Brochure
03 | Keysight | Compatibility and Differences: 34461A and 34401A Digital Multimeters - Application Note
The few differences between the 34461A and 34401A that might affect migration are
listed below. Many of these differences improve the performance of the 34461A relative
to the 34401A.
Table 1. Key features and model comparison
34461A 34401A
Resolution 6½ digits 6½ digits
Input terminals Front and rear Front and rear
1-year DCV accuracy
± (% of reading + % of range)
0.0035 + 0.0005 0.0035 + 0.0005
Measurement speed @ 4½ digits 1000 readings/s 1000 readings/s
Physical differences
– The 34461A is not as long as the 34401A, and the connectors are in different
positions.
– The 34461A does not support RS-232, and GPIB is optional on the 34461A.
– The 34461A does not support hardware limit test outputs.
Differences
Use SCPI compatibility mode
By default, the 34461A *IDN? query returns:
Keysight Technologies,3446xA,
<Serial Number>,ff.ff-pp.pp-mm.mm-gg.gg-bb-pp
For compatibility purposes, use SYSTem:IDENtify HP34401A to return:
HEWLETT-PACKARD,34401A,<Serial Number>,ff.ff-pp.pp-mm.mm-gg.gg-bb-pp
You can also congure this from the front panel:
[Utility] > System Setup > User Settings > SCPI ID
Measurement Tip
Measurements
DCV, ACV, Resistance,
Frequency, Period, Continuity
Same
Diode 5 V 1 V
AC and DC current 100 μA – 10 A 10 mA – 3 A
Temperature RTD/ PT100, thermistor N/A
Reading memory 10,000 readings 512 readings
Display Number, histogram, bar meter,
trend chart
Number
Connectivity USB, LAN Optional: GPIB GPIB, RS-232