SUPPORTS

P9610A / P9611A

P9610A / P9611A

Manual

M3500A / M3510A / M3511A（USBTMC）

M3500A / M3510A / M3511A / M3520A (USBTMC)

M3500A (USB)

Manual

G5100A / G5110A

G5100A

IVI Shared components
The IVI Foundation provides a standard set of shared components that must be used by all compliant drivers and ancillary software. Users may download the free IVI shared components via below link.
http://www.ivifoundation.org/shared_components/Default.aspx

Manual

U6200A / U6220A

U6200A / U6220A

Manual

Manual

Application note（Application Article）

Application Notes（Agilent E5061B）

Application note（OMICRON Bode 100）

1. How to show 50000 readings/sec from M3510A?

Click Here

2. How to show 2000 readings/sec from M3500A?

Click Here

3. How do I convert the voltage??

Suppose your condition is in AC 100V and you want to convert the voltage to the 220V.

【Step 1】Verify that the meter is disconnected as shown as the Figure 2-1.

【Step 2】Open the voltage setting selector cap as shown as the Figure 2-2. (You might need a pair of tweezers to do so)

【Step 3】Remove the red voltage setting selector from the right middle seam as shown as the
Figure 2-3. (You might need a pair of tweezers to do so)

【Step 4】Turn it over to 220V position as shown as the Figure 2-4.

【Step 5】Insert the voltage setting selector back into the socket and close the cap as shown as the Figure 2-5.

4. How to change the power line fuse?

【Step 1】Verify that the meter is disconnected as shown as the Figure 2-6.

Figure 2-6

【Step 2】Open the voltage setting selector cap as shown as the Figure 2-7. (You might need a pair of tweezers to do so)

Figure 2-7

【Step 3】Remove the red voltage setting selector from the right middle seam as shown in Figure 2-8. (You might need a pair of tweezers to do so)

Figure 2-8

【Step 4】Remove the broken fuse from the selector as shown in Figure 2-9.

Figure 2-9

【Step 5】Replace with the new fuse as shown in Figure 2-10.

Figure 2-10

【Step 6】Insert the voltage setting selector back into the socket and close the cap as shown in Figure 2-11.

Figure 2-11

【Step 7】Make sure the power switch on the front panel is in "Power OFF" condition before
plugging as shown in Figure 2-12.

Figure 2-12

Power switch:

 "POWER OFF"

【Step 8】After finishing the above procedures, you can plug in your power cord as shown in
Figure 2-13.

Figure 2-13

【Step 9】Press on the power switch on the front panel for activating M3500A as shown in
Figure 2-14.

Figure 2-14

Power switch:

 "POWER ON"

5. What kind of socket does your M3500A thermocouple adapter provide?

Our thermocouple adapter provides standard sockets for both mini connecters and standard connecters.

6. What are the different between 2-wire and 4wire resistance measurements?

The 2-wire method is commonly used as it is the simplest and most straightforward method. In 2-wire, you can get accurate measurements above 100 kΩ relatively easily. For precision measurements with resistances (ohms) below 100 kΩ, 4-wire works more reliably and conveniently than 2-wire. 4-wire requires 4-wire switching and more cabling. You may decide the tradeoff is acceptable, depending on the accuracy versus complexity requirements of your system.

The following figure shows a 4-wire resistance (ohms) measurement, including lead and switching resistance:

Current (amps) is forced through the source leads (HI, LO). As a result, a voltage develops across the resistance (ohms) under test. By measuring the voltage directly across the resistor using the sense leads, the voltage drop of interconnects (RLEAD) is ignored.

7. What is the difference between function "STEP" and "SCAN"?

The difference is the "delay time setting". For "STEP", the delay time setting is between each channel. For SCAN, the delay time setting is between a 10-channel turn to another.

8. Does it matter if I did not fix screws on the Scanner Card when I use it?

It doesn't matter. However, we suggest that you may fix screws for the better measurement. The metal flakes with the screws connect to the chasses ground; as a result, fix screws could reduce the environmental noise and statics.

9. How many devices can be connected through USB on PICOTEST M3500A?

The USB supports up to 127 different devices. Additional USB devices are connected through hubs in a tiered star topology which consists of multiple USB peripherals connected to a single USB hub and multiple USB hubs connected in a chain, one to another.

10. Can I transfer the measured data from M3500A to PC without? "Microsoft Office" ?

Yes. We provide a free stand-along program "AP" for customer to transfer the measured data from M3500A to PC even they do not install「MicrosoftR Office」.

11. What sort of PC is required for the software control of the M3500A?

Win 98, ME, 2000, XP

12. Do we need M3500A-opt02 adaptor for each input that has thermocouples connecter?

Yes. You will need Thermocouple adaptor to connect the mini thermocouple connecter.

13. Is the RTD probe connection 3 wire or 4 wire?

Our M3500A provide 3 wire and 4 wire RTD measurement.

