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Front Panel Operations

This chapter contains information about how to change the parameters

and settings for your measurements and all the details about each

feature and function.

4.1 Measurement Configuration

The following information will guide you through ways to configure

measurement functions. It provides you the flexibility to change any

parameter in any measurement function when needed, including ADC

setting, filter, resolution setting (digits), DC input resistance, threshold

resistance (continuity), range (manual & auto), rate (integration time),

sensor type for temperature measurements, remote interface selection

and input terminal switch.

4.1.1 Set ADC (Auto Zero)

Zero

The purpose of Auto Zero function is used for minimizing the offset

influence on your measurements. When Auto Zero is enabled, M3500A

takes the input signal reading as a base value and then internally

disconnects the input signal, and takes an offset reading (a null offset).

It then subtracts the offset from the base to get an accurate

measurement.

Displayed reading = Base value (input signal) – Offset value

When the Auto Zero is enabled the meter takes an offset reading for each

subsequent measurement. However, when Auto Zero is disabled, the

meter only takes one offset reading each time when you change the

function settings.

Summary of Contents for M3500A

Page 1: ...PICOTEST M3500A 6 5 Digit Digital Multimeter User s Manual Version 1 06 ...

Page 2: ...2 2 2 2 M3500A DMM User s Manual ...

Page 3: ... 1 To convert the voltage 17 2 1 2 2 To change the fuse 20 2 1 3 Factory Default When Power ON 24 2 2 FEATURES 26 2 3 M3500A FUNCTION INTRODUCTION 26 2 3 1 The Front Panel 26 2 3 2 The Display 30 2 3 2 1 Annunciators at Upper Side 31 2 3 2 2 Annunciators at Right Side 31 2 3 3 The Rear Panel 32 3 BASIC MEASUREMENT FUNCTION 34 3 1 VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS DC AC 34 3 2 CURRENT MEASUREMENTS DC AC 36 3 3 ...

Page 4: ...nuity 60 4 1 6 Range Manual Auto 61 4 1 7 Rate Integration Time 63 4 1 8 Sensor Selection for Temperature Measurements 65 4 1 9 Remote Interface Selection 69 4 1 10 Input Terminal Switch 69 4 2 TRIGGER OPERATIONS 70 4 2 1 Trigger Mode 71 4 2 2 Trigger Source 72 4 2 3 Trigger Setting 74 4 3 MATH OPERATIONS 79 4 3 1 Ratio 79 4 3 2 Percent 80 4 3 3 Min Max 82 4 3 4 Null 83 4 3 5 Limits Test 85 4 3 6 ...

Page 5: ... 1 Execution Errors 131 APPENDIX 136 A SPECIFICATION LIST 136 B GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS 140 C REMOTE INTERFACE REFERENCE 141 C 1 An Introduction to the SCPI Language 141 C 2 Output Data Formats 145 C 3 The MEASure Command 145 C 4 The CONFigure Command 147 C 5 The Measurement Configuration Command 149 C 6 The Math Operation Command 156 C 7 The Triggering Commands 159 C 8 The System Related Commands ...

Page 6: ...w M3500A is a 6 5 digit digital multimeter It has 0 0015 24 hour basic DC voltage accuracy at 10V range and 0 002 24 hour basic resistance accuracy at 10kΩ range At 6 5 digit the multimeter delivers 50 triggered RDGS sec via remote interface At the fast 4 5 digit it reads over 2000 RDGS sec into its internal buffer M3500A provides wide measurement ranges Note The 24 hour measurement is subject to ...

Page 7: ...Warranty Information If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired 1 Warranty PICOTEST CORP guarantees that this product meets its published specifications at the time of shipment from the factory Under proper installation it should work as expected 2 Warranty Period This equipment is warranted against defects in mat...

Page 8: ...orized modification or misuse 2 Unless mentioned elsewhere in this document our warranty does not apply to fuses probes and problems arising from normal wear or your abnormal operations 3 Our warranties do not apply on any direct incidental special or consequential damages 4 The above warranties are exclusive and no other warranty is expressed or implied PICOTEST disclaims any implied warranties o...

Page 9: ...er resistant care should be taken not to expose it to severe impact or pressure Keep M3500A far from water and damp environment Calibration will be taken every year Please contact with your local service representative for more information If the incorrect display or abnormal beeps occurred you should stop using the equipment at once Do not use the Meter around explosive gas or inflammable vapor W...

Page 10: ...citors before testing resistance continuity diodes or capacitance If you need to open the Meter case or replace any parts read the instruction in this manual first You must be a qualified personnel to perform this action When replacing fuses use only the same type and same rating as specified Do not try to operate the Meter if it is damaged Disconnect the power from the equipment and consult the l...

Page 11: ... 7 Inspection Your product package is supplied with the following items One M3500A Multimeter unit 224mm x 113mm x 373mm approx 4 3 Kg One power line cord One USB cable Standard Test Leads 1 One CD including this electronic User s Manual and software applications Optional accessories as you ordered Refer to the section 1 8 Accessories 1 The M3500A is provided with a Standard Test lead set describe...

Page 12: ... against the instrument break or personal injury 1 8 Accessories The following accessories are available from PICOTEST for use with the Model M3500A Please refer to the following Table 1 1 Table 1 1 Part Name Part Number 10 Channel Multi point Scanner Card M3500 opt01 Thermocouple adapter M3500 opt02 Adapters Banana to BNC Adapter M3500 opt03 GPIB Card M3500 opt04 RTD Probe Adapter M3500 opt05 RS2...

Page 13: ...ut the handle and the front Rear Bumpers is in the following Picture 1 LxWxD 213 6x88 6x370 mm 2 The dimension with the handle and the front Rear Bumpers is in the following Picture 2 LxWxD 255x113x373 mm 3 The dimension with the front Rear Bumpers but without the handle is in the following Picture 3 LxWxD 224x113x373 mm 1 2 3 ...

Page 14: ...y before being shipped to our customers If you find any damaged or missing parts please contact your local service representative immediately and do not attempt to operate the damaged product If having any doubt of your products you are encouraged to contact the local service representative 2 1 1 To adjust the handle You may adjust the carrying handle to suit your needs The following figures show ...

Page 15: ...to 90 with the multimeter please pull out the handle from the multimeter as shown in Figure 1 2 Figure 1 2 Ⅱ Ⅱ Ⅱ Ⅱ Adjusting the position for your convenience Here are some referable positions for your reference Position 1 The default position is for packing as shown in Figure 1 3 ...

Page 16: ...16 16 16 16 Figure 1 3 Position 2 The adjusted position is for operation as shown in Figure 1 4 Figure 1 4 Position 3 The carrying position is with the handle as shown in Figure 1 5 Figure 1 5 ...

Page 17: ... changing the setting make sure the multimeter is disconnected from the AC power An incorrect voltage setting may cause severe damage to your instrument Warning The power cord supplied with M3500A contains a separate ground wire for use with grounded outlets When proper connections are made instrument chassis is connected to power line ground through the ground wire in the power cord Failure to us...

Page 18: ...he voltage setting selector cap as shown in Figure 2 2 You might need a screwdriver to do so Figure 2 2 Step 3 Remove the red voltage setting selector from the right middle seam as shown in Figure 2 3 You might need a screwdriver to do so ...

Page 19: ...9 19 19 Figure 2 3 Step 4 Turn it over to 220V position as shown in Figure 2 4 Figure 2 4 Step 5 Insert the voltage setting selector back into the socket and close the cap as shown in Figure 2 5 Figure 2 5 ...

Page 20: ...r 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 Verify that the power line fuse is good Replace the fuse if it is damaged Use only the same type and same rating fuse noted on the rear panel Please follow the steps below to change the fuse Step 1 Verify that the meter i...

