National Instruments 4065 Manual

CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
NI 4065 6½-Digit Digital Multimeter
This document contains instructions for writing an external calibration
procedure for the National Instruments PXI/PCI/PCIe/USB-4065 6½-digit
digital multimeter (DMM). For more information on calibration, visit
ni.com/calibration.
Contents
Conventions ............................................................................................ 2
Software Requirements ........................................................................... 2
Documentation Requirements................................................................. 3
Calibration Function Reference ....................................................... 3
Password ................................................................................................. 3
Calibration Interval ................................................................................. 3
Test Equipment ....................................................................................... 4
Test Conditions ....................................................................................... 4
Calibration Procedures............................................................................ 5
Initial Setup...................................................................................... 6
Verification Procedures ................................................................... 7
Adjustment Procedures .................................................................... 53
Adjusting Linearization ................................................................... 55
Adjusting DC Voltage ..................................................................... 57
Adjusting 4-Wire Resistance ........................................................... 61
Adjusting 2-Wire Resistance ........................................................... 64
Adjusting AC Voltage ..................................................................... 75
Adjusting DC Current...................................................................... 77
Adjusting AC Current...................................................................... 82
Completing the Adjustment Procedures .......................................... 84
Verification Limits.................................................................................. 84
DC Voltage ...................................................................................... 85
AC Voltage ...................................................................................... 85
4-Wire Resistance ............................................................................ 87
2-Wire Resistance ............................................................................ 87
DC Current....................................................................................... 88
AC Current....................................................................................... 89
Appendix A: Calibration Options ........................................................... 90
Where to Go for Support......................................................................... 93

NI 4065 Calibration Procedure 2 ni.com
Conventions
The following conventions are used in this document:
»The »symbol leads you through nested menu items and dialog box options
to a final action. The sequence Options»Settings»General directs you to
pull down the Options menu, select the Settings item, and select General
from the last dialog box.
This icon denotes a note, which alerts you to important information.
This icon denotes a caution, which advises you of precautions to take to
avoid injury, data loss, or a system crash. When this symbol is marked on a
product, refer to the Read Me First: Safety and Electromagnetic
Compatibility document included with the device for information about
precautions to take.
bold Bold text denotes items you must select or click in the software, such as
menu items and dialog box options. Bold text also denotes parameter
names.
italic Italic text denotes variables, emphasis, a cross-reference, hardware labels,
or an introduction to a key concept. Italic text also denotes text that is a
placeholder for a word or value you must supply.
monospace Text in this font denotes text or characters you should enter from the
keyboard, sections of code, programming examples, and syntax examples.
This font is also used for the proper names of disk drives, paths, directories,
programs, subprograms, subroutines, device names, functions, operations,
variables, filenames, and extensions.
Software Requirements
NI-DMM supports a number of programming languages including
LabVIEW, LabWindows™/CVI™, Microsoft Visual C++, and Microsoft
Visual Basic. When you install NI-DMM, you need to install support for
only the language you intend to use to write your calibration utility. The
procedures in this document are described using LabVIEW VIs and
C function calls.
Note NI-DMM version 2.7.1 or later supports NI PXI/PCI/PCIe-4065 calibration.
NI-DMM version 2.8 or later supports NI USB-4065 calibration. You can download the
latest version of NI-DMM from ni.com/drivers.

©National Instruments Corporation 3 NI 4065 Calibration Procedure
Documentation Requirements
In addition to this calibration document, you may find the following
references helpful in writing your calibration utility. All of these
documents are installed on your computer when you install NI-DMM.
To locate them, select Start»All Programs»National Instruments»
NI-DMM»Documentation.
•NI Digital Multimeters Help
•NI Digital Multimeters Getting Started Guide
NI recommends referring to the following document online at ni.com/
manuals to ensure you are using the latest NI 4065 specifications:
•NI 4065 Specifications
Calibration Function Reference
For detailed information about the NI-DMM calibration VIs and functions
in this procedure, refer to the LabVIEW Reference or the C/CVI/VB
Reference sections of the NI Digital Multimeters Help, located at Start»
All Programs»National Instruments»NI-DMM»Documentation. Refer
to Figure 9 in this document for the procedural flow for verification. Refer
to Figure 10 in this document for the procedural flow for adjustment.
Password
The password is required to open an external calibration session. If the
password has not been changed since manufacturing, the password is NI.
Calibration Interval
The accuracy requirements of your measurement application determine
how often you should calibrate the NI 4065. NI recommends performing a
complete calibration at least once a year. NI does not guarantee the absolute
accuracy of the NI 4065 beyond this one-year calibration interval. You can
shorten the calibration interval based on the demands of your application.
Refer to Appendix A: Calibration Options for more information.

