Model DMM6500 Quick Start Guide

require protection for high transient overvoltages often associated with local AC mains
Safety precautions connections. Certain Keithley measuring instruments may be connected to mains.
The following safety precautions should be observed before using this product and These instruments will be marked as category II or higher.
any associated instrumentation. Although some instruments and accessories would Unless explicitly allowed in the specifications, operating manual, and instrument
normally be used with nonhazardous voltages, there are situations where hazardous labels, do not connect any instrument to mains.
conditions may be present. Exercise extreme caution when a shock hazard is present. Lethal voltage may be
This product is intended for use by personnel who recognize shock hazards and are present on cable connector jacks or test fixtures. The American National Standards
familiar with the safety precautions required to avoid possible injury. Read and follow Institute (ANSI) states that a shock hazard exists when voltage levels greater than
all installation, operation, and maintenance information carefully before using the 30 V RMS, 42.4 V peak, or 60 VDC are present. A good safety practice is to expect
product. Refer to the user documentation for complete product specifications. that hazardous voltage is present in any unknown circuit before measuring.
If the product is used in a manner not specified, the protection provided by the Operators of this product must be protected from electric shock at all times. The
product warranty may be impaired. responsible body must ensure that operators are prevented access and/or insulated
The types of product users are: from every connection point. In some cases, connections must be exposed to
Responsible body is the individual or group responsible for the use and main- potential human contact. Product operators in these circumstances must be trained to
tenance of equipment, for ensuring that the equipment is operated within its speci- protect themselves from the risk of electric shock. If the circuit is capable of operating
fications and operating limits, and for ensuring that operators are adequately trained. at or above 1000 V, no conductive part of the circuit may be exposed.
Operators use the product for its intended function. They must be trained in electrical Do not connect switching cards directly to unlimited power circuits. They are intended
safety procedures and proper use of the instrument. They must be protected from to be used with impedance-limited sources. NEVER connect switching cards directly
electric shock and contact with hazardous live circuits. to AC mains. When connecting sources to switching cards, install protective devices
Maintenance personnel perform routine procedures on the product to keep it to limit fault current and voltage to the card.
operating properly, for example, setting the line voltage or replacing consumable Before operating an instrument, ensure that the line cord is connected to a
materials. Maintenance procedures are described in the user documentation. The properly-grounded power receptacle. Inspect the connecting cables, test leads, and
procedures explicitly state if the operator may perform them. Otherwise, they should jumpers for possible wear, cracks, or breaks before each use.
be performed only by service personnel. When installing equipment where access to the main power cord is restricted, such as
Service personnel are trained to work on live circuits, perform safe installations, and rack mounting, a separate main input power disconnect device must be provided in
repair products. Only properly trained service personnel may perform installation and close proximity to the equipment and within easy reach of the operator.
service procedures. For maximum safety, do not touch the product, test cables, or any other instruments
Keithley products are designed for use with electrical signals that are measurement, while power is applied to the circuit under test. ALWAYS remove power from the
control, and data I/O connections, with low transient overvoltages, and must not be entire test system and discharge any capacitors before connecting or disconnecting
directly connected to mains voltage or to voltage sources with high transient cables or jumpers, installing or removing switching cards, or making internal changes,
overvoltages. Measurement Category II (as referenced in IEC 60664) connections such as installing or removing jumpers.
Do not touch any object that could provide a current path to the common side of the in personal injury or death. Always read the associated information very carefully
circuit under test or power line (earth) ground. Always make measurements with dry before performing the indicated procedure.
hands while standing on a dry, insulated surface capable of withstanding the voltage The CAUTION heading in the user documentation explains hazards that could
being measured. damage the instrument. Such damage may invalidate the warranty.
When fuses are used in a product, replace with the same type and rating for The CAUTION heading with the symbol in the user documentation explains
continued protection against fire hazard. hazards that could result in moderate or minor injury or damage the instrument.
For safety, instruments and accessories must be used in accordance with the Always read the associated information very carefully before performing the indicated
operating instructions. If the instruments or accessories are used in a manner not procedure. Damage to the instrument may invalidate the warranty.
specified in the operating instructions, the protection provided by the equipment may Instrumentation and accessories shall not be connected to humans.
be impaired. Before performing any maintenance, disconnect the line cord and all test cables.
Do not exceed the maximum signal levels of the instruments and accessories. To maintain protection from electric shock and fire, replacement components in mains
Maximum signal levels are defined in the specifications and operating information and circuits — including the power transformer, test leads, and input jacks — must be
shown on the instrument panels, test fixture panels, and switching cards. purchased from Keithley. Standard fuses with applicable national safety approvals
Chassis connections must only be used as shield connections for measuring circuits, may be used if the rating and type are the same. The detachable mains power cord
NOT as protective earth (safety ground) connections. provided with the instrument may only be replaced with a similarly rated power cord.
If you are using a test fixture, keep the lid closed while power is applied to the device Other components that are not safety-related may be purchased from other suppliers
under test. Safe operation requires the use of a lid interlock. as long as they are equivalent to the original component (note that selected parts
If a screw is present, connect it to protective earth (safety ground) using the wire should be purchased only through Keithley to maintain accuracy and functionality of
recommended in the user documentation. the product). If you are unsure about the applicability of a replacement component,
The symbol on an instrument means caution, risk of hazard. The user must refer call a Keithley office for information.
to the operating instructions located in the user documentation in all cases where the Unless otherwise noted in product-specific literature, Keithley instruments are
symbol is marked on the instrument. designed to operate indoors only, in the following environment: Altitude at or below
The symbol on an instrument means warning, risk of electric shock. Use standard 2,000 m (6,562 ft); temperature 0 °C to 50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F); and pollution degree
safety precautions to avoid personal contact with these voltages. 1 or 2.
The symbol on an instrument shows that the surface may be hot. Avoid personal To clean an instrument, use a cloth dampened with deionized water or mild,
contact to prevent burns. water-based cleaner. Clean the exterior of the instrument only. Do not apply cleaner
The symbol indicates a connection terminal to the equipment frame. directly to the instrument or allow liquids to enter or spill on the instrument. Products
If this symbol is on a product, it indicates that mercury is present in the display that consist of a circuit board with no case or chassis (e.g., a data acquisition board
lamp. Please note that the lamp must be properly disposed of according to federal, for installation into a computer) should never require cleaning if handled according to
state, and local laws. instructions. If the board becomes contaminated and operation is affected, the board
The WARNING heading in the user documentation explains hazards that might result should be returned to the factory for proper cleaning/servicing.
Safety precautions as of June 2018.

