or via an emulated serial port via USB.
The following instructions apply to version 2.0.0.70.
Even though Realterm is used as an example to establish
a remote connection, any terminal program can be used
that has similar functionality.
Note
Realterm can be downloaded on Sourceforge.net free of
charge.
For more information please see
http://realterm.sourceforge.net/
1. Install Realterm
Download Realterm and install according to the
instructions on the Realterm website.
2. Configure
connection
Connect the T3MIL50/50X via USB (page 84) or via
RS232 (page 85).
If using RS232, make note of the configured baud rate.
Go to the Windows device manager and find the COM
port number for the connection.
For example in Windows 7, go to the Start menu >
Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Device Manager
Double click the Ports icon to reveal the connected serial
port devices and the COM port for each connected
device.
If using USB, the baud rate, stop bit and parity settings
can be viewed by right-clicking connected device and
selecting the Properties option.
3. Run Realterm
Start Realterm on the PC as an administrator.
Click:
Start menu>All Programs>RealTerm>realterm
Tip: to run as an administrator, you can right click the
Realterm icon in the Windows Start menu and select the
Run as Administrator option.
The No. setting should be already highlighted when
entering the Recall/Save Setup menu. If not, use the
Left/Right arrow keys to highlight the No. setting.
No. setting
Recall, Save, Clear settings
Move
and edit
Select and
confirm
Enter
Use the up and down arrow keys to select a memory
space.
Range
01~20
*If a memory space has been used before, the settings for
that memory slot will also be shown on the display.
To Save:
Use the arrow keys to go to Save
and press Enter.
To Recall:
Use the arrow keys to go to Recall
and press Enter.
To Clear:
Use the arrow keys to go to Clear
and press Enter.
Press Enter again when asked to confirm the selected
operation.
SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable
Instruments) commands follow a tree-like structure,
organized into nodes. Each level of the command tree is
a node. Each keyword in an SCPI command represents
each node in the command tree. Each keyword (node) of
an SCPI command is separated by a colon (:).
For example, the diagram below shows an SCPI
sub-structure and a command example.
Command Types
There are a number of different instrument commands
and queries. A command sends instructions or data to the
unit and a query receives data or status information from
the unit.
Command Types
Simple
A single command with/without a
parameter
Example
SENSe:FUNCtion OHM
COMMAND OVERVIEW
The Command overview chapter lists all the programming commands in
alphabetical order. The command syntax section shows you the basic syntax
rules you have to apply when using commands.
A query is a simple or compound
command followed by a question mark
(?). A parameter (data) is returned.
Example
SENSe:RANGe?
Command Forms
Commands and queries have two different forms, long
and short. The command syntax is written with the short
form of the command in capitals and the remainder
(long form) in lower case.
The commands can be written either in capitals or
lower-case, just so long as the short or long forms are
complete. An incomplete command will not be
recognized.