B+K precision 5492 User manual

1
Section 1
Introduction
1-1 Introducing the 5 1/2 Digit Dual Display Bench Multimeters
NOTE
1. This operation manual contains information and warning that must be
followed to ensure user operation safety and to retain the meter safety
condition.
2. The term “5492” and “5491” will be used to refer to respective models
when descriptions for either model is applied.
3. The term “the meter” will be used to refer to both “5492” and “5491”
when descriptions are applied to both models.
Precaution!
TO ENSURE PERSONAL SAFETY AND TO AVOID DAMAGING THE
METER AND THE EQUIPMENT CONNECTED, READ “GETTING
STARTED” IN SECTION 2-2 BEFORE USING THE METERS.
The Dual Display Multimeter 5492 & 5491 (also referred to as “the meter” in
this manual) are 5 1/2 d igit multimeters with 120,000 count high resolution.
Both meters are designed for bench-top, field service, and system applications
with a high performance/price ratio. Complete specifications are provided in
Appendix A for 5492 and B for 5491 respectively.
With the RS-232 computer interface (standard), the meter is fully programmable
for use on the RS-232 interface.
With the IEEE-488 computer interface (optional) installed, the 5492 is fully
programmable for use on IEEE-488.1 interface bus (1987). The meter is also
designed in compliance with supplemental standard IEEE-488.2 (1987).
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2
1-2 Features
The main features provided by the meter are:
! A dual, Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) that allows two properties of
input signal to be displayed at the same time. (e.g., DC voltage on one
display and AC voltage on the other).
! Remote operation via RS-232 interface (standard) or IEEE-488 interface
(optional).
! 120,000, 40,000, and 4,000 counts for different measuring rate:
Slow Rate (120,000 counts) – 2 readings/sec;
Medium Rate (40,000 counts) – 5 readings/sec;
Fast Rate (4,000 counts) – 20 readings/sec.
! 1µV sensitivity in Vdc measurement.
! True RMS Vac with 20Hz to 100kHz bandwidth for 5492, and 40Hz to
30kHz for 5491.
! (Vac+Vdc) RMS and (Aac+Adc) RMS, calculated.
! Selectable 2-wire and 4-wire resistance measurements.
! Resistance measurements up to 120MΩwith 1mΩresolution at slow reading
rate or up to 300MΩwith 10mΩand 100mΩresolution at medium and fast
reading rate respectively.
! Wide dc and ac current measurement ranges: 12mA ~ 12A.
! Frequency measurements greater than 1MHz with 0.01Hz best resolution.
! dBm measurement with variable reference impedance from 2Ωto 8000Ω
and audio power measurement capability.
! Zeroing mode (REL) to offset residual reading before taking a measurement.
! Compare mode to determine if a measurement is within, above, or below a
designated range (Hi/Lo/Pass).
! Dynamic recording mode to keep minimum and/or maximum readings of
measurements.
! CAL mode to provide electronic closed-case calibration (no internal
adjustments).

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1-3 Options and Accessories
At the moment, one option is available for 5492 only, which option can be
installed at the factory and a field installable retrofit kit option is also available:
! IEEE-488 interface (Option GP5492) provides full programmability. There
are two types of programming commands: IEEE 488.2 Common Commands
and Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI). The SCPI
commands used in this device is conformance with the SCPI Standard
Version 1993.0.
Standard accessories come with the meter are:
! Power cord
! Protective holsters (Front and Rear)
! Operation Manual
! TL 36*Test leads
! AC 01 Cap for TL36
* Maximum Measurement Ratings: 1kVdc, 10A dc or ac rms continuous,
and 12A dc or ac rms for 30 seconds maximum.
Available optional accessories are listed as below:
! TL 35*Test leads
! TH 02 Insulation piercing clip
! AC 02 Lantern tip extension probe for TL 35
! AC 03 Alligator clip
! KC 01 4wire test cable set with Kelvin clippers
! AK 5491 RS-232 PC Link software
! GP5492 IEEE-488 GPIB Interface Upgrade (Only for 5492)
! RK 01 Rack-mount kit (used for single meter)
*Maximum Measurement Ratings: 1kVdc, 10A dc or ac rms continuous,
and 12A dc or ac rms for 30 seconds maximum.

