Agilent Technologies U3401A Manual

Agilent Technologies
Agilent U3401A
4 1/2 Digit Dual Display
Multimeter
User’s and Service Guide

ii U3401A User’s and Service Guide
Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2009
No part of this manual may be reproduced in
any form or by any means (including elec-
tronic storage and retrieval or translation
into a foreign language) without prior agree-
ment and written consent from Agilent
Technologies, Inc. as governed by United
States and international copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
U3401-90001
Edition
First Edition, May 29, 2009
Printed in Malaysia
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
3501 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95051 USA
Warranty
The material contained in this docu-
ment is provided “as is,” and is sub-
ject to being changed, without notice,
in future editions. Further, to the max-
imum 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 par-
ticular purpose. Agilent shall not be
liable for errors or for incidental or
consequential damages in connec-
tion with the furnishing, use, or per-
formance 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 sep-
arate agreement shall control.
Technology Licenses
The hardware and/or software described in
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ware and technical data rights granted to
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252.227-7015 (Technical Data - Commercial
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puter Software Documentation).
Safety Notices
CAUTION
A CAUTION notice denotes a haz-
ard. It calls attention to an operat-
ing 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.
WARNING
A WARNING notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure, practice, or
the like that, if not correctly per-
formed or adhered to, could result
in personal injury or death. Do not
proceed beyond a WARNING
notice until the indicated condi-
tions are fully understood and
met.

U3401A User’s and Service Guide iii
Safety Symbols
The following symbol on the instrument and in the documentation
indicates precautions that must be taken to maintain safe operation of the
instrument.
Direct current (DC) Off (supply)
Alternating current (AC) On (supply)
Both direct and alternating current Caution, risk of electric shock
Three-phase alternating current Caution, risk of danger (refer to this
manual for specific Warning or Caution
information)
Earth (ground) terminal Caution, hot surface
Protective conductor terminal Out position of a bi-stable push control
Frame or chassis terminal In position of a bi-stable push control
Equipotentiality Equipment protected throughout by
double insulation or reinforced
insulation
IEC Measurement Category II.
Measurement performed on circuits that
are directly connected to the low voltage
installation (up to 300 VAC) under
Category II overvoltage conditions
CAT II
300 V

iv U3401A User’s and Service Guide
Regulatory Markings
The CE mark shows that the product
complies with all the relevant Euro-
pean legal Directives (if accompanied
by a year, it signifies when the design
was proven).
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.
This ISM device complies with the
Canadian ICES-001,
Cet appareil ISM est conforme à la
norme NMB-001 du Canada.
This product complies with the WEEE
Directive (2002/96/EC) marking
equipment. The affixed product label
indicates that you must not discard
this electrical/electronic product in
domestic household waste.
The CSA mark is a registered
trademark of the Canadian Standards
Association.

U3401A User’s and Service Guide v
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. Agilent Technologies assumes no liability for the
customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.

vi U3401A User’s and Service Guide
WARNING
• Do not defeat power cord safety ground feature. Plug in to a grounded (earthed)
outlet.
• Do not use product in any manner that is not specified by the manufacturer.
• Double-check the multimeter’s operation by measuring a known voltage.
• For current measurement, turn off circuit power before connecting the
multimeter to the circuit. Always place the multimeter in series with the circuit.
• When connecting probes, always connect the common test probe first. When
disconnecting probes, always disconnect the live test probe first.
• Detach test probes from the multimeter before you open the battery cover.
• Do not use the multimeter with the battery cover or part of the cover removed or
loose.
• Do not measure more than the rated voltage (as marked on the multimeter)
between terminals, or between terminal and earth ground.
• Do not use repaired fuses or short-circuited fuse-holders. For continued
protection against fire, replace the line fuses only with fuses of the same voltage
and current rating and recommended type.
• Do not service or perform adjustments alone. Under certain conditions,
hazardous voltages may exist, even with the multimeter switched off. To avoid
dangerous electric shock, service personnel must not attempt internal service or
adjustment unless another person, capable of rendering resuscitation or first aid,
is present.
• Do not substitute parts or modify multimeter to avoid the danger of introducing
additional hazards. Return the product to Agilent Technologies Sales and Service
Office for service and repair to ensure the safety features are maintained.
• Do not operate damaged equipment as the safety protection features built into
this product may have been impaired, either through physical damage, excessive
moisture, or any other reason. Remove power and do not use the product until
safe operation can be verified by service-trained personnel. If necessary, return
the product to Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Office for service and
repair to ensure the safety features are maintained.

