Atten ATM3500A User Manual

6.5 digit digital multimeter

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ATM3500A
6.5 Digit Digital Multimeter

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  • Page 1 ATTEN.EU ® ATM3500A 6.5 Digit Digital Multimeter...
  • Page 2 User’s Manual ATM3500A DMM Printed date: 11/2011 Version: 1.05 User’s Manual...
  • Page 3 If you have any questions after reading this information, please contact your local service representative. 1.1 Feature Overview ATM3500A 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 4  Period measurement.  Diode measurement.  Continuity measurement for resistance.  Thermocouple temperature & RTD measurements. Some additional capabilities of ATM3500A include:  Full math functions – dB, dBm, MX+B, ratio, %, Max/Min, null & limits.  Optional multipoint scanner card – For internal scanning options including M3500–opt01 (a 10-channel) &...
  • Page 5: Warranty Information

    4. Remarks:  No other warranty is expressed or implied, except for the above mentioned.  The remedies provided herein are the buyer’s sole and exclusive remedies. ATTEN.EU shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages.
  • Page 6 Our warranties do not apply on any direct, incidental, special, or consequential damages. The above warranties are exclusive and no other warranty is expressed or implied. ATTEN.EU disclaims any implied warranties of MERCHANTABILITY, SATISFACTORY QUALITY, and FITNESS for any particular reasons.
  • Page 7: Safety Information

     Do not use the Meter around explosive gas or inflammable vapor.  Wipe the surface of ATM3500A 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 8 Return the product to ATTEN.EU 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. This symbol indicates high voltage may be present. Use extra caution before taking any action.
  • Page 9  One CD (including this electronic User's Manual and software applications).  Optional accessories as you ordered. (Refer to the section 1.8 “Accessories”) The ATM3500A is provided with a Standard Test lead set, described below. Test Lead Ratings: IEC 61010-031 CAT III...
  • Page 10 ※ Warning: If you use the Test Lead Set which is not qualified by ATTEN.EU Corp., the protection of the Test Lead Set could be impaired. In addition, please don’t use a damaged Test Lead Set against the instrument break or personal injury.
  • Page 11 1.9 ATM3500A’s Dimension Please get the dimension’s information in the following different ways. The dimension without the handle and the front & Rear Bumpers is in the following Picture 1. (LxWxD - 213.6x88.6x370 mm) The dimension with the handle and the front & Rear Bumpers is in the following Picture 2.
  • Page 12: To Adjust The Handle

    Overview This chapter will give you an overview of ATM3500A’s basic features and guide you through the basics of ATM3500A digital multimeter. You will become familiar with those features after reading this chapter. 2.1 Setting up Your ATM3500A Digital Multimeter You may want to check if your multimeter is ready for measurement.
  • Page 13 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 referable positions for your reference.
  • Page 14 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 15 AC power. An incorrect voltage setting may cause severe damage to your instrument. Warning! The power cord supplied with ATM3500A 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 16 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.
  • Page 17 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 18 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 19 【 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.
  • Page 20 【 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 21 【 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 22 【 Step 9 】 Press on the power switch on the front panel for activating ATM3500A 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 ATM3500A.
  • Page 23 Function Default Voltage AC Digits DC digits Slow 5.5 (1 PLC) Range Auto Current AC Digits DC Digits Slow 5.5 (1 PLC) Range Auto Frequency Digits and Period Range AUTO Rate Medium (100ms) Diode Test Digits Range Rate 0.1 PLC Resistance Digits Slow 5.5...
  • Page 24: The Front Panel

    To become familiar with the ATM3500A DMM, ATTEN.EU will provide you the brief introduction of the basic ATM3500A DMM operations. There are three major parts of ATM3500A: (2.3.1) the front panel, (2.3.2) the display, and (2.3.3) the rear panel. 2.3.1 The Front Panel There are different buttons and terminals on the front panel.
  • Page 25 Figure 2-15 1. Power & Display: Power: Activates ATM3500A DMM.   Display: Shows model, version & condition by pressing round PREV & NEXT buttons. First row without SHIFT button:  DCV: Selects DC voltage measurement.  ACV: Selects AC voltage measurement.
  • Page 26  ACI: Selects AC current measurement.  Ω4: Selects 4-wire resistance measurement.  PERIOD: Selects period measurement.  : Selects diode testing.  TCOUPL: Selects thermocouple temperature measurement. Second row without SHIFT button:  FILTER: Enable or disable the digital filter. ...
  • Page 27  dBm: Used for displaying voltage measurement in dBm power unit.  dB: Used for displaying voltage measurement in decibel unit. Third row without SHIFT button:  SINGLE: Manually triggers the multimeter to make measurements.  AUTO TRIGGER: Instructs the multimeter to make measurements continuously.
  • Page 28 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 29: The Display

    Figure 2-16 2.3.2 The Display ATM3500A 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 30 annunciators at upper side and right side of the display screen for indicating the state or the condition of an ongoing measurement. They are explained individually in the following sections. Upper Row Display Lower Row Display Figure 2-17 2.3.2.1 Annunciators at Upper Side Figure 2-18 ...
  • Page 31: The Rear Panel

