5493C B&K Precision Multimeter New

In summary, the B&K Precision 5493C is a 6½-digit (1,200,000-count) bench digital multimeter built around accuracy, repeatability, and ease of use. It delivers 0.0035% (35 ppm) basic DC voltage accuracy, measurement speeds up to 1000 readings per second, an internal storage buffer holding 10,000 readings, and 12 measurement functions including DCV, ACV, DCI, ACI, 2-wire and 4-wire resistance, capacitance, frequency, diode, temperature, continuity, and DCV Ratio. The instrument features a high-contrast 4.3-inch full color LCD with histogram, bar meter, and trend chart display modes, dual measurement display, and USB (USBTMC-compliant), RS232, and LAN interfaces. Rear input terminals are included for rack-mount use.

What is the B&K Precision 5493C used for?

The B&K Precision 5493C is used by engineering, production, and service teams for general-purpose precision measurement at the bench. Its 6½-digit resolution and 35 ppm basic DC voltage accuracy place it in the precision tier alongside the Keysight 34461A and Fluke 8845A — appropriate for calibration verification, R&D characterization, automated test systems, and any application where 5½-digit resolution leaves measurement noise floor on the table. The instrument's 12 measurement functions and 4.3-inch color display make it suitable as a primary bench DMM in a small lab or as a programmable measurement node in an automated test system.

How does the 5493C compare to a basic 3½-digit handheld multimeter?

A handheld 3½-digit or 4½-digit DMM resolves 2,000 to 20,000 counts and typically delivers 0.5% to 0.05% basic DC accuracy — adequate for field troubleshooting but not for measurements that feed design data or quality records. The 5490C Series is a bench precision instrument: 6½-digit (1,200,000-count) resolution (1,200,000 counts), 0.0035% (35 ppm) basic DC accuracy, programmable control via USB (USBTMC-compliant), RS232, and LAN, a 10,000-reading internal buffer for data logging, and dual measurement display for simultaneous viewing of two measurements such as AC voltage and frequency on the same screen. A bench DMM and a handheld DMM are complementary instruments — the 5490C Series is the bench reference, not a field replacement.

Factual Grounding — Specifications and Industry Context

The 5493C delivers 0.0035% (35 ppm) basic DC voltage accuracy, a temperature coefficient of 5 ppm/°C on the 10 V range, measurement speeds up to 1000 readings per second, a 10,000-reading internal storage buffer, and 2-wire/4-wire resistance measurements down to 10 Ω with 0.1 mΩ resolution on the 10 Ω range (10 µΩ resolution at 6½ digits). The frequency function covers 3 Hz to 1 MHz with sine wave input, and capacitance measurement spans 1 nF to 10 mF in eight ranges. Temperature measurement is supported via Pt100 (DIN/IEC 751) RTD probes or 5 kΩ thermistor probes. The 4.3-inch full color LCD supports histogram, bar meter, and trend chart display modes with simultaneous min/max/peak-peak/average/standard deviation statistics over the captured buffer. Power consumption is ≤ 30 VA from 110 V/220 V ±10% AC mains; the instrument weighs 5.51 lbs (2.5 kg) in a 8.85" × 3.93" × 13.97" half-rack form factor.

Entity Authority — B&K Precision and the Bench Precision DMM Category

B&K Precision Corporation has provided reliable, value-priced test and measurement instruments worldwide for more than 60 years. Headquartered in Yorba Linda, California, the company is ISO9001:2015 registered (NSF-ISR, certificate 6Z241-IS8) and operates global subsidiaries in France (Sefram), Taiwan (B+K Precision Taiwan), and Brazil (B&K Brasil), with independent service support in Singapore for the broader Asia-Pacific market. The 5490C Series sits in the bench precision DMM category — instruments designed for calibration verification, automated test, and R&D measurement where 5½ to 6½ digits of resolution and sub-0.01% basic accuracy are required, and where programmable control via standard interfaces (USB, LAN, RS232, GPIB) is non-negotiable for system integration. Provided LabVIEW™ drivers simplify integration into existing measurement systems.

How does the 5493C compare to other bench DMMs in the category?

• Resolution & accuracy: 6½-digit (1,200,000-count), 0.0035% (35 ppm) basic DCV accuracy — directly comparable to the Keysight 34461A and Fluke 8846A precision tier.
• Measurement speed: Up to 1000 readings per second, with a 10,000-reading internal buffer — appropriate for component characterization sweeps and automated production test logging.
• Display: 4.3-inch full color LCD with histogram, bar meter, and trend chart graphical modes — a meaningful step beyond monochrome bench DMMs in the same price class.
• Connectivity: USB (USBTMC-compliant), RS232, and LAN all standard (GPIB available on the 5493CGPIB variant) — full system integration without optional connectivity surcharges.
• Dual measurement: Simultaneous display of two measurement results (e.g. AC voltage with frequency, or DC voltage with DC current) — a productivity feature not universal at this price tier.
• Temperature measurement: Direct Pt100 (DIN/IEC 751) RTD or 5 kΩ thermistor support — useful for thermal characterization without an additional thermometer.
• Front panel USB host: Direct screen-capture and measurement-data export to USB drive with date and time stamp — no PC required for data archival.
• Rear input terminals: Included on the 6½-digit models for rack-mount installations and automated test system integration.