Safety
Power and environmental specifications
For indoor use only.

Power supply 50 Hz to 60 Hz and 400 Hz, the line

frequency voltage is automatically sensed at
power-up
Maximum VA 50 VA
Operating Maximum 2000 m (6562 ft) above sea level
altitude
Operating 0 °C to 50 °C, 80% relative humidity at 35 °C
temperature
Storage -40 °C to 70 °C
temperature
Pollution 2
degree
Introduction Contact information

Thank you for choosing a Keithley Instruments product. The If you have any questions after you review the information in
DMM6500 is a 6½ digit bench/system digital multimeter this documentation, please contact your local Keithley
with scanning that expands standard DMM functions with Instruments office, sales partner, or distributor.
high-speed digitizing and large graphical color touchscreen You can also call the Tektronix corporate headquarters (toll-
display. This DMM offers a broad range of measurement free inside the U.S. and Canada only) at 1-800-833-9200.
capabilities, including 15 measurement functions. In For worldwide contact numbers, visit tek.com/contact-tek.
addition to industry-leading dc accuracies, functions such
as capacitance, 10 A current, and 16-bit current and voltage
digitizing are included. Tying all these features together is
a large 5-inch color touchscreen display that brings users
an unprecedented combination of data visualization and
interaction, enabling users to gain deeper insight into their
measurements.
The DMM6500 provides superior measurement accuracy
and the speed necessary for a broad range of applications,
from system applications and production testing to benchtop
applications. The DMM6500 meets application requirements
for production engineers, research and development
engineers, test engineers, and scientists.
This guide provides quick steps to set up and use the
DMM6500.

