Keysight 34450A 5½ Digit

Multimeter

User’s Guide
Notices U.S. Government Rights Warranty
The Software is “commercial computer THE MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS
Copyright Notice software,” as defined by Federal DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS,”
Acquisition Regulation (“FAR”) 2.101. AND IS SUBJECT TO BEING
© Keysight Technologies 2012-2020 Pursuant to FAR 12.212 and 27.405-3 CHANGED, WITHOUT NOTICE, IN
No part of this manual may be and Department of Defense FAR FUTURE EDITIONS. FURTHER, TO THE
reproduced in any form or by any Supplement (“DFARS”) 227.7202, the MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY
means (including electronic storage U.S. government acquires commercial APPLICABLE LAW, KEYSIGHT
and retrieval or translation into a computer software under the same DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER
foreign language) without prior terms by which the software is EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH REGARD
agreement and written consent from customarily provided to the public. TO THIS MANUAL AND ANY
Keysight Technologies as governed by INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN,
Accordingly, Keysight provides the
United States and international INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE
Software to U.S. government
copyright laws. IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
customers under its standard MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR
commercial license, which is embodied
Trademarks in its End User License Agreement
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. KEYSIGHT
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ERRORS
Microsoft ® is a U.S. registered (EULA), a copy of which can be found OR FOR INCIDENTAL OR
trademark of Microsoft Corporation. at http://www.keysight.com/find/ CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IN
sweula. The license set forth in the CONNECTION WITH THE
Manual Part Number EULA represents the exclusive authority FURNISHING, USE, OR
by which the U.S. government may use, PERFORMANCE OF THIS DOCUMENT
34450-90000
modify, distribute, or disclose the OR OF ANY INFORMATION
Edition Software. The EULA and the license set CONTAINED HEREIN. SHOULD
forth therein, does not require or KEYSIGHT AND THE USER HAVE A
Edition 7, March 2020 permit, among other things, that SEPARATE WRITTEN AGREEMENT
Keysight: (1) Furnish technical WITH WARRANTY TERMS COVERING
Printed in: information related to commercial THE MATERIAL IN THIS DOCUMENT
Printed in Malaysia computer software or commercial THAT CONFLICT WITH THESE TERMS,
computer software documentation that THE WARRANTY TERMS IN THE
Published by: is not customarily provided to the SEPARATE AGREEMENT SHALL
public; or (2) Relinquish to, or CONTROL.
Keysight Technologies
Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, otherwise provide, the government Safety Information
11900 Penang, Malaysia rights in excess of these rights
customarily provided to the public to
Technology Licenses use, modify, reproduce, release, CAUTION
perform, display, or disclose
The hardware and/or software A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It
commercial computer software or
described in this document are calls attention to an operating
commercial computer software
furnished under a license and may be procedure, practice, or the like that, if
documentation. No additional
used or copied only in accordance with not correctly performed or adhered to,
government requirements beyond
the terms of such license.
those set forth in the EULA shall apply, could result in damage to the product
Declaration of Conformity except to the extent that those terms, or loss of important data. Do not
rights, or licenses are explicitly required proceed beyond a CAUTION notice
Declarations of Conformity for this from all providers of commercial until the indicated conditions are fully
product and for other Keysight computer software pursuant to the FAR understood and met.
products may be downloaded from the and the DFARS and are set forth
Web. Go to http://www.keysight.com/ specifically in writing elsewhere in the
go/conformity. You can then search by
product number to find the latest
EULA. Keysight shall be under no
obligation to update, revise or
WARNING
Declaration of Conformity. otherwise modify the Software. With A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It
respect to any technical data as calls attention to an operating
defined by FAR 2.101, pursuant to FAR procedure, practice, or the like that, if
12.211 and 27.404.2 and DFARS not correctly performed or adhered to,
227.7102, the U.S. government
could result in personal injury or death.
acquires no greater than Limited Rights
as defined in FAR 27.401 or DFAR Do not proceed beyond a WARNING
227.7103-5 (c), as applicable in any notice until the indicated conditions are
technical data. fully understood and met.

2 Keysight 34450A User’s Guide

Safety Symbols
The following symbols on the instrument and in the documentation indicate
precautions that must be taken to maintain safe operation of the instrument.

Caution, risk of danger (refer to this

Earth (ground) terminal manual for specific Warning or Caution
information)
IEC Measurement Category II. Inputs
CAT II may be connected to mains (up to
Caution, risk of electric shock
300 V 300 VAC) under Category II
overvoltage conditions.

Frame or chassis (ground) terminal

Keysight 34450A User’s Guide 3

Regulatory Markings

The CE mark is a registered trademark

of the European Community. This CE The RCM mark is a registered
mark shows that the product complies trademark of the Australian
with all the relevant European Legal Communications and Media Authority.
Directives.
This instrument complies with the
ICES/NMB-001 indicates that this ISM
WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking
device complies with the Canadian
requirement. This affixed product label
ICES-001.
indicates that you must not discard
Cet appareil ISM est conforme a la
this electrical or electronic product in
norme NMB-001 du Canada.
domestic household waste.
This symbol indicates the time period
during which no hazardous or toxic
The CSA mark is a registered
substance elements are expected to
trademark of the Canadian
leak or deteriorate during normal use.
Standards Association.
Forty years is the expected useful life
of the product.

4 Keysight 34450A User’s Guide

General Safety Information
The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of
operation, service, and repair of this instrument. Failure to comply with these
precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety
standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Keysight
Technologies assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these
requirements.

– Do not defeat the power cord safety ground feature. Plug in to a grounded
WARNING (earthed) outlet.
– Do not use the instrument in any manner that is not specified by the
manufacturer.
– To avoid electric shock or injury, do not operate the multimeter without
panels or case in place.
– Do not substitute parts or modify the instrument to avoid the danger of
introducing additional hazards. Return the instrument to Keysight
Technologies Sales and Service Office for service and repair to ensure the
safety features are maintained.
– Main Power and Test Input Disconnect: Unplug the instrument from the
wall outlet, remove the power cord, and remove all probes from all
terminals before servicing. Only qualified, service-trained personnel
should remove the cover from the instrument.
– Line and Current Protection Fuses: For continued protection against fire,
replace the line fuse and the current-protection fuse only with fuses of
the specified type and rating.
– IEC Measurement Category II. The HI and LO input terminals may be
connected to mains in IEC Category II installations for line voltages up to
300 VAC. To avoid the danger of electric shock, do not connect the inputs
to mains for line voltages above 300 VAC. See “IEC Measurement
Category II Overvoltage Protection” on the following page for further
information.

Keysight 34450A User’s Guide 5

 – Protection limits: To avoid instrument damage and the risk of electric
WARNING shock, do not exceed any of the Protection Limits defined in the following
section.
– If the Test Lead Set is used in a manner not specified by Keysight
Technologies, the protection provided by the Test Lead Set may be
impaired. Also, do not use a damaged or worn Test Lead Set. Instrument
damage or personal injury may result.

6 Keysight 34450A User’s Guide

Protection Limits LO to Ground Protection Limit. The Note: The 200 Vpk limit on the sense
LO input terminal can safely "float" a terminals is the Protection Limit.
The Keysight 34450A 5½ Digital maximum of 500 Vpk relative to Operational voltages in resistance
Multimeter provides protection circuitry ground. This is Protection Limit "B" in measurements aremuch lower - less
to prevent damage to the instrument the figure. than 5 V in normal operation.
and to protect against the danger of
Although not shown on the figure, the
electric shock, provided that the
Protection Limit for the HI terminal is a IEC Measurement Category
Protection Limits are not exceeded. To
ensure safe operation of the maximum of 1000 Vpk relative to the II Overvoltage Protection
instrument, do not exceed the ground. Therefore, the sum of the
To protect against the danger of
Protection Limits shown on the front “float” voltage and the measured
electric shock, the Keysight 34450A 5½
panel, as defined below: voltage must not exceed 1000 Vpk
Digital Multimeter provides overvoltage
Current Input Terminal. The current protection for line-voltage mains
input ("I") terminal has a Protection connections meeting both of the
Limit of 100 mA (rms) maximum current following conditions:
flowing from the LO input terminal. This
The HI and LO input terminals are
is Protection Limit "C" in the figure.
connected to the mains under
Note that the current input terminal will
Measurement Category II conditions,
be at approximately the same voltage
E A defined below, and
as the LO terminal.
The mains are limited to a maximum
Note: The current-protection circuitry
line voltage of 300 VAC.
includes a fuse on the back panel. To
maintain protection, replace this fuse IEC Measurement Category II includes
only with a fuse of the specified type electrical devices connected to mains at
B C and rating. an outlet on a branch circuit. Such
devices include most small appliances,
10 A Current Input Terminal. The 10 A
test equipment, and other devices that
current input terminal has a Protection
plug into a branch outlet or socket. The
Limit of 10 A (rms) maximum current
D 34450A may be used to make
flowing from the LO input terminal. This
measurements with the HI and LO inputs
is Protection Limit "D" in the figure.
connected to mains in such devices, or to
Note that the current input terminal will
Note: The front-panel terminals and the branch outlet itself (up to 300 VAC).
be at approximately the same voltage
current protection fuse are shown However, the 34450A may not be used
as the LO terminal.
above. with its HI and LO inputs connected to
Note: The current-protection circuitry mains in permanently installed electrical
Input Terminal Protection includes an internal fuse. To maintain devices such as the main circuit-breaker
protection, service-trained personnel panel, sub-panel disconnect boxes, or
Limits should replace this fuse only with a fuse permanently wired motors. Such devices
Protection Limits are defined for the of the specified type and rating. and circuits are subject to overvoltages
input terminals: that may exceed the protection limits of
Main Input (HI and LO) Terminals. The
Sense Terminal Protection the 34450A.
HI and LO input terminals are used for Limits Note: Voltages above 300 VAC may be
voltage, resistance, capacitance, and The HI and LO sense terminals are used measured only in circuits that are
diode test measurements. Two only for four-wire resistance isolated from mains. However, transient
Protection Limits are defined for these overvoltages are also present on
measurements (" Ω 4W"). The
terminals: circuits that are isolated from mains.
Protection Limit is 200 Vpk for all of the
HI to LO Protection Limit. The The 34450A is designed to safely
terminal pairings ("E" in the figure):
Protection Limit from HI to LO ("A" in withstand occasional transient
LO sense to LO input. overvoltages up to 2500 Vpk. Do not
the figure above) is 1000 VDC or 750
HI sense to LO input. use this multimeter to measure circuits
VAC, which is also the maximum
HI sense to LO sense. where transient overvoltages could
voltage measurement. This limit can
also be expressed as 1000 Vpk exceed this level.
maximum.

