Agilent 3458 Multimeter Data Sheet Shattering performance barriers of speed and accuracy Performance Highlights dc Volts * 5 ranges: 0.1 V to 1000 V * 8.5 to 4.5 digit resolution * Up to 100,000 readings/sec (4.5 digits) * Maximum sensitivity: 10 nV * 0.6 ppm 24 hour accuracy * 8 ppm (4 ppm optional) / year voltage reference stability Ohms * 9 ranges: 10 to 1G * Two-wire and four-wire Ohms with offset compensation * Up to 50,000 readings/sec (5.5 digits) * Maximum Sensitivity: 10 * 2.2 ppm 24 hour accuracy 2 ac Volts * 6 ranges: 10 mV to 1000 V * 1 Hz to 10 MHz bandwidth * Up to 50 readings/sec with all readings to specified accuracy * Choice of sampling or analog true rms techniques * 100 ppm best accuracy dc Current * 8 ranges: 100 nA to 1 A * Up to 1,350 readings/sec (5.5digits) * Maximum sensitivity: 1pA * 14 ppm 24 hour accuracy ac Current * 5 ranges: 100 A to 1 A * 10Hz to 100 kHz bandwidth * Up to 50 readings/sec * 500 ppm 24 hour accuracy Frequency and period * Voltage or current ranges * Frequency: 1 Hz to 10 MHz * Period: 100 ns to 1 sec * 0.01% accuracy * ac or dc coupled Maximum speeds * 100,000 readings/sec at 4.5 digits (16 bits) * 50,000 readings/sec at 5.5 digits * 6,000 readings/sec at 6.5 digits * 60 readings/sec at 7.5 digits * 6 readings/sec at 8.5 digits Measurement set-up speed * 100,000 readings/sec over GPIB or with internal memory * 110 autoranges/sec * 340 function or range changes/sec * Post-processed math from internal memory Access speed and accuracy through a powerful, convenient front panel Current measurement terminals Numeric/user keys * Easy fuse replacement with * Numeric entry for constants and fuse holder built into terminal measurement parameters * Shifted keys (f0 through f9) access up to ten user-defined setups Guard terminal and switch * For maximum common mode noise rejection Volts/Ohms/ratio terminals * Gold-plated tellurium copper Standard function/range keys for minimum thermal emf * Simple to use, for bench measureFront-rear terminal switch * Position selects front or rear ments of dcV, acV, Ohms, current, * 2-wire or 4-wire Ohms measurements measurement terminals frequency and period * dc/dc or ac/dc ratio inputs * Select autorange or manual ranging Display * Bright, easy-to-read, vacuum flourescent display * 16 character alpha-numeric display to easily read data, messages, and commands Menu command keys * Immediate access to eight common commands * Shifted keys allow simple access to complete command menu External Output: * Programmable TTL output pulse with 5 modes for flexible system interface * Defaults to a voltmeter complete pulse Rear input terminals for convenient system use External trigger input GPIB interface connector 3 Finally! A system multimeter with BOTH high speed and high accuracy. The Agilent Technologies 3458A Multimeter shatters long-standing performance barriers of speed and accuracy on the production test floor, in R&D, and in the calibration lab. The 3458A is simply the fastest, most flexible, and most accurate multimeter ever offered by Agilent Technologies. In your system or on the bench, the 3458A saves you time and money with unprecedented test system throughput and accuracy, seven function measurement flexibility, and low cost of ownership. Contents Test System Throughput /6 Calibration Lab Precision / 7 High Resolution Digitizing /8 Technical Specifications / 9 Specs Overview / 9 Section 1: DCVoltage / 10 Section 2: Resistance / 11 Section 3: DCCurrent / 13 Section 4: ACVoltage / 14 Section 5: ACCurrent / 19 Section 6: Frequency/Period / 20 Section 7: Digitizing / 21 Section 8: System Specs / 23 Section 9: Ratio / 24 Section 10: Math Functions / 24 Section 11: General Specs / 25 Section 12: Ordering Information / 26 Accessories / 26 Other Meters / 27 4 Select a reading rate of 100,000 readings per second for maximal test throughput. Or achieve highest levels of precision with up to 8.5 digits of measurement resolution and 0.1 part per million transfer accuracy. Add to this, programming compatibility through the Agilent Multimeter Language (ML) and the 3458A's simplicity of operation and you have the ideal multimeter for your most demanding applications. The 3458A Multimeter for: High test system throughput Faster testing * Up to 100,000 readings/sec * Internal test setups >340/sec * Programmable integration times from 500 ns to 1 sec Greater test yield * More accuracy for tighter test margins * Up to 8.5 digits resolution Longer up-time * Two-source (10V,10k) calibration, including ac * Self-adjusting, self-verifying autocalibration for all functions and ranges, including ac Calibration lab precision Superb transfer measurements * 8.5 digits resolution * 0.1 ppm