Agilent 34980A
Multifunction
Switch/Measure Unit
Mainframe User’s
Guide
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Printed in Malaysia
Edition 4
June 2008 E0608
*34980-90005*
34980-90005
Agilent Technologies
Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2004-2008
No part of this manual may be reproduced
in any form or by any means (including
electronic storage and retrieval or translation into a foreign language) without prior
agreement and written consent from
Agilent Technologies, Inc. as governed
by United States and international copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
34980-90005
Edition
Fourth Edition, June 2008
Printed in Malaysia
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
3501 Stevens Creek Blvd
Santa Clara, CA 95052 USA
Microsoft® and Windows® are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Software Revision
This guide is valid for the firmware that
was installed in the instrument at the time
of manufacture. However, upgrading the
firmware may add or change product
features. For the latest firmware and
documentation, go to the product page at:
www.agilent.com/find/34980A
Warranty
The material contained in this document is provided “as is,” and is subject to being changed, without notice,
in future editions. Further, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable
law, Agilent disclaims all warranties,
either express or implied, with regard
to this manual and any information
contained herein, including but not
limited to the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Agilent shall not be
liable for errors or for incidental or
consequential damages in connection
with the furnishing, use, or performance of this document or of any
information contained herein. Should
Agilent and the user have a separate
written agreement with warranty
terms covering the material in this
document that conflict with these
terms, the warranty terms in the separate agreement shall control.
Technology Licenses
The hardware and/or software described in
this document are furnished under a
license and may be used or copied only in
accordance with the terms of such license.
Restricted Rights Legend
U.S. Government Restricted Rights.
Software and technical data rights granted
to the federal government include only
those rights customarily provided to end
user customers. Agilent provides this
customary commercial license in Software
and technical data pursuant to FAR 12.211
(Technical Data) and 12.212 (Computer
Software) and, for the Department of
Defense, DFARS 252.227-7015 (Technical
Data - Commercial Items) and DFARS
227.7202-3 (Rights in Commercial Computer Software or Computer Software
Documentation).
Safety Notices
CAUTION
A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like
that, if not correctly performed or
adhered to, could result in damage
to the product or loss of important
data. Do not proceed beyond a
CAUTION notice until the indicated
conditions are fully understood and
met.
WARNING
A WARNING notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure, practice, or
the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result
in personal injury or death. Do not
proceed beyond a WARNING
notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
ii Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide
According to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and CEN/CENELEC EN 45014
iii
Manufacturer’s Name: Agilent Technologies, Incorporated
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Manufacturer’s Address:
815 – 14th St. SW
Loveland, CO 80537
USA
Declares under sole responsibility that the product as originally delivered
Product Name: Multifunction Switch / Measure Unit
Model Number: 34980A, 34921A/T, 34922A/T, 34923A/T, 34924A/T,
34925A/T, 34931A/T, 34932A/T, 34933A/T, 34937A/T,
34938A/T, 34941A, 34942A, 34945A/EXT, 34946A,
34947A, 34950A/T, 34951A/T, 34952A/T, 34959A
Product Options: This declaration covers all options of and accessories to
the above products
complies with the essential requirements of the following applicable European Directives, and
carries the CE marking accordingly:
Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC, amended by 93/68/EEC)
EMC Directive (89/336/EEC, amended by 93/68/EEC)
and conforms with the following product standards:
EMC Standard
IEC 61326-1:1997+A1:1998 / EN 61326-1:1997+A1:1998
CISPR 11:1990 / EN 55011:1991
IEC 61000-4-2:1995+A1:1998 / EN 61000-4-2:1995
IEC 61000-4-3:1995 / EN 61000-4-3:1995
IEC 61000-4-4:1995 / EN 61000-4-4:1995
IEC 61000-4-5:1995 / EN 61000-4-5:1995
IEC 61000-4-6:1996 / EN 61000-4-6:1996
IEC 61000-4-11:1994 / EN 61000-4-11:1994
Canada: ICES-001:1998
Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS 2064.1
Safety
The product was tested in a typical configuration with Agilent Technologies test systems.
