Valhalla Scientific 4300C Operation Manual

Programmable micro-ohmmeter

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4300C

Programmable Micro-Ohmmeter

Revision 64.1

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Page 1 4300C Programmable Micro-Ohmmeter Revision 64.1...
Page 3 The warranty period for this instrument is stated on your invoice and packing list. Please refer to these to determine appropriate warranty dates. We will repair the instrument during the warranty period provided it is returned to Valhalla Scientific, Inc. freight prepaid. No other warranty is expressed or implied.
Page 4 REMOVE POWER and do not use the product until safe operation can be verified by service-trained personnel. If necessary, return the product to Valhalla Scientific for service and repair to ensure that safety features are maintained.
Page 5: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents General Information ............................ 7 Instrument Description ..........................7 Instrument Identification ......................... 7 Safety Precautions ........................... 7 Unpacking and Installing ..........................8 Inspection ..............................8 Setting the Line Voltage ........................... 8 Fuse Selection ............................8 Rack Mounting ............................9 Specifications .............................
Page 6 HLC Relay Terminal ..........................19 RS-232 Connector ..........................19 Applying Power ............................20 Power-On Default Settings ........................20 Connecting a Load to the 4300C ......................21 Taking Standard Measurements ......................23 Setting the Range ..........................23 Test Current ............................23 Charging Inductor Mode ........................
Page 7 Remote and Local States ........................44 Local State ............................44 Remote State ............................. 44 Reading the Display Data ........................44 4300C Command Set for GPIB ....................... 45 Voltage Range ............................ 46 Test Current Range ..........................46 SRQ's and Serial Polls ......................... 46 Output Data Terminator ........................
Page 8 COMMAND INDEX ..........................52 Routine Maintenance ..........................67 General ..............................67 Required Test Equipment ........................67 Pre-Calibration Procedure ........................67 4300C Calibration Procedure ......................... 68 Standard Calibration .......................... 68 Sense Calibration ..........................68 Current Source Calibration ........................ 70 TCM Calibration ..........................71 Special Procedures .............................
Page 9: General Information
The Model 4300C is a unique instrument capable of handling even the toughest resistance measurement applications. The 4300C is designed to measure the low resistance of such items as coils, transformers, ballasts, heater elements, etc. Some features of the 4300C that give it an edge over competitive products are: •...
Page 10: Unpacking And Installing
If the unit fails to operate or fails to meet the performance specifications, notify the carrier's agent and the nearest Valhalla Sales Office. Retain the shipping carton for the carrier's inspection. DO NOT return equipment to Valhalla Scientific, Inc., or any of its sales offices prior to obtaining authorization to do so. Setting the Line Voltage The line voltage selection is preconfigured according to the country to which it is shipped or as specified by the customer.
Page 11: Rack Mounting
Rack Mounting Optional brackets are available for mounting the ohmmeter in a standard 19" equipment rack. The rack mount kit consists of two brackets plus 4 flat head screws. The brackets are easily installed on the front end of each side rail (see Figure 1). The kit is listed under accessories as RX-3 The size of the ohmmeter and the location of its center of gravity dictate that it must be supported on both sides along its entire length using trays or slides.
Page 12: Specifications
Specifications This section contains accuracy and operational specifications for the Model 4300C. The accuracy specifications are valid for a period of one year from the date of calibration at a temperature of 22°C to 28°C. Outside this range, the temperature coefficient specification applies.
Page 13: Temperature Compensator Mode Specifications
Temperature Compensator Mode Specifications Range Range Setting Accuracy 2mΩ 10A/20mV ±0.11 of reading ±0.0006mΩ 20mΩ 1A/20mV ±0.09 of reading ±0.006mΩ 200mΩ .1A/20mV ±0.09 of reading ±0.06mΩ 2Ω 10mA/20mV ±0.09 of reading ±0.0006Ω 20Ω 1mA/20mV ±0.09 of reading ±0.006mΩ 200Ω 0.1mA/20mV ±0.09 of reading ±0.06mΩ...