    OFF: Indicates the front panel display is turned off. Figure 2-19 2.3.3 The Rear Panel The rear panel of the ATM3500A is shown in Figure 2-20. This figure includes important abbreviated information that should be reviewed before using the instrument.
  • Page 32 Figure 2-20 1. Inserted Connections & Fuse Device:  & LO: Used for all measurements, except AC & DC current and temperature.  LO & I: Used for making DC and AC current measurements.  Rear Fuse: Secures your Meter against damage of strong current pulse.
  • Page 33 ATM3500A. You will learn how to use your ATM3500A multimeter to measure voltage, current, resistance, frequency, period, continuity, diode and temperature in this chapter. 3.1 Voltage Measurements (DC & AC) The ranges for DC voltage measurements in ATM3500A are 100mV, 1V, 10V, 100V and 1000V.
  • Page 34 (Refer to 4.1.2.1) or skip this step if default is to be used. Press DCV or ACV button for DC or AC voltage measuring. Select the auto-range function by pressing AUTO button on the front panel or use △ ▽ buttons to select desired range. Connect test leads to your source signal and observe the reading shown on the display.
  • Page 35 Figure 3-3 3.2 Current Measurements (DC & AC) The ranges for DC current measurements in ATM3500A are 10mA, 100mA, 1A and 3A. For AC current measurements, the range is 1A with a sensitivity of 1 μ A to 3A AC-Coupled TRMS with a sensitivity of 10 μ...
  • Page 36 Set RESOLUTION of DCI (Refer to 4.1.3), BANDWIDTH of ACI (Refer to 4.1.2.1) or skip this step if default is to be used. Press SHIFT+DCV SHIFT+ACV buttons measurement. Select the auto-range function by pressing AUTO button on the front panel or use △ and ▽ buttons to select desired range. Connect test leads to your source signal and observe the reading shown on the display.
  • Page 37 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 38 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 39 Figure 3-9 3.4 Frequency & Period Measurements ATM3500A 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 μ s) and the measurement voltages range from 100mV to 750 V in AC.
  • Page 40: Continuity Measurements

    3.5 Continuity Measurements ATM3500A 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 you can set the threshold resistance to anything between 1 Ω...
  • Page 41: Diode Measurements

    Figure 3-10 3.6 Diode Measurements ATM3500A 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...
  • Page 42: Temperature Measurements

    3.7 Temperature Measurements The ATM3500A supports thermocouples and resistance temperature detector (RTD) types of probes. For thermocouples, ATM3500A supports 7 types: E, J, K, N, R, S and T. Please refer to Table 3-1 for their temperature ranges. Be sure that the temperature function is configured for the right sensor type before making measurements (Refer to 4.1.8 for how to make the sensor configuration).
  • Page 43: Thermocouple Measurements

    Table 3-1 (Temperature Ranges for Each Thermocouple Type) Sensor Type Temperature Range(°C) 600~1820 0~2316 -250~1000 -210~1200 -200~1372 -200~1300 0~1767 0~1767 -250~400 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.
  • Page 44: Rtd Measurements

    as shown in Figure 3-12. Configure the thermocouple type and unit using CONFIG + SHIFT + TEMP, such as K TYPE and ºC. When ready, press ENTER button. Press SHIFT + TEMP buttons. Take the reading on the display. Figure 3-12 3.7.2 RTD Measurements There are three kinds of temperature measurements with RTDs: 2- wire, 3-wire and 4-wire measurements.
  • Page 45 thermal patch leads to the adapter as shown in Figure 3-14. Configure sensor type, transducer (2W) and unit using CONFIG + TEMP and ◁ or ▷. When ready, press ENTER button. For more information, refer to the section 4.1.8. Press TEMP button. Place RTD in the desired position and take the reading on the display.
  • Page 46: 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. Insert a specified adapter into the front terminals. Connect the low thermal patch leads to the adapter as shown in Figure 3-16.
  • Page 47 Configure sensor type, transducer (4W) and unit using CONFIG + TEMP and ◁ or ▷. When ready, press ENTER button. For more information, refer to the section 4.1.8. Press TEMP button. Place RTD in the desired position and take the reading on the display.
  • Page 48 In Short Condition 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. Insert a specified adapter into the front terminals. Connect the low thermal patch leads to the adapter as shown in Figure 3-18.
  • Page 49 TEMP and ◁ or ▷. When ready, press ENTER button. For more information, refer to the section 4.1.8. Press TEMP button. Place RTD in the desired position and take the reading on the display. Figure 3-17...
  • Page 50 Figure 3-18...
  • Page 51: Front Panel Operations

    The purpose of Auto Zero function is used for minimizing the offset influence on your measurements. When Auto Zero is enabled, ATM3500A takes the input signal reading as a base value and then internally disconnects the input signal, and takes an offset reading (a null offset).
  • Page 52 Defaults The default settings for Auto Zero are enabled. The user selected values for Auto Zero are stored in a volatile memory and the default settings will be restored when the meter is power-off. How to set Auto Zero You can change the Auto Zero setting through the front panel or through the remote interface operation.
  • Page 53 However, Auto Zero ONCE issues an immediate offset measurement. 4.1.2 Filter Filter is used to remove noises in measurement readings. ATM3500A is equipped with two types of filters: AC filter and digital filter. AC filter is for AC measurements only.
  • Page 54 multimeter to yield a measurement reading. Digital filter further stabilizes the measurement readings by averaging. Both of them are described in detail in the subsequent sections respectively. 4.1.2.1 AC Filter Definition: You are allowed to set the bandwidth for selecting one of the three AC filters (Slow, Medium and Fast), in order to achieve either higher accuracy in low frequency measurements or faster AC settling time.
  • Page 55 DETector:BANDwidth {3|20|200|MIN|MAX} 4.1.2.2 Digital Filter Definition: ATM3500A uses an averaging digital filter to yield a reading for display from a specified number of measurement readings in the past. Treading conversions The past measurement readings k of memory. The number may be in the range of 2 to 100. You may select one of...
  • Page 56 average to produce a reading for dislay.filter takes the specified number of reading conversion, averages them and produces a reading. It then flushes the stack and starts over with an new User can set the number to anything from 1 to 100Consequentter yields one reading for display every specified number measurement r Digital filter is not available for diode, continuity, frequency and period measurements.
  • Page 57 SENSe:AVERage:STATe {OFF|ON} SENSe:AVERage:STATe? 4.1.3 Resolution Setting (Digits) Definition Resolution with the number of digits on a multimeter is visible. You 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  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. You can press DIGITS button several times to see how the resolution setting changes from 4.5, 5.5 to 6.5.
  • Page 59: Dc Input Resistance

