FLUKE.
For the benefit and convenience of its customers, Fluke Corporation
(luke) has reproduced this copy of a manual which is no longer in
Production. This manual has not been edited or updated since the
revision date shown on the lower left hand comer of the frst page
Fluke will not be liable for any claims, losses or damages of any
kind incurred by any user arising from use of this manual.
8840A
Digital Multimeter
Instruction Manual
PN 879304
December 1991 Rev. 3, 5/97
(© 1991, 1994,1997 Fluke Corporation, Al rights rserved. Printed in U.S.A,
All prosuct namos ae Wasemares of het respective compancs,LIMITED WARRANTY & LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Each Fluke product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service.
‘The warranty period is one year and begins on the date of shipment. Parts, product repairs and services are warranted
for 90 days. This warranty extends only to the original buyer or end-user customer of a Fluke authorized reseller, and
does not apply to fuses, disposable batteries or to any product which, in Fluke's opinion, has been misused, altered,
neglected or damaged by accident or abnormal conditions of operation or handling. Fluke warrants that software will
operate substantially in accordance with its functional specifications for 90 days and that it has been properly recorded
on non-defective media. Fluke does not warrant that software will be error free or operate without interruption.
Fluke authorized resellers shall extend this warranty on new and unused products to end-user customers only but have
‘no authority to extend a greater or different warranty on behalf of Fluke. Warranty support is available if product is
purchased through a Fluke authorized sales outlet or Buyer has paid the applicable international price. Fluke reserves
the right to invoice Buyer for importation costs of repair/replacement parts when product purchased in one country is
submitted for repair in another country.
Fluke's warranty obligation is limited, at Fluke’s option, to refund of the purchase price, free of charge repair, or
teplacement of a defective product which is returned to a Fluke authorized service center within the warranty period.
To obtain warranty service, contact your nearest Fluke authorized service center or send the product, with a description
of the difficulty, postage and insurance prepaid (FOB Destination), to the nearest Fluke authorized service center.
Fluke assumes no risk for damage in transit. Following warranty repair, the product will be returned to Buyer,
transportation prepaid (FOB Destination). If Fluke determines that the failure was caused by misuse, alteration,
accident or abnormal condition of operation or handling, Fluke will provide an estimate of repair costs and obtain
authorization before commencing the work. Following repair, the product will be returned to the Buyer transportation
repaid and the Buyer will be billed for the repair and return transportation charges (FOB Shipping Point).
‘THIS WARRANTY IS BUYER'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. FLUKE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE
FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, INCLUDING
LOSS OF DATA, WHETHER ARISING FROM BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT,
RELIANCE OR ANY OTHER THEORY.
Since some countries or states do not allow limitation of the term of an implied warranty, or exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages, the limitations and exclusions of this warranty may not apply to every buyer. If
any provision of this Warranty is held invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such holding will
not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.
Fluke Corporation Fluke Europe B.V.
P.O. Box 9090 P.O. Box 1186
Everett WA 5602 B.D. Eindhoven
98206-9090 ‘The Netherlands
594MULTIMETER SAFETY
The Fluke 8840A Digital Multimeter has been designed and tested according to IEC Publication 348. Safety
Requirements for Electronic Measuring Apparatus. This manual contains information and warnings which must be
followed to ensure safe operation and retain the meter in safe condition,
Use of this equipment in a manner not specified here in may impair the protection provided by the equipment,
‘Some common international electrical symbols used in this manual are shown below.
OFF over DRvGEROUS
Sinton rOsON vovrace
(ON (power)
|_| Sifetocmon | se | esrmencuno
AGALTERNATING SE mPUNATON
| Soren AN | Wis
SEE nana Fon
ooomecrcunmenr | ZA SEEMANUALFOR
wnronuarioN
ETHER OG On AC
Before using the meter, read the following safety information carefully. In this manual, “WARNING,” is reserved for
Conditions and actions that pose hazard (s) to the user; "CAUTION," is reserved for conditions and actions that may
damage your meter.
+ Avoid working alone,
Follow all safety procedures for equipment being tested.
* Inspect the test leads for damaged insulation or exposed metal. Check test lead continuity. Damaged leads should
be replaced
+ Be sure the meter is in good operation condition.
+ Select the proper function for your measurement.
* To avoid electrical shock, use caution when working above 60V de or 25V ad RMS.
+ Disconnect the live test lead before disconnection the common test lead.
+ Disconnect the power and discharge high-voltage capacitors before testing in k®
* When making a current measurement, turn the circuit power off before connecting the meter in the circuit.
* Check meter fuses before measuring transformer secondary or motor winding current. (See Section 6, “MAINTE-
NANCE.") An open fuse may allow high voltage build-up, which is potentially hazardous.
+ Use clamp-on probes when measuring circuits exceeding 2 amps.SECTION GUIDE
Introduction and Specifications .......
Operating Instructions ................
Remote Programming ................
Measurement Tutorial ................
Theory of Operation
Maintenance .......
List of Replaceable Parts ..............
Options and Accessories ..............
Schematic Diagrams
IndexTable of Contents
SECTION TITLE PAGE
1 Introduction and Specifications. .
341. INTRODUCTION.
3-2. THE 8840A DIGITAL MULTIMETER .
13. OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES.
1-4. SPECIFICATIONS. :
2 Operating instructions...........0c000.
2.
INTRODUCTION. a
INSTALLATION . 24
Installing the Powe 21
Connecting to Line Power. 24
Adjusting the Handle . 24
Rack Mounting Kits 2
OPERATING FEATURES . 22
Power-Up Features ..... 22
Front and Rear Panel Features . 22
Display Features . 5 23
Error Messages 23
Overrange Indication. 23
Diagnostic Self-Tests - 27
27
27
27
27
27
EXTERNAL TRIGGER MODE. 27
Reading Rates and Noise Rejection . 29
Automatic Setting Time Delay....... 29
Extemal Trigger Input (Option -05 Only). 29
Sample Complete Output (Option -05 Onis). 29
MAKING MEASUREMENTS 29
Input Overload Protection Limits | 29
Measuring Voltage and Resistance 2-10
Measuring Current. . 2:10
‘Current Fuse Protection - + 210
Offset Measurements. 210
EXTERNAL CLEANING 241Table of Contents
SECTION
Remote Programming .
331,
337.
349,
351.
3:52,
353.
3:54,
355.
357.
INTRODUCTION.
CAPABILITIES .....
BUS SET-UP PROCEDURE |... :
AN OVERVIEW OF REMOTE OPERATION
‘A NOTE ABOUT EXAMPLES.
DEVICE-DEPENDENT COMMAND SET.
Bn (Offset Commands).
Cn (Calibration Commands). .
Dn (Display Commands) .
Fa (Function Commands)
Get Commands .
GO (Get Instrument Configuration
G1 (Get SRO Mask) .
G2 (Get Calibration Prompt).
G3 (Get User-Defined Message
G4 (Get Calibration Status)
G5 (Get TAB Status) .
G6 (Get YW Status) -
G7 (Get Error Status).
G8 (Get Instrument Identification)
N (Numeric Entry Command)...
Put Commands.
Pl (Put SRQ Mast)...
P2 (Put Calibration’ Value) .
P3 (Put User-Defined Message)
‘Sn (Reading Rate Commands) .
Ta (Trigger Mode Commands) -
‘Wn (Terminator Commands)
‘XO (Clear Error Register Command) .-
Yn (Suffix Commands)
20 (Self-Test Command)
* (evice-Clear Command) ..
2 Single-Trigger Command) .
INPUT SYNTAX. .
Definitions .....
Input Processing
‘Syntax Rules
OUTPUT DATA .
Loading Output
‘Types of Output Data...
Numeric Data and Error Messages
MEASUREMENT DATA ..
OVERRANGE INDICATION
ERROR MESSAGES.
‘The Serial Poll Register.
‘The SRQ Mask...
INTERFACE MESSAGES .
‘Address Messages
Universal Commands .
Addressed Commands .
TALK-ONLY MODE
REMOTE CALIBRATION . .Table of Contents
‘SECTION TMLE PAGE
3-58. TIMING CONSIDERATIONS . .
3:59. IMMEDIATE MODE COMMANDS.
3-60. EXAMPLE PROGRAMS........
321
4 Measurement Tutorial ... sees OA
41, INTRODUCTION.
DC_VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT .
Circuit Loading Error.
Input Bias Current Eror
RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT .
2-Wire Ohms...
Correcting for Test Lead Resistance in 2-Wire Ohms -
4-Wire Ohms.
Applications of the Ohms Functions .
TESTING DIODES ........
TESTING ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITORS .
A PRECISION CURRENT SOURCE
413. DC CURRENT MEASUREMENT ........
4-14. REDUCING THERMAL VOLTAGES .....
415. AC VOLTAGE AND CURRENT MEASUREMENT. .
416. True RMS Measurement ....
417. Waveform Comparison
418. Crest Factor...
419. AC-Coupled AC Measurements.
4-20. Combined AC and DC Measurements.
421... Bandwidth...
422. Zero-Input VAC Exror
5 Theory of Operation.
seeeee BA
3-1. INTRODUCTION.
5-2. OVERALL FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION.
5
5.
3. DETAILED CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION. .
4. DC SCALING ..
55. VDC Scaling 5
5-6. VDC Protect + 54
5-7. mA DC Scaling + 54
5-8. Analog Filter 54
59. TRACK/HOLD CIRCUIT. 54
5-10. Track Configuration 54
S-11. Settling Configuration 54
5-12. Hold Configuration 54
5-13. __Pre-Charge Configurati 54
5:14. PRECISION VOLTAGE REFERENCE | 54
5-15. OHMS CURRENT SOURCE... se 55
5-16. OHMS PROTECTION . 55
5-17. OHMS FUNCTIONS. 58
5-18. 2-Wire Ohms. - 58
5-19. 4-Wire Ohms. 58
5-20. A/D CONVERTER 1 59
5-21. Timing/Data Cont + S41
5-22. Precision DAC... S12
523. AD Amplifier... S12
5-24, Bootstrap Supplies... 542
5:25. DISPLAY...... 5-12
5-26. KEYBOARD. 513
5-27. DIGITAL CONTROLLERTable of Contents
SECTION
TE PAGE
5-28. Im-Guard Microcomputer. . $13
5-29. Function and Range Control S45
5:30. AD Contol and Computation 545
5-31. Calibration Correction... 545
532 545
5-33. 5-15
534, 545
5:35. 55
5:36. POWER SUPPLY «00.1... 547
5-37. IEEE-488 INTERFACE (OPTION -05) 58
5:38. Out-Guard Microcomputer ......... 548
5-39. Guard Crossing .
5-40. Bus Interface Circuitry
S-41. Signal Condit
5-42, _IEEE-488 Imerface Power S
5-3. TRUE RMS AC (OPTION -09) .
5-44. VAC Sealing... ese
5-45. mA AC Scaling.
5-46. Frequency Response Trimming
5-47. True RMS AC icDC Conversion...
Maintenance.
61. INTRODUCTION. . 61
62 PERFORMANCE TEST 61
63. Diagnostic Self-Tess. 61
6-4. DC Voltage Test 61
SSAC Voge Test (Option 29 Oaly 63
66. Resistance Test . 64
67. DC Curent Test 65
8. 66
69, 66
6-10. 66
ei. 67
12. ‘AID CALIBRATION... 67
63. OFFSET AND GAIN CALIBRATION .- 67
6-14. HIGH-FREQUENCY AC CALIBRATION 69
6-15. Advanced Features and Special Considerations 6-10
6-16. ‘STORING VARIABLE INPUTS . 6-10
617. CALIBRATING INDIVIDUAL RANGES. 6-10
618. VERIFYING CALIBRATION... 6A
6-19. ERASING CALIBRATION MEMORY . on
620. TOLERANCE CHECK .. + 62
621. ‘AC CALIBRATION AT OTHER FREQUENCIES. . 612
62. ‘OPTIMIZING USE OF THE 5450A, + 612
623. Remote Calibration . 63
6m. TIMING CONSIDERATIONS |. 14
625. REMOTE ERASURE. . + 61S
626. EXAMPLE CALIBRATION PROGRAM . + 616
627. DISASSEMBLY PROCEDURE : 616
628. 2 617
629. True RMS AC PCA Removal (Option -09) 2 647
S30. TEEE-G9 Inerace PCA Removal Option -05 Oa) + 617
631. Main PCA Removal. 2 647
632. __ Front Panel Disassembly + 622
633. REASSEMBLY PROCEDURE... + 62
6-3. INTERNAL FUSE REPLACEMENT | + 624
635. EXTERNAL TRIGGER POLARITY SELECTION (Option -05 Only) . + 625Table of Contents
SECTION
635.
6.36.
637.
638.
639.
641.
mM.
12.
73.
14,
15,
Options and Accessories...
8.
82,
83,
8,
of Replaceable Parts..........
TE
EXTERNAL TRIGGER POLARITY SELECTION (Option -05 Only) ......
‘TROUBLESHOOTING. -
Initial Troubleshooting Procedure
Diagnostic Self-Test :
Self-Test Descriptions.
Digital Controller Troubleshooting
IN-GUARD MICROCOMPUTER S¥3
In-Guard Microcomputer .....
Address Latch (U219)
Extemal Program Memory (XU222) -
Calibration Memory (U220)
Relay Buffer (U201),
3.10-8 Chip Select Decoder ua. ep
DISPLAY SYSTEM..
Display Control (U212).
8-Bit Digit Driver (U215)...
3.t0-8 Strobe Decoder (U213) .
Bit Segment Driver (U217
ab Digit Driver (U218)...
Hex Inverter (U208).
Hex Invener (U221).
Quad OR Gate (U221)".
Evaluating Static Signals.
Evaluating Dynamic Signals ..
DC Scaling Troubleshooting ...
TrackHold Troubleshooting .
Ohms Current Source Troubleshooting,
Precision Voltage Reference Troubleshooting .
AMD Convener Troubleshooting...
Power Supply Troubleshooting ..
TEEE-488 Interface Tetooing (Orion 5).
SERVICE POSITION
DIAGNOSTIC PROGRAM...
‘True RMS AC Troubleshooting (Option ®).
SERVICE POSITION
‘MAJOR PROBLEMS.
‘MORE OBSCURE PROBLEMS
Guard Crossing Troubleshooting
INTERNAL CLEANING...
‘Cleaning Printed Circuit Assemblies,
Cleaning After Soldering .
INTRODUCTION... I
HOW TO OBTAIN PARTS...
MANUAL STATUS INFORMA\
‘NEWER INSTRUMENTS...
SERVICE CENTERS...
INTRODUCTION .
ACCESSORIES.
Rack-Mount Kits (¥8&34, ¥8835 and Y8#36).
Shielded IEEE-488 Interface Cables (Y8021, Y8022, and Y8023)
PAGE
625
625
6-29
6:29
631
631
632
633
633
633
633
634
634
634
634
634
634
634
634
634
634
635
635
635
6.36
636
638
638
639
639Table of Contents
SECTION TITLE PAGE
Replacement Test Leads (TL70A).
Deluxe Test Lead Kits (Y8134) .
Slim-Flex Test Leads (8140)
‘Temperature Probes (80T-150U
89. RF Probes (8SRF and 83RF) .
8-10. Current Shunt (805-10). :
8-11. Current Probes (Y8100, Y8101, 80i-400 and 801-600) 5
8-12. High Voltage Probes (80K-6 and 80K-40) .
Option -05 IEEE-488 Interface .
‘Option -09 True RMS AC..
‘Schematic Diagrams.
° 88
INDEX619.
6-22.
805-1.
. Error Numbers Which Are Displayed When Commands Are Not Valid
5. Overall State Table. .
. Circuitry Tested by the Analog Self-Tests .
|. Analog Control Des
List of Tables
TITLE
Specifications
Error Codes... :
Input Overload Limits .
Status Data. .
Numeric Output Data Format...”
Immediate-Mode Commands for Vari
ASCIIEEE Std 488-1978 Bus Codes........
Ohms Test Current... -
‘Sample Rates and Reading Rates.
Recommended Test Equipment .
DC Voltage Test..
Low- and Mid-Frequency AC Voltage Test.
High Frequency AC Voltage Tes.
Resistance Test
DC Current Test
AC Current Test.
AD Calibration Steps...
AID Calibration Verification Test
Offset_ and Gain Calibration Steps
. High-Frequency AC Calibiation Steps
. Prompts When Calibrating Individual Ranges. .
Tolerance Limits
- Commands Used During Remote Calibration
Self-Test Voltages
Keyboard Wiring.
Analog Control Logie States.
DC Scaling and Track/Hold Supply Votes
Power Supply Voltages
Diagnostic Modes . ..
WO Port Configurations ..
Isolating a Defective AC Stage.
AC Signal Tracing ..
Truth Table for U804) and K2
Accessories.
Options...
TEEE-488 Interface PCA...
|. Tue RMS AC PCA...List of Illustrations
External Dimensions...
Line Voltage Selection Settings ...
Adjusting the Handle
Rack-Mount Kits.
Installing the Si
Front Panel Features. .
Rear Panel Features
Typical Error Message .
Overrange Indication... ...
Measuring Voltage and Resistance
Remote Operation Block Diagram
33. Typical Command String
3-4. Commands Which Correspond to the Front Panel.
35. Device-Dependent Command Set .
3-6. Output Data Format
‘37. Trigger Selection Logic Diagram .
3-8. Interpretation of Messages .
: Taking Readings with Local Control... Porras 323
. Example Program: Using the Serial Poll Register.......... :
. Example Program: Record Enrors During Selftest
Example Programs: Using the IBM PC ......
Gireuit Loading Error Calculation.
Measuring Input Bias Current Error.
2-Wire Ohms Measurement
4-Wire Ohms Measurement
Burden Voltage Enror Calculation.
Waveform Comparison Chant .
‘Typical Crest Factors for Various Waveforms 749
Combined AC and DC Measurement 49
Reduction of Zero-Input Error 4-10
Overall Functional Block Diagram 1 52
DC Scaling (VDC and mA DC) . 53
‘Track/Hold Amplifier ......
‘Track/Hold Circuit Configurations
Timing Diagram for One A/D Cyel
Precision Voltage Reference .
‘Ohms Current Source.
‘Ohms Scaling ...
5-10
villList of Illustrations
FIGURE
6-10.
Gl.
o12.
613.
6-14.
GS.
6-16.
17.
6-18.
19.
6-20.
621.
‘805-1. Installing Option -05.
809-1: Installing Option -09.
Analog-to-Digital Converter
. First Remainder-Store Period.
|. Autozero Period.
Vacuum Fluorescent Display
Digital Controller Block Diagram
Read/Write Timing Diagrams for Internal Bus.
Guard Crossing Circui
5. IEEE-488 Interface Block Diagram.
7. True RMS AC Option Block Diagram
. True RMS AC+o-DC Converter...
Connections for Kelvin-Varley Voltage
First A/D Calibration Prompt .....
Calibration Functions .
Optimizing Use of the S4S0A.
Example A/D Calibration Program ..
8840A. Disassembly...
Front Panel Disassembly...
Removing the Display Window .
U202 Pin Diagram oe
Waveforms for In-Guard Troubleshooting Mode
Waveforms for Display Logic. .
‘Typical Dynamic Control Signals...
‘Typical Output Waveforms for Track/Hold Circuit (TP103)
Output of A/D Amplifier (TP101) .
Waveforms at U101-24 and U101-25
‘Typical Bus Data Line Waveform . :
Waveforms at TP102 for Several Inputs on 2V DV Range.
Calculating the A/D Reading From TP102 Waveform
Option -05 Service Position.
Option -09 Service Position.
Guard Crossing Test Waveforms8840A Digital MultimeterSection 1
Introduction and Specifications
4-1. INTRODUCTION
‘This manual provides complete operating instructions and
service information for the 8840A. If you want to get
started using your 8840A right away, proceed to the
‘operating instructions in Section 2. If you intend to use the
8840A. with the IEEE-488 Interface (Option -05), read
Sections 2 and 3.
4-2. THE 8840A DIGITAL MULTIMETER
The Fluke 8840A Digital Multimeter is a high-
performance 5-1/2 digit instrument designed for general-
purpose bench or systems applications. Features of the
8840A include:
+ Highly legible vacuum fluorescent display
+ Intuitively easy front pane! operation
* Basie de accuracy of 0.005% for 1 year
+ 2ewire and 4-wire resistance measurement
+ DC current measurement
+ Up to 100 readings per second
+ Closed-case calibration (no internal adjustments)
+ Builtein self-ests
1-3. OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES
‘A number of options and accessories are available for the
8840A which can be easily installed at any time. The
options include:
+ IBEE-488 Interface (Option -05), featuring:
Full: programmability
Simple and predictable command set
Fast measurement throughput
External Trigger input connector
Sample Complete output connector
‘Automated calibration
Low cost
+ True RMS AC (Option -09), featuring:
* AC voltage measurement
* AC current measurement
Accessories include a variety of rack mounting kits,
Probes, test leads, and cables. Full information about
options and accessories can be found in Section 8,
1-4. SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications for the 8840A are given in Table 1-1.
External dimensions are shown in Figure 1-1.
4Introduction and Specifications
es
Teble 14. Speceatins
DC VOLTAGE
Input Characteristics.
RESOLUTION
FULL SCALE INPUT
ance paors | sapiens RESISTANCE
om 728008 mv 1 poo wa
7 {ator om Soar we
20v 19.9999V_ 100 wv 210,000 MQ.
a ed "av ‘ona
soy recon” mv foun
“apap a tale retng
‘Accuracy
NORMAL (S) READING RATE ........... 2(% of Reading + Number of Counts).>
RANGE (24 HOUR 231°C" 90 DAY 235°C 1 YEAR 2325°C
ome oom +> omar ome +6
av 0.002 +2 0.004 +3 0.005 +3
20v 0.002 + 2 0.005 +3 0.006 +3
200V 0.002 + 2 0.005 + 3 0.006 +3
stv ome +2 oes toms
* Relative to calibration standards.
* Using Offset control.
When in fast reading rate with internal trigger and transmitting data out of the IEEE-488 interface, the 8840A
display must be blanked (command D1) to ensure stated accuracy.
“When offset control is not used, the number of counts are 5,7, and 9 for 24 hour, 90 day, and 1 year respectively.
MEDIUM AND FAST RATES: In medium rate, add2 countsto number of counts. Infastrate, use
counts for the number of counts.
Operating Characteristics
‘TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT . ‘<+(0.0006% of Reading + 0.3 Count) per °C from 0°C to 18°C
and 28°C to 50°C.
+ TO00V de or peak ac on any range.
MAXIMUM INPUT
NOISE REJECTION . ‘Automatically optimized at power-up for 50, 60, or 400 Hz.
READINGS/ PEAK NM
RATE SECOND" FILTER NMR? SIGNAL cMRR®
8 25 Analog & >98 dB 20V or >140 6B
Digital 2x FS*
M 20 Digital 5 dB 1x FS >100 dB
F 100 None - 1x FS >60 dB
* Reading rate with internal trigger and 60 Hz power line frequency. See “Reading Rates” for more detail.
# Normal Mode Rejection Rati
inM rate.
