Tektronix Keithley 3700A Series User manual

User’s Manual
3700AS-900-01 Rev. C March 2021
*P3700AS-900-01C*
3700AS-900-01C
tek.com/keithley
Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter

System Switch/Multimeter
User's Manual
Series 3700A

© 2021, Keithley Instruments, LLC
Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.
All rights reserved.
Any unauthorized reproduction, photocopy, or use of the information herein, in whole or in part,
without the prior written approval of Keithley Instruments, LLC, is strictly prohibited.
These are the original instructions in English.
All Keithley Instruments product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of Keithley
Instruments, LLC. Other brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.
The Lua 5.0 software and associated documentation files are copyright © 1994 - 2015, Lua.org,
PUC-Rio. You can access terms of license for the Lua software and associated documentation at
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Microsoft, Visual C++, Excel, and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Document number: 3700AS-900-01 Rev. C March 2021

Safety precautions
The following safety precautions should be observed before using this product and any associated instrumentation. Although
some instruments and accessories would normally be used with nonhazardous voltages, there are situations where hazardous
conditions may be present.
This product is intended for use by personnel who recognize shock hazards and are familiar with the safety precautions required
to avoid possible injury. Read and follow all installation, operation, and maintenance information carefully before using the
product. Refer to the user documentation for complete product specifications.
If the product is used in a manner not specified, the protection provided by the product warranty may be impaired.
The types of product users are:
Responsible body is the individual or group responsible for the use and maintenance of equipment, for ensuring that the
equipment is operated within its specifications and operating limits, and for ensuring that operators are adequately trained.
Operators use the product for its intended function. They must be trained in electrical safety procedures and proper use of the
instrument. They must be protected from electric shock and contact with hazardous live circuits.
Maintenance personnel perform routine procedures on the product to keep it operating properly, for example, setting the line
voltage or replacing consumable materials. Maintenance procedures are described in the user documentation. The procedures
explicitly state if the operator may perform them. Otherwise, they should be performed only by service personnel.
Service personnel are trained to work on live circuits, perform safe installations, and repair products. Only properly trained
service personnel may perform installation and service procedures.
Keithley products are designed for use with electrical signals that are measurement, control, and data I/O connections, with low
transient overvoltages, and must not be directly connected to mains voltage or to voltage sources with high transient
overvoltages. Measurement Category II (as referenced in IEC 60664) connections require protection for high transient
overvoltages often associated with local AC mains connections. Certain Keithley measuring instruments may be connected to
mains. These instruments will be marked as category II or higher.
Unless explicitly allowed in the specifications, operating manual, and instrument labels, do not connect any instrument to mains.
Exercise extreme caution when a shock hazard is present. Lethal voltage may be present on cable connector jacks or test
fixtures. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) states that a shock hazard exists when voltage levels greater than
30 V RMS, 42.4 V peak, or 60 VDC are present. A good safety practice is to expect that hazardous voltage is present in any
unknown circuit before measuring.
Operators of this product must be protected from electric shock at all times. The responsible body must ensure that operators
are prevented access and/or insulated from every connection point. In some cases, connections must be exposed to potential
human contact. Product operators in these circumstances must be trained to protect themselves from the risk of electric shock. If
the circuit is capable of operating at or above 1000 V, no conductive part of the circuit may be exposed.
Do not connect switching cards directly to unlimited power circuits. They are intended to be used with impedance-limited
sources. NEVER connect switching cards directly to AC mains. When connecting sources to switching cards, install protective
devices to limit fault current and voltage to the card.
Before operating an instrument, ensure that the line cord is connected to a properly-grounded power receptacle. Inspect the
connecting cables, test leads, and jumpers for possible wear, cracks, or breaks before each use.
When installing equipment where access to the main power cord is restricted, such as rack mounting, a separate main input
power disconnect device must be provided in close proximity to the equipment and within easy reach of the operator.
For maximum safety, do not touch the product, test cables, or any other instruments while power is applied to the circuit under
test. ALWAYS remove power from the entire test system and discharge any capacitors before: connecting or disconnecting
cables or jumpers, installing or removing switching cards, or making internal changes, such as installing or removing jumpers.
Do not touch any object that could provide a current path to the common side of the circuit under test or power line (earth)
ground. Always make measurements with dry hands while standing on a dry, insulated surface capable of withstanding the
voltage being measured.

