Picotest M3510A User manual

Version: 1.02

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Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS............................................................................................................ 2
1 GENERAL INFOR ATION............................................................................................... 5
1.1 F EATURE O VERVIEW ..................................................................................................... 5
1.2 W ARRANTY I NFORMATION ........................................................................................... 7
1.3 P RECAUTION OF O PERATION ....................................................................................... 8
1.4 U PKEEP OF M3510A/11A.......................................................................................... 8
1.5 S AFETY I NFORMATION .................................................................................................. 9
1.6 S YMBOLS AND T ERMS ................................................................................................ 10
1.7 I NSPECTION ................................................................................................................ 10
1. O PTIONS AND A CCESSORIES ..................................................................................... 11
1.9 T HE M3510A/11A’ S D IMENSION ........................................................................... 12
2 OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................... 13
2.1 S ETTING UP M3510A/11A........................................................................................ 13
2.1.1 To adjust the handle............................................................................. 13
2.1.2 To connect the power........................................................................... 16
2.1.2.1 To convert the voltage .......................................................................... 16
2.1.2.2 To change the fuse .................................................................................19
2.1.3 Factory Default When Power-ON ..................................................... 23
2.2 M3510A/11A F UNCTION I NTRODUCTION .............................................................. 24
2.2.1 The Front Panel ............................................................................................. 24
2.2.2 The Display .................................................................................................... 26
2.2.2.1 Annunciators .............................................................................................27
2.2.3 The ear Panel .............................................................................................. 27
3 BASIC EASURE ENT FUNCTION.......................................................................... 29
3.1 V OLTAGE M EASUREMENTS (DCV & ACV) .............................................................. 29
3.3 C URRENT M EASUREMENTS (DC & AC) ................................................................... 30
3.4 R ESISTANCE M EASUREMENTS (2 & 4- WIRE ).......................................................... 31
3.5 F REQUENCY & P ERIOD M EASUREMENTS ................................................................... 32
3.6 C ONTINUITY M EASUREMENTS .................................................................................... 33
3.7 D IODE M EASUREMENTS ............................................................................................. 34
3. T EMPERATURE M EASUREMENTS ................................................................................. 35
3.8.1 Thermocouple Measurements ........................................................... 36
3.8.2 TD Measurements ............................................................................... 37

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3. .2.1 2-Wire RTD Measurements..................................................................37
3. .2.2 4-Wire RTD Measurements..................................................................37
3. .2.2.1 Support 3-Wire RTD Measurements ..................................38
3.9 C APACITANCE M EASUREMENT ................................................................................... 39
3.10 2ND M EASUREMENT ................................................................................................ 39
4 FRONT PANEL OPERATIONS...................................................................................... 44
4.1 M EASUREMENT C ONFIGURATION .............................................................................. 44
4.1.1 Set ADC (Auto Zero)............................................................................. 44
4.1.2 Filter............................................................................................................ 45
4.1.2.1 AC Filter (AC only).....................................................................................46
4.1.2.2 Digital Filter.................................................................................................. 47
4.1.3 esolution & NPLC Setting.................................................................. 48
4.1.4 Threshold esistance (Continuity)................................................... 50
4.1.5 ange (Manual & Auto) ....................................................................... 51
4.1.6 ate (Integration Time)....................................................................... 52
4.1.7 Sensor Selection for Temperature Measurements...................................... 54
4.2 T RIGGER O PERATIONS ............................................................................................... 59
4.2.1 Trigger Mode............................................................................................ 60
4.2.2 Trigger Source......................................................................................... 61
4.2.3 Trigger Setting ........................................................................................ 63
4.3 M ATH O PERATIONS .................................................................................................... 67
4.3.1 Percent ....................................................................................................... 67
4.3.2 Average (AVG/MIN/MAX/COUNT).................................................... 68
4.3.3 Null .............................................................................................................. 69
4.3.4 Limits Test ................................................................................................ 70
4.3.5 MX+B .......................................................................................................... 71
4.3.6 dB/dBm ...................................................................................................... 72
4.4 S YSTEM R ELATED O PERATIONS ................................................................................ 75
4.4.1 Display........................................................................................................ 75
4.4.2 Beeper ........................................................................................................ 77
4.4.3 eading Memory (Store & ecall) ................................................... 78
4.4.4 Sensitivity Band (Hold)........................................................................ 79
4.4.5 Initial Mode............................................................................................... 80
4.4.6 Language................................................................................................... 80
4.4.7 Error Condition........................................................................................ 81
4.4.8 Firmware evision ................................................................................. 81