dc Volts linearity * 0.1 ppm dc Volts transfer capability * 0.01 ppm rms internal noise Extraordinary accuracy * 0.6 ppm for 24 hours in dc Volts * 2.2 ppm for 24 hours in Ohms * 100 ppm mid-band ac Volts * 8 ppm (4 ppm optional) per year voltage reference stability High resolution digitizing Greater waveform resolution and accuracy * 16 to 24 bits resolution * 100,000 to 0.2 samples/sec * 12 MHz bandwidth * Timing resolution to 10 ns * Less than 100 ps time jitter * Over 75,000 reading internal memory 5 For High Test SystemThroughput * Faster system start-up Multimeter Language (ML) compatible * Faster measurements and setups 100,000 readings/sec in 4.5 digits 50,000 readings/sec in 5.5 digits 340 function or range changes/sec * Longer system up-time Multimeter Language (ML) compatible The Agilent 3458A System Multimeter heightens test performance in three phases of your production test: faster test system start-up, faster test throughput, and lower cost of ownership through longer system uptime, designed-in reliability, and fast and easy calibration. Faster system start-up The value of a fast system multimeter in production test is clear. But it is also important that the dmm programs easily to reduce the learning time for new system applications. The Agilent Multimeter Language (ML) offers a standard set of commands for the multimeteruser that consists of easily understood, readable commands. Easier programming and clearer documentation reduce system development time. Faster measurements and setups Now you can have a system dmm with both fast and accurate measurements. The 3458A optimizes your measurements for the right combination of accuracy, resolution, and speed. The 3458A Multimeter fits your needs from 4.5 digit dc Volts measurements at 100,000 per second, to 8.5 digit dc Volts measurements at 6 per second, or anywhere in between in 100 ns steps. 6 Even the traditionally slower measurement functions, such as ac Volts, are quicker with the 3458A. For example, you can measure true rms acV at up to 50 readings per second with full accuracy for input frequencies greater than 10 kHz. Besides high reading rates, the 3458A's design was tuned for the many function and level changes required in testing your device. The 3458A can change function and range, take a measurement, and output the result at 340 per second. This is at least 5 times faster than other dmms. In addition, the 3458A transfers high speed measurement data over GPIB or into and out of its 75,000 reading memory at 100,000 readings per second. You can reduce your data transfer overhead by using the unique nonvolatile Program Memory of the 3458A to store complete measurement sequences. These test sequences can be programmed and initiated from the front panel for stand-alone operation without a controller. Finally, the 3458A Multimeter makes fast and accurate measurements. Consider the 3458A's 0.6 ppm24 hour dc Volts accuracy, 100 ppm acVolts accuracy and its standard functions of dcV, acV, dcI, acI, Ohms, frequency and period. Greater measurement accuracy from your dmm means higher confidence and higher test yields. More functions mean greater versatility and lower-cost test systems. Longer system up-time The 3458A Multimeter performs a complete self-calibration of all functions, including ac, using high stability internal standards. This self- or autocalibration eliminates measurement errors due to time drift and temperature changes in your rack or on your bench for superior accuracy. When it's time for periodic calibration to external standards, simply connect a precision 10 Vdc source and a precision 10 k resistor. All ranges and functions, including ac, are automatically calibrated using precision internal ratio transfer measurements relative to the external standards. The 3458A's reliability is a product of Agilent's "10X" program of defect reduction. Through extensive environmental, abuse, and stress testing during the design stages of product development, has reduced the number of defects and early failures in its instruments by a factor of ten over the past ten years. Our confidence in the 3458A's reliability is reflected in the low cost of the option for two additional years of return-to-repair. This option (W30), when combined with the standard one-year warranty, will give you three years of worry-free operation. For Calibration Lab Precision * 8.5 digits resolution * 0.1 ppm dcV linearity * 100 ppm acV absolute accuracy * 4 ppm/year optional stability In the calibration lab, you'll find the 3458A's 8.5digits to have extraordinary linearity, low internal noise, and excellent short term stability. The linearity of the 3458A's Multislope A to D converter has been