Agilent Technologies Truevolt Series Service manual

Agilent Truevolt Series DMM
Operating and Service Guide
This document contains information for using, programming, and servicing the Truevolt Series DMMs. If you have
feedback on this document, please go to www.agilent.com/find/truevolt-docfeedback.
Preliminary Information
Safety and Regulatory Information
Models and Options
Quick Start
Contacting Agilent Technologies
Introduction to the Instrument
User Information
Front-Panel Menu Reference
Features and Functions
Remote Interface Configuration
LAN Configuration Procedure
Web Interface
Measurements
Triggering and Readings
Probe Hold
Math
Display
Utility Menu
Measurement Tutorial

SCPI Programming Reference
Welcome to SCPI
Introduction to the SCPI Language
Commands by Subsystem
Command Quick Reference
Range, Resolution, and NPLC
Resolution Table
VM Comp Output
SCPI Error Messages
Power-On and Reset State
Service and Repair
Service and Repair - Introduction
Disassembly
Troubleshooting
Power Supplies
Self-Test Procedures
Battery Replacement
Installing the Optional GPIB Interface
User Replaceable Parts
Calibration
General Characteristics
Firmware Update
© 2013 Agilent Technologies, Inc. Version 1.04 (December, 2013)
2 Agilent Truevolt Series DMM Operating and Service Guide

Safety and Regulatory Information
Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2013
No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means (including electronic storage and retrieval or
translation into a foreign language) without prior agreement and written consent from Agilent Technologies, Inc. as
governed by United States and international copyright laws.
Manual Information
34460-90901
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
900 S. Taft Ave.
Loveland, CO 80537 USA
Software Revision
For the latest firmware, go to the product page at www.agilent.com/find/truevolt.
The latest product documentation is available at www.agilent.com/find/truevolt-doc. For documentation for mobile
devices, see www.agilent.com/find/truevolt-mobilehelp.
A portion of the software in this product is licensed under terms of the General Public License Version 2 ("GPLv2"). The
text of the license and source code can be found at www.agilent.com/find/GPLV2.
This product uses Microsoft Windows CE. Agilent highly recommends that all Windows-based computers connected to
Windows CE instruments use current anti-virus software. For more information, see www.agilent.com/find/truevolt.
Warranty
The material contained in this document is provided "as is," and is subject to being changed, without notice, in future
editions. Further, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Agilent disclaims all warranties, either express
or implied, with regard to this manual and any information contained herein, including but not limited to the implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Agilent shall not be liable for errors or for incidental or
consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, use, or performance of this document or of any information
contained herein. Should Agilent and the user have a separate written agreement with warranty terms covering the
material in this document that conflict with these terms, the warranty terms in the separate agreement shall control.
Technology Licenses
The hardware and/or software described in this document are furnished under a license and may be used or copied only
in accordance with the terms of such license.
Restricted Rights Legend
U.S. Government Restricted Rights. Software and technical data rights granted to the federal government include only
those rights customarily provided to end user customers. Agilent provides this customary commercial license in
Software and technical data pursuant to FAR 12.211 (Technical Data) and 12.212 (Computer Software) and, for the
Department of Defense, DFARS 252.227-7015 (Technical Data – Commercial Items) and DFARS 227.7202-3 (Rights
in Commercial Computer Software or Computer Software Documentation).
Agilent Truevolt Series DMM Operating and Service Guide 3