Page 21: ...setting selector cap as shown in Figure 2 7 You might need a screwdriver to do so Figure 2 7 Step 3 Remove the red voltage setting selector from the right middle seam as shown in Figure 2 8 You might need a screwdriver to do so Figure 2 8 ...

Page 22: ...se 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 Figure 2 11 ...

Page 23: ... 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 Figure 2 13 ...

Page 24: ...shown in Figure 2 14 Figure 2 14 Power switch POWER ON 2 1 3 Factory Default When Power ON Table 2 1 shows the factory default of M3500A Table 2 1 Function Default Function DCV Autozero On Frequency and Period Source AC Voltage Output Format ASCII Ratio Off AC Bandwidth Input Frequency 20Hz ...

Page 25: ...Slow 5 5 1 PLC Range Auto Frequency and Period Digits 5 5 Range AUTO Rate Medium 100ms Diode Test Digits 5 5 Range 1mA Rate 0 1 PLC Resistance 2 wire Digits Slow 5 5 1 PLC Range Auto Temperature Digits Slow 6 5 10 PLC Thermocouple Universal Type Triggers Source Immediate Delay Auto Input Resistance 10MΩ ...

Page 26: ...se Built in USB and GPIB RS 232 Optional Interfaces Easy Free PC applications 2 3 M3500A Function Introduction To become familiar with the M3500A DMM picotest will provide you the brief introduction of the basic M3500A DMM operations There are three major parts of M3500A 2 3 1 the front panel 2 3 2 the display and 2 3 3 the rear panel 2 3 1 The Front Panel There are different buttons and terminals...

Page 27: ...Q Selects frequency measurement CONT Selects the continuity test TEMP Selects RTD temperature measurement 2 2 First row with SHIFT button DCI Selects DC current measurement ACI Selects AC current measurement Ω4 Selects 4 wire resistance measurement PERIOD Selects period measurement Selects diode testing TCOUPL Selects thermocouple temperature measurement 2 3 Second row without SHIFT button FILTER ...

Page 28: ...r and offset dBm Used for displaying voltage measurement in dBm power unit dB Used for displaying voltage measurement in decibel unit 2 5 Third row without SHIFT button SINGLE Manually triggers the multimeter to make measurements AUTO TRIGGER Instructs the multimeter to make measurements continuously STORE Stores a specified number of subsequent readings RECALL Displays stored readings and buffer ...

Page 29: ...igher range Moves to lower range AUTO Enables or disables auto range 5 Terminals Selects input signal connections on front or rear panel 6 Inserted Connections Fuse Device 4 Chassis Ground Connections Separate environmental noises HI LO Used for all measurements except DC and AC current Maximum input voltage 1000V for voltage measurements 200V for 4 wire measurement LO I Used for making DC and AC ...

Page 30: ...lowed for upper row dot matrix display The lower row displays range of the measurements condition or information about an ongoing configuration A maximum 16 characters are allowed for lower row dot matrix display There are additional 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...

Page 31: ...rs SHIFT Indicates SHIFT button is pressed REAR The rear panel input terminal is selected for the measurement FILT The digital filter is started 2 3 2 2 Annunciators at Right Side 4W Indicates 4 wire mode is selected for resistance measurement Indicated the continuity testing is enabled Indicates the diode testing operation is taken CW Not used for Model M3500A CC Not used for Model M3500A CV Not ...

Page 32: ...Secures your Meter against damage of strong current pulse 2 BNC Connections VM COMP Voltmeter Complete Output Terminal Outputs a low true pulse after the completion of each measurement EXT TRIG External Trigger Input Terminal Inputs a low true pulse from a remote interface 3 USB Connection Connects a remote computer for changing operation environment instead of the front panel control 4 Chassis Gr...

Page 33: ... area 6 Option Slot Designed for installing an optional multi point scanner card Model M3500 opt01 or M3500 opt09 7 Option GPIB IEEE488 Connection RS 232 Connects a remote computer with an IEEE488 cable or with a DB 9 cable for changing operation environment instead of the front panel control Model M3500 opt04 M3500 opt06 ...

Page 34: ...ocation of the input terminals on the rear panel Warning Do not apply more than 1000V peak to the multimeter Applying excess voltage may damage your meter or cause possible electric shock or personal injury Note To eliminate the thermal EMFs due to the differences between two metals use copper leads to connect your source signal to the meter How to measure voltage Selects input signal connections ...

Page 35: ... shown on the display If the input signal is beyond the allowed range an overflow message OVLD will be displayed Figure 3 1 Figure 3 2 Note The rear panel terminals can also be used via the same procedures as the front panel terminals Refer to Figure 3 3 1 2 3 4 6 2 1 3 4 5 5 6 ...

Page 36: ...ed is 3A 250V Do not apply excess current to your meter to avoid damaging the fuse of current input Note To eliminate the thermal EMFs due to the differences between two metals use copper leads to connect your source signal to the meter How to measure current Selects input signal connections on front or rear panel Connect the test leads to the terminals as shown in Figure 3 4 Set RESOLUTION of DCI...

Page 37: ...nge Connect test leads to your source signal and observe the reading shown on the display If the input signal is greater than the allowed range an overflow message OVLD will be displayed Figure 3 4 Note The rear terminal panel also can be used via the same procedures as the front panel See Figure 3 5 Figure 3 5 1 2 3 4 4 6 5 ...

Page 38: ...f is the longer settling time for 4 wire mode Figure 3 8 and 3 9 show the input terminal connections on the rear panel for 2 wire mode and 4 wire mode respectively How to measure resistance Selects input signal connections on front or rear panel Connect the test leads to the terminals as shown in Figure 3 6 2 wire or Figure 3 7 4 wire Set RESOLUTION Refer to 4 1 3 or skip this step if default is t...

Page 39: ...39 39 39 39 Figure 3 6 Figure 3 7 Note The rear terminal panel also can be used via the same procedures like the front panel as shown in Figures 3 8 and 3 9 Figure 3 8 1 2 3 4 6 1 3 4 6 2 5 5 ...

Page 40: ...rear panel Connect the test leads to the terminals as shown in Figure 3 2 Set RESOLUTION Refer to 4 1 1 and INPUT JACK Or skip this step if default is to be used Press FREQ button for frequency measurement or SHIFT FREQ buttons for period measurement Select the auto range function by pressing AUTO button on the front panel or use and buttons to select the desired range Connect test leads to your s...

Page 41: ... is 1 mA Warning The maximum input voltage allowed is 1000 V Applying excess voltage may damage the meter and cause unpredictable hazards How to measure the continuity Selects input signal connections on front or rear panel Connect the test leads to the terminals as shown in Figure 3 2 Set REConnect the input signal as the following figure Set threshold resistance via pressing CONFIG CONT buttons ...

Page 42: ...onnected to HI of the input terminals and the negative end to LO of the input terminals How to measure diode Selects input signal connections on front or rear panel Connect the diode to the terminals For forward bias connect the probe from input terminal HI to the positive end of the diode and connect the probe from input terminal LO to the negative end of the diode Set voltage bound via pressing ...

Page 43: ...n is configured for the right sensor type before making measurements Refer to 4 1 8 for how to make the sensor configuration In general RTDs have a better accuracy and long term stability than thermocouples The default RTD type in M3500A is PT100 Temperature Range 200 850 and the thermocouple is type K Table 3 1 Temperature Ranges for Each Thermocouple Type Sensor Type Temperature Range C B 600 18...

Page 44: ...el To measure thermocouple you must use a thermocouple adapter and a sensor K type for example with the low thermal patch lead 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 mea...

Page 45: ...erminals Insert a specified adapter into the front terminals Connect the low 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 Figure 3 13 1 2 4 5 3 1 2 3 ...

Page 46: ...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 Configure sensor type transducer 4W and unit using CONFIG 4 5 ...