14. How to implement current measurements through M3500-opt01 Multi-point Scanner Card?

M3500-opt01 Multi-point Scanner Card is not allowed of direct current measurements; however, on-card shunt resistors can be installed for channels 1 and 6 to allow for indirect current measurements. The figures below show the typical configuration for current measurements.

The current through each shunt resistor can be calculated as follows:

I= current being determined

V= voltage measured by multimeter

R= shunt resistance value

Instead of manually calculating current, set up a MX+B math calculation function. (M=1/R and B= 0.). The M3500A will then display the actual current value.

Note: If there are two devices under test, the value of User-installed Shunts(R) have to be the same.

15. How to use Thermocouple measurement?

M3500A supports 7 types of Thermocouple: E, J, K, N, R, S and T. Via thermocouple adapter, user must measure a known temperature junction (T1) and then modulate the value of reference junction according to the result. The value of reference Junction must be stable, so that user can measure an accurate temperature.

How to modulate the value of reference junction for thermocouple measurement:

1. Configure the thermocouple type and unit. Pressing CONFIG >> SHIFT >> TEMP(TCOUPL), and then using PREV and NEXT to select the type and unit.

2. Measure a known temperature junction (T1). The result of the measurement is Tm.

3. Modulate M3500A reference junction to make Tm=T1.
Reference junction modulation：
Panel:
CONFIG >> SHIFT >> TEMP(TCOUPL) >> NEXT >> NEXT >> SIMULATE >> ENTER
Pressing 「PREV」 or 「 NEXT」 and 「RANGE」 to modulate the reference junction.
PC remote control Command:
「:TCO:RJUN：Sim value」

Example:
If the reference junction=23.0°C, T1=30°C，Tm=25°C, we should modulate the reference junction to 28.0°C to make Tm=30°C.?

16. Regarding the M3500A, what is the measurement speed of USBTMC?

請參考 M3500A measurement speed of USBTMC table.

17. What is USBTMC?

USBTMC stands for USB Test &Measurement Class. Any USB device conforms to USBTMC without the limitations of operation systems and environment can work under VISA assistance, and communicate with a computer. In other words, The control procedures via VISA to USBTMC device and via VISA to GPIB device are the same.

USBTMC is a protocol built on top of USB. Any USB device conforms to USBTMC can work under VISA assistance without the limitations of operation systems and environment, and communicate with a computer.Via USBTMC and USB488 protocol the USB device behaviors just like a GPIB device, and the GPIB commands can be compliant to the USB software. The advantage of using USBTMC is that you don't have to insert any card in the PC, including GPIB card. And also you don't have to re-program the previous application software which is for GPIB. Only the instrument conforms to USBTMC protocol in the VISA basis, and the version of NI-VISA 3.2 or later is installed in the PC. The USBTMC unit will be recognized, and can be used.

http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/044fa220f32774ed86256db3005850ca

After setting up our application software, PT-TOOL & PT-LINK, or your own programs, the M3500A will be easy to control.

It is important to note that not all USB devices support USBTMC. The device maker has to add the USBTMC support in the device firmware. Please refer to the instrument's documentation, and check whether it is USBTMC compliant.

In the following are the command examples of USBTMC and GPIB. The main different areas will be marked in red. It's obvious that the program codes are almost the same.

Command compare example

18. Could you provide M3500A Comparison sheet?

Refer to M3500A Comparison sheet.

19. How to remote the STEP of 10 channels at same speed as when local?

Please set trigger time by pressing the buttons on the front panel.

MENU -> NEXT to TRIG -> ENTER -> NEXT to DELAY -> ENTER.

The problem is regarding the time setting of trigger delay. Then, please in the PT-TOOL software input the remote control command for speeding up the scan capability.

"TRIG:DELAY 0.1".

20. Why did the instrument measure the correct value of temperature at the beginning, but the value become unstable after a few minutes?

Please do the warm-up step in two hours for solution. Because the temperature of the instrument and the adapter must be the same so that measuring the value will be stable. To do the warm-up step can let the instrument and the adapter with the same temperature.

21. If install PT-link (Ver2.0) and connect M3500A (Ver 02.-01-01-04) through USB, a message appears to the effect that necessary software is not installed. After that, we turn off and then on the M3500A, no such message pops up , but the PT-Link cannot recognize the M3500A?

Please confirm the version of NI visa is 3.1 or upward. If it is incorrect, please refer to our User guide in CD we enclosed with the Instrument to link the NI website and download the correct NI Visa to operate.