Keysight 34450A User’s Guide 7

Environmental Conditions
This instrument is designed for indoor use and in an area with low condensation.
The table below shows the general environmental requirements for the
instrument.

Environmental cond ition Requirement

Operating temperature Full accuracy at 0 °C to 55 °C
Full accuracy to 80% RH at 0 °C to 30 °C (non-condensing)
Operating humidity
Full accuracy to 40% RH at 30 °C to 55 °C (non-condensing)
Storage temperature –40 °C to 70 °C
Altitude Operating up to 3,000 meters
Pollution degree Pollution Degree 2

The Keysight 34450A 5½ Digit Multimeter complies with the following EMC and
NOTE safety requirements:
– IEC 61010-1:2001 / EN 61010-1:2001 (2nd Edition)
– IEC 61326-2-1:2005 / EN61326-2-1:2006
– CISPR 11:2003 / EN 55011:2007 Group 1 Class A
– Canada: ICES/NMB-001:Issue 4, June 2006
– Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS CISPR 11:2004

Degradation of some product specifications can occur in the presence of

CAUTION ambient electromagnetic (EM) fields and noise that are coupled to the power
line or I/O cables of the instrument. The instrument will self-recover and
operate to all specifications when the source of ambient EM field and noise
are removed or when the instrument is protected from the ambient EM field
or when the instrument cabling is shielded from the ambient EM noise.

8 Keysight 34450A User’s Guide

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
2002/96/EC
This instrument complies with the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking
requirement. This affixed product label indicates that you must not discard this
electrical or electronic product in domestic household waste.

Product category
With reference to the equipment types in the WEEE directive Annex 1, this
instrument is classified as a “Monitoring and Control Instrument” product.
The affixed product label is as shown below.

Do not dispose in domestic household waste.

To return this unwanted instrument, contact your nearest Keysight Service Center,
or visit http://about.keysight.com/en/companyinfo/environment/takeback.shtml
for more information.

Sales and Technical Support

To contact Keysight for sales and technical support, refer to the support links on
the following Keysight websites:
– www.keysight.com/find/34450A
(product-specific information and support, software and documentation
updates)
– www.keysight.com/find/assist
(worldwide contact information for repair and service)

Keysight 34450A User’s Guide 9

Additional Notices
The Keysight 34450A is provided with a Keysight 34138A Test Lead Set, described
below.

Test Lead Ratings

Test Leads - 1000 V, 15 A
Fine Tip Probe Attachments - 300 V, 3 A
Mini Grabber Attachment - 300 V, 3 A
SMT Grabber Attachments - 300 V, 3 A

Operation
The Fine Tip, Mini Grabber, and SMT Grabber attachments plug onto the probe
end of the Test Leads.

Maintenance
If any portion of the Test Lead Set is worn or damaged, do not use. Replace with a
new Keysight 34138A Test Lead Set.

If the Test Lead Set is used in a manner not specified by Keysight

WARNING Technologies, the protection provided by the Test Lead Set may be impaired.
Also, do not use a damaged or worn Test Lead Set. Instrument damage or
personal injury may result.

10 Keysight 34450A User’s Guide

Table of Contents

Safety Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Regulatory Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
General Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Environmental Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
2002/96/EC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Product category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Sales and Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Additional Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

1 Getting Started Tutorial

The Front Panel at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
The display at a glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Single display screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Dual display screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
The Keypad at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Feature Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
The Rear Panel at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Making Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Using the keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Digit masking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Selecting current input terminals and measurement range . . . . . . .31
Measuring AC (RMS) or DC voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Measuring resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Measuring AC (RMS) or DC current up to 100 mA . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Measuring AC (RMS) or DC current up to 10 A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Measuring frequency for voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Measuring frequency for current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Testing continuity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Checking diodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Measuring temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Keysight 34450A User’s Guide 11

 Measuring capacitance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Selecting a Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Remote Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
USB interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Serial interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
GPIB IEEE-488 (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Code compatibility mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
SCPI commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

2 Functions and Features

Math Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Null measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Hold measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Limit measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Accessing math menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Editing single statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Editing all statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Editing dB measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Editing dBm measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Math annunciators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Editing math functions reference values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Editing values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
The Dual Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Using the dual display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Using the Utility Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Dual Display Operation Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
RS232 utility sub-menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
GPIB Utility Sub-Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Reading error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
The beeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Storing and Recalling Instrument States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Reset/Power-On State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Triggering the Multimeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Data Logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

12 Keysight 34450A User’s Guide

 Viewing the log info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
Viewing the log list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
Viewing the log histogram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
Viewing the log statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
Fluke 45/Fluke 8808A Code Compatibility Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91
Enabling the code compatibility function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91
Notes for Fluke 45/Fluke 8808A code compatibility mode . . . . . . .92

3 Measurement Tutorial
DC Measurement Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
Noise Rejection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
Measurement Speed Consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98
Dual Measurement Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99
DC voltage dynamic range in dual measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99
Voltage and current in dual measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
Resistance Measurement Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
True RMS AC Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105
Other Primary Measurement Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109
Frequency measurement errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109
DC current measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Capacitance measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111
Temperature measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Other Sources of Measurement Error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

4 Characteristics and Specifications

Keysight 34450A User’s Guide 13

 THIS PAGE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.

14 Keysight 34450A User’s Guide

List of Figures

Figure 1-1 34450A front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Figure 1-2 Typical single display screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Figure 1-3 Typical dual display screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Figure 1-4 34450A Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Figure 1-5 Rear panel at a glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Figure 1-6 ACV rms and DCV terminal connection and display . .32
Figure 1-7 2-wire W terminal connection and display . . . . . . . . .33
Figure 1-8 4-wire W terminal connection and display . . . . . . . . .33
Figure 1-9 ACI rms or DCI (mA) terminal connection and display 34
Figure 1-10 ACI rms or DCI (A) terminal connection and display . .35
Figure 1-11 Frequency terminal connection and display . . . . . . . .36
Figure 1-12 Frequency terminal connection and display for ACI (mA)
37
Figure 1-13 Frequency terminal connection and display for ACI (A) .
37
Figure 1-14 Continuity test terminal connection and display . . . . .38
Figure 1-15 Forward-biased diode terminal connection and display .
39
Figure 1-16 Reverse-biased diode terminal connection and display .
39
Figure 1-17 Temperature terminal connection and display . . . . . .40
Figure 1-18 Capacitance terminal connection and display . . . . . .41
Figure 1-19 Serial interface connector diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Figure 2-1 Accessing the null measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Figure 2-2 Accessing hold measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Figure 2-3 First page of the Utility menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Figure 2-4 Second page of the Utility menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Figure 2-5 Trigger in connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Figure 2-6 Trigger out connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
Figure 3-1 Common Mode Rejection (CMR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
Figure 3-2 Noise caused by ground loops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
Figure 3-3 ADC Dynamic Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
Figure 3-4 Example of measuring voltage and current in dual
measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

Keysight 34450A User’s Guide 15

 Figure 3-5 Wiring resistance and current shunt resistance . . . . 110
Figure 3-6 Applying current to the capacitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

16 Keysight 34450A User’s Guide

List of Tables

Table 1-1 Display annunciators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Table 1-2 Keypad functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Table 1-3 License details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Table 2-1 Math operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Table 2-2 Math value annunciators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Table 2-3 Measurements available in dual display mode . . . . . .60
Table 2-4 Measurement operation frequencies for DCV-ACI . . .61
Table 2-5 Utility menu available settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Table 2-6 RS232 utility sub-menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Table 2-7 Reset/Power-on state . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Table 2-8 Data log menu options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
Table 3-1 Common thermoelectric voltages for connections between
dissimilar metals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
Table 3-2 Examples of measurement ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
Table 3-3 Typical errors for various pulse waveforms as a function of
input pulse frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107

Keysight 34450A User’s Guide 17

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18 Keysight 34450A User’s Guide

 Keysight 34450A 5½ Digit Multimeter
User’s Guide

1 Getting Started Tutorial

The Front Panel at a Glance 20
The Keypad at a Glance 24
Feature Upgrades 27
The Rear Panel at a Glance 28
Making Measurements 29
Selecting a Range 42
Remote Operation 43

This chapter provides a tutorial on how to get started using the Keysight 34450A
5½ Digit Multimeter and using the front panel in order to make measurements.

19
1 Getting Started Tutorial

The Front Panel at a Glance

10 7 9 11

3 6 5 8

Figure 1-1 34450A front panel

1 Display 7 Auto range and Manual range

2 Power ON/OFF Switch 8 Resolution, Measurement Speed
3 Measurement functions 9 SHIFT (selects blue shifted keys) and
Local Key
4 Math Operations
10 Secondary Display Key
5 State Store/Recall, Utility Menu
11 Input Terminals
6 Data Log, View

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 Getting Started Tutorial 1

The display at a glance

Single display screen

Figure 1-2 Typical single display screen

Dual display screen

Figure 1-3 Typical dual display screen

The system annunciators are described in Table 1-1. (See Table 2-2 on page 58
for Math Annunciators).

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1 Getting Started Tutorial

Table 1-1 Display annunciators

System Annunciator Description

Sample annunciator - indicates readings being taken

The keypad has been locked. Press the keys simultaneously for
more than 3 seconds to unlock

Fixed range is selected for primary function

Auto-ranging is selected for primary function

Data logging is in progress

High input impedance is configured for DCV function

2-wire resistance function is enabled

4-wire resistance function is enabled

Diode test function is enabled

Capacitance function is enabled

Continuity test function is enabled

Error in queue

Fast speed is selected

Medium speed is selected

Slow speed is selected

Remote interface operation

Code compatibility mode

2nd key has been pressed

Triggering has been enabled and the meter is in the “waiting-for-trigger” state

22 Keysight 34450A User’s Guide

 Getting Started Tutorial 1

Table 1-1 Display annunciators (continued)

System Annunciator Description

Shift key has been pressed

Fixed range is selected for secondary function

Auto-ranging is selected for secondary function

Direct current

Alternating current

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1 Getting Started Tutorial

The Keypad at a Glance

The operation for each key is shown in Table 1-2 below. Pressing a measurement
function key changes the current key operation, brings up the relevant symbol on
the display (see “The display at a glance” on page 21), and emits a beep.

