Page 1 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176 Phone 781-665-1400 Toll Free 1-800-517-8431 Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com Back to the PICOTEST M3500A page ® PICOTEST M3500A 6.5 Digit Digital Multimeter User’s Manual Printed date: 04/2008...
Page 2 M3500A DMM User’s Manual Table of Contents...
Page 3: Table Of Contents
EATURE VERVIEW ..................... 6 1.2 W ARRANTY NFORMATION ................... 7 1.3 P RECAUTION OF PERATION ..................8 1.4 U M3500A ....................9 PKEEP OF 1.5 S AFETY NFORMATION ....................9 1.6 S YMBOLS AND ERMS ....................10 1.7 I NSPECTION ........................
Page 4 3.7.2.2 3-Wire RTD Measurements..............46 3.7.2.3 4-Wire RTD Measurements..............48 4 FRONT PANEL OPERATIONS..................51 4.1 M EASUREMENT ONFIGURATION ................51 4.1.1 Set ADC (Auto Zero & Auto Gain) ........... 51 4.1.2 Filter ......................54 4.1.2.1 AC Filter ...................... 54 4.1.2.2 Digital Filter....................
Page 5 4.4.8 Language....................103 4.4.9 Error Condition..................103 4.4.10 Firmware Revision................104 4.4.11 Calibration .................... 105 4.4.12 Self-test ....................106 5 REMOTE INTERFACE OPERATIONS................110 5.1 P USB C UTPUT ONNECTOR ............110 5.2 S ETTING EMOTE NTERFACE ..............111 5.3 R EMOTE NTERFACE OMMANDS...
Page 6: General Information
If you have any questions after reading this information, please contact your local service representative. 1.1 Feature Overview M3500A is a 6.5 digit digital multimeter. It has 0.0015% 24-hour basic DC voltage accuracy at 10V range and 0.002% 24-hour basic resistance accuracy at 10kΩ range.
Page 7: Warranty Information
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired. 1. Warranty: PICOTEST CORP. guarantees that this product meets its published specifications at the time of shipment from the factory.
Page 8: Precaution Of Operation
No other warranty is expressed or implied, except for the above mentioned. The remedies provided herein are the buyer’s sole and exclusive remedies. PICOTEST shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages. Limitation of warranty 1.
Page 9: Upkeep Of M3500A
If the incorrect display or abnormal beeps occurred you should stop using the equipment at once. Do not use the Meter around explosive gas or inflammable vapor. Wipe the surface of M3500A multimeter with a piece of dry and clean cloth. 1.5 Safety Information Caution! Please read through the following safety information before using the product.
Page 10: Symbols And Terms
Do not try to operate the Meter if it is damaged. Disconnect the power from the equipment and consult the local service representative. Return the product to PICOTEST service department if necessary. 1.6 Symbols and Terms This symbol indicates hazards that may cause damages to the instrument or even result in personal injury.
Page 11: Inspection
Optional accessories as you ordered. Multi-Point scanner card. (Optional) GPIB interface card. (Optional) The M3500A is provided with a Standard Test lead set, described below. Test Lead Ratings: IEC 61010-031 CAT III Operating Voltage: 1000V DC Current: 10 Ampers...
Page 12: Options And Accessories
In addition, please don’t use a damaged Test Lead Set against the instrument break or personal injury. 1.8 Options and Accessories The following options and accessories are available from PICOTEST for use with the Model M3500A. Please refer to the following Table 1-1. Table 1-1 Part Name Part Number...
Page 13: M3500A's Dimension
1.9 M3500A’s Dimension Please get the dimension’s information in the following different ways. 1. The dimension without the handle and the front & Rear Bumpers is in the following Picture 1. (LxWxD - 213.6x88.6x370 mm) 2. The dimension with the handle and the front & Rear Bumpers is in the following Picture 2.
Page 14: Overview
2.1 Setting up Your M3500A Digital Multimeter The purpose of this section is to prepare users for using M3500A DMM. You may want to check if you have all the parts with your multimeter. All our products are handled and inspected professionally before shipping out to our customers.
Page 15 Figure 1-1 【Step 2】(Pull out the handle) When the handle is turned up to 90° with the multimeter please pull out the handle from the multimeter as shown in Figure 1-2. Figure 1-2 Ⅱ. Adjusting the position for your convenience Here are some example positions to suit users’...
Page 16 Figure 1-3 【Position 2】 The adjusted position is for operation as shown in Figure 1-4。 Figure 1-4 【Position 3】 The carrying position is with the handle as shown in Figure 1-5。 Figure 1-5...
Page 17: To Connect The Power
AC power. An incorrect voltage setting may cause severe damage to your instrument. Warning! The power cord supplied with M3500A contains a separate ground wire for use with grounded outlets. When proper connections are made, instrument chassis is connected to power line ground through the ground wire in the power cord.
Page 18 Figure 2-1 【Step 2】 Open the voltage setting selector cap as shown in Figure 2-2. (You might need a screwdriver to do so.) Figure 2-2 【Step 3】 Remove the red voltage setting selector from the right middle seam as shown in Figure 2-3. (You might need a screwdriver to do so.)
Page 19 Figure 2-3 【Step 4】 Turn it over to 220V position as shown in Figure 2-4. Figure 2-4 【Step 5】 Insert the voltage setting selector back into the socket and close the cap as shown in Figure 2-5. Figure 2-5...
Page 20: To Change The Fuse
2.1.2.2 To change the fuse Warning! Before replacing the power-line fuse, make sure the multimeter is disconnected from the AC power. You must be a qualified personnel to perform this action. Warning! For continued protection against fire or instrument damage, only replace fuse with the same type and rating. If the instrument repeatedly blows fuses, locate and correct the cause of the trouble before replacing the fuse.
Page 21 【Step 2】 Open the voltage setting selector cap as shown in Figure 2-7. (You might need a screwdriver to do so.) Figure 2-7 【Step 3】 Remove the red voltage setting selector from the right middle seam as shown in Figure 2-8. (You might need a screwdriver to do so.) Figure 2-8...
Page 22 【Step 4】 Remove the broken fuse from the selector as shown in Figure 2-9. Figure 2-9 【Step 5】 Replace with the new fuse as shown in Figure 2-10. Figure 2-10 【Step 6】 Insert the voltage setting selector back into the socket and close the cap as shown in Figure 2-11.
Page 23 【Step 7】 Make sure the power switch on the front panel is in “Power OFF” condition before plugging as shown in Figure 2-12. Figure 2-12 Power switch: “POWER OFF” 【Step 8】 After finishing the above procedures, you can plug in your power cord as shown in Figure 2-13.
Page 24: Factory Default When Power-On
【Step 9】 Press on the power switch on the front panel for activating M3500A as shown in Figure 2-14. Figure 2-14 Power switch: - “POWER ON” 2.1.3 Factory Default When Power-ON Table 2-1 shows the factory default of M3500A. Table 2-1...
Page 25 AC Digits Slow 5.5 Voltage DC digits (1 PLC) Range Auto AC Digits Slow 5.5 Current DC Digits (1 PLC) Range Auto Digits Frequency Range AUTO and Period Medium Rate (100ms) Digits Diode Test Range Rate 0.1 PLC Slow 5.5 Resistance Digits (1 PLC)
Page 26: Features
Easy & Free PC applications. 2.3 M3500A Function Introduction For users to become familiar with the M3500A DMM, we will give a brief introduction to the basic operations of M3500A DMM. There are three major parts of M3500A: (2.3.1) the front panel, (2.3.2) the display, and (2.3.3) the rear panel.
Page 27 Figure 2-15 1. Power & Display: Power: Activates M3500A DMM. Display: Shows model, version & condition by pressing round PREV & NEXT buttons. 2-1. First row without SHIFT button: DCV: Selects DC voltage measurement. ACV: Selects AC voltage measurement. Ω2: Selects 2-wire resistance measurement.