characterized with state-of-the-art precision. Using Josephsen Junction Array intrinsic standards, linearity has been measured within 0.05 ppm of 10Volts. The 3458A's transfer accuracy for 10 Volts dc is 0.1 ppm over 1 hour 0.5C. Internal noise has been reduced to less than 0.01 ppm rms yielding 8.5 digits of usable resolution. So, the right choice for your calibration standard dmm is the 3458A. dcV stability The long term accuracy of the 3458A is a remarkable 8 ppm per year--more accurate than many system dmms are after only a day. Option 002 gives you a higher stability voltage reference specified to 4ppm/year for the ultimate performance. Reduced-error resistance The 3458A doesn't stop with accurate dcV. Similar measurement accuracy is achieved for resistance, acV, and current. You can measure resistance from 10 to 1 G with midrange accuracy of 2.2 ppm. Finally, the 3458A, like its dmm predecessors, offers offset-compensated Ohms on the 10 to 100 k ranges to eliminate the errors introduced by small series voltage offsets. Usable for both two- and four-wire ohms, the 3458A supplies a current through the unknown resistance, measures the voltage drop, sets the current to zero, and measures the voltage drop again. The result is reduced error for resistance measurements. Precision acV The 3458A introduces new heights of true rms ac volts performance with a choice of traditional analog or a new sampling technique for higher accuracy. For calibration sources and periodic waveforms from 1Hz to 10MHz, the 3458A's precision sampling technique offers extraordinary accuracy. With 100 ppm absolute accuracy for 45 Hz to 1 kHz or 170 ppm absolute accuracy to 20 kHz, the 3458A will enhance your measurement capabilities. Accuracy is maintained for up to 2 years with only a single 10 Volt dc precision standard. No ac standards are necessary. For higher speed and less accuracy, the analog true rms ac technique has a midband absolute measurement accuracy of 300 ppm using the same simple calibration procedure. With a bandwidth of 10 Hz to 2 MHz and reading rates to 50/second, is an excellent choice for high throughput computer-aided testing. Easy calibration The 3458A gives you low cost of ownership with a simple, two-source electronic calibration. With its superior linearity, the 3458A is fully calibrated, including ac, from a precision 10Vdc source and a precision 10kresistor. All ranges and functions are automatically calibrated using precise internal ratio transfer measurements relative to these external standards. In addition, the 3458A's internal voltage standard and resistance standard are calibrated. Now you can perform a self-verifying, self- or auto-calibration relative to the 3458A's low drift internal standards at any time with the ACAL command. So, if your dmm's environment changes, auto-calibration optimizes your measurement accuracy. Calibration security Unlike other dmms, the 3458A goes to great lengths to assure calibration security. First, a password security code "locks" calibration values and the self-calibration function. Next, you can easily store and recall a secured message for noting items, such as calibration date and due date. Plus, the 3458A automatically increments a calibration counter each time you "unlock" the dmm -- another safeguard against calibration tampering. If you have a unique situation or desire ultimate security, use the internal dmm hardwired switch to force removal of the instrument covers to perform calibration. 7 For High Resolution Digitizing * 16 bits at 100,000 samples/sec * Effective rates to 100 Msamples/sec * Signal bandwidth of 12 MHz * 10 ns timing with <100ps jitter Easily acquire waveforms Direct sampling function Sequential sampling function Simple, application-oriented commands in the Agilent Multimeter Language (ML) make the task of waveform digitizing as easy as measuring dcV. Simply specify the sweep rate and number of samples. The 3458A has two sampling functions for digitizing wave-forms: direct sampling and sequential or sub-sampling. With direct sampling, the 3458A samples through the 12 MHz path followed by the 2ns track-and-hold providing 16bits of resolution. The maximum sample rate is 50,000 samples/second or 20 s between samples. Samples can be internally paced by a 0.01% accurate timebase with time increments in 100 ns steps. Data transfers directly to your computer at full speed or into the dmm's internal reading memory. Waveform reconstruction consists of simply plotting the digitized voltage readings versus the sampling interval of the timebase. Sequential or sub-sampling uses the same measurement path as direct sampling; however sequential sampling requires a periodic input signal. The 