What math, statistics, and display modes does the 5493C support?

• Math functions: Null, dB, dBm, %, mx+b, and run/stop calculation modes
• Statistics: Minimum, maximum, peak-to-peak, average, and standard deviation — displayed simultaneously over the captured buffer
• Display modes: Numeric, bar meter (with upper/lower limit setpoints, PASS/FAIL indication and counter), trend chart (live data graphical view), and histogram (data distribution view with statistics)
• DC voltage ratio: Displays the ratio between two separate DC voltage measurements within ±12 V — useful for input/output magnitude verification on low-voltage circuits
• Dual measurement display: Simultaneous display of two measurement results (e.g. AC voltage + frequency, DC voltage + AC voltage)
• Probe hold mode: Captures stable readings to a list of up to eight measurements for sequential comparison
• Real-time clock/calendar: Date- and time-stamps all logged measurement data

Accessories Supplied

Standard accessories shipped in the box with every 5490C Series multimeter:

Optional Accessories

• RK02 — Rack mount kit
• TL500B — High performance bench DMM accessory kit
• TL130B — General purpose DMM kit
• TL50B — Maxi-Pro DMM kit
• TL37 — Replacement probes

Inside the 5493C — Design, Operation & Complete Specifications

The bench precision multimeter is the measurement reference at the center of an engineer's bench. It is the instrument that converts unknown electrical quantities — DC voltage, AC voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, frequency, temperature — into trustworthy numbers that other instruments and analyses depend on. Within the precision DMM category, the difference between a 3½-digit handheld and a 6½-digit bench instrument is not just decimal places; it is the difference between a tool for finding problems and a tool that contributes to design records, calibration verifications, and quality documentation. The B&K Precision 5493C sits in the 6½-digit precision tier — the resolution class required for calibration verification, automated characterization, and any measurement that feeds design or quality data.

12 Measurement Functions — One Instrument, Twelve Measurements

The 5490C Series consolidates twelve measurement functions into a single bench instrument with intuitive front-panel switching between modes. The function set is comprehensive enough that for most bench applications the 5490C Series replaces a stack of dedicated single-function instruments:

1. DC Voltage (DCV)

5 ranges from 100 mV to 1000 V, 0.0035% (35 ppm) basic accuracy, with 20% overrange on all ranges except 1000 V (5% overrange).

2. AC Voltage (ACV)

True RMS measurement across 5 ranges (100 mV to 750 V) with three selectable low-frequency filters (3 Hz, 20 Hz, 200 Hz) for performance against the input signal's lowest frequency component.

3. DC Current (DCI)

7 ranges from 100 µA to 10 A; the 10 A range is available on the front panel only.

4. AC Current (ACI)

True RMS AC current measurement across the same 7 ranges, with the same low-frequency filter options.

5. 2-Wire Resistance

8 ranges from 10 Ω to 100 MΩ; the NULL function compensates for test-lead resistance to recover full specified accuracy.

6. 4-Wire Resistance

Same 8 ranges; the 4-wire (Kelvin) configuration measures the device under test independently of lead resistance — essential for resistances below 100 Ω.

7. Capacitance

8 ranges from 1 nF to 10 mF, with test currents from 10 µA to 10 mA depending on range.

8. Frequency

6 frequency bands from 2 Hz to 1 MHz for sine and square wave inputs, with 1-second gate time for best accuracy.

9. Diode Test

5 V range with 1 mA test current — measures forward voltage drop across a semiconductor junction.

10. Temperature

Direct measurement via Pt100 (DIN/IEC 751) RTD or 5 kΩ thermistor probe; accuracy is the probe accuracy plus 0.05 °C (Pt100) or 0.10 °C (thermistor).

11. Continuity Test

1 kΩ range with 1 mA test current and audible beeper for go/no-go continuity verification.

12. DC Voltage Ratio

Displays the ratio between two separate DC voltage measurements within ±12 V — useful for input-to-output magnitude verification on low-voltage circuits without external computation.

