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Agilent Technologies 3458A Calibration Manual
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Agilent Technologies 3458A Calibration Manual

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See also: Service Notes , User Manual
Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies
3458A Multimeter
3458A Multimeter
3458A Multimeter
3458A Multimeter
Calibration Manual
Calibration Manual
Calibration Manual
Calibration Manual
Manual Part Number: 03458-90017
Printed in U.S.A

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Summary of Contents for Agilent Technologies 3458A

  • Page 1 Agilent Technologies Agilent Technologies Agilent Technologies Agilent Technologies 3458A Multimeter 3458A Multimeter 3458A Multimeter 3458A Multimeter Calibration Manual Calibration Manual Calibration Manual Calibration Manual Manual Part Number: 03458-90017 Printed in U.S.A...
  • Page 2 DURATION OF WARRANTY: 1 year 1. Agilent Technologies warrants Agilent hardware, accessories and supplies against defects in materials and workmanship for the period specified above. If Agilent receives notice of such defects during the warranty period, Agilent will, at its option, either repair or replace products which prove to be defective.

  • Page 3: Safety Symbols

    Agilent Technologies assumes no liability for the customer's failure to comply with these requirements. Ground the equipment: For Safety Class 1 equipment (equipment having a protective earth terminal), an uninterruptible safety earth ground must be provided from the mains power source to the product input wiring terminals or supplied power cable.

  • Page 4: Declaration Of Conformity

    Ray Corson Date Product Regulation Program Manager For further information, please contact your local Agilent Technologies sales office, agent or distributor. Authorized EU-representative: Agilent Technologies Deutschland GmbH, Herrenberger Stra>e 130, D 71034 Böblingen, Germany Revision: B.01 Issue Date: March 2001...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Contents Chapter 1 3458A Calibration Introduction DC Voltage Function Offset Test ....39 Introduction ............. 7 DC Voltage Function Gain Test ...... 39 Calibration Security ..........7 Analog AC Voltage Performance Tests ....41 Security Code ............. 7 Required Equipment ........41 Changing the Security Code .......
  • Page 6 6 Contents...

  • Page 7: Chapter 1 3458A Calibration Introduction

    Chapter 1 3458A Calibration Introduction Introduction This manual provides operation verification procedures, adjustment procedures, and performance verification procedures for the 3458A Multimeter. WARNING The information contained in this manual is intended for the use of service-trained personnel who understand electronic circuitry and are aware of the hazards involved.

  • Page 8: Changing The Security Code

    is shipped from the factory with its security code set to 3458. Specifying 0 for the new_code in the SECURE command disables the security feature making it no longer necessary to enter the security code to perform a calibration or autocal. Changing the The security code is changed with the SECURE command which has the following syntax:...

  • Page 9: Hardware Lock-Out Of Calibration

    display the SECURE command). f. Enter the number 0 followed by the delimiter (,) and the security code you want to use. g. Press the ENTER key. h. Turn the instrument off, disconnect power, and return jumper JM600 to the left position (front of instrument facing you). i.

  • Page 10: Monitoring For Cal Violations

    CAL. (or ACAL if secured) is executed. If autocal is secured, the calibration number is also incremented by 1 whenever an autocal is performed; if unsecured, autocal does not affect the calibration number. Note The multimeter was adjusted before it left the factory. This has incremented the calibration number.
  • Page 11 Regard all terminals as being at the same potential as the highest voltage applied to any terminal. Agilent Technologies recommends that the wiring installer attach a label to any wiring having hazardous voltages. This label should be as close to the input terminals as possible and should be an eye-catching color, such as red or yellow.
  • Page 12 12 Chapter 1 3458A Calibration Introduction...

  • Page 13: Chapter 2 Operational Verification Tests

    To have your transfer standard 3458A OPT. 002 calibrated to 90 day specifications, contact your Agilent Technologies sales and service office. Preliminary Steps Verify that the DC voltage/resistance standard is properly warmed up.

  • Page 14: 2-Wire Ohms Function Offset Test

    ® scroll keys to view entire CAL? message. Record the temperatures on the Test Card. If the instrument self test has not been run, make certain all inputs are disconnected and execute the TEST function. The display must read "SELF TEST PASSED". Execute the ACAL OHMS function.