For safety, instruments and accessories must be used in accordance with the operating instructions. If the instruments or
accessories are used in a manner not specified in the operating instructions, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.
Do not exceed the maximum signal levels of the instruments and accessories. Maximum signal levels are defined in the
specifications and operating information and shown on the instrument panels, test fixture panels, and switching cards.
When fuses are used in a product, replace with the same type and rating for continued protection against fire hazard.
Chassis connections must only be used as shield connections for measuring circuits, NOT as protective earth (safety ground)
connections.
If you are using a test fixture, keep the lid closed while power is applied to the device under test. Safe operation requires the use
of a lid interlock.
If a screw is present, connect it to protective earth (safety ground) using the wire recommended in the user documentation.
The symbol on an instrument means caution, risk of hazard. The user must refer to the operating instructions located in the
user documentation in all cases where the symbol is marked on the instrument.
The symbol on an instrument means warning, risk of electric shock. Use standard safety precautions to avoid personal
contact with these voltages.
The symbol on an instrument shows that the surface may be hot. Avoid personal contact to prevent burns.
The symbol indicates a connection terminal to the equipment frame.
If this symbol is on a product, it indicates that mercury is present in the display lamp. Please note that the lamp must be
properly disposed of according to federal, state, and local laws.
The WARNING heading in the user documentation explains hazards that might result in personal injury or death. Always read
the associated information very carefully before performing the indicated procedure.
The CAUTION heading in the user documentation explains hazards that could damage the instrument. Such damage may
invalidate the warranty.
The CAUTION heading with the symbol in the user documentation explains hazards that could result in moderate or minor
injury or damage the instrument. Always read the associated information very carefully before performing the indicated
procedure. Damage to the instrument may invalidate the warranty.
Instrumentation and accessories shall not be connected to humans.
Before performing any maintenance, disconnect the line cord and all test cables.
To maintain protection from electric shock and fire, replacement components in mains circuits —including the power
transformer, test leads, and input jacks —must be purchased from Keithley. Standard fuses with applicable national safety
approvals may be used if the rating and type are the same. The detachable mains power cord provided with the instrument may
only be replaced with a similarly rated power cord. Other components that are not safety-related may be purchased from other
suppliers as long as they are equivalent to the original component (note that selected parts should be purchased only through
Keithley to maintain accuracy and functionality of the product). If you are unsure about the applicability of a replacement
component, call a Keithley office for information.
Unless otherwise noted in product-specific literature, Keithley instruments are designed to operate indoors only, in the following
environment: Altitude at or below 2,000 m (6,562 ft); temperature 0 °C to 50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F); and pollution degree 1 or 2.
To clean an instrument, use a cloth dampened with deionized water or mild, water-based cleaner. Clean the exterior of the
instrument only. Do not apply cleaner directly to the instrument or allow liquids to enter or spill on the instrument. Products that
consist of a circuit board with no case or chassis (e.g., a data acquisition board for installation into a computer) should never
require cleaning if handled according to instructions. If the board becomes contaminated and operation is affected, the board
should be returned to the factory for proper cleaning/servicing.
Safety precaution revision as of June 2017.

Introduction..............................................................................................................1-1
Welcome .............................................................................................................................. 1-1
Introduction to this manual................................................................................................... 1-1
Contact information.............................................................................................................. 1-1
Extended warranty ............................................................................................................... 1-2
Product documentation, drivers, and software .................................................................... 1-2
Measuring capabilities.......................................................................................................... 1-3
Safety precautions for connections...................................................................................... 1-4
Using the front-panel interface ............................................................................... 2-1
Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 2-1
Series 3700A front panel overview ...................................................................................... 2-2
(1) The USB port.......................................................................................................................2-3
(2) The display ..........................................................................................................................2-3
(3) The navigation wheel...........................................................................................................2-5
(4) The POWER key .................................................................................................................2-5
(5) The status lights...................................................................................................................2-5
(6) The setup and control keys..................................................................................................2-5
Channel identification........................................................................................................... 2-7
Matrix card channel specifiers...................................................................................................2-7
Analog backplane relay channel specifiers ...............................................................................2-7
Multiplexer, digital I/O, totalizer, and DAC channel specifiers...................................................2-8
Operating a channel from the front panel ............................................................................ 2-8
Viewing the close or open status of a channel .................................................................. 2-10
Emulate a Model 3706....................................................................................................... 2-10
Channel patterns................................................................................................................ 2-11
Create a channel pattern.........................................................................................................2-11
Performing close and open operations on channel patterns...................................................2-12
Set up row, column, and channel labels..................................................................................2-12
Front-panel scanning ......................................................................................................... 2-13
Exercise: Perform a scan and save to a USB flash drive........................................................ 2-13
Taking measurements without a switch card..................................................................... 2-15
Pseudocards...........................................................................................................................2-15
Using the analog backplane connector to make measurements.............................................2-16
Using the web interface........................................................................................... 3-1
Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 3-1
Connecting to the instrument web interface......................................................................... 3-1
Web interface home page.................................................................................................... 3-2
Log in to the instrument........................................................................................................ 3-2
Card pages........................................................................................................................... 3-3
Table of contents