Safety Notices
A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to the product or loss of important data. Do not proceed
beyond a CAUTION notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury or death. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING notice
until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
Safety Symbols
Alternating current
Frame or chassis terminal
Standby supply. Unit is not completely disconnected from AC mains power when switch is off.
Risk of electric shock
Refer to accompanying documents
The CE mark indicates the instrument meets the requirements of the applicable European Community
Directives to be placed on the European Community market. "ISM 1-A" indicates that the instrument is an
"Industrial, Scientific and Medical Class A, Group 1" product.
The CE mark is a registered trademark of the European Community.
The CSA mark with the 'c' and 'us' subscript indicates the instrument is certified to the applicable Canadian
and United States of America standards respectively.
CAT II
(300V)
IEC Measurement Category II. Inputs may be connected to AC mains power (up to 300 VAC) under Category
II overvoltage conditions.
The C-tick mark is a registered trademark of the Spectrum Management Agency of Australia. This signifies
compliance with the Australian EMC Framework regulations under the terms of the Radio Communications
Act of 1992.
ICES-
001
NMB-
001
This mark indicates the instrument complies with the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Standard
for Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) Radio Frequency Generators.
This equipment is Class A suitable for professional use and is for use in electromagnetic environments outside
of the home.
Contains one or more of the 6 hazardous substances above the maximum concentration value (MCV), 40
Year EPUP.
4 Agilent Truevolt Series DMM Operating and Service Guide

Safety Information
General
Do not use this product in any manner not specified by the manufacturer. The protective features of this product may
be impaired if it is used in a manner not specified in the operation instructions. Do not install substitute parts or perform
any unauthorized modification to the product. Return the product to an Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Office
for service and repair to ensure that safety features are maintained.
Product Grounding
The instrument is a Class 1 product and is provided with a grounding-type power cord set.
The instrument chassis and cover are connected to the instrument electrical ground to
minimize shock hazard. The ground pin of the cord set plug must be firmly connected to the
electrical ground (safety ground) terminal at the power outlet. Any interruption of the
protective earth (grounding) conductor or disconnection of the protective earth terminal
will cause a potential shock hazard that could result in personal injury or death.
Cleaning
To prevent electrical shock, disconnect the instrument from AC mains power and disconnect
all test leads before cleaning. Clean the outside of the instrument using a soft, lint-free,
cloth slightly dampened with water.Do not use detergent or solvents.Do not attempt to clean
internally.If needed, contact an Agilent Technologies Sales and Service office to arrange for
proper cleaning to ensure that safety features and performance are maintained.
AC Power Cord
Removal of the AC power cord is the disconnect method to remove power from the
instrument. Be sure to allow for adequate access to the power cord to permit disconnection
from AC power. Use only the Agilent specified power cord for the country of use or one with
equivalent ratings.
Do Not Remove Instrument Cover
Only qualified, service-trained personnel should remove the cover from the instrument.
Service: Unplug instrument from wall outlet, remove power cord, and remove all probes
from all terminals before servicing.
AC Mains Power Line Fuse
For continued protection against fire, replace the line fuse only with fuses of the specified
type and rating. The instrument must be disconnected from AC mains power, and all
measurement terminals must be disconnected before changing the fuse.
Current Measurement Protection Fuse
For continued protection against fire, replace current-protection fuses only with fuses of the
specified type and rating. The instrument must be disconnected from AC mains power, and
all measurement terminals must be disconnected before changing the fuse.
Front/Rear Switch
Do not change the position of the Front/Rear switch on the front panel while signals are
present on either the front or rear set of terminals. The switch is not intended as an active
multiplexer. Switching while current or high voltage is present may cause instrument
damage and lead to the risk of electric shock.
Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere
This instrument is not designed to be operated in an explosive environment. The instrument
enclosure complies with the IP 20 rating.
Agilent Truevolt Series DMM Operating and Service Guide 5