Page 14: Getting Started
This section covers the fundamentals of ohmmeter operation. This section will demonstrate how to use the ohmmeter's front & rear panel, how to make connections, and describes the display sections and messages. Before explaining how to make measurements, it is useful to define the sections of the front and rear panel of the 4300C.
Page 15: Front Panel
Front Panel The front panel of the 4300C can be broken down into nine parts. Figure 3 - Front Panel Sections On/Off Switch The power switch is a two position ON/OFF rocking switch, used to apply (ON position) or disconnect (OFF position) the AC power source from the internal circuitry of the ohmmeter.
Page 16: Range Selection And Test Current Key
Range Selection and Test Current Key Range Selection The 4300C has 3 voltage settings and 6 current ranges. The combination of the two result in 18 possible resistance measurement ranges. Voltage Setting 20mV 200mV 1) 2mΩ 7) 20mΩ 13) 200mΩ...
Page 17 ” key is used to set and/or view display update rate and intensity. PDATE The “HLC” key is used to enable or disable the 4300C’s internal “Multi-Range Dual Limit Comparator. Also used to set and/or view the limits used. The “A .”...
Page 18: Tc Mode Key And Sensor Receptacle
The SAFE LED is illuminated when the back-EMF is less than five volts. The Omni Compensator is an optional accessory to the 4300C. See Measurement Modes and Functions for more detail.
Page 19: Charging Inductor Mode
Charging Inductor Mode The Charging Inductor mode LED indicates when the standard current source compliance voltage of 7V is exceeded. In this situation the 4300C provides a booster shot more than 20V to reduce the settling time when a large inductive load is being measured.
Page 20: Rear Panel
Rear Panel The rear panel of the 4300C may vary from unit to unit according to the optional features installed. This section of the manual refers to the standard model without any optional features or modifications. If the 4300C that you are using features terminals or connectors not described in this section, please refer to the addendum section that may reference the particularities of your model.
Page 21: Power Connector
Replace blown fuses with their exact equivalent only Power Connector The 3-prong power connector on the rear panel of the ohmmeter is for the application of AC power to the instrument. The mating power cord is included with the instrument at time of purchase. HLC Relay Terminal The HLC relay terminal is internally wired to three relays which are active only when the HLC mode is selected.
Page 22: Applying Power
Applying Power Before applying power, please refer to safety precisions at the beginning of this manual. Turn on the ohmmeter by placing the front panel power switch in the ON position. If the ohmmeter does not turn on, verify that the instrument is connected to the power line. If line power is not the problem, remove the power cord and check the line power fuse and the line voltage selection switch settings.
Page 23: Connecting A Load To The 4300C
Connecting a Load to the 4300C The next step in using the ohmmeter is to connect to a load. Valhalla Scientific, Inc. offers several different test leads that can be used with the Model 4300C and other Valhalla ohmmeter models (see Accessories for a list of available test leads).
Page 24 For hard-to-reach surfaces, Valhalla Scientific offers three different sets of spring-loaded dual needle probes that differentiate in overall size and distance between the needles.
Page 25: Taking Standard Measurements
Test Current after each measurement or before disconnecting the load and/or leads from the instrument. Setting the Range The 4300C has 3 voltage settings and 6 current ranges. The combination of the two result in 18 possible resistance measurement ranges. Voltage Setting...
Page 26: Charging Inductor Mode
The Charging Inductor mode LED indicates when the standard current source compliance voltage of 7V is exceeded. In this situation the 4300C provides a booster shot more than 20V to reduce the settling time when a large inductive load is being measured. The display readings should be ignored when this LED is illuminated.
Page 27: Measurement Modes And Functions
Measurement Modes and Functions The main characteristic of the 4300C is the 4-wire resistance measurements. In addition to standard measurements, the 4300C includes the TCM and HLC modes. These features may significantly ease time and cost of temperature sensitive and automated selection applications.
Page 28: Omni Compensator
Temperature Sensor standard with the ohmmeter and must be purchased separately. If the 4300C and the Omni Compensator are purchased at the same time, the pair will be calibrated together. Each instrument should have a dedicated sensor. The user cannot interchange sensors between different ohmmeters without prior calibration.