IEC 61010-1:2001 / EN 61010-1:2001
Canada: CSA C22.2 No. 61010.1:2004
USA: UL 61010-1: 2004
Limit
Group 1 Class A
4 kV CD, 4 kV AD
3 V/m, 80-1000 MHz
0.5 kV signal lines, 1 kV power lines
0.5 kV line-line, 1 kV line-ground
3 V, 0.15-80 MHz, 80% mod
Interrupt: 10 ms, 20 ms
Supplementary Information:
This DoC applies to above-listed products placed on the EU market after:
24 May 2005
Date
For further information, please contact your local Agilent Technologies sales office, agent or distributor,
Ray Corson
Product Regulations Program Manager
or Agilent Technologies Deutschland GmbH, Herrenberger Straße 130, D 71034 Böblingen, Germany.
Template: A5971-5302-2, Rev. B.00 34980A-DoC-D DoC Revisio n D
Additional Safety Notices
The following general safety precautions
must be observed during all phases of operation of this instrument. Failure to comply
with these precautions or with specific
warnings or instructions elsewhere in this
manual violates safety standards of design,
manufacture, and intended use of the
instrument. Agilent Technologies assumes
no liability of the customer’s failure to comply with the requirements.
General
Do not use this products in any manner not
specified by the manufacturer. The protective features of this product may be
impaired if it is used in a manner not specified in the operation instructions.
Before Applying Power
Verify that all safety precautions are taken.
Make all connections to the unit before
applying power.
Ground the Instrument
This product is provided with protective
earth terminals. To minimize shock hazard,
the instrument must be connected to the
ac power mains through a grounded power
cable, with the ground wire firmly connected to an electrical ground (safety
ground) at the power outlet. Any interruption of the protective (grounding) conductor or disconnection of the protective earth
terminal will cause a potential shock hazard that could result in personal injury.
Do Not Operate in an Explosive
Atmosphere
Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable gases or fumes.
Do Not Modify the Instrument
Do not install substitute parts or perform
any unauthorized modification to the product. Return the product to an Agilent Sales
and Service Office for service and repair to
ensure that safety features are maintained.
In Case of Damage
Instruments that appear damaged or defective should be made inoperative and
secured against unintended operation until
they can be repaired by qualified service
personnel.
Safety Symbols
Alternating current
Frame or chassis
terminal
Standby supply. Unit is
not completely
disconnected from ac
mains when switch is off
Caution, risk of electric
shock
Caution, refer to
accompanying description
Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment (WEEE) Directive
2002/96/EC
This product complies with the WEEE
Directive (2002/96/EC) marking requirement. The affixed product label (see above)
indicates that you must not discard this
electrical/electronic product in domestic
household waste.
Product Category: With reference to the
equipment types in the WEEE directive
Annex 1, this product is classified as a
“Monitoring and Control instrumentation”
product.
To return unwanted products, contact
your local Agilent office, or go to
www.agilent.com/environment/product
for more information.
Technical Support
If you have questions about your shipment,
or if you need information about warranty,
service, or technical support, contact
Agilent Technologies:
In the United States: (800) 829-4444
In Europe: 31 20 547 2111
In Japan: 0120-421-345
Or go to www.agilent.com/find/assist
for information on contacting Agilent in
your country of specific location. You can
also contact your Agilent Technologies
Representative.