    Definition To reduce the effect of loading errors due to the input resistance, ATM3500A allows you 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...
  • Page 60 Default The default input resistance for all measurements is 10M Ω. Please refer to Table 2-1 on page 24. The DC input resistance can only be changed for measurements with 100mV, 1V or 10V range. For 100V DCV, 1000 V DCV and other measurement functions, the input resistance is fixed at 10M Ω...
  • Page 61 following command from your PC terminal to disable the auto input DC resistance setting (the result is a fixed input DC resistance at 10M Ω for all measurements.) INPut:IMPedance:AUTO {OFF | ON} 4.1.5 Threshold Resistance (Continuity) Definition When testing continuity, the beeper goes off when the measured resistance is less than the threshold resistance.
  • Page 62 4.1.6 Range (Manual & Auto) Definition When making measurements except CONT, DIODE and Temperature, you can let the machine choose ranges for you, or you can select the appropriate ranges manually by yourself. The difference between auto- range and manual-range is the settling time. Auto-range is a convenient way for you, but manual-range can usually speed up the process.
  • 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 ATM3500A for you to select from: 0.02, 0.1, 1 and 10 PLCs.
  • Page 64 How to set the integration time: You can set the integration time either through the front panel operation or through the remote interface operation. Front Panel Operation Integration time is set indirectly when you select the measurement resolution. Please refer to chapter 4.1.3 for details about how to set resolution or the digits.
  • Page 65 SENSe:PERiod:APERture? [MINimum|MAXimum] The following table shows the relationship between the integration time and the measurement resolution. Integration Resolution Time(PLC) DEFAULT COMPATIBLE 0.02 0.0001 x Full-Scale 0.0001 x Full-Scale 0.00001 x Full-Scale 0.00001 x Full-Scale 0.000001 x Full-Scale 0.000003 x Full-Scale 0.0000001 x Full-Scale 0.000001 x Full-Scale 4.1.8...
  • Page 66 Table 4-3 Type Alpha Beta Delta R-zero PT100 0.003850 0.10863 1.49990 100Ω D100 0.003920 0.10630 1.49710 100Ω F100 0.003900 0.11000 1.49589 100Ω PT385 0.003850 0.11100 1.50700 100Ω PT3916 0.003916 0.11600 1.50594 100Ω NTCT 0.003850 0.10863 1.49990 100Ω Here is the temperature equation that is used to determine the RTD temperature: <...
  • Page 67 Default The default sensor type, units and transducer in ATM3500A is PT100, ℃ and 4W RTD in order. How to set up RTD You can set up the RTD configuration either through the front panel operation or through the remote interface operation.
  • Page 68 Definition If you are using the thermocouple function, the selections on the ATM3500A are: type E, J, K, N, R, S and T. (On the other hand, other selection “SIMULATED” simulates the reference junction.) To use the the thermocouple function, you have to adjust something. First of all, via a thermocouple adaptor, you need to measure a known and accurate reference temperature (T1) as a criterion.
  • Page 69: Remote Interface Selection

    SHIFT > TEMP (TCOUPL), and then using PREV and NEXT to select the type and unit. Measure a known and accurate reference temperature (T1). The result showing on the ATM3500A is (T2). Adjust the simulated value (23.0°C to 23.0°C + T3.) Configure the Simulated value by pressing CONFIG > SHIFT >...
  • Page 70: Input Terminal Switch

    operations only. How to select a remote interface Press MENU and then use ◁ and ▷ to select INTERFACE. Then Press ENTER on your choice of USB or GPIB interface. How to set address when using GPIB Press MENU and then use ◁ and ▷ to access INTERFACE. Select GPIB to set address.
  • Page 71: Trigger Operations

    Figure 4-7 4.2 Trigger Operations In this section we will discuss the triggering system in ATM3500A. ATM3500A provides a variety of trigger operations. You can select a trigger mode, a trigger source and different trigger settings for a specific measurement. The user’s selection is stored in a volatile memory and the default settings will be restored after power-off.
  • Page 72 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 ATM3500A. How to use Auto Trigger Press ATUO TRIGGER on the front panel to toggle for enabling auto trigger mode.
  • Page 73: Trigger Source

    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 you press 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 74 External Triger Terminal You can trigger the ATM3500A by using a low-true pulse to the Ext Trig (external trigger) terminal located on the rear panel. And to use this terminal via the remote interface, you have to select the external trigger source by using the TRIGer:SOURce EXTernal command.
  • Page 75: Trigger Setting

    To set the internal trigger, use the following command from your PC terminal: TRIGger:SOURce IMMediate 4.2.3 Trigger Setting In ATM3500A, you can specify a variety of trigger settings including...
  • Page 76 the number of samples per trigger, the number of triggers per event, reading hold, and the trigger delay for your 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 77 SAMPle:COUNt <value> B. Number of triggers Although the meter normally takes one trigger before returning to the “idle” state, you can manually specify the number of triggers it accepts before the “idle” state. However, this can only be done through the remote interface.
  • Page 78 Defaults The default of the trigger delay is automatic. ATM3500A 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 79 Measurement Function Setting Trigger Delay Time DCV/DCI PLC >= 1 1.5 ms PLC < 1 1.0 ms Ω2 and Ω4 100Ω ~ 100kΩ 1.5 ms (PLC >= 1) 1 MΩ 15 ms 10 MΩ ~ 100 MΩ 100 ms Ω2 and Ω4 100Ω...
  • Page 80: Math Operations

    TRIGger:DELay {<seconds>|MINimum|MAXimum} TRIGger:DELay:AUTO {OFF|ON} 4.3 Math Operations This section will introduce the mathematical operations in ATM3500A. 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 81 4.3.1 Ratio This function calculates the ratio of an input DC voltage to a reference DC voltage according to the following equation: 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.
  • Page 82 Figure 4-14 Remote Interface Operation Use the following command to make a RATIO measurement. CONFigure:VOLTage:DC:RATio {<range>|MIN|MAX|DEF},{<resolution>|MIN|MAX|DEF} 4.3.2 % (Percent) Definition This mathematical function calculates the ratio of a measurement reading to a specified target value as the form of percentage. The calculation formula is shown below: 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...
  • Page 83 target value. Press ENTER to set the value. Press % to activate this function. And then observe the calculated percent value on the display as shown as Figure 4-15. ※ Note: Press % again to disable this function. The “MATH” annunciator on the display indicates the state of a mathematical feature.
  • Page 84 volatile memory and will be cleared when the meter is turned off, or when the MIN/MAX is turned on, or after a remote interface reset. The meter beeps every time when it captures a new minimum or maximum. How to use Min/Max You can use the Min/Max feature either through the front panel operation or the remote interface operation.
  • Page 85 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. The null (relative) value is stored in a volatile memory and the value will be cleared when the multimeter is power-off.
  • Page 86: Limits Test

