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Model 6514 Quick Results Guide
11
Rate
The RATE key selects the integration time of the A/D converter. This is the period of time
the input signal is measured. The integration time affects the amount of reading noise, as
well as the ultimate reading rate of the instrument. The integration time is specified in
parameters based on a number of power line cycles (NPLC), where 1 PLC for 60Hz is
16.67msec (1/60) and 1 PLC for 50Hz (and 400Hz) is 20msec (1/50).
The rate setting is global for all measurement functions. Therefore, it does not matter what
function is presently selected when you set rate. There are two ways to set rate. You can
select slow, medium, or fast by using the RATE key, or you can set the number of power
cycles from the NPLC menu that is accessed by pressing SHIFT and then NPLC.
To change the rate setting, press (and release) the RATE key until the desired rate
annunciator (SLOW, MED, or FAST) is displayed:
•
SLOW — Selects the slowest front panel integration time (6 PLC for 60 Hz or
5 PLC for 50 Hz) and sets display resolution to 5
½
-digit resolution. The SLOW
rate provides better noise performance at the expense of speed.
•
MED — Selects the medium integration time (1 PLC) and sets display resolution
to 5
½
-digit resolution. Select the MED rate when a compromise between noise
performance and speed is acceptable.
•
FAST — Selects the fastest front panel integration time (0.1 PLC) and sets display
resolution to 4
½
-digit resolution. Select the FAST rate if speed is of primary
importance (at the expense of increased reading noise).
Digits
The DIGIT key sets display resolution for Model 6514. Display resolution can be set from
3
½
to 6
½
digits. This single global setting affects display resolution for all measurement
functions. To set display resolution, press (and release) the DIGIT key until the desired
number of digits is displayed.
Filter
Filtering stabilizes noisy measurements caused by noisy input signals. The Model 6514
uses two types of filters: median and digital. Note that both the median and digital filters
can be in effect at the same time.
NOTE
Changing the integration rate changes display resolution, but changing
display resolution does not change the rate setting (see RATE for
details).