Page 28 DIGITS: Changes resolution. RATIO: Enables the dcv:dcv ratio function. %: Calculates the ratio to a target value in percentage. MIN/MAX: Captures the minimum or maximum readings from the measurement. NULL: Activates the offset function in order to get the real measured reading.
Page 29 measuring. 3-2. The second row in SETUP section: ESC: Cancels selection, moving back to measurement display. ENTER: Accepts selection, moving to next choice or back to measurement display. LOCK: Presses SHIFT then ESC button to prevent unpredictable operation on the panel. In order to release lock condition, please press ESC again.
Page 30: The Display
Figure 2-16 2.3.2 The Display M3500A has a 5x7 dot matrix, dual-display with three-color (White, Red and Yellow) annunciators for a better view. There are two rows in the dual-display screen. The upper row displays readings and units. A maximum 13 characters are allowed for upper row dot-matrix display.
Page 31: Annunciators At Upper Side
): Indicated the continuity testing is enabled. ● : Indicates the diode testing operation is taken. CW: Not used for Model M3500A. CC: Not used for Model M3500A. CV: Not used for Model M3500A. EXT: Indicates the External Trigger Mode is enabled.
Page 32: The Rear Panel
2.3.3 The Rear Panel The rear panel of the M3500A is shown in Figure 2-20. This figure includes important abbreviated information that should be reviewed before using the instrument. 2 3 4 5 Figure 2-20 1. Inserted Connections & Fuse Device: &...
Page 33 line voltage setting. Configured for line voltages of 100/220V or 120/240V. (Depend on the power utility in your area.) 6. Option Slot: Designed for installing an optional multi-point scanner card (Model: M3500-opt01). 7. Option GPIB/IEEE488 Connection: Connects a remote computer with an IEEE488 cable for changing operation environment instead of the front panel control (Model: M3500-opt04).
Page 34: Basic Measurement Function
Basic Measurement Function This chapter introduces some basic measurement functions in M3500A. You will learn how to use your M3500A multimeter to measure voltage, current, resistance, frequency, period, continuity, diode temperature in this chapter. 3.1 Voltage Measurements (DC & AC) The ranges for DC voltage measurements in M3500A are 100mV, 1V, 10V, 100V and 1000V.
Page 35 Connect test leads to your source signal and observe the reading ⑥ shown on the display. If the input signal is beyond the allowed range, an overflow message “OVLD” will be displayed. Figure 3-1 Figure 3-2 ※ Note: The rear panel terminals can also be used via the same procedures as the front panel terminals.
Page 36: Current Measurements (Dc & Ac)
Figure 3-3 3.2 Current Measurements (DC & AC) The ranges for DC current measurements in M3500A are 10mA, 100mA, 1A and 3A. For AC current measurements, the range is 1A with a sensitivity of 1 μA to 3A AC-Coupled TRMS with a sensitivity of 10μA.
Page 37 Select the auto-range function by pressing AUTO button on the front ⑤ panel or use △ and ▽ buttons to select desired range. Connect test leads to your source signal and observe the reading ⑥ shown on the display. If the input signal is greater than the allowed range, an overflow message “OVLD”...
Page 38: Resistance Measurements
3.3 Resistance Measurements (2 & 4-wire) The ranges for resistance measurement are 100 Ω, 1KΩ, 10kΩ, 100kΩ, 1MΩ, 10MΩ, and 100MΩ, with a sensitivity of 100 μΩ (on 100 Ω range.) There are two modes for measuring the resistance: 2-wire mode as shown in Figure 3-6 and 4-wire mode as shown in Figure 3-7.
Page 39 Figure 3-6 Figure 3-7 ※ Note: The rear terminal panel also can be used via the same procedures like the front panel as shown in Figures 3-8 and 3-9. Figure 3-8...
Page 40: Frequency & Period Measurements
Figure 3-9 3.4 Frequency & Period Measurements M3500A uses an on-board counter with 25MHz to measure the frequency (period). The measurement band is from 3Hz to 300kHz (or 333 ms to 3.3 μs) and the measurement voltages range from 100mV to 750 V in AC.
Page 41: Ontinuity Easurements
3.5 Continuity Measurements M3500A uses 1 K Ω range for the continuity measurement. The meter beeps when the test resistance is less than the threshold resistance. The default threshold resistance is 10Ω, but user can set the threshold resistance to anything between 1 Ω and 1 K Ω. The resistance value set by user is stored in a volatile memory and will be cleared after the meter has been turned off.
Page 42: Diode Measurements
3.6 Diode Measurements M3500A uses a current source of 1 mA for diode testing. The maximum resolution is 10 μV on a fixed range of 1 V DC. The default threshold voltage is fixed between 0.3 and 0.8 volts and the reading rate is fixed at 0.1 PLC (The voltage bound is adjustable from 0.01V up to 1.2V.).
Page 43: Temperature Measurements
(Refer to 4.1.8 for how to make the sensor configuration). In general, RTDs have a better accuracy and long-term stability than thermocouples. The default RTD type in M3500A is PT100 and the thermocouple is type K. Table 3-1...
Page 44: Thermocouple Measurements
3.7.1 Thermocouple Measurements Connect the thermocouple adapter to the banana jacks on the front panel. The difference between each type is subject to the patch thermal leads. ※ Note: Only connection via the front panel can be used for temperature measurements.
Page 45: 2-Wire Rtd Measurements
3.7.2.1 2-Wire RTD Measurements How to measure temperature with 2-Wire RTD The following Figure 3-13 shows theory diagram of 2-Wire RTD measurement. Use terminals switch to select front terminals. ① Insert a specified adapter into the front terminals. Connect the low ②...
Page 46: 3-Wire Rtd Measurements
Figure 3-14 3.7.2.2 3-Wire RTD Measurements How to measure temperature with 3-Wire RTD The following Figure 3-15 shows theory diagram of 3-Wire RTD measurement. Use terminals switch to select front terminals. ① Insert a specified adapter into the front terminals. Connect the low ②...
Page 47 Configure sensor type as you would be with 4-wire RTD and unit using ③ CONFIG + TEMP and ◁ or ▷. When ready, press ENTER button. Press TEMP button. ④ Place RTD in the desired position and take the reading on the display. ⑤...
Page 48: 4-Wire Rtd Measurements
In Short Condition Figure 3-16 3.7.2.3 4-Wire RTD Measurements How to measure temperature with 4-Wire RTD The following Figure 3-17 shows theory diagram of 4-Wire RTD measurement. Use terminals switch to select front terminals. ① Insert a specified adapter into the front terminals. Connect the low ②...
Page 49 Figure 3-17...
Page 50 Figure 3-18...
Page 51: Front Panel Operations
The purpose of Auto Zero and Auto Gain functions are used for minimizing the offset influence on your measurements. When Auto Zero or Auto Gain is enabled, M3500A takes the input signal reading as a base value and then internally disconnects the input signal, and takes a offset reading (a null offset).
Page 52 Defaults The default settings for Auto Zero and Auto Gain are enabled. The user selected values for Auto Zero and Auto Gain are stored in a volatile memory and the default settings will be restored when the meter is power-off. How to set Auto Zero and Auto Gain You can change the Auto Zero and Auto Gain setting through the front panel or through the remote interface operation.
Page 53 Slow 4 ½ digits Fast 5 ½ digits Slow 5 ½ digits Fast 6 ½ digits Slow 6 ½ digits ※ Note: To change resolution, refer to Section 4.1.3: Resolution Setting in this chapter. Figure 4-1 Remote Interface Operation To set Auto Zero and Auto Gain through the remote interface, use the following commands: SENSe:ZERO:AUTO {OFF|ONCE|ON} SENSe:GAIN:AUTO {OFF|ONCE|ON}...
Page 54: Filter
4.1.2 Filter Filter is used to remove noises in measurement readings. M3500A is equipped with two types of filters: AC filter and digital filter. AC filter is for AC measurements only. It also affects the speed of the multimeter to yield a measurement reading.
