Agilent Technologies U3402A User manual

Agilent Technologies
Agilent U3402A
5 1/2 Digit Dual Display
Multimeter
User’s and Service Guide

ii U3402A User’s and Service Guide
Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2009-2012
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
U3402-90001
Edition
Fourth Edition, June 14, 2012
Printed in Malaysia
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
5301 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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dance with the terms of such license.
Restricted Rights Legend
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ware and technical data rights granted to
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tomers. Agilent provides this customary
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cal 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 Com-
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.

U3402A 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) Caution, risk of electric shock
Alternating current (AC) Caution, risk of danger (refer to this
manual for specific Warning or Caution
information)
Both direct and alternating current Out position of a bi-stable push control
Earth (ground) terminal In position of a bi-stable push control
Protective conductor terminal Frame or chassis terminal
IEC Measurement Category II. Inputs may
be connected to mains (up to 300 VAC)
under Category II overvoltage conditions.
CAT II
300 V

iv U3402A User’s and Service Guide
Regulatory Markings
The CE mark is a registered trademark
of the European Community. This CE
mark shows that the product complies
with all the relevant European Legal
Directives.
The C-tick mark is a registered
trademark of the Spectrum
Management Agency of Australia. This
signifies compliance with
the Australia EMC Framework
regulations under the terms of the
Radio Communication Act of 1992.
ICES/NMB-001 indicates that this ISM
device complies with the Canadian
ICES-001.
Cet appareil ISM est confomre a la
norme NMB-001 du Canada.
This instrument 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.
The CSA mark is a registered
trademark of the Canadian Standards
Association.
This symbol indicates the time period
during which no hazardous or toxic
substance elements are expected to
leak or deteriorate during normal use.
Forty years is the expected useful life
of the product.

U3402A 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.
WARNING
• Do not defeat power cord safety ground feature. Plug in to a grounded (earthed)
outlet.
• Do not use instrument in any manner that is not specified by the manufacturer.
• Double-check the instrument’s operation by measuring a known voltage.
• For current measurement, turn off circuit power before connecting the
instrument to the circuit. Always place the instrument 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.
• 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 instrument 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 instrument to avoid the danger of introducing
additional hazards. Return the instrument to Agilent Technologies Sales and
Service Office for service and repair to ensure the safety features are maintained.
• Do not operate damaged instrument as the safety protection features built into
this instrument may have been impaired, either through physical damage,
excessive moisture, or any other reason. Remove power and do not use the
instrument until safe operation can be verified by service-trained personnel. If
necessary, return the instrument to Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Office
for service and repair to ensure the safety features are maintained.

vi U3402A User’s and Service Guide
CAUTION
• Turn off circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors in the circuit before
you perform resistance, continuity, or diode tests.
• Use the correct terminals, functions, and range for your instrument.
• Do not 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.

U3402A User’s and Service Guide vii
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 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 (6,562 feet)
Pollution degree Pollution Degree 2
NOTE
The Agilent U3402A 5 1/2 digit dual display multimeter 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/EN 61326-1:2006
• Canada: ICES/NMB-001: Issue 4, June 2006
• Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS CISPR11:2004

viii U3402A User’s and Service Guide
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.

U3402A User’s and Service Guide ix
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
The Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for this instrument is available on the
Web site. You can search the DoC by its product model or description.
http://regulations.corporate.agilent.com/DoC/search.htm
NOTE
If you are unable to search for the respective DoC, please contact your
local Agilent representative.

x U3402A User’s and Service Guide
In This Guide ...
1Getting Started Tutorial
This chapter provides an introduction to the U3402A digital multimeter and
a tutorial showing how to use the front panel in order to make
measurements.
2 Operations and Features
This chapter explains the various functions and features available to the
U3402A digital multimeter.
3Application Tutorial
This chapter describes the advanced features and the possible
applications for effective operation of the multimeter.
4Performance Test
This chapter contains performance test procedures. The performance test
procedures allow you to verify that the multimeter is operating within its
published specifications.
5 Disassembly and Repair
This chapter will help you troubleshoot a faulty multimeter. It describes
how to disassemble the multimeter, how to obtain repair services, and
lists the replaceable parts.
6Specifications and Characteristics
This chapter describes the multimeter’s specifications and operating
specifications