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1-4 How to use this manual
This manual is designed to help the user to get a quick start. Though it is not
necessary to read the entire manual to operate the unit effectively, we recommend
the manual to be read thoroughly in order to use the meter to its full advantages.
First scan the Tables of contents to be familiar with the outline of the manual. Then
read “Getting Started” in Section 2-2. Refer to the appropriate section of the manual
as needed. The contents of each section are summarized below.
Section 1. Introduction
Introducing the general information of features, options, accessories, and operation
manual for the 5 1/2 digit Dual Display Multimeters.
Section 2. Getting Started
Introducing how to prepare the meter for operation and to start taking basic front
panel operations and measurements quickly.
Section 3. Operating the Meter from the Front Panel
Providing a complete description of each operation, which can be performed by
using the pushbuttons on the front panel. All related information for operations and
functions are grouped together.
Section 4. Measurement Application Examples
Describing how to use the meter in more advanced and sophisticated operations and
applications.
Section 5. Calibrating the Meter
Describing the basic information to calibrate the meter if necessary.
Section 6. RS-232 Remote Operation
Describing how to connect the meter to a terminal or a host computer and operate the
meter via RS-232 interface.
Section 7. GPIB Remote Operation (5492 Option)
Describing how to connect the meter to a terminal or a host computer and operate the
meter via GPIB interface.
Appendices
Appendix A: 5492 Specifications
Appendix B: 5491 Specifications
Appendix C: Maintenance

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Section 2
Getting Started
2-1 Introduction
Section 2 describes the front panel operational keys, displays, input terminals
and rear panel of the meter, adjusting handle, explains general operating
features.
2-2 Getting Started
! Unpacking and Inspecting the Meter
Carefully remove the meter from its shipping container and inspect it for
possible damage or missing items. If the meter is damaged or something is
missing, contact the place of purchase immediately. Save the container and
packing material in case user has to return the meter.
! Front Panel
The front panel (shown in Figure 2-1) has three main elements: the input
terminals on the left, the primary/secondary displays, and the pushbuttons.
The pushbuttons are used to select major functions, ranging operations, and
function modifiers. These elements are described in detail in Section 3.
Figure 2-1. Front Panel
! Rear Panel
Input
Terminals
Primary
Display
Secondary
Display
Function
Buttons
Ranging
Buttons
Arithmetic
Buttons
Shift
Button
Power
Switch
2n
d
Display
Selection
mA Fuse
Receptacle
Front Panel
Protective Holster
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6
The rear panel (shown in Figure 2-2) contains a line fuse, the power-line
cord connector, an RS-232 interface connector, and a cutout for IEEE-488
interface (optional) connector.
! Line Power
! Figure 2-2 illustrates the location of the Line Voltage Selector with Fuse
Holder housing. If user has already done so, plug the line cord into the
connector on the rear of the meter. The meter will operate at any line
voltage between 90Vac and 264Vac when “line voltage selector” is set
properly, and its frequency range is at 50/60Hz. For operation safety, DO
NOT APPLY a line voltage that exceeds the range specified to line cord
connector on the rear panel of the meter.
Figure 2-2. Rear Panel
CAUTION!
BEFORE TURNING THE METER ON, MAKE SURE THE LINE VOLTAGE
SELECTOR IS SET TO THE CORRECT POSITION FOR APPLIED LINE
VOLTAGE TO THE POWER-LINE CORD CONNECTOR.
Line Voltage Selector with
Fuse Holder Housing
Line Voltage Fuse
Selection Table
Power-Line Cord Connector RS-232 Connector
IEEE-488 I/F Connector *
*Available with IEEE-488 Interface Option only.
Otherwise covered with Plastic Decal.
Earth Ground Terminal Screw
Real Panel
Protective Holster