Page 55: Digital Filter
DETector:BANDwidth {3|20|200|MIN|MAX} 4.1.2.2 Digital Filter Definition: M3500A uses an averaging digital filter to yield a reading for display from a specified number of measurement readings in the past. The past measurement readings are stored in a stack of memory. The number may be in the range of 2 to 100.
Page 56 the stack. In the repeating average mode, the multimeter waits for the measurement reading stack to fill up and then take an average to produce a reading for display. It then flushes the stack and starts over with an empty stack. Consequently, the repeating digital filter yields one reading for display every specified number of measurement readings.
Page 57: Resolution Setting (Digits)
SENSe:AVERage:COUNt {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} SENSe:AVERage:COUNt? [MINimum|MAXimum] SENSe:AVERage:STATe {OFF|ON} SENSe:AVERage:STATe? 4.1.3 Resolution Setting (Digits) Definition Resolution is the number of digits a multimeter can measure. User can select the resolution for a specific measurement. The choices for the resolution setting are: fast 4.5, slow 4.5, fast 5.5, slow 5.5, fast 6.5 and slow 6.5.
Page 58 Front Panel Operation There are two ways to set the resolution. The locations of the buttons are shown with red rectangle frames in Figure 4-3. First select your desired measurement function by pressing one of the function buttons located on the first row of your meter's front panel. Press DIGITS button to select your desired resolution for your measurement.
Page 59: Dc Input Resistance
Definition To reduce the effect of loading errors due to the input resistance, M3500A allows user to select a much larger input resistance (> 10G Ω) for low input DC voltage (100mV, 1V and 10V) measurements. This feature is only available for DC voltage measurements and it is not applicable to other measurement functions.
Page 60: Threshold Resistance (Continuity)
Figure 4-4 Remote Interface Operation The automatic input resistance mode can be enabled / disabled. With AUTO OFF (default), the input resistance is fixed at 10MΩ for all ranges. With AUTO ON, the input resistance is set to >10GΩ for the three lowest DC voltage ranges (100mV, 1V and 10V).
Page 61: Range (Manual & Auto)
Press CONFIG button and then CONT button. Use ◁ and ▷ buttons to move through the digits and lower or increase the number to your desired value using △ and ▽ buttons , then press ENTER button to set the value. The locations of these buttons are shown with red rectangle frames in Figure 4-5.
Page 62: Rate (Integration Time)
How to set the auto / manual range: You can set the auto / manual range either through the front panel operation or through the remote interface operation. Front Panel Operation First choose a measurement function on the front panel, then press “AUTO”...
Page 63 PLC (power line cycles). One PLC for 60 Hz is 16.67 ms, and for 50 Hz is 20 ms. There are 4 different integration times in M3500A for user to select from: 0.02, 0.1, 1 and 10 PLCs.
Page 64: Sensor Selection For Temperature Measurements
SENSe:FRESistance:DC:NPLCycles {0.02|0.1|1|10|MINimum|MAXimum} SENSe:FRESistance:DC:NPLCycles? [MINimum|MAXimum] For frequency and period measurements, aperture time (or gate time) is analogous to integration time, and you can use the following commands to set it. Specify 10 ms (4.5 digits), 100 ms (default; 5.5 digits), or 1 second (6.5 digits).
Page 65 RTD calibration, refer to NIST Technical Note 1265 “Guidelines For Realizing the International Temperature Scale of 1990”. In each subrange, the calibration constants required for that subrange are listed. Default The default sensor type in M3500A is PT100. How to set up RTD...
Page 66 You can set up the RTD configuration either through the front panel operation or through the remote interface operation. Front Panel Operation If you are using RTD, press CONFIG and then TEMP. Use ◁ and ▷ to locate SENSOR submenu. Press ENTER to go to the submenu. Use ◁ and ▷...
Page 67 Definition If you are using the thermocouple, the options are: type E, J, K, N, R, S and T. After selecting your thermocouple type, you need to configure the reference junction also. Typically, each thermocouple card uses one reference junction. If the junction type is simulated, the defined simulated junction temperature is used.
Page 68: Remote Interface Selection
4.1.9 Remote Interface Selection The multimeter supports both GPIB and USB interfaces, but only one interface can be activated at a time. If you are using GPIB, you must set the address for the multimeter. You can set the address to any value from 0 and 31.
Page 69: Trigger Operations
Figure 4-7 4.2 Trigger Operations In this section we will discuss the triggering system in M3500A. M3500A provides a variety of trigger operations for user. User can select a trigger mode, a trigger source and different trigger settings for a specific measurement.
Page 70 The rate of taking readings depends on the current settings. This function is only available through the front panel. The auto triggering is also the default for trigger mode in M3500A. How to use Auto Trigger Press ATUO TRIGGER on the front panel to toggle for enabling auto trigger mode.
Page 71: Trigger Source
immediate trigger. TRIGger:SOURce IMMediate C. Single Trigger Mode (accessible only through the front panel) Definition Single trigger mode takes one reading (or specified number of readings) each time when user presses SINGLE key. (Please refer to 4.2.3 for setting the number of samples on each trigger.) When the TRIG annunciator on the display is lit, the meter is ready for next trigger event.
Page 72: Trigger Setting
In M3500A, user can specify the trigger source to be one of these three options: front panel operations, external hardware trigger source and remote interface operations. Front Panel Operation Use the front panel buttons - AUTO TRIGGER for auto triggering and SINGLE for single triggering.
Page 73 number of samples per trigger, the number of triggers per event, reading hold, and the trigger delay for their measurements. A. Number of samples on each trigger By default, the multimeter takes only one reading on each trigger, but you can instruct the multimeter to take specific number (up to 50000) of readings each time it receives a trigger.
Page 74 SAMPle:COUNt <value> B. Number of triggers Although the meter normally takes one trigger before returning to the “idle” state, user can manually specify the number of triggers it accepts before the “idle” state. However, this can only be done through the remote interface.
Page 75 Defaults The default of the trigger delay is automatic. M3500A automatically selects a delay time for you according to the setting of the measurement if you do not specify a delay. A list of the default for each measurement function is shown on Table 4-4.
Page 76 ACV/ACI 3 Hz 7.0 s (Remote Interface/ 20 Hz 1.0 s External Trigger/ 200 Hz 600 ms Single Trigger) 3 Hz 1.5 s ACV/ACI 20 Hz 200 ms (Front Panel w/ Auto Trigger On) 200 Hz 100 ms Remote Interface / 1.0 s External Frequency/Period...
Page 77: Math Operations
TRIGger:DELay {<seconds>|MINimum|MAXimum} TRIGger:DELay:AUTO {OFF|ON} 4.3 Math Operations This section will introduce the mathematical operations in M3500A. There are eight math operations: RITIO, %, Min/Max, NULL, Limits, MX+B, dB and dBm testing. They either store data for later use or perform mathematical operations on the readings. Note that these math operations are available to all measurement functions except continuity and diode testing.
Page 78: (Percent)
How to make a ratio measurement There are two ways to make a ratio measurement: Through the front panel operation or through the remote interface operation. Front Panel Operation Use TERMINALS button to select the front terminals or the rear terminals. Press CONFIG + RATIO, and then use ◁...
Page 79 The specified target value is store in a volatile memory and will be cleared after the meter has been turned off or a remote interface reset. How to use % (Percent) function There are two ways to make a percent measurement: Through the front panel operation or through the remote interface operation.
Page 80: Min/Max
CALCulate:FUNCtion PERCent CALCulate:STATe {OFF|ON} CALCulate:STATe? CALCulate:PERCent:TARGet {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} CALCulate:PERCent:TARGet? [MINimum|MAXimum] 4.3.3 Min/Max Definition When the Min/Max function is enabled, the multimeter takes in a series of readings from the measurements, stores the minimum and maximum readings in the memory, and then calculates the average value of all readings.