  • Page 15: 4-Wire Ohms Function Gain Test

    Remove the short from the rear input terminals. 4-Wire Ohms The following procedure verifies the gain of the ohms function. The 10 K9 point is used for internal electronic calibration using ACAL. The procedure Function Gain Test requires alternately connecting the transfer standard DMM and then the 3458A under test to the resistance verification standard as described in the Chapter 4 section titled "General Test Procedure".
  • Page 16 chapter 4, Performance Verification Tests. Execute the ACAL DCV command using the front panel "Auto Cal" key and scroll keys. This auto calibration will take approximately two minutes to complete. Configure the transfer standard DMM as follows: -- DCV -- NDIG 8 -- NPLC 100 -- Trig SGL Configure the DMM under test as follows:...

  • Page 17: Dc Voltage Function Offset Test

    Chapter 3 "Adjustment Procedures" to make adjustments. DC Voltage Function This procedure tests the DCV offset voltage specification on the 10V range. This reading and the 10V and -10V readings from the previous DCV gain Offset Test test are used to do a turnover check of the A-D converter and verify its linearity.
  • Page 18 18 Chapter 2 Operational Verification Tests...

  • Page 21: Chapter 3 Adjustment Procedures

    Chapter 3 Adjustment Procedures Introduction This section contains procedures for adjusting the 3458A Multimeter. The 3458A uses closed-box electronic adjustment. No potentiometers or other electro-mechanical adjustments are used and the complete adjustment is done without removing any of the multimeter's covers. Only a voltage standard. A resistance standard, a low-thermal short, and an AC signal source are needed to perform all of the adjustments.

  • Page 22: Preliminary Adjustment Procedure

    The resultant accuracy of the multimeter depends on the accuracy of the equipment used, the thermal characteristics of the short. and the type of cabling used. We recommend high impedance, low dielectric absorption cables for all connections. Preliminary Adjustment Procedure Perform the following steps prior to adjusting the 3458A: Select the adjustment area.

  • Page 23: Front Terminal Offset Adjustment

    Figure 1. 4-Terminal Short Front Terminal Offset Adjustment This adjustment uses an external 4-terminal short. The multimeter makes offset measurements and stores constants for the DCV, DCI, OHM, and OHMF functions. These constants compensate for internal offset errors for front terminal measurements. Equipment required: A low-thermal short made of 12 or 14 gauge solid copper wire as shown in Figure 1.

  • Page 24: Rear Terminal Offset Adjustment

    Note Take precautions to prevent thermal changes near the 4-wire short. You should not touch the short after it is installed. If drafts exist, you should cover the input terminals/short to minimize the thermal changes. Execute the CAL 0 command. The multimeter automatically performs the front terminal offset adjustment and the display shows each of the various steps being performed.
  • Page 25 standard). Note Voltage standards from 1V DC to 12V DC can be used for this procedure. However, using a voltage standard <10V DC will degrade the multimeter's accuracy specifications. Select the DC Voltage function. Set the front panel Terminals switch to Front. Connect the voltage standard to the multimeter's front panel HI and LO Input terminals as shown in Figure 2.

  • Page 26: Resistance And Dc Current Adjustment

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

  • Page 27: Ac Adjustment

    Set the front panel Terminals switch to Front. Connect the resistance standard to the multimeter's front panel HI and LO Input and HI and LO Sense terminals as shown in Figure 3. If using a Guard wire (as shown in Figure 2), set the Guard switch to the Open position.
  • Page 28 the frequency and period measurement functions: adjusts the attenuator and amplifier high frequency response; and adjusts the Time Interpolator timing accuracy. Following this adjustment, the internal circuits have constant gain versus frequency. Equipment required: • Agilent 3325A Synthesizer/Function Generator or equivalent. •...
  • Page 29 Set the synthesizer to deliver a 3V rms sinewave at a frequency of 100 kHz. Connect the synthesizer, the 3V thermal converter, and the multimeter as shown in Figure 4. Record the exact DC voltage measured by the multimeter on Line A of the Adjustment Record. Figure 4.
  • Page 30 Set the synthesizer to deliver a 100mV rms sinewave at a frequency of 100 kHz. Replace the 1V thermal converter with the 0.5V thermal converter. Record the exact DC voltage measured by the multimeter on Line G of the Adjustment Record. Set the synthesizer to deliver a 100mV rms sinewave at a frequency of 8 MHz.
  • Page 31 14. Repeat step 13 for each synthesizer setting and SCAL command shown on Lines D through H on the Adjustment Record. 15. Disconnect all equipment from the multimeter. 16. Execute the ACAL AC command. Chapter 3 Adjustment Procedures...
  • Page 32 3458A Adjustment Record Adjusted by: Date: 3458A serial number or other device ID number: Previous calibration number (CALNUM? command): (record this number before adjusting the multimeter) Adjustments performed:* Front Terminal Offset Adjustment Rear Terminal Offset Adjustment DC Gain Adjustment (DCV Standard Uncertainty = Resistance and DC Current Adjustment (Resistance Standard Uncertainty = AC Adjustment: Multimeter...