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! The “line voltage selector” is settable for 100Vac, 120Vac, 220Vac, and
240Vac line voltages.
! The correct fuse ratings: 250mA fuse for 100Vac or 120Vac is selected,
and 125mA fuse for 220Vac or 240Vac is selected.
! Case, Panels and Holsters
To avoid electric shock or injury, do not operate the meter without panels or
case in place.
The meter is provided with special designed anti-slippery protective holsters
on the front and rear panel sides (shown in Figure 2-1 and 2-2).
The holsters provide a protection to both front and rear panels of the meter as
well as its corners. User may stack up one meter on the top of the other
without concerning the slide off of the units (shown in Picture 2-1).
The holsters can be easily removed when install the rack-mounted ears to the
meter in order to mount the meter into a 19-inch standard rack. Refer to
Section 2-7 for Rack Mounting procedures.
Picture 2-1. Stack up the Meters with Holsters

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! Grounding the Meter
The meter is grounded through power cord. To avoid electric shock or injury,
grounding wire in the power line cord must be connected.
! Operating in Explosive Atmospheres
The meter does not provide explosion protection for explosive gasses or
arcing components. Do not operate the meter in such circumstances.
! Adjusting Handle
For bench-top use, the handle can be adjusted to provide three viewing
angles. For viewing positions, pull the ends out to a hard stop (about 1/4 inch
on each side) and rotate it to one of four stop positions (shown in Figure 2-3)
To remove the handle, adjust it to the vertical stop position and pull the ends
all the way out.
3. Remove Handle Position
2. Carrying Position
1. Viewing Position 1 4. Viewing Position 2
5. Viewing Position 3
Figure 2-3. Adjusting Handle

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2-3 Turning the Meter ON
To turn the meter on, press the Power button to “IN” position located on the
lower right of the front panel. When the meter is turned on, the primary and
secondary displays light for about 2 seconds while an internal self-test running
by its digital circuitry. If the Hold button is pressed while the power-up
sequence is in progress, all segments and annunciators of the entire display
remain on until another button is pressed. Then the power-up sequence
continues.
After the meter completing its power-up sequence, it resumes the power-up
measurement configuration stored in non-volatile memory. The power-up
default configuration status set at factory is shown in Table 3-2.
2-4 Selecting Current Input Terminals and Measurement Range
If current (dc or ac) is being measured in the Auto-ranging mode, with a signal
input on the 1200mA terminal (5492) or 120mA terminal (5491), the meter will
select the range automatically.
If a signal input is applied to the 12Ainput terminal, the meter will not select the
range to 12A automatically. User will need to select the current measurement
range to 12Amanually.
2-5 Using the Pushbuttons
The meter functions and operations can be selected by pressing the pushbuttons
on the front panel select.
A summary of pushbuttons is shown in Figure 2-4.
Pushbuttons can be used in three ways. User can:
! Press a single button to select a function or operation.
EXAMPLE:
(Press) to select AC volts for the primary display.
! Press a combination of buttons, one after the other.
EXAMPLE:
to selectAC volts for the primary display, and then
to select the frequency measurement.

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1. Power Switch 6. Secondary Display Selection
2. Measurement Function Selection 7. Local / Setup
3. Range / Comparator Selection 8. Reading Rate Selection
4. Calibration Mode Button 9. Arithmetic Function Selection
5. Shift key 10. Hold/Reference
Figure 2-4. Front Panel Pushbuttons
! Press multiple buttons simultaneously.
EXAMPLE:
and simultaneously to select True RMS AC volts and DC
volts (calculated) on the primary display.
More detail operations are described in Section 3.
2-6 Basic Measurement Examples
This section describes the basic measurement procedures via operations in front
panel. These procedures as follows provide the user who wants to get a quick
start, but does not want to read the entire manual thoroughly. But it is still
recommended to read this manual thoroughly in order to fully utilize all
advantages in the meter.
2 3 8 10 7 9 6 5 1
4