Page 81: Null
Figure 4-16 Remote Interface Operation The following commands show you how to use the Min/Max operation from your PC terminal. CALCulate:FUNCtion AVERage CALCulate:STATe {OFF|ON} CALCulate:STATe? CALCulate:AVERage:MINimum? CALCulate:AVERage:MAXimum? CALCulate:AVERage:AVERage? CALCulate:AVERage:COUNt? 4.3.4 Null Definition When null function is enabled, the displayed measurement reading is the difference between the measured input signal reading and the stored null (also called relative) value.
Page 82 How to use null (relative) measurement You can activate null feature from either the front panel operation or the remote interface operation. The Front Panel Operation The null measurements can be used with any function except continuity and diode. To store the null test lead resistance, short the two test leads together and then press NULL button.
Page 83: Limits Test
4.3.5 Limits Test The limits testing operation allows user to adjust a maximal and a minimal limit values. The multimeter beeps and an “HI” or “LO” message will be shown when the reading exceeds the upper or lower limit respectively. Users can specify the limit values and the values are stored in a volatile memory.
Page 84: Mx+B
Select a measurement function for purpose except continuity and diode. Enable the limit operation by pressing SHIFT + RATIO buttons. After enabling the limit function, user can set the limit value as mentioned above. Observe the displayed reading. ※ Note: Press SHIFT+RATIO again to disable this feature. The “MATH” anunnciator on the display indicates the state of a mathematical feature.
Page 85 equation. Y=MX+B This is especially useful when user needs to do slope calculations on a series of measurements. The values of the “M” and “B” can be changed through the configuration of this function and they are stored in a volatile memory and will be cleared after the meter has been turned off or a remote interface reset.
Page 86: Db/Dbm
Remote Interface Operation Use the following commands to enable and configure MX+B function: CALCulate:FUNCtion MXB CALCulate:STATe {OFF|ON} CALCulate:STATe? CALCulate:MXB:MMFactor {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} CALCulate:MXB:MMFactor? [MINimum|MAXimum] CALCulate:MXB:MBFactor {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} CALCulate:MXB:MBFactor? [MINimum|MAXimum] 4.3.7 dB/dBm A. dB Definition The dB feature takes a DC or AC voltage measurement and displays it in decibel unit in correspondence to a relative reference value.
Page 87 locations of the buttons are shown with red rectangle frames in Figure 4-21. Figure 4-21 How to make a dB measurement Select the measurement function by pressing one of DCV and ACV buttons. Enable the dB operation by pressing SHIFT + NULL buttons. After enabling the dB operation, user can set or alter the dB relative value as mentioned above.
Page 88 Definition With dBm selected, a voltage measurement is displayed as the level of power, relative to 1 milliwatt, dissipated through a reference resistance. The reference resistance is adjustable in M3500A. The calculation of dBm is defined as below: ⎛ ⎞...
Page 89 Figure 4-23 How to make a dBm measurement Select a measurement function by pressing DCV or ACV button. The dBm feature is only available for DCV and ACV only. To enable dBm, press SHIFT + MIN/MAX buttons. After enabling the dBm operation, user can select the reference resistance as mentioned above.
Page 90: Other System Related Operations
4.4.1 Display M3500A has a 5x7 dot matrix, dual-display with three-color (White, Red and Yellow) annunciators for a better view. A maximum 13 characters are allowed for upper row dot-matrix display and a maximum 16 characters are allowed for lower row dot-matrix display as shown on Figure 4-25.
Page 91 User can send a message through the remote interface from their PC terminal to the lower row display and will substitute the original display. Default The display default is “ON”. The “On/Off” selection made by user is stored in a volatile memory and the default “ON” will be restored when the meter is power-off.
Page 92: Beeper
(clears the message displayed) 4.4.2 Beeper M3500A multimeter beeps when some certain conditions are met or when an error occurs. But there may be time you want to disable the beeper for some operations. Although you can turn off the beeper, the click sound you hear when a button is pressed will not be disabled.
Page 93: Reading Memory (Store & Recall)
SYSTem:BEEPer:STATe {OFF|ON} 4.4.3 Reading Memory (Store & Recall) M3500A has a memory capacity of 2000 readings. The readings are stored in first-in-first-out order and the memory type is volatile, which means the stored readings will be cleared when the multimeter is power-off.
Page 94 Note: Each datum stored from M3500A to remote interface will be in ※ a first in and first out condition. Front Panel Operation Before using the reading memory feature, user needs to select a measurement function (or the math function) first and then select the trigger mode.
Page 95: Sensitivity Band (Hold)
To recall the stored readings, use the following steps: Press RECALL button, and the multimeter will display all the stored readings starting from the first reading. Use ◁ and ▷ or ▽and △ buttons to move from the first reading to the last reading the meter has stored.
Page 96: Scanning (Scan)
4.4.5 Scanning (Scan) User can purchase an optional internal scanner card to be used with M3500A as the following picture shown. This multipoint scanner card lets you switch and scan up to 10 channels of input signals. User can open...
Page 97 measurement readings and activate measuring through channels defined with different measurement functions. The measurements are taken through all defined channels in sequence. The scan count limits the total number of measurements the multimeter makes through all defined channels in one single scanning operation. The scan interval is the period of time the multimeter waits before it makes a measurement through the first defined channel.
Page 98 Common Mode Voltage: 350V peak between any terminal and earth. Maximum Voltage Between Any Two Terminals: 200V peak. Maximum Voltage Between Any Terminal and M3500A Input LO: 200V peak. ENVIRONMENTAL: Meets all M3500A environmental specifications. M3500A-opt01 Scanner Card Configuration & Speed List:...
Page 99 Speed of Scanner Card Measurement AutoZero OFF,AutoGain OFF,AutoRange OFF, Scan Timer=0,60Hz rate(ch/s) NPLC Take Time with 2000 Readings(sec) 29.4 (Fast 4.5) 0.02 single 27.0 (Slow 4.5 & Fast 5.5) 0.1 function(VDC) 19.0 (Slow 5.5 & Fast 6.5) 1 (Slow 6.5) 10 AutoZero OFF,AutoGain OFF,AutoRange OFF, Scan Timer=0,60Hz rate(ch/s) NPLC...
Page 100: Stepping (Step)
How to open and close the channels Press CONFIG + SHIFT + DIGITS for scanning configuration. Use ◁ and ▷ buttons to scroll through submenus. Press ENTER on “----” when you need to close a specific channel. Press ENTER again on “CHANNEL”. Use ◁...
Page 101 configure scan count, scan interval store measurement readings Press CONFIG + SHIFT + FILTER for scanning configuration. Use ◁ and buttons to scroll through submenus. Press ENTER to select ▷ “OPERATION” submenu. Use ◁ and ▷ to switch among scan count (COUNT), scan interval (TIMER) and store (STORE) options.
Page 102: Initial Mode
The section contains two selections: “DEFAULT” and “SAVE DATA”. You can select “SAVE DATE” to save the current configuration or select “DEFAULT” to restore the factory value after restarting M3500A. The valid range of “SAVE DATA” is listed in Table 4-5.
Page 103: Language
Press MENU and then use ◁ and ▷ to locate “SYSTEM” submenu. Press ENTER to select it. Again use ◁ and ▷ to locate “LANGUAGE” submenu. Press ENTER to select it. Use ◁ and ▷ to switch to DEFAULT (M3500A) or COMPATIBLE. Press ENTER on your selection. The locations of the buttons are shown with red rectangle frames in Figure 4-34.
Page 104: Firmware Revision
The locations of the buttons are shown with red rectangle frames in Figure 4-35. Figure 4-35 4.4.10 Firmware Revision M3500A has three microprocessors for various internal systems. You can query the multimeter to determine which revision of firmware is installed for each microprocessor. How to check the firmware revision Press MENU and then use ◁...
Page 105: Calibration
Figure 4-36 4.4.11 Calibration M3500A will show the latest calibrated date and the next calibration date on the display after following the operation below. The location of the buttons is shown with red rectangle frames in Figure 4-37. How to see the calibration information Press MENU then locate “CALIBRATE”...