2.Common Mode Rejection Ratio at 50 or 60 Hz +0.1%, with 1 kA in series with either lead. The CMRR is >1400dB
atde for all reading rates.
+20 volts or 2 times Full Scale whichever is greater, not to exceed 1000V.
‘at 50 oF 60 Hz 0.1%. The NMRR for 400 Hz 0.1% is 85 dB in S rate and 35 dBIntroduction and Specifications
'SPECFICATIONS
Table 1-1. Specifications (cont)
TRUE RMS AC VOLTAGE (OPTION -09)
Input Characteristics
RESOLUTION
FULL SCALE INPUT
RANGE 5% DIGITS 5% DIGITS 4% DIGITS" IMPEDANCE
200 mv 199.999 mv Ww 10 1MQ
av 1.99988 10. 100 ww shunted
20v 19.999 100 wv mv by
200v 199.998 1mv 10 mv <100 pF
ov 700.00 10 mv 4100 mv
"4% digits at the fastest reading rate.
‘Accuracy
NORMAL (S) READING RATE + £106 of Reading + Number of Counts}?
For sinewave inputs 310,000 counts’.
FREQUENCY (H2) 24 HOURS? 231°C 90 DAY 235°C 1 YEAR 2325°C
20-45 1.2 +100 1.2 +100 12 +100
45-100 03 +100 0.35 +100 04 +100
100-20 0.07 + 100 0.14 + 100 0.16 + 100
20k-50k 0.15 +120 019+ 150 0.21 + 200
‘50k-100k 0.4 +300 05 +300 05 +400
* For sinewave inputs betwoen 1,000 and 10,000 counts, add to Number of Counts 100 counts for frequencies
20Hzto 20 kHz, 200 counts for 20 kHz to 50 kHz, and 500 counts for 50 kHz to 100 kHz.
# Relative to calibration standards.
*When in fast reading rate with internal trigger and transmiting data out of the IEEE-488 interface, the 88408
cisplay must be blanked (command D1) fo ensure stated accuracy,
MEDIUM AND FAST READING RATES ... In medium rate, add 50 counts to number of counts In fast rate
the specifications apply for sinewave inputs >1000 counts and
>100 Hz,
NONSINUSOIDAL INPUTS ......
+ For nonsinusoidal inputs 210,000 counts with frequency
‘components <100 kHz, add the following % of reading to the
accuracy specifications,
FUNDAMENTAL CREST FACTOR
eed 1.0TO 1.5 15TO 20 2.0TO 3.0
45 Hz to 20 kHz 0.05 015 ae
20 Hz to 45 Hz and
20 kHz to 50 kHz oa or 15
Operating Characteristics
MAXIMUM INPUT
s+sseee+ 7OOV Ems, 1000V peak or2x 10" Volts-Hertz product (whicheveris
less) for any range.
13introduction and Specifications
SPECIFICATIONS
‘Table 1-1. Specifications (con!)
‘TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT.
:4(% of Reading + Number of Counts) per °C, 0°C to 18°C
and 28°C to 50°C.
FOR FREQUENCY IN HERTZ
wNPUTS 20-20K 20K-50K 50K - 100K
210,000 counts 0.01949 0.02149 0.027 + 10
21,000 counts 0.019 +12 0.021 + 15 0.087 +21
COMMON MODE REJECTION
‘CURRENT
>60 dB at 50 or 60 Hz with 1 k® in either lead.
Input Characteristic
RANGE FULL SCALE RESOLUTION
5% DIGITS 5% DIGITS 4 DieIrs
2000 mA 1999.99 mA 10 HA 100 WA
"4%. digits at the fastest reading rate.
Dc Current Accuracy
NORMAL (S) READING RATE. 41% of Reading + Number of Counts).
90 DAYS 23 + 5°C 1 YEAR 23 + 5°C
sta 0.08 +4 0.05 +4
>A 144 144
MEDIUM AND FAST READING RATES..Jn medium reading rate, add 2 counts to number of
‘counts. In fast reading rate, use 2 counts for number of
‘counts.
* When in fast reading rate with internal trigger and transmiting data out of the IEEE-488 interface,
the 8840A display must be blanked (command D1) ot ensure stated accuracy.
‘AC Current Accuracy (Option -08)
NORMAL (S) READING RATE .~4(% of Reading + Number of Counts).'
1 Year, 28 + 5°C, for sinewave inputs >10,000 counts.
FREQUENCY IN HERTZ
20-45 45-100 100- 5K"
2.0 + 200" (0.5 +200 0.4 + 200"
* Typically 20 kHz
** Add 100 counts for sinewave inputs between 1000 and 10,000 counts.
When in fast reading rate with internal rigger and transmiting data out of the IEEE-488 interface,
the 8840A display must be blanked (command D1) to ensure stated accuracy.
14Introduction and Specifications
‘SPECIFICATIONS.
Table 1-1. Specifications (cont)
MEDIUM AND FAST READING RATES ... In medium rate, add 50 counts to number of counts. In fast
‘reading rate, tor sinewave inputs 1000 counts and frequencies
>100 Hz, the accuracy is + (0.4% of reading + 30 counts).
NONSINUSOIDAL INPUTS For nonsinusoidal inputs >10,000 counts with frequency
‘components <100 kHz, add the following % of reading to the
accuracy specifications.
FUNDAMENTAL CREST FACTOR
FREQUENCY TOOTS TSTO20 20TOSO
45 Hz to 5 kHz 0.05 0.15 08
20 Hz to 45 Hz 02 o7 18
Operating Characteristics
‘TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT Less than 0.1 x accuracy specification per *C from 0°C to 18°C
and 28°C to 50°C.
2A de or rms ac. Protected with 2A, 250V fuse accessible at front
panel, and internal 3A, 600V fuse.
MAXIMUM INPUT
BURDEN VOLTAGE V de or rms ac typical at full scale.
RESISTANCE
Input Characteristics
RESOLUTION
RANGE FULL SCALE CURRENT
5% DIGITS 5% DIGITS 4% DIGITS" | THROUGH UNKNOWN
2000, 199.9900. 1ma 10ma 1mA
2ko 1.99999 kO 10ma 100 ma 1mA
20k 19.9999 kQ 100 ma 19 100 vA
200 kA 199.999 ka 19 102 10 yA
2000 ka 1999.99 ka 100 1000 Sua
20Ma 19.9999 MQ 1000 1ko 0.5 yA
“4% digits at the fastest reading rate.
‘Accuracy
NORMAL (8) READING RATE ........... +(% of Reading + Number of Counts)"
RANGE 24 HOUR 231°C? 90 DAY 235°C 1 YEAR 235°C
2000" 0.004 +3° 0.011 + 4 0.014 + 4°
2402 0.0028 + 2 001 +3 0.013 +3
20Ka 0.0028 +2 O01 +3 0013 +3
200 ka 0.0028 + 2 O01 +3 0013 +3
2000 ka 0.023 +3 0.027 +3, 0.028 +3
20MQ 0.023 +3 0.043 +4 0.044 +4
‘Within one hour of zero, using offset control,
Relative to calibration standard.
2 Applies to 4-wire ohms only.
“When in fast reading rate with intemal trigger and transmitting data out of the IEEE-488 interface, the 6840A
200,000 counts)
+9,999996+49,>VDC Overrange (= 200,000 counts)
+1.00326+21 Error message
INSTRUMENT ‘annn [CR] [LF] [EON
CONFIGURATION DATA
(From GO, G4, G5, EXAMPLE:
G6, and G7) 1100 Default GO value
‘SRQ MASK DATA fan [CR] {LF} [E01]
(From G1)
EXAMPLE:
32. SRQ on any error
USER-DEFINED MESSAGE ‘aaaaazaaaaaaazaa [CR] {LF} (EO!)
(From G3) EXAMPLE:
FLBB40A.01-25-84
Hino messages have ever been stored, a string of 16 nulls (Hex 00) will be returned.
INSTRUMENT — FLUKE, mmmmm, 0, Vain {CR} [LF] [EON FLUKE @840A with IEEE 488
IDENTIFICATION interface software version
(From G8) EXAMPLE:
FLUKE, 88404, 0, V4.0
© Numeric data is always in volts, amps, or ohms.
© The terminators CR, LF, and EOI are selected with the Terminator Commands (Wn).
‘© The sutfix, defined below, is enabled with the Y1 command and disabled with the YO command. (Default = YO.)
SUFFIX FORMAT
a >| voc
vac
OHM
IDC
lac
Function Indicator
> Reading is overrange (> 200,000 counts)
_Reading is not overrange but can be over voltage
(© 1000 Vdc or 700 Vac)
Leading Comma (Always present in suffix). Most versions of BASIC expect
‘multiple input values to be separated by commas. ie., input @ |, N, S$to acquire
the numeric portion and suffix string.
Figure 3-6. Output Data FormatRemote Programming
DDEVICE-DEPENDENT COMMAND SET
3-18. G3 (Get User-Defined Message)
‘The G3 command Joads the output buffer with the user-
defined message stored in calibration memory during the
calibration procedure. The message consists of 16 ASCIL
characters, as shown in Figure 3-6.
‘The message is stored in calibration memory during cali-
bration using the P3 command. If fewer than 16 characters
have been stored, the remaining characters returned are
spaces. If no message has ever been stored, a string of 16
null characters (hex 00) will be returned. Some example
output strings follow.
Example
FL8840A.12-17-83 CR LF
Meaning
Identifies instrument
and gives cal date,
Gives cal date. The last
eight characters are
blank.
3-16. G4 (Get Calibration Status)
‘The G4 command is used when calibrating the 88404
under remote control. The command loads the output
buffer with the instrument's calibration status in the format
shown in Figure 3-6. The status is represented by a
four-digit integer which is interpreted in Table 3-1.
01-25-84 = CRLF
‘The first two digits are always 1 and 0. The third digit
indicates whether or not the calibration verification mode
is enabled. (This mode is enabled only when the calibra-
tion mode is enabled.) The fourth digit indicates whether
(or not the calibration mode is enabled, and if so, which
part of the calibration procedure the 8840A is in. Example
output strings follow.
Example Meaning
1000 CRLF 1: Leading 1
0: Leading 0
0: Not in cal verification
0: Cal mode disabled
1001 CR LF 1: Leading 1
0: Leading 0
0: Not in cal verification
1: Cal mode enabled; A/D cal selected
3-17. G5 (Get IAB Status)
‘The’ GS command loads the output buffer with the IAB
status in the format shown in Figure 3-6. As Table 3-1
explains, the IAB status is a four-character string which
indicates the status of the FRONT/REAR switch (front or
rear analog inputs selected), the autorange feature (au-
torange on or off), and the OFFSET feature (OFFSET on
or off). The first digit is always 1. An example output
string follows.
Example Meaning
3011 CRLF 1: Leading 1
0: FRONT inputs
1: Autorange off
1: OFFSET feature on
It is useful to know whether autorange is on or off because
this information is not available from the GO command.
For example, the GO command could indicate that the
8840A was in the 200 mV range, but it would not indicate
whether the 8840A was in autorange or manual range.
3-18. G6 (Get YW Status)
‘The G6 command Joads the output buffer with the YW
status in the format shown in Figure 3-6. The YW status is
four-character string which indicates which terminators
aie selected and whether the output suffix is enabled or
disabled, as shown in Table 3-1. The first two digits are
always 1 and 0. An example output string follows.
Example Meaning
1015 LF CR 1: Leading 1
0: Leading 0
1: YI (enable output suffix)
5: WS (enable LF only)
3-19, G7 (Get Error Status)
‘The G7 command copies the error status register into the
‘output buffer in the format shown in Figure 3-6. The first
two digits are always 1 and 0. The second two digits
Tepresent the appropriate error code, if an error has
occurred. (Error codes ate listed in Table 2-1, Section 2).
If an error has not occurred, the second two digits are 00.
‘An example output string follows.
Example ‘Meaning
1071 CRLF 1: Leading 1
0: Leading 0
71: Syntax error in device-dependent
‘command string
‘The G7 command gives the error status as it exists when
the command is executed at its position in the input string.
‘The G7 command does not clear the error status register.
For more information about error messages, see paragraph
3-40.
3-20. G8 (Get Instrument Identification)
‘The G8 command copies the 8840A instrument identifice-
tion into the output buffer in the format shown in Figure
3-6. The identification is represented by four comma-
‘Separated fields that are interpreted in Table 3-1.
‘The first field indicates the manufacturer, the second indi-
cates the instrument model number, the third is always
39Remote Programmir
SECC DEPENDENT COMNARD SET
zero, and the fourth indicates the version number of the
IEEE-488 interface software.
Example Explanation
FLUKE8840A,0,V4.0 CF This instrument is a Fluke
LF ‘8840A with IEEE-488 inter-
face software version 4.0
‘9-21. N (Numeric Entry Command)
Format Explanation
Nemumeric entry> Where is one
of the following:
<
«signed real number>Ecsigned
cexponent>
Example Explanation
“N1201" Enters the five-digit imeger 12001
“N-1.23E2” Enters -1.23 x 10?
“N+15433E-1" Enters 15433 x 10!
‘The N command enters mumeric values for use with subse~
quent Put commands. The interpretation of the numeric
value depends on which Put command it is used with.
‘The E can be used within an N command for entering an
exponent of 10. The N can be used without an E, but an E
requires a prior N. The exponent can be any integer from
9 to 49.
‘The mantissa may exceed 5-1/2 digits. The 840A
accurately calculates the appropriate exponent and then
isregards all but the first 5-1/2 digits of the mantissa.
However, a syntax error will occur if the numeric entry
overflows the input buffer.
Example Explanation
“N123456789" Enters +1.23456 x 10%
3-22, Put Commands
‘The Put commands PO through P3 set up the 8840A’s
‘configuration and operating modes by entering (“putting”)
‘information in the appropriate registers. The put com-
mands are described further in the following paragraphs.
9-23. PO (Put instrument Configuration)
Format Explanation
Nefrst>PO Where is a four-digit integer
interpreted as arguments for the F, R,
S, and T commands.
Example Explanation
340
“N3120 PO” Identical to F3 R1 S2 TO. Selects 2
WIRE k@ function, 2002 range, fast
sample rate, continuous trigger.
‘The PO command allows broadside loading of the Func-
tion, Range, Reading Rate, and Trigger Mode commands
(FR, and 7). The codes for these commands are listed
in Figure 3-5.
‘A mumeric entry for PO must be within +1000 and +6724.
Each of the four digits must not exceed its maximum
allowed value (6, 7, 2, and 4, respectively) or an error
‘message will occur and the instrument configuration will
remain unchanged. The entry may be expressed 9s an
integer, real number, or real number with exponent, as
described under the N command. Any fractional part is
ignored.
Example
N3112 PO”
Explanation
Sets the 8840A to F3, R1, Si, and T2.
3-24. P1 (Put SRO Mask)
Format Explanation
N«SRQ mask>P1 Where SRQ mask is a two-digit
integer from 00 to 63.
‘The P1 command is used to program the 8840A to make
service requests on user-specified conditions. The two-
digit code for the SRQ mask is interpreted in Table 3-1
under the G1 command. For more about the SRQ mask,
‘see paragraph 3-47.
Numeric eatries for the P1 command must be between 0
‘and +63 (inclusive), or an errar will occur and the SRQ
mask will remain unchanged. The entry may be expressed
as an imteger, real umber, or real number with exponent,
as described under the N command. Any fractional partis
ignored.
Example Explanation
“NO.I7E+2 PI" Sets SRQ mask to 17. Enables SRQ
‘on data available or overrange.
“NI PI" Sets SRQ mask to O1. (A leading zero
is assumed.) Enables SRQ on over-
range.
3-25, P2 (Put Calibration Value)
Format Explanation
Nevalue>P2 ‘Where can be an integer, real
‘number, of real number with ¢xpo-
nent, aS described under the N com-
‘mand.
Example Explanation
“NI P2” If the 8840A is in VDC, the|next
calibration input expected is
1.00000 de.
‘The P2 command is used to enter variable input calibration
‘values just like the front panel VAR IN button. To acceptRemote Program
DEVICE DEPENDENT COMMAND S:
Table 3-1. Status Data
‘OUTPUT
COMMAND ae
MEANING
1 = 6 a8 in Function commands (Fn)
9 for Selt-Test
1 = 6 as in Range commands (Fin)
0 - 2 as in Reading Rate commands (Sr)
© - 4 as in Trigger Mode commands (Th)
@ mn an =
Note: SRQ mask vaiues may be added for combinations.
Example: $3 for SRO on overrange or any error.
00 for SRQ disabled (default)
01 for SRQ on overrange
(04 for SRQ on front panel SRO
08 for SRQ on cal step complete
16 for SRO on data available
‘82 for SRQ on any error
gs ‘aaaaaaaaasaaaaaa
16 user-defined ASCII characters
Ge 10m v
‘Not in cal verification
1 Cal vertication
© Not in calibration mode
1 AD calibration
2 Offset and gain calibration
4 HF AC calibration
es tiab i
0 FRONT inputs selected
1 REAR inputs selected
© Autorange on
1 Autorange off (Manual range)
0 OFFSET off
1 OFFSET on
es 1Oyw y=
we
0 output suffic disabled
1 output suffix enabled
0 - 7 a8 in Terminator commands (Wn)
or 0nn/
‘nn represents error code (See Table 2-1)
ey FLUKE, mmmmm,
mmmmm = 8840A
OVn.n Van
= IBEE-488 Interface sofware version number
the P2 command, the 8840A must be in the calibration
‘mode (enabled by pressing the front panel CAL ENABLE
‘switch). Otherwise, the P2 command will generate an error
message.
‘The variable input is a measurement value that is to be
used as the calibration value for the next calibration step,
Its format is the same as a measurement value. But since it
is coming from the controller, the value can be specified
using any valid format (signed integer, real number, or real
number with exponent). For example, if the 8840A
‘prompts for an input value of 100 for the next calibration
step, but the available source is 98.97, the variable input
can be specified as “N+9.897E+1”, “NO.9897E2”,
“N9SITE-2”, etc. All of these strings result in the same
oatRemote
ramming
DEVICE DEPENt
‘COMMAND SET
value being used for the next calibration step. For com-
plete information about remote calibration, refer to the
Maintenance section.
Numeric values exceeding full scale and negative values
for ohms and AC generate error messages.
3-26. P3 (Put User-Defined Message)
Format Explanation
P3 Where is a string of
up to 16 ASCII characters.
Example Explanation
“P3FL.8840.12-1783" Loads the message
“FL.8840.12-17-83" into cali-
bration memory.
“P3HIMOM” Loads the message “HIMOM”
into calibration memory. The
remaining eleven characters
are assumed 10 be blank
‘The P3 command stores a user-defined message in the
internal calibration memory during remote calibration. The
‘message may be read with a subsequent G3 command.
‘The message may consist of up to 16 ASCII characters,
‘and typically represents the instrument's identification,
calibration date, calibration facility, etc. If fewer than 16
characters are specified, spaces are appended to fill the
Message to 16 characters. Spaces and commas in the
16-character input string are suppressed. Lower-case letters
ate converted to upper-case.
NOTE
If fewer than 16 characters are specified, the
P3 command must not be followed by other
commands in the same input command string.
Otherwise, the subsequent commands will be
misinterpreted as part of the 16-character
string.
To accept the P3 command, the 8840A must be in the
calibration mode (enabled by pressing the front panel CAL
ENABLE switch). Otherwise, the P3 command will gener-
ate an error message.
3-27. Rn (Range Commands)
‘The Range commands duplicate the front panel range
buttons. For example, RO selects autorange, and Ré selects
the 200V/200 k@ range.
‘The R7 command turns autorange off, just as the AUTO
‘button does when it is toggled. Command R7 puts the
8840A into manual range, selecting whatever range the
instrument is in when the command is received.
‘The 8840A defaults to RO on power-up and any device-
clear command (*, DCL, or SDC). The range setting can
be read using the GO command.
B12
3-28. Sn (Reading Rate Commands)
‘The Reading Rate commands duplicate the front panel
RATE button. Like the RATE button, the reading rate
‘command also selects the mumber of digits displayed and
the filter setting. (Filter settings are shown in the
specifications in Section 1)
‘The 8840A defaults 10 SO on power-up and any device-
clear command (*, DCL, or SDC). The reading rate can be
ead using the GO command.
3-29. Tn (Trigger Mode Commands)
‘The Trigger Mode commands duplicate the front pane] EX
TRIG button. In addition, the commands can enable or
disable the rear panel trigger and the automatic settling
time delay.
Figure 3-7 illustrates how to select among the five types of
triggers: continuous trigger, front panel trigger, rear pane!
trigger, and two bus triggers. Note that the front panel
‘TRIG button is enabled only while the instrument is under
local control
In the continuous trigger mode (TO), triggers are initiated
at the selected reading rate. Each new reading is loaded
{nto the output buffer as it becomes available, unless the
instrument is busy sending previous output data.
‘The trigger mode can be read using the GO command, The
8840A defaults to TO on both power-up and any device-
clear command (*, DCL, or SDC).
3-30. Wn (Terminator Commands)
‘The Terminator commands select what terminators the
‘840A appends to every output string. The available termi-
‘nators are: Return (CR), Line Feed (LF), and End
Or Identify (EON).
R and LF are ASCII control codes, sent over the data
lines just like output data. EOI is a uniline message which
{s sent simultaneously with the last character in the output
string. Normally, each output string is terminated with CR
followed by LF’ and EOI.
‘The terminator selection can be read using the G6 com-
mand. The 8840A defaults to 'WO on power-up and any
device-clear command.
3-31. XO (Clear Error Register Command)
‘The XO command clears the 8840A’s error status register.
After an XO command is executed, a G7 command (Get,
Error Status) would return 1000 (a0 errors).
Note that the error status register is also cleared when any
device-ciear command (*, DCL, or SDC) is executed.
However, X0 is useful for clearing the error status register
without forcing a complete instrument clear (as d0 the
device-clear commands).
3-32. Yn (Suffix Commands)
‘The Suffix commands enable or disable a suffix which the
‘840A can append to all numeric data (the data inRemote Programmi:
Device CEPENOENT COMMAND SE
‘TRIGGER METHOD
CONTINUOUS
TRIGGER
BUS TRIGGER
(? or GET)
REMOTE
FRONT PANEL,
‘TRIGGER
REAR PANEL
‘TRIGGER
71,73
DEVICE CLEAR,
| EX TRIG BUTTON
‘© Switches represent effect of indicated commands, buttons, and remote/local status.
© Instrument shown in power-up state (TO, local, rear panel trigger enabled).
DEVICE CLEAR
TOGGLED BY
MEASUREM
CIRCUITRY
4
*With EXTRIG enabled.
‘TRIGGER METHOD
DESCRIPTION
1. Continuous Trigger
2.2 Command
3. GET Command
controller.
4. Front Panel Trigger
5, Rear Panel Trigger
Continuous trigger generated by 8840A in internal trigger mode (TO).
‘Single trigger initiated by ? command from controller.
Single trigger initiated by GET command (an interface message) from
Single trigger initiated by front panel TRIG button.