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! Voltage, Resistance or Frequency Measurements
Press the desired function button and connect the test leads (TL 36 or TL 35
as described in Section 1-3) as shown in Figure 2-5 to measure voltage,
resistance, or frequency. The meter will select the appropriate range in the
auto-range mode, and an annunciator on the display will indicate
measurement units.
NOTE
Excessive error may occur when making measurements with 1 to 10 µ V
resolutions after measuring high voltage up to 1000 volts dc. It requires two
minutes before making low-level measurements.
! Current Measurements
To measure current, connect the test leads to mA input terminal or 12A input
terminal for measured current above 1200mA (5492) / 120mA (5491) as
shown in Figure 2-6.
Be sure to turn off the power in the circuit to be measured before taking
current measurement.
Break the circuit on the groundside to minimize the common mode voltage)
to be measured, and place the meter in series at that point.
Turn on power to the circuit, and then read the display. The meter will select
the appropriate range automatically, and an annunciator on the display will
indicate the units of the measurement value shown.
Turn off power to the circuit and disconnect the meter from the tested circuit.
NOTE
After making a high current measurement using the 12A input, thermal
voltages are generated that may create errors when making high-resolution
low-level dc measurements of volts, amps, or ohms.
It requires ten minutes to allow the thermals to settle out before making
low-level measurements in order to obtain the best accuracy.

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Figure 2-5. Voltage, Resistance or Frequency Measurements
Figure 2-6. Current or Frequency Measurements

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! Diode and Continuity Tests
Each press of toggles the diode and continuity functions. Both
functions cannot be selected for the secondary display.
The diode test measures the forward voltage of a semiconductor junction at
approximately 0.5mA. The beeper generates a single beep tone when the
input voltage drops below +0.7V (approximately 1.4kΩ) and generates a
continuous beep tone when the input voltage drops below +50mV
(approximately 100Ω).
Readings are displayed in the 1.2V range at the slow measurement rate, and
4V range at the medium and fast measurement rates. “OL” is displayed for
voltage above 1.2V at the slow measurement rate and 2.5V at the medium
and fast measurement rates. If the diode/continuity test is performed at the
slow reading rate, readings are displayed in 10µV resolution on the
1.19999V (1.2V) range.
The continuity test measures the resistance of a tested circuit with 2-wire
method at approximately 0.5mA and determines whether a circuit is intact.
The beeper generates a continuous beep tone when the input resistance value
is less than approximately 10Ω.
For continuity test, the measurement range will be fixed at 120Ωrange if the
slow reading rate is selected. The measurement range will be fixed at 400Ω
range if the medium or fast reading rate is selected.
Press to select diode test function, then connect the test leads across
the diode under test as shown in Figure 2-7 (Reversing the polarity will
reverse-bias the diode).
Press again to select continuity test function, then connect the test
leads or across the tested circuit as shown in Figure 2-8.

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WARNING!
To avoid damaging to the meter, do not apply a voltage
exceeding 500 V peak between the input terminals.
Figure 2-7. Diode/Continuity Test
WARNING!
To avoid damaging to the meter, do not apply a voltage
exceeding 500 V peak between the input terminals.
Figure 2-8. 2-Wire Ω/Continuity Test

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2-7 Rack Mounting
User can mount the meter into a standard 19-inch rack using RK 01 (for single
meter) Rack Mount Kit. The front and rear protective holsters can be removed
when mount the meter into a rack.
To install RK 01 rack mount kit, refer to following procedures and Figure 2-9 or
the instructions provided with it:
1. Adjusting the handle of the meter to its upward vertical stop position (refer
to Figure 2-3) and pull the ends all the way out.
2. Removing two protective holsters out of the front panel and rear panel of the
meter.
3. Installing the rack mount ears onto the left and right hand side of the meter
frame by using four screws provided with RK 01.
4. Paste two blind plates on the handle hole.
5. Mount the meter with RK 01 into the standard 19” rack.
Figure 2-9. Installing the Rack Mount Kit

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Section 3
Front Panel Operation
3-1 Introduction
This section provides a complete description of each operation that can be
performed by using the pushbuttons on the front panel.
All related information for operations and functions are grouped together.
3-2 Front Panel Operations
The following operations can be performed from the front panel:
! Select a measurement function (Vdc, Vac, Adc, Aac, resistance, frequency,
and diode/continuity test) for the primary and secondary display.
! Take a measurement and display a reading.
! Select the manual or auto-range mode (AUTO)
! Manually select a measurement range for the primary display.
! Select function modifier that cause the meter to display relative readings
(REL), minimum or maximum values (MIN MAX) or decibels (dBm and
dB), or to enter the Data Hold mode (HOLD) to hold a reading on the
primary display.
! Change the measurement rate (SLOW, MEDIUM, FAST)
! Set the dB reference impedance (REFΩ).
! Take a measurement and compare (COMP) it against a tolerance range (Hi,
Lo, or Pass).
! Use the ”editor” to select from option list, to enter a relative constant base, or
to enter a HI-LO range for the compare (COMP) mode.
! Configure the computer interface (RS-232 or IEEE-488).
! Take an audio power reading.
! Send measurement directly to a printer or terminal through the RS-232
interface (RS-232 print only mode)
These and other front panel operations are described in the remainder of Section
3.