Page 106: Self-Test
4.4.12 Self-test Self-test procedures are built in M3500A for checking that the logic and measurement hardware are functioning properly. Every time when the multimeter is powered on, a set of test procedures is performed to make sure the basic function of the multimeter works properly. If any error occurs during self-test procedures, it indicates that parts of the multimeter are not operating properly and need to be serviced.
Page 107 error codes will be stored. You can check the error codes by the following procedure. → → Procedure: MENU SYSTEM ERROR The descriptions of self-test procedures are listed below including test number, purpose, test setup, and failure criteria. 601 Front panel does not respond The main CPU U1601 attempts to establish serial communications with the front panel processor U3.
Page 108 × ± gain 1 amplifier. The limit of gain tolerance is 0.005. 610 DC gain x10 failed This procedure is to test the tolerance of DC × ± gain 10 amplifier. The limit of gain tolerance is 0.05. 611 DC gain x100 failed This procedure is to test the tolerance of DC ×...
Page 109 617 Ohms 100 uA source failed This test configures to the 1000V dc range with the internal 10M 100:1 divider R204 connected across the μ input. The 100 A ohms current source is connected. The compliance limit of the current source is measured. A 20ms ADC measurement is ±...
Page 110: Remote Interface Operations
5.1 Pass/Fail Output From USB Connector The USB connector on the rear panel of M3500A is a series “B” connector. When the USB interface is disabled (IEEE-488 interface is selected), the internal pass and fail TTL output signals (limit testing) will be connected to the USB connector.
Page 111: Setting Up For Remote Interface
USB or GBIP interface. How to set up for USB interface The USB cord should be connected well between M3500A and your PC. Install the M3500A application in your PC and execute the program. Click Tool tab for Command Control, then type in your command.
Page 112: Remote Interface Commands
How to set up for GPIB interface Insert GPIB interface card into the interface slot on the rear panel. Install the M3500A application in your PC and execute the program. Click Tool tab for Command Control, then type in your command. The icons and buttons are shown with red rectangle frames in Figures 5-1, 5-2 and 5-3.
Page 113 and send the result to the output buffer. MEASure: VOLTage:DC? {<range>|MIN|MAX|DEF},{<resolution>|MIN|MAX|DEF} VOLTage:DC:RATio? {<range>|MIN|MAX|DEF },{<resolution>|MIN|MAX|DEF} VOLTage:AC? {<range>|MIN|MAX|DEF},{<resolution>|MIN|MAX|DEF} CURRent:DC? {<range>|MIN|MAX|DEF},{<resolution>|MIN|MAX|DEF} CURRent:AC? {<range>|MIN|MAX|DEF},{<resolution>|MIN|MAX|DEF} RESistance? {<range>|MIN|MAX|DEF},{<resolution>|MIN|MAX|DEF} FRESistance? {<range>|MIN|MAX|DEF},{<resolution>|MIN|MAX|DEF} FREQuency? {<range>|MIN|MAX|DEF},{<resolution>|MIN|MAX|DEF} PERiod? {<range>|MIN|MAX|DEF},{<resolution>|MIN|MAX|DEF} CONTinuity? DIODe? TCOuple TEMPerature? The CONFigure Command The CONFigure command offers a little more flexibility than the MEASure? Command.
Page 114 TCOuple TEMPerature CONFigure? The READ? Command The READ? Command changes the state of the trigger system from the “idle” state to the “wait-for-trigger” state. When the specified trigger condition requirements are met after the multimeter receives the READ? command, the measurement will be initiated. The results are sent to the output buffer right away.
Page 115 FUNCtion “VOLTage:DC” FUNCtion “VOLTage:DC:RATio” FUNCtion “VOLTage:AC” FUNCtion “CURRent:DC” FUNCtion “CURRent:AC” FUNCtion “RESistance” (2-wire Ω) FUNCtion “FRESistance” (4-wire Ω) FUNCtion “FREQuency” FUNCtion “PERiod” FUNCtion “CONTinuity” FUNCtion “DIODe” FUNCtion “TCOuple” FUNCtion “TEMPerature” FUNCtion? [SENSe:] VOLTage:DC:RANGe {<range>|MINimum|MAXimum} VOLTage:DC:RANGe? [MINimum|MAXimum] VOLTage:AC:RANGe {<range>|MINimum|MAXimum} VOLTage:AC:RANGe? [MINimum|MAXimum] CURRent:DC:RANGe {<range>|MINimum|MAXimum} CURRent:DC:RANGe? [MINimum|MAXimum] CURRent:AC:RANGe {<range>|MINimum|MAXimum}...
Page 116 VOLTage:AC:RANGe:AUTO? CURRent:DC:RANGe:AUTO {OFF|ON} CURRent:DC:RANGeAUTO? CURRent:AC:RANGe:AUTO {OFF|ON} CURRent:AC:RANGe:AUTO? RESistance:RANGe:AUTO {OFF|ON} RESistance:RANGe:AUTO? FRESistance:RANGe:AUTO {OFF|ON} FRESistance:RANGe:AUTO? FREQuency:VOLTage:RANGe:AUTO {OFF|ON} FREQuency:VOLTage:RANGe:AUTO? PERiod:VOLTage:RANGe:AUTO {OFF|ON} PERiod:VOLTage:RANGe:AUTO? [SENSe:] VOLTage:DC:RESolution {<resolution>|MINimum|MAXimum} VOLTage:DC:RESolution? [MINimum|MAXimum] VOLTage:AC:RESolution {<resolution>|MINimum|MAXimum} VOLTage:AC:RESolution? [MINimum|MAXimum] CURRent:DC:RESolution {<resolution>|MINimum|MAXimum} CURRent:DC:RESolution? [MINimum|MAXimum] CURRent:AC:RESolution {<resolution>|MINimum|MAXimum} CURRent:AC:RESolutioin? [MINimum|MAXimum] RESistance:RESolution {<resolution>|MINimum|MAXimum} RESistance:RESolution? [MINimum|MAXimum] FRESistance:RESolution {<resolution>|MINimum|MAXimum} FRESistance:RESolution? [MINimum|MAXimum] [SENSe:]...
Page 117 TCOuple:RJUNction:REAL:OFFSet {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} TCOuple:RJUNction:REAL:OFFSet? [MINimum|MAXimum] [SENSe:] TEMPerature:RTD:TYPE {PT100|D100|F100|PT385|PT3916|USER|SPRTD|NTCT} TEMPerature:RTD:TYPE? TEMPerature:RTD:RZERo {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} TEMPerature:RTD:RZERo? [MINimum|MAXimum] TEMPerature:RTD:ALPHa {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} TEMPerature:RTD:ALPHa? [MINimum|MAXimum] TEMPerature:RTD:BETA {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} TEMPerature:RTD:BETA? [MINimum|MAXimum] TEMPerature:RTD:DELTa {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} TEMPerature:RTD:DELTa? [MINimum|MAXimum] TEMPerature:SPRTD:RZERo {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} TEMPerature:SPRTD:RZERo? [MINimum|MAXimum] TEMPerature:SPRTD:A4 {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} TEMPerature:SPRTD:A4? [MINimum|MAXimum] TEMPerature:SPRTD:B4 {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} TEMPerature:SPRTD:B4? [MINimum|MAXimum] TEMPerature:SPRTD:AX {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} TEMPerature:SPRTD:AX? [MINimum|MAXimum] TEMPerature:SPRTD:BX {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} TEMPerature:SPRTD:BX? [MINimum|MAXimum] TEMPerature:SPRTD:CX {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum}...
