The HP/Agilent 3468B is a 5.5-digit digital multimeter engineered for precision bench and systems measurement with integrated HP-IL programmability. This rack/stack case instrument delivers six core measurement functions: DC volts, True RMS AC volts, 2-wire and 4-wire resistance, DC current, and True RMS AC current. The selectable resolution modes—5.5, 4.5, or 3.5 digits—allow engineers to trade measurement speed against noise rejection; at 3.5-digit resolution, the 3468B achieves up to 31 readings per second with fast autoranging across all functions.
## Technical Specifications
**Display & Resolution**
• 5.5-digit alphanumeric LCD
• Selectable 5½, 4½, or 3½ digit resolution modes
• Measurement speed: Up to 31 readings/sec in 3½ digit mode
**DC Voltage**
• Ranges: 0.3 V to 300 V
• Input sensitivity: 1 µV
• Input impedance: >10¹⁰ Ω on 0.3 V and 3 V ranges; 10 MΩ ±1% on 30 V and 300 V ranges
• Maximum non-destructive input (Hi to Lo): 301 Vrms or 450 V peak
• Maximum non-destructive input (Hi or Lo to Earth): ±500 V peak
**True RMS AC Voltage**
• Bandwidth: 20 Hz to 100 kHz on all ranges; 20 Hz to 300 kHz on 30 V range
• Crest factor: >4:1 at full scale
• Maximum non-destructive input: 301 Vrms or 450 V peak
**Resistance**
• 2-wire and 4-wire measurement to 30 MΩ maximum
**Current**
• DC and True RMS AC current: Up to 3 A
• AC bandwidth: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
## Key Features
• Electronic calibration without internal adjustments
• Fast autoranging across all measurement functions
• HP-IL serial interface for remote control and automated data acquisition
• Power: 48–440 Hz, 86–250 VAC line supply
• Optional rechargeable battery (Option 001): Up to 5 hours continuous operation; 16 hours recharge off, 36 hours recharge on
## Typical Applications
System integration into automated test racks, calculator-based measurement setups, and laboratory data acquisition systems requiring mid-range DC/AC voltage and current characterization.
## Compatibility & Integration
HP-IL token-passing ring network supports up to 31 devices per loop (960 with extensions), enabling connection to HP-41C calculators and computers. Standard cable: 10 m maximum distance; shielded twisted-pair: 100 m maximum. Theoretical data rate 20,000 bytes/sec; practical throughput approximately 2,000 bytes/sec.
