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Features and Functions 2
34980A User’s Guide 17
Measurement Range
You can allow the instrument to automatically select the measurement
range using autoranging or you can select a fixed range using manual
ranging. Autoranging is convenient because the instrument decides which
range to use for each measurement based on the input signal. For fastest
scanning operation, use manual ranging on each measurement (some
additional time is required for autoranging since the instrument has to
make a range selection).
• Autorange thresholds:
• If the input signal is greater than can be measured on the selected
range (manual ranging), the instrument gives an overload indication:
“±OVLD” from the front panel or “±9.9E+37” from the remote interface.
• For temperature measurements, the instrument internally selects the
range; you cannot select which range is used. For thermocouple
measurements, the instrument internally selects the 100 mV range.
For thermistor and RTD measurements, the instrument autoranges to
the correct range for the transducer resistance measurement.
• For frequency and period measurements, the instrument uses one
“range” for all inputs between 3 Hz and 300 kHz. The range parameter
is required only to specify the resolution. Therefore, it is not necessary
to send a new command for each new frequency to be measured.
• The
CONFigure and MEASure? commands contain an optional parameter
which allows you to specify the range or autoranging.
• The instrument returns to autoranging when the measurement function
is changed and after a Factory Reset (
*RST command). An Instrument
Preset (SYSTem:PRESet command) or Card Reset (SYSTem:CPON
command) does not change the range setting.
Front Panel Operation: DMM or Channel (Configure) > RANGE
First, select the measurement function on the active channel. You are
automatically guided to the next level of the menu where you can select
a specific range or autoranging.
Remote Interface Operation: You can select the range using parameters in
the CONFigure and MEASure? commands. For example, the following
command selects the 10 Vdc range on the specified channel.
CONF:VOLT:DC 10,DEF,(@3001)
Down range at:
Up range at:
<10% of range
>120% of range