‘Single trigger initiated from rear panel EXTTRIG input. (Disabled by TO, T2, T4,)
Figure 3-7. Trigger Selection Logic Diagram
esponse to G2 or trigger commands). The suffix includes
@ comma, an overrange indicator (>), and a function
indicator (VDC, VAC, OHM, IDC, ot IAC). The suffix is
illustrated in Figure 3-6. An example of suffixed data is
given in paragraph 3-43.
To read suffixed data with a controller using BASIC, one
can read the whole line into a string variable and then
‘convert the numeric part imto a mumeric variable. However,
it is much easier to read the numeric part directly into a
‘numeric variable and the suffix into a string variable. The
leading comma of the suffix serves as a convenient
delimiter. For example, a BASIC program statement might
be:
pur 1A, Bg
313Remote Programming
DEVICE DEPENDENT COMMAND SET
‘The suffix status can be read using the G6 command. The
840A defaults to YO on power-up and any device-clear
command (*, DCL or SDC), unless in talk-only mode.
3-83. ZO (elf-Test Command)
‘The ZO command initiates the diagnostic self-tests as does
pressing the front panel SRQ button for 3 seconds. The
‘8840A then runs through the tests in sequence. (For a
description of the self-tests, see the Maintenance section.)
If the 8840A detects an error, an error message is loaded
into the output buffer and displayed on the front panel.
Afier the last test, the 840A is reset to the power-up
configuration, and it begins taking readings.
It is an error to send the 8840A device-dependent com
mands during the selfests. However, the controller can
sill make the 840A a talker to read the output buffer
uring the test, and thus record each error that occurs,
‘except that only the last of the digital selftest errors can
be read. After the tests, only the last error is stored in the
‘output buffer if more than one error occurred.
Error messages are indicated by an exponent of +21. For
‘more about error messages, see paragraph 3-40.
Since the 8840A is reset at the end of the self-tests, the ZO
‘command should be the last command in a given com-
mand string. The 8840A will ignore any subsequent com-
‘mands in the same command string.
‘When the selftests are complete and no errors have
‘occurred, the serial poll register will have bit 5 (Data
Available) true and bit 6 (Any Error) false. See paragraph
3-50 for more about the serial poli register.
3-34. * (Device-Clear Command)
‘The asterisk command (*) is a device-dependent message
which resets the 8840A to the power-up default settings
and clears all registers and buffers except for the input
buffer. The remote/local status remains unchanged. The
asterisk command performs the following:
1. Implements the default settings F1, RO, $0, TO, DO,
BO, YO, WO.
2. Clears the error status register (equivalent to XO).
3. Zeros the SRQ mask, prohibiting service requests
(equivalent to NO P1).
4, Zeros the mimetic entry register (equivalent to NO).
5. Zeros the serial poll register.
6. Sets the SRO line false.
‘The asterisk command is executed in its proper turn in a
string, just like any other command, without affecting the
contents of the input buffer. All commands which precede
the asterisk command are performed.
‘The asterisk command is useful to ensure that the 840A
is initialized to the same state each time a program is run.
By contrast, the similar interface messages DCL (Device
Clear) and SDC (Selected Device Clear) cause the entire
input buffer to be cleared immediately.
DCL, SDC, and the asterisk command are all considered
to be device-clear commands because the results are so
a4
similar, however, DCL and SDC are not identical to the
asterisk command described here. DCL and SDC) are
discussed further in the paragraph on interface messages.
9-35. 2 (Single-Trigger Command)
‘The Single-Trigger command (?) causes the 8840A to take
a reading and place the result into the output buffer, To
‘accept this command, the 8840A must be in extemal
trigger mode (selected by the Tl, T2, T3, or T4 com-
mand).
‘The Single-Trigger command is one of five ways to trigger
a reading. (See Figure 3-7.) Of these, only the Single~
Trigger command (?) and’ the Group Execute Trigger
‘command (GET) are loaded into the input buffer.
9-96. INPUT SYNTAX
The following paragraphs describe how 10 construct
groups of commands for the 8840A. A few definitions are
resented first, followed by @ description of how the
8840A processes input commands. Guidelines are then
summarized in four syntax rules.
3-37. Definitions
+ Output commands: Commands which load data into
the output buffer. The output commands are: the Get
‘commands (GO through G8); the Single-Trigger Com-
‘mand (?); the Continous Trigger command (TO); and
Group Execute Trigger (GET), not to be confused
with the Get commands.
* Input terminator: An ASCII control code sent by the
‘controller which tells the 8840A to execute all device-
dependent commands since the previous terminator.
Terminators are CR (( Reurn), LF (Line
Feed), EO! (End Or Identify), and GET (Group Exe-
cute Trigger).
‘+ Input command string: One or more device-dependent
‘commands followed by a terminator.
3-38. Input Processing
‘When the 8840A receives commands from the bus, it
stores them in a 31-character input buffer as a continuous
string of characters. Commands in the input buffer are not
executed or checked for syntax until an input terminator is
received or the input buffer becomes full. The only valid
input terminators are CR, LF, GET (Group Execute
Trigger), and/or EOI.
‘When the 8840A receives an input terminator, it executes
the previous commands in the order in which they were
received. As input characters are processed and executed,
space is made available in the input buffer for new charac-
ters.
Ifthe input buffer becomes full, the 8840A stops accepting
characters from the bus until all complete command
strings curently in the input buffer have been executed. In
this way, characters sent to the 8840 are never lost due 10
buffer overflow.Remote Programmir
neu Sv
In some instances, a terminator is automatically transmit-
ted at the end of the controller's output string. For exam-
ple, in Fluke BASIC, the PRINT statement always finishes
with a CR LF pair. If a controller does not have this
feature, the programmer must transmit a terminator explic-
itly.
‘The 8840A accepts alphabetic characters in either upper or
lower case. Spaces, commas, and control codes are ignored
‘and are not placed in the input buffer. If the 88404
receives a group of terminators (such as CR LF or CR LP
EOI), only a single terminator is loaded into the input
buffer. Numeric values used in PUT commands may be in
NR1, NR2, or NR3 format as described in the IEEE-488
Codes and Formats Recommended Practice. (These corres
pond to the signed integer, real number, and real-number-
with-exponent formats described under ‘the N command.)
For reference, Figure 3-8 shows how the 8840A interprets
messages.
legal commands (e.g., F9) generate an error message, but
are otherwise ignored, and do not affect the instrument's
configuration.
Example
“By
Explanation
‘This would load the output buffer
with an error message and select F1
(established by the * command).
9-99. Syntax Rules
Four syntax rules should be followed when constructing
input command strings. They are:
+ RULE 1: Read output data only once.
To prevent old (previously read) data from being read
‘a second time by mistake, the output buffer is always
cleared after it has been read. If the output buffer is
ead twice without an intervening output command,
the 8840A will not respond to the second attempt to
read the output buffer. (However, if the 8840A is in
‘TO, no intervening command is necessary.)
+ RULE 2: Use no more than one output command per
input command string.
Because the 8840A has only one output buffer, it
writes new data over old. If an input command string
contains more than one output command, only the
data from the last command can be read.
Example Explanation
“F1T3 2F2 2” Improper construction. The second
iwigger writes over the first. To
obtain two readings, send two
complete command strings (sepa-
rated by terminators).
“F2 R3 $0 T3 Correct construction. The string
r contains only one output com-
mand
“F2 R3S0” Comect construction. It is permissi-
ble for a string not to contain an
‘output command.
+ RULE 3: Read the output data generated by one input
command string before sending the next input com-
mand string.
Output data remains available in the output buffer
until it is ead, or until the next input command string
is received. AS soon as the controller finishes reading
the output buffer, or as soon as the 8840A receives a
new input terminator, the Data Available bit in the
serial poll register is set false. When this bit is false,
data can no longer be read from the output buffer.
‘Therefore, an output string which is available must be
ead by the controller before, rather than after, the
next input command string is sent.
Rule 3 is most evident in the extemal trigger mode,
and is best demonstrated by a programming example,
The following program is written first incorrectly, and
then conectly, in Fluke BASIC using the 17224
Instrument Controller.
Incorrect example:
100 PRINT €3, "32
200 PRiwn @3, "Fa"
300 INPUT @2, a
Im this incorrect example, the INPUT statement is
located incorrectly for reading the measurement data
fom line 100. The new input command string “F4”
disallows the reading of data from the output buffer.
correct example:
300 PRINT @3, “71 77
200 INPUT @3, a
300 PRINT @3, “Pat
Jn this example, the reading taken at line 100 is read
at line 200. Then the F4 command is sent. Note that in
the external trigger mode, the reading from line 100
flashes on the 8840A display 100 briefly to see. This is
because the function change at line 300 blanks the
display unt) the next trigger.
‘The previous example could also be correctly pro-
grammed as follows:
300 PRINT @3, "Ti ? Fa"
200 INPUT €3, a
+ Rule 4: If an input command string contains a trigger,
‘enter the commands in the following order:
@ Commands to configure the instrument (if any).
b. The trigger command,
Commands to re-configure the instrument (if
any).
4. Terminator(s).
‘The principle behind this rule is that the 8840A executes
all commands in the exact order they are received, from
left to right as written.
Example Explanation
“F3 F4 7” Improper construction. F3 is effectively
discarded.
345Remote Programming
INPUT SYNTAX,
DEVICE-DEPENDENT MESSAGES
Single-character Commands
of
‘Two-character Commands
Bn Cn Dn Fn Gn Pr,
Rn Sn Wn Xa Yn Zn
Numeric-entry Characters
NE.+—0123456789
Terminators
cR
uF
GET
EO!
INTERFACE MESSAGES.
Address Messages
MLA
MTA
UNL,
UNT
Universal Commands
ATN
DeL
FC
LLo
REN
‘SPD
SPE
Addressed Commands
GET
GTL
soc
Ignored Characters
comma
space
All other ASCII non-printing
characters (except CR and LF)
ERROR-PRODUCING CHARACTERS
"HSL S=>:
@t/) Vw
HIJKLMOQUV
‘These two commands are complete in them-
selves (except for string terminator).
Each of these commands requires the single
numeric digit (n).
‘These characters are used for entering numbers.
Carriage Return
Line Feed
Group Execute Trigger
End Or Identity (used as END/DAB)
My Listen Address
My Talk Address
Unlisten
Untalk
Attention
Device Clear
Interface Clear
Local Lockout
Remote Enable
Serial Poll Disable
Serial Poll Enable
Group Execute Trigger
Go To Local
Selected Device Clear
‘These characters may be inserted anywhere in a
character string without affecting the string.
‘They carry no special meaning and are ignored by
the 8840A. They are not placed in the input butfer.
The error annunciator is displayed on the
‘88404 front panel when one of these
characters is encountered (ERROR 71).
Figure 3-8. interpretation of MessagesRemote Programming
INPUT SYNTAX,
“F3.7F4” Correct construction. The’ 8840A is con-
figured in F3, and the trigger is executed.
‘Then the 88404 is left in F4.
‘3-40. OUTPUT DATA
‘The following paragraphs describe the data that can be
Toaded into the 8840A output buffer and sent to the
IEEE-488 bus. The paragraphs describe how and when
data is loaded into the output buffer, the types of output
data, and their relative priority.
Note that the 8840A can also send data to the IEEE-488
bus from the serial poll register. For a description of this
data, see paragraph 3-50.
3-41. Loading Output Data
The output buffer is loaded when the 8840A receives an
output command, or when an error occurs. Output com~
mands are those device-dependent commands which load
the output buffer with data:
Get commands (GO through G8)
Single-tigger command (?)
Group execute tigger (GET)
Continuous Trigger (TO)
Because the 8840A gives priority to input processing, it
completely processes all characters in the input buffer
before it loads the output buffer. When the output buffer is
loaded, the Data Available bit in the serial poll register is
set true,
Data from the output buffer is not acmally loaded onto the
TEEE-488 bus until the controller addresses the S840A as a
talker. This is done by sending the interface message MTA
(My Talk Address).
3-42. Types of Output Data
The types of data that can be loaded into the output buffer
are shown in Figure 3-6. Each type has its own format.
Error messages, which are loaded into the output buffer if
fan error occurs, are formatted as numeric data.
3-43. Numeric Data and Error Messages
Numeric data is loaded into the output buffer in response
‘to the G2 command or an instrument trigger, and has the
Table 3-2. Numeric
format shown in Table 3-2. The exponent is always a
‘multiple of 3, as in engineering notation. The position of
‘the decimal point matches the front panel display.
Numeric data is of constant length, It is 11 characters (plus
terminators) when the suffix is disabled, and 16 characters
(Plus terminators) when the suffix is enabled.
‘The suffix is enabled by the Y1 command, and consists of
five ASCH characters as shown in Figure 3-6. The suffix
is appended only to numeric data, never to status data. The
terminators are determined by the Terminator commands.
‘The defeult is CR LF EOI.
‘There are three types of numeric data: measurement data,
overrange indication, and error messages.
‘3-44. MEASUREMENT DATA
‘Measurement data has the numeric data format shown in
Table 3-2, and is always in the units of volts, amps, ot
ohms.
NOTE
In the fast (F) reading rate, the least signifi-
‘cant digit is always zero, and should be dis-
regarded when interpreting accuracy
specifications.
‘8-45. OVERRANGE INDICATION
If a reading is overrange (2200,000 counts), the measure-
‘ment data has the following format:
#9.99999E49
Overvoltage readings (> 1000V de or 700V ac) do not
result in this display,
3-46. ERROR MESSAGES
If the 8840A detects an error, it loads an error message
into the output buffer in the following numeric format:
+1.00mE+21
‘The digits xx represent a two-digit error code. (Error codes
are listed in Table 2-1, Section 2.) The suffix is always
suppressed for error messages.
Output Data Format
RANGE MEASUREMENT DATA OVERRANGE ERROR
voc, VAC 2, 4WIRE k2 | mA DC, mA AC INDICATION MESSAGES
Ri =P 0KES Tro 0xE+0) - +29,999998+9 1.000621
R2 21.2000KE+0 212000063 - 29.99999E+9 1.000421
FS X200KE+0 21x 2000E+3, - 29.99999E+9 $4.000xE+21
Ra shoo0E+0 S10 200843 - 29,99999E+9 $4.00xE¥21
RS hoouxE+0 1000843 20x20 +29.99999E+9 +1.000E+21
Re - 21x06 - +=9.99999E+9 #1.00xE+21
347Remote Programming
‘OUTPUT DATA
Example
+10071E#21 CR LF
Explanation
ERROR 71: Syntax error in
device-dependent command
string.
‘As with local operation, none of the errors are latching.
‘except for ERROR 31. If the mA DC or mA AC function
is requested while the FRONT/REAR switch is in the
REAR position, ERROR 31 will persist until the switch is
set to FRONT or another function is selected.
To check for an error condition, test whether the output
buffer data is greater than or equal to +1E+21, or test the
Any Error bit (bit 6) in the serial poll register.
3-47. Status Data
‘Status data is the output in response to GO, G1, G3, G4,
G5, G6, G7, and G8 commands. The data is formatted as
shown in Figure 3-2, and is interpreted in Table 3-1.
Examples of status data can be found in the description of,
‘the Get commands.
The user-defined message loaded by the G3 command
‘consists of 16 characters plus terminators. The SRO mask
Joaded by the G1 command consists of two integers plus
terminators. All other status data except G8, is always a
four-digit integer plus terminators. The terminators LF
(Line Feed) and CR (Carriage Return) each add an extra
character when enabled.
‘The 8840A begins some status data with a leading ASCII
one (1) or a one and a zero (10). This prevents the
‘controller from suppressing any leading zeros present in
the 8840A’s output string. It also gives a uniform four-
character length to all instrument configuration data.
‘Status data from the Get commands reflects the status of
the 8840A at the time the command is executed at its place
in the input command string.
348. Output Priority
Since only one output string is allowed per input command
string, the 8840A gives priority to some types of data over
others. An input command string may call for more than
one output string. (For example, an input string may
contain a Get command but also cause an error message.)
However, the output buffer is loaded with only one output
string. That string is selected according to the following
Priority:
1. Status data (from GO, G1, G3, G4, GS, G6, G7, or
G8)
2. Emor messages (if an error exists)
3. Numeric data (from G2 or a trigger)
318
‘This means that an error message always overrides
‘numeric data, but status data is sent even in the presence
‘of an error. However, the status data does not clear the
error message; the error message is sent the next time
‘mumeric data is requested.
‘349. SERVICE REQUESTS
‘Service requests let bus instruments get the attention of the
system controller. The are sent over the SRQ line
(one of the IEEE-488 bus lines). If more than one instru-
ment on the bus is capable of sending service requests, the
controller cari leam which one made the request by taking
a serial poll. Each device (including the 8840A) responds
‘to the poll by sending the contents of its serial poll
register. The serial poll register indicates whether or not
the device requested service, and if so, the reason for the
request.
‘The 840A may be programmed to make a service request
on user-specified conditions. The conditions are specified
by entering a value for the service request mask (SRQ
mask) with the P1 command. The SRO mask works by
‘monitoring the serial poll register, which in turn monitors
various conditions in the 8840A.
Service requests may also be initiated using the front panel
‘SRQ button if it has been enabled by the SRO mask.
3-50. The Serial Poll Register
‘The serial poll register is a binary-encoded register which
contains eight bits, as illustrated in Figure 3-9. The con-
twoller can read the 840A serial poll register at any time
by taking a serial poll. Because serial poll register data is
loaded directly onto the bus (instead of being loaded into
‘the output buffer first), reading the serial poll register
leaves data in the output buffer intact.
‘The eight bits of the serial poll register are described in
Figure 3-9. Note that the SRO mask uses bits 1 through 6
to set bit 7 (the ROS bit). When the ROS bit is set true,
‘the 8840A. sets the SRQ line true, which generates a
service request. A bit is considered true when itis set to 1.
+ Bit 1 (the lowest-order bit) is set true on overrange.
When ove ‘occurs, the output buffer is loaded
+29,99999E+9 (and a suffix, if enabled).
+ Bit 2 is not used. It is always set to 0.
+ Bit 3 is set true when the front panel SRQ button is
pressed.
+ Bit 4, Cal Step Complete, is set true when a store
‘command is completed in the calibration procedure.
+ Bit 5, Data Available, is set te every time the output
buffer is loaded, regardless of the kind of output data
(including error messages). This bit is cleared (set to
©} when any new bus input occurs, when the output
buffer is read, or when an external trigger occurs.
+ Bit 6, Any Enror, is set true whenever an error condi-
tion occurs. At the same time that bit 6 is set true, the
‘output buffer is loaded with an error message.Remote Pi
SERVICE
interface messages described here originate at the con-
troller.
3-53. Address Messages
‘Address messages are used by the controller to communi-
cate talk and listen control to other devices on the bus.
‘Address messages are sent over the eight data lines of the
bus while the controller holds ATN true. Address mes-
sages are processed immediately and are not placed in the
input buffer. The address messages are:
+ MLA My Listen Address — Addresses a device to
listen
+ MTA My Talk Address -- Addresses a device to talk
* UNL Unlisten - Addresses all listeners to unlisten
+ UNT Untalk — Addresses all talkers to untalk
3-54, Universal Commands
Universal commands are accepted and interpreted by all
devices on the bus. The commands are of two types,
‘multiline messages and uniline messages. Multiline mes-
sages are sent over the eight parallel data lines in the
IEEE-488 bus. Uniline messages are sent over one of the
individual interface management lines in the IEEE-488
bus. All universal commands except DCL are processed
immediately by the 8840, ahead of any device-dependent
commands. Only DCL enters the 8840A input buffer.
‘The 8840A responds to the following universal messages:
ATN Attention ~- A uniline message which causes
the 8840A to interpret multiline messages as
interface messages (AD, AC, or UC). When
false, multiline messages are interpreted as
device-dependent messages.
IFC Interface Clear -- A uniline message which
clears only the interface (not the 8840A) by
placing it in a known quiescent state.
REN Remote Enable ~ A uniline message which,
when received with MLA, switches the 88404.
to remote. When REN is set false, the 88404.
‘switches to local and removes local lockout.
DCL Device Clear -- A multiline message which is
loaded into the input buffer as a special
device-clear command. DCL performs the
‘same operation as the device-dependent com-
mand *, except that it is read before any other
characters that are already present in the input
buffer, and cleats the entire input buffer. Pro-
‘cessing then continues normally. The action of
DCL is not immediate; if the 8840A is taking
a reading when DCL is received, the DCL
‘command is executed after the measurement is
finished.
LLO Local Lockout ~ A multiline message which
disables the front panel LOCAL button. The
result is that the local mode is not accessible
by front panel control.
SPD Serial Poll Disable ~ A multiline message
which removes the serial poll enable state.
SPE Serial Poll Enable — A multiline message
‘which causes the serial poll data (rather than
‘output buffer data) to be transferred on the bus
‘once ATN becomes false.
9-55. Addressed Commands
‘Addressed commands are multiline messages which are
accepted and interpreted by only those devices currently
addressed to listen. The 8840A responds to the following
addressed commands:
GET Group Execute Trigger ~ (Not to be confused
with the device-dependent Get commands.)
GET loads a trigger command imo the input
buffer and also terminates the string at that
point. Only a single character is loaded into
the input buffer. The trigger command is
executed in its proper tur in the input string,
rather than immediately. When executed, GET
initiates a measurement.
GTL Go To Local ~ Causes the 840A to switch to
local. This command does not enter the input
buffer. Ifthe display has been blanked (with a
D1 command), issue 2 DO command before
sending GTL.
SDC Selected Device Clear -- Identical 19 the
tuniversal command DCL, but is accepted and
interpreted by current listeners only. Therefore,
it clears the 8840A only if it is addressed to
listen,
3-56. TALK-ONLY MODE
The talk-only mode lets you take advantage of the remote
capability of the 8840A without having to use an instru-
ment controller. To put the 8840A in the talk-only mode:
1. Tum the 8840A POWER switch OFF.
2. Set the rear panel TALK ONLY bit switch to 1 (the
up position).
3. Connect the 8840A vie the IEEE-488 bus to your
‘Printer, data logger, or other device.
Configure the other device as a listener only
Turn the 840A POWER switch ON.
Configure the 8840 with the front panel controls.
The 8840A reads the TALK ONLY bit switch on
power-up and when it receives the interface command
IFC. You can therefore set the TALK ONLY switch to 1
after power-up as long as you then send the 8840A the
IFC command.
