# Keysight 34970A Data Acquisition/Switch Unit (Pre-Owned)

# Keysight 34970A Data Acquisition/Switch Unit (Pre-Owned)

## Key Features At A Glance

-   3-slot mainframe with optional built-in 6½-digit internal DMM
-   Accepts up to 8 plug-in module types: multiplexers, matrix, actuator, RF mux, multifunction
-   Measures 11 input types: temperature (thermocouple/RTD/thermistor), DC/AC volts, 2- and 4-wire resistance, frequency, period, DC/AC current
-   Up to 60 channels of combined switching and measurement per mainframe
-   34970A: GPIB and RS-232; 34972A: LAN (LXI) and USB 2.0 with graphical web interface
-   Per-channel relay closure counting for predictive relay-maintenance scheduling
-   Includes BenchLink Data Logger 3 software for test setup and real-time data display

The Keysight 34970A/34972A is a data acquisition and switch unit built around a 3-slot mainframe and an optional internal 6½-digit DMM. Rather than route every channel through external signal conditioning, the internal autoranging DMM measures 11 different functions directly — temperature via thermocouples, RTDs and thermistors; DC and AC volts; 2- and 4-wire resistance; frequency and period; and DC and AC current. Per-channel configurability lets each channel be set up independently, so a single mainframe can mix temperature, voltage and resistance scans across one wiring harness.

Functionality is defined by the plug-in modules installed in the three slots. The family covers low-frequency armature and reed multiplexers, a 40-channel single-ended multiplexer, a 4x8 two-wire matrix switch, a 20-channel actuator/general-purpose switch, dual-channel 50-ohm and 75-ohm RF multiplexers, and a multifunction module that adds digital I/O, analog output and totalizer capability. Each module carries its own microprocessor and screw-terminal connectors, and the internal analog bus routes low-frequency multiplexer signals directly to the internal DMM without external cabling. Channels and functions can be added later by changing modules as an application grows.

ValueTronics International has supplied test and measurement equipment from its facility in Elgin, Illinois since 1992. Each pre-owned 34970A/34972A is inspected and functionally verified in-house by our technical team at our 20,000 sq ft secure warehouse before it ships, rather than drop-shipped from a third-party warehouse.

## Brand Heritage

The 34970A data acquisition platform originated with Hewlett-Packard, transferred to Agilent Technologies when HP spun off its test-and-measurement business, and is now a Keysight Technologies product following Agilent's 2014 separation of its electronic measurement division.

## Compare Other Models in This Series

The 34970A/34972A family is two mainframes that share the same 3-slot architecture, the same optional 6½-digit internal DMM, and the same plug-in module set. The only functional difference is the host-PC connectivity, so the choice between them is an interface decision rather than a measurement one.

Choose the 34970A when the test system standardizes on GPIB or RS-232. Choose the 34972A when LAN/LXI or USB connectivity is preferred, when the browser-based web interface is useful for remote configuration, or when standalone logging to a USB flash drive is needed.

Both mainframes accept the identical module lineup and the same internal DMM option, so a module purchased for one works in the other. The 34972A adds the graphical web interface and USB memory-port logging that the 34970A does not provide.

Model

Internal DMM

Plug-in Slots

IO Interfaces

**34970A**

6½ digit (optional, Option 001 deletes it)

3

GPIB, RS-232

34972A

6½ digit (optional, Option 001 deletes it)

3

LAN (LXI), USB 2.0

Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.

## Accessories Supplied

-   Internal 6½ digit DMM (unless Option 001)
-   Test report
-   Power cord
-   Thermocouple
-   Screwdriver
-   BenchLink Data Logger 3 software (CD-ROM)

## Product Core & Specifications

Specification

Value

DC Voltage Accuracy (1 Year, 23 °C ± 5 °C)

100 mV range

0.0050% of reading + 0.0040% of range

1 V range

0.0040% of reading + 0.0007% of range

10 V range

0.0035% of reading + 0.0005% of range

100 V range

0.0045% of reading + 0.0006% of range

300 V range

0.0045% of reading + 0.0030% of range

True RMS AC Voltage Accuracy (1 Year, 10 Hz–20 kHz)

100 mV to 100 V ranges

0.06% of reading + 0.04% of range

300 V range

0.06% of reading + 0.08% of range

Resistance Accuracy (1 Year)

100 Ω (1 mA source)

0.010% of reading + 0.004% of range

1 kΩ to 100 kΩ

0.010% of reading + 0.001% of range

1 MΩ

0.010% of reading + 0.001% of range

10 MΩ

0.040% of reading + 0.001% of range

100 MΩ

0.800% of reading + 0.010% of range

Frequency and Period Accuracy (1 Year)

40 Hz–300 kHz

0.01% of reading

DC Current Accuracy (1 Year, 34901A only)

10 mA

0.050% of reading + 0.020% of range

100 mA

0.050% of reading + 0.005% of range

1 A

0.100% of reading + 0.010% of range

Temperature Accuracy (1 Year)