  • Page 33: Chapter 4 Performance Verification Tests

    Shielded test leads (such as Agilent 11000-60001) Note To have your transfer standard 3458A Opt. 002 calibrated to 90 day specifications, contact your Agilent Technologies sales and service office. Test Card Results of the performance tests may be tabulated on the appropriate Test Card located at the end of the test procedures.

  • Page 34: Test Considerations

    Test Considerations This section discusses many of the major problems associated with low-level measurements. Many of the measurements in this manual fall into this category. It is beyond the scope of this manual to go into great detail on this subject.
  • Page 35 turn off sources of high EMI. It may be necessary to test in a shielded room. • Ground Loops: Ground loops arise when the multimeter and the circuit under test are grounded at physically different points. A typical example of this is when a number of instruments are plugged into a power strip in an equipment rack.

  • Page 36: General Test Procedure

    General Test The following performance tests utilize a transfer standard DMM to precisely measure the verification source. The transfer standard DMM recommended Procedure is an 3458A option 002 (high stability) that is within a 90-day calibration. The verification source is first measured by the transfer standard DMM and then connected to the unit under test.
  • Page 37 Figure 6. General Test Procedure Chapter 4 Performance Verification Tests...

  • Page 38: Dc Voltage Performance Tests

    DC Voltage Performance Tests Required Equipment The following equipment or its equivalent is required for these performance tests. • Stable DC voltage source (Fluke 5700A or equivalent) • Transfer standard DMM (3458A Opt. 002 within 90 days of CAL) • Low thermal short (copper wire) •...

  • Page 39: Dc Voltage Function Offset Test

    DC Voltage Function The following procedure tests the offset voltage specification with the input terminals shorted. A low-thermal short must be used to minimize thermally Offset Test induced errors. Also, you must allow five minutes before making the first measurement to allow for thermal stabilization of the range relays. Connect a low thermal short across the front panel HI and LO input terminals of the DMM under test (see Figure 1).
  • Page 40 allow the range relay and short to thermally stabilize. NOTE: The thermal stabilization achieved for the 100 mV range is present for the 1V and 10V ranges since these ranges use the same relays. The range relays are opened for the 100V and 1000V ranges and therefore, have no thermal impact on the measurement.

  • Page 41: Analog Ac Voltage Performance Tests

    Analog AC Voltage Performance Tests Required Equipment The following list of equipment is required to test the analog AC performance of the 3458A. • Stable AC voltage source (Fluke 5700A or equivalent). • Transfer Standard DMM (3458A Opt. 002 within 90 days of Cal.) •...
  • Page 42 connection can be made using shielded test leads terminated with dual banana plugs. Refer to the general test procedure for test connections. Connect the AC voltage source to the transfer standard DMM. Set the range of the transfer standard DMM as specified in Table 3. Set the range of the 3458A under test as specified in Table 3.

  • Page 43: Dc Current Performance Tests

    points. 11. If any of the differences calculated are greater than the specified limits, refer to Chapter 3, "Adjustment Procedures", to make adjustments. DC Current Performance Tests Required Equipment The following equipment or its equivalent is required for these performance tests.

  • Page 44: Dc Current Function Offset Test

    DC Current Function The following procedure tests the DC current offset specifications with the input terminals open. Offset Test Set the 3458A under test to the DC Current Function (DCI). Set the range of the 3458A under test as specified in Table 4 Let the instrument sit for 5 minutes to allow the range relays to thermally stabilize.

