
COMPUTER AIDED TEST
Low Cost, Versatile HP-IB Switching & Control
HP Model 3488A
DC—26.5 GHz signal switching
Matrix, multiplexer, & general purpose relays
Digital I/O control & actuation
Description
The HP 3488A Switch/Control Unit brings versatile, HP-IB
programmable switching to tests requiring multi-channel measurements. The HP 3488A provides signal switching with the integrity
and isolation needed for high performance test systems in production.
It also offers a flexible, low cost interconnection solution for automating experiments on the bench and for development testing in the
lab. The HP 3488A is designed to hold any combination of up to 5 of
the following optional switch and control modules:
10 Channel Relay Multiplexer
10 Channel General Purpose Relay
Dual 4 Channel VHF Switch
4x4 Matrix Switch
16 Bit Digital Input/Output
Breadboard
3 Channel 18 GHz Switch
7 Channel Form-C Relay
2 Channel Microwave Switch
1.3 GHz 50 and 75 ohm Multiplexers
Flexible Switching
The HP 3488A offers an economical approach to switching flexibility through plug-in modules. The user can select the right combination of switching functions to meet both performance and budget
requirements. Testing is simplified by having one solution for connections of low level DVM inputs, high level dc and ac power, and microwave signals to 26.5 GHz. Additional devices such as microwave
relays and programmable attenuators are easily controlled with digital I/O functions. Custom circuitry can also be implemented on
breadboard modules.
Up to 50 channels
40 configuration storage registers
11 switch & control modules
General Purpose Relay (Opt. 011/HP 44471A)
This module consists of 10 SPST independent relays for general
signal switching and control of external devices. The quality connections provided make this module ideal for switching signals when
multiplexing isn't required or for supplying switchable power to the
device under test.
VHF Switch (Opt. 012/HP 44472A)
The VHF module provides broadband switching capability for high
frequency and pulse signals. The 2 independent groups of bidirectional 1 x 4 switches can be used for signals from dc to 300 MHz. All
channels have 50 ohm characteristic impedance and are breakbefore-make within a group of 4 channels. Each group is isolated
from the other and from ground to prevent ground loops. Excellent
isolation makes this module ideal for high frequency signal analyzer
measurements requiring a large dynamic range.
Matrix Switch (Opt. 013/HP 44473A)
Option 013 offers highly flexible switching with a 4 x 4, 2 wire matrix. Any combination of 4 input channels may be connected to any
combination of 4 output channels. Each cross point or node in the
matrix uses a 2PST relay to switch 2 lines (Hi & Lo) at a time. Multiple 4 x 4 modules can be connected to form larger matrices. Multiplexers can be used in conjunction with this module to effectively
expand the number of inputs and outputs of the matrix.
Digital I/O (Opt. 014/HP 44474A)
This module offers 16 very flexible bidirectional I/O lines and 4
TTL compatible handshake lines for sensing and control of external
devices. The digital inputs can be used to sense contact closures to
ground. Each channel provides current sinks for remote switching of
external relays such as the HP 33311 series of coaxial switches.
Versatile Performance
The HP 3488A can store up to 40 complete switch configurations
for convenient recall in automated test programs. Switch operation
can be with multiple relay closures or with selectable channels in a
break-before-make mode. Break-before-make closures and recallable
complete switch configurations can be combined in a programmable
scan list. The HP 3488A uses removable screw terminal connectors
that provide easily interchangeable wiring configurations for each
test. Built-in self-test capability assures proper operation.
Multiplexer (Opt. 010/HP 44470A)
Option 010 is a 10 channel multiplexer for scanning or multiple
signal connections. Channels switch 2 wires (Hi & Lo) with 2PST
relays for DVM inputs and other signals up to 250 V and 2A. This
module can also be used to multiplex signals to other switching functions such as the matrix module.
Breadboard (Opt. 015/HP 44475A)
The breadboard module provides a convenient way to implement
custom circuits and special functions that interface directly with the
HP 3488A's backplane control signals.
Microwave Switch (Opt. 016/HP 44476A)
This microwave switch furnishes three independent SPST 50-ohm
coaxial switches with excellent performance from DC to 18 GHz. The
3-mm SMA connector allows the user to easily connect cables for
multiple system configurations.
Form-C Relay (Opt. 017/HP 44477A)
This module provides seven separate SPDT channels for general
purpose switching and control of external devices. Using a power supply, the module can drive programmable attenuators and non-HP coaxial switches.

COMPUTER AIDED TEST
Low Cost, Versatile HP-IB Switching & Control (cont'd)
HP Model 3488A
Microwave Switch (Opt 018/HP 44476B)
The module brings multi-port 50-ohm coaxial switching to your
test system. The module can mount any two HP 3331XX Coaxial
Switches. The HP coaxial relays come in three-, four-, and five-port
configurations, different switches for a variety of applications. HP
Coaxial Switches that can be used are listed on the following table.
