Hioki RM3544 User manual

RM3544-01
RESISTANCE METER
RM3544
June 2014 Revised edition 2 RM3544A981-02 14-06H
Instruction Manual

Using This Instruction Manual
To do this… Refer to these sections in this manual.
Review important
information Safety Information (p.3) Operating Precautions (p.5)
Start using the instru-
ment right away Overview (p.15)
Learn more about
instrument functions Search for the function in question in the table of contents (p.i) or the index (p.Index 1).
Learn more about
product specifications Specifications (p. 145)
Troubleshoot a prob-
lem Troubleshooting (p. 160)
Learn more about
resistance measure-
ment Appendix (p. A1)
Learn more about
communications com-
mands
Communications Command Instruction Manual
(on the application disc)

Contents
i
Contents
Introduction.....................................................1
Verifying Package Contents...........................1
Safety Information..........................................3
Operating Precautions....................................5
Chapter 1 Overview 15
1.1 Product Overview and Features ........15
1.2 Names and Functions of Parts ...........17
1.3 Measurement Process .......................19
1.4 Screen Organization and
Operation Overview ...........................21
Chapter 2 Measurement
Preparations 25
2.1 Connecting the Power Cord............... 25
2.2 Connecting Measurement Leads .......26
2.3 Connecting Z2001 Temperature Sensor
(When using the TC) ..........................27
2.4 Turning the Power On and Off ...........28
Turning On the Instrument with the
Main Power Switch ...................................28
Turning Off the Instrument with the
Main Power Switch ...................................28
Canceling the Standby State ....................28
Placing the Instrument in the
Standby State ...........................................29
2.5 Pre-Operation Inspection ...................30
Chapter 3 Basic Measurements
31
3.1 Selecting the Measurement Range ....32
3.2 Setting the Measurement Speed .......33
3.3 Connecting Measurement Leads to the
Measurement Target ..........................34
3.4 Checking Measured Values ...............35
Switching the Display ................................35
Confirming Measurement Faults ...............38
Holding Measured Values .........................41
Chapter 4 Customizing Mea-
surement Conditions
43
4.1 Zero Adjustment .................................44
4.2 Stabilizing Measured Values
(Averaging Function) ..........................50
4.3 Correcting for the Effects of Temperature
(Temperature Correction (TC)) ...........52
4.4 Correcting Measured Valuesand Display-
ing Physical Properties Other than Resis-
tance Values (Scaling Function) .........54
4.5 Changing the Number of Measured
Value Digits ........................................58
Chapter 5 Judgment
Function 59
5.1 Judging Measured Values
(Comparator Function) .......................60
Enabling and Disabling the Comparator
Function ................................................... 61
Decide According to Upper/Lower Thresholds
(ABS Mode) ............................................. 62
Decide According to Reference Value and
Tolerance (REF% Mode) ......................... 64
Delaying the judge timing ......................... 66
Checking Judgments Using Sound
(Judgment Sound Setting Function) ........ 68
Checking Judgments with the L2105 LED
Comparator Attachment (Option) ............. 70
Chapter 6 Saving and Loading
Panels (Saving and
Loading Measure-
ment Conditions) 71
6.1 Saving Measurement Conditions
(Panel Save Function) ........................72
6.2 Loading Measurement Conditions
(Panel Load Function) ........................73
Preventing Loading of Zero-adjustment
Values ...................................................... 74
1
2
3
4
5
6