  • Page 45: Ohms Performance Tests

    current source. Connect the DC current source to the 3458A under test HI and LO input terminals. Execute Trig and read the value as measured with the 3458A under test and record this value in the "Unit Under Test Reading" column of the DC CURRENT TESTS Test Card.

  • Page 46: 2-Wire Ohms Function Offset Test

    done, turn the instrument ON and allow it to warm up before proceeding. The internal temperature of the 3458A under test must be within 5 degrees C of its temperature when last ohms adjusted. The current internal temperature can be obtained by executing TEMP?. Compare this temperature to adjustment temperature obtained by executing the command CAL? 60 and record both temperatures on the OHMS TESTS Test Card.

  • Page 47: 4-Wire Ohms Function Offset Test (Rear Terminals)

    4-Wire Ohms This procedure performance verifies the rear terminal ohms offset. Function Offset Test Connect a low thermal short across the rear terminals of the (Rear Terminals) 3458A as shown for the front terminals in Figure 1. On the 3458A under test, select 4-wire ohms and the 10 W range by executing OHMF, 10.

  • Page 48: Frequency Counter Performance Tests

    Table 6. OHMF Gain Performance Tests OHMF Gain Test Source and DMM Source Output Number Range 10 9 10 9 100 9 100 9 1 k9 1 k9 10 k9 10 k9 100 k9 100 k9 1 M9 1 M9 10 M9 10 M9 10.

  • Page 49: Frequency Counter Accuracy Test

    Configure the DMM under test as follows: -- FREQ -- Trig SGL -- FSOURCE ACDCV -- LEVEL 0,DC Frequency Counter Execute FSOURCE ACDCV (specifies the type of signal to be used as the input signal for frequency measurement). Accuracy Test Set the Frequency Standard to output a 1 volt p-p, 1 Hz sine-wave.
  • Page 50 50 Chapter 4 Performance Verification Tests...
  • Page 61 Chapter 5 Command Summary This section provides an alphabetical summary of commands that are used in calibrating the 3458A (adjustments or performance verification). Detailed command reference pages for each command are also included in this chapter. ACAL Autocal. Instructs the multimeter to perform one or all of its automatic calibrations.

  • Page 62: 62 Chapter 5 Command Summary

    ACAL Description Autocal. Instructs the multimeter to perform one or all of its automatic calibrations. Syntax ACAL [type][,security_code] The type parameter choices are: type type Parameter Numeric Query Description Equivalent Performs the DCV, AC and OHMS autocals DC voltage gain and offset (see first Remark) ACV flatness, gain, and offset (see second Remark)
  • Page 63 Example OUTPUT 722;"ACAL ALL,3458" !RUNS ALL AUTOCALS, SECURITY CODE IS 3458! (FACTORY SECURITY CODE SETTING) Chapter 5 Command Summary...

  • Page 64: Cal

    Description Calibration. Calibrates the internal 7V reference to an external 10V standard (CAL10) and does the equivalent of ACAL DCV. Also calibrates the internal 40 K reference to an external 10 K standard (CAL 10E3) and does the equivalent of ACAL OHMS. Alternate CAL standard values can be used as described in the first remark.