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4.4.9 Calibration................................................................................................. 82
4.4.10 Self-Test .................................................................................................... 82
5 RE OTE INTERFACE OPERATIONS............................................................................ 85
5.1 P ASS /F AIL O UTPUT F ROM USB C ONNECTOR .......................................................... 85
5.2 S ETTING U P F OR R EMOTE I NTERFACE ...................................................................... 86
5.3 R EMOTE I NTERFACE C OMMANDS ............................................................................... 87
6 ERROR ESSAGES ........................................................................................................... 99
6.1 E RROR T YPE ................................................................................................................ 99
6.1.1 Execution Errors ................................................................................... 99
APPENDIX............................................................................................................................... 105
A. S PECIFICATION L IST ..................................................................................................... 105
B. G ENERAL S PECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................... 108
C. R EMOTE I NTERFACE R EFERENCE ................................................................................. 109
C.1 An Introduction to the SCPI Language .............................................. 109
C.2 Output Data Formats ................................................................................ 113
C.3 The MEASure? Command........................................................................ 113
C.4 The CONFigure Command....................................................................... 115
C.5 The Measurement Configuration Command..................................... 117
C.6 The Math Operation Command ............................................................. 123
C.7 The Triggering Commands...................................................................... 126
C.8 The System- elated Commands .......................................................... 128
C.9 The SCPI Status Pattern .......................................................................... 130
C.10 Status eporting Commands............................................................... 137
C.11 SCPI Compliance Information............................................................. 139
C.12 IEEE-488 Compliance Information .................................................... 141
D. A BOUT A PPLICATION P ROGRAMS ................................................................................ 143

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1 General Information
This section contains general information about PICOTEST M3510A/11A
Multimeter. The information is shown below:
1. Feature Overview
2. Warranty Information
3. Safety Information
4. Symbols and Terms
5. Specifications
6. Inspection
7. Options and Accessories
If you have any questions after reading this information, please contact
your local service representative.
※ Note: Some following functions or instructions which the M3511A
doesn’t support or provide are colored green.
1.1 Feature Overview
M3510A/11A is a 6 1/2 digits multimeter. It has…
Best performance/price ratio
High-speed sampling rate (50000 Rdgs/sec. at M3510A NPLC 0.001
& 10000 Rdgs/sec. at M3511A NPLC 0.006).
Direct Thermocouple Measurement (Built-In Cold Junction
Compensation to improve Accuracy, except M3511A)
Dual Measurement & Dual Display (Including Thermocouple
Measurement)
Capacitance Measurement
Several Measurements & Mathematic Functions
Wide Range Current Measurement (Up to 10A)

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DCV Accuracy (0.012% in 1 year)
High Sensitivity (DCV: 0.1 µV & Resistance: 100 µΩ)
Plug & Play Interface: Built-In USB (USBTMC)
High Storage Memory (Up to 2000 Readings)
Free Application Software
※ Note: The 1-year accuracy is subject to calibration accuracy.
In addition, the M3510A/11A provides wide ranges for general
measurements, such as…
1. DCV: 100mV, 1V, 10V, 100V & 1000V
2. ACV: 100mV, 1V to 750V
3. DCI: 10mA, 100mA, 1A, 3A & 10A
4. ACI: 1A, 3A & 10A
5. 2 & 4-wired resistance: 100Ω, 1KΩ, 10KΩ, 100KΩ, 1MΩ, 10MΩ &
100MΩ
6. Capacitance: 1nF, 10nF, 100nF, 1µF, 10µF, 100µF, 1000µF &
10000µF
7. Thermocouple: -250 ℃ ~ 2316 ℃
. RTD: 2W & 4W
9. Frequency & Period: 100mV to 750V (From 3Hz to 300KHz)
10. Diode: 1V
11. Continuity (for 2W): 1000Ω
Some additional capabilities of 3510A/11A include:
Full Math Functions - Percent, Average, Null, Limits, MX+B, dB &
dBm.
Resolution Adjustment - 0.001, 0.006, 0.02, 0.06, 0.2, 0.6, 1, 2, 10
& 100 NPLC
USB & GPIB (Optional) remote control interface.
Through M3510 AP software (PT-TOOL) for simulating the real
operation on PC.
Through Microsoft Office Word & Excel (PT-LINK) for remotely
storing and recalling the measured values.

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1.2 Warranty Information
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer,
the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
1. Warranty: PICOTEST CORP. guarantees that this product meets its
published specifications at the time of shipment from the factory.
Under proper installation it should work as expected.
2. Warranty Period: This equipment is warranted against defects in
material and manufacturing for a period of one year from the date of
shipment. During the warranty period, PICOTEST is responsible for
necessary repairs as long as the product can be proved to be
defective.
For warranty service or repair this product must be returned to a
service facility designated by PICOTEST. Please contact your local
service representative.
3. Excluded Items: This warranty does not include consumptive parts
such as fuses, buttons and relays. Neither does this warranty cover
defects caused by improper installation, improper or insufficient
maintenance, unauthorized modification, improper operation,
ignorance of environmental specifications or improper software or
interfacing.
4. Remarks:
No other warranty is expressed or implied, except for the above
mentioned.
The remedies provided herein are the buyer’s sole and exclusive
remedies. PICOTEST shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special,
incidental or consequential damages.
Limitation of warranty
1. Our warranties do not cover any damage resulting from unauthorized
modification or misuse.
2. Unless mentioned elsewhere in this document, our warranty does not
apply to fuses, probes, and problems arising from normal wear or
user’s failure to follow instructions.

