HP / Agilent 3457A Digital Multimeter

The HP/Agilent 3457A is a high-resolution digital multimeter engineered for precision measurement in benchtop and system-integrated environments. It delivers 3½ to 6½ digits of resolution, extendable to 7½ digits, with exceptional DC voltage accuracy of 5 ppm over 90 days. The instrument provides flexible reading rates from 1 reading every 2 seconds to 1350 readings/second at 3½ digits, making it suitable for both slow analog measurements and high-speed data acquisition.

## Technical Specifications

**DC Voltage:** 30 mV to 300 V range with 10 nV sensitivity. Accuracy spans 0.0017% + 6 counts at 3 V to 0.005% + 6 counts at 300 V (90-day calibration cycle). Input resistance reaches 10 GΩ on ranges to 3 V, dropping to 10 MΩ ± 1% on higher ranges.

**AC Voltage:** 1 MHz true RMS bandwidth across 30 mV to 300 V. Best accuracy of 0.13% + 0.116 counts from 100 Hz to 20 kHz. Input impedance is 1 MΩ ± 1% with less than 90 pF shunt capacitance.

**Current Measurement:** DC ranges from 300 µA to 1 A with input resistance values 0.1 Ω to 1000 Ω. AC current operates on 30 mA, 300 mA, and 1 A ranges with accuracies of 0.25% + 290 counts and 0.35% + 290 counts respectively.

**Resistance:** 2-wire and 4-wire configurations spanning 30 Ω to 3 GΩ. Best accuracy is 0.0035% + 6 counts at 3 kΩ and 30 kΩ ranges. Sensitivity extends from 10 µΩ to 1 kΩ.

**Frequency:** Voltage input from 10 Hz to 1.5 MHz; current input from 10 Hz to 100 kHz.

## Key Features

• Storage for over 1000 readings or complete measurement sequences
• Non-volatile setup memory for instrument state preservation
• Built-in math functions: PASS/FAIL limit testing, NULL, SCALE, and thermistor linearization
• Total electronic calibration including AC voltage
• HP-IB interface standard
• Optional multiplexer assemblies expand capability to ten channels

## Typical Applications

Precision component characterization, automated test systems, laboratory calibration standards, and long-term monitoring requiring high resolution with drift control.

## Compatibility & Integration

HP-IB interface enables direct integration into automated measurement systems. Non-volatile memory supports field reconfiguration without external programming.