Chapter 4 Features and Functions

Alarm Limits

You can assign an alarm to any configured channel and multiple channels can be assigned to the same alarm number. However, you cannot assign alarms on a specific channel to more than one alarm number.

When an alarm occurs, the instrument stores relevant information about the alarm in the queue. This includes the reading that caused the alarm, the time of day and date of the alarm, and the channel number on which the alarm occurred. The information stored in the alarm queue is always in absolute time format and is not affected by the FORMat:READing:TIME:TYPE command setting.

You must configure the channel (function, transducer type, etc.) before setting any alarm limits. If you change the measurement configuration, alarms are turned off and the limit values are cleared. Alarms are also turned off when you change the temperature probe type, temperature units, or disable the internal DMM.

• If you plan to use alarms on a channel which will also use scaling,

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be sure to configure the scaling values first. If you attempt to assign the alarm limits first, the instrument will turn off alarms and clear the limit values when you enable scaling on that channel. If you specify a custom measurement label with scaling, it is automatically used when alarms are logged on that channel.

If you remove a channel from the scan list (by selecting CHANNEL OFF from the front panel or by redefining the scan list from the remote interface), alarms are no longer evaluated on that channel (during a scan) but the limit values are not cleared. If you decide to add that channel back to the scan list (without changing the function), the original limit values are restored and alarms are turned back on. This makes it easy to temporarily remove a channel from the scan list without entering the alarm values again.

Each time you start a new scan, the instrument clears all readings (including alarm data) stored in reading memory from the previous scan. Therefore, the contents of reading memory are always from the most recent scan.

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Agilent Technologies 34970A manual Alarm Limits

34970A specifications

Agilent Technologies 34970A is a versatile data acquisition and measurement system that has gained popularity in various industries, including research and development, manufacturing, and education. The primary purpose of the 34970A is to offer an efficient solution for data collection, monitoring, and analysis, which can significantly enhance productivity and accuracy in testing applications.

One of the main features of the 34970A is its modular design, allowing users to customize the system according to their specific measurement needs. The mainframe can accommodate up to three plug-in measurement modules, which can include various types of measurements such as analog, digital, temperature, and frequency. This modularity provides flexibility for users to tailor the system to their requirements, making it highly adaptable to different applications.

Another notable characteristic of the Agilent 34970A is its impressive channel configuration. The system can support up to 120 measurement channels when fully configured, enabling extensive data acquisition without the need for multiple devices. This capability is essential for applications requiring simultaneous monitoring of multiple parameters or locations.

The 34970A utilizes advanced signal processing technologies to ensure high-accuracy measurements. The internal 6.5-digit resolution multimeter provides precise readings, while the device also supports various input types, such as thermocouples and RTDs for temperature measurements. The ability to perform mathematical functions, such as summation and averaging, on the acquired data further enhances its usability.

For data storage and management, the Agilent 34970A features built-in memory for storing up to 20,000 readings. Users can also easily transfer data to a PC through the RS-232 interface or GPIB (IEEE 488) for further analysis and reporting. Additionally, it offers the capability to program automatic data logging and scheduling of measurements, which streamlines the testing process and reduces manual intervention.

In terms of user interface, the 34970A is equipped with a large graphical display that provides clear visualization of measurement data and easy navigation through settings and options. The menu-driven interface makes it accessible for users of all skill levels, simplifying the setup and operation of the device.

Overall, the Agilent Technologies 34970A stands out for its modularity, high channel capacity, advanced measurement technologies, and user-friendly interface. As a reliable and efficient data acquisition system, it is well-suited for a wide range of applications, making it an essential tool for engineers and technicians looking to enhance measurement precision and efficiency.