The Agilent/Keysight 3403C is a True RMS voltmeter engineered for precision AC and DC voltage measurements across frequencies from DC to 100 MHz. It excels at characterizing complex signals—noise, multiplexed waveforms, modulated carriers, and signals with significant harmonic content—where True RMS accuracy is essential. Though discontinued, the instrument remains valuable for laboratory and field applications demanding reliable broadband voltage analysis.
Technical Specifications
Measurement Functions & Range
• DC, AC, and AC + DC True RMS measurements
• Six voltage ranges: 10.00 mV (AC only), 100.0 mV, 1.000 V, 10.00 V, 100.0 V, 1000 V
• AC frequency span: 2 Hz to 100 MHz (Slow response); 25 Hz to 100 MHz (Fast response)
• >90% overrange capability on all ranges, subject to maximum input voltage limits
• Crest factor: 10:1 at full range
• Overrange annunciator at ~190% of full scale; underrange at ~17% of full scale
Response & Display
• Fast response: 1 second to ±0.1% of input change; 4 readings/second
• Slow response: 10 seconds to ±0.1% of input change; 2 readings/second
Input Characteristics
• Input impedance below 10 MHz: 10 MΩ ±10% (1 V–1000 V ranges, 24 pF ±10% shunt); 20 MΩ ±10% (10 mV/100 mV ranges, 20 pF ±10% shunt)
• Maximum input: 1000 V RMS, 1500 V peak across all ranges
• Maximum DC in AC mode: 500 V DC
• Floated low to chassis: ±500 V DC (requires special banana-to-BNC adapter)
• Accuracy: 0.4% to 10% depending on range and frequency
• DC zero adjustment available
Input & Output
• BNC front panel connector standard (low-to-high terminals)
• Analog recorder outputs for continuous monitoring
• dB recorder output: 200 mV for 20 dB, 1 kΩ ±500 Ω output impedance
• Rear panel connector option (AC converter module reversal)
– Key Features
• Selectable Fast/Slow response modes for signal characterization flexibility
• Optional autoranging (Opt 001) or autoranging with remote control and digital output (Opt 003)
• dB display option (Opt 006) with front-panel reference adjustment
• Dual power supply: 115 V or 230 V ±10%, 48 Hz to 440 Hz
• Maximum power consumption: 35 VA
– Typical Applications
• Broadband AC/DC voltage measurement in complex signal environments
• Harmonic and noise characterization on communication and power systems
• Modulated signal analysis across 2 Hz to 100 MHz
• Laboratory metrology requiring True RMS accuracy
– Compatibility & Integration
Analog and dB recorder outputs enable integration with strip-chart recorders and data acquisition systems. Remote control capability via Opt 003 supports automated test sequences. BNC and internal rear connector options accommodate various measurement configurations.