In Case of Damage
An instrument that appears damaged or defective should be made inoperative and secured
against unintended operation until qualified service personnel can repair it.
Self-Test
Before measuring any hazardous voltage or current, remove all test leads to the instrument,
run the TEST:ALL? query from the remote interface, and read the result to verify that the
instrument is performing properly.
The TEST:ALL? query is a self-test that returns +0 if the instrument passes and +1 if the
instrument fails. You can also perform this query from the front panel by pressing [Shift] >
[Utility] > Test/Admin > Self Test > Full Test. If this self-test fails, make sure that the
instrument is repaired and passes the complete self-test before continuing.
Measuring AC Power Mains
The HI, LO, and current input terminals may be connected to AC mains power 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 AC mains power for line voltages above 300 VAC. See
IEC Measurement Category II for further information.
Measuring Current with A Current Transformer
If a current transformer is used for measuring current, you must use a current transformer
with internal secondary protection. Using a current transformer without protection may
result in a hazardous voltage resulting in a severe shock or death. In addition, this may
cause damage to the instrument.
Measurement Limits
To avoid instrument damage and the risk of electric shock, do not exceed any of the
Measurement Limits defined in the following section.
This product complies with EN/IEC 61326-2-1, for sensitive test and measurement equipment:
When subjected to transient radiated and/or conducted electromagnetic phenomena, the product may
have temporary loss of function or performance which is self-recovering. Recovery may take longer than
10 seconds.
When subjected to continuously present electromagnetic phenomena, some degradation of performance
may occur.
Measurement Limits
The Truevolt Series DMMs provide protection circuitry to prevent damage to the instrument and to protect against the
danger of electric shock, provided the Measurement Limits are not exceeded. To ensure safe operation of the
instrument, do not exceed the Measurement Limits shown on the front and rear panel, and defined as follows:
6 Agilent Truevolt Series DMM Operating and Service Guide

34460A Front Panel
Terminal Area
34461A Front Panel
Terminal Area
34461A Rear Panel
Terminal Area
The front-panel and rear-panel (34461A only) terminals are shown above. The Front/Rear switch
(34461A only) selects the terminal set to be used. Do not operate this switch while signals are present on
the front or rear terminals.
The user-replaceable 3 A current-protection fuse is on the rear panel. There are 3 A and 10 A (34461A
only) current-protection fuses located inside the unit. Contact your Agilent Sales and Service Center or
refer to product service documentation for replacement instructions.
To maintain protection, replace fuses only with fuses of the specified type and rating.
Agilent Truevolt Series DMM Operating and Service Guide 7

Input Terminal Measurement Limits
Measurement Limits are defined for the input terminals:
Main Input (HI and LO) Terminals. The HI and LO input terminals are used for voltage, resistance, frequency
(period), and diode test measurements. Two Measurement Limits are defined for these terminals:
lHI to LO Measurement Limit. The Measurement Limit from HI to LO (Input terminals) is 1000 VDC or 750
VAC, which is also the maximum voltage measurement. This limit can also be expressed as 1000 Vpk maximum.
lLO to Ground Measurement Limit. The LO input terminal can safely "float" a maximum of 500 Vpk relative to
ground, where ground is defined as the Protective Earth Conductor in the AC mains power cord connected to the
instrument.
As implied by the above limits, the Measurement Limit for the HI input terminal is a maximum of 1500 Vpk relative to
ground when LO is at its maximum of 500 Vpk relative to ground.
Current Input Terminal. The current input ("I") terminal has a Measurement Limit of 3 A or 10 A (DC or AC)
between the "I" terminal (3 A or 10 A) and the LO input terminal. Note that the current input terminals will always be
at approximately the same voltage as the LO terminal, unless a current protection fuse is open. The 10 A terminal is
only available on the 34461A.
Sense Terminal Measurement Limits
The HI and LO sense terminals are used for DCV ratio measurements and four-wire resistance and temperature
measurements. The Measurement Limit is 200 Vpk for all of the terminal pairings: LO sense to LO input, HI sense to
LO input, and HI sense to LO sense.
The 200 Vpk limit on the sense terminals is the Measurement Limit. Operational voltages in resistance
measurements are much lower – up to ± 12 V in normal operation.
IEC Measurement Category II
To protect against the danger of electric shock, the Agilent Truevolt Series DMM protects the user from AC mains power
overvoltage events. When measuring AC mains, the HI and LO input terminals may be connected to AC mains power
up to 300 VAC under Measurement Category II conditions as defined below.
IEC Measurement Category II includes electrical devices connected to AC mains power at an outlet on a branch circuit.
Such devices include most small appliances, test equipment, and other devices that plug into a branch outlet or socket.
The instrument may be used to make measurements with the HI and LO inputs connected to AC mains power in such
devices, or to the branch outlet itself (up to 300 VAC). However, the instrument may not be used with its HI and LO
inputs connected to AC mains power in permanently installed electrical devices such as the main circuit-breaker panel,
sub-panel disconnect boxes, or permanently wired motors. Such devices and circuits are subject to overvoltages that
may exceed the instrument’s protection capabilities.
Voltages above 300 VAC may be measured only in circuits that are isolated from AC mains power.
However, transient overvoltages are also present on circuits that are isolated from ACmains power. The
instrument is designed to safely withstand occasional transient overvoltages up to 1500 Vpk when
measuring voltages greater than 300 VAC. Do not use this equipment to measure circuits where transient
overvoltages could exceed this level.
8 Agilent Truevolt Series DMM Operating and Service Guide