Contents
ii
6.3 Changing Panel Names .....................75
6.4 Deleting Panel Data ...........................76
Chapter 7 System Settings 77
7.1 Disabling and Enabling Key Operations
...........................................................78
Disabling Key Operations
(Key-Lock Function) ................................. 78
Re-Enabling Key Operations
(Key-Lock Cancel) ................................... 79
7.2 Power Line Frequency Manual Setting
...........................................................80
7.3 Enabling or Disabling the Key Beeper 82
7.4 Adjusting Screen Contrast ..................83
7.5 Adjusting the Backlight .......................84
7.6 Initializing (Reset) ...............................85
Default Settings ........................................ 87
Chapter 8 External Control
(EXT I/O) 89
8.1 External Input/Output Connector
and Signals......................................... 90
Switching between Current Sink (NPN) and
Current Source (PNP) .............................. 90
Connector Type and Signal Pinouts ........ 91
Signal Descriptions .................................. 93
8.2 Timing Chart .......................................97
From Start of Measurement to Acquisition
of Judgment Results ................................ 97
Zero-adjustment timing ............................ 99
Panel Load Timing ................................. 100
BCD Signal Timing ................................. 100
Output Signal State at Power-On ........... 101
Acquisition Process When Using an
External Trigger ..................................... 102
8.3 Internal Circuitry ...............................104
Electrical Specifications ......................... 106
Connection Examples ............................ 107
8.4 External I/O Settings ........................108
Setting Measurement Start Conditions
(Trigger Source) ..................................... 108
Setting the TRIG Signal Logic ................ 110
Eliminating TRIG/PRINT Signal Chatter
(Filter Function) ...................................... 112
Setting EOM Signal ................................ 114
Switching Output Modes
(JUDGE Mode/ BCD Mode) ................... 116
8.5 Checking External Control ............... 117
Performing an I/O Test
(EXT I/O Test Function) ......................... 117
8.6 Supplied Connector Assembly ......... 119
Chapter 9 Communications
(USB/ RS-232C
Interface) 121
9.1 Overview and Features ....................121
Specifications .........................................122
9.2 Preparations before Use
(Connections and Settings) .............123
Using the USB Interface ......................... 123
Using the RS-232C Interface ................. 126
9.3 Controlling the Instrument with
Commands and Acquiring Data .......130
Remote and Local States ....................... 130
Displaying Communications Commands
(Communications Monitor Function) ...... 131
9.4 Auto-Exporting Measured Values (at End
of Measurement) (Data Output Function)
.......................................................... 133
Chapter 10Printing (Using an
RS-232C Printer) 137
10.1 Connecting the Printer to the Instrument
.......................................................... 137
10.2 Printing ............................................. 140
Printing Measured Values and Comparator
Judgments .............................................. 140
Printing List of Measurement Conditions
and Settings ........................................... 140
Chapter 11Specifications 145
11.1 Instrument Specifications ................. 145
Measurement Ranges ............................ 145
Measurement Method ............................ 145
Measurement Specifications .................. 146
About Instrument Accuracy ....................148
Functions ................................................ 149
Interface ................................................. 154

Contents
iii
Environment and Safety Specifications ..158
Accessories ............................................158
Options ...................................................158
Chapter 12Maintenance and
Service 159
12.1 Troubleshooting ...............................160
Q&A (Frequently Asked Questions) ........160
Error Displays and Remedies .................169
12.2 Replacing the Measurement Circuit’s
Protective Fuse ................................171
12.3 Inspection and Repair ......................172
Appendix A 1
Appendix 1Block Diagram ..........................A 1
Appendix 2Four-Terminal (Voltage-Drop)
Method......................................A 2
Appendix 3DC and AC Measurement.........A 3
Appendix 4Temperature Correction (TC)
Function....................................A 4
Appendix 5Effect of Thermal EMF..............A 6
Appendix 6Zero Adjustment.......................A 8
Appendix 7Unstable Measured Values.....A 13
Appendix 8Detecting the Location of a
Short on a Printed Circuit Board
................................................A 21
Appendix 9JEC 2137 Induction Machine-com-
pliant Resistance Measurement
................................................A 22
Appendix 10Making Your Own Measurement
Leads......................................A 23
Appendix 11Checking Measurement Faults
................................................A 25
Appendix 12Using the Instrument with a
Withstanding Voltage Tester...A 26
Appendix 13Measurement Leads (Options)
................................................A 27
Appendix 14Rack Mounting ......................A 28
Appendix 15Dimensional Diagram............A 31
Appendix 16Calibration.............................A 32
Appendix 17Adjustment Procedure...........A 36
Appendix 18Instrument Settings (Memo)..A 37
Index Index 1
7
8
9
10
11
12
Index
Appendix
12
6

