Agilent Technologies Switch/Measure manual Measurement Range

Features and Functions 2

Measurement Range

You can allow the instrument to automatically select the measurement range using autoranging or you can select a fixed range using manual ranging. Autoranging is convenient because the instrument decides which range to use for each measurement based on the input signal. For fastest scanning operation, use manual ranging on each measurement (some additional time is required for autoranging since the instrument has to make a range selection).

•Autorange thresholds:

Down range at: <10% of range

Up range at: >120% of range

•If the input signal is greater than can be measured on the selected range (manual ranging), the instrument gives an overload indication: “±OVLD” from the front panel or “±9.9E+37” from the remote interface.

•For temperature measurements, the instrument internally selects the range; you cannot select which range is used. For thermocouple measurements, the instrument internally selects the 100 mV range. For thermistor and RTD measurements, the instrument autoranges to the correct range for the transducer resistance measurement.

•For frequency and period measurements, the instrument uses one “range” for all inputs between 3 Hz and 300 kHz. The range parameter is required only to specify the resolution. Therefore, it is not necessary to send a new command for each new frequency to be measured.

•The CONFigure and MEASure? commands contain an optional parameter which allows you to specify the range or autoranging.

•The instrument returns to autoranging when the measurement function is changed and after a Factory Reset (*RST command). An Instrument Preset (SYSTem:PRESet command) or Card Reset (SYSTem:CPON command) does not change the range setting.

Front Panel Operation: DMM or Channel (Configure) > RANGE

First, select the measurement function on the active channel. You are automatically guided to the next level of the menu where you can select a specific range or autoranging.

Remote Interface Operation: You can select the range using parameters in the CONFigure and MEASure? commands. For example, the following command selects the 10 Vdc range on the specified channel.

CONF:VOLT:DC 10,DEF,(@3001)

34980A User’s Guide 17