3-57. REMOTE CALIBRATION
‘The 8840A can be calibrated over the IEEE-488 bus using
remote commands. Refer to the Maintenance section for
details.Remote Programming
raoesnay meee
Table 3-3. Immediate-Mode Commands for Various Controllers
FUNCTION penronuey | FLUKE-BASIC w-neLon | HP-BAsiC onnPesrere| TEBASIC
onan orsrzan | Wroascaeutor | and HP.8S Callan | Graghes non
INITIALIZE Po ww PORTO 7 CLEAR? wt
CLEAR insiument | CLEAR gH cero CLEAR 08 Pai @a"e=
REMOTE Commancs | REMOTE Os tem 708 REMOTE To8 warre ese.
toca. Cone toca @« taroe toca 7s warre ee
Serena TRIGGER | PRN gueTi” wa 704-71" oureut «rr | pant gent
TRIGGER smart | TIC ee wore TRIGGER 708 main 6
Getouimt bate | INPUT @MA reso A ENTER rota wowe2) | weuT @eA
paint oetetoseeen | printa mA pan A@ice) | PANT A
CONFIGURE tr VA0 | PRINT Q4-FP wa To" oureurrere | pant @eee
CONFIGURE for 20vee | PRINT @d-Re wr 708 Pat
TRIGGER Contnveusy_ | PAINT @urTO™ woe To oureur rear | PRINT geo"
SUFFKES rave | PRINT evr" wn 700" ourrurromy | PRINT @e
GeTOstassute INPUT Ge. AAS | eaTOAAAS More 1) | ENTERTOGAAS (te) | INPUT SEAS
int Deve acute | PRINT Aas masa PRINT AAS tow?) | PRINT AAS
Notes:
1. Betoreusing AS on the 9626 is necessary to enter “dim AS[6)"toallocateastring variable. This statement allows sixcharacters.
2 IntheHP9e16 system,
SCRATCH (Hit “EXEC” key)
0 (hit “ENTER” key)
20S (Hit "ENTER" key)
30END (Hit “ENTER key)
(Hit"RUN” key)
‘This program creates the variables 1
program is not necessary for the HP-85 Calculator.
riables cannot be created from the keyboard; they must be created by running a program. (Seeerror
810 for that system.) To get around this, type in a very short program as follows:
and ‘AS’ so that they may be accessed in immediate mode and changed at will. This
3-58, TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
To help you take the best advantage of the speed of the
8840A, external trigger timing for the IEEE~488 Interface
is described in the specifications in Section 1.
3-59, IMMEDIATE MODE COMMANDS
‘Many controllers have some amount of “immediate mode”
capability. That is, commands may be given interactively
to the 840A via the run-time-system without the need for
actually running @ program. The controller accepts and
executes these commands one at a time. Some commonly
used commands are listed in Table 3-3 for several con-
‘wollets. These ate provided for the convenience of instru-
‘ment demonstrations, set-up and check-out, and for those”
with limited experience with IEEE-488 bus operations.
As a general note: The entire 840A command set should
‘work well provided the “port clear” and “device clear”
commands are given first. You should then be able to send.
any other commands in the 8840A command set without
Tepeating the clearing commands.
3-60. EXAMPLE PROGRAMS
Several example programs for the 8840A using various
‘controllers are presented in the remaining figures in this
section. In all of these examples, the 8840A is set to
IEEE~488 address 4 (rear pane! switch setting 000100). Of
course, any other address (00 10 30) could be substituted.
In each of these examples, the instrament is cleared prior
to configuration set-ups. ‘This ensures that the 8840
configuration has been completely defined.
To run these programs, it is not necessary to type in all the
comments (which appear to the right of the exclamation
marks). Also, spaces are placed between commands for
ease of reading; they are not required.
NOTE
For the examples using the Fluke 1720A or
17224, the 8840A is plugged into port 0. The
‘port is initialized by the INIT statement, which
sends IFC (interface clear).
g21ote mi
Bam rosea
u
21
3!
4!
5!
6
n
8
o
35
45
50
55
‘This program selects VDC (F1), Autorange (RO), Slow rate (SO), continuous trigger (TO) and
suffixes enabled (¥1). The program takes 10 readings and stops. The 8840A is addressed on
Port 0, device #4 under control of a Fluke 1720A or 1722A Instrument Controller.
In the INPUT statement, the controller assigns the first part of the 8840A ourput response
(the measurement value) to R, and assigns the second part (the suffix) to RS.
FLUKE-BASIC on 1720, 17224
INIT PORT 0 ‘Clear Port
CLEAR PORT 0 ‘Clear instr to default functions
PRINT @4, 'F1 RO SO TO YI" {Write functions to instrument
FORI = 17010
INPUT @4, R, RS !Get data from 88404,
PRINT" — "LRRS {Print to 1722A display
NEXT
END
3:22
Figure 3-10. Example Program: Taking 10 Readingsrence reins
This is a sample program which commands the 8840A to the state of VDC, autorange, slow rate,
continuous trigger and suffixes enabled. All readings appear simultaneously on the
3! instrument display while being logged on the controller display with suffixes enabled for
4! function readout. Full local control is given to the 8840A so that any range or function
S!_ may be invoked easily. The controller always echos the 8840A display while this program
6! is running.
7
8 FLUKE-BASIC on 1720A, 1722
o
30 INIT PORT 0
lear Port
40 CLEAR PORT 0 lear instrument to default functions
50 WAIT 1000 !Wait 1 second before sending commands
60 PRINT @4, "F1 RO SO TO YI" 1F1=VDC, RO=Autorange, S0=Slow rate
701 !T0=Continuous trigger, Y1=Enable suffix
80 X=0
90 LOCAL @4 Give local contro! to instrument
951
110 INPUT @4,A,A$ SGet reading and suffix from 840A
120 X=X+1 Hncrement reading count
130 PRINT KAAS !Display reading and suffix
140 GOTO 110
200 END
Figure 3-11. Example Program: Taking Readings with Local Control 323Remote Programming
EXAMPLE PROG!
1 The following program illustrates one possible use of the serial poll register. In this
! case it is merely looking for data available. The instrument is addressed on port 0,
device #4 under control of a Fluke 1720A or 172A instrument controller. The function
Hof this program is to display on the controller screen the lowest resistance measured
across the input terminals of the 8840A using the 2-wire ohms function in autorange.
‘The command string sets up the 8840A by using the Put Instrument Configuration command PO,
FLUKE-BASIC on 1720A, 1722A
100 INIT PORT 0 \ CLEAR PORT 0 \ WAIT 500 IClear port, instrument, delay
110 PRINT @4, "N3001P0 Y1 7" ‘Mnstrument functions and trigger
120 INPUT @4, AAS {Get first reading
130 PRINT" —",A,AS;"S (2-wire) Lowest Reading”
140 TRIG @4
160 B%=SPL(4) Get serial poll register
170 IF (B%=0%) THEN 160 ‘Looking for data available
175 INPUT @4,RAS SGet next data
180 IF R>=A THEN 140 ‘Throw away data if not lowest
185 A=R {Update lowest reading
190 GoTo 130 {Print new low
900 END
324
Figure 3-12. Example Program: Using the Serial Poll RegisterRemote Programmin
Sain! prooRS
30! This program demonstrates a method of recording any errors produced by the 8840A during self test.
20!
30! It should be noted that:
40! 1. If more than one digital test error occurs, only the last one will be reported.
50! 2. The response to the Get Instrument Configuration (GO) command during selftest is “Saxx".
60! 3. The response to a Get Error Status (G7) command with no errors present is "1000".
70!
80! FLUKE-BASIC on 1720A, 172A
90!
100 DA%=4% Wevice address #4
110 TIMEOUT 10000 10 second timeout
120 PRINT
130 PRINT "MONITORING SELFTEST"
140 INIT PORT 0 Unitialize port
150 CLEAR @DA% !Clear device
160 PRINT @DA%, "ZO" Start selftest
1701
180 PRINT @DA%, "G7" \ INPUT @DA%, ES
190 IF (ES = 1000") THEN 220
200 PRINT @DA%, "XO"
210 PRINT "ERROR ";RIGHT(ES,3);" OCCURRED"
220 PRINT @DA%, "GO" \ INPUT @DA%, STS.
230 IF (STS >= *9000") GOTO 180
240 PRINT @DAM%, "G7" \ INPUT @DA%, ES.
250 IF (E$ = "1000") THEN 270
260 PRINT "ERROR *;RIGHT(ES,3);" OCCURRED"
270 PRINT *SELFTEST COMPLETE"
280 END
{Print analog errors
{Print last digital error
Figure 3-13. Example Program: Record Errors During Selttest
3:25Remote Programming
EXAMPLE PROGRAMS
10 REM The following application program is written in BASICA for the IBM PC, PC-XT or
20REM PC-AT. The National Instruments Model GPIB-PCIIA board provides the interface
30 REM between the PC and the Fluke 8840A DMM. The program assumes that the configuration
40 REM program IBCONF has been nun to initialize the interface board with the device
‘50 REM name 18840A assigned to the GPIBO board.
60 REM
70 REM The first 6 lines of code are required to properly link the NI drivers to BASICA.
80 REM
90 REM
100 REM This program selects VDC (F1), Autorange (RO), Slow rate (SO), Continuous trigger (TO)
110 REM and suffixes enabled (¥1). The program takes 10 readings, displays them on the screen,
120 REM and then stops.
130 REM
140 REM
150 CLEAR ,59736!
160 IBINIT1 = 597361
170 IBINIT2 = IBINIT1 + 3
180 BLOAD "bib.m*JBINIT1
190 CALL IBINIT1 (BFIND,IBTRG,IBCLR,IBPCT JBSIC,IBLOG,IBPPCIBBNA IBONL,IBRSC,IBSRE,
IBRSV,IBPAD,IBSAD, BIST, IBDMA IBEOS IBTMO.IBEOT IBRDF,IBWRTF)
200 CALL IBINIT2(IBGTS IBCAC,IBWAIT, IBPOKE,IBWRT,IBWRTA,IBCMD,IBCMDA IBRD IBRDAIBSTOP,
IBRPP IBRSP,IBDIAG IBXTRC,IBRDI,IBWRTI IBRDIAIBWRTIA,IBSTA% IBERR%,IBCNT)
210 REM
220 REM IBM BASICA on IBM PC, PC-XT or PC-AT
230 REM
‘240 DEVNAMES="18840A" ‘Device name is 188404
250 CALL IBFIND(DEVNAMES,DVM%) “Initialize the DMM
260 CALL IBCLR(DVM%) "Clear the device
270 FOR W=1 TO 500 : NEXT W "Wait 1 second before sending command
280 WRTS="FIROSOTOY1"
290 CALL IBWRT(DVM%,WRTS) "Write functions to instrument
300 FOR I = 1 TO 10
310 RDS=SPACES(18) "11 characters for the reading, 5 for the
320 "suffix and 2 for the terminators
330 CALL IBRD(DVM%,RDS) "Get data from 8840A
340 PRINT I, LEFTS(RDS,16) ‘Print to display
350 NEXT I
360 END
1BM®, IBM PC, PO-XT and PC-AT are registered trademarks of International Business Machine Corporation
‘National instruments? is a registered trademark of National Instruments Corporation
Figure 3-14. Example Programs: Using the IBM PC®
3-28Remot it
me See Peo
10 REM The following application program is written in BASICA for the IBM PC, PC-XT or
20 REM PC-AT. The National Instruments Model GPIB-PCIIA board provides the interface
30 REM between the PC and the Fluke 8840A DMM. The program assumes that the configuration
40 REM program IBCONF has been run to initialize the interface board with the device
50 REM name I8840A assigned to the GPIBO board.
60 REM
70 REM The first 6 lines of code are required to properly link the NI drivers to BASICA.
80 REM
90REM This program illustrates one possible use of the serial poll register. In this
100 REM case it is merely looking for data available. The function of the program is to
110 REM display on the screen the lowest resistance value measured on the input terminals
120 REM of the 8840A using the 2-wire ohms function in autorange. ‘The range and function
330 REM commands are programmed using the Put Instrument Configuration (PO) command,
140 REM
150 CLEAR ,59736!
160 IBINIT? = 59736!
370 IBINIT2 = IBINIT1 + 3
180 BLOAD "bib." IBINITI
190 CALL IBINIT1 (BFIND,IBTRG IBCLR,IBPCT JBSIC,IBLOC,IBPPC, IBBNA,IBONL,IBRSCIBSRE,
IBRSV,IBPAD,IBSAD,IBIST,IBDMA,IBEOS,|BTMO IBEOT IBRDF IBWRTF)
200 CALL IBINIT2(IBGTS,IBCAC,IBWAIT IBPOKE,IBWRT, IBWRTA,IBCMD,IBCMDA IBRD IBRDA IBSTOP,
IBRPP,IBRSP,IBDIAG, IBXTRC,IBRDI,IBWRTI,IBRDIAJBWRTIAIBSTA%,IBERR%,IBCNT9%)
210 REM
220 REM IBM BASICA on IBM PC, PC-XT or PC-AT
230 REM
240 DEVNAME="18840A" ‘Device name is 18840A
250 CALL IBFIND (DEVNAMES,DVM%) “Initialize the DMM
260 CALL IBCLR. (DVM%) "Clear device
270 FOR W = 1 TO 500: NEXT W "Wait 1 second before sending commands
280 WRTS = "N3001P0 Y1 2"
290 CALL IBWRT (DVM%,WRTS) ‘Write functions to instrument
300 RDS = SPACES(18) 11 characters for the reading, 5 for the
310 “suffix and 2 for the terminators
320 CALL IBRD (DVM%,RDS) °Get first reading from 8840A
330 R = VAL(RDS)
340 PRINT LEFTS (RDS, 16);"S (2-WIRE) LOWEST READING" ‘Display readings
350 WRTS = "7"
360 CALL IBWRT (DVM%,WRTS) "Trigger the 8840A
370 CALL IBRSP (DVM%,SPR%) ‘Get serial poll byte
380 IF SPR% AND &H40 <> &H40 THEN 370 ‘Check for data available
390 RDS = SPACES(18)
400 CALL IBRD (DVM%,RDS) ‘Get next data
410 S = VAL (RDS)
420 IF S >= R THEN 350 “Throw away data if not lowest
430R = S "Update lowest reading
440 GOTO 340 ‘Print new low
450 END
Figure 3-14. Example Programs: Using the IBM PC® (cont) 327Remote Programming
10 REM The following application program is written in BASICA for the IBM PC, PC-XT or
20 REM PC-AT. The National instruments Model GPIB-PCIIA board provides the interface
‘30 REM between the PC and the Fluke 8840A DMM. The program assumes that the configuration
40 REM program IBCONF has been run to initialize the interface board with the device
50 REM name 18840A assigned to the GPIBO board.
60 REM
70 REM The first 6 lines of code are required to properly link the NI drivers to BASICA.
80 REM
90 REM This program selects VDC (F1), Autorange (RO), Slow rate (SO), Continuous trigger (TO)
100 REM and suffixes enabled (¥1). All readings appear simultaneously on the instrument
110 REM display and the PC screen with suffixes enabled for function readout. Full local
120 REM control is given to the 8840A. Note the local control must be given to the board
130 REM and not the device. Press BREAK to terminate this program.
140 REM
150 CLEAR ,59736!
160 IBINIT1 = 59736!
170 IBINIT2 = IBINIT1 + 3
180 BLOAD *biban*JBINIT1
190 CALL IBINIT1 (BFIND,IBTRG,IBCLR,IBPCT,IBSIC BLOC, IBPPC,IBBNA IBONL IBRSC,IBSRE,
IBRSV,IBPAD IBSAD JBIST,IBDMA [BES IBTMO,IBEOT.IBRDF IBWRTF)
200 CALL IBINIT2(BGTS,IBCAC, BWAIT,IBPOKE,IBWRT,IBWRTA,IBCMD, IBCMDAJBRD,IBRDAIBSTOP,
IBRPP,IBRSP,IBDIAG IBXTRC,IBRDI,IBWRTLIBRDIAIBWRTIA IBSTA% IBERR%,IBCNT%)
210 REM
220 REM IBM BASICA on IBM PC, PC-XT or PC-AT
230 REM
240 BDNAMES="GPIBO" name is GPIBO
250 CALL IBFIND (BDNAMES,BD%) the interface board
260 DEVNAME="18840A" ‘Device name is 18840A
270 CALL IBFIND (DEVNAMES,DVM%) “Initialize the DMM.
280 CALL IBCLR. (DVM%) "Clear device
290 FOR W = 1 TO S00: NEXT W "Wait 1 second before sending commands
300 WRT$ = "FIROSOTOYi" 'F1=VDC, RO=autorange, SO=slow rate
310 ‘TO=continuous trig., Y1=enable suffix
320 CALL IBWRT (DVM%,WRTS) Write functions to instrument
330 CALL IBLOC (DVM%) "Give local control to instrument
340 V% = 0: X% = 0
350 CALL IBSRE (BD%,V%) ‘Deassert the remote enable (REN)
360 ’so the 8840A stays in local when a call
370 ‘to IBRD is made
380 RDS = SPACES(18) "11 characters for the reading, 5 for the
390 ‘suffix and 2 for the terminators
400 CALL IBRD (DVM%,RDS) "Get data from 8840A
410 X% = X% +1
420 PRINT X%, LEFTS (RDS,16) ‘Display readings
430 GOTO 380
440 END
3-28
Figure 3-14. Example Programs: Using the IBM Pc® (cont)rene cepoeaieg
10 REM The following application program is written in BASICA for the IBM PC, PC-XT or
20 REM PC-AT. The National Instruments Model GPIB-PCIIA board provides the interface
30 REM between the PC and the Fluke 8840A DMM. The program assumes that the configuration
40 REM program IBCONF has been run to initialize the interface board with the device
SO REM name 18840A assigned to the GPIBO board.
60 REM
70 REM The first 6 lines of code are required to properly link the NI drivers to BASICA.
80 REM
90REM This program illustrates 2 method of recording any errors produced by the 840A
100 REM selftest function. It should be noted that:
110 REM 1. If more than one digital error occurs, only the last one will be reported.
120 REM 2. The response to a Get Instrument Config. (GO) command during selftest is "xxx",
130 REM 3. The response to a Get Error Status (G7) command with no errors present is "1000".
140 REM
150 CLEAR ,59736! |
160 IBINIT1 = 59736!
170 IBINIT2 = IBINIT1 + 3
180 BLOAD "bib.n"BINIT1
190 CALL IBINIT1 (BFIND,IBTRG,IBCLR,IBPCT IBSIC,IBLOC IBPPC,IBBNA IBONL,IBRSCIBSRE,
IBRSV,IBPAD, IBSAD JBIST,BDMA,IBEOS IBTMO, IBEOT, IBRDF,IBWRTF)
200 CALL IBINIT2(BGTS,IBCAC IBWAIT,IBPOKE,IBWRT,IBWRTA,IBCMD IBCMDA,BRD IBRDAIBSTOP,
IBRPP,IBRSP, IBDIAG,IBXTRC,IBRDI,IBWRTLIBRDIA IBWRTIA [BSTA% IBERR%,IBCNT%)
210 REM
220 REM IBM BASICA on IBM PC, PC-XT or PC-AT
230 REM
240 DEVNAME="18840A" "Device name is 18840A
250 CALL IBFIND (DEVNAMES,DVM%) “Initialize the DMM
260 CALL IBCLR (DVM%) "Clear device
270 FOR W = 1 TO S00: NEXT W "Wait 1 second before sending commands
280 PRINT "MONITORING SELFTEST
290 WRTS = "ZO" : CALL IBWRT (DVM%,WRTS) "Start selfrest
300 WRTS = "G7" : CALL IBWRT (DVM%,WRTS)
310 ES = SPACES(6)
320 CALL IBRD (DVM%ES) "Read error status
330 IF (LEFTS(ES,4) = "1000") THEN GOTO 360 "Check for errors
340 WRTS = "XO" : CALL IBWRT (DVM%, WRTS) ‘Clear error register
350 PRINT "ERROR ";RIGHTS(ES,3);" OCCURRED" Print analog error
360 WRTS = "GO" : CALL IBWRT (DVM%,WRTS) "Get instrument configuration
370 STS=SPACES(6)
380 CALL IBRD (DVM%STS)
390 IF LEFTS(STS,4) >= "9000" THEN GOTO 300 _—’Check for selftest still active
400 WRTS = "G7" : CALL IBWRT (DVM%,WRTS)
410 ES = SPACES(6)
420 CALL IBRD (DVM%,ES) "Read error status
430 IF (LEFTS(ES,4) = "1000*) THEN GOTO 450 "Check for errors
440 PRINT "ERROR ";RIGHTS(ES,3);" OCCURRED" Print digital error
450 PRINT
460 PRINT "SELFTEST COMPLETE"
470 END
Figure 3-14, Example Programs: Using the IBM PC° (cont) 2429Remote Programming
EXAMPLE PROGRAMS
‘The following application program is written in QBASIC for the IBM PC, PC-XT or
PC-AT. The National Instruments Model GPIB-PCIIA board provides the interface
between the PC and the Fluke 8840A DMM. The program assumes that the configuration
program IBCONF has been run to initialize the interface board with the device
name 18840A assigned to the GPIBO board.
This program selects VDC (F1), Autorange (RO), Slow rate (SO), Continuous trigger (TO)
and suffixes enabled (Y1). The program takes 10 readings, displays them on the screen,
and then stops.
Microsoft QuickBasic V 4.5 on IBM PC, PC-XT or PC-AT
°SINCLUDE: ‘gbib45.dcl"
devname$ = "18840A" ‘Device name is 188408.
CALL IBFIND(demnameS, dvm%) ‘Initialize the DMM
CALL IBCLR(dvm%) "Clear device
WRITS = "FIROSOTOY1" °Set up command string
CALL IBWRT(dvm%, WRTS) "Write functions to instrument
FORi = 17010
RDS = SPACES(18) "11 characters for the reading, 5 for
“the suffix, and 2 for terminators
CALL IBRD(dvm%, RDS) ‘Get data
PRINT i, LEFTS(RDS, 16) ‘Print to display
NEXT i
END
Microson® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation
(QuickBASIC™ isa trademark of Microsoft Corporation
Figure 3-14. Example Programs: Using the IBM PC® (cont)Remote Programming
‘Saurus proces
The following application program is written in QBASIC for the IBM PC, PC-XT or
PC-AT. The National Instruments Model GPIB-PCIIA board provides the interface
between the PC and the Fluke 8840A DMM. The program assumes that the configuration
program IBCONF has been run to initialize the interface board with the device
mame 18840A assigned to the GPIBO board.
This program selects VDC (F1), Autorange (RO), Slow rate (SO), Continuous trigger (TO)
and suffixes enabled (¥1). All readings appear simultaneously on the instrument |
display and the PC screen with suffixes enabled for function readout. Full local
control is given to the 8840A. Note the local control must be given to the board
and not the device. Press BREAK to terminate this program.
Microsoft QuickBasic V 4.5 on IBM PC, PC-XT or PC-AT
"SINCLUDE: ‘qbib45.del’
BDNAMES = "GPIBO" ‘Board name is GPIBO |
CALL IBFIND(BDNAMES, BD%) “Initialize IEEE Interface Board
demnames = "188404" "Device name is 18840A
CALL IBFIND(devnameS, dvm%) “Initialize the device
CALL IBCLR(dvm%) ‘Clear the device
WRTS = "FIROSOTOY1" 'F1 = Volts DC, RO = Autorange,
°SO = Slow reading rate, TO = Intemal
“Trigger, Y1 = Enable suffix
CALL IBWRT(évn%, WRTS) "Write functions to the instrument
CALL IBLOC(dvm%) "Give local control to the instrument
‘Vo = 0: 39% = 0
CALL IBSRE(BD%, V96) ‘De-assert the remote enable (REN) signal so
“the 8840A stays in local when an IBRD call
‘is made
RDS = SPACES(18) "11 characters for the reading, § for the
‘suffix and 2 for the terminators
CALL IBRD(dvm%, RDS) ‘Get data
X% = x% +1 "Increment reading count
PRINT x%, LEFTS(RDS, 16) ‘Display reading
GOTO again
END
Figure 3-14. Example Programs: Using the IBM Pc® (cont) 331Remote Programmi
Baus prota no
3-32
label:
‘The following application program is written in QBASIC for the IBM PC, PC-XT or
PC-AT. The National Instruments Model GPIB-PCIIA board provides the interface
between the PC and the Fluke 8840A DMM. The program assumes that the configuration
Program IBCONF has been run to initialize the interface board with the device
name 18840A assigned to the GPIBO board.