HP Coaxial Switch Port Frequency
HP 33311B/Opt.011 3 dc-18 GHz
HP 33311C/Opt.011 3 dc-26.5 GHz
HP 33312B/Opt.011 4 dc - 18 GHz
HP 33312C/Opt.011 4 dc - 26.5 GHz
HP 33313B/Opt.011 5 dc-18 GHz
HP 33313C/Opt.011 5 dc - 26.5 GHz
1.3 GHz 50 ohm Multiplexer (Opt. 44478A)
1.3 GHz 75 ohm Multiplexer 44478B)
These modules bring bi-directional switching of signals from DC to
1.3 GHz, with high channel isolation (> 55 dB @ 1 GHz). Each mod-
ule consists of two groups of 1 x4 multiplexers. All test connections are
made to BNC's on the module's edge. Off-channels can be resistively
terminated.
Specifications for Opt. 010/HP 44470A
Multiplexer, Opt. 011/HP 44471A General Purpose
Relay, and Opt. 013/HP 44473A Matrix Switch and
Opt. 017/HP 44477A Form-C Relay Switch
Modules
Input Characteristics
Maximum voltage (terminal-terminal or terminal-chassis): 250 V
dc, 250 Vac rms, 350 Vac peak
Maximum current: 2A dc, 2A ac rms
Maximum power: 60 W dc, 500 VA ac
Thermal offset: < 3 µV
DC (40°C, 60% RH)
Channel-channel, open channel: > 10
11
AC Isolation/Performance
Specifications For Opt. 012/HP 44472A VHF Switch
Module
Input Characteristics
Maximum Voltage
Center-center, center-low: 250 Vdc, 30 Vac rms, 42 Vac Peak
Low-chassis, low-low: 42 V dc
Maximum current (per channel): 30 mA dc, 300 mA ac rms
Thermal offset: < 15 µV per channel
Characteristic impedance: 50
AC Isolation/Performance
All channels break-before-make within a group of 4 channels.
30 MHz 100 MHz 300 MHz
Specifications for Opt. 014/HP 44474A
Digital I/O Module
I/O Lines
Maximum voltage = +30 Vdc (line-chassis)
Output characteristics: V (high) >2.4 V; V (low) <0.4V
I (low) maximum = 125 mA @ V (low) <1.25 V; fused at 250 mA.
Input characteristics: V (high) >2 V; V (low) <0.8 V
External increment: advances HP 3488A to next programmed con-
figuration on falling edge of TTL pulse.
Channel closed: indicates completion of new configuration; TTL
pulse.
Specifications for Opt. 016/HP 44476A
Microwave Switch Module
Frequency Range: dc to 18 GHz
Isolation: >90 dB
Impedance: 50 Ohms
Insertion Loss: <0.05 dB
SWR:
1.40
Specifications for Opt. 018/HP 44476B
Microwave Switch Module
Refer to HP 3331XX specifications.
Specifications for Opt. 019/HP 44478A and Opt.
020/HP 44478B 1.3 GHz Multiplexers
Input Characteristics
Maximum Voltage: 42V DC + AC Peak
Maximum Current per channel: 1 A DC or AC RMS
Maximum Power per channel: 24W, 24VA, or 44 dBm
Impedance: 50 ohms (Opt. 019/HP 44478A)
75 ohms (Opt. 020/HP 44478B)
AC Performance
General Specifications
Environmental
Temperature: 0 to 55°C; humidity: 95%, 0 to 40°C
Power: 86-132 V/195-250 V, switch selectable; 48 - 440 Hz; 18 VA.
Interface: SH1 AH 1T6TEOL4LEOSR1RL1PPODC1DT1E2
Size: 89 mm H (without feet) x 425 mm W x 292 mm D (3.5 " x
16.75" x 11.5"). Allow 76 mm (3") additional depth for wiring.
Weight: net: 8.5 kg (18.5 lb). Shipping: 16 kg (36.5 lb).
Connectors Removable screw terminal connector. Each terminal ac-
cepts 18-26 gauge (16-40 mils) wire, with strain relief for wiring. Op-
tion 012/HP 44472A VHF Switch: BNC connectors. Opt. 016/HP
44476A and Opt. 018/HP 44476B Microwave Switch: SMA connec-
tors.
Ordering and Configuration information Price
HP
3488A
Switch Modules-Includes Terminal Connectors
Switch/Control
Opt. 010/HP 44470A: 10 Channel Relay Multiplexer
Module
Opt. 011/HP 44471 A: 10 Channel General Purpose
Relay Module
Opt. 012/HP 44472A: Dual 4 Channel VHF Switch
Module
Opt. 013/HP 44473A: 4x4 Matrix Switch Module
Opt. 014/HP 44474A: 16 Bit Digital Input/Output
Module
Opt. 015/HP 44475A: Breadboard Module
Opt. 016/HP 44476A: Microwave Switch Module
Opt. 017/HP 44477A: Form-C Relay Module
Opt. 018/HP 44476B: Microwave Switch Module
Opt. 019/HP 44478A: 1.3 GHz 50 ohm Mux
Opt. 020/HP 44478B: 1.3 GHz 75 ohm Mux
Rack Mounting and Manuals
Opt. 401: Side Handle Kit (HP P/N 5061-1171) $43
Opt. 907: Front Handle Kit (HP P/N 5061-1170) $55
Opt. 908: Rack Flange Kit (HP P/N 5061-1168) $35
Opt. 909: Rack Flange with Handles (HP P/N 5061- $79
1169)
Opt. 910: Extra Operating & Service Manuals $84
Opt. W30 Three Year Hardware Support $50
Unit
$1,625
55
55
60