Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 34461A vs Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 34465A
This comparison covers the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 34461A and Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 34465A digital multimeters. Both units are 6.5 digit Truevolt DMMs featuring an identical bench footprint and a 4.3-inch color graphical display. While they share core functionalities, they differ in measurement ranges, speed, and standard features. The Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 34461A serves as a highly capable standard bench multimeter. In contrast, the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 34465A offers higher accuracy, expanded current and resistance ranges, autocalibration, and significantly faster reading rates with optional deep memory for high-performance testing.
- Resolution
- 6.5 digits (Both)
- Display Size
- 4.3 inches (Both)
- Base Reading Rate
- 1,000 rds/s (34461A) vs. 5,000 rds/s (34465A)
- Standard Memory
- 10,000 rds (34461A) vs. 50,000 rds (34465A)
- Max Resistance
- 100 MΩ (34461A) vs. 1 GΩ (34465A)
Specifications
| Specification | Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP)34461A | Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP)34465A |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Interfaces | USB 2.0 (Host and Device), LAN (LXI Core), GPIB (optional) | USB 2.0, LAN (10/100 Base-T), GPIB (optional via Option GPB) |
| Display | 4.3-inch color TFT-LCD, 480 x 272 resolution, supporting trend charts, histograms, and bar charts | 4.3-inch color TFT WQVGA (480 x 272) with histogram, bar chart, and trend chart modes |
| Real-Time Clock | Yes (with battery backup) | — |
| SCPI Version | 1999.0 | — |
| Warm-Up Time | — | 60 minutes |
| Physical | ||
| Power Supply | 100 V / 120 V / 220 V / 240 V (±10%), 50 Hz / 60 Hz / 400 Hz (±10%), 55 VA maximum | 100 V / 120 V / 220 V / 240 V ±10%, 45 Hz to 66 Hz, 360 Hz to 440 Hz; 75 VA maximum |
| Operating Temperature(°C) | 0 °C to 55 °C | 0 to 55 |
| Dimensions (W×H×D)(mm) | 261.2 mm × 103.8 mm × 303.2 mm (with bumpers and handle) | 261.2 × 103.8 × 303.2 |
| Weight(kg) | 3.76 kg | 3.76 |
| Measurement Specifications | ||
| Display Resolution | 6.5 digits | — |
| DC Voltage Ranges | 100 mV, 1 V, 10 V, 100 V, 1000 V | — |
| DC Voltage Best 1-Year Accuracy | 0.0035% of reading + 0.0005% of range | — |
| AC Voltage Ranges | 100 mV, 1 V, 10 V, 100 V, 750 V | — |
| AC Voltage Frequency Range | 3 Hz to 300 kHz | — |
| AC Voltage Best 1-Year Accuracy | 0.06% of reading + 0.03% of range (at 10 Hz - 20 kHz) | — |
| DC Current Ranges | 100 µA, 1 mA, 10 mA, 100 mA, 1 A, 3 A, 10 A | — |
| DC Current Best 1-Year Accuracy | 0.05% of reading + 0.005% of range (on 100 mA range) | — |
| AC Current Ranges | 100 µA, 1 mA, 10 mA, 100 mA, 1 A, 3 A, 10 A | — |
| AC Current Frequency Range | 3 Hz to 10 kHz | — |
| AC Current Best 1-Year Accuracy | 0.10% of reading + 0.04% of range | — |
| Resistance Ranges | 100 Ω, 1 kΩ, 10 kΩ, 100 kΩ, 1 MΩ, 10 MΩ, 100 MΩ (2-wire and 4-wire) | — |
| Resistance Best 1-Year Accuracy | 0.010% of reading + 0.001% of range (on 10 kΩ range) | — |
| Diode Test Threshold / Source Current | 5.0 V maximum test voltage, 1 mA source current | — |
| Continuity Threshold | 1 Ω to 1000 Ω (adjustable) | — |
| Frequency and Period Range | 3 Hz to 300 kHz (Period: 333 ms to 3.3 µs) | — |
| Frequency Best 1-Year Accuracy | 0.01% of reading | — |
| Supported Temperature Sensors | RTD (PT100), Thermistor (2.2 kΩ, 5 kΩ, 10 kΩ) | — |
| System Performance & Digitizing | ||
| Maximum Reading Rate (to Internal Memory) | 1,000 readings/s | — |
| Maximum Reading Rate (to Bus) | 1,000 readings/s | — |
| Internal Memory Capacity (Readings) | 10,000 readings | — |
| Aperture / Integration Time Range | 0.02 NPLC, 0.2 NPLC, 1 NPLC, 10 NPLC, 100 NPLC | — |
| Input & Noise Characteristics | ||
| DC Voltage Input Impedance | 10 MΩ ±1% (all ranges) or > 10 GΩ (100 mV, 1 V, 10 V ranges) | — |
| Input Bias Current | < 30 pA at 25 °C | — |
| Maximum Input Voltage (Terminal to Terminal) | 1000 V (HI to LO) | — |