U1253B User’s and Service Guide xi
Contents
1 Getting Started Tutorial
Introducing the Agilent U3402A Dual Display Multimeter 2
Checking the shipping contents 3
Connecting power to the multimeter 4
Stacking the U3402A 5
Adjusting the Handle 6
Product at a Glance 7
Product dimensions 7
The front panel at a glance 8
The display at a glance 9
The keypad at a glance 11
The terminals at a glance 14
The rear panel at a glance 16
Making Measurements 17
Performing voltage measurements 18
Performing current measurements 20
Performing frequency measurements 22
Performing resistance measurements 23
Performing diode/continuity test 25
Selecting a Range 30
Setting the Reading Rate 32
2 Operations and Features
Operating Math Operations 20
dBm 21
Rel 22
MinMax 23
Comp 25

xii U1253B User’s and Service Guide
Hold 26
Combination of Math Operations 27
Using the Secondary Display 29
Using the Setup Menu 31
Changing the Configurable Settings 32
3 Application Tutorial
Applications for Using Dual Display 52
Dual Display Operation Examples 53
Measure DC Voltage and AC Ripple on a Rectification
Circuit 53
Measure AC and DC Current on a Rectification Circuit 54
Measure AC Voltage and Frequency on an AC Circuit 55
Measure DC Voltage and DC Current on a Transistor Circuit or
Load 56
Measure Resistance Using 2-Wire Mode 58
Measure Resistance Using 4-Wire Mode 59
Measure True RMS AC+DC 60
4 Performance Test
Calibration Overview 62
Agilent Technologies Calibration Services 62
Calibration Interval 62
Recommended Test Equipment 63
Test Considerations 64
Performance Verification Test Overview 65
Performance Verification Test 65
5 Disassembly and Repair
Operating Checklist 76

U1253B User’s and Service Guide xiii
Types of Service Available 77
Repackaging for Shipment 78
Cleaning 78
To Replace the Power Line Fuse 79
To Replace a Current Input Fuse 80
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions 80
Mechanical Disassembly 81
Replaceable Parts 87
To order replaceable parts 87
6 Specifications and Characteristics
DC Specifications 90
AC Specifications 93
Decibel (dB) Calculation 97
Supplemental Measurement Specifications 98
Display update rate 98
Measurement Specifications 98
Reading rates 105
General Characteristics 107
To C a l c u l a t e To t a l M e a s u r e me n t E r r o r 109
Accuracy Specifications 110
Transfer Accuracy 110
One-Year Accuracy 110
Temperature Coefficients 110
Configuring for Highest Accuracy Measurements 111

xiv U1253B User’s and Service Guide

U1253B User’s and Service Guide xv
List of Tables
Ta b l e 1 - 1 Display annunciators 9
Ta b l e 1 - 2 Keypad functions 11
Ta b l e 1 - 3 Input terminal for different measurement functions 15
Ta b l e 1 - 4 Range scale value in slow, medium, and fast reading
rate 31
Ta b l e 1 - 5 Reading rates for single function measurements 32
Ta b l e 2 - 1 Math operations for different measurement
functions 20
Ta b l e 2 - 2 Descriptions for combined math operations 28
Ta b l e 2 - 3 Description for dual display combination 30
Ta b l e 2 - 4 Setup menu and communication parameters 31
Ta b l e 3 - 1 Typical combinations and applications when using dual
display 52
Ta b l e 4 - 1 Recommended test equipments 63
Ta b l e 4 - 2 DC voltage verification test 66
Ta b l e 4 - 3 DC current verification test 67
Ta b l e 4 - 4 2-wire W verification test 68
Ta b l e 4 - 5 4-wire W verification test 69
Ta b l e 4 - 6 Diode verification test 71
Ta b l e 4 - 7 Frequency verification test 71
Ta b l e 4 - 8 AC volts verification test 72
Ta b l e 4 - 9 AC current verification test 73
Ta b l e 5 - 1 Type of supplied fuse (according to country of
destination) 79
Ta b l e 5 - 2 Type of current input fuse 80
Ta b l e 6 - 1 DC resolution, full scale reading, and accuracy [±(% of
reading + count)] 90
Ta b l e 6 - 2 AC voltage resolution, full scale reading, and accuracy [±
(% of reading + count)] 93
Ta b l e 6 - 3 AC voltageac+dc resolution, full scale reading, and accu-
racy [± (% of reading + count)] 94
Ta b l e 6 - 4 AC current resolution, full scale reading, burden voltage,
and accuracy [± (% of reading +
count)] 95
Ta b l e 6 - 5 AC current ac+dc resolution, full scale reading, burden
voltage, and accuracy [± (% of reading + count)] 96

xvi U1253B User’s and Service Guide
Ta b l e 6 - 6 Frequency resolution and accuracy [± (% of reading +
count)] 96
Ta b l e 6 - 7 Range and accuracy (±dB) 97
Ta b l e 6 - 8 Full scale display update rates 98
Ta b l e 6 - 9 Supplemental measurement specifications 98
Ta b l e 6 - 1 0 Reading rates for single display (readings/second
(approx)) 105
Ta b l e 6 - 1 1 Reading rates for the dual display (readings/second
(approx)) 106
Ta b l e 6 - 1 2 General characteristics 107