Additional Notices
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/EC
This product complies with the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking requirement. The affixed product label (see
below) indicates that you must not discard this electrical/electronic product in domestic household waste.
Product Category: With reference to the equipment types in the WEEE directive Annex 1, this product is classified as a
"Monitoring and Control instrumentation" product. Do not dispose in domestic household waste.
To return unwanted products, contact your local Agilent office, or see www.agilent.com/environment/product for more
information.
Agilent 34138A Test Lead Set
The Agilent 34138A Test Lead Set, described below, is compatible with the Truevolt Series DMMs.
Test Lead Ratings
lTest Leads - 1000V, 15A
lFine Tip Probe Attachments - 300V
l3A Mini Grabber Attachment - 300V, 3A
lSMT Grabber Attachments - 300V, 3A
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 Agilent 34138A Test Lead Set.
If the Test Lead Set is used in a manner not specified by Agilent Technologies, the
protection provided by the Test Lead Set may be impaired. Also, do not use a damaged or
worn Test Lead Set. Personal injury or death may result.
Agilent Truevolt Series DMM Operating and Service Guide 9

Quick Start
This section describes basic procedures to help you get started quickly with the instrument.
lPrepare Instrument for Use
lAdjust the Carrying Handle
lUse Built-in Help System
lRack Mount the Instrument
Prepare Instrument for Use
Verify that you received the following items. If anything is missing, please contact your nearest Agilent sales office or
Agilent authorized reseller.
lPower cord (for country of destination)
lCertificate of Calibration (optional)
lAgilent 34460A/61A Product Reference CD (product software and manuals) (optional on 34460A)
lAgilent Automation-Ready CD (Agilent IO Libraries Suite) (optional on 34460A)
lSupplemental documentation packet
lUSB 2.0 cable (optional on 34460A)
The latest product documentation is available at www.agilent.com/find/truevolt-doc. For documentation for mobile
devices, see www.agilent.com/find/truevolt-mobilehelp.
To download the Digital Multimeter Connectivity Utility, go to www.agilent.com/find/DMMutilitysoftware.
Setting the AC Mains Line Voltage Selector and Fuse Installation
Before plugging the instrument into AC mains power, verify that the line voltage
setting visible on the back of the AC mains input module is correct for the AC mains
power source being connected. The line voltage selections are shown in a box on the
rear panel immediately to the left of the AC mains input module. Other nominal line
voltages are shown in parentheses.
Verify that the correct fuse is installed. To replace a blown fuse or verify the correct
fuse, pull it gently from the fuse drawer and insert the correct working fuse. Use only
a 5x20 mm, time-lag, 0.25 A, 250 V certified fuse. The Agilent part number is 2110-
0817.
AC MAINS Nominal Line Voltage Range AC Mains Line Voltage Selector
100 - 115 100
120 - 127 120
202 - 230 220
240 240
10 Agilent Truevolt Series DMM Operating and Service Guide