U3401A User’s and Service Guide vii
CAUTION
• Turn off circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors in the circuit before
you perform resistance, continuity, diodes, or capacitance tests.
• Use the correct terminals, functions, and range for your instruments.
• Never measure voltage when current measurement is selected.
• Use the instrument with the cables provided.
• Repair or service that is not covered in this manual should only be performed by
qualified personnels.

viii U3401A User’s and Service Guide
Environmental Conditions
This instrument is designed for indoor use only. The table below shows
the general environmental requirements for the product.
Environmental Conditions Requirements
Operating temperature Full accuracy from 0 °C to 50°C (Operating)
Operating humidity Full accuracy up to 80 % R.H. (relative humidity)
for temperature up to 28°C
Storage temperature –20 °C to 60 °C (Non-operating)
Altitude Operating up to 2,000 metres (6,562feet)
Pollution degree Pollution Degree 2
CAUTION
The Agilent U3401A dual display complies with the following EMC
requirements:
• IEC 61010-1:2001/EN61010-1:2001 (2nd Edition)
• Canada: CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1-04
• USA: ANSI/UL 61010-1:2004
• IEC 61326-1:2005/EN61326-1:2006
• Canada: ICES/NMB-001:2004
• Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS CISPR11:2004

U3401A User’s and Service Guide ix
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
2002/96/EC
This instruction complies with the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking
requirement. This affixed product label 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
instrument is classified as a “Monitoring and Control Instrument” product.
The affixed product label is shown as below:
Do not dispose in domestic household waste
To return this unwanted instrument, contact your nearest Agilent office, or
visit
www.agilent.com/environment/product
for more information.

x U3401A User’s and Service Guide
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
According to EN ISO/IEC 17050-1:2004
Manufacturer’s Name: Agilent Technologies Microwave Products (M) Sdn Bhd
Manufacturer’s Address:
Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone
11900 Penang, Malaysia
Declares under sole responsibility that the product as originally delivered:
Product Name:
5½ Digit Dual Display Multimeter (U3402A)
4½ Digit Dual Display Multimeter (U3401A)
Model Number:
U3401A, U3402A
Product Option: This declaration covers all options of the above product(s)
complies with the essential requirements of the following applicable European Directives, and
carries the CE marking accordingly:
Low Voltage Directive (2006/95/EC)
EMC Directive (2004/108/EC)
and conforms with the following standards:
EMC Standards Limit
IEC61326-1:2005 / EN61326-1:2006
CISPR 11:2003 / EN 55011:2007 Group 1 Class A
IEC 61000-4-2:2001 / EN 61000-4-2:1995+A1:1998+A2:2001 4 kV CD, 8 kV AD
IEC 61000-4-3:2002 / EN 61000-4-3:2002 10 V/m (80 MHz-1.0 GHz)
3 V/m (1.4 GHz-2.0 GHz)
1 V/m (2.0 GHz-2.7 GHz)
IEC 61000-4-4:2004 / EN 61000-4-4:2004 1 kV signal lines, 2 kV power lines
IEC 61000-4-5:2001 / EN 61000-4-5:1995:A1:2001 1 kV line-line, 2 kV line-ground
IEC 61000-4-6:2003 / EN 61000-4-6:2007 3 V (0.15 MHz-80 MHz)
IEC 61000-4-11:2004 / EN 61000-4-11:2004 100% Dip (0.5 cycle, 1 cycle)
60% Dip (10 cycles)
30% Dip (25 cycles)
100% short interruptions (250 cycles)
Canada: ICES/NMB-001:2004
Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS CISPR 11:2004
Safety
IEC 61010-1:2001 / EN 61010-1:2001
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No.61010-1-04
ANSI/UL61010-1:2004
Additional Information:
The product was tested in a typical configuration with Agilent Technologies test systems.
This DoC applies to above-listed products placed on the EU market after:
5-Mar-09
Date
Tay Eng Su
Quality Manager
For further information, please contact your local Agilent Technologies sales office, agent or distributor,
or Agilent Technologies Deutschland GmbH, Herrenberger Straße 130, 71034 Böblingen, Germany.
Template: A5971-5302-2, Rev. E.00 U3402A DoC Revision A