| Maximum Input Voltage (Terminal to Earth) | 500 Vpk (LO to Earth) | — |
| DC Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR) | 140 dB (for 1 kΩ LO lead unbalance) | — |
| AC Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR) | 70 dB (at 50/60 Hz, for 1 kΩ LO lead unbalance) | — |
| Normal Mode Rejection Ratio (NMRR) | 60 dB (at 50/60 Hz, for 1 NPLC or greater) | — |
| AC Crest Factor Limit | 3:1 at full scale | — |
| Triggering & Mathematical Functions | ||
| Trigger Sources | Internal, External, Manual, Software | — |
| Trigger Delay Range | 0 s to 3600 s | — |
| Pre-trigger Capability | Up to 10,000 readings | — |
| External Trigger Input Level / Pulse Width | TTL-compatible, minimum 1 µs pulse width | — |
| Voltmeter Complete (VM Comp) Output | TTL-compatible, ≈ 2 µs pulse width | — |
| Math Functions | Null, Min/Max/Average, Standard Deviation, Limit Test, dB, dBm | — |
| Connectivity & System Interfaces | ||
| USB Port (Host/Device) | USB 2.0 (Host on front panel, Device on rear panel) | — |
| LAN Interface / LXI Compliance | LAN (10/100 Base-T, LXI Core 2011 compliant) | — |
| GPIB Interface (Standard/Optional) | Optional (via option 3446GPBU) | — |
| Command Emulation Modes | Keysight 34401A SCPI | — |
| SCPI Language Compatibility | Standard SCPI-1999 | — |
| Physical & Environmental Specifications | ||
| Storage Temperature Range | -40 °C to 70 °C | — |
| Operating Humidity Limit | Up to 80% RH at 40 °C (non-condensing) | — |
| Maximum Operating Altitude | 3,000 meters (approx. 10,000 feet) | — |
| Warm-up Time | 60 minutes | — |
| Compliance & Safety | ||
| Standard Calibration Interval | 1 year | — |
| Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards | EN 61326-1, IEC 61326-1, ICES-001 | — |
| Standard Warranty Period | 3 years | — |
| Measurement Ranges | ||
| Capacitance Ranges | 1 nF, 10 nF, 100 nF, 1 µF, 10 µF, 100 µF | — |
| Maximum Diode Test Voltage | 5 V | — |
| Continuity Test Current | 1 mA | — |
| Measurement Accuracy | ||
| Capacitance Best 1-Year Accuracy | 1.0% of reading + 0.3% of range | — |
| AC Measurement | ||
| AC Low-Frequency Filter Settings | 3 Hz, 20 Hz, 200 Hz | — |
| Measurement Options | ||
| Resistance Measurement Configuration | 2-wire and 4-wire | — |
| Power | ||
| AC Line Frequency Range | 45 Hz to 66 Hz, 360 Hz to 440 Hz | — |
| Power Consumption | 75 VA maximum | — |
| Safety & Compliance | ||
| Safety Category Rating | CAT I 1000 V, CAT II 300 V | — |
| Pollution Degree | Pollution Degree 2 | — |
| Math & Analytics | ||
| Statistical Calculations | Min, Max, Average, Standard Deviation, Peak-to-Peak | — |
| Limits Testing | Pass/Fail limits with high/low visual indicators | — |
| Display Options | ||
| Histogram Display Mode | Supported | — |
| Trend Chart Display Mode | Supported | — |
| Display | ||
| Display Size | 4.3 in (109 mm) diagonal | — |
| Display Resolution (Pixels) | 480 × 272 | — |
| Environmental | ||
| Acoustic Noise | 35 dBA (nominal) | — |
| Vibration & Shock | MIL-PRF-28800F, Class 3 | — |
| Operating Altitude | — | Up to 3,000 meters |
| Storage | ||
| Instrument State Storage | Supports saving any number of states to internal flash or external USB drive | — |
| Triggering | ||
| Voltmeter Complete Pulse Width | ≈ 2 µs | — |
| External Trigger Latency | < 15 µs | — |
| External Trigger Jitter | < 1 µs | — |
| Performance | ||
| Max Reading Rate to USB Flash Drive | 80 readings/s | — |
| 4-Wire Resistance Max Lead Resistance | 10% of range per lead (100 Ω, 1 kΩ ranges), 1 kΩ per lead (other ranges) | — |
| Resolution and Display | ||
| Digits of Resolution | — | 6.5 digits |
| Display Type | — | Color TFT |
| Maximum Count | — | 1,200,000 |
| Dual Display Support | — | Yes |
| DC Voltage | ||
| DCV Ranges | — | 100 mV, 1 V, 10 V, 100 V, 1000 V |
| DCV Best 1-Year Accuracy | — | 0.0030% of reading + 0.0005% of range |
| DCV Maximum Resolution | — | 100 nV |
| DCV Input Impedance | — | 10 MΩ ±1% (all ranges); >10 GΩ selectable (100 mV, 1 V, 10 V ranges) |
| DCV Normal Mode Rejection Ratio (NMRR) | — | 60 dB at 50 Hz, 60 Hz (with 1 PLC or greater) |