Figure 1-4 34450A Keypad

Table 1-2 Keypad functions

Key Description
System-related operation

Press to turn ON or turn OFF the 34450A multimeter

Press to enable access to a button’s alternate function

Press to enable the secondary display

> Press to disable secondary display

– Press to adjust the measurement speed and resolution

– Press to navigate menus

24 Keysight 34450A User’s Guide

 Getting Started Tutorial 1

Table 1-2 Keypad functions (continued)

Key Description

– Press to adjust range

– Press to adjust values

Press to access utility menu. See “Using the Utility Menu” on page 63
>
Press simultaneous for 3 seconds to lock and unlock the keypad

Measurement functions

Press to select DC voltage measurement

Press to select AC voltage measurement

Press to select DC current measurement

Press to select AC current measurement

Press to select between 2-wire or 4-wire resistance measurement

Press to select frequency measurement

Press to select between continuity or diode measurement

Press to select between temperature or capacitance measurement

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1 Getting Started Tutorial

Table 1-2 Keypad functions (continued)

Key Description
Measurement - related functions

Press to enable null function. See “Null measurement” on page 49

Press to access math functions menu. See “Math Operations” on page 48

Press to access data logging menu. See “Data Logging” on page 82

Press to access store/recall menu. See “Storing and Recalling Instrument

States” on page 74

> Press to enable trigger/hold. See “Hold measurement” on page 51

> Press to access limit function. See “Limit measurement” on page 52

> Press to access data log view menu. See “Viewing the log info” on page 86

26 Keysight 34450A User’s Guide

 Getting Started Tutorial 1

Feature Upgrades
There are two licenses, listed in Table 1-3, which are available for purchase:

Table 1-3 License details

Defaul t Factory Settings With Purchase of License Part Number
Data Logging Memory 5,000 readings 50,000 readings (Option 3445MEMU) 34450A-801
GPIB Remote Operation Disabled Enabled (Option 3445GPBU) 34450A-800

For the license upgrade procedure, refer to the instructions in the license
redemption e-mail.

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1 Getting Started Tutorial

The Rear Panel at a Glance

3 4 6 10

1 2 5 7 7 8 9

Figure 1-5 Rear panel at a glance

1 Serial Interface Connector

2 USB Interface Connector

3 GPIB with Option 3445GPBU installed
4 Current Fuse
5 Model and Serial Number Label
6 Kensington Lock
7 Chassis Ground Lug
8 AC Power Connector
9 AC Line Fuse
10 AC Line Voltage Selector

28 Keysight 34450A User’s Guide

 Getting Started Tutorial 1

Making Measurements
The following pages show how to make measurement connections and how to
select measurement functions from the front panel for each of the measurement
functions.
For remote operation, refer to the MEASure Subsystem in the Keysight 34450A
Online Programmer’s Reference Helpfile.

Using the keys

The meter functions and operations can be selected by pressing the buttons
located on the front panel; see “The Keypad at a Glance” on page 24. There are
different ways in which the buttons are used to select the functions and
operations. The ways to use the buttons are shown below:

>

Single press Press one button after another Press twice

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1 Getting Started Tutorial

Digit masking
The navigation keypad provides a shortcut to mask (change the number of digits
displayed) the reading on the main display, easing readability. Masking digits only
affects what is displayed. It does not affect measurement speed or accuracy. It
applies to all functions except continuity, diode test, temperature, and
capacitance measurement. To enable masking, follow the instructions below:

O 1

> or

Press to enable digit mask feature

Digit mask display screen

3 4

Select desired settings Press to execute

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 Getting Started Tutorial 1

Selecting current input terminals and measurement range

If AC or DC current is being measured in auto-ranging mode, with a signal input at
100 mA, the meter will select the range 100 µA to 100 mA automatically.
If a signal input is applied to the 10 A input terminal, the meter will select the 1 A
to 10 A range automatically.

Measuring AC (RMS) or DC voltage

AC Voltage:
– Measurement Range: 100.000 mV, 1.00000 V, 10.0000 V, 100.000 V, 750.00 V
– Speed: Slow-2 Hz, Medium-20 Hz, Fast-200 Hz
– Default Setting: Autoranging, Slow measurement speed
– Measurement Method: AC coupled true RMS - measures the AC component
with up to 400 VDC bias on any range
– Crest Factor: Maximum 3:1 at full scale
– Input Impedance: 1 MΩ ± 2% in parallel with <100 pF on all ranges
– Input Protection: 750 V rms on all ranges (HI terminal)

DC Voltage:
– Measurement Range: 100.000 mV, 1.00000 V, 10.0000 V, 100.000 V,
1000.00 V
– Speed: Slow, Medium, Fast
– Default Setting: Autoranging, Slow measurement speed
– Measurement Method: Sigma Delta A-to-D converter
– Input Impedance: >10 GΩ selected range (0.1 V and 1 V only) or ~10 MΩ all
ranges (typical)
– Input Protection: 1000 V on all ranges (HI terminal)

Keysight 34450A User’s Guide 31

1 Getting Started Tutorial

1 2-a Typical ACV Measurement Display 3-a

AC or DC 2-b Typical DCV Measurement Display 3-b

voltage source

Figure 1-6 ACV rms and DCV terminal connection and display

Do not apply any voltage to the instrument inputs until all terminals are
WARNING properly connected. Plugging or unplugging the test lead while high voltage
is applied can cause instrument damage, and may increase the risk of
electric shock.

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Measuring resistance
– Measurement Range: 100.000 Ω, 1.00000 kΩ, 10.0000 kΩ, 100.000 kΩ,
1.00000 MΩ, 10.0000 MΩ, 100.000 MΩ.
– Speed: Slow, Medium, Fast
– Default Setting: Autoranging, Slow measurement speed
– Measurement Method: 2-wire ohms or 4-wire ohms
– Input protection: 1000 V on all ranges (HI terminal)

1 2 3
I

Typical Resistance Measurement Display

2-Wire
Ω, Resistance

Figure 1-7 2-wire Ω terminal connection and display

1 2 3

I
Resistance

Press Twice

Figure 1-8 4-wire Ω terminal connection and display

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1 Getting Started Tutorial

Measuring AC (RMS) or DC current up to 100 mA

– Measurement Range (AC): 10.0000 mA, 100.000 mA
– Measurement Range (DC): 100.000 µA, 1.00000 mA, 10.0000 mA, 100.000 mA
– Speed (AC): Slow-2 Hz, Medium-20 Hz, Fast-200 Hz
– Speed (DC): Slow, Medium, Fast
– Default Setting: Autoranging, Slow measurement speed
– Shunt Resistance: 1 Ω for 10 mA and 100 mA, and 90 Ω for 100 µA to 1 mA
ranges
– Input Protection: Rear Panel 0.4 A, 500 V FH fuse for the I terminal

1 2-a Typical ACI Measurement Display 3-a

2-b Typical DCI Measurement Display 3-b

AC or DC
current source

Figure 1-9 ACI rms or DCI (mA) terminal connection and display

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 Getting Started Tutorial 1

Measuring AC (RMS) or DC current up to 10 A

– Measurement Range (AC): 1.00000 A, 10.0000 A
– Measurement Range (DC): 1.00000 A, 10.0000 A
– Speed (AC): Slow-2 Hz, Medium-20 Hz, Fast-200 Hz
– Speed (DC): Slow, Medium, Fast
– Default Setting: Autoranging, Slow measurement speed
– Shunt Resistance: 0.01 Ω for 1 A and 10 A range
– Input Protection: Internal 11 A, 1000 V fuse for the 10 A terminal

1 2-a Typical ACI Measurement Display 3-a

AC or DC 2-b Typical DCI Measurement Display 3-b

Voltage Source

Figure 1-10 ACI rms or DCI (A) terminal connection and display

Keysight 34450A User’s Guide 35

1 Getting Started Tutorial

Measuring frequency for voltage

– Measurement Range: 100.000 mV, 1.00000 V, 10.0000 V, 100.000 V, 750.00 V.
Range is based on the voltage level of the signal, not frequency.
– Speed: Slow, Medium
– Measurement Method: Reciprocal counting technique
– Signal level: 10% of range to full scale input on all ranges except where noted.
100 mV range specifications are for full scale or greater inputs. For inputs from
10 mV to 100 mV, multiply the total % of reading error by 10.
– Gate Time: 1 second (slow mode) or 0.1 second (medium mode)
– Input Protection: 750 V rms on all ranges (HI terminal)

1 2 4
Typical Frequency Measurement Display
Frequency
Source

Figure 1-11 Frequency terminal connection and display

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 Getting Started Tutorial 1

Measuring frequency for current

– Measurement Range: 10.0000 mA, 100.000 mA, 1.00000 A, 10.0000 A. Range
is based on the current level of the signal, not frequency.
– Speed: Slow, Medium
– Measurement Method: Reciprocal counting technique
– Signal level: 10% of range to full scale input on all ranges except where noted.
10 mA range specifications are for full scale or greater inputs. For inputs from
1 mA to 10 mA, multiply the total % of reading error by 10.
– Gate Time: 1 second (slow mode) or 0.1 second (medium mode)
– Input Protection: 750 V rms on all ranges (HI terminal)

1 2 4

Typical Frequency Measurement Display

Frequency 3
Source

Figure 1-12 Frequency terminal connection and display for ACI (mA)

1 2 4

Typical Frequency Measurement Display

Frequency 3
Source

Figure 1-13 Frequency terminal connection and display for ACI (A)

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1 Getting Started Tutorial

Testing continuity
– Measurement Method: 0.5 mA ± 0.2% constant current source
– Response Time: 165 samples/second with audible tone
– Continuity Threshold: 10 Ω fixed
– Input Protection: 1000 V (HI terminal)

1 2 Open Circuit Measurement Display 3

I

Open or
Closed Circuit
Typical Closed Circuit Measurement Display

Figure 1-14 Continuity test terminal connection and display

38 Keysight 34450A User’s Guide

 Getting Started Tutorial 1

Checking diodes
– Measurement Method: Uses 0.5 mA ± 0.2% constant current source
– Response Time: 190 samples/ second with audible tone
– Input Protection: 1000 V (HI terminal)

1 2 3
I
Typical Forward-Biased Diode
Measurement Display
Forward
Bias

Press Twice

Figure 1-15 Forward-biased diode terminal connection and display

1 2 3
I
Typical Reverse-Biased Diode
Measurement Display
Reverse
Bias

Press Twice

Figure 1-16 Reverse-biased diode terminal connection and display

Keysight 34450A User’s Guide 39

1 Getting Started Tutorial

Measuring temperature
– Measurement Range: –80.0 °C to 150.0 °C, –110.0 °F to 300.0 °F
– Measurement Method: 2-wire Ohms measurement of 5 kΩ thermistor sensor
(E2308A) with computed conversion
– Input Protection: 1000 V (HI terminal)
– Optional Accessory: E2308A Thermistor temperature probe

1 2 3
I

5kΩ, Typical Temperature Measurement Display

Thermistor

Figure 1-17 Temperature terminal connection and display

40 Keysight 34450A User’s Guide

 Getting Started Tutorial 1

Measuring capacitance
– Measurement Range: 1.000 nF, 10.00 nF, 100.0 nF, 1.000 µF, 10.00 µF,
100.0 µF, 1.000 mF, 10.00 mF
– Default Setting: Autoranging
– Measurement Method: Computed from constant current source charge time.
Typical 0.12 V to 1.0 V AC signal level
– Input Protection: 1000 V (HI terminal)

1 2 3

Typical Capacitance Measurement Display

Capacitance

Press Twice

Figure 1-18 Capacitance terminal connection and display

Keysight 34450A User’s Guide 41

1 Getting Started Tutorial

Selecting a Range
You can let the multimeter automatically select the range using autoranging, or
you can select a fixed range using manual ranging. Autoranging is convenient
because the multimeter automatically selects the appropriate range for sensing
and displaying each measurement. However, manual ranging results in better
performance, since the multimeter does not have to determine which range to use
for each measurement.

