The Keysight Technologies (formerly Agilent HP) 4338B is a high-speed, precise AC milliohmmeter designed for dry-circuit measurements of low-resistance components. Operating at a test signal frequency of 1 kHz, it is optimized for characterizing switches, batteries, relays, cables, connectors, and printed circuit boards where contact resistance is critical.

Specifications

General

ParameterValue
InterfacesGPIB, Handler interface
DisplayCharacter LCD with selectable 3, 4, or 5-digit resolution
Warm-up Time30 minutes
Recommended Calibration Cycle1 year
Display Resolution3, 4, or 5 digits

Physical

ParameterValue
Power Supply90 V to 132 V or 198 V to 264 V, 47 Hz to 66 Hz, 45 VA max
Operating Temperature0 to 55 °C
Dimensions (W×H×D)320 mm × 100 mm × 300 mm
Weight4.5

Measurement Performance

ParameterValue
Measurement ParametersR (AC resistance), X (reactance), |Z| (impedance magnitude), L (inductance), Q (quality factor)
Resistance Measurement Range10 µΩ to 100 kΩ
Maximum Resistance Resolution10 µΩ
Base Accuracy±0.4%
Test Signal Frequency1 kHz
Test Signal Current Range1 µA, 10 µA, 100 µA, 1 mA, 10 mA
Open Circuit Voltage Limit20 mV peak max
Range Selection ModesAuto, Hold

Measurement Speed and Timing

ParameterValue
Short Mode Measurement Speed34 ms
Medium Mode Measurement Speed70 ms
Long Mode Measurement Speed900 ms
Trigger ModesInternal, Manual, External, GPIB
Trigger Delay Time Range0 to 9999 ms
Averaging Range1 to 256

Measurement Support and Functions

ParameterValue
Error CorrectionOpen/Short correction
Contact Check FunctionChecks for open test leads or high contact resistance
Save/Recall StatesUp to 10 instrument configuration states
Comparator FunctionHIGH/IN/LOW sorting for primary parameter, PASS/FAIL for secondary parameter

Display and Controls

ParameterValue
Front Panel Key LockAvailable

Environmental Conditions

ParameterValue
Operating Humidity Range95% RH or less at 40 °C
Storage Temperature Range-40 to +70 °C

Physical Characteristics

ParameterValue
Rack Mount CompatibilityYes (with optional rack mount kits)

Power Requirements

ParameterValue
Line Frequency47 Hz to 66 Hz
Power Consumption45 VA max

Measurement Support

ParameterValue
Cable Length Compensation0 m, 1 m

Measurement Safety

ParameterValue
Maximum Input DC Voltage±42 V DC max

Interfaces

ParameterValue
Handler Interface (Option 001)36-pin Amphenol connector
Analog Output (Option 002)DC voltage output proportional to the measurement value

Inputs & Outputs

ParameterValue
External Trigger InputBNC (rear panel), TTL level

Measurement Ranges

ParameterValue
Inductance (L) Measurement Range10 nH to 15.91 H
Phase Angle (θ) Measurement Range-180.00° to +180.00°
Impedance (|Z|) Measurement Range10 µΩ to 100.00 kΩ
Reactance (X) Measurement Range10 µΩ to 100.00 kΩ

Test Signal

ParameterValue
Test Signal Frequency Accuracy±2%

Measurement Functions

ParameterValue
Deviation MeasurementΔ (absolute difference), Δ% (percentage difference)

Interfaces & Software

ParameterValue
Command LanguageSCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments)

Technology

AC Milliohmmeter (Dry Circuit)

Applications

Low resistance testing of switches, batteries, relays, connectors, and PCB tracks