Page 47: ...EMP button Place RTD in the desired position and take the reading on the display Note When you conduct the 3 wire RTD measurement the input LO and sense LO have to be connected in short condition Note Source means RTD Probe or RTD Simulator Figure 3 15 1 2 3 5 5 4 4 1 2 3 In Short Condition In Short Condition ...

Page 48: ...ct 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 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 5 In Short Conditi...

Page 49: ...49 49 49 49 Figure 3 17 1 2 3 5 5 4 4 1 2 3 ...

Page 50: ...50 50 50 50 Figure 3 18 5 ...

Page 51: ...on time sensor type for temperature measurements remote interface selection and input terminal switch 4 1 1 Set ADC Auto Zero Zero The purpose of Auto Zero function is used for minimizing the offset influence on your measurements When Auto Zero is enabled M3500A 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: ...Auto Zero may be changed accordingly The relation between resolution and Auto Zero is shown in Table 4 1 Press MENU and then ENTER on SET ADC If SET ADC is not shown on the display use and buttons to locate it Press ENTER on ZERO Again use and buttons to locate it if it is not shown on the display Press ENTER on AUTO ZERO option and then use and to the ON or OFF Press ENTER by your choice The loca...

Page 53: ... parameters have a similar effect Auto Zero OFF doesn t issue a new offset measurement However Auto Zero ONCE issues an immediate offset measurement 4 1 2 Filter Filter is used to remove noises in measurement readings M3500A is equipped with two types of filters AC filter and digital filter AC filter is for AC measurements only It also affects the speed of the multimeter to yield a measurement rea...

Page 54: ...fault setting will be restored when the meter is power off Table 4 2 Bandwidth AC Filter Time seconds per reading 3 Hz 300 KHz Slow 7 20 Hz 300 KHz Medium 1 200 Hz 300 KHz Fast 0 1 How to set AC Filter in AC measurements You can set the AC Filter either through the front panel operation or through the remote interface operation Front Panel Operation Press CONFIG ACV button Use and buttons to locat...

Page 55: ...er puts the specified number of reading conversions in a first in first out order The very first measurement reading simply fills up the stack To yield a reading for display the filter produces an average of the stacked measurement readings every time a new measurement reading is available and replaces the oldest reading in the stack In the repeating average mode the multimeter waits for the measu...

Page 56: ...setting please press CONFIG and then FILTER button for selecting READINGS Press ENTER to access Use and buttons to set the READINGS from 2 to 100 in order to get an average value Press ENTER when it s ready For MODE setting please press CONFIG and then FILTER button for selecting MODE Press ENTER to access Use to select MOVING AVG or REPEAT AVG Please ENTER to confirm Press FILTER button to enable...

Page 57: ...ons under the selected measurement function The selected value is stored in a volatile memory and the setting is only valid for the current measurement function You can select different resolution for different measurement function Default The default value for the resolution is slow 5 5 digits and the default value will be restored when the meter has been turned off or after a remote interface re...

Page 58: ...n select a function as you wish from DCV DCI SHIFT DCV Ω2 Ω4 SHIFT Ω2 FREQ and PERIOD SHIFT FREQ Press ENTER on RESOLUTION submenu If it is not shown on the display use and to locate it Use and to find your desired resolution Press ENTER on your choice Note The options for frequency and period measurements are 4 5 slow 5 5 slow and 6 5 slow Figure 4 3 Remote Interface Operation Use the following c...

Page 59: ...ou to select a much larger input resistance 10G Ω for low input DC voltage 100mV 1V and 10V measurements This feature is only available for DC voltage measurements and it is not applicable to other measurement functions 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 o...

Page 60: ...be enabled disabled With AUTO OFF default the input resistance is fixed at 10MΩ for all ranges With AUTO ON the input resistance is set to 10GΩ for the three lowest DC voltage ranges 100mV 1V and 10V Use the 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 ...

Page 61: ...ue using and buttons then press ENTER button to set the value The locations of these buttons are shown with red rectangle frames in Figure 4 5 Figure 4 5 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...

Page 62: ...interface operation Front Panel Operation First choose a measurement function on the front panel then press AUTO button to select auto range feature Or use and buttons to manually select a range If selected range is not shown on the bottom of the display press round PREV or NEXT buttons until the range information appears The locations of these buttons are shown with a red rectangle frame in Figur...

Page 63: ... user selected value is stored in a volatile memory and the default value will be restored when the meter is power off 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...

Page 64: ...me is analogous to integration time and you can use the following commands to set it Specify 10 ms 4 5 digits 100 ms default 5 5 digits or 1 second 6 5 digits SENSe FREQuency APERture 0 01 0 1 1 MINimum MAXimum SENSe FREQuency APERture MINimum MAXimum SENSe PERiod APERture 0 01 0 1 1 MINimum MAXimum SENSe PERiod APERture MINimum MAXimum The following table shows the relationship between the integr...

Page 65: ...and SPRTD For the unit options they are C F and K For the transducer options they are 2W RTD and 4W RTD If you need to change the factors that are used to calculate the temperature in RTD choose user defined RTD in which you are able to change any factors as you wish The default factors used are listed in Table 4 3 Table 4 3 Type Alpha Beta Delta R zero PT100 0 003850 0 10863 1 49990 100Ω D100 0 0...

Page 66: ...points of various pure substances For an exact list of the elements needed and details on RTD calibration refer to NIST Technical Note 1265 Guidelines For Realizing the International Temperature Scale of 1990 In each subrange the calibration constants required for that subrange are listed Default The default sensor type units and transducer in M3500A is PT100 and 4W RTD in order How to set up RTD ...

Page 67: ...NIT Cel Far K SENSe UNIT SENSe TEMPerature RTD RZERo value MINimum MAXimum SENSe TEMPerature RTD ALPHa value MINimum MAXimum SENSe TEMPerature RTD BETA value MINimum MAXimum SENSe TEMPerature RTD DELTa value MINimum MAXimum SENSe TEMPerature SPRTD RZERo value MINimum MAXimum SENSe TEMPerature SPRTD A4 value MINimum MAXimum SENSe TEMPerature SPRTD B4 value MINimum MAXimum SENSe TEMPerature SPRTD AX...

Page 68: ...A Note Picotest also provides another solution 10 Channel TC Scanner Card M3500 opt12 to measure thermocouple For more information please refer to its user s guide How to set up thermocouple You can set up the thermocouple configuration either through the front panel operation or through the remote interface operation Front Panel Operation 1 Configure the thermocouple type and unit Pressing CONFIG...

Page 69: ...anel 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 Use and to adjust the numbers to the desired address Press ENTER to set it 4 1 10 Input Terminal Switch Definition You can select e...

Page 70: ...with a red rectangle frame in Figure 4 7 Figure 4 7 4 2 Trigger Operations In this section we will discuss the triggering system in M3500A M3500A provides a variety of trigger operations 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 of...

Page 71: ...tion is only available through the front panel The auto triggering is also the default for trigger mode in M3500A How to use Auto Trigger Press ATUO TRIGGER on the front panel to toggle for enabling auto trigger mode The location of the button is shown with a red rectangle frame on Figure 4 9 Figure 4 9 B Internal Immediate Trigger Mode Remote Interface Operation Only Definition The immediate trig...

Page 72: ...each trigger When the TRIG annunciator on the display is lit the meter is ready for next trigger event The single trigger mode is only available through the front panel operations How to use Single Trigger First select the measurement function and then press SINGLE key on the front panel to set the trigger mode The location of the button is shown with a red rectangle frame in Figure 4 10 Figure 4 ...

Page 73: ...f readings To set the external hardware trigger press both the SHIFT SINGLE buttons to enable external hardware trigger The lit EXT annunciator on the display indicates the enabling of the external hardware trigger External Triger Terminal You can trigger the M3500A 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...

