Overview
The Hewlett Packard 3457A is a benchtop digital multimeter designed for laboratory and system applications requiring high-precision electrical measurements. With selectable resolution from 3.5 to 6.5 digits of resolution, extendable to 7.5 digits, the 3457A combines flexible measurement capability with professional interface options including HP-IB (GPIB) standard connectivity. This instrument is well-suited for automated test environments, calibration labs, and service operations that demand accuracy and repeatability.
Key Features
- Seven measurement functions with 3.5 to 6.5 digits of resolution extendable to 7.5 digits, reading rates from 1 reading every 2 seconds to 1350 readings/sec with basic DC volts accuracy as good as 5 ppm
- DC sensitivity to 10 nanovolts
- Measures DC and AC volts, DC and AC current, 2 and 4 wire ohms, frequency, and period
- Hewlett-Packard Interface Bus (HP-IB) standard for system integration
- More than 1000 readings or whole measurement sequences can be stored for convenient measurement throughput
- Input expandable up to ten channels with optional plug-in multiplexer assemblies
Technical Specifications
- Display: 6.5 digit digital LCD (3.5 to 7.5 digits selectable)
- Functions: DC volts, AC volts, DC current, AC current, 2/4-wire ohms, frequency, period
- Reading rate: 1350 readings/sec at 3.5 digits; 1 reading every 2 seconds at extended resolution
- DC accuracy: Basic 5 ppm
- Input impedance: Expandable to 10 channels with optional multiplexer
- Interface: HP-IB (GPIB)
- Front and rear panel inputs with programmable switching
- Non-volatile state memory for setup storage
- Resistance measurement to three gigohms (3 GΩ)
Typical Applications
- Laboratory bench testing and troubleshooting
- Automated test systems via HP-IB control
- Equipment calibration and verification
- Production testing with data logging capability
- Field service and repair operations requiring high accuracy
- Four-wire ohms measurements for high-accuracy resistance testing
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- HP-IB (GPIB) controllers and computer interfaces
- Hewlett Packard multiplexer assemblies (44491A, 44497A, and variants)
- Systems using HPML (Hewlett-Packard Multimeter Language) protocol
- Legacy HP test equipment and data acquisition systems
- LabVIEW and other GPIB-capable programming environments
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
- Earlier HP multimeter models in bench applications
- Verify compatibility with your specific system integration requirements before ordering
Works With
- HP-IB (GPIB) communication protocol
- HPML (Hewlett-Packard Multimeter Language) command set
- Optional CIIL (Control Interface Intermediate Language) with Option 700
- HP multiplexer options for expanded channel capability
- Standard banana jack connectors for manual probe connection