1 2

Autoranging enabled Press to disable autoranging

3 4

Selects an upper range

Manual ranging enabled Selects a lower range

5 6

>

Press to enable autoranging and

disable manual ranging

Manual ranging enabled

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 Getting Started Tutorial 1

Remote Operation

USB interface
1 2

3 4

5 6

Automatically shows the remote state Press to exit Remote state

when communication is established after
executing the Keysight Connection Expert

Keysight 34450A User’s Guide 43

1 Getting Started Tutorial

To easily configure and verify an interface connection between the 34450A and
NOTE your PC, use the Automation-Ready CD, which is shipped with your 34450A. This
CD includes the Keysight IO Libraries Suite and the Keysight Connection Expert
application. For more information about Keysight's I/O connectivity software,
visit www.keysight.com/find/iolib.

Serial interface

To use this serial interface, it is recommended to use the optional

NOTE Serial-to-RS232 adapter (34450A-700)

The 5-pin male connector on the meter’s rear panel is a serial port or terminal to
form a minimal 3-wire RS-232 connection (TX, RX, GND).
In order to operate the multimeter via a host computer or terminal, the
parameters of the serial interface within the multimeter has to match the
parameters with the serial interface provided by the host or terminal.
The default settings of the meter are 9600 baud rate, non-parity, 8 data bits, and
1 stop bit (9600, n, 8, 1).

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 Getting Started Tutorial 1

The connecting diagram and setup procedure are shown in Serial interface
connector diagram and “RS232 utility sub-menu” on page 70 below.

Serial-to-RS232 adapter (34450A-700)

Instrument PC

Red 1 DCD
TX 1
2 RX
RS232 Protocol RX 2 3 TX
Yellow
GND 4 DTR
3
Grey 5 GND
TRIGGER IN 4 6 DSR
TRIGGER OUT 5 7 RTS
8 CTS
9 RI
Serial Serial DB9 DB9
Interface Interface Female Male
Male Female

Figure 1-19 Serial interface connector diagram

GPIB IEEE-488 (Optional)

The GPIB interface is a bus structure that links the multimeter to a host computer
or other GPIB controlled instruments to form an automated measuring system.
It can be used to connect up to 15 devices on one continuous bus, star, or linear
bus network.
In order to operate the meter via a host computer or terminal, the parameters in
the GPIB interface within the meter has to match the parameters in the GPIB
interface provided by the host or terminal.
The default factory settings are address 22.

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1 Getting Started Tutorial

Code compatibility mode

The 34450A includes a code compatibility mode. This mode saves time and effort
by eliminating the need to re-write programs using the 34450A SCPI command.

SCPI commands
The Keysight 34450A complies with the syntax rules and conventions of SCPI
(Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments).

For a complete discussion of the 34450A SCPI syntax, refer to the Keysight
NOTE 34450A Programmer’s Reference Helpfile, This is provided in the 34450A
Product Reference CD-ROM

SCPI Language Version

You can determine the multimeter’s SCPI language version by sending the
SYSTem:VERSion? command from the remote interface.
– You can query the SCPI version from the remote interface only.
– The SCPI version is returned in the form “YYYY.V”, where “YYYY” represents
the year of the version, and “V” represents a version number for that year (for
example, 1994.0).

46 Keysight 34450A User’s Guide

 Keysight 34450A 5½ Digit Multimeter
User’s Guide

2 Functions and Features

Math Operations 48
The Dual Display 60
Using the Utility Menu 63
Storing and Recalling Instrument States 74
Reset/Power-On State 76
Triggering the Multimeter 78
Data Logging 82
Fluke 45/Fluke 8808A Code Compatibility Mode 91

This chapter contains information on the functions and features of the Keysight
34450A 5½ Digit Multimeter and how to use the front panel to operate these
settings.

47
2 Functions and Features

Math Operations
Table 2-1 below describes the math operations that can be used with each
measurement function.

Table 2-1 Math operations

Math
Measurement Function
Function
DCV ACV DCI ACI Ω FREQ DIODE CONT TEMP CAP
Null       - -  
Limit       - -  
Hold       - -  
dB   - - - - - - - -
dBm   - - - - - - - -
Stats       - -  

– Only one math operation can be turned-on at a time.

– Math operation does not support external triggering.
– Hold operation does not support fast mode.
– In the dual display mode, selecting the math operation will apply to the
primary measurement function and turn off the secondary function.
– Range and resolution changing is allowed for all math operations.
– The reference/offset/limit values used for the Null, Limit, dB, and dBm math
functions are editable.
– For remote operation, refer to the CALCulate Subsystem in the Keysight
34450A Programmer’s Reference Helpfile.

48 Keysight 34450A User’s Guide

 Functions and Features 2

Null measurement
When making null measurements, also called relative measurement, each reading
is the difference between a stored null value and the input signal.
For example, this feature can be used to make more accurate resistance
measurements by nulling the test lead resistance.
Before performing null measurement, eliminate offset errors associated with test
lead resistance by following the steps below:

1 2

1Ω

3 4

Press to enable null measurement

5 6

1Ω

Keysight 34450A User’s Guide 49

2 Functions and Features

Press to enable null measurement

2
shows ongoing
measurement, ranging
shows null
method, range and resolution
measurement
offset value

Typical Null Measurement Display

Figure 2-1 Accessing the null measurement

After you enable the null operation, the multimeter stores the next reading into
the offset register and immediately displays the null measurement:
Null measurement d isplay = Read ing – Offset
You can view and edit the offset value in the secondary display as described in
“Editing math functions reference values” on page 58.

50 Keysight 34450A User’s Guide

 Functions and Features 2

Hold measurement
The hold feature allows you to capture and hold a stable reading on the front
panel display.
When a stable reading is detected, the multimeter emits a beep (if the buzzer is
enabled in the utility menu) and holds the reading on the primary display.

>

Press to enable hold measurement

2
Secondary display
(present measurement
reading)
Primary display
(stable hold
reading)
Typical hold function display
3

>

Press to disable hold measurement

Figure 2-2 Accessing hold measurement

When enabled, the hold operation turns on the hold annunciator and begins
evaluating readings using the rules described below:
Primary Display = Read ingN IF Max() – Min() ≤ 0.1% × Read ingN
The decision to update a new reading value in the primary display is based upon
the box-car moving statistics of the present reading and the three previous
readings:
Max (Read ingN Read ingN–1 Read ingN–2 Read ingN–3)
Min (Read ingN Read ingN–1 Read ingN–2 Read ingN–3)

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2 Functions and Features

Limit measurement
The limit operation allows you to perform pass/fail testing against specified upper
and lower limits.

>

Press to enable limit measurements

2
The upper limit must
always be greater than Shows present
the lower limit. measurement
Otherwise, “INVALID
LIMIT” will be shown. Limit state

Typical limit function display

3 4

Press to edit Choose the limit mode that you want to change
5 6-a

Increase/decrease the respective digit

6-b
Press to edit

Select the editable digit to the left or right

7 8

Press to save Press to exit the limit operation

or edit mode

52 Keysight 34450A User’s Guide

 Functions and Features 2

Accessing math menu

The math operation can be enabled using the following steps:

1 2

Press to display math menu

Math menu display

Keysight 34450A User’s Guide 53

2 Functions and Features

Editing single statistics

The single statistics can be edited using the following steps:

1 2

Press to start
Select STATS (SINGLE) option

3
Statistical values

Present measurement

Typical statistics (single) display for Max reading

4 5 6

Press to toggle the

Press to edit Max/Min/Avg/N values Maximum reading
Minimum reading
Average of all readings
Number of readings taken
7
Note: Each time a new min or max value is stored, the
multimeter will beep once (if the buzzer is turned on in the
> utility menu) and the Min or Max annunciator is briefly turned on
for 1 second beside the secondary display.
Press to exit

54 Keysight 34450A User’s Guide

 Functions and Features 2

Editing all statistics

The all statistics in the math operation can be edited using the following steps:

1 2

Press to start
Select STATS (ALL)

Number of readings taken 3

Present measurement Maximum

reading
Average
reading Minimum
reading

Note: Each time a new min or max value is stored, the multimeter will beep once (if the buzzer is
turned on in the utility menu) and the New annunciator is briefly turned on for 1 second in the
respective Min or Max box

Press to exit

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2 Functions and Features

Editing dB measurement
When enabled, the dB operation computes the dBm value for the next reading,
stores the dBm result into the dB Ref register, and immediately produces the
following calculation. The first displayed reading is always precisely 000.00 dB.
dB = 10 × Log10 [(Read ing2/RREF)/0.001 W]–dB Ref

1 2

Press to edit

Select dB option

Ongoing measurement
dB measurement
Reference value
0dB to ±120.0000 dBm
Default: R REF is 0 dBm

Press to exit

You can view and edit the dB reference value as described in “Editing math
functions reference values” on page 58.

56 Keysight 34450A User’s Guide

 Functions and Features 2

Editing dBm measurement

The logarithmic dBm (decibels relative to one milliwatt) scale is often used in RF
signal measurements. The multimeter’s dBm operation takes a measurement and
calculates the power delivered to a reference resistance (typically 50, 75, or
600 Ω). The formula used for conversion from the voltage reading is:
dBm = 10 × Log10 [(Read ing2 / RREF) / 0.001 Ω ]
You can choose from several reference resistance values:
RREF = 2 Ω, 4 Ω, 8 Ω, 16 Ω, 50 Ω, 75 Ω, 93 Ω, 110 Ω, 124 Ω, 125 Ω, 135 Ω, 150 Ω,
250 Ω, 300 Ω, 500 Ω, 600 Ω, 800 Ω, 900 Ω, 1000 Ω, 1200 Ω, or 8000 Ω.