3458A will synchronize to a trigger point on the waveform set by a level threshold or external trigger. Once synchronized, the dmm automatically acquires the waveform through digitizing successive periods with time increment steps as small as 10 ns, effectively digitizing at rates up to 100 Msamples/second. All you specify is the effective timebase and the number of samples desired, the 3458A automatically optimizes its sampling to acquire the waveform in the least amount of time. Then, for your ease of use, the 3458A automatically re-orders the data in internal memory to reconstruct the waveform. Integration or track-and-hold paths The 3458A gives you the choice of two configurations for high speed measurements: a 150 kHz bandwidth integrating path with a variable aperture from 500ns to 1 second or a 12 MHz bandwidth path with a fixed 2 ns aperture and 16-bit trackand-hold. Use the integration path for lower noise, but use the trackand-hold path to precisely capture the voltage at a single point on a waveform. 8 3458A Technical Specifications 9 Section 1: DC Voltage 10 DC Voltage continued Section 2: Resistance 11 Resistance continued 12 Section 3: DC Current 13 Section 4: AC Voltage General Information Synchronous Sub-sampled Mode (ACV Function, SETACV SYNC) 14 AC Voltage continued 15 AC Voltage continued Analog Mode (ACV Function, SETACV ANA) 16 AC Voltage continued Random Sampled Mode (ACV Function, SETACV RNDM) 17 AC Voltage continued 18 Section 5: AC Current 19 AC Current continued Section 6: Frequency/Period 20 Section 7: Digitizing Standard DC Volts Digitizing (DCV Function) 21 Digitizing continued Direct and Sub-sampled Digitizing (DSDC, DSAC, SSDC and SSAC Functions) 22 Section 8: System Specifications 23 Section 9: Ratio Section 10: Math Functions 24 Section 11: General Specifications Operating Environment 0 C to 55 C Operating Humidity Range Up to 95% RH at 40 C Physical Characteristics 88.9 mm H x 425.5 mm W x 502.9 mm D Net Weight: 12 kg (26.5 lbs) Shipping Weight: 14.8 kg (32.5 lbs) IEEE-4888 Interface Complies with the following: IEEE-488.1 Interface Standard IEEE-728 Codes/Formats Standard HPML (Multimeter Language) Storage Temperature -40 C to +75 C Designed in accordance with Safety: IEC 348, UL 1244, CSA 7n: Classified under MIL-T-28800D as Type III, Class 5, Style E, and Color R. Warranty Period One year Input Terminals Gold-plated Tellurium Copper Included with 3458A Test Lead Set (34118B) Power Cord Operating Manual (P/N 03458-90004) Calibration Manual (P/N 03458-90016) Assembly Level Repair Manual (P/N 03458-90010) Quick Reference Guide (P/N 03458-90005) Warm-Up Time 4 hours to published specifications Power Requirements 100/120 V, 220/240 V 10% 48-66 Hz, 360-420 Hz automatically sensed < 30 W, < 80 VA (peak) Fused: 1.5 @ 115 V or 0.5 A @ 230 V Field Installation Kits 3458A-001 Extended Reading Memory 3458A-002 High Stability Reference Extra Keyboard Overlays (5 each) Part Number 03458-87901 03458-80002 03458-84303 Available Documentation Product Note 3458-1: Optimizing Throughput and Reading Rate Product Note 3458-2: High Resolution Digitizing with the 3458A Product Note 3458-3: Electronic Calibration of the 3458A Extra Manual Set Part Number 5953-7058 5953-7059 5953-7060 03458-90100 25 Section 12: Ordering Information Agilent 3458A Multimeter (with GPIB, 20 k bytes reading memory, and 8 ppm stability) 3458A-001 Extended Reading Memory (Expands total to 148 k bytes) 3458A-002 3458A-A6J 3458A-907 3458A-908 3458A-909 3458A-ABD 3458A-ABF 3458A-ABJ 3458A-ABZ High Stability (4 ppm/year) Reference ANSI Z540 Compliant Calibration Front Handles Kit (P/N 5062-3988) Rack Mount Kit (P/N 5062-3974) Rack Mount Kit with Handles (P/N 5062-3975) German Manual French Manual Japanese Manual Italian Manual Accessories 10833A 10833B 10833C 10833D GPIB Cable (1m) GPIB Cable (2m) GPIB Cable (4m) GPIB Cable (0.5m) 11053A Low thermal test lead pair, spade lug to spade lug, 0.9 m 11174A Low thermal test lead pair, spade lug to banana, 0.9 m 11058A Low thermal test lead pair, banana to banana, 0.9 m 11059A 11062A 26 Kelvin Probe Set (4-wires, 1 m) Kelvin Clip Set (2 each) Top: Low thermal test leads Bottom: Kelvin probe and clip set More High Performance Multimeters to Meet Your Needs 34401A Multimeter Agilent offers a full line of affordable, high performance DMMs from the 6.5 digit 34401A to the 8.5 digit 3458A. Please consult your T&M catalog or contact the nearest Agilent Technologies sales office for more information. The new standard in price/performance If you are looking for an affordable, high performance DMM, look no further. The 34401A brings you all the performance you expect from Agilent Technologies, but at a price that