Specifications

capacitance of the DMM and
lead capacitance of the probes
can be calibrated out using
the built-in math null function,
which subtracts the initial mea-
surement from all subsequent
measurements.
Substantial improvements in
accuracy are attained using
this technique. The 34410A
and 34411A DMMs can actually
perform much better than their
0.5% specifications. In lab testing
on a high-accuracy capacitance
standard, these DMMs achieved
a performance level on the order
of 0.1%. Furthermore, measure-
ments of capacitors with poor
dielectrics, such as aluminum-
electrolytic capacitors, showed
greatly improved accuracy.
Simple data logging without a PC
Let’s say your boss stops
by just before you leave for
lunch and asks you to measure
temperature changes in the
computer server room. He
suspects the air conditioner
is generating rapid and wide
changes in temperature.
How can you get this started
quickly and still meet your
lunch date on time?
• Grab your 34410A, probe,
and power cord and bring
them to the computer room
• Position the sensor probe
• Select the temperature
measurement function
and sensor type
• Press the Data Log key
and set up 1-second
intervals for an hour
• Press the Trigger key to
start the process
• Go to lunch
When you return from lunch,
the measurements are com-
plete. Or, if an hour has not
passed, you can stop the data
logging process by pressing
any key for a prompt. Either
way, your readings are stored
in non-volatile memory.
Now finish up:
• Unplug the DMM and carry
it back to your office
• Hook up the LAN and
start your PC’s browser
• Cut and paste readings
from the browser into
your spread sheet
• Print out the chart or graph,
and submit it to your boss
Key points:
• You did not have to drag
a computer along to set up
measurements.
• Set up was very easy from
the front panel.
• The 34410A is small and
easily transportable.
• You did not need to write
or load a program to gather
the data.
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