U1253B User’s and Service Guide xvii
List of Figures
Figure 1-1 Stacking the U3402A 5
Figure 1-2 Type of handle position 6
Figure 1-3 Attaching and detaching the handle. 6
Figure 1-4 U3402A dimensions 7
Figure 1-5 Front panel 8
Figure 1-6 VFD full display with all segments illuminated. 9
Figure 1-7 Keypad 11
Figure 1-8 Input terminal 14
Figure 1-9 Rear panel 16
Figure 1-10 ACV terminal connection and display 18
Figure 1-11 DCV terminal connection and display 19
Figure 1-12 ACI RMS or DCI (mA) terminal connection and
display 20
Figure 1-13 ACI RMS or DCI (A) terminal connection and
display 21
Figure 1-14 Frequency terminal connection and display 22
Figure 1-15 2-wire W terminal connection and display 24
Figure 1-16 4-wire W terminal connection and display 24
Figure 1-17 Forward-biased diode/continuity test terminal con-
nection and display 27
Figure 1-18 Reverse-biased diode/continuity terminal connection
and display 27
Figure 1-19 2-wire/continuity test terminal connection and
display 29
Figure 1-20 Reading rate annunciator 32
Figure 2-1 Typical dBm operation display 21
Figure 2-2 Typical Rel operation display 22
Figure 2-3 Typical Max operation display 23
Figure 2-4 Typical Min operation display 24
Figure 2-5 Typical Comp operation display 25
Figure 2-6 Typical Hold operation display 26
Figure 2-7 Combined math operations sequence 28
Figure 2-8 Secondary display 29
Figure 3-1 Terminal connection when measuring DC voltage and
AC ripple on a
rectification circuit 53

xviii U1253B User’s and Service Guide
Figure 3-2 Terminal connection when measuring AC and DC cur-
rent on a rectification
circuit 54
Figure 3-3 Terminal connection when measuring AC voltage and
frequency on an
AC circuit 55
Figure 3-4 Terminal connection when measuring DC voltage and
DC current on a
transistor circuit or load 57
Figure 3-5 Terminal connection when measuring resistance using
2-wire mode 58
Figure 3-6 Terminal connection when measuring resistance using
4-wire mode 59

1
U3402A 5 1/2 Digit Dual Display Multimeter
User’s and Service Guide
Agilent Technologies
1
Getting Started Tutorial
Introducing the Agilent U3402A Dual Display Multimeter 2
Checking the shipping contents 3
Connecting power to the multimeter 4
Stacking the U3402A 5
Adjusting the Handle 6
Product at a Glance 7
Product dimensions 7
The front panel at a glance 8
The display at a glance 9
The keypad at a glance 11
The terminals at a glance 14
The rear panel at a glance 16
Making Measurements 17
Performing voltage measurements 18
Performing current measurements 20
Performing frequency measurements 22
Performing resistance measurements 23
Performing diode/continuity test 25
Selecting a Range 30
Setting the Reading Rate 32
This chapter provides an introduction to the U3402A digital
multimeter and a tutorial showing how to use the front
panel in order to make measurements.

1GettingStarted
2 U3402A User’s and Service Guide
Introducing the Agilent U3402A Dual Display Multimeter
The key features of the U3402A dual display multimeter are:
•5 ½–digit dual display measurement
•Eleven measurement functions:
•AC voltage
•DC voltage
•AC + DC voltage
•AC current
•DC current
•AC+DC current
•2- wire resistance
•4- wire resistance
•Frequency
•Continuity test
•Diode test
•Five math operations:
•dBm
•Min/Max
•Relative (Rel)
•Compare (Comp)
•Hold
•True RMS measurement for both AC+DC votage and current.
•Wide AC and DC current measurememt range; from 12 mA to 12 A.
•Resistance measurement up to 120 MW with 1 mW resolution at slow
reading rate or up to 300 MW with 10 mW and 100 mW resolution at medium
and fast reading rate respectively.
•Frequency measurement up to 1 MHz.
•dBm measurement with selectable reference impedance from 2 W to 8000 W
and audio power measurement capability.
•Dynamic recording for minimum and/or maximum readings.