    rectangle frames in Figure 4-17. ※ Note: Press NULL again to disable this feature. The “MATH” anunnciator on the display indicates the state of a mathematical feature. Figure 4-17 The Remote Interface Operation You can use the following commands on your PC terminal to make a null measurement.
  • Page 87 application through the USB interface’s Pin 2 and Pin3. But the USB interface has to be turned off by pressing MENU > ▷ > INTERFACE > ENTER > ▷ > INTERFACE > ENTER > USB > ENTER > DISABLE > ENTER . How to set the limits You can set the limits or make a limit testing either through the front panel or the remote interface operation.
  • Page 88  Enable the limit operation by pressing SHIFT + RATIO buttons.  After enabling the limit function, you 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 89 Second, if the input current source you want to measure exceeds the current specification, 3A, of the ATM3500A. Then the DCV/ACV and MX+B functions would be helpful. The current value is calculated through the equation as follows. “I=V/R”.
  • Page 90 (via the front panel operation for the single current measurement.): Case: Mr. Obama wants to measure a source, 10A, through a 0.1Ω current shunt and a ATM3500A DMM. However, the DMM’s tolerance just can stand the maximum input current, 3A. What should he do? Please obey the following procedures and illustrations as a big current measurement solution.
  • Page 91 “B, ex: 0” value. 4. Press ENTER to confirm the settings. Press DCV function. Activate the MX+B math function by pressing SHIFT + % buttons. The DMM’s display will show a value +9.969XXXE+00. (This measurement also can be used with the PT-TOOL software. Please refer to the 5 ~ 7 procedures of the Application 1.) ※...
  • Page 92 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. The calculation of dB is listed below: ×...
  • Page 93 numbers to your desired value. Press ENTER to set the value. The 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.
  • Page 94 With dBm selected, a voltage measurement is displayed as the level of power, relative to milliwatt, dissipated through reference resistance. The reference resistance is adjustable in ATM3500A. The calculation of dBm is defined as below:   ×  ...
  • Page 95  The selected reference value by you is stored in a volatile memory and will be cleared after the multimeter has been power-off.  This feature is available for DCV and ACV only. How to set the reference resistance You can set the reference resistance either through the front panel operation or the remote interface operation.
  • Page 96 The locations of the buttons are shown with red rectangle frames in Figure 4-24. ※ Note: Press SHIFT+MIN/MAX again to disable this feature. The “MATH” anunnciator display indicates state mathematical feature. Figure 4-24 Remote Interface Operation Use the following commands to enable dBm feature or to set the reference resistance: CALCulate:FUNCtion DBM CALCulate:STATe {OFF|ON}...
  • Page 97 4.4.1 Display ATM3500A 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 98 When the display is turned off, an “OFF” will be lit at the lower right corner of the display screen. This doesn't mean the display is POWER- OFF, but only that the measurement readings will not be sent to the display.
  • Page 99 (clears the message displayed) 4.4.2 Beeper ATM3500A 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 100  the source signal fails the limit testing. After the beeper is disabled, the meter still emits a tone when:  an error occurs .  any button on the front panel is pressed .  the threshold value is exceeded in continuity testing. Default The beeper is enabled when it is shipped from the factory.
  • Page 101 SYSTem:BEEPer:STATe {OFF|ON} 4.4.3 Reading Memory (Store & Recall) ATM3500A 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 102 CONFIG and then STORE buttons. Then use ◁ and ▷ buttons to move between the digits and ▽ and △ buttons to increase or decrease numbers as desired. When ready, press ENTER button. The default number of readings will be restored when the meter has been turned off.
  • Page 103 Figure 4-29 Remote Interface Operation You can use the following commands from your PC terminals to store or retrieve readings in the memory . In addition, the number for STORE function only can be set through front panel. INITiate ( This command tells the meter to be on “wait-for-trigger” state.
  • Page 104 How to adjust the sensitivity band You can adjust the sensitivity band through either the front panel operation or the remote interface operation. Front Panel Operation In order to adjust the sensitivity band, please press MENU button then use ◁ and ▷ buttons to find “TRIG” submenu. Press ENTER to select it.
  • Page 105 count and scan interval, store 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.
  • Page 106 Common Mode Voltage: 350V peak between any terminal and earth. Maximum Voltage Between Any Two Terminals: 200V peak. Maximum Voltage Between Any Terminal and ATM3500A Input LO: 200V peak. ENVIRONMENTAL: Meets all ATM3500A environmental specifications. ATM3500A-opt01 Scanner Card Configuration & Speed List:...
  • Page 107 Speed of Scanner Card Measurement AutoZero OFF,AutoGain OFF,AutoRange OFF, Scan Timer=0,60Hz single NPLC Take Time with 2000 Readings(sec) rate(ch/s) function(VDC) (Fast 4.5) 0.02 29.4 (Slow 4.5 & Fast 5.5) 0.1 27.0 (Slow 5.5 & Fast 6.5) 1 19.0 (Slow 6.5) 10  AutoZero OFF,AutoGain OFF,AutoRange OFF, Scan Timer=0,60Hz Mix function NPLC...
  • Page 108 (COUNT), scan interval (TIMER) and store (STORE) options. Then press ENTER on your selection. Use ◁ and ▷ to move through the digits and △ and ▽ to increase or decrease the numbers to a desired value. For STORE option, you can select ON to instruct the meter to store the measurement results for later retrieving or select OFF .Press ENTER to set the value.
  • Page 109 ACI, Frequency, Period and Resistance functions. How to program each channel with measurement function Press CONFIG + SHIFT + FILTER for scanning configuration. Use ◁ and ▷ to scroll through submenus. Press ENTER on “SET SCAN CHA” submenu. Use ◁ and ▷ to switch from channel 1 to channel 10, and use △...
  • Page 110: Table Of Contents