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3. Our warranties do not apply on any direct, incidental, special, or
consequential damages.
4. The above warranties are exclusive and no other warranty is
expressed or implied. PICOTEST disclaims any implied warranties of
MERCHANTABILITY, SATISFACTORY QUALITY, and FITNESS for any
particular reasons.
1.3 Precaution of Operation
Please carefully read the manual before operating this device.
This manual is for reference only. Please consult your local service
representative for further assistance.
The contents of this manual may be amended by the manufacturer
without notice.
Never dismantle the equipment by any unauthorized personnel, or
equipment may be damaged.
The equipment has been strictly tested for quality before delivery
from our factory. However, this equipment must not be used in
dangerous situations where damage may result.
This product should be placed in a safe area in case of unpredictable
personnel use.
The rear protective conduct terminal needs to be connected to the
actual earth ground or electric shock may occur.
The patent and related documents for the equipment belong to
PICOTEST CORP. and they aren’t allowed to be used by others
without permission.
1.4 Upkeep of 3510A/11A
Although M3510A/11A DMM is very durable and weather resistant,
care should be taken not to expose it to severe impact or pressure.
Keep M3510A/11A far from water and damp environment.
Calibration will be taken every year. Please contact with your local
service representative for more information.
If the incorrect display or abnormal beeps occurred you should stop

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using the equipment at once.
Do not use the Meter around explosive gas or inflammable vapor.
Wipe the surface of M3510A multimeter with a piece of dry and clean
cloth.
1.5 Safety Information
Caution! Please read through the following safety information
before using the product.
To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury, please read and follow
these guidelines carefully:
Follow the guidelines in this manual and DO NOT use the Meter if the
case is damaged. Check the Meter case and terminals, and make sure
all the devices are in the proper positions.
Do not apply excessive voltage to the Multimeter. Apply voltage
within the rated range only.
Use caution when measuring voltages above 30 V RMS, 42 V peak, or
60 V DC. These voltages pose an electric shock hazard.
When using the probes, always keep your fingers behind the finger
guards.
Always connect the common test leads (black) before connecting the
live test leads (red), and disconnect the live test leads (red) before
disconnecting the common test leads (black). This will reduce the
chance of an electric shock.
Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors
before testing resistance, continuity, diodes or capacitance.
If you need to open the Meter case or replace any parts, read the
instruction in this manual first. You must be a qualified personnel to
perform this action.
When replacing fuses, use only the same type and same rating as
specified.
Do not try to operate the Meter if it is damaged. Disconnect the power
from the equipment and consult the local service representative.
Return the product to PICOTEST service department if necessary.

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1.6 Symbols and Terms
This symbol indicates hazards that may cause damages to the
instrument or even result in personal injury.
This symbol indicates high voltage may be present. Use extra
caution before taking any action.
This symbol indicates the frame or chassis terminal presented need
to be connected to the actual earth ground.
This symbol indicates “Protective Conductor Terminal”.
This symbol indicates earth (ground) terminal.
This symbol indicates this product complies with the essential
requirements or the applicable European laws or directives with
respect to safety, health, environment and consumer protections.
Note: Full M3510A/11A specifications are included in Appendix A.
1.7 Inspection
Your product package is supplied with the following items:
One M3510A/11A Multimeter unit. ( . [H] x 214.6 [W] x 2 0.7 [D]
mm, approx. 2.23 Kg)
One power line cord.
One USB cable.
Standard Test Leads
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One CD (including this electronic User's Manual and software
applications).

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Optional accessories (According to the Table 1-1) as you ordered.
1. M3510A/11A is provided with a Standard Test lead set, described below.
Test Lead Ratings:
IEC 61010-031 CAT III
Operating Voltage: 1000V DC
Current: 10 Ampers
UL/CE Rated
aterial:
Probe Body: Outer Insulation-Santoprene Rubber.
Banana Plug: Body Brass, Nickel Plated Spring Beryllium Copper, Nickel Plated.
Insulation: Polypropylene Resin Flasme Retardant Grade 203 .
Others
If any part of the Test Lead Set is damaged, please do not use and replace with
a new set.
Warning! If users use the Test Lead Set without following the specification
of Picotest Corp., the protection of the Test Lead Set could be impaired. In
addition, please don’t use a damaged Test Lead Set against the instrument
break or personal injury.
1.8 Options and Accessories
The following accessories are able to be used with the Model
M3510A/11A. Please refer to Table 1-1.
Table 1-1
Part Name Part Number
GPIB Card M3500-opt04
RS-232 Card M3500-opt06