NI 4065 Calibration Procedure 4 ni.com
Test Equipment
Table 1 lists the equipment required for calibrating the NI 4065. If you do
not have the recommended instruments, use these specifications to select a
substitute calibration standard.
Test Conditions
Follow these guidelines to optimize the connections and the environment
during calibration:
• Ensure that the PXI chassis fan speed is set to HI (if calibrating the
NI PXI-4065) and the fan filters are clean.
• Use PXI/PCI filler panels in all vacant slots to allow proper cooling.
• Plug the PXI chassis or PC and the calibrator into the same power strip
to avoid ground loops.
• Power on and warm up the calibrator for at least 60 minutes before
beginning this calibration procedure.
Table 1. Required Test Equipment
Required Equipment Recommended Models
Multifunction calibrator Fluke 5700A (calibrated within the last 90 days)
or
Fluke 5720A (calibrated within the last year)
Two sets of low thermal electromotive force
(EMF) copper cables
Fluke 5440 cables
A means of creating a short with low thermal
EMF (150 nV) across the HI and LO input
banana plug connectors on the NI 4065
Pomona 5145 insulated double banana plug
shorting bar
Double banana plug with binding posts Pomona 5405 Binding Post
Two insulated low thermal electromotive force
(EMF) spade lugs
Pomona 2305 lugs
Chassis NI PCI/PCIe-4065: PC with an available
PCI slot or an available x1, x4, x8, or x16
PCI Express slot
NI USB-4065: PC with an available USB port
NI PXI-4065: National Instruments PXI chassis
and controller

©National Instruments Corporation 5 NI 4065 Calibration Procedure
• Power on and warm up the NI PXI/PCI/PCIe-4065 for at least
30 minutes and the NI USB-4065 for at least 50 minutes before
beginning this calibration procedure.
• Maintain an ambient temperature of 23 ±1 °C.
• Maintain an ambient relative humidity of less than 60%.
• Allow the calibrator to settle fully before taking any measurements.
Consult the Fluke 5700A/5720A user documentation for instructions.
• Allow the thermal EMF enough time to stabilize when you change
connections to the calibrator or the NI 4065. The suggested time
periods are stated where necessary throughout this document.
• Keep a shorting bar connected between the VGUARDand
GROUND binding posts of the calibrator at all times.
• Clean any oxidation from the banana plugs on the Fluke 5440 cables
before plugging them into the binding posts of the calibrator or the
banana plug connectors of the NI 4065. Oxidation tarnishes the copper
banana plugs so they appear dull rather than shiny. Oxidation leads to
greater thermal EMF.
• Keep the blue banana plugs on the Fluke 5440 cables connected to the
V GUARD binding post of the calibrator at all times.
• Prevent the cables from moving or vibrating by taping or strapping
them to a nonvibrating surface. Movement or vibration causes
triboelectric effects that can result in measurement errors.
Calibration Procedures
The calibration process includes the following steps:
1. Initial Setup—Set up the test equipment.
2. Verification Procedures—Verify the existing operation of the device.
This step confirms whether the device is operating within its specified
range prior to calibration. Figure 9 shows the procedural flow for
verification.
3. Adjustment Procedures—Perform an external adjustment of the device
that adjusts the calibration constants with respect to a known voltage
source. Figure 10 shows the procedural flow for adjustment.
4. Reverification—Repeat the verification procedure to ensure the device
is operating within its specifications after adjustment.
These steps are described in more detail in the following sections and in
Appendix A: Calibration Options.
Note Throughout the procedure, refer to the C/C++ function call parameters for the
LabVIEW input values.