Page 29: Tcs - Temperature Compensator Setup
TCS – Temperature Compensator Setup As earlier mentioned, the 4300C needs to reference a temperature coefficient and a temperature reference to calculate the compensated value. Stored in the instrument’s memory are six configurations that can be selected. The table below illustrates the values associated to each of the configurations.
Page 30: Tcc - Temperature Compensator Calibration
The screen will display a brief message and the instrument will return to the standard measurement mode. TCC – Temperature Compensator Calibration This procedure is used to match a 4300C with its Omni Compensator. Verify that the instrument is in a temperature-controlled area. Press “F .
Page 31: Hlc" - Hi-Lo Comparator Mode
A common application is receiving inspection of precision resistors by unskilled operators using the HLC mode. If, for example, the resistors to be inspected and tested are 1 KΩ ± 0.1%, the 4300C would be set on the 2kΩ range; the upper limit would be set at 1.0010kΩ, and the lower limit to 0.9990kΩ. If measured resistance is within these limits, the GREEN indicator will remain illuminated, indicating a within tolerance condition.
Page 32: Setting The Limits
Setting the Limits Each range has a different set of limits that can be programmed by the user. Table 6 lists the default values programmed for each range. Once the user sets new values, the default settings will be overwritten, and the user settings will be stored in memory.
Page 33: Hlc On
HLC ON To start working with the HLC mode, simply select the correct range for your load and press the “HLC”. The screen will briefly display “HLC ON”. The instrument will also perform an LED check-sequence. Make sure that all three of the HLC LEDs illuminate. After the LED check-sequence, only one of the three HLC LEDs will remain illuminated.
Page 34: Display Intensity
Display Intensity The intensity of the display is broken down into 8 levels, where level 1 is the least intense and level 8 is the most intense. Setting the Display Update Rate and Intensity To change the display update rate and the display intensity: Press “F .
Page 35: Run/Hold Function
Run/Hold Function The Run/Hold function of the 4300C can be configured in three different ways: RUN/HOLD When configured for Run/Hold, pressing the “R /Hold” key will freeze the readings on the display. The function window displays “HOLD”. To exit the hold state, press “R ”...
Page 36: Print/Log Function
Print/Log Function The Print/Log function allows the user to receive the measurements through the instrument’s RS-232 or USB interface. A thermal printer/labeler or the HyperTerminal of a PC can be used to capture the readings. The measurements can also be logged to an Excel spreadsheet by using a Data Sources Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) to access data from ohmmeter The Print/Log function can be configured in three different ways: PRINT...
Page 37: View Function
View Function The View function allows the user to view how the instrument’s functions are configured. This function is easy to use and is very useful especially for HLC and TCM users. Using the View function Press “V ” followed by one of the following keys: UPDATE - The screen shows the display update rate and intensity settings.
Page 38: Optional Features And Accessories
This section lists several items that may be desirable for special applications. Options GPIB The Valhalla 4300C comes standard with a RS-232 interface. Also available is an optional GPIB IEEE-488.2 compatible interface. The interface is talk/listen and provides range and ohmmeter function control. Also refer to Remote Operations – IEEE Interface.
Page 39: Accessories
Option RX-3: Rack Mount Adapter The 4300C Micro-Ohmmeter may be mounted in a standard 19" equipment rack using a set of optional rack ears. Option RX-3 comes with all the necessary hardware for installation and mounting. Test Leads This section details the different test lead sets and connectors available for use with the 4300C Micro- Ohmmeter.
Page 40: Needle Type Probes
Needle Type Probes MP-1: Kelvin Micro-Probes "MP-1" is a 48-inch shielded 4-wire Kelvin cable set with a 1A test current capacity employing a set of Kelvin Micro-Probes. The probes are equipped with spring-loaded stainless-steel tips with 0.05" spacing. MP-2: Kelvin Mini-Probes "MP-2"...
Page 41: Remote Operations
Remote Operations IEEE Interface The purpose of the IEEE Standard 488 is to allow for interconnection of programmable instruments with minimum engineering. The intent is to remove the need for adapters and the numerous types of patching cables often encountered with other forms of interfaces. The IEEE-488 standard defines a system configuration for programmable instruments such as calculators, voltmeters and other types of peripheral devices produced by various manufacturers.