Thermocouple (J, K, T, E, N)

1.0 °C

Thermocouple (B, R, S)

1.2 °C

RTD (R0 from 49 Ω to 2.1 kΩ, -200 °C to 600 °C)

0.06 °C

Thermistor (2.2 k, 5 k, 10 k, -80 °C to 150 °C)

0.08 °C

DMM Measurement Characteristics

Measurement method

Continuously Integrating Multi-slope III A-D converter

A/D linearity

0.0002% of reading + 0.0001% of range

Resolution

6½ digits (22 bits)

Input resistance (100 mV, 1 V, 10 V)

Selectable 10 MΩ or > 10,000 MΩ

Input resistance (100 V, 300 V)

10 MΩ ± 1%

DC input protection

300 V all ranges

AC input protection

300 Vrms all ranges

AC input impedance

1 MΩ ± 2% in parallel with 150 pF

Isolation voltage (ch-ch, ch-earth)

300 Vdc, ac rms

DC CMRR

140 dB

AC CMRR

70 dB

Scanning

Maximum scan rate

Up to 250 ch/s

Scan triggering

Interval, external, button press, software, or on monitor channel alarm

Scan count

1 to 50,000 or continuous

Scan interval

0 to 99 hours; 1 ms step size

Channel delay

0 to 60 seconds per channel; 1 ms step size

External trig delay

<300 µs. With monitor on <200 ms

External trig jitter

<2 ms

Memory

Non-volatile reading memory

50,000 readings with timestamp

Stored instrument states

5 with user label

Alarm queue

Up to 20 events with channel number, reading, and timestamp

USB flash drive support (34972A)

FAT or FAT 32 format

Battery (34970A)

4-year typical life

Battery (34972A)

User replaceable; recommend annual replacement at CAL

Alarms

Analog inputs

Hi, Lo, or Hi + Lo evaluated each scan

Alarm outputs

4 TTL compatible (selectable TTL logic Hi or Lo on fail)

Latency

5 ms (typical)

I/O Interfaces

34970A

GPIB, RS-232 (115 kbaud max)

34972A

LAN 10/100/1000 BaseT, USB 2.0, USB memory port

General

Module slots

3

Power supply

100 V / 120 V / 220 V / 240 V ± 10%

Power line frequency

45 Hz to 66 Hz automatically sensed

Power consumption

12 W (25 VA peak)

Operating environment

Full accuracy 0 °C to 55 °C; full accuracy to 80% R.H. at 40 °C

Storage environment

\-40 °C to 70 °C

Net weight

3.6 kg (8.0 lbs)

Safety

Conforms to CSA, UL-1244, IEC 1010 Cat I

RFI and ESD

CISPR 11, IEC 801/2/3/4

> **Important:** Plug-in modules are purchased separately and are required to operate the mainframe; the 34970A/34972A does not measure or switch without at least one module installed.

> **Important:** Plug-in modules are purchased separately and are required to operate the mainframe.

> **Important:** Option 001 deletes the internal DMM; order 34970-80010 to retrofit the DMM later.

> Usage tip: pair the mainframe with a 34901A 20-channel armature multiplexer for general-purpose temperature and voltage scanning, or a 34908A 40-channel single-ended multiplexer when channel count matters more than per-channel isolation.

## About this Pre-Owned unit

This pre-owned unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house before it ships and is backed by our pre-owned warranty. To confirm its exact condition, firmware revision, installed options, or included accessories for your application before ordering, contact our Test Architects.

-   Warranty included
-   Functional verification included
-   Standard Calibration Upgrade Options: No Calibration Required, NIST Traceable, Z540.1 or ISO 17025 with Data, Z540.3 Guardbanding with Data.
-   Note that unnecessary accessories may not be included (contact Test Architect to confirm).

ValueTronics supplies both new and used test and measurement equipment. New units ship factory-sealed, exactly as received from the manufacturer; every used unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house at our 20,000 sq ft secure facility in Elgin, Illinois before it ships. Our Test Architects can help you select the condition, calibration, and configuration that fit your application.

**Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.**

## Details

- **Price:** 995.0 USD - 1485.0 USD
- **Vendor:** Keysight
- **Type:** Data Log
- **Tags:** 34970, 34970A, Agilent, Agilent Keysight, Agilent Technologies, consignment-active, Data Log, Data Logger, Keysight, Keysight Technologies, Manufacturers, Meters & DAQ, Model 34970, Pre-Owned, product_manual_group_1, Product_used, Switch, Updated Item Review

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| None | 995.00 USD | In stock |
| NIST Traceable | 1205.00 USD | In stock |
| NIST Traceable with Full Data | 1310.00 USD | In stock |
| ISO IEC 17025 Accredited | 1485.00 USD | In stock |

## Images

- Keysight 34970A Data Acquisition/Switch Unit (Pre-Owned)

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> Source: [ValueTronics](https://valuetronics.com/products/34970a-agilent-data-logger-used)
> Updated: 2026-06-01