The Fluke 8520A is a 5.5-digit laboratory digital multimeter engineered for precision benchtop measurements and automated test system integration. It combines manual front-panel operation with remote IEEE-488 (GPIB) control, delivering DC voltage, true RMS AC voltage, AC+DC voltage, resistance (2-wire and 4-wire), and conductance measurements. The instrument automatically optimizes reading rate and filter selection upon function entry, with manual override capability. Burst memory stores up to 50 readings standard (expandable to 400 with Option -010), supporting diagnostic routines, null zeroing, offset/scale/ratio modes, peak detection, and limit testing. Seven built-in programs handle common laboratory tasks; optional extended software adds statistical analysis, low-frequency AC measurement, dB calculations, RTD temperature conversion, thermocouple junction voltage conversion, and thermistor linearization.
## Technical Specifications
• **Display Resolution:** 5.5-digit
• **DC Voltage Accuracy:** 20 ppm basic
• **Reading Rate:** Up to 520 readings/second (parallel mode); approximately 1 reading/second default
• **Measurement Functions:** DC voltage, AC voltage (true RMS), AC+DC voltage, resistance (2-wire and 4-wire), conductance
• **Auto-ranging:** Full auto-ranging on most functions (conductance excluded)
• **Filter Options:** Fast and slow selectable
• **Burst Memory:** 50 readings standard; 400 readings with Option -010
• **Power Supply:** 100, 120, 220, or 240 V AC, ±10%, 50–60 Hz, ≤50 W
• **Operating Temperature:** 0°C to 50°C
• **Storage Temperature:** −25°C to +75°C
## Key Features
• IEEE-488 (GPIB) interface standard
• Seven built-in diagnostic and measurement programs
• Optional MATE system interpreter (8520A/AS-1) supporting CIIL commands and direct memory access data transmission up to 120,000 characters/second
• BCD output with system interface circuits
• Automatic reading rate and filter optimization with manual adjustment capability
## Typical Applications
• Precision DC and AC voltage characterization
• Resistance and conductance measurement in R&D and production environments
• Automated test equipment integration via GPIB
• Temperature measurement via RTD conversion and thermocouple junction voltage linearization
• Statistical analysis and pass/fail limit testing
## Compatibility & Integration
The 8520A interfaces via standard IEEE-488 (GPIB) for remote operation and system integration. Optional 8520A/AS-1 module enables MATE system compatibility with CIIL or IEEE-488 command sets and high-speed direct memory access data transfer.