    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 ATM3500A. The valid range of “SAVE DATA” is listed in Table 4-5.
  • Page 111 ▷ to locate “LANGUAGE” submenu. Press ENTER to select it. Use ◁ and ▷ to switch to DEFAULT (ATM3500A) or COMPATIBLE. Press ENTER on your selection. The locations of the buttons are shown with red rectangle frames in Figure 4-34.
  • Page 112: Error Condition

    Figure 4-34 4.4.9 Error Condition The error annunciator on the front panel display tells about the error condition of the multimeter. If there are one or more syntax or hardware errors found, the error annunciator will be lit to inform you. The multimeter stores errors using the first-in-first-out (FIFO) order and it records up to 20 errors in the error queue.
  • Page 113: 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 ATM3500A 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 114: Calibration Information

    Figure 4-36 4.4.11 Calibration Information ATM3500A 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 115 For more calibration procedure information, please contact your local distributor. Self-Test Self-test procedures are built in ATM3500A 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.
  • Page 116 Figure 4-38 → → Procedure: MENU SYSTEM SELF TEST After self-test procedure, the result, PASS or FAIL, will be shown. If the result is FAIL, the “ERR” annunciator on the display panel will be lit, and error codes will be stored. You can check the error codes by the following procedure.
  • Page 117 604 A/D noisy test failed This test configures to the 10V dc range with the internal 0V. A 20ms ADC measurement is performed and the ± result is checked against a limit of 0V 20uV 605 N2 calibration parameter failed This error message indicates that N2 calibration parameter is out of range.
  • Page 118 614 DC 1000V zero failed This test configures to the 1000V dc range with no input applied. A 20ms ADC measurement is performed and the ± result is checked against a limit of 0V 5 mV. 615 Ohms 10 uA source failed This test configures to the 1000V dc range with the internal 10M 100:1 divider R204 connected across the µ...
  • Page 119 with the ac input grounded. The internal residual noise of the ac section is measured and checked against a limit of -10mV to 70mV at the output of the rms-to-dc converter. 621 AC rms full scale failed This test configures for the 100mV ac range.
  • Page 120 668 Manual Calibration Version Error 669 Self-Test Version Error 670 Command Version Error...
  • Page 121 ATTEN.EU Corp., such as PT-TOOL and PT-LINK so far doesn’t support communication through the RS-232 interface. You can use Windows Software “Hyper Terminal” or others for the application purpose. For more information about the RS-232 settings and configuration, you should read further.
  • Page 122 How to connect a computer or Terminal with the RS-232 To connect the ATM3500A to a computer or terminal, a proper interface cable is essential. Most computers and terminals belong to DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) devices including the DMM.
  • Page 123 5.1 Pass/Fail Output via USB Connector The USB connector, which comforns to USBTMC protocol, on the rear panel of ATM3500A 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 transmitted via the USB port.
  • Page 124 Black How to set up for USB interface The USB cord should be connected well between ATM3500A and your PC. Install the ATM3500A application in your PC and execute the program. Click Tool tab for Command Control, then type in your command.
  • Page 125 How to set up for GPIB interface Insert GPIB interface card into the interface slot on the rear panel. Install the ATM3500A 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 126: Continuity

    5.3 Remote Interface Commands You can instruct the multimeter to take measurements using the SCPI commands after the appropriate setup for your selected remote interface. The following conventions are used in SCPI command syntax. Triangle brackets (<>) indicates that you must specify a value for the enclosed parameter.
  • Page 127 The CONFigure Command The CONFigure command offers a little more flexibility than the MEASure? Command. The multimeter sets the parameters for the requested function, range and resolution, but does not make the measurements. You have an option to change the configuration. To initiate the measurement, use INITiate or READ? Command.
  • Page 128 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 129 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} CURRent:AC:RANGe? [MINimum|MAXimum]...
  • Page 130 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:] UNIT {Cel|Far|K}...
  • Page 131 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} TEMPerature:SPRTD:CX? [MINimum|MAXimum] TEMPerature:SPRTD:DX {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} TEMPerature:SPRTD:DX? [MINimum|MAXimum] [SENSe:]...
  • Page 132 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> ROUTe:CLOSe? ROUTe:OPEN ROUTe:STATe? ROUTe:SCAN:FUNCtion <channel>,{<function>|“VOLT:DC”|“VOLT:AC”| “FREQuency”|“RESistance”|“FRESistance”|“NONE”} ROUTe:SCAN:FUNC? <channel>...
  • Page 133 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. Note that these eight math operations are available to all measurement functions except continuity and diode testing.
  • Page 134 DATA:FEED RDG_STORE,{“CALCulate”|””} DATA:FEED? TRIGGERING ATM3500A provides some variant trigger operations. You 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 135 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 136: System

    measurement related but plays an important role in making your measurements. FETCh? 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? STATUS REPORTING Commands SYSTem:ERRor? STATus: QUEStionable:ENABle <enable value> QUEStionable:ENABle? QUEStionable:EVENt? STATus:PRESet...
  • Page 137: Other Interface Commands

    *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 *OPC? *PSC {0|1} *PSC? *RST *SRE <enable value> *SRE? *STB? *TRG...
  • Page 138: Error Messages

