The HP/Agilent 3456A is a 6 1/2 digit digital multimeter engineered for precision measurement in calibration labs, R&D, and manufacturing environments. This microprocessor-based, fully guarded instrument delivers 100 nanovolts resolution at 48 readings per second and achieves ±0.0008% + 2 counts accuracy on the 10 V range over 24 hours at 23°C ±1°C. The 3456A combines high-speed burst capability—up to 330 readings per second—with ultra-low periodic measurement intervals down to one reading every fifteen minutes, making it equally suited to benchtop use and integration into automated test systems.
## Technical Specifications
• **DC Voltage:** 0.1 V to 1000 V across five ranges
• **AC RMS Voltage:** 1 V to 1000 V across four ranges; true RMS measurements from 10 Hz to 250 kHz
• **Resistance:** 100 Ω to 1 GΩ across eight ranges with 2-wire and 4-wire capability; 500 nA current source with 10 MΩ parallel resistance
• **Resolution:** 100 nV at 48 readings per second (6 1/2 digits); up to 10 µV at 330 readings per second (3 1/2 or 4 1/2 digits)
• **Stability:** 2 ppm over 24-hour period
• **Integration Time:** Selectable 1, 10, or 100 power line cycles (PLC) for noise rejection
• **Temperature Coefficient:** Specified as (% of reading + number of counts)/°C, varying with digit count and AC/DC ratios
## Key Features
• Offset Compensated Ohms (OCΩ) for enhanced resistance measurement accuracy
• Selectable display digits: 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6
• AUTO-ZERO feature for improved stability
• Math functions include scaling, limit testing (Pass/Fail), nulling, percent error, dB, and dBm calculations
• Program memory stores up to 1400 bytes of instrument command strings
• Reading storage capacity: 350 readings, or 348 with 8-byte command string
• Configurable settling time for measurement optimization
## Typical Applications
• Transfer standard measurements requiring high repeatability
• Precision voltage and resistance measurements in metrology
• High-speed automated test sequences
• Long-duration periodic monitoring
## Compatibility & Integration
• HP-IB (IEEE-488) interface standard for remote programmability and system integration
• Front panel indicators display HP-IB status during remote operation
• Hardware scanner advance provides TTL signal upon measurement completion