1 2

Press to start

Select dBm option

3

Ongoing measurement
dBm measurement
Reference value

Press to exit

You can view and select the reference value as described in “Editing math
functions reference values” on page 58.

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2 Functions and Features

Math annunciators
Table 2-2 below shows the possible math annunciators which can appear on the
display and the editable values.

Table 2-2 Math value annunciators

Math Operation When Viewing/Ed iting Ed itable Math Annunciator
Null Offset  Offset Value
dBm RREF  Reference R Value
dB dB Ref  Reference Value
Maximum - Max
Minimum - Min
Statistics
Average - Avg
Reading Count - N
HI Limit  High Limit
Limit
LO Limit  Low Limit

Editing math functions reference values

The reference values used for the Null, Limit, dB, or dBM math functions, can be
edited when you enable the stated function (refer to Table 2-2 on page 58 for a
list).
For remote operation, refer to the CALCulate Subsystem in the Keysight 34450A
Programmer’s Reference Helpfile.

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Editing values
For math functions with editable values, the label “PRESS MATH TO EDIT” will be
shown at the bottom left of the display.
To edit math values, follow the steps below:

1 2

Press to display null menu

3 4-a

Press for digit selection

4-b

Press to edit
Press to change the value of selected digit
5-a 5-b

Press to exit without save Press to save the reference value

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The Dual Display

Most measurement functions have predefined range or measurement capabilities
that can be displayed in the dual measurement mode. All math operations have
predefined operations that are displayed on the dual display.
Table 2-3 below shows the measurement functions which are available in dual
display mode.

Table 2-3 Measurements available in dual display mode[a][b][c][d][e]

Secondary Display
Primary Display
DCV ACV DCI ACI Frequency
DCV -    -
ACV  -   
DCI   - - -
ACI   - - 
FREQUENCY -  -  -

[a] All specifications are ensured only under a single display.

[b] For ACI-ACV dual measurement, the ACV input signal is limited to 500,000 V×Hz.
[c] For DCI-ACV dual measurement, the ACV input signal is limited to 6,000,000 V×Hz.
[d] For DCV-ACV dual measurement, the DCV input signal is limited to 500 V when ACV input signal is in 100 mV range. The ACV input signal
must be greater than 50 mV.
[e] For ACI-DCV dual measurement operation frequencies, refer to Table 2-4 on page 61.

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Table 2-4 Measurement operation frequencies for DCV-ACI

DCV-ACI Measurement Operation Frequency

Slow/Medium >500 Hz (600 Hz) / n × 50 Hz (60 Hz) for <500 Hz

Fast >10 kHz / n × 1 kHz for <10 kHz

For more information, please refer to Chapter 3, “Measurement Speed

Consideration”.

Using the dual display

To enable the dual display, follow the following steps:

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2 Functions and Features

1 2

Typical single display screen Press to enable secondary display

3 4

Select desired secondary Typical dual display screen

measurement
5 6

Press to control the secondary

measurement Screen shows that secondary measurement is being controlled

7-a 8
Select desired function
for the secondary display

>
7-b
Select desired range Press to turn off secondary display

Note: For available measurements in the

7-c dual display mode, refer to table Table 2-3
Select desired speed

For remote operation, refer to the DISPlay:WINDow2 commands in the Keysight

34450A Programmer’s Reference Helpfile.

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Dual Display Operation Examples

This section describes some practical operations when using dual display feature.

Measure DC Voltage and AC Ripple on a Rectification Circuit.

A single measurement for both DC voltage and AC ripple can be displayed
through both displays while testing a rectifier circuit.

1 2 3

Connect the red and black test

leads to the input terminal and
probe the test points.
Press to select DC voltage Press to enable secondary
measurement in primary display.
display.
4 5

Select for the secondary Press to select desired speed.

display

6 7
Note : Press to turn off secondary display.

>

Press to select desired

range.

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Measure AC and DC Current on a Rectification Circuit.

A single measurement for both AC current and DC current can be displayed
through both displays while testing a rectifier circuit.

– Make sure you select the correct input terminal according to the input
WARNING range used.
– Do not apply current exceeding specified range to input terminals of mA
or A.

1 2 3

Connect the red and black test

leads to the input terminal and
Press to select AC current Press to enable secondary
probe the test points.
measurement in primary display.
display.

4 5

Select for the secondary Press to select desired speed.

display

6 7
Note : Press to turn off secondary display.

>

Press to select desired range.

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Using the Utility Menu

The Utility menu allows you to customize a number of non-volatile instrument
configurations. It also displays any SCPI error messages and the latest firmware
revision codes.
The descriptions of the items in the Utility menu and their options are shown in
Table 2-5 on page 66.

Figure 2-3 First page of the Utility menu

Figure 2-4 Second page of the Utility menu

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Table 2-5 Utility menu available settings

Feature Defaul t Available Settings Description Remote Command
Enables or disables Diode, Stats, Limit,
and Hold beep operations.
Turning off the buzzer does not disable
BUZZER ON ON or OFF the front panel keys beep operation and SYSTem:BEEPer:STATe
Continuity beep operation.
Refer to “The beeper” on page 73 for
more info.
– Disables or enables the GPIB, USB, or
RS232 remote interface
– If GPIB is selected, refer to “GPIB
Utility Sub-Menu” on page 71 SYSTem:COMMunicate:
USB, GPIB, or
I/O USB ENABle <mode>,
RS232 – If RS232 is selected, refer to “RS232
<interface>
utility sub-menu” on page 69
– When all I/O are disabled, DISABLE is
shown on the setting.
Selects the unit for temperature UNIT:TEMPerature
TEMP UNIT °C °C or °F
measurements <units>
L1 represents Keysight Mode
L2 represents Fluke 45/8808A Mode.
LANGUAGE L1 L1 or L2 SYSTem:LANGuage
Refer to “Enabling the code compatibility
function” on page 91 for more info.
Sets the input impedance for DCV
[SENSe:]VOLTage[:DC]:
INPUT Z 10M 10M or HIGH Z measurements (HIGH Z is selectable for
IMPedance:AUTO <mode>
100 mV and 1 V ranges only)
ON enables an immediate self-test of the
SELF TEST OFF ON or OFF multimeter. Returns to normal operation *TST?
after completing the self-test.
Disables or enables the automatic recall
MEMory:STATe:RECall
P-ON RESET ON ON or OFF of the powered down state when power
:AUTO
is turned on

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Table 2-5 Utility menu available settings (continued)

Feature Defaul t Available Settings Description Remote Command

Enables or disables the offset [SENSe:]RESistance:

OCOMP OFF ON of OFF compensation for resistance OCOMpe
measurement nsated <mode>
To secure or unsecure the calibration CALibration:SECure:
CALIBRATION SECURE SECURE or UNSEC adjustments to the instrument. Selecting STATe <mode>,
it will open the [Calibration Sub-Menu] <code>

Allows you to toggle the brightness on

BRIGHTNESS -
the multimeter’s display

Available Settings; NONE or (Number of

NONE or (Error errors)
SCPI ERR NONE SYSTem:ERRor?
Message) Description; If there are errors, selecting
it will open the [SCPI Error Sub-Menu]
Displays the multimeter’s firmware
revision. The first 4 digits are the IO
FW VER - XX.XX - XX.XX -
firmware revision, while the last 4 digits
are the measurement firmware revision.

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Below are the steps you should follow if you want to edit any of the values on the
utility menu:

1 2

>

Press to display the utility menu

Page one of utility menu
3 4

Press to edit

This option will flash, enabling you to edit

5 6 7

Select the desired value Press to save Press to exit

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RS232 utility sub-menu

To enable the RS232 option, follow the steps below. For a list of RS232 settings,
see Table 2-6 on page 70.

1 2

Press to edit
Select I/O option

3 4 5

Press to edit RS232 option

Press to select RS232 option

6 7 8

Press to edit/save Press to return to utility menu

Typical RS232 sub menu display

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Table 2-6 RS232 utility sub-menu

Option Defaul t Setting Available Settings Description
300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, Baud rate for remote communication with a
BAUD RATE 9600
19200, 38400, 57600 PC (remote control)
Parity bit for remote communication with
PARITY NONE NONE, ODD, EVEN
a PC
DATA BIT 8 7, 8 Data bit length
STOP BIT 1 1, 2 Stop bit length
State Disable Disable, Enable Enable or disable RS232

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GPIB Utility Sub-Menu

To activate GPIB, first, turn on the GPIB option. The following pop-up message
will appear if the GPIB license key is not activated:
“GPIB is not enabled, to enable, please visit www.keysight.com/find/34450A”
If GPIB connectivity is selected, a sub-menu will appear to allow you configure the
address (from 0 to 30) for remote communication to a PC.

1 2

Press to edit
Select I/O option

3 4 5

Press to edit GPIB option

Press to select GPIB option

6 7 8

Press to edit/save Press to return to utility menu

Typical GPIB sub menu display

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Reading error messages

To read error messages from the front panel, perform the following procedures.
For remote operation, refer to the SYSTem:ERRor? command in the Keysight
34450A Programmer’s Reference Helpfile.

1 2

>

Typical display with error message Press to display the utility menu
3 4

Press to navigate to the second

page of utility menu

5 6 7

Press to view error Press to exit

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The beeper
Normally, the multimeter beeps whenever certain conditions are met (for
example, the multimeter beeps when a stable reading is captured in reading hold
mode).
The beeper is factory set to ON, but may be disabled or enabled manually.
– Turning OFF the beeper does NOT disable the front panel keys beep tones.
– A beep tone is always emitted (even with the beep state turned OFF) in the
following cases:
– A continuity measurement is less than or equal to the continuity threshold.
– A SYSTem:BEEPer command is sent.
– An error is generated.
– In addition to the beep operations just described, when the beeper is ON, a
single beep occurs for the following cases (turning the beeper OFF disables
the beep for the following cases):
– When a new MIN or MAX value is stored
– When a new stable reading is updated on display for Math Hold operation
– When a measurement exceeds the HI or LO Limit value
– When a forward-biased diode is measured in the Diode function

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Storing and Recalling Instrument States

The present multimeter state, including all settings for measurement
configuration, math operation, and system operations, can be saved in one of the
six non-volatile memory location and later recalled. Location LAST retains the
multimeter configuration at power down. Location LAST and 1-5 are available for
storing the configurations.
To recall instrument states, perform the following steps:

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1 2

Press to display the

store/recall menu Typical store/recall display
3 4 5

Press to edit Memory location selected

Press to select the
memory location

6 7 8

Press to save the state into Display shows state is stored Move cursor to the location
selected memory location label at the recall box

9 10 11 12

Press to edit Press to recall state

Press to select the Memory location selected from the selected
memory location memory location

For remote operation, refer to the MEMory Subsystem, the *SAV, and *RCL
commands in the Keysight 34450A Programmer’s Reference Helpfile.