Table of contents Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual
Open and close channels from the card pages.........................................................................3-4
Set up channel patterns from the web interface........................................................................3-6
Scan Builder page................................................................................................................ 3-8
Create a scan list ......................................................................................................................3-9
Run the scan...........................................................................................................................3-10
Stop the scan..........................................................................................................................3-10
Clear the scan list from the web interface...............................................................................3-10
Set up simple triggers .............................................................................................................3-10
TSB Embedded.................................................................................................................. 3-12
Create a script using TSB Embedded.....................................................................................3-12
Maintenance.............................................................................................................4-1
Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 4-1
Fuse replacement ................................................................................................................ 4-1
Instrument fuse replacement.....................................................................................................4-2
AMPS analog backplane fuse replacement ..............................................................................4-2
Front-panel tests .................................................................................................................. 4-3
Keys test ...................................................................................................................................4-3
Display patterns test..................................................................................................................4-3
Displaying the serial number................................................................................................ 4-4
Upgrading the firmware........................................................................................................ 4-4
Troubleshooting FAQs ............................................................................................5-1
About this section................................................................................................................. 5-1
How do I change the power line frequency or voltage?....................................................... 5-1
Why doesn't the Series 3700A recognize my switch card?................................................. 5-1
Why is there an error when I try to close a channel?........................................................... 5-2
Why are the switch relays not closing?................................................................................ 5-2
How do I save the present state of the instrument? ............................................................ 5-3
Where can I get the LabVIEW driver? ................................................................................. 5-3
Why can't the Series 3700A read my USB flash drive?....................................................... 5-3
Next steps................................................................................................................. 6-1
Next steps ............................................................................................................................ 6-1

In this section:
Welcome.................................................................................. 1-1
Introduction to this manual....................................................... 1-1
Contact information.................................................................. 1-1
Extended warranty................................................................... 1-2
Product documentation, drivers, and software......................... 1-2
Measuring capabilities.............................................................. 1-3
Safety precautions for connections.......................................... 1-4
Welcome
Thank you for choosing a Keithley Instruments product. The Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter
features scalable, instrument grade switching and multi-channel measurement solutions that are
optimized for automated testing of electronic products and components. The Series 3700A includes
four versions of the Model 3706A system switch mainframe, along with a growing family of plug-in
switch and control cards. When the Model 3706A mainframe is ordered with the high-performance
multimeter, you receive a tightly-integrated switch and measurement system that can meet the
demanding application requirements in a functional test system or provide the flexibility needed in
stand-alone data acquisition and measurement applications.
Introduction to this manual
This manual provides information to familiarize you with the Keithley Instruments Series 3700A
System Switch/Multimeter. It provides the basics of two of the Series 3700A interfaces, the front panel
and the web interface,to familiarize you with the instrument.
For application examples that demonstrate how to use the instrument in specific situations, refer to
the Series 3700A Application Manual.
For detailed information about the Series 3700A, refer to the Series 3700A Reference Manual.
Contact information
If you have any questions after you review the information in this documentation, please contact your
local Keithley Instruments office, sales partner, or distributor. You can also call the Tektronix
corporate headquarters (toll-free inside the U.S. and Canada only) at 1-800-833-9200. For worldwide
contact numbers, visit tek.com/contact-us.
Section 1
Introduction