22. How to use the M3500A and Power supply as substitute for the Source Meter to measure IV Curve?

【Step 1】When use the M3500A Digital Multimeter and Power Supply as substitute for the Source meter to measure IV Curve, you will use thecurrent measurement function in M3500A. Connect the M3500A between the Power Supply and PV Module as shown in Figure 1. Then, convert the voltage value of Power supply and the current value of M3500A to IV Curve. However, the differences due to Multimeter Burden Voltage will occur when using this measurement. To eliminate this measurement differences, we can use the M3500A with Scanner card to do the Multi-point Voltage measurement as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 1

【Step 2】Connect one known resistance R_shunt between the PV Module and Power Supply. When current pass the R_shunt, it will generate thevoltage VR_shunt. Scanner card CH1 measure the voltage of PV Module. Scanner card CH2 measure the voltage of VR_shunt. Then, we can calculate the Current (I) = VR_shunt/R_shunt This measurement can reduce the differences from Burden Voltage and measure the IV Curve accurately.

Figure 2

1. How do I connect the G5100A to a PC via the USB port?

All you need is download NI-VISA or NI-VISA Run-time Engine from www.ni.com/visa and follow below steps.

1. Install NI-VISA or www.ni.com - NI-VISA Run-time Engine
2. Using an USB cable to connect the PC and G5100A.
3. Switch on the instrument and the PC will recognize G5100A automatically.

2. How do I generate a DC voltage output from the PICOTEST G5100A?

PICOTEST G5100A can output DC voltage in the range of -5 V DC to +5 V DC (into a 50-ohm termination).

To output a DC voltage from a G5100A:

1. Press [Utility] and choose “DC ON”.

2. Press soft-key [Vos] to activate the DC mode with the offset voltage as the output level. (0V default)

3. Using the knob or numeric keypad to modulate the level you desired.

4. press normal function keys to return to normal waveform operation.

3. How to turn off the sound of G5100A?

In G5100A, only firmware version 1.7 or excess version support “sound off” function or it can only support “ Beep off”.

1. Press [Utility] and choose “System”.

2. Press soft-key [Sound] to on/off the sound of operation keys or press [Beep] to on/ off the warning beep.

3. Press [DONE] back to normal operation.

4. How do I get Instrument manual and application software for G5100A?

All of the application software and manuals are typically shipped on a CD with the instrument. You may also the latest update of the software, firmware and manuals in PICOTEST website on the Support page.

5. How do I set up pattern out?

G5100A waveform generator provides the capability of outputting a specified pattern of up to 256k points in 16-bit resolution. Similar to arbitrary waveforms, pattern output provides five built-in patterns and up to four user-defined patterns that are stored in non-volatile memory. The built-in patterns are exponential-rise, exponential-fall, negative-ramp, sinc, and cardiac. The default pattern output is an exponential-rise wave.

You may use the Wavepatt®, waveform and pattern editor to create the patterns you want or import the waveforms from the oscilloscope that you captured previously and follow below steps to set up pattern output.

1. Press the Utility button to enter the utility menu.

2. Press the softkey under [PATT MODE] to enter the PATTERN menu.
   

3. Press the softkey under [Fclk/Perd] to toggle between [Fclk] (frequency) and [Perd] (period).
   

4. Press the softkey under [Start Addr]/ [End Addr] for setting the start /end point of the pattern to output. Use the knob with the cursor keys to change the value. Or use the numeric keypad to enter a new value and then press [Enter] to finish the entry or the press [Cancel] to withdraw the changes.
   　

5. Press the [Select wform] to enter selection menu:

   1. Press [Built In] and choose the desired pattern from the five built-ins by pressing the corresponding softkey.

   2. Press [Saved Wform] and choose the desired user-defined pattern by pressing the corresponding softkey.

   3. One may delete a user-defined pattern by pressing the softkey under Delete Store and choose the pattern to delete by pressing the corresponding softkey
      

6. Press the [Output Setting] and then press [RPT.] to toggle between ON and OFF to enable/disable repeating output of the pattern.
   

7. To configure the trigger setting, press [Trig Setup] to enter the trigger setup menu:

   1. To specify the trigger source, press the softkey under Src and then select among Ext (external) and Man (manual).

   2. If manual trigger is selected, you may configure the trigger out signal by pressing the softkey under Trig Out and then select among OFF, rising-edge trigger and falling-edge trigger.

   3. If external source is selected, you may press the softkey under Slope to toggle between rising edge trigger and falling edge trigger.

   4. Press the softkey under DONE to finish the trigger setting.

8. After completed above setting. Press function key [Output] to generate the pattern out. The pattern would be outputted once only if the setting of [RPT.] is OFF in the [Output Setting].

1. What is the power consumption of U6200A?

The power consumption of standard unit is about 24VA, but for the unit with all options installed is about 50VA(Max).

2. Can I set the front terminated input impedance of U6200A into 50Ω?

Yes, you can set the terminated input impedance of U6200A into 50 or 1MΩ. Please press the CH1/CH2 and you will see CH1/CH2 input conditions. Press the soft key under “Imped”to set the impedance.

3. When select the rear inputs, would the input channels be isolated from earth?

Yes, the front and rear inputs are isolated from earth.

4. Can I apply 4 different signals into both front and rear inputs at the same time?

Yes. You may apply 4 different signals to the front and rear inputs and operate by switching the internal relays.