NI 4065 Calibration Procedure 6 ni.com
Initial Setup
To set up the test equipment, complete the following steps:
1. Remove all connections from the input banana plug connectors on the
NI 4065.
2. Verify that the calibrator has been calibrated within the time limits
specified in the Test Equipment section, and that DC zeros calibration
has been performed within the last 30 days. Consult the
Fluke 5700A/5720A user documentation for instructions on
calibrating these devices.
Note Warm up the calibrator for at least 60 minutes, the NI PXI/PCI/PCIe-4065 (installed
in a powered-on chassis or PC) for at least 30 minutes, and the NI USB-4065 (plugged into
a USB port on a powered-on PC) for at least 50 minutes before you begin this procedure.
3. Call the niDMM Initialize VI with the Instrument Descriptor of the
device to create an instrument session.
Note You will use this session in all subsequent VI and function calls throughout the
verification procedures. For more information on using the niDMM Initialize VI or the
niDMM_init function, refer to the NI Digital Multimeters Help.
LabVIEW Block Diagram C/C++ Function Call
Call niDMM_init with the following
parameters:
Resource_Name: The name of the
device to calibrate. You can find this
name under Devices and Interfaces in
Measurement & Automation Explorer
(MAX)
ID_Query: VI_FALSE
Reset: VI_FALSE

©National Instruments Corporation 7 NI 4065 Calibration Procedure
4. Call the niDMM Configure Powerline Frequency VI.
Verification Procedures
You can use the verification procedures described in this section for both
pre-adjustment and post-adjustment verification. The steps of each
verification procedure must be performed in the order listed; however, you
can omit entire sections (for example, the entire Verifying AC Current
section), if necessary. Refer to Appendix A: Calibration Options for more
information.
The parameters Range and Resolution in Digits used in VI and function
calls throughout this section have floating point values. For example,
if Range = 1, the floating point value is 1.0. Refer to the NI Digital
Multimeters Help for more information about parameter values.
LabVIEW Block Diagram C/C++ Function Call
Call
niDMM_ConfigurePowerLineFrequency
with the following parameters:
Instrument_Handle: The instrument handle
from niDMM_init
PowerLine Frequency: Set this parameter to
50 or 60, depending on the powerline
frequency (in hertz) powering your
instruments; select 50 for 400 Hz powerline
frequencies

NI 4065 Calibration Procedure 8 ni.com
Verifying DC Voltage
To verify DC voltage of the NI 4065, complete the following steps:
1. Reset the calibrator.
2. Connect the NI 4065 and the Fluke 5700A/5720A calibrator using the
Fluke 5440 cable, as shown in Figure 1 for NI PXI/PCI/PCIe-4065 and
Figure 2 for NI USB-4065. Table 2 lists the cable connections.
Figure 1. NI PXI/PCI/PCIe-4065 Cable Connections for Voltage and 2-Wire Resistance
1 NI PCI-4065 2 Fluke 5700A/5720A Calibrator 3 Fluke 5440 Cable
CAT II
INPUT
300V
HI
LO
AMPS
3A
SENSE
300V
AUX I/O
5V
HI
LO
HI
LO
HI
LO
HI
AUX
CURRENT
GUARD GROUND
1
2
3
HI
HI

©National Instruments Corporation 9 NI 4065 Calibration Procedure
Figure 2. NI USB-4065 Cable Connections for Voltage and 2-Wire Resistance
3. Wait two minutes for the thermal EMF to stabilize.
4. Generate 0 V on the calibrator. Allow the calibrator output to settle
before proceeding.
5. Call the niDMM Reset VI.
1NIUSB-4065 2 Fluke 5700A/5720A Calibrator 3 Fluke 5440 Cable
Table 2. Fluke 5440 Cable Connections
Banana Plug Connector
(NI 4065)
Banana Plug Color
(Fluke 5440 Cable)
Binding Post Label
(Fluke 5700A/5720A Calibrator)
HI Red OUTPUT HI
LO Black OUTPUT LO
(No connection) Blue V GUARD
LabVIEW Block Diagram C/C++ Function Call
Call niDMM_reset with the following
parameter:
Instrument_Handle: The instrument
handle from niDMM_init
HI
LO
HI
LO
HI
AUX
CURRENT
GUARD GROUND
2
3
AMPS
3A
MAX
INPUT
V Ω
300 V
MAX
SENSE
Ω 4 WIRE
HIHI LO LO
HIHI
CAT IICAT II
CAT II
6½-Digit DMM6½-Digit DMM
6½-Digit DMM
NI USB-4065NI USB-4065
NI USB-4065NI USB-4065
300 V
MAX
300 V
MAX
1