Introduction
Unpack and inspect the instrument You should have received the DMM6500 with:
1. USB Type B cable
To unpack and inspect the instrument: 2. Power-line cord
1. Inspect the box for damage. 3. 1757 Standard Test Lead Kit
2. Open the box. 4. Software and Documentation Downloads document and
calibration certificate (not shown)
3. Remove the bag that contains the documentation,
standard accessories. Refer to the packing list for additional items that might have
shipped with your instrument.
4. Remove the DMM6500 from the box.
5. Remove the packaging insert.
6. Inspect the instrument for any obvious signs of
physical damage. Report any damage to the shipping 2
agent immediately.

3
Check fuse settings

The fuse is set at the factory. Check the power module on the
back of the instrument. The correct voltage setting should be
displayed.
To change the fuse orientation:
1. Make sure the POWER is off.
2. Remove all test leads connected to the instrument.
3. Remove the power cord.
4. Squeeze the tabs on the fuse case and remove the fuse
case from the power module.
5. Remove the fuse from the fuse case.
6. Rotate the fuse so the proper voltage on the fuse shows
in the fuse case when installed.
7. Install the fuse case in the power module.

Unpack
Connect the instrument • Read and comply with the specifications of all
instruments in the system. The overall allowed signal
Important test system safety information levels may be constrained by the lowest rated instrument
in the system. For example, if you are using a 500 V
This product is sold as a stand-alone instrument that may power supply with a 300 V dc rated switch, the maximum
become part of a system that could contain hazardous allowed voltage in the system is 300 V dc.
voltages and energy sources. It is the responsibility of the
• Make sure any test fixture connected to the system
test system designer, integrator, installer, maintenance
personnel, and service personnel to make sure the system is protects the operator from contact with hazardous
safe during use and is operating properly. voltages, hot surfaces, and sharp objects. Use shields,
barriers, insulation, and safety interlocks to accomplish
You must also realize that in many test systems, a single this.
fault such as a software error may output hazardous signal
levels, even when the system indicates that there is no • Cover the device under test (DUT) to protect the operator
hazard present. from flying debris in the event of a system or DUT failure.
• Double-insulate all electrical connections that an operator
It is important that you consider the following factors in your
can touch. Double insulation ensures the operator is
system design and use:
still protected even if one insulation layer fails. Refer to
• The international safety standard IEC 61010-1 defines IEC 61010-1 for specific requirements.
voltages as hazardous if they exceed 30 VRMS and • Make sure all connections are behind a locked cabinet door
42.4 VPEAK or 60 V dc for equipment rated for dry or other barrier. This protects the system operator from
locations. Keithley Instruments products are only rated for accidentally removing a connection by hand and exposing
dry locations. hazardous voltages. Use high-reliability, fail-safe interlock
switches to disconnect power sources when a test fixture
cover is opened.
• Where possible, use automatic handlers so operators
are not required to access the DUT or other potentially
hazardous areas.
• Provide training to all users of the system so they
understand all potential hazards and know how to protect
themselves from injury.
• During power up in many systems, the outputs may be in
an unknown state until they are properly initialized. Make
sure the design can tolerate this situation without causing
operator injury or hardware damage.

Connect
Install the instrument
You can use the DMM6500 on a bench or in a rack. If The power cord supplied with the DMM6500 contains a
you are installing the DMM6500 in a rack, please see the separate protective earth (safety ground) wire for use
instructions that came with your rack-mount kit. with grounded outlets. When proper connections are
made, the instrument chassis is connected to power-
To prevent damaging heat build-up and ensure specified line ground through the ground wire in the power cord.
performance, make sure there is adequate ventilation and air In the event of a failure, not using a properly grounded
flow around the instrument to ensure proper cooling. Do not
protective earth and grounded outlet may result in
cover the ventilation holes on the top, sides, or bottom of the
instrument. personal injury or death due to electric shock.

