Settling Time

Settling Time

Settling time is the time required for a measurement system to stabilize to a specified accuracy limit. The DMM settling time is dictated by the measurement range, cable properties, source impedance, and change in input level. Use short cables with low dielectric absorption and minimal capacitance—NI recommends Teflon cable. Ideally, your source should have a low output impedance (for example, <10 kΩ). Settling time becomes especially important in scanning systems. The scanner or multiplexer requires an additional settling time before the measurement can be taken. NI-DMM allows for a programmable delay between channels so that both the DMM and the multiplexer can settle. Settling times are dependent on the input signal and your selected resolution.