    Errors are retrieved in first-in-first-out (FIFO) order. The first error returned is the first error that was stored. When you read all errors from the queue, the ERROR annunciator turns off. ATM3500A beeps once each time an error occurs. Should more than 20 errors have existed, the last error stored in the queue (the most recent error) is replaced with -350, “Too many...
  • Page 139  -103 Invalid separator An invalid separator was found in the command string.  -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. ...
  • Page 140  -124 Too many digits A numeric parameter was found whose mantissa contained more than 255 digits, excluding leading zeros.  -131 Invalid suffix A suffix was incorrectly specified for a numeric parameter.  -138 Suffix not allowed A suffix was received following a numeric parameter which does not accept a suffix.
  • Page 141  -211 Trigger ignored A Group Execute Trigger (GET) or *TRG was received but the trigger was ignored.  -213 Trigger deadlock A trigger deadlock occurs when the trigger source is BUS and a READ? Command is received  -214 Init Ignored An INITiate command was received but could not be executed because a measurement was already in progress.
  • Page 142  -230 Data Stale A FETCh? Command was received but the memory was empty.  -350 Too many errors The error queue is full.  -410 Query INTERRUPTED A command was received which sends data to the output buffer, but the output buffer contained data from a previous command.
  • Page 143 readings in internal memory using the INITiate command. The product sample count (SAMPle:COUNt) trigger count (TRIGger:COUNt) must not exceed 512 readings.  532 Cannot achieve requested resolution The multimeter cannot achieve the requested measurement resolution. You may have specified an invalid resolution in the CONFigure or MEASure command.
  • Page 144 ATM3500A. 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 145: Frequency And Period Characteristics

