Description; Thermal True-Rms Conversion; Microprocessor Control; Software Calibration - Fluke 8506A Instruction Manual

8506A
Section
1
ntroduction
&
Specifications
1-1.
INTRODUCTION
1-2.
This
eight-section
manual
provides comprehensive
information
for
installing,
operating
and maintaining
your Fluke
digital
multimeter.
Complete
descriptions
and
instructions are included
for the
instrument
mainframe,
for
all
modules
necessary
in
making
thermal true-rms
and
dc
volts
measurements, and
for
any
optional
modules
ordered with the instrument.
Appropriate
sectionalized
information
is
included with
any
optional
modules
subsequently ordered
and
may
be
inserted in
Section
6.
1-3.
DESCRIPTION
1-4.
The
multimeter
features
6-1
/
2
digit
resolution,
full
annunciation
and
simplicity of operation.
Modular
construction,
microprocessor
control,
and
a bus
structure
provide excellent
flexibility.
Memory
programming from
the front panel
(or
through
a
remote
interface)
controls
all
measurement
parameters, mathematical operations
and
special operations.
The
standard hardware configuration
allows for
measurement
of
thermal true-rms
volts
on
eight
ranges
and
dc
volts in five
ranges.
An
averaging
mode
is
available to automatically optimize display
resolution
and
stability
for
each range
in
dc
volts,
resistance,
and
dc current
functions.
Extended
resolution
is
also available in
the ac volts function. Optional
modules
are available for
dc
current
(five
ranges),
and
resistance (eight ranges) in
two-wire
or four-wire
arrangements.
1-5.
Thermal
True-RMS
Conversion
1
-6.
The
thermal true-rms
feature
allows
the
operator
to
measure
the true-rms value of
an
ac signal
at
accuracies of
up
to
.012% with
a
reading
rate
of
one
every
six
seconds.
This response time
compares
favorably with that of
existing
thermal
transfer
standards which can take
up
to
five
minutes
to
complete
a
measurement.
1-7.
Modular Construction
1-8.
Considerable
versatility
is
realized
through unique
modular
construction. All active
components
are
contained
in
modules which
plug
into a
mainframe
motherboard.
This
module-to-motherboard
mating,
combined with bus
architecture
and
microprocessor
control, yields ease of option
selection.
1-9.
Microprocessor Control
1-10.
All
modules
function
under
direct control of a
microprocessor based
controller.
Each module
is
addressed
by
the controller as
virtual
memory.
Scaling
factors
and
offset
values can be applied
separately, stored
in
memory, and
automatically used
as factors
in
all
subsequent
readings. Digital
filtering utilizes
averaged
samples
for
each
reading.
1-11.
Software
Calibration
1-12.
The 8506A
features microprocessor-controlled
calibration
of
all
ranges
and
functions.
Any
range can be
calibrated
using a reference input of any
known
value
from
60%
of range
to
full scale.
Software
calibration can
be
performed using front-panel or remote
control,
allowing
recertification
without opening
the case
or
removing
the
multimeter
from
the system.
1-13.
Recirculating
Remainder A/D
Conversion
1-14.
The
multimeter adapts
Fluke's patented
recirculating
remainder
(R
2
)
A/D
conversion technique
to
microprocessor
control. This
combination
provides
fast,
accurate, linear
measurements and
long-term
stability.
1-15.
Options and
Accessories
1-16.
Remote
interfaces,
a dc current converter,
and an
ohms
converter
are
among
the options
and
accessories
available for
use with
the
multimeter. Refer
to
Tables
i-i
and
1-2 for
complete
listings.
Any
one
of the three
Remote
Interface
modules (Option
05, 06,
or 07)
may
be
installed at
one
time.
1-17.
SPECIFICATIONS
1-18.
Mainframe
specifications for ac
volts,
dc
volts
and
dc
ratio
measurement
capability are
presented inTable
1-3.
Optional function specifications are supplied with the
respective
option
modules and
included
in
Section
6.
1-1