| DCV Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR) | — | 140 dB (for 1 kΩ imbalance in LO lead) |
| DCV Linearity | — | 0.0002% of reading + 0.0001% of range |
| DCV Input Bias Current | — | <30 pA at 25 °C |
| AC Voltage | ||
| ACV Measurement Type | — | True RMS |
| ACV Ranges | — | 100 mV, 1 V, 10 V, 100 V, 750 V |
| ACV Frequency Range | — | 3 Hz to 300 kHz |
| ACV Best 1-Year Accuracy | — | 0.06% of reading + 0.03% of range (at 10 Hz - 20 kHz) |
| ACV Maximum Resolution | — | 100 nV |
| ACV Input Impedance | — | 1 MΩ ±2% in parallel with <100 pF |
| ACV Maximum Crest Factor | — | 10:1 at up to 10% of range; 3:1 at full scale |
| DC Current | ||
| DCI Ranges | — | 1 µA, 10 µA, 100 µA, 1 mA, 10 mA, 100 mA, 1 A, 3 A, 10 A |
| DCI Best 1-Year Accuracy | — | 0.05% of reading + 0.005% of range (on 10 mA, 100 mA ranges) |
| DCI Maximum Resolution | — | 1 pA |
| DCI Input Protection | — | 11 A, 1000 V FAST fuse (10 A terminal); 4 A, 500 V FAST fuse (3 A terminal) |
| AC Current | ||
| ACI Measurement Type | — | True RMS |
| ACI Ranges | — | 100 µA, 1 mA, 10 mA, 100 mA, 1 A, 3 A, 10 A |
| ACI Frequency Range | — | 3 Hz to 10 kHz |
| ACI Best 1-Year Accuracy | — | 0.10% of reading + 0.04% of range |
| ACI Maximum Resolution | — | 100 pA |
| Resistance | ||
| Resistance Measurement Configurations | — | 2-wire and 4-wire |
| Resistance Ranges | — | 100 Ω, 1 kΩ, 10 kΩ, 100 kΩ, 1 MΩ, 10 MΩ, 100 MΩ, 1 GΩ |
| Resistance Best 1-Year Accuracy | — | 0.008% of reading + 0.001% of range (on 10 kΩ range) |
| Resistance Maximum Resolution | — | 100 µΩ |
| Maximum Test Current | — | 1 mA |
| Offset Compensation | — | Yes |
| Open Circuit Voltage | — | <17 V |
| Frequency and Period | ||
| Frequency Range | — | 3 Hz to 300 kHz |
| Period Range | — | 3.3 µs to 333 ms |
| Frequency Best 1-Year Accuracy | — | 0.01% of reading |
| Gate Time Options | — | 1 ms, 10 ms, 100 ms, 1 s |
| Secondary and Specialized Measurements | ||
| Capacitance Ranges | — | 1.0 nF, 10.0 nF, 100.0 nF, 1.0 µF, 10.0 µF, 100.0 µF |
| Capacitance Best 1-Year Accuracy | — | 1% of reading + 0.3% of range |
| Temperature Sensor Support | — | RTD, Thermistor, Thermocouple |
| Diode Test Voltage / Current | — | 5 V / 1 mA |
| Continuity Threshold | — | Adjustable from 1 Ω to 1000 Ω |
| System Speed and Performance | ||
| Integration Time Options (NPLC) | — | 0.02 to 100 NPLC (0.001 to 100 NPLC with Option DIG) |
| Reading Rate to Internal Memory | — | 5,000 readings/s (standard); 50,000 readings/s (with Option DIG) |
| Reading Rate to Interface | — | 5,000 readings/s (standard); 50,000 readings/s (with Option DIG) |
| Maximum Internal Storage Capacity | — | 50,000 readings (standard); 2,000,000 readings (with Option MEM/DIG) |
| Triggering and Math Functions | ||
| Trigger Sources | — | Internal, External, Software, Front panel |
| Trigger Delay Range | — | 0 to 3600 s |
| Built-in Math Functions | — | Null, Min/Max/Average, dB, dBm, Limit test |
| Statistical Analysis Functions | — | Standard deviation, Mean, Min, Max, Peak-to-peak |
| Limit Testing | — | Yes |
| Interfaces and Connectivity | ||
| GPIB Interface | — | Optional (Option GPB) |
| RS-232 Interface | — | No |
| USB Interface Type | — | USB 2.0 (Type A host and Type B device) |
| LAN/Ethernet Interface | — | 10/100 Base-T (LXI Core compliant) |
| External Trigger Input | — | Yes (BNC) |
| Voltmeter Complete (VMC) Output | — | Yes (BNC) |
| Power and Environmental | ||
| Storage Temperature Range | — | -40 °C to 70 °C |
| Operating Humidity Range | — | Up to 80% RH at 31 °C, decreasing linearly to 50% RH at 40 °C |
| Safety Standards | — | EN 61010-1, UL 61010-1, CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1 |
| Physical Characteristics | ||
| Rack Unit Height | — | 2U |
| Measurement Performance | ||
| Autocalibration (ACAL) | — | Yes (corrects for temperature drift) |
| High-Speed Digitizing Option | — | Up to 50,000 rds/s (with Option 34465A-DIG) |
| Programming & System | ||
| Language Emulation Modes | — | 34401A, 34410A/34411A SCPI-compatible |
| Power & Safety | ||