Do Not Remove the Instrument
Cover
Only qualified, service-trained personal
who are aware of the hazards involved
should remove instrument covers. Always
disconnect the power cable and any external circuits before removing the instrument
cover.
iv Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide
Contents
1 Introduction to the 34980A
Data Acquisition Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Measurement Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Data Acquisition Circuitry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Plug-In Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
System Cabling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Transducers and Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Alarm Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Signal Routing and Switching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Switching Topologies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
RF and Microwave Switching. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Measurement Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
The Internal DMM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Scanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Scanning With External Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
The Digital Modules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Control Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
The Digital Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
The Actuator / General-Purpose Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
2 Getting Started
Front Panel at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Rear Panel at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Rear Panel Connector Pinouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
External Trigger/Alarms Connector (Male D-Sub) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Analog Bus Connector (Female D-Sub) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Annunciator Display Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Installing and Connecting Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Removing a Slot Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Installing a Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Instrument Rack Mounting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Operating the 34980A from the Front Panel Keyboard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Front Panel Menu Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Menu Example 1: Setting the Time and Date. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Menu Example 2: Opening and Closing Channel Relays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Using the Measure Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Menu Example 3: Configuring the DMM for a Measurement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide v
Menu Example 4: Configuring a Channel for a Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Connecting the 34980A to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Connecting Over LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Connecting Over GPIB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Connecting Over USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Communicating with the 34980A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Operating the 34980A using the Integrated Web Browser Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Launching the Web Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Displaying the Browser Web Control Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Selecting the “Allow Full Control” Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Setting a Web Browser Password. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Closing and Opening Channel Relays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Modifying the Channel Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Sending SCPI Commands Via the Web Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
34980A Documentation Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
3 Features and Functions
Front Panel Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Front Panel Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Front Panel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Basic Operating Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
SCPI Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
SCPI Language Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Rules for Using a Channel List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Remote Interface Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
GPIB Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
LAN Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Clearing 34980A Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Volatile Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Non-Volatile Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Analog Bus and Internal DMM Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Environmental Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Electrical Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
General Measurement Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Overview of Measurement Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Analog Buses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Measurement Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Measurement Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
Measurement Resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
Custom A/D Integration Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Autozero . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89
Trig ger Del ay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Automatic Trigger Delays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Safety Interlock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
User-Defined Channel Labels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
vi Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide
2-Wire Versus 1-Wire Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Temperature Measurement Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Measurement Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Thermocouple Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
RTD Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Thermistor Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Voltage Measurement Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
DC Input Resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
AC Low Frequency Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Resistance Measurement Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Offset Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Current Measurement Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
AC Low Frequency Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Frequency Measurement Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Low Frequency Timeout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Mx+B Scaling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Scanning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Rules for Scanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Adding Channels to the Scan List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Scan Trigger Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Trigger Count . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Sweep Count . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Sample Count. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Channel Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Automatic Channel Delays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Reading Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Non-Sequential Scanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Viewing Readings Stored in Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Monitor Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Scanning With External Instruments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Alarm Limits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Viewing Stored Alarm Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Using the Alarm Output Lines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Using Alarms With the Digital Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Sequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Defining a Sequence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Querying the Sequence Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Executing a Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Executing a Sequence on an Alarm Condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Deleting Sequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Reading the List of Stored Sequences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
System-Related Operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Firmware Revision. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Product Firmware Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Instrument State Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide vii
Error Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150
Self-Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Front-Panel Display Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Front-Panel Number Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152
Real-Time System Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Internal DMM Disable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Relay Cycle Count . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154
SCPI Language Version. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Calibration Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Calibration Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Calibration Count . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Calibration Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Factory Reset State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158
Instrument Preset State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
4 Introduction to the Plug-In Modules for the 34980A
User’s Guides for the 34980A’s Plug-In Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Available Modules, at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165
Slot and Channel Addressing Scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Interconnection Solutions Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Module Considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168
General Considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Environmental Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168
Electrical Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .170
viii Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide
Agilent 34980A Multifunction Switch/Measure Unit
Mainframe User’s Guide
1
Introduction to the 34980A
This chapter provides an overview of a computer-based
data acquisition and measurement control system using the
Agilent 34980A Multifunction Switch/Measure Unit and
typical plug- in modules.
