Agilent Technologies U3606A Manual

Agilent Technologies
Agilent U3606A
Multimeter|DC Power
Supply
User’s and Service Guide

II U3606A 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
U3606-90013
Edition
Third Edition, August 1, 2009
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
5301 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95052 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
this document are furnished under a license
and may be used or copied only in accor-
dance with the terms of such license.
Restricted Rights Legend
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ware and technical data rights granted to
the federal government include only those
rights customarily provided to end user cus-
tomers. Agilent provides this customary
commercial license in Software and techni-
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.

U3606A User’s and Service Guide III
Safety Symbols
The following symbols on the instrument and in the documentation indicate precautions
which 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 Category II 300 V overvoltage protection
Equipment protected throughout by
double insulation or reinforced
insulation
CAT II
300 V

IV U3606A User’s and Service Guide
General Safety Information
WARNING
• Do not use the device if it is damaged. Before you use the device,
inspect the casing. Look for cracks or missing plastic. Do not operate
the device around explosive gas, vapor, or dust.
• Always use the device with the cables provided.
• Observe all markings on the device before establishing any
connection.
• Turn off the device and application system power before connecting
to the I/O terminals.
• When servicing the device, use only the specified replacement parts.
• Do not operate the device with the cover removed or loosened.
• Use only the power adapter provided by the manufacturer to avoid
any unexpected hazards.
CAUTION
•If the device is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the
device protection may be impaired.
•Always use dry cloth to clean the device. Do not use ethyl alcohol or
any other volatile liquid to clean the device.
•Do not permit any blockage of the ventilation holes of the device.

U3606A User’s and Service Guide V
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 this instrument.
Environmental conditions Requirements
Operating temperature 0 °C to 55 °C
Storage temperature –40 °C to 70 °C
Relative humidity Up to 80% at 30 °C RH (non-condensing)
NOTE
The U3606A Multimeter|DC Power Supply complies with the following safety and
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
•CISPR11:2003/EN55011:2007, Group 1 Class A
•Canada: ICES/NMB-001:2004
•Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS CISPR 11:2004

VI U3606A 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 or electronic product in
domestic household waste.
The CSA mark is a registered
trademark of the Canadian Standards
Association.

U3606A User’s and Service Guide VII
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 Agilent Technologies, or visit:
www.agilent.com/environment/product
for more information.

VIII U3606A User’s and Service Guide
In This Guide…
1 Getting Started
This chapter prepares the U3606A Multimeter|DC Power Supply for use, and contains a
brief description of the instrument front panel, display, keypad, terminals, and rear panel.
2 Digital Multimeter Operation
This chapter contains detailed information on how to take measurements using the
U3606A Multimeter|DC Power Supply. It also describes the various multimeter functions
and features available in the U3606A.
3 DC Power Supply Operation
This chapter contains examples on how to operate the DC power supply from the front
panel. The simple examples discussed in this chapter shows you how to program the
output voltage and current functions, the protection functions, and the additional source
functions.
4 System Related Operation
This chapter lists the various items and settings in the utility menu. This chapter also
describes how to store and recall an instrument state with the U3606A Multimeter|DC
Power Supply.
5 Verification and Performance Tests
This chapter contains the procedures for verification of the instrument performance. The
input connections and test setup for each verification procedure is also described in this
chapter.
6 Calibration Procedures
This chapter contains the procedures for the instrument adjustment (calibration). You must
first unsecure the instrument before any adjustment can be done. The steps to secure and
unsecure the instrument for calibration are also described in this chapter.
7 Disassembly and Repair
This chapter will help you troubleshoot a failing instrument. It also describes how to obtain
repair service and lists the replaceable assemblies.

U3606A User’s and Service Guide IX
8 Characteristics and Specifications
This chapter specifies the characteristics, environmental conditions, and specifications of
the U3606A.
9 List of Error Messages
The U3606A error messages are summarized in this chapter.

