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Common Mode Errors
Errors are generated when the multimeter’s input LO terminal is driven
with an ac voltage relative to earth. The most common situation where
unnecessary common mode voltages are created is when the output of
an ac calibrator is connected to the multimeter “backwards.” Ideally,
a multimeter reads the same regardless of how the source is connected.
Both source and multimeter effects can degrade this ideal situation.
Because of the capacitance between the input LO terminal and earth
(approximately 200 pF for the Agilent 34401A), the source will
experience different loading depending on how the input is applied. The
magnitude of the error is dependent upon the source’s response to this
loading. The multimeter’s measurement circuitry, while extensively
shielded, responds differently in the backward input case due to slight
differences in stray capacitance to earth. The multimeter’s errors are
greatest for high- voltage, high-frequency inputs. Typically, the
multimeter will exhibit about 0.06% additional error for a 100 V, 100
kHz reverse input. You can use the grounding techniques described for
dc common mode problems to minimize ac common mode voltages (see
page 201).
AC Current Measurement Errors
Burden voltage errors, which apply to dc current, also apply to ac
current measurements. However, the burden voltage for ac current is
larger due to the multimeter’s series inductance and your measurement
connections. The burden voltage increases as the input frequency
increases. Some circuits may oscillate when performing current
measurements due to the multimeter’s series inductance and your
measurement connections.
Chapter 7 Measurement Tutorial
Common Mode Errors
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