Data Acquisition Overview 2
Measurement Software 3
Data Acquisition Circuitry 5
Plug-In Modules 6
System Cabling 6
Transducers and Sensors 7
Alarm Limits 7
Signal Routing and Switching 8
Switching Topologies 8
Multiplexer Switching 8
Matrix Switching 9
General Purpose Switching 9
RF and Microwave Switching 10
Measurement Input 11
The Internal DMM 11
Signal Conditioning, Ranging, and Amplification 11
Analog-to-Digital Conversion (ADC) 12
Main System Processor 12
Scanning 13
Scanning With External Instruments 14
The Digital Modules 16
Digital Input 16
Totalizer 17
Control Output 18
The Digital Modules 18
Digital Output 18
Voltage (DAC) Output 19
The Actuator / General-Purpose Switches 20
Agilent Technologies
1
1 Introduction to the 34980A
Data Acquisition Overview
You can use the Agilent 34980A as a stand- alone instrument, but for
most applications you will want to take advantage of its PC connectivity
and remote operation capabilities. A simplified data acquisition system is
shown below.
Computer
and Software
Interface
Cable
34980A
Mainframe
Plug-in
Modules
(up to 8)
Transducers,
Sensors and Events
System
Cabling
The system configuration shown above offers the following advantages:
• You can use the 34980A to perform data storage, data reduction,
mathematical calculations, and conversion to engineering units.
• You can use the PC to easily configure and present data.
• You can electrically isolate analog signals and measurement sensors
from the noisy PC environment and earth ground.
• You can use a single PC to monitor multiple instruments and
measurement points while performing other PC- based tasks.
The 34980A is shipped with Ethernet, USB and GPIB (IEEE- 488)
interfaces. For a detailed description of these connections, see
“Connecting the 34980A to Your Computer” on page 45.
Ideally, before selecting a PC interface mode and making physical
connections between the 34980A and your PC, you would first determine
what software tools you will be using to communicate with and control
the 34980A (see “Measurement Software” on page 3 for a brief
description of available software choices).
• If you will be using the 34980A's integrated Web Browser interface
(LAN only), no additional software is required for connection.
• If you will be using another software tool (e.g. BenchLink Data
Logger Pro, Agilent IO Libraries Suite), you will need to install both
that software and a device driver before connecting the instrument
over GPIB or USB. No device driver is required for LAN.
• If you install the IO Libraries Suite, USB device drivers should be
installed automatically.
2 Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide
Measurement Software
A variety of software tools are available for remote communication with
the 34980A; the most commonly used tools are briefly discussed below.
Data Logging and Monitoring
Agilent 34832A BenchLink Data Logger Pro is a Windows®- based
application available on CD from Agilent. It is designed to make it easy
to use the 34980A with your PC (over GPIB, USB or LAN) for collecting
and analyzing data. You program the desired measurement, scan and
data logging requirements using an intuitive, tabbed spreadsheet
environment; data is displayed in tabular and graphical formats.
Introduction to the 34980A 1
The BenchLink Data Logger Pro software provides several advanced
features not available in the standard BenchLink Data Logger software
(which ships for free on CD-ROM with every 34980A ordered with an
internal DMM). Particularly, the Pro version allows for customized action
scripts, conditional control of external instruments, decision making or
program initiation based on limit checks and alarm events, and advanced
math operations. Both the standard and Pro versions are supplied on the
same CD- ROM. The Pro version can be used for 30 days without
obligation; subsequently a software license is required for its continued
use. Go to www.agilent.com/find/34832A for purchasing information.
Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide 3
1 Introduction to the 34980A
Web Browser Interface
The 34980A incorporates in its firmware a graphic Web Browser
interface for remote LAN access and control of the instrument via a
Java-enabled Web browser, such as Microsoft® Internet Explorer. While
not as comprehensive a tool as the BenchLink Data Logger software, the
Web Browser provides an alternative method for remote system
configuration, troubleshooting, and monitoring.
For a detailed description of the Web Browser interface, see “Operating
the 34980A using the Integrated Web Browser Interface” on page 53.