will surprise you. Uncompromised performance The 34401A combines a powerful measurement engine with an advanced feature set. The results are impressive: 6.5 digits of resolution, 1,000 readings per second, 11 measurement functions, standard GPIB and RS-232, built-in limit test, and room for 512 readings in volatile memory. The 34401A is at home either on your bench or in your test system. Affordable workhorse By leveraging 3458A measurement technology, replacing piles of discrete chips with custom ICs, and by designing for manufacturability, we have eliminated costs without sacrificing reliability. The 34401A has a proven track record, with tens of thousands of units in the field today and an actual MTBFof over 150,000 hours. With numbers like that, chances are you'll retire before it does. 27 34420A Nanovolt/Micro-ohm meter. Nanovolt performance at a Microvolt price... *7.5 digits of resolution *100 pV/100 n of sensitivity *8nVpp noise *Built-in two channel dcV scanner *ITS-90 temperature, including SPRTs 28 Take the uncertainty out of your low-level measurements More measurements for your money When every nanovolt counts, look to the 34420A for its low-noise, accuracy, and reliability. Low-noise input amplifiers and a highly tuned input protection scheme bring reading noise down to 8nVpp--half that of other nanovolt meters in its class. Now add 100 pV/100 n of sensitivity, 2 ppm basic 24-hr dcV accuracy, and 7.5 digits of resolution, and you've got accurate, repeatable measurements you can rely on month after month. Most existing nanovoltmeters measure only nanovolts. However, the 34420A provides a more complete solution for meeting your low-level needs. We've added a high precision current source to enable resistance measurements from 100 n to 1 M, all without the hassle and expense of an external supply. We've also included ITS-90 conversion routines so you can read thermocouples, thermistors, and RTDs--even SPRTs-- directly in degrees. And if that isn't enough, a built-in two channel scanner allows automated dcV ratio and difference measurements. Better still, the 34420A offers all this functionality for less than what you are used to paying for nanovolt-only products. Agilent Technologies' Test and Measurement Support, Services, and Assistance Agilent Technologies aims to maximize the value you receive, while minimizing your risk and problems. We strive to ensure that you get the test and measurement capabilities you paid for and obtain the support you need. Our extensive support resources and services can help you choose the right Agilent products for your applications and apply them successfully. Every instrument and system we sell has a global warranty. Two concepts underlie Agilent's overall support policy: "Our Promise" and "Your Advantage." Our Promise Our Promise means your Agilent test and measurement equipment will meet its advertised performance and functionality. When you are choosing new equipment, we will help you with product information, including realistic performance specifications and practical recommendations from experienced test engineers. When you receive your new Agilent equipment, we can help verify that it works properly, and help with initial product operation. Your Advantage Your Advantage means that Agilent offers a wide range of additional expert test and measurement services, which you can purchase according to your unique technical and business needs. Solve problems efficiently and gain a competitive edge by contracting with us for calibration, extra-cost upgrades, out-of-warranty repairs, and onsite education and training, as well as design, system integration, project management, and other professional engineering services. Experienced Agilent engineers and technicians worldwide can help you maximize your productivity, optimize the return on investment of your Agilent instruments and systems, and obtain dependable measurement accuracy for the life of those products. Get assistance with all your test and measurement needs at: www.agilent.com/find/assist www.agilent.com/find/emailupdates Get the latest information on the products and applications you select. Agilent T&M Software and Connectivity Agilent's Test and Measurement software and connectivity products, solutions and developer network allows you to take time out of connecting your instruments to your computer with tools based on PC standards, so you can focus on your tasks, not on your connections. Visit www.agilent.com/find/connectivity for more information. Product specifications and descriptions in this document subject to change without notice. (c) Agilent Technologies, Inc. 1996, 2000, 2005 Printed in the U.S.A. April 15, 2005 5965-4971E