The Keysight (formerly Agilent / Hewlett-Packard) 34401A is an industry-standard 6½ digit precision benchtop digital multimeter. Renowned for its reliability and accuracy, it provides comprehensive measurement capabilities including DC/AC voltage and current, 2-wire and 4-wire resistance, frequency, period, continuity, and diode testing. Standard features include True RMS AC measurements, built-in math functions, and standard GPIB and RS-232 interfaces, making it highly versatile for both bench exploration and automated test system (ATE) applications.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | RS-232, GPIB (Standard); USB (Optional via adapter) |
| Display | Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) |
| Measurement Functions | DCV, ACV, DCI, ACI, 2-wire Resistance, 4-wire Resistance, Frequency, Period, Continuity, Diode Test |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 100V / 120V / 220V / 240V ±10%, 45 Hz - 66 Hz or 360 Hz - 440 Hz, 25 VA max |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 55 |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 254 × 103.6 × 374 |
| Weight | 3.6 |
DC Voltage Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Ranges | 100.0000 mV, 1.000000 V, 10.00000 V, 100.0000 V, 1000.000 V |
| Maximum Resolution | 100 nV (on 100 mV range) |
| Input Resistance | >10 GΩ (100 mV, 1 V, 10 V ranges); 10 MΩ ±1% (100 V, 1000 V ranges) |
| Input Bias Current | < 30 pA at 25 °C |
| Maximum Input Protection | 1000 VDC |
| Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR) | 140 dB (for 1 kΩ unbalance in LO lead, DC) |
| Normal Mode Rejection Ratio (NMRR) | 60 dB (at 50/60 Hz ±0.1%, for 1 NPLC or greater) |
| 1-Year Accuracy | ±(0.0035% of reading + 0.0005% of range) on 10 V range |
DC Current Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Shunt Resistance | 5 Ω for 10 mA / 100 mA; 0.1 Ω for 1 A / 3 A |
| Burden Voltage | < 0.15 V at 10 mA, < 1.5 V at 100 mA, < 0.3 V at 1 A, < 1 V at 3 A |
Resistance Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Measurement Method | Selectable 4-wire or 2-wire ohms (Current source referenced to LO input) |
| Maximum Lead Resistance (4-Wire) | 10% of range per lead for 100 Ω and 1 kΩ ranges; 1 kΩ per lead on all other ranges |
AC Voltage Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 3 Hz to 300 kHz |
| Measurement Technique | AC-coupled True RMS (measures AC component only) |
| Maximum Crest Factor | 5:1 at full scale |
| Input Impedance | 1 MΩ ±2% in parallel with 100 pF |
Frequency and Period Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Ranges | 3 Hz to 300 kHz |
| Period Ranges | 3.33 µs to 333 ms |
| Input Signal Level | 100 mV to 750 V rms |
Continuity and Diode Test
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Continuity Threshold | Adjustable from 1 Ω to 1000 Ω |
| Diode Test Current | 1 mA |
| Diode Voltage Range | 0 to 1.2 V |
Measurement Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| A/D Converter Type | Multi-Slope III |
| Integration Times (NPLC) | 0.02, 0.2, 1, 10, 100 Power Line Cycles |
| Math Functions | Null, Min/Max/Average, dB, dBm, Limit Test |
| Reading Memory / Storage | 512 readings |
System and Operating Speeds
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Readings per Second (Over Interface) | 1000 readings/second in ASCII format across GPIB |
| Maximum Readings per Second (To Memory) | 1000 readings/second |
Triggering Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Trigger Sources | Internal, External, Bus (Software) |
| Trigger Delay Range | 0 to 3600 seconds (10 µs step size) |
Interfaces and Programming
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Supported Command Languages | SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments), Agilent 3478A, Fluke 8840A/8842A |
Environmental and Compliance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature Range | -40 °C to 70 °C |
| Warm-up Time | 1 hour |
| Calibration Cycle | 1 year (recommended) |
Physical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Rack Mount Size | 2U half-rack |
| Front and Rear Input Terminals | Standard, switch-selectable |
Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Overrange Capability | 20% on all ranges (except 1000 Vdc and 750 Vac) |
Power
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Line Frequency | 45 Hz to 66 Hz, and 360 Hz to 440 Hz (automatically sensed at power-on) |
| Power Consumption | 25 VA peak (10 W average) |
| AC Power Voltage Options | 100V, 120V, 220V, 240V (±10%) |
Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Shock and Vibration | MIL-T-28800E Type III, Class 5 (operating) |
Compliance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Safety Compliance | IEC 1010-1, EN 61010-1, UL 1244, CSA 1010 |
AC Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| AC Filter Bandwidths | 3 Hz (slow), 20 Hz (medium), 200 Hz (fast) |
Performance Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| A/D Linearity | 0.0002% of reading + 0.0001% of range |
System Speeds
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Reading Speed (4½ Digits, 0.02 NPLC) | 1000 readings/s |
| Reading Speed (5½ Digits, 1 NPLC) | 60 readings/s (60 Hz line) / 50 readings/s (50 Hz line) |
| Reading Speed (6½ Digits, 10 NPLC) | 6 readings/s (60 Hz line) / 5 readings/s (50 Hz line) |
Technology
Digital Multimeter
Applications
Precision electronic testing, benchtop measurements, automated test systems (ATE), calibration