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Reset/Power-On State
The table below summarizes the 34450A settings as received from the factory,
following power cycling, and following the *RST command received over the USB
remote interface. Non-volatile, user customizable behavioral differences are
shown in BOLD.

Table 2-7 Reset/Power-on state

Parameter Factory Setting Power-On / Reset State
Measurement Configuration
Function DCV DCV
Range AUTO AUTO
Resolution 5½ digits 5½ digits
Temperature Units °C User setting
Math Operations
Math State, Function Off, Null Off, Null
Math Registers Cleared Cleared
dBm Reference Resistance 600 Ω User setting
Trigger Operation
Auto Trigger (Local Mode) Auto Trigger (Local Mode)
Trigger Source [a]
IMMediate (Remote Mode) IMMediate (Remote Mode)
System-Related Operation
Power-Down Recall Disabled User Setting
Stored States 0-5 cleared No Change
Beeper On User Setting
Display On On
Remote/ Local State Local Local

Keyboard[a] Unlocked, Local key enabled Unlocked, Local key enabled

Reading Output Buffer [a] Cleared Cleared

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Table 2-7 Reset/Power-on state (continued)

Parameter Factory Setting Power-On / Reset State

Error Queue [a] Cleared Cleared if power cycle

Power-on Status Clear [a] Enabled User Setting

Status Registers, Masks & Transition Cleared if power-on status clear

Cleared
Filters[a] enabled; no change otherwise

Serial Number Unique value per-instrument No Change

Calibration
Calibration state Secured User Setting
Calibration value 0 No Change
Calibration String Cleared No Change

[a] State managed by IO processor firmware

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Triggering the Multimeter

At power-on, the default trigger source is auto-triggering. Auto-triggering takes
continuous readings at the fastest rate possible for the selected measurement
configuration. To make a trigger measurement, follow the steps below:
1 Configure the multimeter for the measurement by selecting the function,
range, resolution, and so on.
2 Specify the multimeter’s trigger source. Choices are as below:
– Software (bus) trigger from the remote interface.
– An immediate internal trigger (default trigger source).
– An external trigger from an external trigger pulse.
3 Ensure that the multimeter is ready to accept a trigger from the specified
source (called the wait-for-trigger state).

Immediate Triggering
The immediate triggering mode is available from the remote interface only.
In the immediate trigger mode, the trigger signal is always present. When you
place the multimeter in the wait-for-trigger state, the trigger is issued
immediately. This is the default trigger source for remote interface operation.
– Remote Interface Operation: The following command selects the immediate
trigger source:
TRIGger:SOURce IMMediate
The CONFigure and MEASure? commands automatically set the trigger source
to IMMediate.
Refer to the Keysight 34450A Programmer’s Reference Helpfile for complete
description and syntax for these commands.

Software (Bus) Triggering

The bus trigger mode is available from the remote interface only.
The bus trigger mode is initiated by sending a bus trigger command, after
selecting BUS as the trigger source.

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– The TRIGger:SOURce BUS command selects the bus trigger source.

– The MEASure? command overwrites the BUS trigger and triggers the DMM
and returns a measurement.
– The READ? command does not overwrite the BUS trigger, and if selected,
generates an error. It will only trigger the instrument and return a
measurement when the IMMEdiate trigger is selected.
– The INITiate command only initiates the measurement and needs a trigger
(BUS or EXTernal or IMMEdiate) to make the actual measurement.
Refer to the Keysight 34450A Programmer’s Reference Helpfile for the complete
description and syntax for these commands.

External Trigger
External triggering takes one reading (or the specified number of readings in data
logger) each time the multimeter receives a pulse on the rear-panel external
trigger connector.
The multimeter uses the rising edge (POS) of the external trigger signal to trigger
a reading. Diagram below shows the external trigger connector:

TRIG TRIG
Tx Rx IN OUT

– +
Figure 2-5 Trigger in connector

The trigger annunciator turns on when the multimeter is waiting for an external
trigger.
The rear panel trigger out connector provides a pulse after the completion of each
measurement. Trigger out and external trigger implement a standard hardware
handshake sequence between measurement and switching devices.

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Trigger Out
The Trigger out signal cannot be configured and is implemented in four ways:
– In local mode, a trigger out signal is sent whenever a measurement is updated
on the front panel.
– In remote mode, a trigger out signal is sent whenever a measurement is taken
by the user through using command.
– In data log/external trigger mode, a trigger out signal is sent whenever a
measurement is log/triggered and updated on the front panel.
– In code compatibility mode, a trigger out signal is sent whenever a
measurement is updated on the front panel or a measurement is taken by the
user using command.The diagram below shows the trigger out connector:

TRIG TRIG
Tx Rx IN OUT

– +
Figure 2-6 Trigger out connector

Manual Trigger
Manual triggering takes one reading (or the specified number of readings in data
logger) each time the multimeter receives a pulse on the front-panel trigger
button. The diagram below shows the manual trigger operation:

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The trigger annunciator turns on when the multimeter is waiting for a manual
trigger. The rear panel trigger out connector provides a pulse after the completion
of each measurement. Trigger out and manual trigger implement a standard
hardware handshake sequence between measurement and switching devices.

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Data Logging
The data logger feature provides a front-panel interface that allows you to set up
data logging into the instrument’s non-volatile memory with programming, and
without a connection to a computer.
Once you have finished collecting data, you can view it from the front panel, or
you can also connect your computer and import the data using the DATA:DATA?
NVMEM command.
The instrument is connected through the enable log configuration and will begin
to log measurement data once an external pulse is received through the terminal
or the trigger button is pressed. Once data logging is enabled, all IO connectivity
will be disabled. The IO connectivity will be restored when the data logging has
been completed or aborted.
The 34450A has memory for up to 50,000 readings which is the maximum limit for
the data logger feature.

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Below are the steps to enable data logging:

1 2

Press to enable data log menu Typical data log menu display

3 4 5

Move cursor to enable logging Press to execute Note: Enabling new log data will
automatically delete previous log
data.
6 7

Press to proceed Typical data log menu screen

or

Press the trigger button (manual triggering) or wait for an external pulse (external
triggering) to begin data logging

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Table 2-8 Data log menu options

Option Available settings Description
TRIGGER Delay time between a trigger is initiated and first reading is taken by the data log
0 to 3600 seconds
DELAY function. The smallest delay time resolution is 100 µs.
SAMPLE Delay time between subsequent readings. The smallest resolution is 100 µs. The
1 to 3600 seconds
INTERVAL minimum interval is configuration dependent and may be lower than 1 s.
1 to 5000 (single display Total readings that need to be logged. It can be configured from 1 to 5000 readings
SAMPLE measurement) for single display measurement (upgrade to 50,000 with option 3445MEMU) and
COUNT 1 to 2500 (dual display 2500 readings for dual display measurement (upgrade to 25,000 with option
measurement) 3445MEMU).
1 to 5000 (single display Total triggers that will be received. It can be configured from 1 to 5000 triggers for
TRIGGER measurement) single display measurement (upgrade to 50,000 with option 3445MEMU) and 2500
COUNT 1 to 2500 (dual display triggers for dual display measurement (upgrade to 25,000 with option
measurement) 3445MEMU).
ENABLE To start the log function. During logging, all keys are locked. To stop the log
-
LOG function, press any key except TRIG key follow by SHIFT key.

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To edit the trigger delay, sample interval, sample count, and trigger count in the
data log menu, follow the steps below:

1 2

Press to enable
data log menu
Typical data log menu display
3 4-a

Press for digit selection

4-b
Press to edit

Press to change the value of selected digit

5 6

Press to save Press to exit

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Viewing the log info

Log info page shows the record number of the log data, function, and range for
the primary and secondary measurement when data is logged. If no data is
available for that log, NA is displayed.

1 2

>

Press to display data log menu Typical log view menu display

3 4

Press to select log info

5-a 6

Typical log info display when only primary

measurement is performed

5-b Press to exit

Typical log info display when both primary and

secondary measurements are performed

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Viewing the log list

To view the log list, follow the steps below:

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1 2

>

Press to display data log menu Typical log view menu display

3 4 5

Typical log list first page display when only the

Move cursor to log list menu Press to select primary measurement is performed during data log

6 7 8

Press to switch pages Typical log list first page display when both Press to find specific
primary and secondary measurements are log data
performed during data log
9 10-a

Press for digit selection

10-b

Finding specific log data page display Press to change the value of selected digit

11 12

Press to find Press to exit

Viewing the log histogram

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To view the log histogram, follow the steps below:

1 2

>

Press to display data log menu

Typical log view menu display

3 4

Move cursor to the histogram menu Press to select

5 6

Typical histogram display without secondary measurement

function
Press to switch between primary
or secondary data

7
Typical histogram display for primary measurement with
secondary measurement active

Press to exit

Typical histogram display for secondary measurement with

secondary measurement active

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Viewing the log statistics

To view the log statistics, follow the steps below:

1 2

Press to display data log menu Typical log view menu display

3 4

Press to select
Move cursor to the log statistics menu

5 6

Press to exit

Typical log statistics display

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Fluke 45/Fluke 8808A Code Compatibility Mode

The code compatibility mode enables the user to enter remote commands easily
when migrating from one instrument to the next.

Enabling the code compatibility function

1 2

>

Press to display utility menu Typical log utility menu display

3
Note: RS232 or GPIB connectivity must be
enabled in order for the code compatibility mode
to work. Once the code compatibility mode is
on, the USB connectivity will be disabled.

Move cursor to LANGUAGE and change to L2

4 5

Press to save Typical code compatibility mode screen display

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Notes for Fluke 45/Fluke 8808A code compatibility mode

– When the code compatibility function is enabled, the front panel will be in a
locked state except the utility menu.
– Reset is performed on the multimeter whenever the code compatibility
function is turned on or turned off.
– Rate is global for every function when the code compatibility mode is enabled.
– The temperature or capacitance measurement function will be disabled when
the multimeter is in code compatibility mode.
– The multimeter automatically enters code compatibility mode when switched
on if the code compatibility function was previously enabled before being
turned off.
– In code compatibility mode, whenever a primary measurement function is
changed, the secondary display function is turned off.