Page 42: Bus Restrictions
The other devices may be listeners (only able to receive data) or talkers (only able to send data), or both. The model 4300C can talk and listen. The controller may address other devices and command them to listen or talk. Only one device may talk at any one time.
Page 43: Detailed Descriptions Of Bus Operations
Data is sent in 8-bit bytes on the DIO wires, usually (as in the 4300C) using the ISO-7 standard ASCII characters. Table 8 lists each ASCII character and the bus messages applicable to each.
Page 44 Note that the table is divided into two main groups: the primary command group and the secondary command group. The secondary command group is not utilized in the 4300C. The primary command group is further divided into four subgroups as follows: 1.
Page 45: Setting The Ieee Address
Each device on the bus must have its own unique address. Operating two devices at the same address will produce undefined results and is not recommended. Avoid setting the 4300C to address 0 (all switches off) or to address 31 (all switches on) as this may interfere with the system controller.
Page 46: Remote And Local States
The remote state may only be entered via the bus. If the 4300C receives its listen address while the REN line is asserted, it will enter the remote state. Placing the instrument into remote is an easy way of verifying that all connections and address selections have been done properly.
Page 47: 4300C Command Set For Gpib
The result is returned in scientific notation, in ohms. As an example, assume that the 4300C is in the 2V and .1mA ranges and the front panel display indicates "10567" which is 10,567Ω. The program above is executed. The 4300C responds with the following number (contained in A$): +1.0567E+4...
Page 48: Voltage Range
70 END The result of this program is to set the 4300C to the 2V, 100mA ranges and turn on the test current. The controller waits for 2 seconds (for settling), then retrieves the measured value. The 4300C is then returned to local mode.
Page 49: Output Data Terminator
If the SRQ line is asserted, the controller should then perform a serial poll to determine which device requires service. The 4300C will return an ASCII zero (0) in response to a serial poll if it did not generate the SRQ. A non-zero number will be returned if it was responsible for asserting SRQ. A serial poll is performed in HP Basic using the command: SPOLL(712) which would poll the device at address 12.
Page 50: Configuration Status Query
Upon receiving the code E the 4300C will place into its output buffer a "configuration status word". The status word is made available for the next read by the controller. No measurement data is available until this word is read.
Page 51 100mA w/EOI Table 9 - IEEE Commands Quick Reference Selects hold mode / Triggers single reading Selects continuous reading mode Selects normal mode (TCM OFF) Selects TCM mode ON Returns 4300C to Local Configuration Status Word Query ( Q?V?I?SND?C?UHF )
Page 52: Rs-232 Interface
The RS232 interface provides a point-to-point connection between two items of equipment such as a computer and the 4300C. There are some parameters you need to set on both sides. Once you have set these parameters, you can control the 4300C through the RS232 interface.
Page 53: Connecting To A Computer
Should return the Manufacturer, model number, serial number, and firmware version in the following format: VALHALLA SCIENTIFIC 4300C,1.81,0" If you do not receive a proper response from the 4300C, please check if the power is on, and all cable connections are active. INPUT AND OUTPUT QUEUE...
Page 54: Combining Commands
RANGE 4; HLCHI 14.999<LF> Synopsis of Commands The tables in this section summarize the commands of the programmable 4300C Ohmmeter. DETAILS OF COMMAND REFERENCE Each command in this section will give a detailed description. The examples of each command will be provided and what query form might return.
Page 55 CALDATE QUERY Request the last calibration date and technician initials. Syntax: CALDATE? Response: "00-00-04 VSI" Power-on default = "00-00-00 VS####" *CLS COMMAND Sets buffers to power on default. Syntax: *CLS<crlf> FAULT COMMAND Sets an alarm fault to watch the system react. Syntax: FAULT <Hexadecimal number>...
Page 56 FAULT QUERY Returns the alarm bit mapped byte. Syntax: FAULT? Response: 2-digit Hexadecimal number FAULT_ALARM_NO_FAULT FAULT_ALARM_OVER_TEMP Internal temperature too high FAULT_ALARM_CAL_LIMIT Input level for calibration exceeded limit FAULT_ALARM_TCM Input level for TCM calibration exceeded limits FAULT_ALARM_CMD_CHAR Unprintable characters received / cmd too long FAULT_TXBUF_SPACE Low on space in transmit buffer FAULT_ALARM_TXBUF_FULL...
