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The Keysight DAQ970A/DAQ973A is a data acquisition system that combines a built-in 6½-digit digital multimeter and signal conditioning in a three-slot mainframe, eliminating the need for external measurement boxes. It is the next-generation design that builds on the proven 34970A/34972A architecture, adding a color LCD, internal module auto-calibration, and improved temperature accuracy and measurement speeds while maintaining compatibility with the earlier platform.
The system measures and converts 14 different input signal types: temperature via thermocouples, RTDs, and thermistors; DC and AC volts; 2- and 4-wire resistance; frequency and period; DC and AC current; and new capacitance, diode-test, direct-strain, and bridge-strain measurements. The DAQM909A four-channel simultaneous sampling digitizer module captures fast transient signals from electromechanical devices, while BenchVue DAQ software configures and controls tests, displays results, and exports data for further analysis.
Keysight Technologies traces its test-and-measurement lineage to Hewlett-Packard. HP's instrument business was spun off as Agilent Technologies in 1999, and Agilent's electronic measurement division became Keysight Technologies in 2014.
The DAQ970A/DAQ973A is presented as a single next-generation data acquisition platform offered in two mainframe variants. Both share the same three-slot chassis, the built-in 6½-digit digital multimeter with auto-calibration, the 14 measurement types, the color LCD interface, and compatibility with the family's plug-in switch, multifunction, and digitizer modules.
The two variants are distinguished primarily by their remote-control interfaces. The comparison table below summarizes how the DAQ970A and DAQ973A line up on connectivity and shared measurement capability.
Each new model below is its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing. Choose the variant whose interface set fits your bench or automated test system, then select the configuration that matches your application.
The principal difference between the two variants is connectivity. The DAQ970A provides USB (front and back panel) and LAN interfaces, while the DAQ973A adds GPIB alongside its USB and LAN connections, suiting installations that standardize on an IEEE-488 bus.
Apart from the interface set, the two variants share the same measurement engine, scan performance, module compatibility, and display. The comparison table details the connectivity and capability of each model so you can match the variant to your integration environment.
| Model | Type | Channels / Slots | Scan Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAQM900A | Solid-state switch multiplexer | 20 channels | Up to 450 ch/sec |
| DAQ970A | Data Acquisition Mainframe | 3 slots | Up to 450 ch/sec |
| DAQ973A | Data Acquisition Mainframe | 3 slots | Up to 450 ch/sec |
| DAQM907A | Multifunction module | — | — |
Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.
Replaces: per the manufacturer, this model replaces 34970A, 34972A.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| System Architecture | |
| Plug-in module slots | 3 |
| Built-in DMM | 6½-digit resolution, with auto calibration |
| Multiplexer scan rate | Up to 450 channels per second |
| Types of measurements | Measures and converts 14 different input signals (DC/AC volts; 2- and 4-wire resistance; frequency and period; DC/AC current; temperature with thermocouples, RTDs and thermistors; capacitance; diode test; direct strain and bridge strain) |
| Added ranges vs. 34970A/34972A | 1000 MΩ range for resistance; 1 µA range for DC current; 100 µA and 1 mA ranges for AC current; square wave input for frequency |
| Display | Color LCD/GUI |
| Computed channels | 20 channels (channels 401 through 420) performing math operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, reciprocal, power, square root) |
| Single-channel digitizing (internal DMM) | Up to 50 kSa/s |
| Digitizing with DAQM909A module | Up to 800 kSa/s |
| DC, Resistance & AC Accuracy (1 Year, ± (% of reading + % of range)) | |
| DCV (1 V) | 0.0035 + 0.0006 |
| DCV (300 V) | 0.0040 + 0.0020 |
| Resistance (1 kΩ) | 0.0040 + 0.0007 |
| Resistance (1 MΩ) | 0.0070 + 0.0005 |
| Resistance (100 MΩ) | 0.350 + 0.001 |
| Resistance (1000 MΩ) | 3.500 + 0.001 |
| DCA (1 A) | 0.080 + 0.010 |
| ACV (up to 100 V range at 10 Hz to 20 kHz) | 0.05 + 0.02 |
| ACV (up to 300 V range at 10 Hz to 20 kHz) | 0.05 + 0.06 |
| ACA (up to 1 mA range at 5 kHz to 10 kHz) | 0.10 + 0.04 |
| ACA (up to 1 A range at 5 kHz to 10 kHz) | 0.10 + 0.04 |
| Frequency (1 kHz to 300 kHz) | 0.007 |
| Temperature Accuracy (°C) | |
| Thermocouple (J type) | 1.0 °C |
| Thermocouple (K type) | 0.9 °C |
| Thermocouple (R type) | 0.5 °C |
| RTD (R0 from 49 Ω to 2.1 kΩ) | 0.05 °C |
| Thermistor (2.2 kΩ, 5 kΩ, 10 kΩ) | 0.1 °C |
| Performance | |
| Max measurement speed (single-channel ASCII readings — DCV, ohms) | 50,000 readings per second |
| Internal memory | 1,000,000 scan readings |
| DAC output (voltage output) | 0.027 output + 4.4 mV |
Important: Removing a module while the DAQ970A/DAQ973A is powered on causes an immediate power-on reset of the mainframe.
Important: All the modules the DAQ970A/DAQ973A offers cannot be used on the 34970A/34972A mainframe, and vice versa; the module families are not interchangeable.
Important: The DAQM908A single-ended mux card does not support thermocouple temperature measurements.
Recommended pairing: the DAQM900A solid-state multiplexer module enables the up-to-450-channels-per-second scan rate, and the DAQM909A digitizer module adds 24-bit, 800 kSa/s capture of fast transient signals.
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.
Model No
Keysight
Condition
Factory New
Manufacturer
Keysight Technologies
Plugin_type
Solid-state switch multiplexer
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