The Keysight DAQ970A/DAQ973A is a 3-slot data acquisition system mainframe with a built-in 6½-digit DMM. It takes the measurement engine from a high-performance benchtop DMM and embeds it inside a compact, modular mainframe, combining proven measurement performance, universal inputs with built-in signal conditioning, and modular flexibility in a low-cost data acquisition package.

The system serves equally as a low-cost data logger and as a data acquisition front end for automated test. As a data logger it monitors multiple signals such as temperature and voltage over extended periods to identify irregularities, with example applications including environmental chamber monitoring, component inspection, benchtop testing, process troubleshooting, and temperature profiling. The single-ended DAQM908A module targets applications such as battery test and component characterization.

Brand Heritage

Keysight Technologies traces its test-and-measurement lineage to Hewlett-Packard, whose instrument business was spun off as Agilent Technologies in 1999. Agilent's electronic measurement division then became Keysight Technologies in 2014.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The DAQ970A/DAQ973A is offered as two 3-slot mainframes that share the same built-in 6½-digit (22-bit) internal DMM, the same nine plug-in modules, and the same 4.3-inch color display. Both scale from 4 to 120 channels and deliver 0.003% basic 1-year DC voltage accuracy with scan rates up to 450 channels per second.

Both mainframes are code compatible with the 34970A/34972A and ship with BenchVue DAQ software included. The internal DMM is installed inside the chassis rather than in a slot, leaving all three module slots free for switching and control modules.

Each new model below links to its own dedicated product page with condition-matched pricing. Select the mainframe that fits your interface and budget requirements; the shared specifications shown here apply across the family.

The DAQ973A is the GPIB-equipped mainframe, adding a built-in GPIB (IEEE-488) interface alongside the LAN and USB found on both models — useful for integrating into existing GPIB-based automated test systems.

The primary difference between the two mainframes is the remote-control interface set. The DAQ970A provides built-in Gigabit LAN and USB 2.0, while the DAQ973A adds a built-in GPIB interface on top of LAN and USB. See the comparison table for the per-model interface details.

Reading-rate behavior also differs by interface: GPIB data-out throughput on the DAQ973A is specified separately from the LAN and USB rates shared by both models. Otherwise the measurement functions, module compatibility, channel counts, and accuracy specifications are identical across the family.

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

Product Core & Specifications

Important: Maximum input on the AC voltage function: 250 V DC, 300 Vrms. DC voltage input protection is 300 V on all ranges.

Important: The mainframe is shipped without plug-in modules. The internal 6½ digit DMM is accessible only through the DAQM900A, DAQM901A, DAQM902A, and DAQM908A low-frequency multiplexers, so at least one such multiplexer module must be ordered separately to make measurements with the system.

Important: For DC current measurements with the DAQM902A, user-provided shunt resistors are required.

Important: Bridge strain measurements require an external power supply and bridge completions; thermocouple, RTD, and thermistor sensors are not included and must be selected and ordered separately.

Recommended pairing: add the DAQM909A 4-channel simultaneous-sampling 24-bit digitizer to unlock BenchVue DAQ frequency-domain (FFT, THD, THD+N, SINAD) and time-domain measurements.

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.