‘This program illustrates one possible use of the serial poll register. In this
case it is merely looking for data available. The function of the program is to
display on the screen the lowest resistance value measured on the input terminals
of the 8840A using the 2-wire ohms function in autorange. The range and function
commands are programmed using the Put Instrument Configuration (PO) command.
Microsoft QuickBasic V 4.5 on IBM PC, PC-XT or PC-AT
*SINCLUDE: ‘qbib45.de?
bdname$ = *GPIBO" “Board name is GPIBO
CALL IBFIND(bdnames, BD%) “Initialize the Interface Board
devnameS = 188404" ‘Device name is 188408
CALL IBFIND(devnames, dvm%) “Initialize the device
CALL IBCLR (dvm%) “Clear the device
‘WRTS = "N3001P0 Y1 ?"
CALL IBWRT(évin%, WRTS) "Write functions to the instrument
RDS = SPACES(18)
‘CALL IBRD(avm%, RDS) °Get first reading
r = VAL(RDS)
PRINT LEFTS(RDS, 16); *S (2-WIRE) LOWEST READING"
Do “Execute the statements up to the loop
“statement until new low is found
‘WRITS = "7"
CALL IBWRT(évm%, WRTS) “Trigger the device
SPR% = 0
DO UNTIL SPR% AND &H40 = 84140
CALL IBRSP(dvm%, SPR%) “Serial poll the device until data available
Loop
RDS = SPACES(18)
CALL IBRD(dvm%, RDS) "Get next data
3 = VAL(RDS)
LOOP WHILE s >= r “Throw away data if not lowest
rs "Update lowest reading
GOTO label 'Print new low
END
Figure 3-14, Example Programs: Using the IBM PC° (cont)mote Programming
Femets cre od
The following application program is written in QBASIC for the IBM PC, PC-XT or
PC-AT. The National Instruments Model GPIB-PCIIA board provides the interface
between the PC and the Fluke 88404 DMM. The program assumes that the configuration
Program IBCONF has been run to initialize the interface board with the device
name 18840A assigned to the GPIBO board.
This program illustrates a method of recording any errors produced by the 840A.
selftest function. It should be noted that:
1. If more than one digital error occurs, only the last one will be reported.
2. The response to a Get Instrument Config. (GO) command during selftest is "xx".
. The response to a Get Error Status (G7) command with no errors present is "1000".
Microsoft QuickBasic V 4.5 on IBM PG, PC-XT or PC-AT
"SINCLUDE: 'qbib45.del”
BDNAMES = *GPIBO" ‘Board name is GPIBO
CALL IBFIND(BDNAMES, BD%) “Initialize the interface board
devname$ = "188404" ‘Device name is 18840A
CALL IBFIND(devnameS, dvm%) ‘Initialize the device
PRINT "MONITORING SELFTEST"
WRITS = "Zo"
CALL IBWRT(dvm%, WRTS) "Start selftest
Do
WRIS = "G7"
CALL IBWRT(dvm%, WRTS)
RDS = SPACES(18)
CALL IBRD(dvm%, RDS) Get error status
errcode$ = LEFTS(RDS, 4)
IF (errcode$ <> 1000") THEN "Check for errors
WRIS = "XO" "Clear error register
CALL IBWRT(dvm%, WRTS)
PRINT "Error "; RIGHTS (errcode$, 3); * occurred”
END IF
CALL IBWRT(dvm%, "GO")
st$ = SPACES(16)
CALL IBRD (dvm%, st$) ‘Get instrument configuration
stat$ = LEFTS(stS, 1)
LOOP WHILE stat$ = "9" ‘Loop while selftest still active
WRTS = "G7"
CALL IBWRT(dvm%, WRTS)
RDS = SPACE$(18)
CALL IBRD(dvm%, RDS) “Get error status
exrcodeS = LEFTS(RDS, 4)
IF (errcode$ <> *1000") THEN "Check for errors
PRINT "Error"; RIGHTS(errcodeS, 3); * occurred”
END IF
PRINT
PRINT "Selftest Complete”
END
Figure 3-14. Example Programs: Using the IBM Pc (cont) 333mote innit
Soot epmemie
/* The following application program is written in C for the IBM PC-AT. ‘The National Instruments
Model AT-GPIB board provides the interface between the PC and the Fluke 8840A DMM. The
program assumes that the configuration program IBCONF has been run to initialize the interface
board with the device name I8840A assigned to the GPIBO board.
This program selects VDC (FI), Autorange (RO), Slow rate ($0), Continuous trigger (10) and suffixes
enabled (YI). The program takes 10 readings, displays them on the screen, and then stops.
Microsoft C Version 6.0 on IBM. PC-AT ”
/* Link this program with appropriate meib*.ob. ”
#include
#include “decLh*
char rd{512]; 7 read data bulfer ”
int dmm; 7* device number 7
int i
main()
{
dmm = ibfind(188404"); /* device name is 18840 ”
ibeir(émm); /* clear device ”
ibwrt(émm,"FIROSOTOY1",10); 7/* write functions to instrument ”
for(i=0;i<10;i++)
‘{ibrd(émm,rd); /* get data ”
pring C%d%s".rd); 7* print to display ”
}
>
304 Figure 2-14, Example Programs: Using the IBM PC°(cont)Remote mit
Saute PROSRe
|
The following application program is written in C for the IBM PC-AT. ‘The National Instruments
Model AT-GPIB board provides the interface between the PC and the Fluke 840A DMM. ‘The
Program assumes that the configuration program IBCONF has been run to initialize the interface
board with the device name 18840A assigned to the GPIBO board.
This program selects VDC (F1), Autorange (RO), Slow rate (S0), Continuous trigger (TO)
and suffixes enabled (¥1). All readings appear simultaneously on the instrument
display and the PC screen with suffixes enabled for function readout. Full local
control is given to the 8840A. Note the local control must be given to,the board
and not the device. Press C to terminate this program.
Microsoft C Version 6.0 on IBM PC-AT 7
Link this program with appropriate mcib*.obj. ”
#indlude
#include “decl.h*
char rd{512); /* read data buffer ”
int brdo; /* interface board number y
int dmm; /* device number 7
int x
‘main( )
{
brdo = ibfind('GPIBOY); */
dmm = ibfnd(1gs40a); /* initialize device 7
ibelr(¢mm); 7? clear device ”
ibwrt(dmm,"F1ROSOTOY1",10); /* write functions to instrument 7
ibloc(émm); 7* local the device 7
ibsre(brd0,0); /* de-assert the remote enable (REN) signal so the */
/* 88404 stays in local when an ibrd call is made */
x=0;
in:
ibrd(dmm,rd); 77 get data ”
x=x+]; /* increment reading count 7
print{(%d — %s",x,rd); /* display readings 7
goto in;
}
Figure 3-14, Example Programs: Using the IBM PC°(cont) 33sRemote jrammin;
Baume erooeas
* ‘The following application program is written in C for the IBM PC-AT. The National Instruments
‘Model AT-GPIB board provides the interface between the PC and the Fluke 8840A DMM. The
program assumes that the configuration program IBCONF has been run to initialize the interface
‘board with the device name 18840A assigned to the GPIBO board.
This program illustrates one possible use of the serial poll register. In this
case it is merely looking for data available. ‘The function of the program is to
display on the screen the lowest resistance value measured on the input terminals,
of the 8840A using the 2-wire ohms function in autorange, The range and function
commands are programmed using the Put Instrument Configuration (PO) command.
‘Microsoft C Version 6.0 on IBM PC-AT ”
/* Link this program with appropriate meib*.obj. ”
#include
#include "decl.h”
#include
#include
char rd{512}; /* read data buffer ”
int brdo; /* interface board number Y
int dmm; /* device number ”
char spr; /* serial poll response byte ”
float r,s;
char rd_string{11],ss{11];
main( )
4
brdO = ibfind( "GPIBO" ); ey)
dmm = ibfind( 18840" ); /* initialize 88408 ”
ibelr( dmm ); 7* clear device ”
ibwrt( dmm, "N3001POY1?", 10); /* write fanctions to instrument ”
ibré(dmm,rd,16); 7* get data ”
stmepy(td_string,rd,11);
r=atof(rd_string); /* convert from string to floating point */
label: printi('%sS (2-wire) LOWEST READING\\n‘rd);
do {
ibwrt(émm,"?*,1); (/* tigger the device ba
/* serial poll the device +s
' 7* until data available ¥
ibrd(émm,rd,16); 7* get next data "7
‘atof(rd); (/* convert to floating point ”
printf(\");
+
while (s>=0); /* throw away data if not lowest ”
ras;
goto labell; /* print new low ”
3:36 Figure 3-14. Example Programs: Using the IBM PC® (cont)Remote Programmit
Saweie PaOSnAS
rn
The following application program is written in C for the IBM PC-AT. The National Instruments
Model AT-GPIB board provides the interface between the PC and the Fluke 8840A DMM. ‘The
Program assumes that the configuration program IBCONF has been run to initialize the interface
board with the device name 18840A assigned to the GPIBO board.
This program illustrates a method of recording any errors produced by the 8840A selftest function.
It should be noted that:
1. If more than one digital error occurs, only the last one will be reported.
2. The response to a Get Instrument Config. (GO) command during selftest is *xxx".
3. The response to a Get Error Status (G7) command with no errors present is "1000",
Microsoft C Version 6.0 on IBM PC-AT
Link this program with appropriate mcib*.obj.
#indude
#indude "decl.h*
#indude
char rd[512); /* read data buffer
int brdo; /* interface board number
int dmm; /* device number
char selftest_active[1}; /* selftest active flag
char errcode{4]; /* error code buffer
main()
{
brd0 = ibfind("GPIBO"); /* initialize interface board
dmm = ibfind(18840A"); /* initialize 88404
‘ibelr(dmm); /* clear device
ibwrt(dmm,"Z0",2); (/* start 88404 self test
dof 7* do while self test active
ibwre(émm,'G7"2); 7* get error status
ibrd(dmm,rd,16);
strnepy(errcode,rd,4);
if (suremp(errcode,"1000")!=0) /* test for error
Aibwrt(dmm,"X0",2);
printf(Error %s occurred\r\n",errcode);
>
ibwrt(dmm,'G0",2); /* get instrument configuration
‘ibrd(dmm,r4,16);
strnepy(selftest_active,rd,1);
+
while (stremp(selftest_active,"9")==0); _/* check for self test active
ibwrt(dmm,"G7"2); 7* get error status
ibré(émm,rd,16);
strnepy(errcode,rd,4);
if (stremp(errcode,"1000")!=0)
7* test for last digital error
printf("Error %s occurred\r\n",errcode);
print{("\r\nSelftest complete\r\n");
+
7
”
7
7
7
7
”
7
ey,
”
OF
7
he
”
”
7
”
”
Figure 3-14. Example Programs: Using the IBM Pc%cont)
337Remote Programming
Saunte posta
Table $4. ASCIEEE Std 488-1978 Bus Codes
ascit ‘BINARY T ev. | mEsSAce VARY
DECIMAL | OCTAL| HEX ASCH Dev.| MESSAGE
cana, 7654 3210 | NO. | ATW=TaUE CHAR, OCTAL | MEX agsa eno | MO. | ATA TRUE
NUL 0 ‘00 [00 | “0000 0000 ry et | 100 0100 0000 | 0 | MTA
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@ | ow | 08 | ooo 00 Teer] & eT eT no Tio 1000] 8 Pura
8 | om | 09 | cosa} — ter | B P} a3 | a 149 | ow amo: | 9 | ara
x0 | 012 | 08 ooo 1010 2 4 | re | a2 | aa | owoamo ) a0 [ara
ms i_{_or3 | 09 | ow sort 3 x_| ts | nna | 48 | own wore | is ta
12 | oie | 0c | om ri0 Lp | me] ae fom Te TMTAT
13 | ots | 00 | om tion & |i | ons | a0] ow no | 3 [ara] B
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15 | ov | OF | ooo sti o | | ur [omni | 15. | ata z
ou | 6 | o@0 | 10 | on ono e | a | 0 | 50 | om om |x [mre] &
or | ov |r| lamam) — juo o | a | ar | sj oman | ura] S
52] we | me | | oman R |e | we | 2 | oman | is |ara| =
oa |e | ces | 13 | moon s S_ |e | ws | 53 | owroon | 19 [ura
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e_| 3 | wr | 7 | omon 3 w |e | ar | S| orm | 2 [ata
can] 24 | cm | 18 | ow: 1000] | sre | 2 x | | 30 | se | or woo | 26 [ura
ew | 2 | as: | 19 | wr oor | | S00 | 2 + | a | aa | & | on om | [ra
sus | % | ae | 1a) om ioe = | 90 | 1a | S| or io | 25 | ra
ee | 2 | as | te | amon z i_| st | 33 | $8 ovr ton | or [ara
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+ | 3 | 06 | % | cooon | 3 bate e_| om [6 {8 | onocn (3 [se
s | x | o@ | 2 | onooio] + [ma 3 | 0 | ve | & | onoow [+ [mse
& | 3 | os | 25 | onwow | | wre e | dor | 15 | & J onoom |s [usa
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+4 8 | oor | Joon |” June te Lin [7 Loman4-1. INTRODUCTION
This section discusses considerations and techniques to
help you use the 8840A effectively. Among other things,
this section discusses sources of error which are an inher-
cent part of the measurement process and which occur for
all multimeters. By understanding why and when these
errors occur, and by knowing how and when to correct for
them, you can make accurate measurements with contfi-
dence.
“This section also discusses the relative benefits of 2-wire
and 4-wire ohms, describes special considerations for mak-
ing ac measurements, and presents some unusual
applications-for example, using the test current in the
2ewire ohms function as a troubleshooting tool in itself.
4-2. DC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT
When measuring de voltages in high-impedance circuits,
there ate two possible sources of error to consider: circuit
loading and input bias current.
4-3. Circuit Loading Error
Whenever a voltmeter is connected to a circuit, the volt-
meter's internal resistance changes the voltage of the
circuit under test. The resulting error is called circuit
loading error. The error is negligible as long as the resis-
tance of the circuit under test (the source impedance) is
small compared 10 the input impedance of the meter. As
the source impedance approaches the input impedance of
the voltmeter, the error can be considerable. The percent-
age of error can be calculated using the formula in Figure
#1.
‘The input impedance of the 8840A is 10 MQ in the 200V
and 1000V ranges, and is greater than 10,000 MQ in the
200 mV, 2V, and 20V ranges. Therefore, for the 8840A,
circuit loading error is less than 0.01% as long as the
source impedance is less than 1 M&2 in the 200 mV, 2V,
and 20V ranges, and less than 1 kQ in the 200V and
1000V ranges. The exceptionally high input impedance on
the 20V de range allows high-accuracy readings in CMOS
and high-impedance analog circuitry
Section 4
Measurement Tutorial
NOTE
Input protection circuitry can reduce the input
impedance to as low as 100 Q when the input
is overrange. This may also occur momentarily
when the instrument autoranges to a higher
range.
4-4, Input Bias Current Error
Input bias current error occurs because a voltmeter’s input
bias current always changes the voltage of the circuit
‘under test, However, the error is significant only when
measuring voltages ‘in circuits with very high source
impedance. The error can be measured as shown in Figure
42,
‘With the 8840A, it is easy t0 correct for this error using
the OFFSET button:
1. Select the VDC function and the desired range.
2. Connect the 8840A INPUT terminals to a resistor
‘which matches the source impedance of the circuit to
be tested.
Allow the displayed reading to setle.
Press the OFFSET button.
Remove the resistor.
Proceed with the desired measurement
aha
Example:
Measure a 1.5V source with 1 MQ source impedance,
‘correcting for input bias current
1. Connect a 1 MQ resistor between the INPUT HI and
INPUT LO terminals.
2. Select the VDC function and the 2V range.
Allow the display to settle,
4. Press OFFSET. (This zeroes the input bias current
error)
atMeasurement Tutorial
DC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT
Ri
i
CIRCUIT LOADING ERROR IN % = 100%_Bs
where Rs = Source impedance
ii = 88404 input impedance
-10,000 MQ in 200 mv, 2V, and 20V ranges)
10. MQ. in 200V and 1000V ranges)
Rs FRI
EXAMPLE
20 KA.
SOURCE ==
Rg = (20M) x (10 KD) _ 9 ky
80 K2 + 10 kA
When measuring the vottage across the 10 k® leg of a90 kM over 10 kA voltage divider, the circuit loading erroris less
than 0.1% in the upper ranges, and less than 0.0001% in the lower ranges:
“oy pe [3
Error in the 200V and 1000V ranges = 100 x
Tens TOM = 0.0%
ane 9ko
Error in the 200 mV, 2V and 20V ranges = 10x = —S 6B
9kO
.00009%
Figure 4-1. Circuit Loading Error Calculation
5. Remove the 1 MQ resistor.
6 Measure the voltage of the circuit under test.
Note that this procedure does not correct for circuit load-
ing error. Also note that if input bias current error is not
corrected for, it may be added to the circuit loading error.
45. RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT :
The 8840A allows you to measure resistance in both
2-wire and 4-wire configurations. Each has its benefits.
46. 2-Wire Ohms
‘Two-Wire ohms measurements are simple to set up and
yield good results for most measurement conditions. Mea-
‘surements are made as shown in Figure 4-3. An intemal
current source (the “ohms current source”) passes a known
test current (ltest) through the resistance being tested
(Runknown). The 8840A measures the voltage drop across
Runknown, calculates Runknown using Ohm’s law
(unknown = Viest/itest), and displays the result.
42
The test current and full-scale voltage for each resistance
ange are shown in Table 4-1. Since the HI INPUT test
lead is positive with respect to the LO INPUT lead, these
test leads ate not interchangeable when a semiconductor
device is being measured.
4-7. Comecting for Test Lead Resistance in
2-Wire Ohms:
In 2-wire obms, the resistance of the test leads can
introduce error when measuring low resistances. Typical
test leads may add as much as 0.5Q to 2-wire ohms
readings.
‘With the 88404, it is easy to correct for this error using
the OFFSET button:
1. Select the 2-wite ohms function.
2. Touch the test leads together. The 8840A should
indicate the resistance of the test leads.Measurement Tutorial
[RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT
Reounce
TO MEASURE INPUT BIAS CURRENT ERROR:
1. Select the VDC function and the desired range.
OFFSET.
the HI INPUT and LO. INPUT terminals.
4, Allow the circuit to settle.
ERROR (IN %) =
tans =
2. Eliminate any offset voltages by shorting the HI INPUT and LO INPUT terminals and then pressing
Selecta resistor which matches the source impedance (Rsourcs) of the circuitto be tested, and connect itto
5. Record the displayed voltage. This is the input bias current error (Vermce).
‘The input bias current error may be calculated as @ percentage as follows:
‘The input bias current itself (Inias) may be calculated as follows:
Vewwce
Reounce
88404,
Vexnon
VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT * 100%
Figure 4-2. Measuring Input Bias Current Error
3. With the test leads still touching, press the OFFSET
button. The 8840A should read 02.
48. 4-Wire Ohms
Four-Wire ohms measurements provide the highest
accuracy for low resistance measurements. The 4-wire
configuration automatically corrects for both test lead
resistance and contact resistance. Contact resistance (the
resistance between the test probe tips and the circuit being
tested) is unpredictable, and therefore cannot be reliably
corrected with a fixed offset.
Four-Wire ohms measurements are especially important
when using long test leads. In a typical automated test
system, for example, the test leads could. be connected
‘through four or five switching relays, each with 20 of
resistance!
‘The 8840A makes 4-wire ohms measurements as shown in
Figure 4-4. The HI and LO INPUT leads apply a known,
internal current source to the unknown resistance, just 2
in 2-wite ohms. (See Table 4-1.) However, the voltage
top across the unknown resistance is measured with the
SENSE leads rather than the INPUT leads. Since the
‘current flow in the SENSE leads is negligible, the error
‘caused by the voltage drop across the leads is also negligi-
ble.
NOTE
In the 2 MQ and 20 MQ ranges of 4-wire
‘ohms, the voltage across the unknown resis-
tance is sensed beoween the HI SENSE and LO
INPUT terminals. Accuracy is not affected as
long as the resistance of the LO INPUT lead is
less than 102 in the 2 MQ range, and less
than 1002 in the 20 MQ range.
4-9, Applications of the Ohms Functions
‘The 2-wire and 4-wire ohms functions can be used for a
variety of purposes in addition to measuring resistance, as
the following applications show.
43Measurement Tutorial
RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT
HI INPUT!
Table 4-1. Ohms Test Current
Rance | cunment | "Woutaae
ae + mA ov
2k tm 2av
20 Ko 100 4A 2ov
20 2 10 wa 2ov
amos | SA tov
20 No 500 nA toov
4-10. TESTING DIODES
‘The 2-wire ohms function can also be used to test diodes.
1, Select the 2-wire ohms function and the 2 k@ range.
2. Measure the resistance of the diode. If the diode is
00d, when forward-biased it will measure about 0.6
KQ to 0.7 kQ for silicon (0.25 KQ to 03 KQ for
germanium), and when reverse-biased it will cause the
S840A to indicate overrange. (The forward-biased
reading depends upon the range used.)
‘The 2 kQ range is used because its 1 mA test current
provides 2 typical operating point, and its 2V full-scale
voltage is sufficient to tum on most diodes (even two
odes in series).
4-11. TESTING ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITORS
‘The 2-wire ohms function can also give a rough test of an
electrolytic capacitor’s leakage and dielectric absorption.
This test works well for capacitors 0.5 uF and larger.
44
‘OHMS CURRENT SOURCE
L
Figure 4-3. 2-Wire Ohms Measurement
Select the 2-wire ohms function, the 2 k@ range, and
the medium reading rate.
Connect the test leads to the capacitor (with the
INPUT HI lead to the + lead and the INPUT LO lead
to the - lead). The 8840A will try to charge it to the
‘open-circuit voltage of the 2 kQ range (about 6V).
Disconnect the + test lead.
To test for leakage, select the VDC function and the
20V range (leave the 8840A in the medium reading
Tate), and measure the voltage that was stored on the
capacitor during step 2.
1. If the capacitor is good, the voltage across the
capacitor will be about 6V, and will be relatively
stable.
b. If the capacitor is leaky, the voltage across the
capacitor will be much less than 6V, and the
voltage will be decreasing. The rate of change
depends on how leaky the capacitor is.
©. With some electrolytic capacitors, the reading
will increase. This usually indicates the capacitor
is defective.