NI 4065 Calibration Procedure 10 ni.com
6. Call the niDMM Config Measurement VI. The niDMM Config
Measurement VI is polymorphic. To change the selected instance of
this polymorphic VI, right-click the VI and choose Select Type
followed by Resolution in Digits.
7. Set a writable niDMM property node to set the input resistance of the
NI 4065 to >10 G
LabVIEW Block Diagram C/C++ Function Call
Call niDMM_ConfigureMeasurement
Digits with the following parameters:
Instrument_Handle: The instrument
handle from niDMM_init
Resolution_Digits: 6.5
Measurement_Function:
NIDMM_VAL_DC_VOLTS
Range: 0.1
LabVIEW Block Diagram C/C++ Function Call
Call niDMM
SetAttributeVi
Real64 with the
following parameters:
Instrument_Handle:
The instrument handle
from niDMM_init
Attribute_ID:
NIDMM_ATTR_INPUT_
RESISTANCE
Attribute_Value:
NIDMM_VAL_GREATER
_THAN_10_GIGAOHM

©National Instruments Corporation 11 NI 4065 Calibration Procedure
8. Set a writable niDMM property node to set the aperture time and
number of averages for the NI 4065.
9. Call the niDMM Control VI.
10. Call the niDMM Read VI.
LabVIEW Block Diagram C/C++ Function Call
Call niDMM
SetAttributeViReal64
with the following
parameters:
Instrument_Handle: The
instrument handle from
niDMM_init
Attribute_ID:
NIDMM_ATTR_APERTURE_
TIME
Attribute_Value:
166.67 ms (200 ms for
50 Hz PowerLine
Frequency)
Attribute_ID:
NIDMM_ATTR_NUMBER_OF
_AVERAGES
Attribute_Value: 3
LabVIEW Block Diagram C/C++ Function Call
Call niDMM_Control with the following
parameters:
Instrument_Handle: The instrument
handle from niDMM_init
Control Action: Commit
LabVIEW Block Diagram C/C++ Function Call
Call niDMM_read with the following
parameters:
Instrument_Handle: The instrument
handle from niDMM_init
Reading: Verify that this measurement
falls between the limits listed in Table 20
Maximum_Time: –1

NI 4065 Calibration Procedure 12 ni.com
a. Store the measurement as the 100 mV >10 Gmode offset.
11. Set a writable niDMM property node to set the input resistance of the
NI 4065 to 10 M.
12. Call the niDMM Read VI.
a. Store the measurement as the 100 mV 10 Mmode offset.
LabVIEW Block Diagram C/C++ Function Call
Call niDMM
SetAttributeViReal64
with the following
parameters:
Instrument_Handle: The
instrument handle from
niDMM_init
Attribute_ID:
NIDMM_ATTR_INPUT
_RESISTANCE
Attribute_Value:
NIDMM_VAL_10_MEGAOHM
LabVIEW Block Diagram C/C++ Function Call
Call niDMM_read with the following
parameters:
Instrument_Handle: The instrument
handle from niDMM_init
Reading: Verify that this measurement
falls between the limits listed in Table 20
Maximum_Time: –1