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 Keysight 34450A 5½ Digit Multimeter
User’s Guide

3 Measurement Tutorial
DC Measurement Considerations 94
Noise Rejection 95
Measurement Speed Consideration 98
Dual Measurement Considerations 99
Resistance Measurement Considerations 102
True RMS AC Measurements 105
Other Primary Measurement Functions 109
Other Sources of Measurement Error 114

The Keysight 34450A multimeter is capable of making very accurate

measurements. In order to achieve the greatest degree of accuracy, you must take
the necessary steps to eliminate potential measurement errors. This chapter
describes the common errors found in measurements and gives suggestions on
what you can do to avoid these errors.

93
3 Measurement Tutorial

DC Measurement Considerations
Thermal EMF Errors
Thermoelectric voltages are the most common source of error in low–level DC
voltage measurements. Thermoelectric voltages are generated when you make
circuit connections using dissimilar metals at different temperatures. Each
metal-to-metal junction forms a thermocouple, which generates a voltage
proportional to the junction temperature. You should take the necessary
precautions to minimize thermocouple voltages and temperature variations in
low-level voltage measurements. The best connections are formed using
copper-to-copper crimped connections, as the multimeter’s input terminals are a
copper alloy. The table below shows common thermoelectric voltages for
connections between dissimilar metals.

Table 3-1 Common thermoelectric voltages for connections between dissimilar metals
Copper -to- Approx. mV / °C
Cadmium-Tin Solder 0.2
Copper <0.3
Gold 0.5
Silver 0.5
Brass 3
Beryllium Copper 5
Aluminum 5
Tin-Lead Solder 5
Kovar or Alloy 42 40
Silicon 500
Copper-Oxide 1000

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Noise Rejection
Rejecting Power-Line Noise Voltages
A desirable characteristic of integrating analog-to-digital (A/D) converters is their
ability to reject power-line related noise present with DC input signals. This is
called normal mode noise rejection, or NMR. The multimeter achieves NMR by
measuring the average DC input by “integrating” it over a fixed period.

Common Mode Rejection (CMR)

Ideally, a multimeter is completely isolated from earth-referenced circuits.
However, there is finite resistance between the multimeter’s input LO terminal and
earth ground, as shown below. This can cause errors when measuring low
voltages which are floating relative to earth ground.

V f = F loat Voltage
R s = DUT Sour ce Resi stance
HI
I mbalance
R i = Multi meter I solati on Resi stance
V test Ideal (L O-E ar th)
Meter C i = Multi meter I nput Capaci tance:
Rs
Vf × R s
LO E r ror (v) =
Rs + R i
Vf Ci Ri

Figure 3-1 Common Mode Rejection (CMR)

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Noise Caused by Magnetic Loops

If you are making measurements near magnetic fields, take caution to avoid
inducing voltages in the measurement connections. You should be especially
careful when working near conductors carrying large currents. Use twisted-pair
connections to the multimeter to reduce the noise pickup loop area, or dress the
test leads as close together as possible. Loose or vibrating test leads will also
induce error voltages. Tie down test leads securely when operating near magnetic
fields. Whenever possible, utilize magnetic shielding materials or increase the
distance from magnetic sources.

Noise Caused by Ground Loops

When measuring voltages in circuits where the multimeter and the
device-under-test are both referenced to a common earth ground, a ground loop
is formed. As shown in Figure 3-2 on page 97, any voltage difference between the
two ground reference points (Vground) causes a current to flow through the
measurement leads. This causes noise and offset voltage (usually power-line
related), which are added to the measured voltage.

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Figure 3-2 Noise caused by ground loops

The best way to eliminate ground loops is to isolate the multimeter from earth by
not grounding the input terminals. If the multimeter must be earth-referenced,
connect it and the device-under-test to the same common ground point. Also
connect the multimeter and the device-under-test to the same electrical outlet
whenever possible.

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Measurement Speed Consideration

There are two methods of integrating the sampled data taken in the
measurement, slow/medium (NPLC) and fast (Aperture).
When you set the resolution to slow or medium, you can not only achieve
improved accuracy associated with time averaging, but also achieve the rejection
of the power-line interference (normal mode rejection, or NMR).
Aperture is the period, measured in seconds, during which the multimeter’s
analog-to-digital (A/D) converter samples the input signal for a measurement.
A longer aperture yields better resolution; a shorter aperture provides faster
measurements. The fast mode set a specific 1 ms measurement period, not based
on power line frequency. No normal mode rejection is provided in aperture mode.

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Dual Measurement Considerations

The dual measurements mode allows users to make two measurements in one
display. During dual measurement mode, the display will show two separate
measurements and there is a switching delay between both measurements.
The table below shows some of the applications that can be measured using dual
measurement mode:

Dual Functions Combinations Application

Measure AC signal with DC offset from an amplifier output.
DCV & ACV
Measure AC ripple noise and DC output voltage from a power supply
DCV & DCI Measure DC voltage and DC current on a electronic circuit
DCV & ACI Inverter application
ACV & DCI Inverter application
ACV & ACI Measure primary & secondary signal of a transformer circuit
ACV / ACI & Freq Measure frequency of the line voltage

DC voltage dynamic range in dual measurement

When measuring DC and AC in dual measurement mode, make sure the DC + AC
components do not exceed the multimeter ADC dynamic range. The 34450A has a
dynamic range of ±1.2 V or 120% of full scale for each DCV ranges.
For example, the DC offset of the signal as shown in Figure 3-3 causes the input
to exceed the upper limit ADC dynamic range. This may cause errors in DC
component measurement.

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1.2 V

0V

-1.2 V

Figure 3-3 ADC Dynamic Range

Consider an AC component of 1 Vrms signal with a DC offset of 100 mV. When

measuring at DCV 1 V range, Vpeak of the signal is 1.514 V which exceeds the
ADC dynamic range of 1.2 V, causing an error in DC measurement.
Select a higher range DCV 10 V range for better accuracy.
The same error of measurement applies to DCV and ACI dual mode caused by the
multimeter’s series burden voltage.

Voltage and current in dual measurement

When measuring DC voltage and DC current in dual measurement mode, take
into account the resistance of the test lead and internal measuring circuitry. The
34450A shares the same common ground both in DC voltage and DC current
measurement. When a current flow through the LO terminal, a voltage drop will
occur in the circuit and will affect the accuracy of the voltage reading.

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Considering the internal resistance and external lead resistance total is

0.0125 ohm. If applying a 1 A DC current, an error of (0.0125 ohm x 1 A) 0.0125 V
or 12.5 mV will occur. This error will be relative by range with the ADC dynamic
range of 1.2 V.

Figure 3-4 Example of measuring voltage and current in dual measurement

The error in measurement will be significant when applying a higher current.

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Resistance Measurement Considerations

When measuring resistance, the test current flows from the input HI terminal
through the resistor being measured. The voltage drop across the resistor being
measured is sensed internal to the multimeter. Therefore, test lead resistance is
also measured.
The errors mentioned earlier in this chapter for DC voltage measurements also
apply to resistance measurements. Additional error sources unique to resistance
measurements are discussed here.

Removing Test Lead Resistance Errors

To eliminate offset errors associated with test lead resistance, refer to “Null
measurement” on page 49.

Minimizing Power Dissipation Effects

When measuring resistors designed for temperature measurements (or other
resistive devices with large temperature coefficients), be aware that the
multimeter will dissipate some power in the device-under-test (DUT).
If power dissipation is a problem, you should select the multimeter’s next higher
measurement range to reduce the errors to acceptable levels. The following table
shows several examples.

Table 3-2 Examples of measurement ranges

Range Test Current DUT Power at Full Scale
100 Ω 1 mA 100 µW
1 kΩ 0.5 mA 250 µW
10 kΩ 100 µA 100 µW

100 kΩ 10 µA 10 µW
1 MΩ 1 µA 1 µW
10 MΩ 100 nA 100 nW
100 MΩ 100 nA / 10 MΩ 1 µW

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Errors in High Resistance Measurements

When you are measuring large resistances, significant errors can occur due to
resistance insulation and surface cleanliness. You should take the necessary
precautions to maintain a “clean” high-resistance system. Test leads and fixtures
are susceptible to leakage due to moisture absorption in insulating materials and
“dirty” surface films. Nylon and PVC are relatively poor insulators (109 Ω) when
compared to PTFE insulators (1013 Ω).
Leakage from nylon or PVC insulators can easily contribute a 0.1% error when
measuring a 1 MΩ resistance in humid conditions.

Offset Compensation
A resistance measurement involves measuring a voltage (E) induced across the
resistance by a known current source.

R
Ideal
Meter I E

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Thermal EMF caused by dissimilar metals can create a parasitic voltage in the
measurement circuit (VEMF). The thermal EMF can be caused by the input lead
connections or internally in resistor R. In general, this voltage will not change with
the current applied to the resistor.

VEMF VEMF

Ideal Ideal
Meter E=IR+VEMF Meter E=(0*R)+VEMF = V EMF

I=0 R I=0 R

The voltage measured, and so the resistance calculated, is in error by VEMF. Using
offset compensation can reduce the errors caused by VEMF. To make an offset
compensated measurement, the meter makes two voltage measurements, one
with the current source on and one with the current source off, and subtracts the
two measurements. The actual voltage drop across the resistor, and the
calculated resistance are obtained by:
First Reading -Second Reading = (I*R+VEMF) -VEMF = I*R
Offset compensation can be used in 2-Wire or 4-Wire ohms measurements (only
available on 100 Ω, 1 kΩ and 10 kΩ).

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True RMS AC Measurements

True RMS responding multimeters, like the 34450A, measure the “heating”
potential of an applied voltage. Power dissipated in a resistor is proportional to
the square root of an applied voltage, independent of the waveshape of the signal.
This multimeter accurately measures true RMS voltage or current, as long as the
wave shape contains negligible energy above the instrument’s effective
bandwidth.
Note that the 34450A uses the same techniques to measure true RMS voltage
and true RMS current.

Waveform Shape Crest Factor AC RMS AC + DC RMS

The multimeter’s AC voltage and AC current functions measure the AC-coupled

true RMS value. In this Keysight instrument, the “heating value” of only the AC
components of the input waveform are measured (DC is rejected). As seen in the
figure above; for sinewaves, triangle waves, and square waves, the AC-coupled
and AC+DC values are equal since these waveforms do not contain a DC offset.
However, for non-symmetrical waveforms, such as pulse trains, there is a DC
voltage content, which is rejected by Keysight’s AC-coupled true rms
measurements. This can provide a significant benefit.