To test the capacitor's dielectric absorption, briefly
short the capacitor’s leads together and then measure
the voltage across the capacitor.
a. If the dielectric is good (ie., has low dielectric
absorption), the voltage across the capacitor will
bbe neatly ze10 volts.Measurement Tutorial
[RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT
HI INPUT
OHMS:
Oe
ssonee
LO INPUT
88408,
OHMS CURRENT SOURCE
Punsiown
HI SENSE
DC VOLTAGE
SENSING
CIRCUITRY
LO SENSE
COINPUT
exp (Four places)
Figure 4-4. 4.Wire Ohms Measurement
b. If the dielectric is poor (ie., has high dielectric
absorption), the voltage across the capacitor will
be significantly above zero
4-12. A PRECISION CURRENT SOURCE
‘The ohms current source (the internal current source used
in the ohms functions) makes a useful troubleshooting tool
in itself. 1t has excellent linearity and temperature stability.
Its compliance voltage is typically SV in the lower four
ohms ranges, and 12V in the upper two ohms ranges. The
inputs are protected against accidental applications of volt-
‘age up to 300V rms.
To use the chms current source, connect the test leads to
the HI and LO INPUTS, and select either the 2-wire or
4-wire ohms function. Press the range buttons to select any
of the current levels shown in Table 4-1.
‘The ohms current source can be used to troubleshoot
ireuits by injecting current into selected nodes, forcing
the circuits to be in a specific test state. For example, the
‘ohms current source can be used to set or modify the bias
of amplifier circuits. The current level can be changed
simply by, changing range.
‘The ohms current source can also be used to test mA or
A panel meters. The accuracy of the current source is
‘more than enough to verify panel meters, whose aecuracy
is typically 1% to 5%. To test an analog panel meter,
simply connect the current source across the meter| move-
45Measurement Tutorial
RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT
ment (as though measuring its resistance). A 1 mA meter
should show full scale when the ohms function is set on
the 2 kQ range. The same technique also works with
digital pane! meters.
4-13. DC CURRENT MEASUREMENT
To get the best accuracy using the mA DC function, it is
imponant to understand the concept of burden voltage
error.
‘When a meter is placed in series with a circuit to measure
‘current, error can be caused by the small voltage drop
‘cross the meter (in this case, across the protective fuses
and current shunt). This voltage drop is called the burden
voltage, and it is highest for full-scale measurements. The
full-scale burden voltage for the 8840A is typically less
than 1V.
‘The burden voltage can present a significant error if the
‘current source being measured is unregulzted (ie, not a
‘true current source) and if the resistance of the fuse and
shunt is a significant part of the source resistance. If
‘burden voltage does present a significant error, the per-
‘centage of error can be calculated and corrected for using
the formulas in Figure 4-5.
4-14, REDUCING THERMAL VOLTAGES
‘When making very low-level de measurements, thermal
voltages can present an additional source of error. Thermal
voltages are the thermovoltaic potentials generated at the
junction between dissimilar metals. Thermal voltages typi-
cally occar at binding posts and can be greater than 10 nV.
‘Thermal voltages can also cause problems in the low ohms
ranges. Some low-value resistors are constructed with
dissimilar metals. Just handling such resistors can cause
thermal voltages large enough to introduce measurement
‘errors.
“The effect of thermal voltages can be reduced by using the
following techniques:
1. Use tight connections.
2. Use clean connections (especially free of grease and
dirt).
3. Use similar metals for connections wherever possible
(€.84 copper-to-copper, gold-to-gold, etc.)
4, Use caution when handling the citcuit under test.
5. Wait for the circuit to reach thermal equilibrium.
(Thermal voltages are generated only where there is a
‘temperature gradient.)
4-15. AC VOLTAGE AND CURRENT
MEASUREMENT
‘When making precise measurements of ac voltage and
current, there are several considerations in addition to
46
those discussed under de voltage and current measurement.
‘These include the concepts of rms conversion, crest Factor,
bandwidth, and zero-input error.
4-16. True RMS Measurement
‘The True RMS AC Option measures the true ms value of
‘ac voltages and currents. In physical terms, the rms (root-
mean-square) value of a waveform is the equivalent de
value that causes the same amount of heat to be dissipated
in a resistor. True rms measurement greatly simplifies the
analysis of complex ac signals. Since the rms value is the
ec equivalent of the original waveform, it provides a
reliable basis for comparing dissimilar waveforms.
By contrast, many meters in use today use average
responding ac converters rather than true rms converters.
‘The scale factor in these meters is adjusted so that they
display the rms value for harmonic-free sinusoids. Howev-
tif a signal is not sinusoidal, average-responding meters
do not display correct rms readings.
‘The 8840A actually derives the rms value using analog
computation. This means that the 840A readings fepre-
sent true rms values not only for harmonic-free sinusoids,
bbut also for mixed frequencies, modulated signals, square
‘waves, sawtooths, random noise, rectangular pulses with
10% duty cycle, etc.
4-17. Waveform Comparison
Figure 46 illustrates the relationship between ac and de
‘components for common waveforms, and compares read-
ings for true rms meters and average-responding meters.
For example, consider the first waveform, a 1.41421V
(2ero-to-peak) sine wave. Both the 8840A and] ms-
calibrated average-responding meters display the correct
sms reading of 1.00000V (the de component equals 0).
However, consider the 2V (peak-to-peak) square wave.
Both types of meter correctly measure the de component
(OV), but only the 8840A correctly measures the ac|com-
ponent (1.00000V). The average-responding meter meas-
wes 1.110V, which amounts to an 11% error.
Since average-responding meters have been in use for so
long, you may have accumulated test or reference data
based on them. The conversion factors in Figure 4-6
should help you convert between the two measurement
methods.
4-18. Crest Factor
Crest factors are useful for expressing the ability of an
instrument to measure a variety of waveforms accurately.
‘The crest factor of a waveform is the ratio of its peak
voltage 10 its rms voltage. (For waveforms where the
Positive and negative half-cycles have different peak vol-
tages, the mote extreme peak is used in computing the
crest factor.) Crest factors start at 1.0 for square waves (for
which the peak voltage equals the rms voltage) andMeasurement Tutorial
AC VOLTAGE ANO CURRENT MEASUREMENT
ba
EXAMPLE:
Displayed current
Correct current = 1460 mA + 40 mA = 1500 mA
NOTE: MEASURING BURDEN VOLTAGE
‘measure voltage at the 2A terminal.
ERROR IN mA = (Displayed current) X —=*—
e
ERROR IN PERCENT = =x 100 |
1460 mA
Es = 18V (measured with 88404 in VDC function)
E> = 0.4V (measured with 8840A as described below)
Error in percent = 2% x 109 = 2.67%
15V
Error in mA = (1460 mA) X
| To get the correct current, add the error in mA to the displayed current:
‘The 8840A allows you to measure burden voltage (Es) directly. Leaving the 2A and LO INPUT leads in place for
current measurement, select the VDC function. Then, connect a third lead to the Hi INPUT terminal and with it
E:= Source voltage (measured)
Es= Burden voltage (measured)
Ri= Load + source resistance
Re = 8840A internal resistance
Ee Es
av
ON soma
18V-0.4V
Figure 4-5. Burden Voltage Error Calculation
increase for more “pointed” waveforms as shown in Figure
47.
‘The 8840A has a full-scale crest factor limit of 3.0 for the
20V and 700V ranges, and 6.0 for the other ranges. For
full-scale input signals with a crest factor above these
limits, dynamic range limitations can begin to cause large
errors. However, as Figure 4-7 shows, signals with a crest
factor above 3.0 are unusual,
If you don’t know the crest factor of a particular waveform
but wish to know if it falls within the crest factor limit of
the 8840A, measure the signal with both the 8840A and an
ac-coupled oscilloscope. If the rms reading on the 8840A
is 1/3 or more of the waveform’s zero-to-peak voltage, the
crest factor is 3.0 or less.
4-19, AC-Coupled AC Measurements
Input signals are ac-coupled in the ac functions. One of the
advantages of ac coupling is that ac measurements can be
made on power supply outputs,- phone lines, etc. Ripple
‘measurements, for instance, cannot be made with de coup-
ling. Remember, however, that when the 8840A measures
signals with the ac functions, the reading on the display
47Measurement Tutorial
‘AC VOLTAGE AND CURRENT MEASUREMENT
48
PEAK VOLTAGES, METERED VOLTAGES
DG AND AG
‘AC-COUPLED ‘AG COMPONENT ONLY pe
TOTAL RMS
wavetonn | PKPK | PK component | TAUE RS
RMS CAL* 88408 ‘ONLY.
Vactrac™
‘SINE
4 | sa
GAS 1.000
oO ay PK-PK 1.000
0.000
+
1.000
REGHREDSNE [yaa
PUL Wave) ta
oxi
rine ovas
+
0.900
1.000
RECTIFIED SINE | 2.000
(HALF WAVE) 2.000
oes
med OTN sas
SQUARE 2.000
rey 10 ato
1.000
ol PPK
0.000
1.000
|
1814
SQUARE 1414
0.785
p_PRPK over
Tut om
1.000
RECTANGULAR:
PULSE fd
a
“Aa ak
ave F a
D=XY
k-VO-07
|
TRIANGLE
SAWTOOTH a
2D
1.782
pw 0.960
\) pe 1.000 inno
—
1.000
‘* RMS CAL IS THE DISPLAYED VALUE FOR AVERAGE RESPONDING METERS THAT ARE CALIBRATED
TO DISPLAY RMS FOR SINE WAVES.
Figure 4-3. Waveform Comparison ChartMeasurement Tutorial
‘AC VOLTAGE AND CURRENT MEASUREMENT
does not include the de component (if one exists). For
example, consider Figure 4-8, which shows a simple ac
signal riding on a de level. The VAC function would
‘measure the ac component only.
420. Combined AC and DC Measurements
‘The 8840A can be used to evaluate the true rms value of
waveforms such as the one shown in Figure 4-8, which
includes both ac and de components. First, measure the
rms value of the ac component using the VAC function.
Next, measure the de component using the VDC function.
Finally, calculate the total rms value as follows:
Vas (Wit Va
4-21. Bandwidth
Bandwidth defines the range of frequencies 1o which an
instrument can sespond accurately. The accuracy of the
8840A is specified for sinusoidal waveforms up to 100
Kliz, or for nonsinusoidal waveforms with frequency com-
ponents up to 100 kHz. The small-signal bandwidth (the
frequency at which the response is 3 dB down) is typically
around 300 kHz.
For signals with components greater than 100 kHz, the
‘measurement accuracy is reduced because of frequency
bandwidth and slew-rate limitations. Because of this,
accuracy may be reduced when measuring signals with fast
rise times, such as high-frequency square waves or switch-
ing supply waveforms. As a rule of thumb, an ac voltage
input signal is within the bandwidth limitations if the rise
time is longer than 2 ys, and within the slew-rate limita-
tions if the input slew rate is slower than (1V/us)xCull,
seale of range).
4-22. Zero-Input VAC Error
If the 8840A input terminals are shorted while the VAC
function is selected, the 8840A displays a non-zero reading
(ypically less than 80 digits in the highest four ranges,
and less than 300 in the 200 mV range). Such
readings are due to random noise combined with the
inherent nonlinear response of computing-type ms con-
verters to very small input signals.
‘The zero-input error is quickly reduced when the input is
increased. The ms converter error (a de error) and the
intemally generated noise (a random ac error) are both
uncorrelated with the input signal. Therefore, when a
signal is applied, the resulting reading is not the simple
addition of the signal and the zero-input error, but the
‘square root of the sum of their squares. This reduces the
‘effect of the error, as shown in the example in Figure 4-9.
WAVEFORM REST FACTOR
SOUARE WAVE 1a
SINE WAVE VY isis
TRIANGLE
mss, A, |e
FREQUENCIES 1.414 10 20
son auteur
warenose ANWYAK | 20040
accoueo [LIL] a
¢
feral
Figure 47. Typical Crest Factors for Various Wave-
forms
‘AC COMPONENT |
DC COMPONENT
Figure 4-8. Combined AC and DC Measurement
As long as the 8840A reading is 1,000 counts or moze,
readings will still be within specified accuracy.Measurement Tutorial
‘AG VOLTAGE AND CURRENT MEASUREMENT
EXAMPLE
Given a zero-input reading of 300 counts (0.900 mV in the 200 mV range) andaan input signalot 10 mV, the B840A might
read:
Vy 1% + 0300! = -/ 100+ 0.000 = 10.004mv
‘The etfect of the zero-input error is reduced from 0.300 mV to 0.004 mV.
Figure 4-9, Reduction of Zero-input Error
4-105-1. INTRODUCTION
This section presents an overall functional description of
the 88404, followed by a detailed circuit description. The
descriptions are supported by simplified schematics in text,
and by the complete schematics in Section 10.
5-2. OVERALL FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
A functional block diagram of the 8840A. is shown in
Figure 5-1. The basic signal path flows from left to right
‘across the center of the page. The input is sensed at the
input terminals, scaled, directed through the Track/Hold
circuit, converted into digital representation by the
Analog-to-Digital (A/D) Converter, processed by the Dig-
ital Controller, and sent to the display.
‘The DC Scaling circuit, which constitutes the “front end”
Of the instrument, has two major functions. First, it senses
the input and produces an equivalent dc voltage for all
functions except VAC and mA AC. (AC inputs are con-
verted to a de voltage by the True RMS AC Option.)
Resistances are sensed as a dc voltage using a known test
ccurrent from the Ohms Current Source. A de current input
is converted to a de voltage by a precision current shunt.
Second, the DC Scaling circuit scales the equivalent de
voltages (for in-range inputs) to within the input range of
the A/D Converter (22V). In addition, the DC Scaling
Circuit provides input protection and provides analog filter-
ing for certain ranges and reading rates. (AC inputs are
sealed by the True RMS AC Option)
‘The Track/Hold (T/H) circuit samples the scaled de volt-
age and presents the A/D Converter with a voltage that is,
constant for the input portion of each A/D conversion
cycle. The T/H circuit also provides additional scaling for
certain ranges.
‘The Digital Controller controls the operation of virtually
every part of the 8840A. It reads the front panel keyboard,
configures the instrument for each function and range,
triggers the A/D Converter, calculates the result of each
AID conversion cycle, averages A/D samples, controls the
Section 5
Theory of Operation
display, and communicates with the IEEE-488 Imerface
Option via the Guard Crossing circuit. The heart of the
Digital Controller is the In-Guard Microcomputer (iC).
‘The Guard Crossing circuit permits serial asynchronous
communication between the Digital Controller and the
TEEE-488 Interface Option, while isolating the two circuits
clectrically. Whereas the in-guard power supply floats with
the voliage at the INPUT LO terminal, the IEEE-488
Imerface Option operates with reference to earth ground.
The “guard” is the isolation between the in-guard and
out-guard circuits.
‘The Power Supply provides supply voltages to all parts of,
the instrument. The Precision Voltage Reference provides
precise reference voltages for the A/D Converter and the
‘Ohms Current Source.
§3. DETAILED CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
‘The following paragraphs give a detailed circuit descrip-
tion of each of the functional blocks in Figure 5-1. For
clarity, measurement ranges are referred to as 11, 12, 13,
‘eic., where 11 is the lowest possible range, 12 the next
higher range, and so on. Pins are designated by the respec-
tive integrated circuit (e.g, U101-7 for U1O1 pin 7)
5-4. DC SCALING
‘The DC Scaling circuit scales all in-range de inputs so that
the output of the Track/Hold (T/H) amplifier (U307) is
within #2V. In addition, the DC Scaling circuit provides
input protection and analog filtering. Additional scaling is
Provided by the the T/H Amplifier.
‘The following paragraphs describe the configuration of the
DC Scaling circuit in the DCV and mA DC functions and
also describe the analog filter. The ohms functions are
described under a later heading because the T/H Amplifier
provides additional input switching for these functions.
5-5. VDC Scaling
Scaling is performed in the VDC function by two preci
sion resistors networks (2301 and Z302). These compo-
S41‘Theory of Operation
c'ScALING
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Figure 5-1. Overall Functional Block Diagram
52Theory of Operation
DC SCALING:
nents are configured by relay K301, switching transistor
Q311, and quad analog switches U302A and U301B to
provide the correct scaling for each range. Voltage fol-
ower U306 provides high input impedance for the 20V dc
ange. A simplified schematic and a switch state table for
the VDC function are shown in Figure 5-2.
In the 200 mV and and 2V ranges, the input voltage is
applied directly to the T/H Amplifier via 0310, 0311, and
‘U3OIB. In the 200 mV range, the T/H Amplifier has a
gain of 10; in all other de voltage ranges, the ‘T/H Ampli-
fier has a gain of 1.
In the 20V range, the input voltage is buffered by unity:
gain amplifier U306, and divided by 10 by Z301. To allow
'U306 to handle =20V its power supplies are “boot-
strapped” by Q305 and Q306, so that the output voltage of
'U306 determines the midpoint of its supply voltages. The
99M
Lo!
K301 SHOWN
ENERGIZED
SWITCH STATES FOR VDC
To
TRACK/HOLD
—— SENSE PATH FOR
‘VDC, 200 mV RANGE
RANGE | sto | k301 | 311 &| Us02a | U302D
U301B
200 mv . . . NOTE
wv . . .
| 20v . . . ‘TABLES SHOW CONFIGURATION
| 200v . . DURING TRACK PERIOD OF
1000V . . ‘TRACK/HOLD CYCLE.
FILTER SWITCH Q304 IS ON
SWITCH STATES FOR mA DC. FOR THE S READING
RATE IN VDC.
gai &
RANGE | 310 | K301 | ‘Ugors | U302A | U302D
200 mA . 5
Switch closed (or relay energized).
Figure 6-2. DC Scaling (VDC and mA DC)
53Theory of Operation
Dc SCALING
Positive supply is approximately 6.2V above the input and
the negative supply is approximately 6.2V below.
In the 200V and 1000V ranges, K301 is de-energized and
the input voltage is divided by 100 by Z302. In the 200V
ange, the reduced input voltage is then applied directly to
the T/H Amplifier as in the 2V range. In the 1000V range,
‘the reduced input voltage is buffered by U306 and divided
by 10 as in the 20V range.
5-6. VDC Protection
Input protection for the VDC function is provided by a 1K,
fusible resistor (R309), four metal-oxide varistors (MOVs)
(RV301, RV402, RV403, and RV404), and additional
Protection resistors and clamp circuits.
WARNING
TO AVOID INJURY OR EQUIPMENT
DAMAGE, USE EXACT REPLACEMENT
PARTS FOR ALL PROTECTION COM-
PONENTS.
In all dc voltage ranges, voltage transients greater than
1560V are clamped by the MOVs. Extreme overvoltage
conditions cause R309 to fail open-circuit.
R309 is followed either by a 99 kQ, 10W resistor network
(Z304) in the 200 mV, 2V, and 20V ranges, or by 10 MO
(2302) to ground in the 200V and 1000V ranges. 2304
provides current limiting in extreme overvoltage condi-
tions in the 200 mV, 2V, and 20V ranges. The non-
inverting input of U306 is clamped to 225V by Q307 and
0308.
5-7. mA DC Scaling
In the mA DC function, the unknown current causes
voltage drop across current shunt R319. This voltage drop
is then measured as in the VDC function. The DC Scaling
circuit is configured as shown by the simplified switch
table in Figure 5-2.
5-8, Analog Fitter
‘The three-pole, low-pass analog filter (U304) has a Butter-
worth response with comer frequency at 7 Hz, giving
approximately 50 dB of rejection at SO Hz. The filter is
used only for the slow reading rate and is used only in the
VDC ranges and lowest three ohms ranges. The filter is
‘switched into the input signal path by Q304 (Figure 5-2)
In some ranges and functions, additional filtering is pro-
vided by U302B and C314.
5-9. TRACK/HOLD CIRCUIT
The Track/Hold (T/t) circuit presents a stable voltage 10
the A/D Converter during the input period of the A/D
54
conversion cycle. The circuit also provides a gain of 10 in
the 200 mV dc, 2002, and 2000 mA de ranges.
‘The T/H circuit consists of the T/H Amplifier (Figure 5-3),
‘T/Hl capacitor C308, quad analog switches U301, 302,
‘and U303, and associated components. As shown in Figure
5-3, the TH Amplifier functions as an op amp, with Q314
supplying additional gain. In subsequent figures, the T/H
Amplifier is represented as a single op amp.
‘The circuit operates by cycling between the track, settling,
hhold, and precharge configurations shown in Figure 5-4,
‘The In-Guard uC selects a particular settling and hold
configuration for each function and range, and suppresses
the precharge configuration for certain ranges. This control
is achieved by latching function and range information in
1U301, U302, and U303.
Basic timing for the T/H circuit is provided by the A/D
Converter over clock lines PC, HD1, TRI, and TR2. (See
the timing diagram in Figure 5-5, top.) The T/H cycle is
initiated when the In-Guard uC pulls line TR low.
5-10. Track Configuration
Jn the track configuration (Figure 5-4A), the T/H circuit
functions as a non-inverting buffer. The voltage on C308
tracks the scaled de input voltage.
511. Settling Configuration
‘The circuit assumes a settling configuration between the
‘track and hold configurations. The circuit assumes the
‘configuration in‘Figure 5-4B for unity gain and the config-
uation in Figure 5-4C for gain of 10.
During this time the DC Scaling circuit is still connected
to the T/H amp. However, changes in the input do not
affect the value to be measured, which is stored on C308.
5-12. Hold Configuration
‘The X1 hold configuration (Figure 5-4D) is used for all
VDC ranges except ri and for all ohms ranges except r1.
‘The output of U307 is the negative of the input voltage.
The X10 hold configuration (Figure 5-4B) is used for the
mA DC function, the 200 mV de range, and the 2002
range, and provides a gain of 10.
5-13. Pre-Charge Configuration
‘The pre-charge configuration (Figure 5-4F) occurs) after
the hold configuration in VDC ranges rl, 12, and r4, and
‘ohms ranges 11, 12, 13, and r4. U306 is connected as a
buffer to charge stray capacitance at the non-inverting
input of the T/H Amplifier. The pre-charge configuration
is not used in any other ranges.
5-14. PRECISION VOLTAGE REFERENCE
‘The Precision Voltage Reference (Figure 5-6) provides
precise reference voltages of -7.00000 and +7.00000. Theof
rection vl nae eRe
+15
“sv
Figure 5-3. Track/Hold Amplifier
Teference element is a reference amplifier (ref amp). The
‘nominal ref amp voltage is 6.5V.
Resistor R701, precision resistor network Z701, and tran-
sistor/zener diode combination U701 ate produced as a
‘matched set so that the output of U702A is precisely
~7.00000V. This output is remotely sensed at the pins of
the custom A/D IC (U101). Diode CR701 prevents the
‘output from going positive at power-up.
'U702B functions as an inverter to provide the +7.00000V
output and to supply the reference amplifier. The gain of
U702B is set by the two 20 kQ resistors in the resistor
network 2702.
5-15, OHMS CURRENT SOURCE
‘The Ohms Current Source (Figure 5-7) provides a precise
fest current for the ohms functions. The first stage (U401,
R401, and Q401) produces a precise reference current,
using precision resistor R401 and a -7.0000V reference
voltage from the Precision Voltage Reference.
