Hioki RM3542A Resistance Meter

The RM3542A employs a four-terminal (Kelvin) constant-current method for DC resistance measurement, allowing it to accurately measure resistances over a broad span—from very low (milliohm) levels up to high resistances (megaohms). It is optimized for use in automated lines and precise component testing, including for miniature parts like 0201-size resistors, thanks to its ability to limit the applied measurement voltage and avoid stressing delicate components.

To enhance measurement reliability, the meter includes a Contact Improvement function that helps overcome poor probe contact by applying controlled probe cleaning pulses, which suppresses surge current and prevents measurement errors caused by oxidation or contamination. The Applied Voltage Limit function allows the maximum voltage during measurement to be restricted (e.g. to 5 V or below), which is especially useful when testing components with low voltage ratings.

In addition, the RM3542A offers a Scaling Function, which corrects readings to better match real-world conditions (e.g. when the part is mounted on a circuit board). This is useful when the resistance measured in isolated form differs from the resistance under operating conditions due to parasitic or contact influences.

The instrument supports multiple measurement speeds (FAST, MEDIUM, SLOW), selectable integration times, external triggering, comparator judgments (HI / IN / LO), and memory storage of measurement data. It includes connectivity via RS-232C, printer, and optionally GP-IB on certain models. The device is designed for operational stability, minimizing variation by applying optimized measurement currents in each range and using noise-resistant floating circuit structure.

Features

• Wide Resistance Range — From 100 mΩ up to 100 MΩ (in low-power-off mode), with fine resolution (0.1 µΩ steps in lower ranges).
• Applied Voltage Limit — Allows the measurement voltage to be limited (e.g., ≤ 5 V) to protect delicate components.
• Contact Improvement Function — Helps improve probe contact by applying cleaning pulses, reducing measurement errors from poor contact.
• Scaling Function — Corrects for differences between measurements of isolated parts and parts mounted on circuit boards.
• High Measurement Speed — Very fast measurement times (for example, ~0.9 ms in FAST mode for certain ranges).
• Selectable Integration Times & Modes — Users can select integration times and modes (FAST, MEDIUM, SLOW) to balance speed vs stability.
• Comparator and Judgment Functions — Built-in HI / IN / LO comparator output to judge whether the measured value falls within configured thresholds.
• Triggering, Delay, Memory — Supports external/internal triggering, delay settings, auto-memory, and stores up to 30,000 measurement values in memory.
• Interfaces & Connectivity — RS-232C, printer connection, and GP-IB interface for the RM3542-51 version.
• Noise-Resistant & Stable Design — Floating measurement structure, probe checks, offset compensation, error detection, and retry logic to maintain stable readings.

Includes

• Power cord ×1
• EXT. I/O male connector ×1
• Instruction manual ×1
• Operation guide ×1