Appendix D Optimizing Throughout and Reading Rate 323
throughput and still provides 70% of the overhead programming like Statistical
Quality Control (SQC) and inventory management.
System Uptime Longer system up-time also means higher test system throughput. The 3458A's
Multimeter performs a complete self-calibration of all functions, including AC,
using high-stability internal standards. This self- or auto-calibration eliminates
measurement errors due to time drift or temperature changes in your rack or on
your bench for superior accuracy. When it's time for periodic calibration to
external standards, simply connect a precision 10 V DC source and a precision 10
kW resistor. All ranges and functions, including AC, are automatically calibrated
using precision internal ratio transfer measurements relative to the external
standards. (The subject of calibration is treated in detail in Product Note 3458A-3)
A system's up-time is also increased as a result of the increased reliability of its
components. the 3458A's reliability is a product of Agilent's "10 X" program of
defect reduction. Through environmental, abuse, and stress testing during the
design stages of product development, Agilent has reduced the number of defects
and early failure in its instruments by a factor of ten over the past ten years.
Purpose
The purpose of this Product note is to illustrate how you can use the revolutionary
speed and accuracy of the 3458A Multimeter to achieve the best possible test
throughput and reading rates for your application. This is achieved by providing
an explanation of the trade-offs offered by the instrument, and its optimal use with
the HP 9000 Series 200/300 computers.
Topics Covered in
the Product Note
include:
• DC measurements (Volts, current, ohms) - the available trade-offs of speed,
resolution, and accuracy for their optimal use in your test system.
• AC measurements (analog ACV, synchronous ACV, random ACV, current) -
choosing the best mode and specifications for your application.
• frequency and period - selecting gate time to achieve desired speed, accuracy,
or resolution.
• optimizing the testing process through task allocation - using built-in math
functions or post-processed math, the readings memory, states memory, and
Program Memory to best organize and allocate tasks between the dmm and the
computer, with program examples.
• benchmarks with properly structured programs for maximum throughput using
pass-fail limit checking and statistics.
DC Volts, DC Current and Resistance
The 3458A offers two separate measurement paths: the standard DCV path direct
to the Analog to Digital Converter and a path to the track-and hold circuit
(track-and-hold path). The DCV path is limited to 150 kHz bandwidth, the
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