| AC Line Frequency | — | 45 Hz to 66 Hz, 360 Hz to 440 Hz (auto-sensing) |
| Power Consumption | — | 75 VA maximum (30 W average) |
| Pollution Degree | — | Pollution Degree 2 |
| Hardware Features | ||
| Front/Rear Terminal Switch | — | Manual front panel switch |
| Real-Time Clock | — | Battery-backed, keeps time when power is off |
| Input Protection | ||
| LO to Ground Isolation | — | ±500 V peak |
| System & Connectivity | ||
| LXI Compliance | — | LXI Core 2011 |
| Front Panel USB Port | — | USB 2.0 host, Type A (for USB flash drives) |
| Performance Options | ||
| High-Speed Digitizing Rate | — | Up to 50,000 samples/s (requires Option DIG) |
| Extended Memory Capacity | — | Up to 2,000,000 readings (requires Option MEM) |
Measurement Capabilities and Accuracy
Both instruments provide 6.5 digits of resolution, but the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 34465A provides superior accuracy. For DC voltage measurements, the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 34465A achieves a best 1-year accuracy of 0.0030% of reading + 0.0005% of range, compared to 0.0035% of reading + 0.0005% of range on the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 34461A.
Range capabilities also differ. The Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 34465A adds lower DC current ranges of 1 µA and 10 µA, whereas the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 34461A starts at 100 µA. For resistance, the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 34465A extends up to a 1 GΩ range with a 10 kΩ best accuracy of 0.008%, whereas the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 34461A maxes out at 100 MΩ with a 10 kΩ accuracy of 0.010%. Furthermore, the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 34465A supports thermocouple temperature sensors in addition to RTDs and thermistors, while the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 34461A is limited to RTDs and thermistors.
Reading Speed, Memory, and Integration
For applications requiring rapid data logging, the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 34465A offers significant advantages. The standard Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 34461A has a maximum reading rate of 1,000 readings/s to its internal memory or bus, and is equipped with a fixed internal memory of 10,000 readings. Its integration aperture settings range down to 0.02 NPLC.
In comparison, the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 34465A supports a base reading rate of 5,000 readings/s to its standard 50,000-reading memory. With the optional high-speed digitizing upgrade (Option DIG), its reading rate increases up to 50,000 readings/s, and its integration time settings can be set as low as 0.001 NPLC. Its memory capacity can also expand up to 2,000,000 readings via the MEM/DIG option.
Shared Physical Bench Attributes
Beyond measurement performance, the two DMMs share an identical physical footprint. Each instrument weighs 3.76 kg and has external dimensions of 261.2 mm × 103.8 mm × 303.2 mm. Both units feature a 4.3-inch color TFT display (480 x 272 resolution) with built-in trend chart, histogram, and bar chart display modes.
Connectivity options on both include standard USB 2.0 and LAN (10/100 Base-T) interfaces, alongside an optional GPIB interface. They also utilize the same warm-up time of 60 minutes and operate within a temperature range of 0 °C to 55 °C.
Frequently asked questions
- Can the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 34461A use thermocouples for temperature measurement?
- No. The Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 34461A supports RTD (PT100) and thermistor sensors only. Thermocouple support is available on the Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 34465A.
- Do these multimeters offer built-in temperature drift correction?
- The Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 34465A includes an Autocalibration (ACAL) feature that automatically corrects for internal temperature drift. The Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) 34461A does not support autocalibration.