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An AC-coupled true rms measurement is desirable when you are measuring small
AC signals in the presence of large DC offsets. For example, this situation is
common when measuring AC ripple present on DC power supplies. There are
situations, however, where you might want to know the AC+DC true RMS value.
You can determine this value by combining results from DC and AC
measurements, as shown below:

For the best AC noise rejection, you should perform the DC measurement at
s-mode.

True RMS Accuracy and High-Frequency Signal Content

A common misconception is that “since an AC multimeter is true RMS, its sine
wave accuracy specifications apply to all waveforms.” Actually, the shape of the
input signal can dramatically affect measurement accuracy, for any multimeter,
especially when that input signal contains high-frequency components which
exceed the instrument’s bandwidth. Error in RMS measurements arise when there
is significant input signal energy at frequencies above the multimeter’s
bandwidth.

Estimating High-Frequency (Out-of-Band) Error

A common way to describe signal waveshapes is to refer to their “Crest Factor”.
Crest factor is the ratio of the peak value to RMS value of a waveform. For a pulse
train, for example, the crest factor is approximately equal to the square root of the
inverse of the duty cycle.

Notice that crest factor is a composite parameter, dependent upon the

pulse-width and repetition frequency; crest factor alone is not enough to
characterize the frequency content of a signal.

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Traditionally, digital multimeters include a crest factor derating table that applies
at all frequencies. The measurement algorithm used in the 34450A multimeter is
not inherently sensitive to crest factor, so no such derating is necessary. With this
multimeter, as discussed in the previous section, the focal issue is high-frequency
signal content which exceeds the multimeter’s bandwidth.
For periodic signals, the combination of crest factor and repetition rate can
suggest the amount of high-frequency content and associated measurement
error. The first zero crossing of a simple pulse occurs at
1
f1 =
tp
This gives an immediate impression of the high-frequency content by identifying
where this crossing occurs as a function of crest factor: f = CF 2 ⋅ prf
1

Table 3-3 below shows the typical errors for various pulse waveforms as a function
of input pulse frequency:

Table 3-3 Typical errors for various pulse waveforms as a function of input pulse frequency
Typical error for square wave, triangular wave, and pulse trains of CF=3, 5, or 10
prf
Square wave Triangle wave CF=3 CF=5 CF=10
200 –0.02% 0.00% –0.04% –0.09% –0.34%
1000 –0.07% 0.00% –0.18% –0.44% –1.71%
2000 –0.14% 0.00% –0.34% –0.88% –3.52%

5000 –0.34% 0.00% –0.84% –2.29% –8.34%

10000 –0.68% 0.00% –1.75% –4.94% –26.00%
20000 –1.28% 0.00% –3.07% –8.20% –45.70%
50000 –3.41% –0.04% –6.75% –32.0% –65.30%
100000 –5.10% –0.12% –21.8% –50.6% –75.40%

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The table above gives an additional error for each waveform, to be added to the
value from the accuracy table provided in Chapter 4, “Characteristics and
Specifications”.
Example: A pulse train with level 1 Vrms, is measured on the 1 V range. It has
pulse heights of 3 V (that is, a Crest Factor of 3) and duration 111 µs. The prf can
be calculated to be 1000 Hz, as follows:

Thus, from the table above, this AC waveform can be measured with 0.18 percent
additional error.

AC Filter
The multimeter’s AC voltage and AC current functions implement three
low-frequency comb filters. These filters allow you to trade-off minimum
measured frequency for faster reading speed. The “SLOW” mode filter notch at
2 Hz and useful for frequencies above 20 Hz. The “MEDIUM” filter notch at 20 Hz
and useful for frequencies above 200 Hz. The “FAST” filter notch at 200 Hz and
useful for frequencies above 1 kHz.

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Other Primary Measurement Functions

Frequency measurement errors

The multimeter uses a reciprocal counting technique to measure frequency. This
method generates constant measurement resolution for any input frequency. All
frequency counters are susceptible to errors when measuring low-voltage,
low-frequency signals. The effects of both internal noise and external noise pickup
are critical when measuring “slow” signals. The error is inversely proportional to
frequency. Measurement errors also occur if you attempt to measure the
frequency of an input following a DC offset voltage change. You must allow the
multimeter’s input to fully settle before making frequency measurements.

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DC current measurements
When you connect the multimeter in series with a test circuit to measure current,
a measurement error is introduced. The error is caused by the multimeter’s series
burden voltage. A voltage is developed across the wiring resistance and current
shunt resistance of the multimeter, as shown below.

Figure 3-5 Wiring resistance and current shunt resistance

If you apply more than 5 A during current measurement, self-heating occurs in the
multimeter’s 10 A shunt resistor and internal signal-conditioning component. Do
allow few minutes stabling time for better accuracy for current measurement.
After applying more than 5 A current measurement, do allow a few minutes for
heat dissipation to ensure better accuracy for other measurement.

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Capacitance measurements
The multimeter implements capacitance measurements by applying a known
current to the capacitor as shown below:

C offset

C RP C offset
V charged C
R'

Measurement Model Measurement Model

(during charge phase) (during discharge phase)

Figure 3-6 Applying current to the capacitor

Capacitance is calculated by measuring the change in voltage (ΔV) that occurs

over a “short aperture” time, (Δt). The measurement cycle consists of two parts: a
charge phase and a discharge phase.
The change in voltage (ΔV) and “short aperture” time (Δt), vary by range, in order
to minimize noise and increase reading accuracy. The following table lists the
current source and reading rate at full scale during the measurement.

Range Current Source Read ing Rate at Full Scale

1 nF 100 nA 1.0/second
10 nF 100 nA 0.5/second
100 nF 1 µA 1.5/second

1 µF 1 µA 0.25/second
10 µF 10 µA 0.25/second
100 µF 100 µA 0.25/second
1 mF 500 µA 0.25/second
10 mF 1 mA 0.15/second

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The values of capacitance and loss resistance measured with the multimeter may
differ from the values measured using an LCR meter. This is to be expected, since
this is essentially a DC measurement method, while LCR measurement uses
applied frequencies anywhere from 100 Hz to 100 kHz. In most cases, neither
method measures the capacitor at its exact frequency of application.
For the best accuracy, take a zero null measurement with open probes, to null out
the test lead capacitance, before connecting the probes across the capacitor to be
measured.

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Temperature measurements
The multimeter measures temperature by measuring the temperature sensitive
resistance of 5 kΩ thermistors.
Thermistors consist of semiconductor materials and provide roughly 10 times the
sensitivity of an RTD. Because they are semiconductors, their temperature range
is more limited, commonly to –80 °C to 150 °C. Thermistors have highly
non-linear, temperature-resistance relationships; therefore their conversion
algorithms are more complex. Keysight multimeters use the standard
Hart-Steinhart Approximation to provide accurate conversions.

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Other Sources of Measurement Error

Loading Errors (AC volts)
In the AC voltage function, the input of the multimeter appears as a 1 MΩ
resistance in parallel with 100 pF of capacitance. The cabling that you use to
connect signals to the multimeter also adds capacitance and loading.
For low frequencies, the loading error is:

At high frequencies, the additional loading error is:

1
E rror (%) = 100 × 1
2
1 + (2 π × F × Rs × Cin)

R s = Source Resistance
F = Input Frequency
C in = Input Capacitance (100 pF ) Plus Cable
Capacitance

Measurements Below Full Scale

You can make the most accurate AC measurements when the multimeter is at or
near the full scale of the selected range. Autoranging occurs at 10% (down-range)
and 120% (up-range) of full scale. This enables you to measure some inputs at full
scale on one range and 10% of full scale on the next higher range. In general, the
accuracy is better on the lower range; for the highest accuracy, select the lowest
manual range possible for the measurement.

High-Voltage Self-Heating Errors

If you apply more than 300 Vrms, self-heating occurs in the multimeter’s internal
signal-conditioning components. These errors are included in the multimeter’s
specifications.
Temperature changes inside the multimeter due to self-heating may cause
additional error on other AC voltage ranges.

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AC Current Measurement Errors (Burden Voltage)

Burden voltage errors, which apply to DC current, also apply to AC current
measurements. However, the burden voltage for AC current is larger due to the
multimeter’s series inductance and your measurement connections. The burden
voltage increases as the input frequency increases. Some circuits may oscillate
when performing current measurements due to the multimeter’s series
inductance and your measurement connections.

Low-Level Measurement Errors

When measuring AC voltages less than 100 mV, be aware that these
measurements are especially susceptible to errors introduced by extraneous noise
sources. An exposed test lead acts as an antenna and a properly functioning
multimeter will measure the signals received. The entire measurement path,
including the power line, acts as a loop antenna. Circulating currents in the loop
create error voltages across any impedances in series with the multimeter’s input.
For this reason, you should apply low-level AC voltages to the multimeter through
shielded cables. You should connect the shield to the input LO terminal.
Make sure the multimeter and the AC source are connected to the same electrical
outlet whenever possible. You should also minimize the area of any ground loops
that cannot be avoided. A high-impedance source is more susceptible to noise
pickup than a low-impedance source. You can reduce the high-frequency
impedance of a source by placing a capacitor in parallel with the multimeter’s
input terminals. You may have to experiment to determine the correct capacitor
value for your application.
Most extraneous noise is not correlated with the input signal. You can determine
the error as shown below.

Voltage Measured = V in2 + Noi se2

Correlated noise, while rare, is especially detrimental. Correlated noise always

adds directly to the input signal. Measuring a low-level signal with the same
frequency as the local power line is a common situation that is prone to this error.

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Pulse Measurement Error

You can use the DC measurement function to measure a pulse signal and obtain
its relevant average measurement quickly. The formula of the equivalent DC
average of a pulse signal is provided below.

1

- f ( x ) dx
T
T
where f(x) is the function representing the signal waveform over a period of T.
Errors may occur when the pulse signal is measured at low voltage range due to
saturation of the multimeter’s analog-to-digital (ADC) rail voltage.

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 Keysight 34450A 5½ Digit Multimeter
User’s Guide

4 Characteristics and
Specifications
For the characteristics and specifications of the 34450A 5½ Digit Multimeter, refer
to the datasheet at
http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/5991-1133EN.pdf.

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4 Characteristics and Specifications

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This information is subject to change
without notice. Always refer to the
Keysight website for the latest
revision.

© Keysight Technologies 2012-2020

Edition 7, March 2020
Printed in Malaysia

*34450-90000*
34450-90000
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