    Function Range Resolution Shunt 1 Year Resistance (23°C ± 5°C) 10.00000mA 10 nA 5.1Ω 0.050 + 0.020 100.0000mA 100 nA 5.1Ω 0.050 + 0.005 Current) 1.000000A 1 uA 0.1Ω 0.100 + 0.010 3.00000A 10 uA 0.1Ω 0.120 + 0.020 Function Range Resolution Test Current...
  • Page 146 Frequency 100mV 0.10 & 5-10 0.05 Period 750V 10-40 0.03 40-300K 0.01 AC Characteristics Accuracy ± (% of reading + % of range) Function Resolution Frequency 1 Year Range (Hz) (23°C ± 5°C) ACV (AC 100.0000mV 0.1 uV 1.00 + 0.04 TRMS Voltage) 5-10...
  • Page 147 100K – 300K 4.00 + 0.50 1.000000A 1 uA 1.00 + 0.04 (AC TRMS 5-10 0.30 + 0.04 Current) 10-5K 0.10 + 0.04 3.00000A 10 uA 1.10 + 0.06 5-10 0.35 + 0.06 10-5K 0.15 + 0.06 B. General Specifications item Limitation &...
  • Page 148 item Limitation & description Safety IEC61010-1:2001/EN61010-1:2001 (2 Edition) Over-Voltage Category CAT II, CAT I 1000V UL61010-1:2004 Installation CAT II, Measurement CAT III at max. 1000V Pollution Degree 2 EN61326-1:2006 EN61326-2-1:2006 EMI: CISPR 11:1997+A1:1999+A2:2002 Class B IEC61000-3-2:2000 IEC61000-3-3:1994+A1:2001 EMS: IEC61000-4-2:1995+A1:1998+A2:2000 IEC61000-4-3:2002 IEC61000-4-4:2004 IEC61000-4-5:1995+A1:2000 IEC61000-4-6:1996+A1:2000...
  • Page 149 [SENSe:] VOLTage: DC:RANGe {<range>|MINimum|MAXimum} VOLTage: DC:RANGe? [MINimum|MAXimum] FREQuency: VOLTage:RANGe {<range>|MINimum|MAXimum} FREQuency: VOLTage:RANGe? [MINimum|MAXimum] DETector: BANDwidth {3|20|200|MINimum|MAXimum} DETector: BANDwidth? [MINimum|MAXimum] ZERO: AUTO {OFF|ONCE|ON} ZERO: AUTO? SENSe is the root keyword of the command, VOLTage and FREQuency are second-level keywords, and DC and VOLTage are third-level keywords.
  • Page 150 error. Braces ( { } ) enclose the parameter choices for a given command string. The braces are not sent with the command string. A vertical bar ( | ) separates multiple parameter choices for a given command string. Triangle brackets ( < > ) indicate that you must specify a value for the enclosed parameter.
  • Page 151 You can query the current value of most parameters by adding a question mark ( ? ) to the command. For example, the following command sets the sample count to 10 readings: "SAMP:COUN 10" You can query the sample count by executing: "SAMP:COUN?"...
  • Page 152 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 153 multimeter will accept “OFF” or “0”. For a true condition, the multimeter will accept “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.
  • Page 154 <cr> carriage return character 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 155 MEASure:FREQuency? {<range>|MIN|MAX|DEF},{<resolution>|MIN|MAX|DEF} Preset and make a frequency measurement with the specified range and 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”.
  • Page 156 measurement. CONFigure:VOLTage:DC:RATio {<range>|MIN|MAX|DEF },{<resolution>|MIN|MAX|DEF} Preset and configure the multimeter for DC:DC ratio measurements with the specified range and resolution. This command does not initiate the 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.
  • Page 157 specified range and resolution. This command does not initiate the measurement. 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”. CONFigure:PERiod {<range>|MIN|MAX|DEF},{<resolution>|MIN|MAX|DEF} Preset and configure a period measurement with the specified range and resolution.
  • Page 158 VOLTage:DC VOLTage:AC VOLTage:DC:RATio CURRent:DC CURRent:AC RESistance (for 2-wire ohms) FRESistance (for 4-wire ohms) FREQuency PERiod CONTinuity DIODe TCOuple TEMPerature [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...
  • Page 159 Fahrenheit, and K means Kelvin. [SENSe:]UNIT? Query units for temperature measurement. [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.
  • Page 160 [SENSe:]TEMPerature:RTD:RZERo? [MINimum|MAXimum] Query the R-Zero constant for the set RTD type. [SENSe:]TEMPerature:RTD:ALPHa {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} Set the alpha constant. [SENSe:]TEMPerature:RTD:ALPHa? [MINimum|MAXimum] Query the alpha constant for the set 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.
  • Page 161 Query the B4 coefficient. [SENSe:]TEMPerature:SPRTD:AX {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} Set the A coefficient. [SENSe:]TEMPerature:SPRTD:AX? [MINimum|MAXimum] 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.
  • Page 162 [SENSe:]<function>:NPLCycles? [MINimum|MAXimum] Query the integration time for the selected function. [SENSe:]FREQuency:APERture {0.01|0.1|1|MINimum|MAXimum} Set the gate time (or aperture time) for frequency function. Specify 10 ms (4.5 digits), 100 ms (default; 5.5 digits), or 1 second (6.5 digits). [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.
  • Page 163 an immediate offset measurement. [SENSe:]GAIN:AUTO? Query the auto gain mode. Returns “1”(ON) or “0”(OFF or ONCE). INPut:IMPedance:AUTO{OFF|ON} Disable or enable the automatic input resistance mode for DC voltage measurements. With AUTO ON, the input resistance is set to >10GΩ for the 100mV, 1V and 10V ranges.
  • Page 164 ROUTe:SCAN:FUNC? <channel> Query the channel’s function on the scanner card. ROUTe:SCAN:TIMER? Read the time interval of scanning. ROUTe:SCAN:TIMER <value> Set the time interval of scanning <The unit is second>. 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.
  • Page 165 CALCulate:STATe? Query the state of the math function. Returns “0”(OFF) or “1”(ON). CALCulate:PERCent:TARGet {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} Set the target value for percent math function. The multimeter clears the value when Min/Max is turned on, when the power has been off or a remote interface reset.
  • Page 166 CALCulate:LIMit:LOWer {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} Set the lower limit for limit testing. You can set the value to any number from ± 0 to 120% of the highest range, for the present function. CALCulate:LIMit:LOWer? Query the lower limit for the limit testing. CALCulate:LIMit:UPPer {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} Set the upper limit for limit testing.
  • Page 167 CALCulate:DBM:REFerence? [MINimum|MAXimium] Query the dBm reference value. DATA:FEED RDG_STORE,{“CALCulate”|””} Selects whether readings taken using the INITiate command are stored in the multimeter’s internal memory (default) or not stored at all. In the default state (DATA:FEED RDG_STORE,“CALC”), up to 2000 readings are stored in memory when INITiate is executed.
  • Page 168 an immediate internal trigger, or a hardware trigger from the rear-panel EXT TRIG terminal. TRIGger:SOURce? Query the trigger source. TRIGger:DELay {<seconds>|MINimum|MAXimum} Set a trigger delay time in seconds. The delay is the time between the trigger signal and each sample that follows. Specify a delay time from 0 to 3600 seconds.
  • Page 169 infinite trigger count. C.8 The System-Related Commands FETCh? Transfer readings stored in memory by the INITiate command to output buffer where you are able to read them into your bus controller. READ? Change the state of the triggering system from the “idle” state to “wait-for- trigger”...
  • Page 170 SYSTem:BEEPer:STATe? Query the beeper mode. Returns “0” (OFF) or “1” (ON). 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. SYSTem:VERSion? Query the present SCPI version.
  • Page 171 functional. SYSTem:REMote Place the multimeter in the remote mode. All buttons on the front panel, except the LOCAL button, are disabled. C.9 The SCPI Status Pattern Status registers are provided in the same way by all SCPI equipment. And there are three register groups with various equipment conditions recorded by the status system.
  • Page 172 About the Status Byte The conditions from other status registers will be reported by the status byte summary register. The query data, waiting in the multimeter’s output buffer, is reported immediatedly through the “message available” in bit 4. Besides, bits are not latched in the summary registers.
  • Page 173 Decimal Definition Value Set to 0. Not Used Set to 0. Not Used Set to 0. Not Used One or more bits are set in the questionable data register (Bits Questionable Data have to be “enabled” in enable register). Data in the DMM’s output buffer is available. Message Available One or more bits are set in the Standard Event Register (Bits have Standard Event...
  • Page 174 the instruments on the bus to identify which one requested service. To read the status byte which is using an IEEE-488 serial poll or to read the event register, whose summary bit is cauing the service request, will clear the request service. You send the IEEE-488 serial poll message to read the status byte summary register.
  • Page 175  Enable the bus controller’s IEEE-488 SRQ interrupt. Procedures to Determine When a Command Sequence is Completed.  Clear the DMM’s output buffer by sending a device clear message. Clear the event registers by using *CLS command.   Enable “operation complete” by using the *ESE 1 command. Send the *OPC? command and enter the result to enable ...
  • Page 176 the operation complete bit is allowed to be used to determine as the message is available. However, if there are too many messages generated before executing the *OPC command, the output buffer will be filled, and the DMM will be interrupted to take readings. About the Standard Event Register The standard event register reports the instrument event types below, such as power-on detected, command syntax errors, command...
  • Page 177 The following conditions will clear the standard event register.  You send a *CLS command.  You query the event register by using the *ESR? command. The following conditions will clear the standard event enable register.  You turn on the power, and have set the DMM previously by using the *PSC 1 command.
  • Page 178 Set to 0 Not Used Set to 0 Not Used Set to 0 Not Used Set to 0 Not Used Range overload on 2-/4-wired ohm function. Ohms Overload 1024 Set to 0 Not Used 2048 Reading is less than lower limit under limit test. Limit Failed at LO 4096 Reading is excess upper limit under limit test.
  • Page 179 Enable bits in the Questionable Data enable register. The selected bits are then reported to the Status Byte. STATus:QUEStionable:ENABle? Query the Questionable Data enable register. The multimeter returns a binary-weighted decimal representing the bits set in the enable register. STATus:QUEStionable:EVENt? Query the Questionable Data event register.
  • Page 180 C.11 SCPI Compliance Information This section encloses a list of commands that are device-specific to the ATM3500A. Although not included in the 1999.0 version of the SCPI standard, these commands are compliant to the SCPI format and they follow...
  • Page 181 Many of the required SCPI commands are accepted by the multimeter but aren’t described in this manual for simplicity or clarity. Most of these non-documented commands duplicate the functionality of a command already described in this chapter. MEASure: CONTinuity? DIODe? SAMPle: COUNt {<value>|MINimum|MAXimum} COUNt? [MINimum|MAXimum]...
  • Page 182 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.12 IEEE-488 Compliance Information IEEE-488.2 Common Commands *CLS *ESE <enable value> *ESE? *ESR? *IDN?
  • Page 183: Using Device Clear To Halt Measurements

