The Fluke 8506A is a 6.5-digit digital multimeter engineered for precision DC voltage, AC voltage (thermal RMS), resistance, and current measurements in metrology, R&D, and manufacturing environments. Its thermal RMS AC converter delivers measurement accuracy several times superior to calculating-type true-RMS designs, handling non-sinusoidal waveforms with crest factors up to 8:1 with full accuracy.
## Technical Specifications
**DC Voltage**
• Resolution: 100 nV
• Accuracy: 5 ppm
• Input ranges: 100 mV to 1000 V (5 ranges)
• Over-range: 100% on 100 mV, 1 V, and 10 V ranges; 128 V and 1.2 kV limits on 100 V and 1 kV ranges respectively
• Reading rate: Up to 500 readings/second
• Zero correction: Front-panel pushbutton storage per range, user-selectable
• Averaging mode extends 10 V range to 7.5 digits
**AC Voltage (Thermal RMS)**
• Accuracy: 120 ppm, 24 hours (40 Hz – 20 kHz); 0.012% with filter and averaging enabled (best range); 3.5% to 1 MHz
• Input ranges: Eight ranges, maximum 500 Vrms
• Frequency response: 40 Hz to 1 MHz
• AC+DC measurement: True RMS capability
• Waveform performance: Full accuracy for non-sinusoidal signals with crest factors to 8:1
**Resistance Measurement**
• Available via option (-02A); incompatible with current measurement option
• Compatible with 8502A ohm boards
**Current Measurement**
• DC current: Option (-03); ranges 100 µA, 1 mA, 10 mA, 100 mA, 1 A
• AC current: Requires external shunts
**Display**
• 6.5-digit resolution standard; 7.5-digit extended resolution in AC volts and DC modes with averaging
## Key Features
• Thermal RMS converter for superior AC measurement accuracy on distorted waveforms
• Fluke patented recirculating remainder A/D conversion technique
• Per-range zero correction with permanent storage
• Averaging mode for optimized display stability and resolution
• 500 readings/second acquisition in DC voltage mode
## Typical Applications
• Metrology laboratory calibration and standards
• Research and development precision measurements
• Manufacturing quality assurance and acceptance testing
• AC signal characterization on non-sinusoidal waveforms
## Compatibility & Integration
The 8506A accepts resistance option (-02A) or current measurement option (-03), but not both. Ohm boards from the 8502A are recognized and compatible.