Page 57 HLCHI COMMAND Sends the Hi-Lo Comparator High Limit for current range. Syntax: HLCHI <value> Where value = 1.0000 for 1Ω in the 3Ω range and 100.00 for 100mΩ in the 100mΩ range, and 00.500 for .5kΩ in the 20kΩ range. This command writes the value to RAM memory only.
Page 58 Send RANGE command before sending this command. Power-on default = Depends on range. *IDN? QUERY Returns the IEEE or RS-232 identification string from non-volatile. Syntax: *IDN?<crlf> Response: ID string "VALHALLA SCIENTIFIC 4300C,1.01G,0" Example: *IDN?<crlf> "VALHALLA SCIENTIFIC 4300C,1.01G,0"<crlf> ID_STRING "VALHALLA SCIENTIFIC" VERSION "1.01G"...
Page 59 KEY COMMAND Presses a key from the interface, use for macros when the command you desire is not listed here. Syntax: KEY <key number> Response: <crlf> (only after the key has been processed) Key number = 0 - 24 KEY_NO_KEY KEY_1 KEY_0 KEY_RANGE_1...
Page 60 KEY? QUERY Returns the decimal number of the key last key processed by the state machine. This query returns any key in the remote mode even if the key is locked out by remote mode, i.e. KEY_LOCAL is not locked out. Syntax: KEY?<crlf>...
Page 61 LOCAL COMMAND Returns meter to local mode, remote LED off, Goto Local. Syntax: LOCAL Returns: <crlf> Power-on default = LOCAL mode Notes: REMOTE mode is selected when the meter receives a valid character (not <crlf>. Once selected, all keys are disabled and will not be scanned. Therefore no key beeps with the exclusion of the LOCAL key at the top right of the key pad.
Page 62 OHMS? QUERY Responds with reading from the front panel display and causes an immediate update of the conversion so repeated query requests gets most accurate data. Send range command or AUTO prior to sending this to get the scaling factor. The Ohms omega, milli and kilo characters are removed during remote formatting.
Page 63 CURRENT RANGE COMMAND Selects a current range Syntax: IRANGE <range number> Range number = 1 – 6 1 = 10A 4 = 10mA 2 = 1A 5 = 1mA 3 = 0.1A 6 = 0.1mA RANGE? QUERY Returns the selected range. Syntax: RANGE? Response:...
Page 64 VOLTAGE RANGE QUERY Returns the selected voltage range. Syntax: VRANGE? Response: Range number = 1 - 3 1 = 20mV 2 = 200mV 3 = 2V TEST CURRENT COMMAND Selects TEST CURRENT on or off Syntax: TCURRENT <ON or OFF> Power-on default = OFF TEST CURRENT QUERY Responds with TEST CURRENT on or off...
Page 65 RDNG? QUERY Responds with reading from the device in engineering notation. Query function also uses an immediate update of the conversion so repeated query requests gets the most accurate data. Syntax: RDNG? Example: RDNG?<crlf> 2.4321e+1<crlf> (on 20.000Ω ranges) Response: <value in reduced engineering notation<crlf>> Power-on default = 0.000e+0 CAUTION: Will not work if the transmit interrupt happens to be busy with a display update and the following occurs:...
Page 66 *RST COMMAND Sets buffers to power on default. Syntax: *RST<crlf> Response: <crlf> Remote command buffer, Serial I/O, history, statistics, stability SAVSETUP COMMAND Stores current RAM setup data in NV RAM. Syntax: SAVSETUP<crlf> SAVSETUP? QUERY Refreshes the current Setup from NV-RAM and then sends it to the remote port. Syntax: SAVSETUP?<crlf>...