U3401A User’s and Service Guide xi
Product Regulations
Standards Performance Criteria
IEC61326-1:2005 / EN61326-1:2006
CISPR 11:2003 / EN 55011:2007 Group 1 Class A
IEC 61000-4-2:2001 / EN 61000-4-2:1995+A1:1998+A2:2001 A
IEC 61000-4-3:2002 / EN 61000-4-3:2002 A
IEC 61000-4-4:2004 / EN 61000-4-4:2004 A
IEC 61000-4-5:2001 / EN 61000-4-5:1995:A1:2001 A
IEC 61000-4-6:2003 / EN 61000-4-6:2007 A
IEC 61000-4-11:2004 / EN 61000-4-11:2004
o100% Dip (0.5 cycle) A
o100% Dip (1 cycle) A
o60% Dip (10 cycles) B
o30% Dip (25 cycles) A
o100% Short Interruptions (250 cycles) B

1
Performance Criteria:
A Pass - Normal operation, no effect.
B Pass - Temporary degradation, self recoverable.
C Pass - Temporary degradation, operator intervention required.
D Fail - Not recoverable, component damage.
N/A – Not applicable
Notes:
Regulatory Information for Canada
ICES/NMB-001:2004
This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES-001.
Cet appareil ISM est confomre à la norme NMB-001 du Canada.
Regulatory Information for Australia/New Zealand
This ISM device complies with Australian/New Zealand AS/NZS CISPR11:2004

xii U3401A User’s and Service Guide
In This Guide ...
1 Getting Started Chapter 1 prepares the U3401A digital multimeter
for use and contains a brief description of the digital multimeter
front panel, display, keypad, terminal and rear panel.
2Operations and Features Chapter 2 contains detailed information
on how to take measurements using the U3401A. It also describes
the various multimeter function and features available in the
multimeter.
3Measurement Tutorial Chapter 3 describes the advanced features
and applications for effective operation of the multimeter.
4Performance Test Chapter 4 contains performance test procedures
and calibration procedures. The performance tests procedures
allow you to verify that the multimeter is operating within its
published specifications.
5Disassembly and Repair Chapter 5 describes how to disassemble
the multimeter, how to obtain repair services, and lists replaceable
parts.
6Specifications and Characteristics Chapter 6 specifies the
characteristics, and specifications of the U3401A.

U3401A User’s and Service Guide 1
Contents
Notices ii
Safety Symbols iii
Regulatory Markings iv
General Safety Information v
Environmental Conditions viii
In This Guide ... xii
1 Getting Started
Introduction the Agilent U3401A Dual Display Multimeter 2
Initial Inspection 3
Connecting Power to the Instrument 5
Adjusting the Handle 7
Product at a Glance 8
Product Dimensions 8
The Front Panel at a Glance 9
The Display at a Glance 10
The Keypad at a Glance 12
The Terminal at a Glance 15
The Rear Panel at a Glance 17
2 Operations and Features
Making Measurements 20
Performing Voltage Measurements 21
Performing Current Measurements 23
Performing Frequency Measurements 25
Performing Resistance/Continuity Measurements 26
Performing Diode and Continuity Test 27
Selecting a Range 30
Selecting Secondary Display 32
Using the Setup Menu 34
Changing the Configurable Settings 35
Selecting Local Operation Mode 36