Section 1: Introduction Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual
1-2 3700AS-900-01 Rev. C March 2021
Extended warranty
Additional years of warranty coverage are available on many products. These valuable contracts
protect you from unbudgeted service expenses and provide additional years of protection at a fraction
of the price of a repair. Extended warranties are available on new and existing products. Contact your
local Keithley Instruments office, sales partner, or distributor for details.
Product documentation, drivers, and software
The Series 3700A documentation is available for download in PDF format on the Product Support
web page (tek.com/product-support). Documentation includes:
•Quick Start Guide: Provides unpacking instructions, describes basic connections, and reviews
basic operation information. If you are new to Keithley Instruments equipment, refer to the Quick
Start Guide to take the steps needed to unpack, set up, and verify operation.
•User's Manual: Provides an overview of the instrument, information on how to set up remote
communications, and basic operating information.
•Application Manual: Provides application examples. If you need a starting point to begin
creation of applications, refer to the Application Manual for a variety of specific examples.
•Reference Manual: Includes advanced operation topics and maintenance information.
Programmers looking for a command reference, and users looking for an in-depth description of
the way the instrument works (including troubleshooting and optimization), should refer to the
Reference Manual.
•Switching and Control Cards Reference Manual: Contains information specific to the switch
cards that can be used with the Series 3700A.
•Additional product information: Product data sheets, product specifications, and accessories
information.
Additional drivers and software are available for download from the Product Support web page
(tek.com/product-support), including:
•Keithley Instruments Test Script Builder (TSB): A software tool that simplifies building and
creating test scripts. It includes built-in color coding, debugging tools, and error handling.
•Keithley I/O Layer: Software that manages the communications between Keithley instrument
drivers and software applications and the instrument.
•J2SE™ Runtime Environment: Web browser plug-in required to run the web applications that
•are available through the instrument web interface.
•Drivers for National Instruments LabView™.
•Firmware updates.

Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Section 1: Introduction
3700AS-900-01 Rev. C March 2021 1-3
To identify IP addresses of instruments connected to the local area network (LAN) that support
VXI-11 discovery protocol, including the Series 3700A, you can also use the LXI Discovery Tool,
available from the Resources tab of the LXI Consortium website (lxistandard.org).
Measuring capabilities
The basic measurement capabilities of Series 3700A systems are summarized in the following figure.
Figure 1: Multimeter measurement capability

Section 1: Introduction Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual
1-4 3700AS-900-01 Rev. C March 2021
Safety precautions for connections
Connection information for switching cards is intended for qualified service personnel. Do
not attempt to connect DUT or external circuitry to a switching card unless qualified to do so.
To prevent electric shock that could result in serious injury or death, comply with these
safety precautions:
Before making or breaking any connections to the switching card, make sure the Series
3700A is turned off and power is removed from all external circuitry.
Do not connect signals that will exceed the maximum specifications of any installed
switching card.
If both the rear analog backplane connector of the Series 3700A and the switching card
terminals are connected at the same time, the test lead insulation must be rated to the
highest voltage that is connected. For example, if 300 V is connected to the analog backplane
connector, the test lead insulation for the switching card must also be rated for 300 V.
Dangerous arcs of an explosive nature in a high-energy circuit can cause severe personal
injury or death if contacted. If the multimeter is connected to a high-energy circuit when set
to a current range, low resistance range, or any other low-impedance range, the circuit is
virtually shorted.
Dangerous arcing can result (even when the multimeter is set to a voltage range) if the
minimum voltage spacing is reduced in the external connections. For details about how to
safely make high energy measurements, see High-energy circuit safety precautions in the
Series 3700A Reference Manual.
As described in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard IEC 664, the
Series 3700A is Installation Category I and must not be connected to mains.