Make sure the instrument is positioned so that it is easy to Do not replace detachable mains supply cords with
reach any disconnecting devices, such as the power cord. inadequately rated cords. Failure to use properly rated
DMM6500 operates from a line voltage of 100 V to 240 V cords may result in personal injury or death due to
at a frequency of 50 Hz, 60 Hz, or 400 Hz. It automatically electric shock.
senses line frequency. Make sure the operating voltage in
your area is compatible.
You must turn on the DMM6500 and allow it to warm up Operating the instrument on an incorrect line voltage
for at least 30 minutes to achieve rated accuracies. The may cause damage to the instrument, possibly voiding
instrument will retain the state it was in (on or off) when it
the warranty.
was disconnected from the power supply.
To connect the power cord:
1. Connect the supplied power cord to the AC receptacle on
the rear panel.
2. Connect the power cord to a grounded AC outlet.
To turn a DMM6500 on:
1. Disconnect any devices under test (DUTs) from the
DMM6500.
2. Press and hold the POWER switch for two seconds. The
indicator next to the POWER switch shows amber in the
off state and green in the on state when connected to the
power source.
The instrument displays a status bar as the instrument
powers on. The home screen is displayed when the power on
is complete.

To turn a DMM6500 off: To keep users safe, always read and follow all safety
Press and hold the front-panel POWER switch. warnings provided with each of the instruments in your
system.

Connect
Displays the Selects
home screen highlighted
DMM6500 6 1/2 DIGIT MULTIMETER choice
SENSE INPUT

Opens the
Ω 4 WIRE
HI

main menu Returns to

previous screen
CAT II
350V 300V MAX. 1000VDC
PEAK 750VAC
!

Opens the LO 500V

PEAK
Selects
apps manager FRONT

REAR measurement
function
TERMINALS
AMPS
3A, 250V

Opens the
FAST ACTING
3.0A, 250V
POWER

help text for

selected item
USB flash
drive port AMPS 3A, 250V
Sense HI and Input HI and
Turns instrument LO terminals LO terminals Activates front
on or off or rear terminals
Optional KTTI
Ethernet port
interface card slot

AMPS 10A, 250V Trigger terminals

AMPS 3A, 250V USB Type B port

LO terminal Fuse module

Scanner Power module

HI terminal Input fuse card slot

Explore
Connections for testing To make connections:
The physical connections for the front panel are shown in
the following figure. Note that you must use either the front
To prevent electric shock, test connections must be terminals or rear terminals—you cannot mix connections.
configured such that the user cannot come in contact The front-panel and rear-panel connections are safety
with test leads or any device under test (DUT) that is banana jacks.
in contact with the conductors. It is good practice to
disconnect DUTs from the instrument before powering
the instrument. Safe installation requires proper shields,
barriers, and grounding to prevent contact with test
leads.

Do not apply more than 1000 VPEAK to the INPUT

terminals or more than 350 VPEAK to the SENSE terminals.
Failure to heed this caution may result in instrument The example in this guide shows you how to make
damage. connections to the front panel and short the connections.
Do not apply more than 500 VPEAK between INPUT LO
and the AMPS input. Failure to observe this caution may
result in instrument damage.
For this example, you can make the connections with the The voltage measurements appear in the DC
Model 1757 Standard Test Lead Kit. VOLTAGE area of the home screen and should read
approximately 0 V.
To make connections:
1. Make sure the front-panel POWER switch is off.
To view measurements on the graph screen:
2. Connect the red lead to the INPUT HI connection.
1. Press the MENU key.
3. Connect the black lead to the INPUT LO connection.
2. Under Views, select Graph.
Verify measurement operation You can adjust the graph settings using the options in the
Data and Scale tabs.
The following steps provide a quick way to verify that the
instrument is operating correctly.