  • Page 65: Cal

    CAL? Description Calibration query. Returns a string containing one of four values for the calibration constant specified; the initial (nominal) value, low limit, high limit, or actual value of the specified constant. The returned string also contains a description of the constant. This command is in the full command menu;...
  • Page 66 ohm zero rear 10 ohm zero rear 100 ohm zero rear 1 K ohm zero rear 10 K ohm zero rear 100 K ohm zero rear 1M ohm zero rear 10M ohm zero rear 100M ohm zero rear 1G ohmf zero front 10 ohmf zero front 100 ohmf zero front 1 K ohmf zero front 10 K...
  • Page 67 dci zero rear 10 mA dci zero rear 100 mA -ACAL OHMS dci zero rear 1A dcv gain 100 mV dcv gain 1V dcv gain 10V -ACAL DCV dcv gain 100V dcv gain 1 KV ohm gain 10 ohm gain 100 ohm gain 1 K ohm gain 10 K ohm gain 100 K...
  • Page 68 low aperture high aperture high aperture slope .01 PLC high aperture slope .1 PLC high aperture null .01 PLC -ACAL DCV high aperture null .1 PLC underload dcv 100 mV underload dcv 1V underload dcv 10V underload dcv 100V underload dcv 1000V overload dcv 100 mV overload dcv 1V overload dcv 10V...
  • Page 69 overload ohm ocomp 100 overload ohm ocomp 1 K overload ohm ocomp 10 K overload ohm ocomp 100 K overload ohm ocomp 1M overload ohm ocomp 10M overload ohm ocomp 100M overload ohm ocomp 1G underload dci 100 nA µ underload dci 1 µ...
  • Page 70 flatness dac 100 mV flatness dac 1V flatness dac 10V flatness dac 100V flatness dac 1 KV level dac dc 1.2V level dac dc 12V level dac ac 1.2V level dac dc 12V dcv trigger offset 100 mV dcv trigger offset 1V dcv trigger offset 10V dcv trigger offset 100V dcv trigger offset 1000V...
  • Page 71 acv ana offset 1 KV rmsdc ratio sampdc ratio aci gain freq gain attenuator high frequency dac amplifier high frequency dac 10 mV amplifier high frequency dac 100 mV amplifier high frequency dac 1V -SCAL amplifier high frequency dac 10V amplifier high frequency dac 100V amplifier high frequency dac 1 KV interpolator...
  • Page 72 PRINT "CONST =", N OUTPUT 722;"QFORMAT ALPHA" OUTPUT 722;"CAL?";N,T ENTER 722; A$ PRINT A$ NEXT N 72 Chapter 5 Command Summary...

  • Page 73: Calnum

    CALNUM? Description Calibration Number Query. Returns a decimal number indicating the number of times the multimeter has been adjusted. Syntax CALNUM? • Remarks The calibration number is incremented by 1 whenever the multimeter is unsecured and adjusted. If autocal is secured, the calibration number is also incremented by 1 whenever an autocal is performed;...

  • Page 74: Calstr

    CALSTR Description Calibration String (remote only). Stores a string in the multimeter's nonvolatile calibration RAM. Typical uses for this string include the date or place of calibration, technician's name, last CALNUM value, or the scheduled date for the next calibration. Syntax CALSTR string[,security_code] This is the alpha/numeric message that will be appended to the...

  • Page 75: Rev

    REV? Description Revision Query. Returns two numbers separated by a comma. The first number is the multimeter's outguard firmware revision. The second number- is the inguard firmware revision. Syntax REV? Example 10 OUTPUT 722; "REV?" !READ FIRMWARE REVISION NUMBERS 20 ENTER 722; A,B !ENTER NUMBERS 30 PRINT A,B !PRINT NUMBERS...

  • Page 76: Scal

    SCAL Description Service Calibration. Adjusts the AC sections of the instrument. Calculates the corrections to accurately measure frequency and adjusts the ac ranges. The SCAL command is located in the full command menu. Note The SCAL command is used in the AC adjustment procedure of Chapter 3 and the procedure must be performed in the order specified.

  • Page 77: Secure

    SECURE Description Security Code. Allows the person responsible for adjustment to enter a security code to prevent accidental or unauthorized adjustment or autocalibration (autocal). Syntax SECURE old_code, new_code [,acal_secure] This is the multimeter's previous security code. The multimeter is old_code shipped from the factory with its security code set to 3458.
  • Page 78 Disabling Security OUTPUT 722;"SECURE 3458,0" !DISABLES SECURITY FOR ADJUSTMENT AND AUTOCAL 78 Chapter 5 Command Summary...

  • Page 79: Temp

    TEMP? Description Temperature Query. Returns the multimeter's internal temperature in degrees Centigrade. Syntax TEMP? • Remarks Monitoring the multimeter's temperature is helpful to determine when to perform autocalibration. • Related Commands: ACAL, CAL, CALSTR Example 10 OUTPUT 722; "TEMP?" !READ TEMPERATURE 20 ENTER 722;...

  • Page 80: Test

    TEST Description Causes the multimeter to perform a series of internal self-test. Syntax TEST • Remarks Always disconnect any input signals before you run self-test. If you leave an input signal connected to the multimeter, it may cause a self-test failure.

