Keysight Technologies 3458A Guide D'utilisation page 434

D Optimizing Throughout and Reading Rate
Introducing the 3458A
The 3458A multimeter now has reading rates from 4 1/2 digit DC Volts
measurements at 100,000 per second, to 8 1/2 digit DC Volts measurements at 6
per second, or anywhere in between with a trade-off of less speed for more
resolution. Even the traditionally slower measurement functions, such as AC Volts,
are quicker with the 3458A. For example, you can measure true rms ACV at up to
50 readings per second with full accuracy for input frequencies greater than 10
kHz. That a multimeter's increased reading rate results in increased test
throughput is clear. Not as obvious, but strongly affecting throughput as well, is
the operating speed of the multimeter when changing function, range, reading
speed (integration time), or interfacing mode. The 3458A can change function and
range, take a measurement, and output the result at 200 per second.
Application oriented command language
Attempts to make measurement more application oriented and less hardware
dependent resulted in advances in the command language of multimeters that
often yielded easier, more friendly programming. However, these advances also
required increased overhead and slower response to the command language. The
3458A multimeter has been specifically designed to overcome this problem by
offering fast command response with an application-oriented command language
that is also easy to use.
Intrinsically slow measurements
It is well known that some measurements are inherently not amenable to fast
treatment. Examples of these are high impedance measurements, frequency
measurements of low frequency events, root mean square (rms) AC voltage and
current measurements, and accurate measurements in the presence of noise.
Nonetheless, despite their inherent slowness, substantial increases in throughput
can be achieved in test system requiring these measurements. The 3458A
provides this improved throughput by offering a wide range of alternatives that
can improve the speed of testing. For example, in many systems accuracy can be
traded for speed; or flexibility in timing the measurement can lead to real
increases in the rate of rms AC measurements with good accuracy. The set of
trade-offs one may make with the 3458A multimeter is covered in detail in this
Product Note.
434 Keysight 3458A User's Guide