In this section:
Introduction .............................................................................. 2-1
Series 3700A front panel overview........................................... 2-2
Channel identification............................................................... 2-7
Operating a channel from the front panel................................. 2-8
Viewing the close or open status of a channel....................... 2-10
Emulate a Model 3706........................................................... 2-10
Channel patterns.................................................................... 2-11
Front-panel scanning ............................................................. 2-13
Taking measurements without a switch card.......................... 2-15
Introduction
Before starting this section, complete the tasks outlined in the Series 3700A Quick Start Guide. Once
you have completed those tasks, read this section, which provides enough basic information about
the Model 3706A front-panel interface to begin working with the Series 3700A.
The Keithley Instruments Models 3706A and 3706A-S front panels contain the following items:
•(1) The USB port (on page 2-3)
•(2) The display (on page 2-3)
•(3) The navigation wheel (on page 2-5)
•(4) The POWER key (on page 2-5)
•(5) The status lights (on page 2-5)
•(6) The setup and control keys (on page 2-5)
For these models, you can use the keys, display, and the navigation wheel to access, view, and
edit the menu items and set values.
The Model 3706A-SNFP front panel does not have a display, navigation wheel, and setup and
control keys. These models are configured and controlled through a remote interface. For more
information, see Using the web interface (on page 3-1) in this manual, and refer to the Series 3700A
Reference Manual for detailed information about instrument programming and remote commands.
Section 2
Using the front-panel interface

Section 2: Using the front-panel interface Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual
2-2 3700AS-900-01 Rev. C March 2021
Series 3700A front panel overview
The Series 3700A includes several models that support different features. The following figures show
the front panels of each of the models; a brief description of the features follows the figures.
For more detailed information about the Model 3706A front panel, see the “General operation” section
in the Series 3700A Reference Manual.
Figure 2: Model 3706A with DMM front panel
Figure 3: Model 3706A-S front panel (no DMM)
Figure 4: Model 3706A-SNFP (no DMM) front panel

Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Section 2: Using the front-panel interface
3700AS-900-01 Rev. C March 2021 2-3
(1) The USB port
(USB port)
Use the front-panel USB port to connect a USB flash drive. The USB flash drive can be
used to store reading buffer data, scripts, and user setup options.
(2) The display
During setup, the display shows menu choices that you can use to configure the instrument. See
"Menu overview" in the Series 3700A Reference Manual for more information about Series 3700A
menus.
During operation, the display provides information about the selected channel, channel pattern,
channel state, and errors. It also shows the control status (local or remote). If REM is displayed, the
instrument is presently controlled through a remote interface (GPIB, LAN, or USB). If REM is not
displayed, control is through the front panel. The following figure shows an example of the Series
3700A during operation.
Figure 5: Series 3700A display during operation
Series 3700A display during operation
1
Active channel (slot 1, channel 004)
2
Channel state (open, 2-pole operation)
3
Present state of the DMM attributes for displayed channel:
▪The 4-WΩ and autorange are enabled
▪Dry-circuit ohms is disabled (DRY−)
▪Offset compensation is off (OC−)
For detailed descriptions of the DMM attribute symbols, see the table
labeled "DMM attribute symbols" in the "Front-panel operation" topic in the
Series 3700A Reference Manual
4
Arrow indicating that more menu items exist; turn the navigation wheel to
the left or right to see the additional items
5
The 4-WΩ and autorange is enabled
6
Indicates the instrument is in remote operation rather than local operation

Section 2: Using the front-panel interface Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual
2-4 3700AS-900-01 Rev. C March 2021
The table below lists the display indicators and what they mean.
Indicator
Meaning
AUTO
Measure autorange is selected
EDIT
Instrument is in the editing mode
ERR
Questionable reading or invalid calibration step
FILT
Digital filter is enabled
LSTN
Instrument is addressed to listen
MATH
Enabled for mX+b, percent, or reciprocal (1/X) calculation
REL
Relative mode is enabled
REM
Instrument is in remote mode
SRQ
Service request is asserted
TALK
Instrument is addressed to talk
TRIG
Instrument is processing a front-panel reading request
4W
Four-wire resistance or RTD temperature reading
*(asterisk)
Readings are being stored in the buffer
The bottom left line of the display contains the DMM attribute symbols. The symbols that appear are
dependent on whether the attribute exists for the selected function. The following table indicates the
DMM attribute symbols that may appear on the front panel. If the symbol has a value associated with
it, the third column in the table indicates the value definition.
DMM attribute symbols
Front-panel DMM attribute
Symbol
Values
range
R=
AUTO or n, where n equals the range
nplc
N=
n, where n equals the NPLC
autodelay
AD
+ for ON, 1 for ONCE, or 0 for OFF
autozero
AZ
+ for ON or –for OFF
line sync
LS
+ for ON or –for OFF
limit
LIM
+ for a limit enabled or –for limits disabled
detector bandwidth
DBW
3, 30, or 300
threshold
THR=
n, where n indicates the threshold
aperture
A=
n, where n indicates the aperture setting
dry circuit
DRY
+ for ON or –for OFF
offset compensation
OC
+ for ON or –for OFF
thermocouple sensor K
K_T/C
N/A
thermocouple sensor T
T_T/C
N/A
thermocouple sensor E
E_T/C
N/A
thermocouple sensor R
R_T/C
N/A
thermocouple sensor S
S_T/C
N/A
thermocouple sensor B
B_T/C
N/A
thermocouple sensor N
N_T/C
N/A
thermistor
THRM
N/A
three-wire RTD
3RTD
N/A
4-wire RTD
4RTD
N/A
simulated reference junction
RJ_SIM
N/A
internal reference junction
RJ_INT
N/A
external reference junction
RJ_EXT
N/A

Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Section 2: Using the front-panel interface
3700AS-900-01 Rev. C March 2021 2-5
(3) The navigation wheel
Turn the navigation wheel to scroll to a menu option or to change the value of the
selected numeric parameter. Pressing the navigation wheel has the same functionality
as pressing the ENTER key.
When changing a multiple character value, such as an IP address or channel pattern
name, press the navigation wheel to enter edit mode, rotate the navigation wheel to
change the characters value as needed, but do not leave edit mode. Use the CURSOR
keys to scroll to the other characters and use the navigation wheel to change their value
as needed. Press the ENTER key when finished changing all the characters.
(4) The POWER key
POWER
Power switch. The in position turns the Series 3700A on (I); the out position turns it off
(O).
(5) The status lights
The Series 3700A has three status lights on the front panel.
The 1588 status light indicates 1588 operation. If this light is off, the 1588 feature is
disabled or improperly configured. If the light blinks at a one-second rate, the instrument
is the 1588 master. If the instrument is a slave, the light will not blink.
The LAN status light is lit when the instrument is connected through the local area
network (LAN) with no errors. If this is not lit, the instrument is not connected through the
LAN or there is a connection problem.
If you are using the web interface, the LAN Status light blinks when you click ID.
The POWER light is lit when power is applied to the instrument.
(6) The setup and control keys
The setup and control keys provide front panel control and configuration. The following figure
illustrates each key's location. The table following the figure contains a definition of each key. For
detailed information about front-panel keys, refer to the "Menu overview" topic in the Series 3700A
Reference Manual.
Figure 6: Model 3706A with DMM setup and control keys

Section 2: Using the front-panel interface Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual
2-6 3700AS-900-01 Rev. C March 2021
Key descriptions
Key
Description
DISPLAY
Toggles between the channel measure display, closed channels list, and the user
message mode
CONFIG
Configures a function or operation
RESET
Restores factory default LAN settings
OPEN ALL
Opens all closed channels
STEP
Steps through each step in a predefined scan list
OPEN
Opens the selected channel or channel pattern
CLOSE
Closes the selected channel or channel pattern
STORE
Selects, clears, and saves reading buffer data and creates and deletes reading buffers
REC
Displays stored readings for selected reading buffer
RATE
Sets measurement speed (fast, medium, or slow) for the active or selected function
FUNC
Changes to the next function in a factory-defined list of available DMM functions
CHAN
If a channel is displayed, opens and closes channels; if a pattern is displayed, switches
to channel view
PATT
If a pattern is displayed, manages, opens and closes, and resets patterns; if a channel is
displayed, changes to display a pattern
SLOT
Displays information about the installed cards and the instrument, including firmware
revision, model name, and model number
SCAN
Allows you to run, manage, view, and reset scan lists
DMM
Opens the DMM ACTION menu
LIMIT
Puts cursor in the compliance limit field for editing and selects the limit value to edit
REL
Controls relative measurements; allows baseline value to be subtracted from reading
FILTER
Enables or disables the digital filter; you can use this filter to reduce reading noise
LOAD
Loads test for execution
RUN
Runs the last selected user-defined test code
INSERT
Appends the present channels to the scan list
DELETE
Deletes channels or channel patterns from the scan list
TRIG
Triggers readings
MENU
Accesses the main menu, which can be used to configure instrument operation
EXIT (LOCAL)
Cancels selection and backs out of the menu structure; also used as a LOCAL key to
take the instrument out of remote operation
ENTER
Accepts the current selection or brings up the next menu option; pressing this key is
often the same as pressing the navigation wheel
AUTO
Enables or disables autorange for the selected function
RANGE (up and
down arrows)
Selects the next higher or lower measurement range on the measurement display for the
selected function
CURSOR
Moves the cursor left or right for editing and scrolls through menu options

Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Section 2: Using the front-panel interface
3700AS-900-01 Rev. C March 2021 2-7
Channel identification
The specifiers for the channels depend on the type of channels, as defined in the following topics.
Matrix card channel specifiers
The channels on the matrix cards are referred to by their slot, bank, row, and column numbers:
•Slot number: The number of the slot in which the card is installed.
•Bank number: The bank number, if used by your card. See your card documentation.
•Row number: The row number is either 1 to 8 or A to Z. See your card documentation.
•Column number: Always two digits. For columns greater than 99, use A, B, C and so on to
represent 10, 11, 12, …; the resulting sequence is: 98, 99, A0, A1, …, A8, A9, B0, B1, …
Matrix card channel examples
Specifier
Slot number
Bank number
Row number
Column number
1104
1
N/A
1
04
11104
1
1
1
04
1203
1
N/A
2
03
213A4
2
1
3
104
3112
3
N/A
1
12
62101
6
2
1
01
Analog backplane relay channel specifiers
The channels for slots with analog backplane relays are referred to by their slot, backplane, bank, and
relay numbers:
•Slot number: The number of the slot.
•Backplane number: Always 9.
•Bank number: The bank number, if used by your card. See your card documentation for detail.
•Analog backplane relay number: The number of the backplane relay. Typically 1 to 6. See your
card documentation for detail.
Backplane relay examples
Specifier
Slot number
Backplane number
Bank number
Backplane relay number
1914
1
9
1
4
1922
1
9
2
2
2924
2
9
2
4
3916
3
9
1
6

Section 2: Using the front-panel interface Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual
2-8 3700AS-900-01 Rev. C March 2021
Multiplexer, digital I/O, totalizer, and DAC channel specifiers
The channels for multiplexer (MUX), digital I/O, totalizer, and digital to analog converter channels are
referred to by their slot and channel numbers:
•Slot number: The number of the slot in which the card is installed.
•Channel number: The number of the channel (always three digits).
Specifier
Slot number
Channel number
1004
1
004
2050
2
050
3012
3
012
3003
3
003
2007
2
007
1020
1
020
Operating a channel from the front panel
Hot switching can dry-weld reed relays, causing them to always be on. Hot switching is
recommended only when external protection is provided.
You can perform operations on a single channel from the front panel.
To select a channel:
1. If the instrument is being controlled remotely, press EXIT to allow control from the front panel.
2. Press the navigation wheel to select the first digit of the channel specifier, which is the slot
number indicated by 1 in the following figure. The digit flashes, which indicates that it can
be edited.
Figure 7: Select a channel from the Model 3706A front panel
3. To change to a different slot number, turn the navigation wheel until the slot number you want
is displayed.
4. Press navigation wheel .
5. If your card supports banks, the next number you can select is the bank number. Set this as
needed using the navigation wheel .

Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter User's Manual Section 2: Using the front-panel interface
3700AS-900-01 Rev. C March 2021 2-9
6. Set the channel number (or rows and columns for installed matrix cards), identified as 2 in the
following figure, as needed using the navigation wheel .
7. The display shows the current state of the selected channel in the bottom row, as shown by 3 in
the following figure. In this example, the channel is open and 2-pole.
Figure 8: Series 3700A selected channel state
If you see :followed by a channel specifier, you selected a range; press EXIT to return to the main
display and reselect your channel.
8. To:
▪Close a channel without affecting any other channels: Select CLOSE.
▪Open the channel: Press OPEN.
▪Close a channel and open any other closed channels on the instrument: Select CHAN and
select EXCLOSE. Press ENTER to close the selected channels.
▪Close a channel and open any other closed channels on the slot that contains the selected
channel: Select CHAN, and then select EXSLOTCLOSE. Press ENTER to close the
selected channels.
Once a channel is selected, it is the selected channel for any subsequent front-panel operations.