Page 74: ...timeter to generate an event For using software trigger use the following command from your PC terminal to set trigger source TRIGger SOURce BUS By internal trigger The internal trigger is the default trigger mode for the Remote Interface Operation In the internal trigger mode a trigger signal will be issued whenever the multimeter is in the wait for trigger state To set the internal trigger use t...

Page 75: ...n and locate TRIG submenu by pressing and buttons Press ENTER to choose TRIG option Again locate N SAMPLE submenu using and buttons and then press ENTER to select it Then set the desired number by pressing and buttons to increase or decrease the number and using and buttons to move through the digits The locations of these buttons are shown with red rectangle frames in Figure 4 11 Procedures MENU ...

Page 76: ...s a reading stable when three consecutive readings are within the sensitivity band Chapter 4 4 6 will explain how to adjust the sensitivity band How to use reading hold This feature is only available from the front panel operations To enable reading hold press both SHIFT and AUTO TRIGGER buttons To disable it simply press AUTO TRIGGER The locations of the buttons are shown with red rectangle frame...

Page 77: ...ower off The internal settings of automatic trigger delay The delay time for automatic trigger delay is determined by the selection of measurement function range and the setting of integration time and AC filter speed The following table shows the default delay time for each measurement setting Table 4 4 Measurement Function Setting Trigger Delay Time DCV DCI PLC 1 1 5 ms PLC 1 1 0 ms Ω2 and Ω4 PL...

Page 78: ...through the digits and and buttons to set the desired delay time between 0 to 3600 second The locations of the buttons are shown with red rectangle frames in Figure 4 13 Figure 4 13 Remote Interface Operation You can also use the remote interface operations from your PC terminal to set the trigger delay To select a delay time use the following command or set the trigger delay to be automatic TRIGg...

Page 79: ...es the state of a mathematical feature excluding Ratio and will be lit by enabling whichever math feature Also press the same buttons again for the enabled math feature will disable the same math feature Note Press RATIO button the RATIO anunnciator will be lit on the display 4 3 1 Ratio This function calculates the ratio of an input DC voltage to a reference DC voltage according to the following ...

Page 80: ...as shown as Figure 4 14 Note To close this function please press one of the measurement function buttons Note The max DC input voltage is 1000 V and the max DC reference voltage is 200 V 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 ...

Page 81: ...configure Percent function by pressing CONFIG then use and to move through the digits and and buttons to increase or decrease the numbers to a desired 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 th...

Page 82: ...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 Front Panel Operation First of all you select the measurement function you wish to use and then press MIN MAX button to enable the Min Max function To rea...

Page 83: ...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 Moreover you can specify or alter a null value The null feature is available for all functions ...

Page 84: ...ce The value with null offset will show on the display In addition the null offset value can be adjusted manually by pressing CONFIG then NULL Use and buttons to move through the digits and use and buttons to increase or decrease the numbers to a desired value Press ENTER to set the value The locations of the buttons are shown with red rectangle frames in Figure 4 17 Note Press NULL again to disab...

Page 85: ...il 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 Front Panel Operation To set the limits you need to configure the LIMITS math function by pr...

Page 86: ...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 Figure 4 19 Remote Interface Operation Use the following commands to enable the limits function or to ...

Page 87: ...d in a volatile memory and will be cleared after the meter has been turned off or a remote interface reset You can either use front panel or remote interface to perform this function and set these two constant How to use MX B function You can use MX B function from the front panel operation or the remote interface operation We provide two application examples for your reference The first one is th...

Page 88: ...card 3 Insert the scanner card into the DMM carefully 4 Connect the output A s leads to the rear terminal INPUT HI and LO 5 Execute the PT TOOL 6 Choose DCI function to activate the MX B function You need to input the R value and the Offset I value if you know 7 Press YES to start the measurement Note We can t accept the input source exceeding ACV 125V DCV 110V or the components on the scanner car...

Page 89: ...also can be used with the PT TOOL software Please refer to the 5 7 procedures of the Application 1 Note If the input source exceeds the specification ACV 750V DCV 1000V the display will show OVLD Front Panel Operation To set the values of M and B you need to configure this math function by pressing CONFIG and SHIFT Use and to switch between M and B Press ENTER on your selection Then use and to mov...

Page 90: ...ation of dB is listed below or dB Input signal in dBm relative value in dBm NOTE The in V is the input signal and the ref V is the relative reference The dB measurement is applied to DC and AC voltage only The relative value is adjustable and is stored in a volatile memory The range for the relative value is between 0 dBm and 200 dBm How to set the relative value You can either manually select a n...

Page 91: ...Enable the dB operation by pressing SHIFT NULL buttons After enabling the dB operation you can set or alter the dB relative value as mentioned above Observe the displayed reading Figure 4 22 shows the locations of these buttons with red rectangle frames Note Press SHIFT NULL again to disable this feature The MATH anunnciator on the display indicates the state of a mathematical feature Figure 4 22 ...

Page 92: ...resistance Note Change of reference resistance will not affect the stored relative reference value The Zref is adjustable with a range from 50Ω to 8000 Ω The default value is 600 Ω 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 s...

Page 93: ...IFT MIN MAX buttons After enabling the dBm operation you can select the reference resistance as mentioned above The default for the reference resistance is 600 Ω 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 on the display indicates the state of a mathematical feature Figure 4 24 or ...

Page 94: ...te 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 You have an option to turn off the display for a faster measurement without waiting for display or when the measurement is done through the remote interface operations on you PC termina...

Page 95: ...e display You can control the display through the front panel operation or through the remote interface operation The remote interface operation has higher priority over the front panel operation Front Panel Operation Use the following steps to control the display Press MENU button then use and buttons to locate SYSTEM submenu Press ENTER to select it and then again use and buttons to locate DISPL...

Page 96: ...e default will be restored when the meter has been turned off or after a remote interface reset By disabling the beeper you will not hear the meter beeps when a new minimum or maximum is found in Min Max operation a stable reading is detected and held the test voltage is within the limits in diode testing the source signal fails the limit testing After the beeper is disabled the meter still emits ...

Page 97: ...sable or enable the beeper SYSTem BEEPer SYSTem BEEPer STATe OFF ON 4 4 3 Reading Memory Store Recall M3500A has a memory capacity of 2000 readings The readings are stored in first in first out order and the memory type is volatile which means the stored readings will be cleared when the multimeter is power off The reading memory feature can be used for all measurement functions math operations tr...

Page 98: ...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 The location of the buttons are shown with red rectangle frames in Figure 4 28 Note The MEM annunciator will be lit while the multimeter stores readings and be turned off when the specified number of r...

Page 99: ...readings will be placed in the memory FETCh Use this command to retrieve stored readings DATA POINts Use this command to query the number of stored readings 4 4 4 Sensitivity Band Hold The reading hold function captures and holds a stable reading on the display The multimeter beeps and holds the value when it detects a stable reading The sensitivity band in reading hold decides which reading is st...

Page 100: ...hen use and buttons to choose a desired band Press ENTER to set the desired sensitivity band The locations of the buttons are shown with red rectangle frames in Figure 4 30 Figure 4 30 4 4 5 Scanning Scan You can purchase an optional scanner card for multi function applications We provide three kinds of the cards M3500 opt01 10 CH for general purpose as the example below M3500 opt09 20CH for gener...

Page 101: ...r the meter is turned off Note The output 2 is only for 4 wired resistance measurement Please refer to the above picture for more connection information When you use 4 wired resistance measurement with scanner card please note that the channel 1 is relative to the channel 6 channel 2 to channel 7 and so on Note Setting range of scanner card is only limited on DCV DCI ACV ACI Frequency Period and R...

