HP / Agilent 3478A 5.5 digit DMM with HP-IB interface
The HP/Agilent 3478A is a 5.5 digit benchtop digital multimeter (DMM) with HP-IB (IEEE-488) interface for automated testing. It features high accuracy and resolution for a variety of measurements including DC/AC voltage, DC/AC current, and resistance. Designed for both manual use and system integration, it is suitable for electronics testing, calibration, and data acquisition applications.
- Model
- HP / Agilent 3478A
- Calibration
- Available on request
- Price
- $158
- Status
- In stock
- RFQ ref
- 3478A
This unit
The HP/Agilent 3478A is a 5.5-digit digital multimeter engineered for benchtop and automated test environments. It delivers DC voltage, true RMS AC voltage and current, and 2- and 4-wire resistance measurements through an HP-IB interface. Selectable resolution modes - 3.5, 4.5, and 5.5 digits - allow users to trade measurement speed for noise rejection and precision. The 4.5-digit mode achieves 130 dB noise rejection with 35 readings/second; the 5.5-digit mode delivers 100 nV resolution. Closed-box electronic calibration eliminates mechanical adjustments and supports both manual front-panel and automated HP-IB control.
Technical Specifications Measurement Functions:
DC Voltage: 30 mV to 300 V (100 nV sensitivity)
AC Voltage (true RMS): 300 mV to 300 V, up to 300 kHz bandwidth, 4:1 crest factor
DC Current: 300 mA, 3 A ranges
AC Current (true RMS): 300 mA, 3 A ranges, up to 20 kHz bandwidth
Resistance (2- and 4-wire): 30 Ω to 30 MΩ (100 µΩ sensitivity) Performance:
Basic DC voltage accuracy: ±(0.0034% of reading + 2 counts)
Measurement rates: up to 90 readings/second (3.5-digit), 35 readings/second (4.5-digit with 130 dB noise rejection)
AC line rejection: 50, 60 Hz ± 0.1%
Display: 5.5-digit LED Input Specifications:
DCV input impedance: 10 GΩ (≤3 V); 10 MΩ ± 1% (30 V, 300 V)
ACV input impedance: 1 MΩ shunted by < 60 pF
Overvoltage protection: ±350 V peak (Hi to Lo), ±500 V peak (Hi or Lo to Earth Ground)
Resistance open-circuit voltage: 6.5 V
Current burden: 0.1 V (300 mA), 1 V (3 A)
Key Features
Closed-box electronic calibration - no internal adjustments required
Built-in self-test capabilities
HP-IB programmable interface for system integration
Voltmeter Complete output for scanner synchronization
Low cost of ownership through automated calibration
Typical Applications
Automated test environments and data acquisition systems
Precision DC and AC measurements in production test
High-resolution resistance and current characterization
Systems requiring noise-rejection and fast measurement cycling
Compatibility & Integration HP-IB (IEEE-488) interface enables remote programming and automated measurement sequencing. Voltmeter Complete output synchronizes with multiplexer systems for rapid multi-channel testing.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 10 Hz to 100 kHz | Voltage / Current Range: DC Voltage: 100 mV to 1000 V (5 ranges) |
| AC Voltage | 1 V to 1000 V (4 ranges) |
| DC Current | 10 mA to 10 A (4 ranges) |
| AC Current | 1 A to 10 A (2 ranges) |
HP / Agilent 3478A — Repair & Calibration Service
Aumictech offers NIST-traceable calibration and repair for the HP / Agilent 3478A. Calibration covers DC voltage accuracy at all ranges, AC voltage (True RMS) accuracy at 50 Hz, 1 kHz, and 10 kHz, DC current accuracy, resistance accuracy at all decade ranges, frequency accuracy, and diode test voltage. Fluke 87V and 289 also include capacitance and temperature calibration.. All calibrations ship with a NIST-traceable certificate. Turnaround is typically 1–3 business days after receipt.
Common HP / Agilent 3478A faults: blown input fuse, worn input jacks, display segment failure, relay contact wear on bench DMMs. Common faults include worn input jacks (banana socket contact wear on the mA and COM terminals), blown input fuses (especially the 440 mA HRC fuse), and display segment failures. Keithley 2000/2001/2002 bench DMMs commonly develop relay contact wear affecting resistance accuracy after extended service.
HP / Agilent 3478A price
This HP / Agilent 3478A is listed at $158.2. Calibration is available separately from $450. Contact us for volume pricing or if you need multiple units.
HP / Agilent 3478A calibration cost
NIST-traceable calibration for the HP / Agilent 3478A is $450 (standard — pass/fail certificate and calibration sticker) or $650 (full measured data at every test point, reference standards documented, traceability chain included). Calibration for this instrument covers DC voltage accuracy at all ranges, AC voltage (True RMS) accuracy at 50 Hz, 1 kHz, and 10 kHz, DC current accuracy, resistance accuracy at all decade ranges, frequency accuracy, and diode test voltage. Fluke 87V and 289 also include capacitance and temperature calibration.. Turnaround is 1 to 3 business days after receipt. See full calibration details →