The 4.3-Inch Color Display: Beyond Numeric Readout

Conventional bench DMMs present readings as a single line of numbers — leaving the engineer to track stability, drift, and distribution manually over time. The 5490C Series replaces that with a 4.3-inch high-contrast color LCD that supports four display modes including numeric readout, bar meter with upper/lower limit setpoints and PASS/FAIL indication, trend chart showing live measurement values plotted against time, and histogram showing the distribution of measurements across the captured buffer with mean, standard deviation, and sample count overlaid. Bar meter and limit mode together create an inline production-test station: set the upper and lower limits, watch the PASS/FAIL counter, and the operator sees go/no-go status without interpreting the reading. Trend chart and histogram replace what would otherwise require exporting data to a PC and plotting in spreadsheet software.

Dual Measurement Display, Probe Hold, and Statistics

The dual measurement feature displays two measurement results simultaneously — AC voltage with frequency, DC voltage with AC voltage, or any other compatible pair — so the engineer reads both quantities from one screen without function switching. Probe hold mode captures stable readings to an on-screen list of up to eight values, designed for situations where the engineer is moving probe tips between test points and needs a hands-free record of each captured value. The statistics display presents minimum, maximum, peak-to-peak, average, and standard deviation over the captured buffer simultaneously — over a buffer that holds up to 10,000 data samples for trend analysis, characterization sweeps, or production logging.

Remote Interfaces, Operating Software, and Front Panel USB

The 5490C Series is built for system integration as well as bench use. Every model includes standard USB (USBTMC-compliant), RS232, and LAN interfaces (the 5493CGPIB variant adds GPIB). The USB connection is USBTMC-compliant for seamless integration with VISA-based control software. A LabVIEW™ driver is provided to simplify automated test system development and instrument control. The front panel USB host port accepts USB drives for direct save and recall of instrument settings, screen capture export, and measurement-data file export — all logged with date and time stamp from the multimeter's internal real-time clock. The provided B&K Precision operating software supports remote instrument control, live measurement monitoring, and data logging from a PC.

Range Comparison: 6½-Digit Measurement Ranges

The 5490C Series spans the full bench-measurement range across each function:

• DC Voltage: 0.1 µV resolution to 1000 V
• DC Current: 0.1 nA resolution to 10 A
• DC Resistance: 10 µΩ resolution to 100 MΩ
• AC Voltage: 1 mV resolution to 750 V (True RMS)
• AC Current: 0.1 nA resolution to 10 A (True RMS)
• Capacitance: 0.1 pF resolution to 10 mF
• Frequency: 2.2 Hz to 1 MHz

Complete Specifications — B&K Precision 5493C

DC Voltage — 6½-digit Specifications

Accuracy: ± (% of reading + % of range). 24-hour specifications are typical relative to calibration standards (T_CAL ±1 °C). 90-day and 1-year specifications valid for T_CAL ±5 °C. Add temperature coefficient for every °C outside T_CAL ±5 °C. 60-minute warm-up, 10 or 100 NPLC integration, auto zero enabled.

20% overrange on all ranges except 1000 V (5% overrange only).

DC Current — 6½-digit Specifications

10 A range available on front panel only.

DC Resistance — 6½-digit Specifications

Specifications apply to 2-wire and 4-wire resistance measurements using NULL for offset. Without NULL, add 0.2 Ω additional error for 2-wire measurements.

20% overrange on all ranges. Shielded test cables are recommended for resistance measurements above 100 kΩ.

True RMS AC Voltage — 6½-digit Specifications

Ranges: 100 mV, 1 V, 10 V, 100 V, and 750 V. Valid for sine wave input > 0.3% of range and greater than 1 mVrms. Three filters available for low-frequency performance: 3 Hz, 20 Hz, 200 Hz.

20% overrange on all ranges except 750 V (5% overrange only). 750 V range limited to 8 × 10⁷ Volt-Hz.

True RMS AC Current — 6½-digit Specifications

Three filters available for low-frequency performance: 3 Hz, 20 Hz, 200 Hz. Valid for sinewave input > 1% of range and greater than 10 µA AC. 20% overrange on all ranges except 3 A (5% overrange only). 10 A range available on front panel only.

Capacitance — 6½-digit Specifications

20% overrange on all ranges.

Frequency — 6½-digit Specifications

Applies to sine wave input and gate time set to 1 second. For sine and square wave input larger than 100 mV; for 10 mV to 100 mV input, multiply % reading error by 10. Square input specified for 10 Hz to 300 kHz.

Additional gate time errors ± (% of reading):

Continuity, Diode and Temperature — 6½-digit Specifications

General Specifications

Specifications are based on a one-year calibration cycle and a calibration temperature T_CAL of 23 °C. Accuracy specifications are expressed as ± (% of reading + % of range), valid for T_CAL ±5 °C. For DC measurements, technical specifications are valid after a 60-minute warm-up with integration time set to 10 or 100 NPLC and auto zero enabled. For AC measurements, technical specifications are valid after a 60-minute warm-up with slow AC filtering enabled and a sine wave input signal.

This webpage was written by a human with an A.I. "Intern", which may contain errors. Please review the Manufacturers 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.