Page 102: ... 100kHz maximum 1A switched 62 5VA maximum resistive load Contact Life 100000 operations at maximum signal level 100000000 operations cold switching Contact Resistance 1ohm at end of contact life Actuation Time 5ms maximum on off Contact Potential 500nV typical per contact 1µV max 500nV typical per contact pair 1µV max Connector Type Screw terminal 22 AWG wire size Isolation Between Any Two Termin...

Page 103: ...among the measurement functions Leave an unused channel with a blank space Press ENTER when ten channels are all defined How to configure scan count scan interval and store measurement readings Press CONFIG SHIFT DIGITS for scanning configuration Use and buttons to scroll through submenus Press ENTER to select OPERATION submenu Use and to switch among scan count COUNT scan interval TIMER and store...

Page 104: ...ween taking input signal through the defined channels Note Setting range of scanner card is only limited on DCV DCI ACV 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 a...

Page 105: ...asurement results for later retrieving or select OFF Press ENTER to set the value How to open and close the channels Press CONFIG SHIFT FILTER for scanning configuration Use and buttons to scroll through submenus Press ENTER on when you need to close a specific channel Press ENTER again on CHANNEL Use and to move through the digits and and to increase or decrease the numbers to the desired channel...

Page 106: ...Step Scan Count Timer 6 dBm Reference Resistance 7 MX B Values M B 8 Reading Hold Sensitivity Band 9 Input R DC Input Resistance 10 Interface USB GPIB ADDR RS232 baud parity 11 System Language Beep IDN string How to save the settings Press MENU and then use and to locate SYSTEM submenu Press ENTER to select it Again use and to locate INIT MODE submenu and then press ENTER to select it Use and to s...

Page 107: ...e and to locate LANGUAGE submenu Press ENTER to select it Use and to switch to DEFAULT M3500A or COMPATIBLE Press ENTER on your selection The locations of the buttons are shown with red rectangle frames in Figure 4 34 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 Figur...

Page 108: ...the last error in the error queue will be replaced with 350 means too many errors 4 The error queue is cleared when the multimeter is turned off or when a CLS command is received How to check the error queue Press MENU then use and to locate SYSTEM submenu Press ENTER to select it Again use and to locate ERROR option Press ENTER to select it The message about error queue will show on the display R...

Page 109: ...s for I O processor and the third number is for the front panel processor The locations of the buttons are shown with red rectangle frames in Figure 4 36 Figure 4 36 4 4 11 Calibration Information M3500A will show the latest calibrated date and the next calibration date on the display after following the operation below The location of the buttons is shown with red rectangle frames in Figure 4 37 ...

Page 110: ...it indicates that parts of the multimeter are not operating properly and need to be serviced Warning Erroneous self test failures may occur if the setting of power line voltage is incorrect Errors may also occur because of signals present on the input terminal front and rear during self test procedure Long test leads can act as an antenna causing pick up of ac signals How to execute Self test You ...

Page 111: ...communications with the front panel processor U3 Communication must function in both directions for this test to pass 602 RAM read write failed This test writes and reads a 55h and AAh checker board pattern to each address of ram U1701 Any incorrect read back will cause a test failure This error is only readable from the remote interface 603 Front End MCU does not respond The main CPU U1601 attemp...

Page 112: ... is 0 05 611 DC gain x100 failed This procedure is to test the tolerance of DC gain 100 amplifier The limit of gain tolerance is 0 5 612 Ohms 500 nA source failed This test configures to the 10V dc range with the internal 10M 100 1 divider R204 connected across the input The 500nA ohms current source is connected to produce a nominal 5V signal A 20ms ADC measurement is performed and the result is ...

Page 113: ...e 100 µ A ohms current source is connected The compliance limit of the current source is measured A 20ms ADC measurement is performed and the result is checked against a limit of 0 12V 0 01V 618 DC high voltage attenuator failed This test configures to the 1000 V dc range The 500nA ohms current source is connected to produce a nominal 5V signal A 20ms ADC measurement is performed and the result is...

Page 114: ...to sense line frequency The supplied voltage AC2 is routed through a comparator U4 to generate a logic input signal This test checks that the logic input from U4 to panel MCU U3 is toggling If no logic input is detected the instrument will assume 50Hz line operation for all future measurements 650 Front End MCUs Firmware Version Error System Error 660 Firmware Version Error 661 External Memory Ver...

Page 115: ...e Windows Software Hyper Terminal or others for the application purpose For more information about the RS 232 settings and configuration you should read further How to set the DMM through the RS 232 If you want to apply this interface you d better know the configuration including setting the front panel s baud rate parity and number of data bit Configure the RS 232 interface pressing MENU INTERFAC...

Page 116: ... pin The calbe pin diagram is shown below Troubleshooting about the RS 232 There are some troubleshootings when you meet problems on the RS 232 communication Check that the M3500A and your computer are configured for the same baud rate parity and number of data bits Confirm that your PC is set up for 1 start bit and 2 stop bits The values are fixed on the DMM Check that the interface cable and ada...

Page 117: ...ing to be output to the GPIB interface The signals are active low for approximately 2ms 100 µ sec for each reading taken Figure 2 17 shows the USB connector series B And Table 5 1 shows the detailed connector information Figure 2 17 Table 5 1 If you disable the USB interface the Pass Fail output function will enable automatically Please follow the procedure below to enable disable this function Pr...

Page 118: ...u may use the M3500A application developed by PICOTEST to remotely control the multimeter through either USB or GBIP interface How to set up for USB interface The USB cord should be connected well between M3500A and your PC Install the M3500A application in your PC and execute the program Click Tool tab for Command Control then type in your command The icons and buttons are shown with red rectangl...

Page 119: ...nd can be omitted The braces enclose the parameter choices for a given command string A vertical bar separates several choices for a parameter The MEASure Command Although it does not offer much flexibility using the MEASure Command is the simplest way to program the multimeter for measurements You select the measurement function range and resolution the multimeter automatically sets the other par...

Page 120: ...F resolution MIN MAX DEF VOLTage AC range MIN MAX DEF resolution MIN MAX DEF CURRent DC range MIN MAX DEF resolution MIN MAX DEF CURRent AC range MIN MAX DEF resolution MIN MAX DEF RESistance range MIN MAX DEF resolution MIN MAX DEF FRESistance range MIN MAX DEF resolution MIN MAX DEF FREQuency range MIN MAX DEF resolution MIN MAX DEF PERiod range MIN MAX DEF resolution MIN MAX DEF CONTinuity DIOD...

Page 121: ...lity After you have configured the multimeter use INITiate command to change the state of the triggering system from the idle state to the wait for trigger state The multimeter will start the measurements when the specified trigger condition requirements are met after it receives the INITiate command The results are sent to the internal memory and stored until you are ready to read them The FETCh ...

Page 122: ...Ximum RESistance RANGe range MINimum MAXimum RESistance RANGe MINimum MAXimum FRESistance RANGe range MINimum MAXimum FRESistance RANGe MINimum MAXimum FREQuency VOLTage RANGe range MINimum MAXimum FREQuency VOLTage RANGe MINimum MAXimum PERiod VOLTage RANGe range MINimum MAXimum PERiod VOLTage RANGe MINimum MAXimum SENSe VOLTage DC RANGe AUTO OFF ON VOLTage DC RANGe AUTO VOLTage AC RANGe AUTO OFF...

Page 123: ...um 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 UNIT TCOuple TYPE E J K N R S T TCOuple TYPE TCOuple SIMulated value MINimum MAXimum TCOuple SIMulated SENSe TEMPerature RTD TYPE PT100 D100 F100 PT385 PT3916 US...

Page 124: ...imum MAXimum TEMPerature SPRTD CX MINimum MAXimum TEMPerature SPRTD DX value MINimum MAXimum TEMPerature SPRTD DX MINimum MAXimum SENSe VOLTage DC NPLCycles 0 02 0 1 1 10 MINimum MAXimum VOLTage DC NPLCycles MINimum MAXimum CURRent DC NPLCycles 0 02 0 1 1 10 MINimum MAXimum CURRent DC NPLCycles MINimum MAXimum RESistance NPLCycles 0 02 0 1 1 10 MINimum MAXimum RESistance NPLCycles MINimum MAXimum ...