Contents
iv

Introduction
1
Thank you for purchasing the HIOKI Model RM3544/ RM3544-01 Resistance Meter.
To obtain maximum performance from the instrument, please read this manual first, and
keep it handy for future reference.
Model RM3544-01 is the same as the RM3544, but with USB, RS-232C, and EXT I/O
included.
Registered trademarks
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries.
Inspection
Content confirmation
Introduction
Verifying Package Contents
When you receive the instrument, inspect it carefully to ensure that no damage
occurred during shipping. In particular, check the accessories, panel switches, and
connectors. If damage is evident, or if it fails to operate according to the specifica-
tions, contact your authorized Hioki distributor or reseller.
Confirm that these contents are provided.
Model RM3544 or RM3544-01.................. 1
Power Cord (2-line + ground) (p. 25) ........1
Model L2101 Clip Type Lead ....................1
Spare Fuse (F500mAH/250V)................... 1
Instruction Manual (This document) ...1
* The latest version of the application disc can be downloaded from the Hioki web site.
Application disc (CD)*.........................1
(Communications Command
Instruction Manual, USB driver)
USB cable (A-B type) .........................1
EXT I/O Male Connector (p. 119).......1
RM3544-01 only

Verifying Package Contents
2
Options
Contact your authorized Hioki distributor or reseller for details.
See: "Appendix 13 Measurement Leads (Options)" (p. A27)
Measurement
Model L2101 Clip Type Lead
Model L2102 Pin Type Lead
Model L2103 Pin Type Lead
Model L2104 4-Terminal Lead
Interface Cables
Model 9637 RS-232C Cable (9pin-9pin/ 1.8 m/ crossover cable)
Model 9638 RS-232C Cable (9pin-25pin/ 1.8 m/ crossover cable)
Model L2105 LED Comparator Attachment
Model Z2001 Temperature Sensor

Safety Information
3
This instrument is designed to conform to IEC 61010 Safety Standards, and has been thor-
oughly tested for safety prior to shipment.
However, using the instrument in a way not described in this manual may negate the pro-
vided safety features.
Before using the instrument, be certain to carefully read the following safety notes.
This manual contains information and warnings essential for safe operation of the instru-
ment and for maintaining it in safe operating condition. Before using it, be sure to carefully
read the following safety precautions.
The following symbols in this manual indicate the relative importance of cautions and warnings.
Safety Information
Mishandling during use could result in injury or death, as well as dam-
age to the product. Be certain that you understand the instructions and
precautions in the manual before use.
With regard to the electricity supply, there are risks of electric shock,
heat generation, fire, and arc discharge due to short circuits. If persons
unfamiliar with electricity measuring instruments are to use the prod-
uct, another person familiar with such instruments must supervise
operations.
Safety Symbols
In the manual, the symbol indicates particularly important information that the
user should read before using the instrument.
The symbol printed on the instrument indicates that the user should refer to a
corresponding topic in the manual (marked with the symbol) before using the
relevant function.
Indicates AC (Alternating Current).
Indicates the ON side of the power switch.
Indicates the OFF side of the power switch.
Indicates a fuse.
Indicates that incorrect operation presents an extreme hazard that could result in
serious injury or death to the user.
Indicates that incorrect operation presents a significant hazard that could result in
serious injury or death to the user.
Indicates that incorrect operation presents a possibility of injury to the user or dam-
age to the instrument.
Indicates advisory items related to performance or correct operation of the instru-
ment.

