The HP/Agilent 3437A System Voltmeter is a microprocessor-controlled, 3.5-digit voltmeter engineered for high-speed automated measurement and data acquisition. Operating at sampling rates up to 5700 samples per second in packed binary format, it delivers the speed required for dynamic test environments without sacrificing measurement precision. The instrument supports three voltage ranges (0.1 V, 1 V, 10 V) with 100% overrange capability and accommodates floating measurements up to ±20 V across a DC to 1.0 MHz bandwidth.
Measurement flexibility is built into its core architecture. Configurable trigger delay from 0 to 1 second in 100 ns increments enables precise timing control, while the ability to capture 0 to 9999 samples per trigger event supports both single-point and burst acquisition modes. External and internally generated triggers accommodate diverse test scenarios. Output data selects between ASCII (8 bytes) or Packed Binary (2 bytes) formats for efficient data handling.
The 3437A integrates directly into automated test systems via the standard HP-IB interface, with all front panel functions programmable. Its custom Nanoprocessor handles instrument control logic, and binary program mode enables quick configuration recall using abbreviated 7-byte program codes.
Technical Specifications
• Measurement Type: 3.5-digit successive approximation system voltmeter
• Sampling Rate: Up to 5700 samples/second (packed binary format)
• Voltage Ranges: 0.1 V, 1 V, 10 V with 100% overrange on all ranges
• Frequency Response: DC to 1.0 MHz
• Floating Measurement Capability: ±20 V maximum
• Sample Trigger Delay: 0 to 1 second in 100 ns increments
• Samples per Trigger: 0 to 9999
• Input Impedance: 1 MΩ (10 V range); >10⁸ Ω (1 V, 0.1 V ranges)
• Input Capacitance: <75 pF (all ranges)
• CMRR: 75 dB at 60 Hz (1 kΩ unbalance in low input lead)
• Common Mode Voltage (Hi to Lo): <±30 Vpeak
• Common Mode Voltage (Lo to Chassis): <±42 Vpeak
• Output Format: ASCII or Packed Binary via HP-IB
• Power Input: 100 V, 120 V, 220 V, or 240 V (±5%), 48–440 Hz
• Power Consumption: ≤42 VA
– Physical & Environmental
• Connector: Triaxial BNC input
• Dimensions: 212.7 mm W × 88.9 mm H × 527.1 mm D
• Weight: 5.6 kg (net)
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 50°C
• Storage Temperature: −40°C to 75°C
– System Integration
HP-IB interface standard with fully programmable front panel functions. Binary program mode supports rapid instrument reconfiguration.