Page 118 FRESistance:NPLCycles? [MINimum|MAXimum] [SENSe:] FREQuency:APERture {0.01|0.1|1|MINimum|MAXimum} FREQuency:APERture? [MINimum|MAXimum] PERiod:APERture {0.01|0.1|1|MINimum|MAXimum} PERiod:APERture? [MINimum|MAXimum] [SENSe:] DETector:BANDwidth {3|20|200|MINimum|MAXimum} DETector:BANDwidth? [MINimum|MAXimum] [SENSe:] AVERage:TCONtrol {MOVing|REPeat} AVERage:TCONtrol? AVERage:COUNt {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} AVERage:COUNt? [MINimum|MAXimum] AVERage:STATe {OFF|ON} AVERage:STATe? [SENSe:] ZERO:AUTO {OFF|ONCE|ON} ZERO:AUTO? GAIN:AUTO {OFF|ONCE|ON} GAIN:AUTO? INPut: IMPedance:AUTO {OFF|ON} IMPedance:AUTO? Scanner Card Configuration Commands ROUTe:CLOSe <channel>...
Page 119 “FREQuency”|“RESistance”|“FRESistance”|“NONE”} ROUTe:SCAN:FUNC? <channel> ROUTe:SCAN:TIMER? ROUTe:SCAN:TIMER <value> ROUTe:SCAN:COUNT? ROUTe:SCAN:COUNT <value> ROUTe:SCAN:STATe? ROUTe:SCAN:SCAN ROUTe:SCAN:STEP MATH OPERATION Commands There are eight math operations. Only one of them can be enabled at a time. They either store data for later use or perform mathematical operations on the readings.
Page 120 DATA:FEED RDG_STORE,{“CALCulate”|””} DATA:FEED? TRIGGERING M3500A provides a variety of trigger operations for user. User can select a trigger mode, a trigger source and different trigger settings for a specific measurement. Refer to Figure 4-8 for triggering system flow chart. Triggering from a remote interface is a multi-step sequence. You must first configure the mulitmeter by choosing the desired function, range and resolution.
Page 121 The multimeter accepts a trigger only when it is in the “wait-for-trigger” state. When you have finished configuring the multimeter and have selected a trigger source, you need to place the multimeter in the “wait-for-trigger” state so it will take the trigger and make the measurement.
Page 122 READ? DISPlay {OFF|ON} DISPlay? DISPlay: TEXT <quoted string> TEXT? TEXT:CLEar SYSTem: BEEPer BEEPer:STATe {OFF|ON} BEEPer:STATe? SYSTem:ERRor? SYSTem:VERSion? DATA:POINts? SYSTEM:IDNSTR “MANUFACTURER,PRODUCT” *RST *IDN?
Page 123 STATUS REPORTING Commands SYSTem:ERRor? STATus: QUEStionable:ENABle <enable value> QUEStionable:ENABle? QUEStionable:EVENt? STATus:PRESet *CLS *ESE <enable value> *ESE? *ESR? *OPC *OPC? *PSC {0|1} *PSC? *SRE <enable value> *SRE? *STB? Other Interface Commands SYSTem:LOCal SYSTem:REMote IEEE-488.2 COMMON Commands *CLS *ESE <enable value> *ESE? *ESR? *IDN? *OPC...
Page 124 *RST *SRE <enable value> *SRE? *STB? *TRG...
Page 125: Error Messages
Errors are retrieved in first-in-first-out (FIFO) order. The first error returned is the first error that was stored. When user has read all errors from the queue, the ERROR annunciator turns off. M3500A beeps once each time an error occurs.
Page 126 -104 Data type error A parameter type error was found in the command string. -105 GET not allowed A Group Execute Trigger (GET) is not allowed in the command string. -108 Parameter not allowed More parameters were found than needed for the command . -109 Missing parameter Not enough parameters were received for the command.
Page 127 -148 Character not allowed A discrete parameter was received but a character string or a numeric parameter was expected. -151 Invalid string data An invalid character string was received. -158 String data not allowed A character string was received but not allowed for the command. -160~-168 Block data errors Block data is not acceptable.
Page 128 -222 Data out of range A numeric parameter value is out of range. -223 Too much data A character string was too long. -224 Illegal parameter value A discrete parameter was received which was not a valid choice for the command.
Page 129 531 Insufficient memory There is not enough memory to store the requested number of readings in internal memory using the INITiate command. The product of the sample count (SAMPle:COUNt) and the trigger count (TRIGger:COUNt) must not exceed 512 readings. 532 Cannot achieve requested resolution The multimeter cannot achieve the requested measurement resolution.
Page 130: Appendix
Appendix This appendix contains the performance specifications of the M3500A. It covers the AC, DC, Resistance, Temperature, and Frequency/Period characteristics under a variety of conditions. It also contains the general characteristics and accuracy calculations for your convenience. A lot of efforts are made to make sure these specifications serve your needs for production, engineering and/or research purposes.
Page 131 1 Year Shunt Function Range Resolution Resistance (23°C ± 5°C) 10.000000mA 10 nA 5.1Ω 0.050 + 0.020 100.00000mA 100 nA 5.1Ω 0.050 + 0.005 1.000000A 1 uA 0.1Ω 0.100 + 0.010 Current) 3.00000A 10 uA 0.1Ω 0.120 + 0.020 1 Year Function Range Test Current...
Page 132 Frequency and Period Characteristics Accuracy ± (% of reading) 1 Year Function Frequency (Hz) Range 23º C±5º C 0.10 100mV Frequency 5-10 0.05 & 10-40 0.03 Period 750V 40-300K 0.01 AC Characteristics Accuracy ± (% of reading + % of range) 1 Year Frequency Function...
Page 133 10-20K 0.06 + 0.04 20-50K 0.12 + 0.05 50K – 100K 0.60 + 0.08 100K – 300K 4.00 + 0.50 1.00 + 0.03 5-10 0.35 + 0.03 1.000000V 10-20K 0.06 + 0.03 1.0 uV 20-50K 0.12 + 0.05 750.000V 50K – 100K 0.60 + 0.08 100K –...
Page 134: General Specifications
B. General Specifications item Limitation & description 100V/120V/220V/240V ± 10% Power Supply 50/60 Hz ± 10% Power Line Frequency Power Consumption 25 VA peak (16 W average) 0 ℃ to 50 ℃ Operating Temperature Maximum relative humidity 80% for Operating Humidity temperature up to 31 ℃...
Page 135: Remote Interface Reference
C. Remote Interface Reference C.1 An Introduction to the SCPI Language SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) is an ASCII-based instrument command language designed for test and measurement instruments. Refer “Simplified Programming Overview,” for an introduction to the basic techniques used to program the multimeter over the remote interface.
Page 136 keywords. A colon ( : ) separates a command keyword from a lower-level keyword. Command Format Used in This Manual The format used to show commands in this manual is shown below: VOLTage:DC:RANGe {<range>|MINimum|MAXimum} The command syntax shows most commands (and some parameters) as a mixture of upper- and lower-case letters.
Page 137 Instead of selecting a specific voltage range, you can substitute MIN to set the range to its minimum value or MAX to set the range to its maximum value. Querying Parameter Settings You can query the current value of most parameters by adding a question mark ( ? ) to the command.
Page 138 IEEE-488.2 Common Commands The IEEE-488.2 standard defines a set of common commands that perform functions like reset, self-test, and status operations. Common commands always begin with an asterisk ( * ), are four to five characters in length, and may include one or more parameters. The command keyword is separated from the first parameter by a blank space.
Page 139: Output Data Formats
“ON” or “1”. When you query a boolean setting, the instrument will always return “0” or “1”. The following command uses a boolean parameter: INPut:IMPedance:AUTO {OFF|ON} String Parameters String parameters can contain virtually any set of ASCII characters. A string must begin and end with matching quotes; either with a single quote or with a double quote.
Page 140: The Measure? Command
C.3 The MEASure? Command MEASure:VOLTage:DC? {<range>|MIN|MAX|DEF},{<resolution>|MIN|MAX|DEF} Preset and make a dc voltage measurement with the specified range and resolution. The reading is sent to the output buffer. MEASure:VOLTage:DC:RATio? {<range>|MIN|MAX|DEF },{<resolution>|MIN|MAX|DEF} Preset and make a dc:dc ratio measurement with the specified range and resolution.