©National Instruments Corporation 13 NI 4065 Calibration Procedure
13. Refer to Table 3 for the appropriate parameter values as you complete
the following steps:
a. Call the niDMM Config Measurement VI. The niDMM Config
Measurement VI is polymorphic. To change the selected instance
of this polymorphic VI, right-click the VI and choose Select Type
followed by Resolution in Digits.
b. Set a writable niDMM property node.
LabVIEW Block Diagram C/C++ Function Call
Call niDMM_ConfigureMeasurement
Digits with the following parameters:
Instrument_Handle: The instrument
handle from niDMM_init
Resolution_Digits: 6.5
Measurement_Function:
NIDMM_VAL_DC_VOLTS
Range: The Range value listed in Table 3
for the current iteration
LabVIEW Block Diagram C/C++ Function Call
Call niDMM
SetAttributeViReal64 with
the following parameters:
Instrument_Handle: The
instrument handle from
niDMM_init
Attribute_ID:
NIDMM_ATTR_INPUT
_RESISTANCE
Attribute_Value: The Input
Resistance value listed in Table 3
for the current iteration

NI 4065 Calibration Procedure 14 ni.com
c. Set a writable niDMM property node (for iterations 1, 3, 5,
and 6 only).
d. Call the niDMM Read VI.
e. Verify that this measurement falls between the limits listed in
Table 20.
LabVIEW Block Diagram C/C++ Function Call
Call niDMM
SetAttributeViReal64
with the following
parameters:
Instrument_Handle: The
instrument handle from
niDMM_init
Attribute_ID:
NIDMM_ATTR_APERTURE_
TIME
Attribute_Value:
166.67 ms (200 ms for
50 Hz PowerLine
Frequency)
Attribute_ID:
NIDMM_ATTR_NUMBER_OF
_AVERAGES
Attribute_Value: 3
LabVIEW Block Diagram C/C++ Function Call
Call niDMM_read with the following
parameters:
Instrument_Handle: The instrument
handle from niDMM_init
Reading: Verify that this measurement
falls between the limits listed in Table 20
Maximum_Time: –1

©National Instruments Corporation 15 NI 4065 Calibration Procedure
14. Repeat step 13 for each of the remaining iterations shown in Table 3.
15. Reset the calibrator.
16. Call the niDMM Config Measurement VI. The niDMM Config
Measurement VI is polymorphic. To change the selected instance of
this polymorphic VI, right-click the VI and choose Select Type
followed by Resolution in Digits.
Table 3. DC Voltage Offset Settings
Iteration
niDMM Config Measurement Parameters
Range (Vdc)Input Resistance
11 NIDMM_VAL_GREATER_THAN_10_GIGAOHM
21 NIDMM_VAL_10_MEGAOHM
310 NIDMM_VAL_GREATER_THAN_10_GIGAOHM
410 NIDMM_VAL_10_MEGAOHM
5100 NIDMM_VAL_10_MEGAOHM
6300 NIDMM_VAL_10_MEGAOHM
LabVIEW Block Diagram C/C++ Function Call
Call niDMM_ConfigureMeasurement
Digits with the following parameters:
Instrument_Handle: The instrument
handle from niDMM_init
Resolution_Digits: 6.5
Measurement_Function:
NIDMM_VAL_DC_VOLTS
Range: 0.1

NI 4065 Calibration Procedure 16 ni.com
17. Set a writable niDMM property node to set the input resistance of the
NI 4065 to >10 G.
18. Set a writable niDMM property node to set the aperture time and
number of averages of the NI 4065.
LabVIEW Block Diagram C/C++ Function Call
Call niDMM
SetAttributeVi
Real64 with the
following parameters:
Instrument_Handle:
The instrument handle
from niDMM_init
Attribute_ID:
NIDMM_ATTR_INPUT_
RESISTANCE
Attribute_Value:
NIDMM_VAL_GREATER
_THAN_10_GIGAOHM
LabVIEW Block Diagram C/C++ Function Call
Call niDMM
SetAttributeViReal64
with the following
parameters:
Instrument_Handle: The
instrument handle from
niDMM_init
Attribute_ID:
NIDMM_ATTR_APERTURE_
TIME
Attribute_Value:
166.67 ms (200 ms for
50 Hz PowerLine
Frequency)
Attribute_ID:
NIDMM_ATTR_NUMBER_OF
_AVERAGES
Attribute_Value: 3