Other Software for Automated Testing with Multiple Instruments
These software tools can also be used with the 34980A:
• Agilent IO Libraries Suite (shipped on CD with the 34980A)
• Agilent IntuiLink
• Agilent VEE (an evaluation copy of the VEE Pro software is shipped
on CD with the 34980A)
• National Instruments LabVIEW
• Microsoft® Visual Basic or Visual C++
4 Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide
Data Acquisition Circuitry
As shown below, the 34980A's main system processor controls all of the
basic functionality of the instrument. This is where the instrument
communicates with the plug- in modules, interacts with command
transactions over the remote interfaces, and controls the optional
internal DMM. The main system processor also performs Mx+B scaling
operations, monitors alarm conditions, converts transducer measurements
to engineering units, adds time stamp information to scanned
measurements, and stores measurement data in memory.
External
OUT
IN
Alarms
Tr ig g e r
Control
LAN
USB
Optional
Internal
DMM
Main
System
Processor
I
Hi Measure
Lo Measure
Hi Sense
Lo Sense
Analog
Digital Bus
Bus
Introduction to the 34980A 1
ABUS1
ABUS2
ABUS3
ABUS4
Slot
1000
Slot
2000
Slot
3000
GPIB
AC
Power
Slot
8000
The main system processor also controls activity on the four hardware
alarm outputs and external triggering lines. You can use the alarm output
lines to trigger external alarm lights, sirens, or send a TTL pulse to your
control system.
The 34980A provides four 2- wire internal Analog Buses for easier signal
routing. You can route your measurements directly to the optional
internal DMM using the 34980A multiplexer and matrix modules or you
can connect to external signals via the Analog Bus connector located on
the instrument's rear panel. Since four 2- wire buses are provided, you
can dedicate one bus for use with the internal DMM while using the
other three buses for module extensions or additional signal routing
between modules.
Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide 5
1 Introduction to the 34980A
Plug-In Modules
The 34980A offers a complete selection of plug-in modules to give you
high- quality measurement, switching, and control capabilities. The
plug- in modules communicate with the main system processor via the
internal digital bus. The multiplexer modules also connect to the internal
DMM via the internal Analog Buses. Each module has its own
microprocessor to offload the main system processor and minimize
backplane communications for faster throughput. See Chapter 4,
“Introduction to the Plug- In Modules for the 34980A” for an overview of
the available plug- in modules and their functions. Each module is
shipped with its own User's Guide.
System Cabling
Depending on your specific requirements, you can connect your device
under test (DUT) to the 34980A using several optional interconnection
solutions (see “Interconnection Solutions Overview” on page 167).
Detachable terminal blocks are available for low-frequency modules and
offer an extremely flexible method for connecting external wiring. You
can also connect to the plug- in modules directly using standard cabling
with 50- pin D- Sub and 78- pin D- Sub connectors. Optional solder cup
connector kits are also available if you choose to build your own custom
cabling.
The type of cabling that you use to connect your signals, transducers,
and sensors to the module is critical to ensure measurement integrity.
Some types of transducers, such as thermocouples, have very specific
requirements for the type of cabling that should be used to make
connections. Be sure to consider the usage environment when choosing
wire gauge size and insulation qualities. Wire insulation typically consists
of materials such as PVC or Teflon®. The table below lists several
common cable types and describes their typical uses.
Cable Type
Thermocouple
Extension Wire
Twisted Pair,
Shielded Twisted
Pair
Shielded
Coaxial,
Double-Shielded
Coaxial
Flat Ribbon,
Twisted Pair
Ribbon
C o m m o n U s e s C o m m e n t s
Thermocouple
measurements
Measurement inputs,
voltage outputs,
switching, counting
VHF Signal switching Most common cable for high-frequency
Digital Input/Output Often used with mass termination
Available in specific thermocouple types.
Also available in a shielded cable for added
noise immunity.