2 U3401A User’s and Service Guide
Operating Math Functions 37
dBm 38
Rel 39
MinMax 40
Comp 42
Hold 44
Percentage (%) 46
Trigger Mode 47
3 Measurement Tutorial
Applications for Using Dual Display 50
Dual Display Operation Examples 51
Measure DC Voltage and AC Ripple on a Rectification Circuit 51
Measure AC and DC Current on a Rectification Circuit 52
Measuring AC Voltage and Frequency on an AC Circuit 53
Measuring Resistance 54
Measure True RMS AC + DC 55
4 Performance Test
Calibration Overview 58
Recommended Test Equipment 59
Agilent Technologies Calibration Services 58
Calibration Interval 58
Te s t C o n s i d e r a t i o n s 60
Input Connections 60
Performance Verification Tests Overview 61
Performance Verification Tests 61
DC Voltage Verification Test 61
DC Current Verification Test 62
Resistance Verification Test 64
Diode Verification Test 65
Frequency Verification Test 65
AC Voltage Verification Test 66
AC Current Verification Test 67

U3401A User’s and Service Guide 3
5 Disassembly and Repair
Operating Checklist 70
Types of Service Available 71
Repackaging for Shipment 72
Cleaning 72
To Replace the Power Line Fuse 73
To Replace a Current Input Fuse 74
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions 74
Mechanical Disassembly 75
Replaceable Parts 81
Rack Mounting 82
6 Specifications and Characteristics
General Characteristics 84
Measurement Category 86
Measurement Category Definitions 86
Specifications 87
DC Voltage 87
DC Current 87
AC Voltage (true RMS, AC Coupling mode) 88
AC Voltage (true RMS, AC+DC Coupling mode) 88
AC Current (true RMS, AC Coupling mode) 89
AC Current (true RMS, AC+DC Coupling mode) 90
Resistance / Continuity 90
Diode Test/ Continuity 91
Frequency 91
Decibel Calculation 92
Supplemental Specifications 93
Display Counts and Reading Rates 93
Measurement Specifications 93
To Calculate Total Measurement Error 98
Accuracy Specifications 99
Transfer Accuracy 99
One-Year Accuracy 99
Temperature Coefficients 99

4 U3401A User’s and Service Guide
List of Figures
Figure 1-1 Stacking the U3401A 6
Figure 1-2 Type of handle position 7
Figure 1-3 Attaching and detaching the handle 7
Figure 1-4 U3401A dimensions 8
Figure 1-5 Front panel 9
Figure 1-6 VFD full display with all segments illuminated 10
Figure 1-7 Keypad 12
Figure 1-8 Input terminals 15
Figure 1-9 Rear panel 17
Figure 2-1 ACV terminal connection and display 21
Figure 2-2 DCV terminal connection and display 22
Figure 2-3 ACI RMS or DCI (mA) terminal connection and display 23
Figure 2-4 ACI RMS or DCI (10A) terminal connection and display 24
Figure 2-5 Frequency terminal connection and display 25
Figure 2-6 Resistance /continuity terminal connection and display 26
Figure 2-7 Forward-biased diode/continuity test terminal connection and display 28
Figure 2-8 Reverse-biased diode/continuity terminal connection and display 29
Figure 2-9 Secondary display 32
Figure 2-10 Typical dBm operation display 38
Figure 2-11 Typical Rel operation display 39
Figure 2-12 Typical Max operation display 40
Figure 2-13 Typical Min operation display 40
Figure 2-14 Typical Comp operation display 42
Figure 2-15 Typical Hold operation display 44
Figure 2-16 Typical refresh hold operation display 45
Figure 2-17 Typical percentage (%) operation display 46
Figure 2-18 Typical Trigger mode display 48
Figure 3-1 Connection terminal when measuring DC voltage and AC ripple 51
Figure 3-2 Connection terminal when using DC current and AC ripple 52
Figure 3-3 Connection terminal when measuring AC Voltage and Frequency 53
Figure 3-4 Connection terminal when measuring Resistance 54