Page 125: ... 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 ROUTe SCAN TIMER ROUTe SCAN TIMER value ROUTe SCAN COUNT ROUTe SCAN COUNT value ROUTe SCAN STATe ROUTe SCAN SCAN ROUTe...

Page 126: ...ernal registers You can preset the values in some of the registers while others hold the results of the math operations CALCulate FUNCtion PERCent AVERage NULL LIMit MXB DB DBM FUNCtion STATe OFF ON STATe CALCulate PERCent TARGet value MINimum MAXimum PERCent TARGet MINimum MAXimum CALCulate AVERage MINimum AVERage MAXimum AVERage AVERage AVERage COUNt CALCulate NULL OFFSet value MINimum MAXimum N...

Page 127: ...face is a multi step sequence You must first configure the mulitmeter by choosing the desired function range and resolution Specify the trigger source from which the multimeter will accept the trigger The multimeter takes immediate internal trigger a software trigger from a remote interface and external trigger from the rear panel Then be sure that the multimeter is ready for a trigger in the wait...

Page 128: ... OFF ON DELay AUTO SAMPle COUNt value MINimum MAXimum COUNt MINmum MAXimum TRIGger COUNt value MINimum MAXimum INFinite COUNt MINmum MAXimum SYSTEM RELATED Commands Each system related operation performs a task that is not measurement related but plays an important role in making your measurements FETCh READ DISPlay OFF ON DISPlay DISPlay TEXT quoted string TEXT TEXT CLEar ...

Page 129: ...STem VERSion DATA POINts SYSTEM IDNSTR MANUFACTURER PRODUCT RST IDN L0 L1 STATUS REPORTING Commands SYSTem ERRor STATus QUEStionable ENABle enable value QUEStionable ENABle QUEStionable EVENt STATus PRESet CLS ESE enable value ESE ESR OPC OPC PSC 0 1 PSC SRE enable value SRE STB ...

Page 130: ...130 130 130 130 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 131: ...e saved until you remove errors from the queue the multimeter responds with 0 No error The error queue is cleared when power has been off or after a CLS clear status command has been executed The RST reset command does not clear the error queue 6 1 Error Type There is only one type over here execution errors If the errors you can t find here please contact with your seller for help 6 1 1 Execution...

Page 132: ...h too many characters was received 113 Undefined header An invalid command was received 121 Invalid character in number An invalid character was found in the number specified for a parameter value 123 Numeric overflow A numeric parameter with exponent larger than 32000 was found 124 Too many digits A numeric parameter was found whose mantissa contained more than 255 digits excluding leading zeros ...

Page 133: ...G 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 Send a device clear to halt a measurement in progress and place the meter in the idle state 221 Settings conflict This error c...

Page 134: ...data to the output buffer but the output buffer contained data from a previous command 420 Query UNTERMINATED The multimeter was addressed to talk i e to send data over the interface but a command has not been received which send data to the output buffer 430 Query DEADLOCKED A command was received which generates too much data to fit in the output buffer and input buffer is also full Command exec...

Page 135: ...eve requested resolution The multimeter cannot achieve the requested measurement resolution You may have specified an invalid resolution in the CONFigure or MEASure command 540 Cannot use overload as math reference The multimeter cannot store an overload reading 9 90000000E 37 as the math reference for null or dB measurements The math state is turned off as a result of this condition 550 Command n...

Page 136: ...s to M3500A unless noted otherwise A Specification List DC Characteristics Accuracy of reading of range 1 Function Range 2 Resolution Input Resistance 1 Year 23 C 5 C DC Voltage 3 100 0000 mV 0 1 uV 10GΩ 0 0050 0 0035 1 000000 V 1 0 uV 10GΩ 0 0040 0 0007 10 00000 V 10 uV 10GΩ 0 0035 0 0005 100 0000 V 100 uV 10MΩ 0 0045 0 0006 1000 000 V 1 uV 10MΩ 0 0045 0 0010 1 The specifications are under the co...

Page 137: ... 004 1 000000 KΩ 1 mΩ 1 mA 0 010 0 001 10 00000 KΩ 10 mΩ 100 uA 0 010 0 001 100 0000 KΩ 100 mΩ 10 uA 0 010 0 001 1 000000 MΩ 1 Ω 5 uA 0 010 0 001 10 00000 MΩ 10 Ω 500 nA 0 040 0 001 100 0000 MΩ 100 Ω 500 nA 10 MΩ 0 800 0 010 Diode Test 1 0000V 10 uV 1mA 0 010 0 020 Continuity 1000 00KΩ 10 mΩ 1mA 0 010 0 030 4 a To use 2 4 Wire Ω Measurement the Null math function must be enabled b Max Lead Resista...

Page 138: ...0 04 5 The Specifications are under the conditions 6 digits and 2 hour warm up 6 Measurement over 20 at all ranges is allowable except the range 750 VAC 7 The Specifications are under the test conditions 6 digits and 2 hour warm up slow AC filter 3 Hz Bandwidth sine wave input 8 Measurement over 20 at all ranges is allowable except the range 750 VAC 9 The Specifications are under the test conditio...

Page 139: ... uV To 1mV 3 5 1 00 0 03 5 10 0 35 0 03 10 20K 0 06 0 03 20 50K 0 12 0 05 50K 100K 10 0 60 0 08 100K 300K 4 00 0 50 ACI AC TRMS Current 1 000000A 1 uA 3 5 1 00 0 04 5 10 0 30 0 04 10 5K 0 10 0 04 3 00000A 10 uA 3 5 1 10 0 06 5 10 0 35 0 06 10 5K 0 15 0 06 10 The ACV range 750V is limited by 100 KHz ...

Page 140: ...fety11 IEC61010 1 2001 EN61010 1 2001 2nd Edition Over Voltage Category CAT II CAT I 1000V UL61010 1 2004 Installation CAT II Measurement CAT III at max 1000V Pollution Degree 2 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 ...

Page 141: ...n this system associated commands are grouped together under a common node or root thus forming subsystems A portion of the SENSe subsystem is shown below to illustrate the tree system 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 DETecto...

Page 142: ...parates multiple parameter choices for a given command string Triangle brackets indicate that you must specify a value for the enclosed parameter For example the above syntax statement shows the range parameter enclosed in triangle brackets The brackets are not sent with the command string You must specify a value for the parameter such as VOLT DC RANG 10 Some parameters are enclosed in square bra...

Page 143: ...d a query command without reading the response When you cannot avoid this situation send a device clear before sending the second query command SCPI Command Terminators A command string sent to the multimeter must terminate with a new line character The IEEE 488 EOI end or identify message is interpreted as a new line character and can be used to terminate a command string in place of a new line c...

Page 144: ...ic numeric values are accepted the multimeter will automatically round the input numeric parameters The following command uses a numeric parameter VOLTage DC RANGe range MINimum MAXimum Discrete Parameters Discrete parameters are used to program settings that have a limited number of values like BUS IMMediate EXTernal They have a short form and a long form just like command keywords You can mix up...

Page 145: ... 2 Output Data Formats Output data will be in one of formats shown in the table below Type of Output Data Non reading queries Single reading IEEE 488 Multiple readings IEEE 488 Single reading RS 232 Multiple readings RS 232 Output Data Format 80 ASCII character string SD DDDDDDDDESDD nl SD DDDDDDDDESDD nl SD DDDDDDDDESDD cr nl SD DDDDDDDDESDD cr nl S Negative sign or positive sign D Numeric digits...