Page 141: The Configure Command
resolution. The reading is sent to the output buffer. For frequency measurements, the meter uses only one “range” for all inputs between 3Hz and 300kHz. With no input signal applied, frequency measurements return “0”. MEASure:PERiod? {<range>|MIN|MAX|DEF},{<resolution>|MIN|MAX|DEF} Preset and make a period measurement with the specified range and resolution. The reading is sent to the output buffer.
Page 142 measurement. The specified range applies to the source signal and autorange is selected for the reference signal. CONFigure:VOLTage:AC {<range>|MIN|MAX|DEF},{<resolution>|MIN|MAX|DEF} Preset and configure the multimeter for AC voltage measurements with the specified range and resolution. This command does not initiate the measurement.
Page 143: The Measurement Configuration Command
CONFigure:PERiod {<range>|MIN|MAX|DEF},{<resolution>|MIN|MAX|DEF} Preset and configure a period measurement with the specified range and resolution. This command does not initiate the measurement. For period measurements, the meter uses only one “range” for all inputs between 0.33 seconds and 3.3 µsec. With no input signal applied, period measurements return “0”. CONFigure:CONTinuity Preset and configure for a continuity measurement.
Page 144 [SENSe:]FUNCtion? Query the measurement function and return a quoted string. [SENSe:]<function>:RANGe {<range>|MINimum|MAXimum} Select a range for the selected function. For frequency and period measurements, range applies signal’s input voltage, frequency (use FREQuency:VOLTage or PERiod:VOLTage). MIN selects the lowest range for the selected function. MAX selects the highest range. [SENSe:]<function>:RANGe? [MINimum|MAXimum] Query the range for the selected function.
Page 145 [SENSe:]TCOuple:TYPE {E|J|K|N|R|S|T} Select thermocouple sensor type. [SENSe:]TCOuple:TYPE? Query thermocouple sensor type. [SENSe:]TCOuple:RJUNction:RSELect {REAL|SIMulated } Select a reference junction type, real or simulated. [SENSe:]TCOuple:RJUNction:RSELect? Query the reference junction type, real or simulated. [SENSe:]TCOuple:RJUNction:SIMulated {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} Set the default temperature of the simulated reference junction. [SENSe:]TCOuple:RJUNction:SIMulated? Query the default temperature of the simulated reference junction.
Page 146 [SENSe:]TEMPerature:RTD:ALPHa? [MINimum|MAXimum] Query the alpha constant for the user type. [SENSe:]TEMPerature:RTD:BETA {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} Set the beta constant for the user type. [SENSe:]TEMPerature:RTD:BETA? [MINimum|MAXimum] Query the beta constant for the user type. [SENSe:]TEMPerature:RTD:DELTa {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} Set the delta constant for the user type. [SENSe:]TEMPerature:RTD:DELTa? [MINimum|MAXimum] Query the delta constant for the user type.
Page 147 Query the A coefficient. [SENSe:]TEMPerature:SPRTD:BX {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} Set the B coefficient. [SENSe:]TEMPerature:SPRTD:BX? [MINimum|MAXimum] Query the B coefficient. [SENSe:]TEMPerature:SPRTD:CX {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} Set the C coefficient. [SENSe:]TEMPerature:SPRTD:CX? [MINimum|MAXimum] Query the C coefficient. [SENSe:]TEMPerature:SPRTD:DX {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} Set the D coefficient. [SENSe:]TEMPerature:SPRTD:DX? [MINimum|MAXimum] Query the D coefficient. [SENSe:]TEMPerature:TRANsducer FRTD Set the RTD Measurement to 4-Wire.
Page 148 [SENSe:]FREQuency:APERture? [MINimum|MAXimum] Query the gate time (or aperture time) for frequency function. [SENSe:]PERiod:APERture{0.01|0.1|1|MINimum|MAXimum} Set the gate time (or aperture time) for period function. Specify 10 ms (4.5 digits), 100 ms (default; 5.5 digits), or 1 second (6.5 digits). [SENSe:]PERiod:APERture? [MINimum|MAXimum] Query the gate time (or aperture time) for period function.
Page 149 100mV, 1V and 10V ranges. With AUTO OFF, the input resistance is fixed at 10MΩ for all ranges. INPut:IMPedance:AUTO? Query the input resistance mode. Returns “1”(ON) or “0”(OFF). ROUTe:TERMinals? Query the multimeter to determine if the front or rear input terminals are selected.
Page 150: The Math Operation Command
ROUTe:SCAN:COUNT? Read the number of times of scanning. ROUTe:SCAN:COUNT <value> Set the number of times of scanning. ROUTe:SCAN:STATe? Query a channel numeric which is being scanned. ROUTe:SCAN:SCAN Run SCAN mode ROUTe:SCAN:STEP Run STEP mode C.6 The Math Operation Command CALCulate:FUNCtion {PERCent|AVERage|NULL|LIMit|MXB|DB|DBM} Select the math function.
Page 151 CALCulate:PERCent:TARGet? [MINimum|MAXimum] Query the target value for percent math function. CALCulate:AVERage:MINimum? Read the minimum value found during the Min/Max operation. The multimeter clears the value when Min/Max is turned on, when the power has been off or a remote interface reset. CALCulate:AVERage:MAXimum? Read the maximum value found during the Min/Max operation.
Page 152 CALCulate:LIMit:UPPer {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} Set the upper limit for limit testing. You can set the value to any number from 0 ± 120% of the highest range, for the present function. CALCulate:LIMit:UPPer? Query the upper limit for the limit testing. CALCulate:MXB:MMFactor {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} Set the value of M.
Page 153: The Triggering Commands
when INITiate is executed. The MEASure? And CONFigure commands automatically select “CALC”. With memory disabled (DATA:FEED RDG_STORE,“”), readings taken using INITiate are not stored. This may be useful with the Min/Max operation since it allows you to determine an average of the readings without storing the individual values.
Page 154: The System-Related Commands
signal and each sample that follows. Specify a delay time from 0 to 3600 seconds. TRIGger:DELay? Query the trigger delay time. TRIGger:DELay:AUTO {OFF|ON} Disable or enable a automatic trigger delay. The delay is determined by function, range, integration time, and ac filter setting. Specifying a delay time automatically turns off the automatic trigger delay.
Page 155 READ? Change the state of the triggering system from the “idle” state to “wait-for-trigger” state. The meter will start to make measurements when a required triggering condition is met after the READ? command is received. Measurement readings are sent to the output buffer immediately. DISPlay {OFF|ON} Turn off or on the display.
Page 156 SYSTem:VERSion? Query the present SCPI version. Set to the default identification string. Set to the compatible identification string. SYSTEM:IDNSTR "Manufacturer,Product" Change the multimeter’s identification string, such as the maker’s and the product’s names (be sure to dimension a string variable with at most 39 characters).
Page 157: Status Reporting Commands
C.9 Status Reporting Commands SYSTem:ERRor? Query the multimeter’s error queue. Up to 20 errors can be stored in the queue. Errors are retrieved in first-in-first out (FIFO) order. Each error string may contain up to 80 characters. STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle <enable value> Enable bits in the Questionable Data enable register.
Page 158 value which corresponds to the binary-weighted sum of all bits set in the register. *OPC Sets the “operation complete” bit (bit 0) in the Standard Event register after the command is executed. *OPC? Returns “1” to the output buffer after the command is executed. *PSC {0|1} Power-on status clear.
Page 159: Scpi Compliance Information
C.10 SCPI Compliance Information This section encloses a list of commands that are device-specific to the M3500A. Although not included in the 1999.0 version of the SCPI standard, these commands are designed with the SCPI format in mind and they follow all of the syntax rules of the standard.