Use the following procedure to configure the line voltage selector:
Step1 Lift tab (1) and pull the fuse drawer (2) from the rear panel.
Step2 Remove the line-voltage selector and rotate it so the correct voltage will
appear in the fuse holder window.
Step3 Verify that the correct fuse is installed. To replace a blown fuse or verify the
correct fuse, pull it gently from the fuse drawer and insert the correct
working fuse. Use only a 5x20 mm, time-lag, 0.25 A, 250 V certified fuse.
The Agilent part number is 2110-0817.
Step4 Replace the fuse holder assembly by sliding it into the rear panel.
Product Grounding
The instrument is a Class 1 product and is provided with a grounding-type power cord set.
The instrument chassis and cover are connected to the instrument electrical ground to
minimize shock hazard. The ground pin of the cord set plug must be firmly connected to the
electrical ground (safety ground) terminal at the power outlet. Any interruption of the
protective earth (grounding) conductor or disconnection of the protective earth terminal
will cause a potential shock hazard that could result in personal injury or death.
Agilent Truevolt Series DMM Operating and Service Guide 11

Connect Power and I/O Cables
Connect the power cord and LAN, GPIB, or USB cable as desired. After you turn on the instrument (as described below),
the instrument will run a power-on self test and then display a message about how to obtain help, along with the
current IP address. It also displays the GPIB address (if applicable).
The instrument's default measurement function is DC Voltage (DCV), with autoranging enabled.
Power Switch
Press the power switch in the lower left corner of the front panel. If the instrument does not turn on, verify that the
power cord is firmly connected and that the fuse is good and the line voltage selector is set correctly, as described
above. Also make sure that the instrument is connected to an energized power source. If the LED below the power
switch is off, there is no AC mains power connected. If the LED is amber, the instrument is in standby mode with AC
mains power connected, and if it is green, the instrument is on.
In certain circumstances, the amber LED can come on even if the wrong line voltage is selected. In this
case, the instrument may not power on.
If the power-on self test fails, the display shows Error in the upper right corner. It also displays a message describing
the error. See SCPI Error Messages for information on error codes. See Service and Repair - Introduction for
instructions on returning the instrument for service.
To turn off the instrument, press and hold the power switch for about 500 ms. This prevents you from accidentally
turning off the instrument by brushing against the power switch.
If you turn off the instrument by disconnecting power (this is not recommended), the instrument will
turn on as soon as you re-apply power. You will not need to press the power switch.
12 Agilent Truevolt Series DMM Operating and Service Guide

Adjust the Carrying Handle
The handle has three positions, shown below.
To adjust the handle position, grasp the sides of the handle, pull outward, and rotate the handle.
Use Built-in Help System
The built-in help system provides context-sensitive help on any front-panel key or menu softkey. A list of help topics is
also available to help you learn about the instrument.
View the help information for a front-panel key
Press and hold any softkey or button, such as [Display].
If the message contains more information than will fit on the display, press the down arrow softkey to scroll down.
Press Done to exit Help.
Agilent Truevolt Series DMM Operating and Service Guide 13

View the list of help topics and use interactive demos
Press to view the list of help topics. Press the arrow softkeys or use the front-panel arrow keys to
highlight the desired topic. Then press Select. You can also press Demos to run interactive demos on how to use the
instrument.
In this case, the following help topic will appear:
14 Agilent Truevolt Series DMM Operating and Service Guide

View the list of recent instrument errors.
Press and choose View instrument errors from the list of help topics. This displays the instrument's
error queue, which includes up to 20 errors.
View the help information for displayed messages.
Whenever a limit is exceeded or any other invalid configuration is found, the instrument displays a message. The built-
in help system provides additional information on the most recent message. Press [Shift] > [Help], select View the
last message displayed, and press Select.
Press Done to exit Help.
Local Language Help
All messages, context-sensitive help, and help topics are available in English, Chinese, French,
German, Japanese, Korean, and Russian. To select the local language, press [Utility] > System
Setup > User Settings > Help Lang. Then select the desired language.
The menu softkey labels and status line messages are not translated.
Agilent Truevolt Series DMM Operating and Service Guide 15