    *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 Device clear is an IEEE-488 low-level bus message which can be used to halt measurements in progress.
  • Page 184 (31), the multimeter will send readings over the RS-232 interface when in the local mode. D. About Application Programs This section provides a brief description for each ATM3500A sample collection. Visual Basic Learn how to create and use ATTEN.EU IOUtils components, controls, data access, and more with the Visual Basic sample applications.
  • Page 185 Visual C++ In an MFC application, you can override ATTEN.EU 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 186 Next Instance, and Unhandled Exception) is not executed . The Startup Object property can be set in the Application pane of the Project Designer. To change the startup object 1. With a project selected in Solution Explorer, on the Project menu click Properties.
  • Page 187 '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]*::0x05E6::0xM3500::?*INSTR", fList, nList, desc) If (stat < VI_SUCCESS) Then 'Rem Error finding resources ...
  • Page 188 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. (meas:volt:dc? ...)", vbExclamation, "M3500 multimeter device test"...
  • Page 189: Using Configure With A Math Operation

    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 190 Dim dfltRM As ViSession Dim sesn As ViSession Dim fList As ViFindList Dim desc As String * VI_FIND_BUFLEN Dim nList As Long Dim ret As Long Dim readin As String * 128 Dim i As Integer ' Array index stat = viOpenDefaultRM(dfltRM) If (stat <...
  • Page 191 Rem send reset command '*RST' -- reset M3500 stat = viWrite(sesn, "*RST", 4, ret) If (stat < VI_SUCCESS) Then MsgBox "System command error. (*RST)", vbExclamation, "M3500 multimeter device test" stat = viClose(fList) Exit Sub End If Rem send Clear command '*CLS'-- Clear M3500 status register stat = viWrite(sesn, "*CLS", 4, ret) If (stat <...
  • Page 192 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 < VI_SUCCESS) Then MsgBox "System command error.", vbExclamation, "M3500 multimeter device test" stat = viClose(fList) Exit Sub End If...
  • Page 193 Rem send command -- Take readings stat = viWrite(sesn, "READ?" & vbLf, 6, ret) If (stat < VI_SUCCESS) Then MsgBox "System command error.", vbExclamation, "M3500 multimeter device test" stat = viClose(fList) Exit Sub End If Sleep (3000) ' wait for math processing Rem fetch the measure data stat = viRead(sesn, readin, 128, ret) If (stat <...
  • Page 194 C++ DEVQUERY Sample Application This C sample application is a Win32 console application. It illustrates how to use the ATTEN.EU IOUtils COM. A Win32 console application is a Win32 application which uses text-based input and output, not a graphical interface.
  • Page 195 // 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; unsigned long m_nCount; ViStatus status; m_Timeout = 7000; char *pStrout; // Write out data buffer BYTE pStrin[64]; // Read in data buffer len;...
  • Page 196 signed long (__stdcall *PviClose_usb) (unsigned long vi); signed long (__stdcall *PviWrite_usb) (unsigned long unsigned char *name, unsigned long len, unsigned long *retval); signed long (__stdcall *PviRead_usb) (unsigned long unsigned char *name, unsigned long len, unsigned long *retval); signed long (__stdcall *PviSetAttribute_usb) (unsigned long unsigned long viAttr, unsigned long attrstat);...
  • Page 197 if (PviOpenDefaultRM_usb == NULL || PviFindRsrc_usb == NULL || PviClose_usb == NULL || PviOpen_usb == NULL || PviWrite_usb == NULL || PviRead_usb == NULL || PviSetAttribute_usb == NULL FreeLibrary (hUSBTMCLIB); hUSBTMCLIB = NULL; MessageBox(NULL, "NIVISA for USBTMC library not ready.", "M3500 multimeter device test", MB_OK);...
  • Page 198 instrDescriptor); if (status < 0L) // Find the USBTMC device USB[0-9]*::0x05E6::0xM3500::? *INSTR ( Dec ) status PviFindRsrc_usb (m_defaultRM_usbtmc, "USB[0- 9]*::1510::8448::?*INSTR", &m_findList_usbtmc, &m_nCount, instrDescriptor); if (status < 0L) PviClose_usb(m_defaultRM_usbtmc); hUSBTMCLIB = NULL; m_defaultRM_usbtmc = 0; else PviOpen_usb(m_defaultRM_usbtmc, instrDescriptor, 0, 0, &m_instr_usbtmc); status PviSetAttribute_usb(m_instr_usbtmc, VI_ATTR_TMO_VALUE, m_Timeout);...
  • Page 199 // 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 200 // 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); Sleep(3000); // Set configure frequency, range Auto strcpy(pStrout, "CONF:FREQ");...
  • Page 201 printf(" output : READ?\n"); status = PviRead_usb(m_instr_usbtmc, pStrin, 64, &nRead); if (nRead > 0) for (len=0; len < (long) nRead; len++) buffer[len] = pStrin[len]; buffer[nRead] = '\0'; printf(" input : %s\n\n", buffer); // Set device to local mode strcpy(pStrout, "system:local"); status = PviWrite_usb(m_instr_usbtmc, (unsigned char *)pStrout, 13, &nWritten);...
  • Page 202 The product herein conforms with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC and goes with the CE Marking accordingly. Conformity with the following product standards: Manufacturer Name: ATTEN.EU Corp. Manufacturer Address: Rivierensingel 325 Declaration of Product Product Name: 61/2 Digit Digital Multimeter...
  • Page 203 product(s). EMC: EN61326-1:2006 EN61326-2-1:2006 EMI: CISPR 11:1997+A1:1999+A2:2002 Class B IEC61000-3-2:2000 IEC61000-3-3:1994+A1:2001 EMS: IEC61000-4-2:1995+A1:1998+A2:2000 IEC61000-4-3:2002 IEC61000-4-4:2004 IEC61000-4-5:1995+A1:2000 IEC61000-4-6:1996+A1:2000 IEC61000-4-8:1993+A1:2000 IEC61000-4-11:1994+A1:2000 Safety: IEC61010-1:2001/EN61010-1:2001(2 Edition) UL61010-1:2004 13 Aug. 2013 Date Mr. Jonas Rijnders General Manager For more information, please contact your local supplier, sales office or distributor.

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