‘The second stage (U404, precision resistor network Z401,
and analog switches U402 and U403) is a current amplifier
whose gain is controlled by the In-Guard uC. ‘The In-
Guard WC sets the output current for each range by con-
trolling U402 and U403. (See switch state table in Figure
5-7)
5-16. OHMS PROTECTION
‘The Ohms Protection circuit (Q402, 0403, 0404, 04085,
(0406, and 0407) clamps the open circuit voltage of the
Ohms Current Source and provides protection for the
Ohms Current Source.
‘The circuit protects the Ohms Current Source from up to
#300V across the INPUT terminals. The circuit also
clamps voltage transients larger than 1560V with four
MOVs (RV401, RV402, RV403, and RV404). In addition,
2.1 KQ, 2W fusible wire-wound resistor (R410) in series
with the output current path fails open-circuit ‘under
extreme overvoltage conditions.
55‘Theory of tion
ora PocrEcnon oP
‘TRACK CONFIGURATION ‘SETTLING CONFIGURATIONS
A) 5) GAIN OF 1 ©) GAIN OF 10
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HOLD CONFIGURATIONS
D) GAIN OF 1 E) GAIN OF 10
To TO
Usorc, “0 une, A/D NOTE: IN 4-WIRE OHMS
v v RANGES R1 THROUGH Ré,
+ INPUT OF THE T/H AMP
1S SWITCHED AS SHOWN.
coe (USS caus | 158
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18k
vine 3
uses
Vv
PRECHARGE CONFIGURATION
F)
(CAPACITANCE
“SETTING
18K DEPENDS
‘ON RANGE
2K
u3038
Figure 5-4. Track/Hold Circuit ConfigurationsTheory of
‘OHMS.
‘TRACK/HOLD
CONTROL,
SIGNALS
HOLD
i
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12.5 ms|
(NOT TO SCALE)
TR
|
|
|
|
NOTE
1. All times in sss unless otherwise indicated, —__________v
FIVE MEASUREMENT INTERVALS
TRE
8. For 60 Hz line frequency, line TR has
2. HD2=
125 ms period as shown above.
Figure 5-5. Timing Diagram for One A/D Cycle
87‘Theory of Operatic
ols Protecnon oP
REF AMP SUPPLY
+7
Figure 5-6. Precision Voltage Reference
Large positive input voltages are blocked by CR402. Large
negative input voltages are dropped equally actoss three
high-voltage transistors (402, 0403, and Q404). If -300V
is present at the collector of Q404, the voltage drops
equally across Z402 so that large negative voltages never
reach the current source.
The circuitry associated with Q408 (R406, R407, R408,
R409, 0406, Q408, and CR403) clamps the open-circuit
voltage of the Ohms Current Source below +65V in the
lower four ranges and below +13V dc in the higher two
ranges. The in-guard wC turns Q408 on or off depending
‘on range. In the lower four ohms ranges, Q408 is on,
effectively shorting R409; R406 and R409 then form a
voltage divider which clamps the output of the ohms
current source below +6.5V. In the higher two ohms
anges, 0408 is off, including R409 in the voltage divider
and clamping the output below +13V.
5-17. OHMS FUNCTIONS
5-18. 2-Wire Ohms
In the 2-wire ohms function, the Ohms Current Source is
‘connected to the INPUT HI terminal by ohms relay K401
Figure 5-8). The Ohms Current Source applies a known
current to the resistance under test, and the resulting
58
voltage drop across the resistor is measured (“sensed”) as
in the VDC function.
‘The voltage sensed at the INPUT terminals is scaled as
shown by the simplified switch table in Figure 5-8. (Refer
to the track period of the track/hold cycle, during which
the scaled input voltage is sampled.)
In the lower four ranges, the full scale input voltage to the
AID Converter is 2V. However, in the 2000 k@ and 20
‘MG ranges, the full-scale input voltage to the A/D Con-
verter is +1V; the in-guard wC completes the scaling by
multiplying the A/D result by 2.
5-19. 4-Wire Ohms
In the 4-wire ‘ohms function, the Ohms Current Source is
‘connected to the INPUT Hi terminal by ohms relay K401
as in 2-wire ohms (Figure 5-8). The Ohms Current Source
applies a known current to the resistance under' test
through the INPUT HI and INPUT LO leads. The resulting
voltage drop across the resistor is measured by the SENSE
Hi and SENSE LO leads.
‘The voltage at the SENSE HI terminal is connected to the
DC Scaling circuit by Q303 (Figure 5-8). The voltage is
then scaled exactly as in the 2-wire ohms function. (Refer
to the track period in the switch table in Figure 5-8.) Q310Theory of Operatio
Ory ores TONS
REFERENCE
CURRENT |
‘O.0v
w
FROM PRECISION
VOLTAGE REFERENCE
z401
TO OHMS
| SWITCH STATE TABLE PROTECTION
RANGE | 402A u4o2e | u4ozc| U4020 | u4osa | 4038 | U4oac | Usos0|
TT —
2000 . eal
| 2K . eile
20K . . ele
200k . . . .
200k2 | ele .
20Ma . .
‘© = Switch closed
Figure 5-7. Ohms Current Source
is tumed off to isolate the SENSE HI terminal from the
INPUT HI terminal.
Additional input switching occurs during the hold period
Of the track/hold cycle. (Refer to the hold period in the
switch table in Figure 5-8. In ranges +1 through 1, the
SENSE LO terminal is switched into the dc input path by
U3OLD, and the INPUT LO terminal is switched out of the
dd input path by U3OIC. This has the effect of measuring
the SENSE HI terminal with respect to the SENSE LO
terminal
In ranges 15 and 16, the SENSE LO and INPUT LO
terminals are both switched into the de input path by
U3OIC and U3OLD during the hold period. This has the
effect of measuring the SENSE HI terminal with respect to
INPUT LO terminal rather than SENSE LO. Although the
resistance of the INPUT LO lead is in series with the
‘unknown resistance, accuracy is not affected as long as the
resistance of the lead is less than 102 in the 2000 k2
Tange and less than 100 in the 20 MQ range.
5-20. A/D CONVERTER
‘The Analog-to-Digital (A/D) Converter (Figure 5-9) uses
Fluke’s patented recirculating remainder technique. An
input voltage (Vin) is compared to the output of the
precision Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). The output
of the A/D Amplifier, connected as a comparator, is
59Theory of Operation
SENSE PATH FOR
2 WIRE OHMS, 2009
RANGE, DURING TRACK
PERIOD.
¢ To
HI ‘TRACK/HOLD
OHMS
|CURRENT 100K
‘SOURCE,
ANALOG FILTER
INPUT SENSE us01D
Lo Loo
——
301 AND K401
SHOWN ENERGIZED
| | PERIOD] RANGE aor | Q310 | a303 | Ks01 | a3tt | Uso1B u3010
TRACK | 2000 . 2 4 . . .
2K . 2 4 . . .
20 ka . 2 4 . . .
200 ka. . 2 4 . . .
2000 kA . 2 4 . .
20M. . 2 4 . °
HOLD | 2000 . 2 4 . . 2 4
| 2Ka . 2 4 . 2 4
| 20KQ . 2 4 . 2 4
200 ka. . 2 4 . 2 4
2000 kA . 2 4 . . .
20MQ . 2 4 ° . .
‘@ = Switch closed (or relay energized).
‘Switch closed only in 2 WIRE ohms. NOTE: Filter switch Q304 is for the
‘Switch closed only in 4 WIRE ohms. S reading rete, ranges r1. (2; and rp.
Figure 5-8. Ohms ScalingTheory of Operation
Yio CONVERTER
‘monitored to indicate when the DAC output is larger than
‘the input voltage.
The conversion process is broken up into an autozero
period followed by five measurement intervals, (A timing
diagram is shown in Figure 5-5.) Six bits of the final A/D
sample are obtained during each interval.
‘During the fist compare period (shown in Figure 5-9), the
AID Converter determines the value of the scaled input
voltage (Vin) by comparing Vin to the output of the DAC.
Each of the DAC bit-switches is tried in sequence and kept
‘or rejected (left closed or reopened) depending on the
‘output polarity of the A/D Amplifier, which is configured
as a comparator. This process produces a string of six bits
which is stored in the Timing/Data Control circuit (the
digital portion of U101)..
‘During the following remainder-store period (Figure 5-10),
the difference between the Vin and the DAC output is
‘multiplied by 16 by the A/D Amplifier and stored on
capacitor C102. During subsequent compare and
emainder-store periods, the remainder voltage is con-
nected to the input of U103 and is resolved to six bits; the
remainder voltage (multiplied by 16) is stored altemately
‘on capacitor C102 and C103. Each of the five compare
ppetiods thus produces a six-bit nibble which is stored in
the Timing/Data Control circuit.
This five-interval process thus generates five nibbles
which are processed by the In-Guard uC to produce one
AMD sample. After the fifth nibble is generated, U101
interrupts the In-Guard uC over line INT. The In-Guard
uC then pulls line CS7 low five times, causing U101 to
send the UC the five (six-bit) nibbles one-at-a-time over
lines ADO-ADS. The In-Guard uC then weights each
nibble 1/16 of the value of the previous number and
calculates the input voltage.
‘The hardware for the A/D Converter has four major sec-
tions: Timing/Data Control, Precision DAC, A/D Ampli-
fier, and bootstrap supplies.
5-21. Timing/Data Control
‘The Timing/Data Control circuit (the digital portion of
‘U101) times and controls the A/D Converter by manipulat-
ing the switches in the A/D Amplifier and the bit-switches
in the Precision DAC. An A/D conversion cycle is trig-
gered by the falling edge of line TR from the In-Guard
HC. Once triggered, the A/D Converter (under control by
U101) generates the five 6-bit nibbles without further
interaction with the In-Guard uC.
‘The Timing/Data Control circuit also provides a watch-
dog timer (line RES) which resets the In-Guard wC in case
normal program execution is interrupted. If the timer
| BINARY LADDER NETWORK
DAC AMPLIFIER ‘AID AMPLIFIER,
cr
NO a
NOTE: A/D CONVERTER SHOWN DURING FIRST COMPARE PERIOD.
Figure 5-9. Analog-to-Digital Converter
satTl Operatior
memxstgemton
Dac
BIT SWITCHES SET
DURING PREVIOUS
COMPARE PERIOD
AID AMP (x16)
STORAGE
c
ae
10,
Figure 5-10. First Remainder-Store Period
senses inactivity on line CS7 for longer than 1.5 seconds,
it resets the In-Guard uC by pulling RES low.
‘The Timing/Data Control circuit is supplied with a fixed-
rate 8 MHz clock and provides a 1 MHz output clock for
the Keyboard/Display Interface (U212). In addition, four
output lines (PC, HDi, TR1, and TR2) provide contro!
signals for the Track/Hold circuit.
5-22. Precision DAC
‘The Precision Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) is com-
posed of DAC Amplifier U102B and a binary ladder
network, which consists of resistors in Z101 and digitally
controlled analog bit-switches contained in U101.
‘The bit-switches determine the output voltage of U102B
by controlling the binary ladder network. The gain of
‘ULO2B is set by the ratio of a precision feedback resistor
(Z101-7,-8) and the equivalent output resistance of the
ladder network.
5-23. A/D Amplifier
‘The A/D Amplifier is composed of a comparator/amplifier
(U103), two remainder-storage capacitors (C103 and
C102), an autozero storage capacitor (C101), and several
digitally controlled analog switches contained in U101.
S12
‘The A/D Amplifier has three modes of operation: autozero
mode, where any offsets in the A/D input are stored on
C101 so as to be cancelled later; compare mode, where the
ADD input is compared to the DAC output; and remainder-
store mode, where U103 amplifies and stores the differ-
‘ence between the A/D input and the DAC output on one of
the two remainder-storage capacitors (C102 or C103). The
‘autozero mode is shown in Figure 5-11. The other modes
aze shown in Figures 5-9 and 5-10.
5-24, Bootstrap Supplies
The supplies are composed of U102A, Q101,
Qi02, CR103, CR104, and associated components. The
bootstrap supplies enhance the gain accuracy of U103.
During compare periods, the bootstrap supplies limit the
output of U103 to minimize the time it takes to recover
from being driven to a supply rail. Both functions are
achieved by manipulating the supplies of U103 (BS1. and
BS2).
5-25. DISPLAY
‘The vacuum fluorescent display is similar to 2 vacuum
tube, containing eight control grids and 69 phosphor-
‘coated plates which form the display segments and annun-
ciators. (See Figure 5-12.) The filament voltage is 4.5V ac,
with @ 45V de bias. Each plate is controlled by a G lineTheory of Operation
DISPLAY
PRECISION DAC
|
|
10.667K C101
‘A/D AMPLIFIER,
Figure 5-11. Autozero Period
and a P line. The G lines go to the control grids, and the P
lines go to the plates.
‘The Digital Controller sequentially enables the G lines by
applying +30V dc (nominal). When a G line is enabled,
electrons flow from the filament to the enabled grid. If a P
line is enabled (ie., raised to a nominal +30V de by the
igital Controller), the electrons continue past the grid and
strike the respective plate, causing it to glow.
5-26. KEYBOARD
The keyboard consists of a silicone-rubber switch matrix
located over metalized epoxy contacts on the printed wire
Figure 5-12. Vacuum Fluorescent Display
board. Each button contains a conductive pad that shorts
two contacts wien pressed,
§-27. DIGITAL CONTROLLER
‘The Digital Controller (Figure 5-13) consists of the In-
Guard wC (0202), External Program Memory (U222),
Calibration Memory (U220), Keyboard-Display Interface,
and associated components.
5-28. In-Guard Microcomputer
‘The In-Guard Microcomputer (uC) is a single-chip 28
microcomputer containing 4K bytes of ROM, 144 bytes of
RAM, a UART, and four 8-bit I/O ports. It communicates
with the rest of the instrument via the internal bus and
dedicated 1/0 lines. The In-Guard uC is reset when pin 6
is pulled low either by C204 at power-up or by the
watch-dog timer in the custom A/D IC (U101). Pin 6 is,
tied to +5V through 2 100 kO resistor inside the uC.
All internal bus communication is memory-mapped. Each
‘component that sends or receives data on the bus has a
unique address or range of addresses. The internal bus
consists of lines ADO-AD7 and A8-A11. Lines ADO-AD7
‘are time-multiplexed to camry both the least-significant
address byte and the data. Lines A8-A11 carry the most-
significant bits of the address. The uC writes to and reads
from the intemal bus according to the read and write
cycles shown in Figure 5-14. During either cycle, the
address strobe (AS) changes from low to high when an
513Theory of Operation
DIGITAL CONTROLLER
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Figure 5-13. Digital Controller Block Diagram
614address is valid, and the data strobe (DS) changes from
low to high when the data is valid.
‘The address strobe latches the address on ADO-ADT into
U219 which then provides static address inputs for those
devices that need it while data is on the bus. The data
memory line (DM) divides the address space between
rogram memory (U222) and data memory (all other
devices on the bus). The data memory address space is
further divided between the calibration memory (U220)
‘and the remaining devices by All. The addresses of the
remaining devices ate decoded from A8-A10 by U208,
which combines the address with the data strobe (DS) to
provide a chip select (CSO, CS2, CS3, CS4, or CS7) for
each device
‘The In-Guard 4C performs the following functions: range
and function control; A/D control and computation; cali-
bration corrections; keyboard/display control; serial com-
munication with the IEEE-488 Interface; and diagnostic
self-testing and troubleshooting.
5-29. Function and Range Control
‘The In-Guard uC configures the DC Scaling circuit, the
Track/Hold circuit, and the Ohms Current Source to pro-
vide the proper input switching, scaling, and filtering for
each function, range, and reading rate, It does this by
controlling dedicated output lines which control relays and
FET switches, and by sending configuration codes out on
the bus. The quad analog switches (U301, U302, U303,
'U402, and U403) latch the configuration codes and per-
form any level-shifting needed to control their internal
MOSFET switches. Some of the switches require dynamic
timing signals from the custom A/D IC (U101); these
signals are combined appropriately in the quad ‘analog
switches with the configuration codes.
5-30. A/D Control and Computation
‘The In-Guard uC initiates each A/D sample by pulling line
TR low. When the uC is reset, it senses the power line
frequency on line FREQ REF. The uC then sets its
internal timer so that the A/D sample rate is as shown in
Table 5-1.
The mumber of readings per second for the slow and
medium rates are chosen to provide rejection of input
signals that are at the line frequencies.
‘The custom A/D IC (U101) generates five 6-bit numbers
after each trigger from the uC and then pulls INT low,
telling the uC that data is ready. The uC reads the five
‘G-bit numbers over the bus (CS7 pulses low five times for
five read cycles) and computes the value of the A/D
sample using calibration constants. The wC averages the
appropriate number of samples for one reading, which is
then sent to the keyboard/display interface for display.
For example, with @ 60-Hz power-line frequency, an exter-
nally triggered reading in the slow reading rate would
cause the uC to send 32 pulses on TR at an 80 Hz rate.
‘The 32 A/D samples would be calibrated and averaged by
Ti
ot Comat
the uC and sent for display. With internal triggering, the
AID runs continuously at 80 samples per second with a
reading being sent to the display every 32 samples.
5-31. Calibration Correction
‘The calibration constants used by the In-Guard) uC in
‘computing each reading are stored in the EEROM (clec-
‘wonically erasable read-only memory) Calibration Memory
(U220). The front panel CAL ENABLE switch protects
the EEROM from accidental writes.
5-32. Keyboard/Display Control
Keyboard/Display Controller U212 communicates with the
In-Guard uC over the internal bus. During a uC write
cycle, address line A0 tells U212 whether to consider data
being sent by the uC as configuration commands or as
display data. Display data is stored in the Keyboard/Dis-
play Controller, which automatically scans the display.
‘The Keyboard/Display Controller selects one of eight grids
using decoder U213 and buffer U215. The mumeric display
data is decoded from BCD to 7-segment by decoder U216
and buffered by U217. Additional annunciator data is
buffered by U218.
‘The Keyboard/Display Controller is reset by the uC when-
ever the uC is reset, It receives a 1 MHz clock signal from
the custom A/D IC (U101), which uses the ¢C 8 MHz
crystal for its clock input.
‘The Keyboard/Display Controller scans the keyboard,
sensing pressed buttons on lines RLO-RL7. It sends an
interrupt to the UC via line KEYINT whenever 2 front
panel button is pressed. The uC then reads the keycode
from the Keyboard/Display Controller. (The status of the
FRONT/REAR switch is sensed separately by line F/R
SENSE.)
5-33. Troubleshooting Modes
In addition to running the diagnostic self-tests, the In-
Guard wC has a troubleshooting mode which aids in
finding digital hardware problems. After the C is reset, it
senses the relay control lines (U202-35 through U202-38)
as inputs. If line U202-38 (TP205) is shorted to ground,
the uC goes into the troubleshooting mode. (U201 pro-
vides internal pull-up.) The troubleshooting mode is
described in detail in the Maintenance section.
5-34, Guard-Crossing Communication
‘The In-Guard wC contains a UART (universal asyachro-
nous receiver transmitter) which it uses to communicate
across the guard to the IEEE~488 Interface. The transmis-
sion speed is 62,500 bits per second,
5-35. GUARD CROSSING
‘The Guard Crossing consists of two identical circuit
of which transmits data in one direction across the guard
isolation between the Main Printed Circuit Assembly and
the IEEE-488 Interface. One circuit is shown in Figure
5-15; the other circuit works identically. A portion of each
circuit is contained in the IEEE-488 Interface.
515‘Theory of Operation
‘GUARD GROSSING
External /O
or Memory
Read and
Write Timing
‘za6s1 782
| ous
| Ne. Symbol Parameter Min Max Notes*t
1 TaAAS) ‘Address Valid to AS t Delay 50 1.23
2 TAAS(A) FS 1 to Address Float Delay Bi 12.3
3 TAAS(DR) AS 1 to Read Data Required Valid 360 1234
4 TwAS FS Low Width 80 1.2.3
5 TaAADS) Address Float to BS 1 ° 1
6—TwDsR- (Read) Low Width 250: 12.3.4
7 TwDSW DS (Write) Low With 160 1.2.3.4
8 TaDSR(DR) DB | to Read Data Required Valid 200 12.34
9 TRDR(DS) —Read Data to BS 1 Hold Time ° 1
10 Tata) DS 1 to Address Active Delay ” 1.23
11 TaDS(AS) DB 1 to AS | Delay 7 1.23
12—TaR/W(AS)—RY/W Valid to AS 1 Delay- 507 23
13° TaDS(RW) DS | to B/W Not Valid oO 12.3
14 TADW(DSW) Write Data Valid to DS (Write) 1 Delay 0 123
15 TADSDW) —_BS 1 to Write Data Not Valid Delay 0 123
16 TAA(DR) Address Valid to Read Data Required Valid 410 1234
17 TéAS(OS) __AS 1 toDS | Delay 0 128
Notes:
Pert Lot 5. All oming reference ute 2.0 V for 6 ogee" and 08 V for eg“
2 Taming nombre given are for ume TC * Allene on saneeconcs
3. hese lek cyte tne depandet characte tabla 1 Timmnge are prliary and suet ehanee.
4, When ung extended memory timing 038 96.
{Zilog and 28€ are tradomarts of Zilog, in. with whom Jonn Fluke Mig. Co, ne. snot associate,
Reproduced by permission ©1883 Zilog, Inc. This materia shall not be reproduced without the wren content of Zi0g, Ine
516
Figure 5-14. Read/Write Timing Diagrams for internal BusTheory of 0}
‘GUARD CROSSING
‘Table 5-1. Sample Rates and Reading Rates
POWER SLOW MEDIUM FAST
UNE ‘Samples Samples Samples ‘Samples ‘Samples ‘Samples
FREQUENCY | per Sec | per Reading | per See | per Reading | per sec | per Reading
50 Hz 66.67 2 66.67 4 100 1
60 He 80 82 80 4 +100 1
400 Hz 76.19 32 76.19 4 100 1
The circuit in Figure 5-15 has two stable states, corre-
sponding to output high (+5V) and output low (OV). If the
output is high, the voltage present at the non-inverting
input of op amp A is approximately +140 mV.
‘Since the inputs to op amps A and B are inverted, their
‘outputs are always in opposite states. If the output of A is
high, the output of B is low, forcing the inverting input of
A (and the non-inverting input of B) to ground, hence
reinforcing the existing state. The situation is analogous if
the output of A is low.
A positive-going transition at the input causes a positive
pulse at the non-inverting input of A, and a corresponding
negative pulse at the inverting input of A. If the output is
high to star with (with the non-inverting inpat of A raised
140 mV above its inverting input), these pulses reinforce
the existing state (raising the non-inverting input and
lowering the inverting input). If, however, the output is
ow to start with, the positive pulse (which is greater than
140 mV) raises the non-inverting input of A above its
inverting input, switching the output to the high state. The
situation is analogous for a negative-going input transition,
5-36. POWER SUPPLY
‘The Power Supply provides the following in-guard out-
Puls: #30V, #15V, -6.2V, +7.5V, +5V, -SV, and -8.2V de;
and 4.5V ac. The Power Supply also provides a 16V ac
cemter-tapped out-guard output.