  • Page 81: Appendix A Specifications

    Appendix A Specifications Introduction The following examples illustrate the error Example 5: Absolute Accuracy; 90 Day correction of auto-calibration by computing Assuming the same conditions as Example 4, The 3458A accuracy is specified as a part per the relative measurement error of the 3458A but now add the traceability error to establish million (ppm) of the reading plus a ppm of for various temperature conditions.

  • Page 82: Additional Errors

    1 / DC Voltage Additional error from Tcal or last ACAL ± 1 º C. Additional error from Tcal DC Voltage ±5º C Range Full Scale Maximum Input Impedance Temperature Coefficient (ppm of Specifications are for Resolution Reading + ppm of Range) /º C PRESET, NPLC 100.
  • Page 83 Reading Rate (Auto-Zero Off) Selected Reading Rates For PRESET; DELAY 0; DlSP OFF; OFORMAT Readings / Sec DINT; ARANGE OFF. A-Zero NPLC Aperture Digits Bits A-Zero Aperture is selected independent of line frequency (LFREQ). 0.0001 1.4 µs 100,000 4,130 These apertures are for 60 0.0006 10 µs 50,000 3,150...
  • Page 84 Accuracy (ppm of Reading + ppm of Range) Range 24 Hour 90 Day 1 Year 2 Year Specifications are for PRESET; 10 W 15+5 15+5 20+10 NPLC 100; OCOMP ON; OHMF. 100 W 10+5 12+5 20+10 Tcal ± 1°C. 1 kW 2+0.2 8+0.5 10+0.5...
  • Page 85 3 / DC Current DC Current (DCI Function) Additional error from Maximum Shunt Burden Temperature Coefficient Tcal or last ACAL±1°C. Range Full Scale Resolution Resistance Voltage (ppm of Reading + ppm of Range) / °C Additional error from Without ACAL With ACAL Tcal±...

  • Page 86: General Information

    4 / AC Voltage General Information The 3458A supports three techniques for measuring true rms AC voltage, each offering unique capabilities. The desired measurement technique is selected through the SETACV command. The ACV functions will then apply the chosen method for subsequent measurements. The following section provides a brief description of the three operation modes along with a summary table helpful in choosing the technique best suited to your specific measurement need.

  • Page 87: Transfer Accuracy

    AC Accuracy (continued): 24 Hour to 2 Year (% of Reading + % of Range) ACBAND >2 MHz Range 45 Hz to 100 kHz 100 kHz to 1 MHz 1 MHz to 4 MHz 4 MHz to 8 MHz 8 MHz to 10 MHz 10 mV 0.09 + 0.06 1.2 + 0.05...
  • Page 88 High Frequency Temperature Coefficient Maximum Input For outside Tcal ±5°C add the following error. Rated Input Non-Destructive (% of Reading)/°C HI to LO ±1000 V pk ±1200 V pk Frequency LO to Guard ±200 V pk ±350 V pk Guard to Earth ±500 V pk ±1000 V pk Range 2 –...