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Kelvin Probe M3500-opt07
4-Wired Test Leads M3500-opt0
Shorting Plug M3500-opt10
K Type Thermocouple M3500-opt11
1.9 The 3510A/11A’s Dimension
Please get the dimension’s information in the following different ways.
1. The dimension without the handle and the front & Rear Bumpers is in
the following Picture 1. (LxWxD - 214.6x .6x2 0.7 mm)
2. The dimension with the handle and the front & Rear Bumpers is in the
following Picture 2. (LxWxD – 252. x107x305 mm)
3. The dimension with the front & Rear Bumpers, but without the handle
is in the following Picture 3. (LxWxD – 226. x107x305 mm)
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2 Overview
This chapter will give you an overview of M3510A/11A’s features and
guide you through the basics of M3510A/11A DMM.
2.1 Setting up 3510A/11A
The purpose of this section is to prepare you for using M3510A DMM. You
may want to check if you have all the parts with your multimeter. All our
products are handled and inspected professionally before shipping out to
our customers. If you find any damaged or missing parts, please contact
your local service representative immediately and do not attempt to
operate the damaged product.
2.1.1 To adjust the handle
You may adjust the carrying handle to suit your needs. The following
figures show you how to adjust the handle.
I. Taking off the handle from the ultimeter
【 Step 1 】 (Turn up the handle)
Pull slightly outward on both sides of the handle and slowly rotate it up as
shown in Figure 1-1.

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Figure 1-1
【 Step 2 】 (Pull out the handle)
When the handle is turned up to 90° with the DMM please pull out the
handle from the DMM as shown in Figure 1-2.
Figure 1-2
Ⅱ
ⅡⅡ
Ⅱ . Adjusting the position for your convenience
Here are some example positions to for your reference.
【 Position 1 】
The default position is for packing as shown in Figure 1-3.

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Figure 1-3
【 Position 2 】
The position shown in Figure 1-4 is for operating the multimeter.
Figure 1-4
【 Position 3 】
The position shown in Figure 1-5 is for carrying the multimeter.
Figure 1-5

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2.1.2 To connect the power
Check the power-line voltage on the rear panel to see if voltage setting is
correct for your area. There are 4 power lines, 100/120/220/240 on
M3510A/11A for your demand. Change the voltage correctly or replace a
new fuse if the voltage is not correct or the fuse is broken. Please follow
the steps below.
2.1.2.1 To convert the voltage
Warning! Before changing the setting, make sure the multimeter is
disconnected from the AC power. An incorrect voltage setting may cause
severe damage to your instrument.
Warning! The power cord supplied with M3510A/11A contains a
separate ground wire for use with grounded outlets. When proper
connections are made, instrument chassis is connected to power line
ground through the ground wire in the power cord. Failure to use a
grounded outlet may result in personal injury or death due to electric
shock.
Suppose your multimeter is under the AC 220V condition and you want
to convert it to 100V. Follow the following steps to change the voltage
setting.
【 Step 1 】
Verify that the DMM is disconnected as shown in Figure 2-1.

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Figure 2-1
【 Step 2 】
Press the latch to unlatch the voltage setting selector container as shown
in Figure 2-2. (You may need a screwdriver to do so.)
Figure 2-2
【 Step 3 】
Remove the voltage setting selector container as shown in Figure 2-3.
(You may need a screwdriver to do so.)

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Figure 2-3
【 Step 4 】
Open the clips on the sides and remove the voltage setting selector from
the container as shown in Figure 2-4.
Figure 2-4
【 Step 5 】
Turn the voltage setting selector so that the desired voltage setting
appears in the container as shown in Figure 2-5.

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Figure 2-5
【 Step 6 】
Insert the voltage setting selector container back into the socket.
2.1.2.2 To change the fuse
Warning! Before replacing the power-line fuse, make sure the
multimeter is disconnected from the AC power. You must be qualified
personnel to perform this action.
Warning! For continued protection against fire or instrument
damage, only replace with fuse of the same type and rating noted on the
rear panel. If the instrument repeatedly blows fuses, locate and correct
the cause of the trouble before replacing the fuse.
Verify that the power-line fuse is good. Replace the fuse if it is damaged.
Follow the steps below to change the fuse.
【 Step 1 】
Verify that the meter is disconnected as shown in Figure 2-6.

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Figure 2-6
【 Step 2 】
Press the latch to unlatch the voltage setting selector container as shown
in Figure 2-7. (You may need a screwdriver to do so.)
Figure 2-7
【 Step 3 】
Remove the voltage setting selector container as shown in Figure 2-8.
(You may need a screwdriver to do so.)