Safety Information
4
Accuracy
We define measurement tolerances in terms of f.s. (full scale), rdg. (reading) and dgt. (digit) values, with the
following meanings.
See: "Example accuracy calculations" (p. 148)
Symbols for Various Standards
This symbol indicates that the product conforms to regulations set out by the EC
Directive.
WEEE marking:
This symbol indicates that the electrical and electronic appliance is put on the EU
market after August 13, 2005, and producers of the Member States are required to
display it on the appliance under Article 11.2 of Directive 2002/96/EC (WEEE).
Other Symbols
Indicates the prohibited action.
(p. ) Indicates the location of reference information.
*Indicates that descriptive information is provided below.
[ ] Square brackets indicate instrument display labels (such as setting item names).
SET
(Bold characters) Bold characters within the text indicate operating key labels.
Unless otherwise specified, “Windows” represents Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, or
Windows 8.
f.s. (maximum display value)
This is usually the name of the maximum displayable value. For this instrument, it
indicates the currently selected range.
rdg. (reading or displayed value)
The value currently being measured and indicated on the measuring instrument.
dgt. (resolution)
The smallest displayable unit on a digital measuring instrument, i.e., the input value
that causes the digital display to show a “1” as the least-significant digit.

Operating Precautions
5
Follow these precautions to ensure safe operation and to obtain the full benefits of the vari-
ous functions.
Before using the instrument for the first time, verify that it operates normally to ensure that
no damage occurred during storage or shipping. If you find any damage, contact your
authorized Hioki distributor or reseller.
Operating Precautions
Preliminary Checks
Before using the instrument, make sure that the insulation on the
power cord, leads or cables is undamaged and that no bare conductors
are improperly exposed. Using the instrument in such conditions could
cause an electric shock, so contact your authorized Hioki distributor or
reseller for replacements.

Operating Precautions
6
Operating temperature and humidity: 0 to 40°C at 80% RH or less (non-condensating)
Storage temperature and humidity : -10°C to 50°C at 80% RH or less (non-condensating)
Installation Precautions
•The instrument should be operated only with the bottom downwards.
•Do not place the instrument on an unstable or slanted surface.
Instrument Installation
Avoid the following locations that could cause an accident or damage to the
instrument. Exposed to direct sun-
light
Exposed to high temper-
ature
In the presence of corrosive or
explosive gases
Exposed to water, oil,
other chemicals, or sol-
vents
Exposed to high humidi-
ty or condensation
Exposed to strong electro-
magnetic fields
Near electromagnetic radia-
tors
Exposed to high levels
of particulate dust Near induction heating sys-
tems
(e.g., high-frequency induc-
tion heating systems and IH
cooking utensils)
Subject to vibration
Correct measurement may be impossible in the presence of strong magnetic
fields, such as near transformers and high-current conductors, or in the pres-
ence of strong electromagnetic fields such as near radio transmitters.
10 mm or more
Rear
50 mm or more 50 mm or more
The instrument can be used with the stand (p. 18).
It can also be rack-mounted. (p. A28).
Unplugging the power cord kills power to the instrument. Be sure to provide
enough unobstructed space to unplug the power cord immediately in an
emergency.

Operating Precautions
7
Handling the Instrument
•Do not allow the instrument to get wet, and do not take measurements
with wet hands. This may cause an electric shock.
•Do not attempt to modify, disassemble or repair the instrument; as
fire, electric shock and injury could result.
•To avoid damage to the instrument, protect it from physical shock when
transporting and handling. Be especially careful to avoid physical shock
from dropping.
•To avoid damage to the instrument, do not apply voltage or current to mea-
surement terminals, TEMP.SENSOR jack, or COMP.OUT jack.
•This instrument may cause interference if used in residential areas. Such
use must be avoided unless the user takes special measures to reduce
electromagnetic emissions to prevent interference to the reception of radio
and television broadcasts.
•Use the original packing materials when transporting the instrument, if pos-
sible.
Handling the Cords and Leads
To avoid electrical shock, be careful to avoid shorting live lines with the
test leads.
•Avoid stepping on or pinching cables, which could damage the cable insula-
tion.
•To avoid breaking cables or lead wires, do not bend or pull them.
•To avoid damaging the power cord, grasp the plug, not the cord, when
unplugging it from the power outlet.
•To avoid damaging the cable, grasp the connector, not the cable, when
unplugging the cable.
•The ends of the pin type lead are sharp. Be careful to avoid injury.
•Keep the cables well away from heat sources, as bare conductors could be
exposed if the insulation melts.
•Temperature sensors are precision devices. Be aware that excessive volt-
age pulses or static discharges can destroy the film.
•Avoid subjecting the temperature sensor tip to physical shock, and avoid
sharp bends in the leads. These may damage the probe or break a wire.