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3-3 Primary and Secondary Displays
The meter has a 5 1/2 digit, Vacuum-Fluorescent dual display. This display
shows measurement readings, annunciator, and messages. The annunciator
indicates measurement units and the meter’s operating configuration.
The dual display allows you to see two properties (e.g. Vac and frequency) of the
input signal you are measuring. The display contains two major parts, primary
display and secondary display (See figure 3-1).
The primary display contains of larger digits and annunciators and is located on
the left side of the dual display. Readings using the relative (REL), minimum
maximum (MIN MAX), touch hold (HOLD), or decibels (dBm) modifier can be
shown on the primary display only.
The secondary display contains of a set of smaller digits on the right side of the
dual display. To press then followed by a function button to turn the
secondary display on and press then followed by to turn the
secondary display off.
If the secondary display has been turned on and selected a measurement function
for the secondary display, the reading on the primary display will not be affected.
NOTE
If user select for the primary display, only a diode test voltage will be
shown on the secondary display; continuity is restricted to the primary
display only.
Neither function modifiers REL, dBm, HOLD, nor MINMAX can be selected
in the secondary display.

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Primary Display Secondary Display
Primary Display indications: Secondary Display indications:
11. 2nd Numeric data display
12. Measurement unit
13. 2ND function enabling (2ND)
14. Auto range (AUTO)
15. Remote state (REMOTE)
16. Compare function (COMP)
1. Reading rate (S M F)
2. Auto range (AUTO)
3. Data Hold mode (HOLD)
4. Dynamic recording (MIN MAX)
5. Relative mode (REL)
6. dBm indicator (dBm)
7. 2wire / 4 wire Ω
ΩΩ
Ω(4 2W)
8. Diode/Continuity mode
9. Primary Numeric data display
10. Measurement unit
17. Shift mode (S)
18. Calibration mode (CAL)
Figure 3-1 Dual Display Illustrations
2 9 10 13 14 15 16 18
1 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12
17

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3-4 Input Terminals
The input terminals, shown in Figure 3-2 are located on the left side of the front
panel. The meter is protected against overloads up to the limits shown in Table
3-1. Exceeding these limits poses a hazard to both the meter and operator.
Figure 3-2 Input Terminals
Table 3-1 Input Protection Limits
Function Input Terminal Maximum Allowable Input
Vdc VΩ
ΩΩ
ΩHz (Hi) to Lo 1000V dc
Vac, Hz V Ω
ΩΩ
ΩHz (Hi) to Lo 750V ac rms, 1100V peak, 2x107V-Hz
normal mode, or 1x106V-Hz common mode
mA, Hz mA to Lo 1200mA (1) dc or ac rms
12A, Hz 12A to Lo 12A (2) dc or ac rms
Ω
ΩΩ
Ω(2W) VΩ
ΩΩ
ΩHz to Lo 500V dc or ac rms
VΩ
ΩΩ
ΩHz to Lo 500V dc or ac rms
Ω
ΩΩ
Ω(4W) Sense Hi to Sense Lo 250V dc or ac rms
All functions Any terminal to earth 1000V dc or peak ac
(1) Up to 1200mA for 5492; up to 120mA only for 5491
(2) 10A dc or ac rms continuous, and 12A dc or ac rms for 30 seconds maximum
! Ohm (4W) Sense-High Terminal
! Input-High Terminal for Volts, Ohms, Hz,
Diode/Continuity Measurements
! 12mA~1200mARange DC/AC Current Input and
Ohm (4W) Sense-Low Terminal
! Input-Low and Common Terminal (COM)
! 12A Range Current Input Terminal for 12A Range
DC/AC Current Measurement
! 12mA/120mA/1200mAmAFuse & Holder (2Afor 5492;
250mA for 5491)