To verify measurement operation:

1. Turn the instrument on.
2. On the front panel, press the HOME key.
3. On the Functions swipe screen, select DCV.
4. Short the connections.

Test
FAQs Is there any software to help me get started?

Where can I find updated drivers? Yes. KickStart and TestScript Builder can help you get
started with the DMM6500.
For the latest drivers and additional support information, see KickStart is a software program that allows you to set
the Keithley Instruments support website. up the instrument and run a test without using any
programming languages.
To see what drivers are available for your instrument: TestScript Builder (TSB) is a software tool that simplifies
1. Go to tek.com/keithley building test scripts if you are using the Test Script Processor
(TSP®) scripting engine.
2. Select DOWNLOAD.
Both software options are available at tek.com/keithley.
What cards can be used?

MODULE DESCRIPTION
2000-SCAN Scanner Card
2001-TCSCAN Thermocouple Scanner Card
How do I change the command set? To set the command set from the front panel:
1. Press the MENU key.
You can change the command set that you use with the
DMM6500. The command sets that are available include: 2. Under System, select Settings.
3. Select Command Set.
• SCPI: An instrument-specific language built on the 4. Reboot the instrument at the prompt.
SCPI standard.
• TSP: A scripting programming language that contains
instrument-specific control commands that can be
executed from a stand-alone instrument. You can use As delivered from Keithley Instruments, the DMM6500 is
TSP to send individual commands or use it to combine set to work with the SCPI command set.
commands into scripts.
• SCPI2000: An instrument-specific language that allows Why can’t the DMM6500 read my USB flash drive?
you to run code developed for Keithley Instruments
Model 2000 instruments. Verify that the flash drive is formatted with the FAT file
system. The DMM6500 only supports FAT drives.
• SCPI34401: An instrument-specific language that
allows you to run code developed for Keysight Model In Microsoft® Windows®, you can check the file system by
34401 instruments. checking the properties of the USB flash drive.
You cannot combine the command sets.

FAQs and next steps

How do I save the present state of the instrument? Why did my settings change?
You can save the settings in the instrument as a script using
Many of the commands in the DMM6500 are saved with
the front-panel menus or from a remote interface. After they
the measure function that was active when you set them.
are saved, you can recall the script or copy it to a USB flash
For example, assume you have the measure function set
drive.
to current and you set a value for display digits. When you
From the front panel: change the measure function to voltage, the display digits
1. Configure the DMM6500 to the settings that you want value changes to the value that was last set for the voltage
to save. measure function. When you return to the current measure
2. Press the MENU key. function, the display digits value returns to the value you set
previously.
3. Under Scripts, select Save Setup.
4. Select Create.
How do I upgrade firmware?
5. Use the keyboard to enter the name of the script.
6. Select the OK button on the displayed keyboard. The Upgrade files and release notes with instructions for your
script is added to internal memory. instrument are available at tek.com/keithley.
Next steps
Additional information

This manual has prepared you to start using your new

DMM6500 Multimeter for your application. For more
detailed information, refer to the Keithley Instruments Model
DMM6500 Reference Manual.
Also see tek.com/keithley for support and additional
information about the instrument. From the website, you
can access:
• The Low Level Measurements Handbook: Precision DC
Current, Voltage, and Resistance Measurements
• Switching Handbook: A Guide to Signal Switching in
Automated Test Systems
• Application notes
• Updated drivers
• Information about related products
Your local Field Applications Engineer can help you with
product selection, configuration, and usage. Check the
website for contact information.

FAQs and next steps

Contact information: 1-800-833-9200
For additional contacts, see tek.com/contact-tek Find more valuable resources at TEK.COM.
Copyright © 2023, Tektronix. All rights reserved.
Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and
foreign patents, issued and pending. Information
in this publication supersedes that in all previously
published material. Specification and price change
privileges reserved. TEKTRONIX and TEK are
registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc. All other
trade names referenced are the service marks,
trademarks, or registered trademarks of their
respective companies.

DMM6500-903-01C August 2023

*PDMM6500-903-01C*