X U3606A 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:
Multimeter / DC Power Supply
Model Number:
U3606A
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
3 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
0.5 kV signal lines, 1 kV power lines
IEC 61000-4-5:2001 / EN 61000-4-5:1995:A1:2001
0.5 kV line-line, 1 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)
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
206349
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:
6-May-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
U3606A
DoC Revision A

U3606A User’s and Service Guide XI
Product Regulations
EMC
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
B
IEC 61000-4-3:2002 / EN 61000-4-3:2002
A
IEC 61000-4-4:2004 / EN 61000-4-4:2004
B
IEC 61000-4-5:2001 / EN 61000-4-5:1995:A1:2001
B
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
o30% Dip (25 cycles)
A
o100% Short Interruptions (250 cycles)
C
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 U3606A User’s and Service Guide

Table of Contents
U3606A User’s and Service Guide XIII
Table of Contents
1 Getting Started
Introduction 2
Measurement features 2
Output features 3
System features 3
Initial Inspection 4
Standard purchase items 4
Connecting Power to the Instrument 5
Adjusting the Handle 6
To Rack Mount the Instrument 7
Stacking the Instrument 8
Product at a Glance 9
Product dimensions 9
The front panel at a glance 10
The display at a glance 11
The keypad at a glance 14
The terminals at a glance 19
The rear panel at a glance 22
2 Digital Multimeter Operation
Making Measurements 24
Performing voltage measurements 25
Performing current measurements 29
Performing resistance (2-wire) measurements 33
Performing low-resistance (4-wire) measurements 35
Performing frequency, pulse width, and duty cycle measurements 38
Performing capacitance measurements 46
Performing continuity tests 49

Table of Contents
XIV U3606A User’s and Service Guide
Performing diode tests 51
Selecting a Range 54
Setting the Resolution 55
Math Operations 56
Null 57
dBm measurements 59
dB measurements 60
MinMax 62
Limit 64
Hold 67
Triggering the Multimeter 69
Front panel triggering 70
Remote interface triggering 71
3 DC Power Supply Operation
Basic Operation 74
Constant voltage (CV) mode 74
Constant current (CC) mode 76
Protection Functions 78
Overvoltage protection (OVP) 78
Overcurrent protection (OCP) 81
Overvoltage limit (OV) 84
Overcurrent limit (OC) 86
Square-wave Output 88
Sweep Functions 93
Ramp signal 93
Scan signal 95
Selecting a Range 97
Enabling the Output 98

Table of Contents
U3606A User’s and Service Guide XV
Remote Sensing 99
4 System Related Operation
Using the Utility Menu 108
Changing configurable settings 109
Utility Menu Summary 111
Reading error messages 114
Reading the program code revision 115
Adjusting the display brightness 116
Changing the power-on state 116
Configuring the beeper 117
Connecting to a remote interface 118
Performing a self-test 120
Selecting a dBm reference resistance value 121
Configuring the ramp signal parameters 122
Configuring the scan signal parameters 124
Enable refresh hold 126
Enable data hold 127
Storing and Recalling Instrument States 128
Storing a state 128
Recalling a stored state 129
Remote Operation 130
Configuring and connecting the GPIB interface 131
Configuring and connecting the USB interface 132
SCPI commands 133
5 Verification and Performance Tests
Recommended Test Equipment 136
General measurement techniques 139
Using an electronic load 139
Connecting the current monitoring resistor 139

Table of Contents
XVI U3606A User’s and Service Guide
Test Considerations 140
Input Connections 141
Zero offset verification test setup 141
Gain verification test setup 142
Output verification test setup 143
Verification and Performance Tests Overview 148
Self-test 149
Performance Verification Tests 150
Zero offset verification test 150
Gain verification test 152
Output verification test 157
Additional Verification Tests 167
Optional capacitance gain verification test 167
Optional square-wave output verification test 168
6 Calibration Procedures
Calibration Overview 172
Closed-case electronic calibration 172
Agilent Technologies calibration services 172
Calibration interval 173
Adjustment is recommended 173
Time required for calibration 173
Recommended Test Equipment 174
Calibration Process 175
Calibration Security 176
Unsecuring the instrument for calibration 176
Changing the calibration security code 179
Resetting the security code to the factory default 179
Calibration Count 182