Page 67 *STB? QUERY Returns the command status byte. Syntax: *STB? Response: Command status number = 0 - 0xFF Example: *STB?<crlf> 01<crlf> Fragment: TCM ON<crlf> *STB?<crlf> TCM AFF<crlf> **STB?<crlf> (returns * ERROR) 03<crlf> TCM?<crlf> ON<crlf> 0 = CMD_LAST_COMPLETE 1 = CMD_UNKNOWN 2 = CMD_MISSING_PARAM 4 = CMD_INVALID_PARAM 8 = CMD_MODE_OFF 16 = CMD_INCORRECT_NUMBER_PARAMS...
Page 68 TCM COMMAND Selects TCM mode on or off Syntax: TCM <ON or OFF> Example: TCM ON<crlf> TCM?<crlf> ON<crlf> Power-on default = OFF TCM QUERY Responds with TCM mode on or off Syntax: TCM? Example: TCM?<crlf> ON<crlf> Response: <"ON" or "OFF"> Power-on default = OFF Send this date after the calibration is complete followed by a SAVESETUP to store in EE memory.
Page 69: Routine Maintenance
General This section provides general maintenance information and a procedure for calibrating the ohmmeter. The Model 4300C micro-ohmmeter should be calibrated on a routine basis (every 12 months is recommended) to ensure continued accuracy. Before performing the calibration procedure below, the ohmmeter should be allowed to warm up at a stable temperature for at least 30 minutes with the covers in place.
Page 70: 4300C Calibration Procedure
The sense calibration and the final adjustment calibration is cover-on and automated; the instrument will prompt the user throughout the steps. The source calibration is performed by adjusting six potentiometers located on the 4300C main board. All three calibrations must be performed for a complete calibration of the 4300C.
Page 71 V. When prompted by the display, apply 300mV to the sense terminals. Press “E ” to continue or “C ” to return to NTER LEAR the 10mV cal screen. While calibrating the ranges, the screen will display the following information: VI.
Page 72: Current Source Calibration
Connect the 0.1Ω standard resistor to the 4300C using four-wire connections. Select the 2V and 10A ranges on the 4300C. Adjust RV102 for a reading of 100.00mΩ. Allow extra time for settling in this range. Keep the cover on as much as possible to ensure proper cooling of components.
Page 73: Tcm Calibration
TCM Calibration Remove the top cover of instrument. Verify that the Omni Compensator (Temp. Sensor) is not connected to the ohmmeter. Press “E ” to continue. NTER The instrument will perform the TCM Zero Cal. The screen will display the following information: II.
Page 74 Figure 12 – Drawing № 4300C-700...
Page 75: Special Procedures
When measuring highly inductive loads the settling time of the ohmmeter is determined by the compliance voltage of the current source. Typically, the compliance voltage of a 4300C in the Charging Inductor mode is in excess of 20V. Thus, with an inductor of 1000 Henries (an extremely large transformer) the unit will take approximately 10 minutes to settle.
Page 76: Noisy Readings
When measuring very low resistances of highly inductive loads, care should be taken to reduce 60Hz pickup at the input to the 4300C. The noise pickup is caused by the very high impedance of the load at 60Hz given by the formula:...
Page 77: Disconnecting The Cables
Disconnecting the Cables When disconnecting the test leads from the load or from the 4300C, extreme care must be taken to ensure that the inductor has been discharged to prevent an extremely high energy, high voltage "kick-back" which can be LETHAL to the user and can certainly damage the 4300C. There are two methods of discharging the energy in the inductor listed below.
Page 78 In a typical application R might be approximately 1 milliohm (.001Ω) and L might be 1000 Henries. If the 10 amp range of the 4300C was used to measure the inductor, 7,000,000 seconds are required (11½ weeks) to discharge it. The 4300C may be disconnected at any time provided the short circuit is...
Page 79: Addendums
Addendums Immediately following this page may be found any notices regarding manual changes, or operating instructions for the optional interfaces (if installed). Please refer to any applicable material before attempting to operate your ohmmeter. If no items follow this page, your manual is complete as printed.
Page 82 For repair and calibration services, call 800-548-9806 or visit valhallascientific.com. Email support available at support@valhallascientific.com 4300C Programmable Digital Micro-Ohmmeter User Manual Revision 64-1 (2021) Copyright © 2021 Valhalla Scientific, Inc. All rights reserved.

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