©National Instruments Corporation 17 NI 4065 Calibration Procedure
19. Call the niDMM Control VI.
20. Output 100 mV on the calibrator with the range locked to 2.2 V.
This range prevents a 50 calibrator output resistance from creating a
voltage divider with the internal resistance of the NI 4065. Allow the
calibrator output to settle before proceeding.
21. Call the niDMM Read VI.
a. Subtract the previously stored 100 mV >10 Gmode offset from
this measurement, and verify that the result falls between the
limits listed in Table 20.
LabVIEW Block Diagram C/C++ Function Call
Call niDMM_Control with the following
parameters:
Instrument_Handle: The instrument
handle from niDMM_init
Control Action: Commit
LabVIEW Block Diagram C/C++ Function Call
Call niDMM_read with the following
parameters:
Instrument_Handle: The instrument
handle from niDMM_init
Reading: Verify that the result falls
between the limits listed in Table 20
Maximum_Time: –1

NI 4065 Calibration Procedure 18 ni.com
22. Set a writable niDMM property node to set the input resistance of the
NI 4065 to 10 M.
23. Call the niDMM Read VI.
a. Subtract the previously stored 100 mV 10 Mmode offset from
this measurement, and verify that the result falls between the
limits listed in Table 20.
24. Call the niDMM Control VI.
LabVIEW Block Diagram C/C++ Function Call
Call niDMM
SetAttributeViReal64
with the following
parameters:
Instrument_Handle: The
instrument handle from
niDMM_init
Attribute_ID:
NIDMM_ATTR_INPUT
_RESISTANCE
Attribute_Value:
NIDMM_VAL_10_MEGAOHM
LabVIEW Block Diagram C/C++ Function Call
Call niDMM_read with the following
parameters:
Instrument_Handle: The instrument
handle from niDMM_init
Reading: Verify that the result falls
between the limits listed in Table 20
Maximum_Time: –1
LabVIEW Block Diagram C/C++ Function Call
Call niDMM_Control with the following
parameters:
Instrument_Handle: The instrument
handle from niDMM_init
Control Action: Commit

©National Instruments Corporation 19 NI 4065 Calibration Procedure
25. Set a writable niDMM property node to set the input resistance of the
NI 4065 to >10 G.
26. Output –100 mV on the calibrator with the range locked to 2.2 V.
This range prevents a 50 calibrator output resistance from creating a
voltage divider with the internal resistance of the NI 4065. Allow the
calibrator output to settle before proceeding.
27. Call the niDMM Read VI.
a. Subtract the previously stored 100 mV >10 Gmode offset from
this measurement, and verify that the result falls between the
limits listed in Table 20.
LabVIEW Block Diagram C/C++ Function Call
Call niDMM
SetAttributeVi
Real64 with the
following parameters:
Instrument_Handle:
The instrument handle
from niDMM_init
Attribute_ID:
NIDMM_ATTR_INPUT_
RESISTANCE
Attribute_Value:
NIDMM_VAL_GREATER
_THAN_10_GIGAOHM
LabVIEW Block Diagram C/C++ Function Call
Call niDMM_read with the following
parameters:
Instrument_Handle: The instrument
handle from niDMM_init
Reading: Verify that the result falls
between the limits listed in Table 20
Maximum_Time: –1

NI 4065 Calibration Procedure 20 ni.com
28. Set a writable niDMM property node to set the input resistance of the
NI 4065 to 10 M.
29. Call the niDMM Read VI.
a. Subtract the previously stored 100 mV 10 Mmode offset from
this measurement, and verify that the result falls between the
limits listed in Table 20.
LabVIEW Block Diagram C/C++ Function Call
Call niDMM
SetAttributeViReal64
with the following
parameters:
Instrument_Handle: The
instrument handle from
niDMM_init
Attribute_ID:
NIDMM_ATTR_INPUT
_RESISTANCE
Attribute_Value:
NIDMM_VAL_10_MEGAOHM
LabVIEW Block Diagram C/C++ Function Call
Call niDMM_read with the following
parameters:
Instrument_Handle: The instrument
handle from niDMM_init
Reading: Verify that the result falls
between the limits listed in Table 20
Maximum_Time: –1