Table of Contents
U3606A User’s and Service Guide XVII
Calibration Message 183
Using the Front Panel for Adjustments 184
Selecting the adjustment mode 184
Entering adjustment values 184
Aborting a calibration in progress 185
General calibration procedure 186
Adjustments procedures 189
Zero offset adjustment 189
Gain adjustments 191
Output adjustments 204
Finishing the adjustments 213
7 Disassembly and Repair
Operating Checklist 216
Cleaning 217
Fuse ReplacementTo replace the power line fuse 217
To replace the current input fuse 220
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions 222
Mechanical Disassembly 223
General disassembly 223
Replaceable Parts 231
To Order Replaceable Parts 232
Types of Services Available 233
Repackaging for Shipment 234
8 Characteristics and Specifications
Product Characteristics 236
Digital Multimeter Specifications 238
Specification assumptions 238

Table of Contents
XVIII U3606A User’s and Service Guide
DC specifications 239
Frequency specifications 242
Duty cycle and pulse width specifications 243
Operating specifications 244
Supplementary specifications 245
DC Power Supply Specifications 249
Safety considerations 249
Specifications assumptions 249
Performance specifications 250
Supplementary specifications 252
9 List of Error Messages
Error Messages 258
Command errors 259
Execution errors 260
Internal errors 261
Query errors 261
Device specific errors 261
Self-test errors 262
Calibration errors 263

List of Figures
U3606A User’s and Service Guide XIX
List of Figures
Figure 1-1 U3606A handle adjustments 6
Figure 1-2 U3606A stacking directions 8
Figure 1-3 U3606A dimensions 9
Figure 1-4 U3606A front panel 10
Figure 1-5 VFD full display with all segments illuminated 11
Figure 1-6 U3606A keypad with both multimeter and source operations 14
Figure 1-7 U3606A connector terminals 19
Figure 1-8 U3606A rear panel 22
Figure 2-1 Terminal connections for voltage measurements 25
Figure 2-2 Terminal connections for current measurements 29
Figure 2-3 Terminal connections for 2-wire resistance measurements 33
Figure 2-4 Terminal connections for 4-wire resistance measurements 36
Figure 2-5 Terminal connections for frequency, pulse width, and duty cycle
measurements via the voltage path 38
Figure 2-6 Terminal connections for frequency, pulse width, and duty cycle
measurement via the current path 39
Figure 2-7 Terminal connections for capacitance measurements 47
Figure 2-8 Terminal connections for continuity tests 49
Figure 2-9 Terminal connections for diode tests 51
Figure 3-1 Constant voltage mode terminal connections 74
Figure 3-2 Constant current mode terminal connections 76
Figure 3-3 Remote sensing connections 100
Figure 3-4 Local sensing connections 100
Figure 5-1 Test setup for zero offset (short) verification 141
Figure 5-2 Test setup for DC voltage, AC voltage, resistance, and capacitance gain
verification 142
Figure 5-3 Test setup for DC current and AC current gain verification 142
Figure 5-4 Test setup for frequency gain verification 143
Figure 5-5 Test setup for CV programming and readback accuracy
verification 143
Figure 5-6 Test setup for CV load and line regulation verification 144
Figure 5-7 Test setup for CV noise effect verification 144
Figure 5-8 Test setup for load transient response time verification 145
Figure 5-9 Test setup for CC programming and readback accuracy
verification 145

List of Figures
XX U3606A User’s and Service Guide
Figure 5-10 Test setup for CC line and load regulation verification 146
Figure 5-11 Test setup for CC noise effect verification 146
Figure 5-12 Test setup for square-wave output verification 147
Figure 5-13 Load transient response time 162
Figure 6-1 SECUR pads location 180