U3401A User’s and Service Guide 5
List of Tables
Table 1-1 Display annunciators 10
Table 1-2 Keypad functions 12
Tab l e 1 - 3 Input terminal for different functions 16
Table 2-1 Range scale value 31
Table 2-2 Description for dual display combination 33
Tab l e 2 - 3 Setup menu and communications parameters 34
Tab l e 2 - 4 Math operations for different measurement functions 37
Table 3-1 Typical combinations and applications when using dual display 50
Table 4-1 Recommended test equipments 59
Table 4-2 DC voltage verification test 62
Table 4-3 DC current verification test 63
Table 4-4 2-wire Ωverification test 64
Ta b l e 4 - 5 Diode verification test 65
Table 4-6 Frequency verification test 65
Table 4-7 AC volts verification test 66
Table 4-8 AC current verification test 67
Table 5-1 Type of supplied fuse (according to country of destination) 73
Table 5-2 Replaceable Parts 81
Table 6-1 DCV resolution, full scale reading and accuracy [±(% of reading + count)] 87
Ta b l e 6 - 2 DCI resolution, full scale reading and accuracy [± (% of reading + count)] 87
Table 6-3 ACV resolution and full scale reading [±(% of reading + count)] 88
Table 6-4 ACVac+dc resolution and full scale reading [±(% of reading + count)] 88
Table 6-5 ACI resolution, full scale reading, and burden voltage [±(% of reading + count)] 89
Table 6-6 ACIac+dc resolution, full scale reading, and burden voltage [±(% of reading + count)]
90
Tab l e 6 - 7 Resistance resolution, full scale reading, and accuracy [±(% of reading + count)] 90
Tab l e 6 - 8 Diode / continuity resolution and full scale reading 91
Table 6-9 Frequency resolution and accuracy [± (% of reading + count)] 91
Table 6-10 Sensitivity for voltage measurement 91
Table 6-11 Sensitivity for current measurement 92
Table 6-12 Range and accuracy (dB) 92
Table 6-13 Full scale display counts 93
Table 6-14 Supplemental measurement specifications 93

6 U3401A User’s and Service Guide

1
U3401A 4 ½ Digit Dual Display Multimeter
User’s and Service Guide
Agilent Technologies
1
Getting Started
Introduction the Agilent U3401A Dual Display Multimeter 2
Initial Inspection 3
Connecting Power to the Instrument 5
Stacking the U3401A 6
Adjusting the Handle 7
Product at a Glance 8
Product Dimensions 8
The Front Panel at a Glance 9
The Display at a Glance 10
The Keypad at a Glance 12
The Terminal at a Glance 15
The Rear Panel at a Glance 17
This chapter prepares the U3401A digital multimeter for use and contains brief description
of the digital multimeter front panel, display, keypad, terminal and rear panel.

1GettingStarted
2 U3401A User’s and Service Guide
Introduction the Agilent U3401A Dual Display Multimeter
The key features of the U3401A dual display multimeter are:
•4 1/2- digit dual display measurement
•Ten Measurement functions:
•AC voltage
•DC voltage
•AC current
•DC current
•AC + DC voltage
•AC + DC current
•Resistance
•Frequency
•Continuity test
•Diode test
•Six Math operations:
•dBm
•MINMAX
•Hold
•Relative (REL)
•Compare (COMP)
•Percentage (%)
•50,000 count dual display.
•AC and DC current measurements to 10 A.
•Resistance measurement up to 50 M
W , 10 m W resolution.
•Frequency measurement up to 500 kHz with 0.01 Hz resolution.
•Measurement of dBm with variable reference impedance from 2
W to
8000
W .