Operating Precautions
8
•Use only the specified cords and leads. Using a non-specified cord or lead
may result in incorrect measurements due to poor connection or other rea-
sons.
•If the part of the temperature sensor that connects to the instrument
becomes dirty, wipe it clean. The presence of dirt may affect temperature
measured values by increasing the contact resistance.
•Exercise care so that the temperature sensor connector does not become
disconnected. (If the sensor is disconnected, it will not be possible to per-
form temperature correction.)
CD-R disc precautions
•Exercise care to keep the recorded side of discs free of dirt and scratches.
When writing text on a disc’s label, use a pen or marker with a soft tip.
•Keep discs inside a protective case and do not expose to direct sunlight,
high temperature, or high humidity.
•Hioki is not liable for any issues your computer system experiences in the
course of using this disc.
Before Connecting the Power Cord
•To avoid electrical accidents and to maintain the safety specifications
of this instrument, connect the power cord provided only to a 3-con-
tact (two-conductor + ground) outlet.
•Use only the designated power cord with this instrument. Use of other
power cords may cause fire.
•Before using the instrument, make sure that the insulation on the
power cord is undamaged and that no bare conductors are improperly
exposed. Any damage could cause electric shock, so contact your
authorized Hioki distributor or reseller.
To avoid damaging the power cord, grasp the plug, not the cord, when
unplugging it from the power outlet.
Before Connecting Measurement Leads
To avoid shock and short circuits, turn off all power before connecting
measurement leads.

Operating Precautions
9
Before Connecting the LED Comparator Attachment
•To keep from damaging the instrument or LED Comparator Attachment,
turn off the instrument before connecting the attachment.
•The COMP.OUT jack is provided exclusively for use with the L2105. Do not
connect any device other than the L2105.
•The attachment may not fulfill the specifications if the connector is not
attached securely.
•Do not over-tighten the cable tie around the measurement leads. Doing so
may damage the measurement leads.
•Avoid the following as damage to the cable conductor or insulation may
result:
Twisting or pulling on cables
Bending cables near the lamp excessively in order to connect them
Before Connecting the Temperature Sensor
Failure to fasten the connectors properly may result in sub-specifica-
tion performance or damage to the equipment.
Note the following precautions to avoid damaging the instrument:
•To keep from damaging the instrument or temperature sensor, turn off the
instrument’s main power switch before connecting the sensor.
•Connect the temperature sensor by inserting the plug all the way into the
TEMP.SENSOR jack. A loose connection can cause a large error compo-
nent in measured values.
If the temperature sensor jack becomes dirty, wipe it clean. The presence of
dirt will cause an error in temperature measured values.