Input line voltage is directed to the primary transformer
winding through fuse F601, the front panel POWER
switch, and the rear panel LINE SET switches. Metal
oxide varistor RV601 clamps line transients at) about
390V. The LINE SET switcies configure the Power Sup-
ply to accept line power of 100, 120, 220, or 240V ac
(10% with a maximum of 250V) at 50, 60, or 400 Hz.
AC voltage for the +5V supply is rectified by CR601 and
(CR602 and regulated by VR6O1. The +5V output supplies
mostly logic circuits. The ac input to the +5V supply is
sensed by the In-Guard uC (via R604, CR615, and
U221-12, 13) to measure the line frequency.
AC voltage for the +30V and -30V supplies is rectified by
bridge network CR603, CR604, CR60S, and CR606 and
regulated by VR602 and VR60S. The’ +30V and -30V
outputs supply front-end buffer amp U306. In addition, the
+30V output supplies the anodes of the vacuum fluores-
cent display. Zener diode CR612 supplies -6.2V to the
AID Converter clamps.
‘AC voltage for the +15V and -15V supplies is rectified by
bridge network CR608, CR609, CR610, and CR611 and
regulated by VR603 and VR604. The +15V and -15V
supply analog circuitry throughout the 8840A. Zener
diodes CR613 and CR614 supply +7.5V and -8.2V to the
AD Converter, analog filter, and DC Scaling circuit.
{ MAIN PRINTED CIRCUIT ASSEMBLY
eas
C202 £203 tao,
i
yas i
INPUT: '
ois Nr
IEEE-488 INTERFACE.
Figure 6-15. Guard Crossing Circuit
S17Theory of Operation
Power Suery
Secondary T601-14,15,16 supplies the vacuum fluorescent
display filament with 4.5V ac. The center tap is connected
‘0 the in-guard +5V supply in order to correctly bias the
display. An isolated secondary supplies 16V ac to the
power supply on the IEEE-488 Interface.
Zener diode CR615 and SCR Q601 comprise a protective
‘crowbar circuit. If the line voltage exceeds the nominal
value by approximately 30 percent or mote, CR615 con-
ducts, tuming on Q601, shorting out the power transformer
secondary and blowing the line fuse. In normal operation,
these components have no effect.
5-97. IEEE-488 INTERFACE (OPTION -05)
‘The IEEE-488 Interface has five major parts, as shown in
the block diagram in Figure 5-16. All components sre
contained in a single printed circuit assembly (PCA).
Reference designations are numbered in the 900 series.
5-38. Out-Guard Microcomputer
‘The Out-Guard Microcomputer (uC) (U901) communi-
‘cates with the IEEE-488 talker/listemer IC (U911) and the
In-Guard uC (U202).
‘The Out-Guard uC is similar to the In-Guard 28 uC
‘except that it contains 8K bytes of ROM and 236 butes of
RAM. For further description of the Z8 uC, refer to the
heading “In-Guard Microcomputer” above.
5-99. Guard Crossing
‘The guard crossing circuit permits serial asynchronous
‘communication between U901 and U202 while isolating
‘the two electrically. One-half of the guard crossing circuit
is contained on the Main PCA; the other half is on the
IBEE~488 Interface PCA. Operation of the guard crossing
circuit is described in an earlier heading.
5-40. Bus Interface Circuitry
‘The IEEE-488 bus protocol is handled by the ¢PD7210
TEEE-488 talkerfistener IC (U911). It is controlled by
U901 2s a memory mapped peripheral through an 8-bit
ata. bus.
Bus transceivers U912 and U913 buffer U911 from the
TEEE-488 bus. They provide the bus with the required
output drive capability and receiver impedance.
S41. Signal Conditioning
‘The SAMPLE COMPLETE and EXT TRIG signals (1903
and J904) are conditioned by U909. Diodes CR903,
(R904, CRIOS, and CR9O6 and resistors R917 and R918
rovide protection from excessive voltages. Jumpers E902
‘and £903 allow selection of the polarity of the EXT TRIG
]
IN-GUARD
uC
u202
‘TRANSFORMER
T601
SAMPLE
COMPLETE SIGNAL
EXTERNAL, CONDITIONING
TRIGGER
‘TIEEE-488 INTERFACE OPTION
IEEE-498
TALKERY
LISTENER
Icust
‘AND BUS
TRANS-
CEIVERS
Figure 5-16. IEEE~488 Interface Block DiagramTheory of Operation
IEEE-488 INTERFACE (OPTION -05;
signal. (A polarity selection procedure is given in the
Maintenance section.) The 8840A is configured in the
factory so that it is triggered on the falling edge of the
EXT TRIG signal.
5-42, IEEE-488 Interface Power Supply
‘The IEEE-488 Interface power supply circuit provides the
IEEE-488 Interface PCA with +5V. The circuit consists of
rectifying diodes CR908 and CR909, filter capacitor C910,
and voltage regulator VR901. Power comes from trans-
former T60S on the Main PCA. U908 and associated
circuitry resets the Out-Guard uC at power-up and follow-
ing power-line voltage dropouts.
5-43, TRUE RMS AC (OPTION -09)
‘The True RMS AC circuit (Figure 5-17) performs two
primary functions. First, it scales ac input voltages and ac
Current sense voltages to a range of OV to 2V ac ms.
Second, it converts the scaled ac voltages to an equivalent
de voltage which is then directed to the A/D Converter via
the Track/Hold Amplifier. The True RMS AC circuit is
‘immed for flat high-frequency response using a variable
filter which is set by the High-Frequency AC Calibration
procedure.
‘The following paragraphs describe how these functions are
performed. Components are laid out.on a single printed
circuit assembly (PCA). Component reference designators
are numbered in the 800 series.
5-44. VAC Scaling
AC voltage inputs are directed from the HI INPUT termi-
nal to the True RMS AC PCA through protection resistor
R309 on the Main PCA. In this way, voltage transients
greater than 1560V are clamped by MOVs (RV301,
RV402, RV403, and RV404) as in the VDC function.
With the VAC function selected, K801 is closed. The
‘input voltage is thus applied to C801, which blocks de
inputs.
'U807 and resistor network 2801 provide selectable attenu-
ation and 1 MQ input impedance. In the upper two ranges,
K802 is closed and Q806 is off, providing a gain of
/500. In the lower three ranges, K802 is open and Q806
is on, shorting Z801-4 to ground; this configuration pro-
vides a gain of -1/5. CR801 and CR802 provide protection
by clamping the inverting input of U807 to approximately
20.6V. Q805 shifts logic levels to control Q806.
UB0GA, USO6B, and a voltage divider (R804 and R805)
provide gain which is selected for each range by the
analog switches in U804. The configuration for each range
is shown in Figure 5-17. (In this figure, the CMOS analog
switches are represented by mechanical switches.) When
‘USO6A is not used, its non-inverting input is grounded by
(Q804. When UB06B is not used, its non-inverting input is
connected to the CURRENT SENSE line.
5-45. mA AC Scaling
‘The mA AC function uses the same current shunt and
protection network which is used for dc current. In the mA
AC function, Q802 switches the CURRENT SENSE line
to the non-inverting input of USO6B, which provides a
gain of 10.
5:46. Frequency Response Trimming
‘The frequency response is trimmed by software calibration
using a digitally controlled one-pole low-pass filter (R832
and a combination of C826, C827, C828, and C829). The
analog switches in U808 configure the four capacitors 10
select one of 16 possible RC constants. The input of the
digitally controlied filter is buffered by voltage follower
UBOLA. The individual gain stages are also provided with
fixed frequency compensation.
5-47. True RMS AC-to-DC Conversion
USOLB buffers the input to rms converter U802. U802
computes the rms value of the scaled input voltage 2s
shown in Figure 5-18, Rather than explicitly squaring and
averaging the input, U802 uses an implicit method in
AAC INPUT.
VOLTAGE
(+800 FOR ra, 5)
CURRENT 5
SENSE
VARIABLE RMS.
FILTER CONVERTER
To
TRACK!
rucrens Lo»
ae HOLD
circum
VAC:
orma AC.
Figure 5-17. True RMS AC Option Block Diagram
619which feedback is used to perform an equivalent analog output is further filtered by a three-pole postfilter com-
‘computation. prised of U809B and associated resistors and capacitors.
‘This output is then switched into the Track/Hold Amplifier
‘The filter averages the divider output signal. This filter of the de front end via U302 pins 15 and 14. The
consists of U809A, C813, R815, and the intemal 25 kQ
‘Track/Hold Amplifier is set up for unity gain on all. ac
resistor and op amp between pins 8 and 9 of U802. The ranges.
FILTER Vour
Figure §-18. True RMS AC-to-DC Converter
5-20atic awareness
@Q en
Fluke Corporation
‘Some semiconductors and custom IC's can be
damaged by electrostatic discharge during
handling. This notice explains how you can
eo minimize the chances of destroying such devices
Ells ms
jo 1. Knowing that there is a problem.
2. Leaning the guidelines for handling them,
3. Using the procedures, packaging, and
bench techniques that are recommended,
The following practices should be followed to minimize damage to S.S. (static sensitive) devices
3. DISCHARGE PERSONAL STATIC BEFORE
HANDLING DEVICES. USE A HIGH RESIS-
1. MINIMIZE HANDLING TANCE GROUNDING WRIST STRAP.
Y
2. KEEP PARTS IN ORIGINAL CONTAINERS
UNTIL READY FOR USE. 4, HANDLE S.S. DEVICES BY THE BODY.5. USE STATIC SHIELDING CONTAINERS FOR,
8. WHEN REMOVING PLUG-IN ASSEMBLIES
HANDLING AND TRANSPORT.
6. DO NOT SLIDE S.S. DEVICES OVER
ANY SURFACE.
HANDLE ONLY BY NON-CONDUCTIVE
EDGES AND NEVER TOUCH OPEN EDGE
CONNECTOR EXCEPT AT STATIC-FREE
WORK STATION. PLACING SHORTING
STRIPS ON EDGE CONNECTOR HELPS
PROTECT INSTALLED S.S. DEVICES.
STATIC-FREE WORK STATION.
‘SUCKERS SHOULD BE USED.
ONLY GROUNDED-TIP SOLDERING
IRONS SHOULD BE USED.
cS. 9. HANDLE S.S. DEVICES ONLY AT A
| | | 10. ONLY ANTI-STATIC TYPE SOLDER-
"
7. AVOID PLASTIC, VINYL AND STYROFOAM®
IN WORK AREA.
PORTIONS REPRINTED
WITH PERMISSION FROM TEKTRONIX INC.
AND GENERAL DYNAMICS, POMONA DIV.
© Dow Chemica!
9i93WARNING
THESE SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS ARE
FOR USE BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
ONLY. TO AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT PERFORM ANY PROCEDURES.
IN THIS SECTION UNLESS YOU ARE
QUALIFIED TO DO SO.
6-1. INTRODUCTION
This section presents maintenance information for the
8840A. The section includes a performance test, a calibra-
tion procedure, troubleshooting information, and other
general service information,
‘Test equipment recommended for the performance test and.
calibration procedure is.listed in Table 6-1. If the recom-
mended equipment is not available, equipment that meets
the indicated minimum specifications may be substituted.
62. PERFORMANCE TEST
This test compares the performance of the 8840A with the
specifications given in Section 1. The test is recommended
as an acceptance test when the instrument is first received,
and as a verification test after performing the calibration
Procedure. If the instrument does not meet the perfor-
mance test, calibration or repair is needed.
To ensure optimum performance, the test must be per-
formed at an ambient temperature of 18°C to 28°C, with a
relative humidity of less than 75%. Also, the 8840A
should be allowed to warm up for one hour prior to
beginning any test other than the self-test.
6-3. Diagnostic Self-Tests
‘The diagnostic self-tests check the analog and digital
circuitry in the 8840A. There are 21 analog tests followed
by in-guard program memory, calibration memory, and
display tests. Out-guard program memory is tested when
self-test is initiated by a remote command. Microcomputer
RAM tests are done only at powerup.
Section 6
Maintenance
NOTE
The inputs must be left open-circuited while
the selftests are performed. Otherwise, the
‘8840 may indicate errors are present. Errors
‘may also be caused by inductive or capacitive
pick-up from long test leads.
If the FRONTIREAR switch is in the REAR
Position, the 88404 skips tests 3 and 4. Also, if
Option -09 is not installed, the 8840 skips
tests 1, 2, and 3.
To initiate the selftests, press the SRQ button for 3
seconds. The TEST annunciator will then light up, and the
‘8840 will run through the analog tests in sequence. Each
test number is displayed for about 1 second. The instru-
ment can be stopped in any of the test configurations by
Pressing the SRQ button while the test number is dis-
Played. Pressing any bution continues the tests.
‘After the last analog test is performed, all display seg-
ments light up while the instrument performs the in-guard
Program memory, calibration memory, and display tests
‘The instrument then assumes the power-up configuration:
VDC, autorange, slow reading rate, offset off, local con-
trol,
If the 840A. detects an error during one of the tests, it
isplays the ERROR annunciator and the test number for
about 2-1/2 seconds, and then proceeds to the next test
‘The test number thus becomes an error cade. (Error codes
are listed in Table 2-1, Section 2.)
Passing all diagnostic selftests does not necessarily mean
the 8840A is 100% functional. The test, for example,
‘cannot check the accuracy of the analog circuitry. If one ot
more errors are displayed, the 8840A probably requires
service
6-4. DC Voltage Test
The following procedure may be used to verify the
accuracy of the VDC function:
61Maintenance
PERFORMANCE TEST
Table 6-1. Recommended Test Equipment
pera vanmuw sPecireamions RECOMMENDED MODEL
BE Gaia | PREFERRED Fis SR Fike BK
Voltage Range: 0-1000V de
Voltage Accuracy: 10 ppm
Absolute Linearity: 21.0 ppm
ALTERNATIVE:
(Must be used with Kelvin
Varley Voltage Divider)
Voltage Range: 0-1000V oc
Voltage Accuracy: 20 ppm + 20 pom of range
Fluke 3438
Kelvin-Varley Voltage Divider:
Ratio Range: 0-1.0
Absolute Linearity: =1 ppm of input at dial setting
Fluke 7208)
Resistor Calibrator
Resistance Accuracy: 0.005%
Fluke 57008 or Fluke 5450A, ESI DBG2
DC Current Source
‘Accuracy: =0.025%
Fluke 5700A or Fiuke 100B
‘Oscilloscope
General purpose, 60 MHz, with 10 MQ probe
Philips 3085 or 3355
Digital Mutimeter
Voltage Accuracy:
0.01% in V de
1.0% for 1V in V ac @ 100 kHz
Input Impedance:
10 MQ or greater in V de;
1MQ or greater in parallel with <100 pF in V ac
Fluke 88404 (with Option -08)
"AC Calibrator
Fluke 5700A and Fiuke 5725A
Minimum Required Accuracy (By Range)
eee 4, 10, 100 mv? 4, 10, t00v oo0v?
Range
20 He - 80 He + 005 1+ 005 12 + 005
30 He - 20 ke 02 + 10 02 + .002 04 + 004
20 itz - 50 ke 05 + 20 05 + .008 08 + 005
50 kHz - 100 kHz 05 + 20 05 + .005 Aso
1. =(%6 of setting + nV) 2. +/-(06 of setting + % of
range)
‘AC Current Source
Fluke 57008 or Fiuke 51008
Frequency Minimum Required Accuracy
Range (All Ranges)
90 He - 1 kHz 207% + 1 mA)
1 kez + 5 kHz 2(.07% + 1 mA) X frequency in kHz
‘Shorting Bar Resistance: <1.5 m2 Pomona MDP-S-0
Construction: Soldered (not rivetted)
inch Jumper = E-Z-Hook 204-6W-S or equivalent
Gorional Test | 9070A, 9005A or Micro-System Troubleshooter, @000A-6048 Interface Pod:
uipment
62Maintenance Test
PERFORMANCE TEST
|. Ensure the 8840A is on and has warmed up for at least
T hour.
2. Select the VDC function,
3. Connect the DC Calibrator (see Table 6-1) to provide
a voltage input to the HI and LO INPUT terminals, If
using the Fluke 343A and the Kelvin-Varley Voltage
Divider instead of the Fluke 5440A, connect the test
leads as shown in Figure 6-1
4. For each step in Table 6-2, select the indicated range,
set the DC Calibrator for the specified input, and
verify that the displayed reading is within the limits
shown for each reading rate. (For step A, connect a
short across the HI and LO INPUT terminals and
press OFFSET. The measurement in step C should be
relative to this offset.)
5. Set the DC Calibrator to input negative voltages, and
repeat steps C through G of Table 6-2.
6. With the unit is the 2V range, check the A/D linearity
by setting the DC Calibrator for each step in Table 6-
9, while verifying the display reading 1s within the
limit shown. Set the DC Calibrator for zero volts and
disconnect if from the 8840.
6-5. AC Voltage Test (Option -09 Only)
The following procedure may be used to verify the
accuracy of the WAC function:
Ensure the 8840A is on and warmed up for at least 1
hour.
Select the VAC function and the slow (S) reading
rate,
Connect the AC Calibrator to provide 2 voltage input
to the HI and LO INPUT terminals.
(Low- and Mid-Frequency Test.) For each step in
Table 6-3, select the indicated range, set the AC
Calibrator for the specified input, and verify that the
displayed reading is within the limits shown for each
reading rate
NOTE
This procedure tests the extremes of each range.
You may shorten the procedure by testing only the
“quick test points" indicated in Table 6-3 with
asterisks.
(High-Frequency Test.) for cach step in Table 6-4,
select the indicated range, set the AC Calibrator for
the specified input, and’ verify that the displayed
reading is within the limits shown for each reading
rate.
NOTE
This procedure tests the extremes of each range.
You may shorten the procedure by testing only the
“quick test points” indicated in Table 6-4 with
asterisks.
DG CALIBRATOR SENSE
(FLUKE 9408) i
oureur
got
REVERSE THESE
TASS eon
NEGATIVE INPUT
VOLTAGE 108840
| KELVIN-VARLEY VOLTAGE
| BWvibeR FLUKE 7208),
©,1 | nour ogre
©0660 000 000 990+
CONNECTIONS ARE SHOWN
FORPOSTIVE NUT VOLTAGES
FO cata |
|
NOTE: THE KELVIN-VARLEY VOLTAGE DMIDER IS |
NOT REQUIRED FOR INPUT VOLTAGES ABOVE 20V DC.
Figure 6-1. Connections for Kelvin-Varley Voltage Divider
63Maintenance
PERFORMANCE TEST
Table 6-2. DC Voltage Test
DISPLAYED READING
INPUT
STEP| RANGE} Oy a0) SLOW ‘MEDIUM FAST?
winmum | Maximum | MINIMUM | MAXIMUM | MINIMUM | MAXIMUM
A* | 200 my [ov (shor) 00.003 ++00.003 -00.005) +00.005, -00.02 +00.02.
B | 2V, 2ov./ov (shor) -3 counts | +3 counts | -5 counts | 45 counts | -2 counts | +2 counts
200v,
‘1000v
C* | 200 mv {100 mv | 499.989 +100011 | +99.987 4100013 | 499.97 +100.03,
D0 la v +.99993 +1.00007 | +.99901 +1,00009 | +9997 +4,0003,
1& lav |tov 49.9992 +1.00008 | +9.9990 #100010 | +9997 +10.003,
F {200v_ | t00v 499.992 +100.008 | +99.990 +100.010 | 499.97 +100.03,
& |ro00v |1000v | +999.02 +1000.08 | +999.90 +1000.10 | +990.7 +1003,
NOTES:
6. Set the AC calibrator to standby and disconnect it
from the $8404.
66. Resistance Test
The following procedure may be used to verify the
accuracy of the 2-wire and 4-wire ohms functions.
1. Ensure the 88404 is on and has warmed up for at
least 1. hour.
2. Connect the Resistance Calibrator to the 8840A for
4-wire ohms.
1. Relative to high-quality shor stored using OFFSET feature.
2. When in fast reading rate with intemal tigger and transmiting data out of the IEEE-488 interface, the 8840A cfsplay
ust be bianked (command D1) to ensure stated accuracy.
|
3. For each step in Table 6-5, select the indicated range,
set the Resistance Calibrator for the specified nominal
‘input, and proceed as follows:
a. Test the 4-wire ohms function:
1. Select the 4-wire ohms function.
2. Verify that the displayed reading is within
the limits shown for each reading rate.
b. Test the 2-wire ohms function:
1. Select the 2-wire ohms function. (The
SENSE test leads need not be disconnected.)
Table 6-3. Low- and Mid-Frequency AC Voltage Test
wap WeUT ERROR | TEST MTS QW VOLTS)
wowper | "NSE | vourace | eRequency | oolirg | miNMuM wanum,
7 pa Go1000v 700 20H 00786 001201
2 | wv 0.10000 100 He 114 0.00888 10114
s av 0.30000V 100 Hz. 142 0.29858 0.30142
a law 1.00000 100 He 240 0.99760 1.00240 |
sia 1.90000” 400 He 268 1.20634 1.90366 |
6 | aw 0.10000 20 Hz 220 0.03780 10220 |
7 |» 1.20000 20 He zaso | 187620 1.82380
8 law 10000” 15 He 135 086s 0.10196
os [aw 1.900007 45 He 785 4.80088 1.90765
10° 200 mv 0.001000V_ 100 Hz 201 0.000799 0.001207
11 | 200mv | or90000v 20 ke 368 0.189684 0.190966
“Quick test points.
esMaintenance
PERFORMANCE TEST
Table 6-4. High-Frequency AC Voltage Test
— INPUT ERROR TEST LIMITS (IN VOLTS)
RANGE IN
NUMBER
VOLTAGE FREQUENCY | counts ‘MINIMUM MAXIMUM
1 200 mV | o.0T0000v 50 kHz, 169 0.009831 0.010169
a 200 mV 0.010000v 100 kHz 360 0.009650 0.010350
s av 0.10000v 100 kHe 360 0.09650 0.10350
a 20v 1.0000v 100 kt 360 0.9650 1.0350
s 200v 10.000V 100 kHe 350 9.650 10.350
e 700v 100.00 100 kHz 350 96.50 103.50
7 20v 19.0000V 100 kHe 1250 18.8750 19.1250
8 200 mv 0.180000V 100 kHe 1250 0.188750 0.191250
“Quick test points
2. Zero the test Jead resistance by pressing the 1.
OFFSET switch while shorting the HI and
LO INPUT test leads together.
2.
Verify that the displayed reading is. within
the limits shown for each reading rate, .
4
6-7. DC Current Test
The following procedure may be used to test the mA DC
Ensure the 8840A is on and has warmed up for at
least 1 hour.
Select the mA DC function.
Connect the Current Source to the 2 and LO INPUT
terminals.
For each step in Table 6-6, set the Current Source for
the indicated input and verify that the displayed read-
function: ing is within the limits shown for each reading rate.
Table 6-5. Resistance Test
ERROR FROM INPUT
STEP RANGE INPUT (Qn Counts)*