Page 146: ...ng is sent to the output buffer MEASure CURRent AC range MIN MAX DEF resolution MIN MAX DEF Preset and make a AC current measurement with the specified range and resolution The reading is sent to the output buffer For AC measurement resolution is fixed at 6 digits Therefore the resolution parameter only affects the front panel display MEASure RESistance range MIN MAX DEF resolution MIN MAX DEF Pre...

Page 147: ...e and 5 digits respectively MEASure TEMPerature Preset and make a temperature measurement with RTD The reading is sent to the output buffer MEASure TCOuple Preset and make a temperature measurement with thermocouple The reading is sent to the output buffer C 4 The CONFigure Command CONFigure VOLTage DC range MIN MAX DEF resolution MIN MAX DEF Preset and configure the multimeter for DC voltage meas...

Page 148: ... RESistance range MIN MAX DEF resolution MIN MAX DEF Preset and configure the multimeter for 2 wire Ω measurements with the specified range and resolution This command does not initiate the measurement CONFigure FRESistance range MIN MAX DEF resolution MIN MAX DEF Preset and configure the multimeter for 4 wire Ω measurements with the specified range and resolution This command does not initiate th...

Page 149: ...not initiate the measurement The resolution is fixed at 6 digits CONFigure TCOuple Preset and configure for a thermocouple measurement This command does not initiate the measurement The resolution is fixed at 6 digits CONFigure Query a recent condition of function and return a quoted string C 5 The Measurement Configuration Command SENSe FUNCtion function Select a measurement function and enclose ...

Page 150: ...ENSe function RANGe AUTO Query the autorange setting Return 1 ON or 0 OFF SENSe function RESolution resolution MINimum MAXimum Set resolution for the selected function not valid for frequency period or ratio Specify the resolution in the same units as the measurement function not in number of digits MIN selects the smallest value accepted which gives the most resolution MAX selects the largest val...

Page 151: ...n REAL OFFSet value MINimum MAXimum Set the offset voltage of the real reference junction SENSe TCOuple RJUNction REAL OFFSet MINimum MAXimum Query the offset voltage of the real reference junction SENSe TEMPerature RTD TYPE PT100 D100 F100 PT385 PT3916 USER SPRTD NTCT Set the RTD type SENSe TEMPerature RTD TYPE Query the RTD type SENSe TEMPerature RTD RZERo value MINimum MAXimum Set the R Zero co...

Page 152: ...um MAXimum Set the sensor R value at 0 degree Celsius SENSe TEMPerature SPRTD RZERo MINimum MAXimum Query the sensor R value at 0 degree Celsius SENSe TEMPerature SPRTD A4 value MINimum MAXimum Set the A4 coefficient SENSe TEMPerature SPRTD A4 MINimum MAXimum Query the A4 coefficient SENSe TEMPerature SPRTD B4 value MINimum MAXimum Set the B4 coefficient SENSe TEMPerature SPRTD B4 MINimum MAXimum ...

Page 153: ... SENSe TEMPerature TRANsducer RTD Set the RTD Measurement to 2 Wire SENSe function NPLCycles 0 02 0 1 1 10 MINimum MAXimum Set the integration time in number of power line cycles for the selected function This command is valid only for DCV DCI 2 wire ohms and 4 wire ohms SENSe function NPLCycles MINimum MAXimum Query the integration time for the selected function SENSe FREQuency APERture 0 01 0 1 ...

Page 154: ...ONCE have a similar effect OFF mode does not issue a new offset measurement until the multimeter goes to the WAIT FOR TRIGGER state Parameter ONCE issues an immediate offset measurement SENSe ZERO AUTO Query the auto zero mode Returns 1 ON or 0 OFF or ONCE SENSe GAIN AUTO OFF ONCE ON Disable or enable the auto gain mode The OFF and ONCE have a similar effect OFF mode does not issue a new offset me...

Page 155: ...e after scanning The state display is 1 means the scanner card was inserted or 0 means it hasn t been inserted yet ROUTe SCAN FUNCtion channel function VOLT DC VOLT AC FREQuency RESistance FRESistance NONE Set scanner card s measurement functions which might be for the VAC VDC Frequency 2 Wire Resistance 4 Wire Resistance or disabling the channel ROUTe SCAN FUNC channel Query the channel s functio...

Page 156: ...default function is percent CALCulate FUNCtion Query the present math function Returns PERC AVER NULL LIM MXB DB or DBM CALCulate STATe OFF ON Disable or enable the selected math function 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 Ma...

Page 157: ...ber of readings taken since Min Max has been enabled The multimeter clears the value when Min Max is turned on when the power has been off or a remote interface reset CALCulate NULL OFFSet value MINimum MAXimum Store a null value in the multimeter s Null Register You must turn on the math operation before writing to the math register You can set the null value to any number between 0 and 120 of th...

Page 158: ...ve value to any number between 0 dBm and 200 dBm CALCulate DB REFerence MINimum MAXimum Query the dB relative value CALCulate DBM REFerence value MINimum MAXimum Set the dBm reference value Choose from 50 8000 ohms 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 multimet...

Page 159: ...y until you are ready to read them Use FETCh command to retrieve your measurements results READ Change the state of the triggering system from the idle state to wait for trigger state The meter will start to make measurements when a required triggering condition is met after the READ Command is received Readings are sent to the output buffer right away TRIGger SOURce BUS IMMediate EXTernal Select ...

Page 160: ... the sample count TRIGger COUNt value MINimum MAXimum INFinite Specify the number of triggers the multimeter will accept before returning to the idle state Select from 1 to 50 000 triggers The INFinite parameter instructs the multimeter to take triggers continuously Trigger count is ignored while in local operation TRIGger COUNt MINimum MAXimum INFinite Query the trigger count Returns 9 90000000E ...

Page 161: ...splay any additional characters will be truncated DISPlay TEXT Query the message sent to the front panel display DISPlay TEXT CLEar Clear the message shown on the front panel display SYSTem BEEPer Issue a single beeping tone SYSTem BEEPer STATe OFF ON Disable or enable the beeper SYSTem BEEPer STATe Query the beeper mode Returns 0 OFF or 1 ON SYSTem ERRor Query the multimeter s error queue Up to 2...

Page 162: ...is command can not clear the error queue IDN Read the multimeter s identification string be sure to dimension a string variable with at least 35 characters Other Interface Commands SYSTem LOCal Place the multimeter in the local mode All buttons on the front panel are fully functional SYSTem REMote Place the multimeter in the remote mode All buttons on the front panel except the LOCAL button are di...

Page 163: ...VEN or CLS Please note that the reset command RST or device clear in event registers won t clear bits To query an event register will return a decimal value corresponding to binary weighted sum of all bits set in the register An enable register is readable and writable and can define which bits in the corresponding event register are ORed together to generate a single summary bit To query an enabl...

Page 164: ...er is reported immediatedly through the message available in bit 4 Besides bits are not latched in the summary registers In addition to clear an event register will clear the according bits in the status byte summary register And to read all messages in the output buffer including all pending queries will clear the message available bit The following list shows the definition of each bit ...

Page 165: ...only the separate bits in the summary register The following conditions will clear the enable register You turn on the power and have set the DMM previously by using the PSC 1 command You execute a SRE 0 command Note If you have set the DMM previously by using PSC 0 the status byte enable register won t be cleared at power on How to use SRQ Service Request and Serial Poll You have to set your bus ...

Page 166: ...yte by using STB The STB command status byte query is like a serial poll except it acts similar to any other instrument command This command returns the same result as an IEEE 488 serial poll except that the request service bit 6 isn t cleared if a serial poll has occurred And the IEEE 488 bus interface hardware can t automatically handle the STB command It will work only after previous commands h...