  • Page 89: Reading Rates

    Reading Rates For DELAY–1: ARANGE Sec / Reading For DELAY 0; NPLC .1 , ACBAND Low NPLC ACDCV unspecified reading rates of ³10 Hz greater than 500/Sec are ³1 kHz possible. ³10 kHz 0.02 Settling Characteristics For first reading or range change error using default delays, add .01% of input step additional error. The following data applies for DELAY 0.
  • Page 90 AC + DCV Accuracy (ACDCV Function) For ACDCV Accuracy apply the following additional error to the ACV accuracy. (% of Range). DC £10% of AC Voltage DC >10% of AC Voltage Temperature Temperature ACBAND ACBAND ACBAND ACBAND £ 2 MHz £...
  • Page 91 5 / AC Current AC Current (ACI and ACDCI Functions) Additional error beyond ±1°C, but within ±5°C of last Maximum Shunt Burden Temperature Coefficient ACAL. (% of Reading + % of Range) / °C Range Full Scale Resolution Resistance Voltage Specifications apply full 100 µA 120.0000...
  • Page 92 Settling Characteristics For first reading or range change error using default delays, add .01% of input step additional error for the 100 µA to 100 mA ranges. For the 1 A range add .05% of input step additional error. The following data applies for DELAY 0. Function ACBAND Low DC Component...
  • Page 93 7 / Digitizing Specifications General Information The 3458A supports three independent methods for signal digitizing. Each method is discussed below to aid in selecting the appropriate setup best suited to your specific application. Standard DCV function. This mode of digitizing allows signal acquisition at rates from 0.2 readings / sec at 28 bits resolution to 100k readings / sec at 16 bits.
  • Page 94 Dynamic Performance 100 mV, 1 V, 10 V Ranges; Aperture = 6 µs Test Input (2 x full scale pk-pk) Result DFT-harmonics 1 kHz < –96 dB DFT-spurious 1 kHz < –100 dB Differential non-linearity < 0.003% of Range Signal to Noise Ratio 1 kHz >96 dB Direct and Sub-sampled Digitizing (DSDC, DSAC, SSDC and SSAC Functions)
  • Page 95 8 / System Specifications Function-Range-Measurement The time required to program via GPIB a new measurement configuration, trigger a reading, and return the result to a controller with the following instrument setup: PRESET FAST; DELAY 0; AZERO ON; OFORMAT SINT; INBUF ON; NPLC 0. TO - FROM Configuration Description Subprogram Rate GPIB Rate...
  • Page 96 9 / Ratio Type of Ratio All SETACV measurement types are selectable. DCV / DCV Ratio = (Input) / (Reference) LO Sense to LO limited to ACV / DCV Reference: (HI Sense to LO) – (LO Sense to LO) ± 0.25 V. ACDCV / DCV Reference Signal Range: ±12 V DC (autorange only) Accuracy...

  • Page 97: Physical Characteristics

    11 / General Specifications Warranty Period Operating Environment One year Temperature Range: 0°C to 55°C Operating Location: Indoor Use Only Input Terminals Operating Altitude: Up to 2,000 Meters Gold-plated Tellurium Copper Pollution Rating: IEC 664 Degree 2 Input Limits Operating Humidity Range up to 95% RH at 40°C Input HI to LO: 300 Vac Max (CAT II) IEEE-488 Interface...
  • Page 98 Appendix A Specifications...

  • Page 99: Appendix B Electronic Calibration Of The 3458A (Product Note 3458A-3)

    Appendix B Electronic Calibration of the 3458A (Product Note 3458A-3) A voltmeter has four basic functional blocks. The input signal must first pass through some type of signal conditioner. For a DC input voltage, the signal conditioner may consist of an attenuator for the higher voltage ranges and a DC amplifier for the lower ranges.
  • Page 100 Saving Calibration Time and Money Multimeter designers and users have always had to cope with how to reduce offset and gain error introduced into measurements by internal circuits of the multimeter. These errors constantly change because he increasing accuracy required of today's instrumentation tends to component characteristics vary with time, temperature, humidity, and increase complexity and cost of maintaining calibration of these other environmental conditions.
  • Page 101 Measurements using a Josephson junction standard confirm linearity Other multimeters use this approach to removing offset errors. The of the analog-to-digital converter design. These measurements reveal 3458A Multimeter simply makes improvements by using more stable integral linearity below 0.1 parts per million and differential linearity components, again minimizing time and environmental errors.
  • Page 102 The user enters the exact value of the external 10 V DC voltage The lower ranges use amplifiers to condition the input for the standard (for example, "CAL 10"). The following sequence, 10 V full-scale analog-to-digital converter. Each amplifier used performed automatically by the 3458A Multimeter, determines gain requires a gain constant, G , to adjust normal readings.
  • Page 103 3458A Multimeter, determines adjustment An Agilent Technologies patented technique electronically adjusts the constants for all ranges of resistance and DC current: entire AC section, shown in Figure 4. This technique first adjusts 1.
  • Page 104 One-time Adjustments The 3458A Multimeter produces the required step input voltage. Then, its analog-to-digital converter samples the attenuator output. The following electronic adjustments are only performed once at the These measurement results determine constants used to control the factory or following repair of the circuitry involved. output of the flatness adjusting DAC.
  • Page 105 Summary Externally Derived Calibration Constants Offset Constants: Electronic internal calibration of the 3458A Multimeter simplifies and shortens the calibration time, while maintaining accuracy and DC volts, 0.1 V to 10 V ranges, Front and rear input terminal traceability. This multimeter removes all drift errors, with the paths;...
  • Page 106 Appendix B Electronic Calibration of the 3458A (Product Note 3458A-3)