Rack Mount the Instrument
You can mount the instrument in a standard 19-inch rack cabinet using one of two optional kits, each of which includes
instructions and mounting hardware. Yu may also mount Another Agilent System II instrument of the same height
and width beside the instrument.
To prevent overheating, do not block airflow to or from the instrument. Allow enough clearance at
the rear, sides, and bottom of the instrument to permit adequate internal air flow.
Remove the carrying handle and the front and rear bumpers before rack-mounting the instrument.
Removing the Handle and Bumpers
To remove the handle, rotate it to vertical and pull the ends outward.
To remove the rubber bumper, stretch a corner and then slide it off.
Front Rear (bottom view)
Rack Mounting a Single Instrument
To rack mount a single instrument, order adapter kit 5063-9240.
Rack Mounting Instruments Side-by-Side
To rack mount two instruments side-by-side, order lock-link kit 5061- 8769 and flange kit 5063-9212. Be sure to use
the support rails in the rack cabinet.
16 Agilent Truevolt Series DMM Operating and Service Guide

Sliding Support Shelf
To install one or two instruments in a sliding support shelf, order shelf 5063-9255 and slide kit 1494-0015. For a single
instrument, also order filler panel 5002-3999.
Agilent Truevolt Series DMM Operating and Service Guide 17

Models and Options
This document applies to two digital multimeters:
l34460A - 6½-digit Basic DMM
l34461A - 6½-digit 34401A Replacement DMM
Options Installed at Factory
34460A 34461A Description
34460A-LAN N/A - Standard Enable rear panel LAN/LXI web interface, external triggering for 34460A
34460A-SEC 34461A-SEC Enable instrument security
34460A-GPB 34461A-GPB User-installable GPIB interface module
34460A-ACC N/A - Standard Accessory kit for 34460A - Documentation CD, Test Leads, USB Cable
34460A-Z54 34461A-Z54 Certificate of calibration – ANSI/NCSL Z540.3-2006, printed
Options Installed by Distributor or End Customer
Product
Number
34460A 34461A Description
3446LANU Option N/A -
Standard
Enable rear panel LAN/LXI web interface, external triggering for
34460A
3446SECU Option Option Enable instrument security
3446GPBU Option Option User-installable GPIB interface module
3446ACCU Option N/A -
Standard
Accessory kit for 34460A - Documentation CD, Test Leads, USB Cable
18 Agilent Truevolt Series DMM Operating and Service Guide

Contacting Agilent Technologies
You can contact Agilent Technologies for warranty, service, or technical support.
In the United States: [phone]
In Europe: 31 20 547 2111
In Japan: 0120-421-345
Use www.agilent.com/find/assist to contact Agilent worldwide, or contact your Agilent Technologies representative.
Agilent Truevolt Series DMM Operating and Service Guide 19

Introduction to the Instrument
The Agilent Technologies 34460A and 34461A instruments are 6½-digit digital multimeters (DMMs).
Instrument at a Glance
Front Panel at a Glance
Rear Panel at a Glance
Models and Options
Contacting Agilent Technologies
Instrument at a Glance
The instrument’s combination of bench-top and system features make it a versatile solution now and in the future.
The instrument can make a wide range of accurate and flexible measurements.
Display – Easily display, save and document your measurement results
lHigh usability with an intuitive, menu driven user interface
lHistogram, trend chart (34461A only), meter, and numeric views on a high-resolution color display
lUSB, LAN (optional on 34460A), and optional GPIB interface
lDrag and drop, driverless USB connectivity
Measurements – Agilent’s Truevolt measurement performance with modern I/O accessibility
lPatented, metrology-level performance that serves as the foundation for all measurements
lAccurate and stable measurements, with specifications compliant to IEC 17025
Move to the next generation 34401A
l100% drop-in, SCPI compatible replacement for the 34401A DMM
lSCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) programming language
20 Agilent Truevolt Series DMM Operating and Service Guide