Operating Precautions
10
Before Connecting Data Cables (USB, RS-232C)
Observe the following precautions when connecting the instrument and a
controller:
•To avoid faults, do not disconnect or reconnect the USB cable during instru-
ment operation.
•The USB and RS-232C interfaces are not isolated from the ground circuit.
Connect the instrument and the controller to a common earth ground.
Using different grounds could result in potential difference between the
instrument and the controller. Potential difference on the data cable can
result in malfunctions and faults.
•Before connecting or disconnecting the RS-232C Cable, always turn off the
instrument and the controller. Failure to do so could result in equipment
malfunction or damage.
•After connecting the RS-232C Cable, tighten the screws on the connector
securely. Failure to secure the connector could result in equipment mal-
function or damage.
Before Connecting the Printer
Because electric shock and instrument damage hazards are present,
always follow the steps below when connecting the printer.
•Always turn off the instrument and the printer before connecting.
•A serious hazard can occur if a wire becomes dislocated and contacts
another conductor during operation. Make certain connections are
secure.

Operating Precautions
11
Before Switching between Current Sink (NPN) and Current Source (PNP)
•Configure the NPN/PNP setting to accommodate externally connected
equipment.
•Do not operate the NPN/PNP switch while the instrument is on.
Before Connecting EXT I/O
To avoid electric shock or damage to the equipment, always observe
the following precautions when connecting to the EXT I/O connector.
•Always turn off the main power switch on the instrument and on any
devices to be connected before making connections.
•Be careful to avoid exceeding the ratings of external terminals (p.
106).
•During operation, a wire becoming dislocated and contacting another
conductive object can be serious hazard. Use screws to secure the
external connectors.
•The ISO_5V pin of the EXT I/O connector is a 5V (NPN)/ -5V (PNP)
power output. Do not apply external power to this pin. (External power
cannot be supplied to the instrument’s EXT I/O connector.)
To avoid damage to the instrument, observe the following cautions:
•Do not apply voltage or current to the EXT I/O terminals that exceeds their
ratings.
•When driving relays, be sure to install diodes to absorb counter-electromo-
tive force.
•Be careful not to short-circuit ISO_5V to ISO_COM.
•Configure the NPN/PNP setting to accommodate externally connected
equipment.
•Do not operate the NPN/PNP switch while the instrument is on.
See: "Connector Type and Signal Pinouts" (p. 91)
Before Turning Power On
Before turning the instrument on, make sure the supply voltage
matches that indicated on its power connector. Connection to an
improper supply voltage may damage the instrument and present an
electrical hazard.
Avoid using an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or DC/AC inverter with
rectangular wave or pseudo-sine-wave output to power the instrument. Doing
so may damage the instrument.

Operating Precautions
12
Before Measuring
•To avoid electric shock or damage to the
instrument, do not apply voltage to the
measurement terminals. Also, to avoid
electrical accidents, only take measure-
ments after turning off the power to the
measurement targets being measured.
•Sparks may result at the moment the instrument is connected to, or
disconnected from, the measurement target. To avoid fire or bodily
injury, avoid use in the presence of explosive gases.
The measurement target is
connected to a power supply.
•Battery internal resistance cannot be measured with this instrument. It will
sustain damage. To measure battery internal resistance, we recommend the
HIOKI 3554, 3555, BT3562, BT3563 and 3561 Battery HiTesters.
•Never attempt to measure at a point where volt-
age is present. Even if the power supply to the
motor is turned off, while the motor is rotating
inertially, high electromotive power is generated
in terminals. When attempting to measure a
transformer or motor immediately after voltage
withstanding test, induced voltage or residual
charge may damage the instrument.
Rotating inertially
•When the RM3544 is used in a way that connects to a withstanding voltage
tester via switching relays, construct a testing line bearing the following in
mind.
See: "Appendix 12 Using the Instrument with a Withstanding Voltage Tester" (p.
A26)
(1) The voltage withstanding specification of switching relays should
include a safe margin over the withstanding testing voltage.
(2) To protect against damage due to arc discharge in relay contacts, all
RM3544 measurement terminals should be grounded during voltage
withstanding testing.
(3) To protect against damage due to residual charge, measure resistance
first, and voltage withstanding last.
3158 AC Withstanding Voltage HiTester
Withstand voltage of relay switch is not high enough.
Residual charge from voltage
withstanding test is present.
RM3544