Page 167: ...ements have completed by using the INITiate and FETCH commands That means in detail the INITIate command is used to store readings in the DMM s internal memory And the FETCH command is used to transfer readings to the DMM s output buffer Signal by Using OPC When Data is in the Output Buffer Normally to use the operation complete bit 0 in the standard event register will signal as a command sequenc...

Page 168: ...ll commands prior to and including an OPC command have been executed 1 Not Used 2 Set to 0 2 Query Error 4 The DMM output buffer was empty as the DMM tried to read from it Or a new command line was received before a previous query has been read Or both the input and output buffers are full 3 Device Error 8 Error occurrence from a self test calibration or reading overlaod 4 Execution Error 16 Error...

Page 169: ...e command to set the enable register mask Bit Definitions for Questionable Data Register Bit Decimal Value Definition 0 Voltage Overload 1 Range overload on dc ac volts frequency period diode or ratio function 1 Current Overload 2 Range overload on dc ac current function 2 Not Used 4 Set to 0 3 Not Used 8 Set to 0 4 Not Used 16 Set to 0 5 Not Used 32 Set to 0 6 Not Used 64 Set to 0 7 Not Used 128 ...

Page 170: ...trieved in first in first out FIFO order Each error string may contain up to 80 characters STATus QUEStionable ENABle enable value Enable bits in the Questionable Data enable register 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 r...

Page 171: ...0 in the Standard Event register after the command is executed OPC Returns 1 to the output buffer after the command is executed PSC 0 1 Power on status clear Clear the Status Byte and Standard Event register enable masks when power is turned on PSC 1 When PSC 0 is in effect the Status Byte and Standard Event register enable masks are not cleared when power is turned on Stored in non volatile memor...

Page 172: ...mands are compliant to the SCPI format and they follow the syntax rules of the standard 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 MINim...

Page 173: ...et MINimum MAXimum LIMit LOWer value MINimum MAXimum LIMit LOWer MINimum MAXimum LIMit UPPer value MINimum MAXimum LIMit UPPer MINimum MAXimum MXB MMFactor value MINimum MAXimum MXB MMFactor MINimum MAXimum MXB MBFactor value MINimum MAXimum MXB MBFactor MINimum MAXimum DB REFerence value MINimum MAXimum DB REFerence MINimum MAXimum DBM REFerence value MINimum MAXimum DBM REFerence MINimum MAXimum...

Page 174: ...mon Commands CLS ESE enable value ESE ESR IDN OPC OPC PSC 0 1 PSC RST SRE enable value SRE STB TRG Dedicated Hardware Lines Addressed Commands ATN IFC REN SRQ Attention Interface Clear Remote Enable Service Request Interrupt DCL EOI GET GTL LLO SDC SPD SPE Device Clear ...

Page 175: ...eter returns to the trigger idle state The multimeter s input and output buffers are cleared The multimeter is prepared to accept a new command string For RS 232 operation sending the Ctrl C character will perform the equivalent operations of the IEEE 488 device clear message The multimeter s DTR data terminal ready handshake line will be true following a device clear message See DTR DSR Handshake...

Page 176: ...ass 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 Browse the Visual C samples code see Visual C DEVQUERY Sample Application Using MEASure for a Single Measurement The following example uses the MEASure c...

Page 177: ...ocedure as the Startup object code in the Application events Startup Shutdown Startup 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 2 Select the Application pane 3 Select a Startup object from...

Page 178: ...500 INSTR fList nList desc If stat VI_SUCCESS Then Rem Error finding resources exiting MsgBox M3500 device not found vbExclamation M3500 multimeter device test viClose dfltRM Exit Sub End If Rem Open a session to each and determine if it matches stat viOpen dfltRM desc VI_NULL VI_NULL sesn If stat VI_SUCCESS Then MsgBox Open device failed vbExclamation M3500 multimeter device test stat viClose fLi...

Page 179: ...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 stat viClose fList Exit Sub End If Rem fetch the measure data stat viRead sesn readin 64 ret If stat VI_SUCCESS Then MsgBox Read in data error vbExclamation M3500 multimeter device test stat viClose fList Exit Sub End If Debug Print Rdg readin Rem set to local mode st...

Page 180: ...lows you to incrementally change the multimeter s configuration The example is is shown in Visual Basic Creating the Application Create a new Visual Basic project as follows 1 Create a new Standar EXE project 2 To set the startup object for a Windows Application to Sub Main 3 Add New Module Declare a Sub Main LISTING C 2 THE CONFigure FUNCTION Public Declare Sub Sleep Lib kernel32 ByVal dwMillisec...

Page 181: ...e dfltRM Exit Sub End If Rem Open a session to each and determine if it matches stat viOpen dfltRM desc VI_NULL VI_NULL sesn If stat VI_SUCCESS Then MsgBox Open device failed vbExclamation M3500 multimeter device test stat viClose fList Exit Sub End If 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 mult...

Page 182: ... stat viClose fList Exit Sub End If Rem send command Trigger source is IMMediate stat viWrite sesn TRIG SOUR IMM 13 ret If stat VI_SUCCESS Then MsgBox System command error vbExclamation M3500 multimeter device test stat viClose fList Exit Sub End If Rem send command Select dBm function stat viWrite sesn CALC FUNC DBM 13 ret If stat VI_SUCCESS Then MsgBox System command error vbExclamation M3500 mu...

Page 183: ...int out the 4 times samples reading Debug Print Rdgs Mid readin i 16 1 15 Next MsgBox End of Job End Sub C DEVQUERY Sample Application This C sample application is a Win32 console application It illustrates how to use the PICOTEST IOUtils COM A Win32 console application is a Win32 application which uses text based input and output not a graphical interface This allows you to quickly create a Win32...

Page 184: ...ion 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 int m_Timeout 7000 char pStrout Write out data buffer BYTE pStrin 64 Read in data buffer int len ULONG nWritten ULONG nRead 0 char buffer 256 char instrDescriptor 256 Load the NI VISA library for USBTMC device hUSBTMCLIB...

Page 185: ...g vi unsigned char name unsigned long len unsigned long retval signed long __stdcall PviRead_usb unsigned long vi unsigned char name unsigned long len unsigned long retval signed long __stdcall PviSetAttribute_usb unsigned long vi unsigned long viAttr unsigned long attrstat PviOpenDefaultRM_usb signed long __stdcall unsigned long GetProcAddress hUSBTMCLIB LPCSTR viOpenDefaultRM PviFindRsrc_usb sig...

Page 186: ...ned long unsigned long unsigned long GetProcAddress hUSBTMCLIB LPCSTR viSetAttribute if PviOpenDefaultRM_usb NULL PviFindRsrc_usb NULL PviClose_usb NULL PviOpen_usb NULL PviWrite_usb NULL PviRead_usb NULL PviSetAttribute_usb NULL FreeLibrary hUSBTMCLIB hUSBTMCLIB NULL MessageBox NULL NIVISA for USBTMC library not ready M3500 multimeter device test MB_OK return printf n Start C Example program n pr...

Page 187: ...B 0 9 0x05E6 0xM3500 INSTR m_findList_usbtmc m_nCount 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...

Page 188: ...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 PviClose_usb m_defaultRM_usbtmc hUSBTMCLIB NULL m_defaultRM_usbtmc 0 return else printf output IDN n Sleep 1000 Re...

Page 189: ... 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 status PviWrite_usb m_instr_usbtmc unsigned char pStrout 10 nWritten Sleep 3000 Set configure Current DC range 0 1A strcpy pStrout CONF CURR DC 1 0 01 s...

Page 190: ...PviWrite_usb m_instr_usbtmc unsigned char pStrout 6 nWritten Sleep 30 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 free pStrout Close device if hUSBT...

Page 191: ...191 191 191 191 FreeLibrary hUSBTMCLIB hUSBTMCLIB NULL return ...

Page 192: ... Digital Multimeter Model Number M3500A Product Accessories This declaration applies to all accessories of the above 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...

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