Page 160: Ieee-488 Compliance Information
AVERage:MAXimum? AVERage:AVERage? AVERage:COUNt? NULL:OFFSet {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} NULL:OFFSet? [MINimum|MAXimum] LIMit:LOWer {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} LIMit:LOWer? [MINimum|MAXimum] LIMit:UPPer {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} LIMit:UPPer? [MINimum|MAXimum] MXB:MMFactor {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} MXB:MMFactor? [MINimum|MAXimum] MXB:MBFactor {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} MXB:MBFactor? [MINimum|MAXimum] DB:REFerence {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} DB:REFerence? [MINimum|MAXimum] DBM:REFerence {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} DBM:REFerence? [MINimum|MAXimum] CONFigure: CONTinuity DIODe INPut: IMPedance:AUTO {OFF|ON} IMPedance:AUTO? C.11 IEEE-488 Compliance Information IEEE-488.2 Common Commands *CLS *ESE <enable value>...
Page 161: Using Device Clear To Halt Measurements
*PSC? *RST *SRE <enable value> *SRE? *STB? *TRG Dedicated Hardware Lines Addressed Commands Attention Interface Clear Remote Enable Service Request Interrupt Device Clear End or Identify Message Terminator Group Execute Trigger Go to Local Local Lock-Out Selected Device Clear Serial Poll Disable Serial Poll Enable Using Device Clear to Halt Measurements...
Page 162: Talk Only For Printers
Device clear is an IEEE-488 low-level bus message which can be used to halt measurements in progress. Different programming languages and IEEE-488 interface cards provide access to this capability through their own unique commands. The status registers, the error queue, and all configuration states are left unchanged when a device clear message is received.
Page 163: About Application Programs
Visual Basic: Explore the Samples. Visual C++ In an MFC application, you can override PICOTEST IOUtils interfaces in a class as well as provide additional interfaces. The example in this article illustrates how to override an interface in a class while preserving the original interface implementation so that it can be delegated to by the new interface implementation.
Page 164 For Windows Applications projects, only forms or classes with a Public Sub Main procedure are available as Startup objects unless you check the Startup with custom Sub Main checkbox; when this option is checked, you must add code in the Sub Main procedure for the form. ※...
Page 165 If (stat < VI_SUCCESS) Then 'Rem Error initializing VISA ... exiting MsgBox "USBTMC resource not found.", vbExclamation, "M3500 multimeter device test" Exit Sub End If Rem Find all M3500 USBTMC instruments in the system stat = viFindRsrc(dfltRM, "USB[0-9]*::0x164E::0x0DAD::?*INSTR", fList, nList, desc) If (stat <...
Page 166 MsgBox "System command error. (*CLS)", vbExclamation, "M3500 multimeter device test" stat = viClose(fList) Exit Sub End If Rem send measure command -- Set to 0.1 volt dc range stat = viWrite(sesn, "meas:volt:DC? 0.1,0.01", 22, ret) If (stat < VI_SUCCESS) Then MsgBox "System command error.
Page 167: Using Configure With A Math Operation
stat = viClose(dfltRM) MsgBox "End of Job." End Sub Using CONFigure with a Math Operation The following example uses CONFigure with the dBm math operation. The CONFigure command gives you a little more programming flexibility than the MEASure? command. This allows you to “incrementally”...
Page 168 stat = viOpenDefaultRM(dfltRM) If (stat < VI_SUCCESS) Then 'Rem Error initializing VISA ... exiting MsgBox "USBTMC resource not found.", vbExclamation, "M3500 multimeter device test" Exit Sub End If Rem Find all M3500 USBTMC instruments in the system stat = viFindRsrc(dfltRM, "USB[0-9]*::0x164E::0x0DAD::?*INSTR", fList, nList, desc) If (stat <...
Page 169 Rem send command -- Select 200 Hz (fast) ac filter stat = viWrite(sesn, "DET:BAND 200", 12, ret) If (stat < VI_SUCCESS) Then MsgBox "System command error.", vbExclamation, "M3500 multimeter device test" stat = viClose(fList) Exit Sub End If Rem send command -- kM3500 will accept 5 triggers stat = viWrite(sesn, "SAMP:COUN 5", 11, ret) If (stat <...
Page 170 C++ DEVQUERY Sample Application This C sample application is a Win32 console application. It illustrates how to use the PICOTEST IOUtils COM. A Win32 console application is a Win32 application which uses text-based input and output, not a graphical interface.
Page 171 #include "stdafx.h" #include "visa.h" //standard include for a Microsoft Visual C++ project #include "stdio.h" #include "windows.h" void main(int argc, char* argv[]) // TODO: Add your control notification handler code here HINSTANCE hUSBTMCLIB; // for USBTMC HANDLE unsigned long m_defaultRM_usbtmc, m_instr_usbtmc; unsigned long m_findList_usbtmc;...
Page 172 signed long (__stdcall *PviFindRsrc_usb) (unsigned long sesn, char *expr, unsigned long *vi, unsigned long *retCnt, char far desc[]); signed long (__stdcall *PviOpen_usb) (unsigned long sesn, char *name, unsigned long mode, unsigned long timeout, unsigned long *vi); signed long (__stdcall *PviClose_usb) (unsigned long vi);...
Page 173 PviRead_usb = (signed long (__stdcall*)(unsigned long, unsigned char*, unsigned long, unsigned long*))GetProcAddress(hUSBTMCLIB, (LPCSTR)"viRead"); PviSetAttribute_usb = (signed long (__stdcall*)(unsigned long, unsigned long, unsigned long))GetProcAddress(hUSBTMCLIB, (LPCSTR)"viSetAttribute"); if (PviOpenDefaultRM_usb == NULL || PviFindRsrc_usb == NULL || PviClose_usb == NULL || PviOpen_usb == NULL || PviWrite_usb == NULL || PviRead_usb...
Page 174 else // Find the USBTMC device USB[0-9]*::0x164E::0x0DAD::?*INSTR ( Hex ) status PviFindRsrc_usb (m_defaultRM_usbtmc, "USB[0-9]*::0x164E::0x0DAD::?*INSTR", &m_findList_usbtmc, &m_nCount, instrDescriptor); if (status < 0L) Find USBTMC device USB[0-9]*::0x164E::0x0DAD::?*INSTR ( Dec ) status PviFindRsrc_usb (m_defaultRM_usbtmc, "USB[0-9]*::5710::3501::?*INSTR", &m_findList_usbtmc, &m_nCount, instrDescriptor); if (status < 0L) PviClose_usb(m_defaultRM_usbtmc); hUSBTMCLIB = NULL;...
Page 175 if (!hUSBTMCLIB) printf("M3500 device connect failed.\n"); return; // Write command "*IDN?" and read the M3500 identification string len = 64; pStrout = new char[len]; ZeroMemory(pStrout, len); strcpy(pStrout, "*idn?"); status = PviWrite_usb(m_instr_usbtmc, (unsigned char *)pStrout, 6, &nWritten); Sleep(30); if (status != VI_SUCCESS) MessageBox(NULL, "Write to device error.", "M3500 multimeter device test", MB_OK);...
Page 176 buffer[len] = pStrin[len]; buffer[nRead] = '\0'; printf(" input : %s\n\n",buffer); // Set sample count to 1 strcpy(pStrout, "SAMP:COUN 1"); status = PviWrite_usb(m_instr_usbtmc, (unsigned char *)pStrout, 12, &nWritten); Sleep(30); // Set configure Voltage AC, range 0.1A strcpy(pStrout, "CONF:VOLT:AC 0.1,0.01"); status = PviWrite_usb(m_instr_usbtmc, (unsigned char *)pStrout, 22, &nWritten);...
Page 177 (!hUSBTMCLIB) return; m_nCount = 0; m_defaultRM_usbtmc = 0; FreeLibrary (hUSBTMCLIB); hUSBTMCLIB = NULL; return; Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com Back to the PICOTEST M3500A page Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176 FAX 781.665.0780 - TestEquipmentDepot.com...

Picotest M3500A User Manual

Quick Links

Need help?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for Picotest M3500A

Summary of Contents for Picotest M3500A

Table of Contents