Most common cable for low-frequency
measurement inputs. Twisted pair reduces
common mode noise. Shielded-twisted pair
provides additional noise immunity.
signal routing. Available in specific
impedance values (50Ω or 75Ω). Provides
excellent noise immunity. Double-shielded
cable improves isolation between channels.
Requires special connectors.
connectors. These cables provide little
noise immunity.
6 Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide
Transducers and Sensors
Transducers and sensors convert a physical quantity into an electrical
quantity. The electrical quantity is measured and the result is then
converted to engineering units by the 34980A's main system processor.
For example, when measuring a thermocouple, the instrument measures
a dc voltage and mathematically converts it to a corresponding
temperature in °C, °F, or K.
Introduction to the 34980A 1
Measurement
Te m p er a t u r e
Pressure Solid state device ±10 VDC
Flow Rotary type, thermal type 4 mA to 20 mA
Strain Resistive elements 4-wire resistance from 10Ω to 10 kΩ
Events Limit switches, optical counters, rotary
Digital System status TTL levels
Alarm Limits
The 34980A has four alarms which you can configure to alert you when
a reading exceeds specified limits on a channel during a scan. You can
assign a high limit, a low limit, or both to any configured channel in the
scan list. You can assign multiple channels to any of the four available
alarms (numbered 1 through 4). For example, you can configure the
instrument to generate an alarm on Alarm 1 when a limit is exceeded on
any of channels 1003, 2025, or 3020.
You can also assign alarms to channels on the digital modules (34950A
and 34952A). For example, you can generate an alarm when a specific
bit pattern or bit pattern change is detected on a digital input channel or
when a specific count is reached on a totalizer channel. With the digital
modules, the channels do not have to be part of the scan list to generate
an alarm.
Ty p i c a l Tr a n s d u c e r T y p e T y p i c a l T r a n s d u c e r O u t p u t
Thermocouple 0 mV to 80 mV
Resistance temperature detector (RTD) 2-wire or 4-wire resistance from 5Ω to 500Ω
Thermistor 2-wire or 4-wire resistance from 10Ω to 1MΩ
0V or 5V pulse train
encoder
Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide 7
1 Introduction to the 34980A
Signal Routing and Switching
The switching capabilities of the plug- in modules available with the
34980A provide test system flexibility and expandability. You can use the
switching plug- in modules to route signals to and from your test system
or multiplex signals to the internal DMM or external instruments.
Relays are electromechanical devices which are subject to wear-out
failure modes. The life of a relay, or the number of actual operations
before failure, is dependent upon how the relay is used—applied load,
switching frequency, and environment. The 34980A Relay Maintenance
System automatically counts the cycles of each relay in the instrument
and stores the total count in non- volatile memory on each switch
module. You can use this feature to track relay failures and to predict
system maintenance requirements. For more information on using this
feature, refer to “Relay Cycle Count” on page 154.
Switching Topologies
Several switching plug-in modules are available with different topologies
for various applications. The following switching topologies are available:
• Multiplexer (with armature, reed, or FET switches)
• Matrices (with armature or reed switches )
• General Purpose (with Form C or Form A switches)
The following sections describe each of these switching topologies. For
more information, see the individual User's Guides included with each
module.
Multiplexer Switching
Multiplexers allow you to connect one of multiple channels to a common
channel, one at a time. A simple 4- to- 1 multiplexer is shown below.
Channel 1
Common
Multiplexers are available in several types:
• One-Wire (Single- Ended) Multiplexers for common LO measurements
• Two-Wire Multiplexers for floating measurements
• Four- Wire Multiplexers for resistance and RTD measurements
• Very High Frequency (VHF) Multiplexers for switching frequencies up
to 3 GHz.
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4
When you combine a multiplexer with a measurement device, like the
optional internal DMM, you create a scanner. For more information on
scanning, see “Scanning” on page 13.
8 Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide
Introduction to the 34980A 1
Matrix Switching
A matrix switch connects multiple inputs to multiple outputs and
therefore offers more switching flexibility than a multiplexer. Use a
matrix for switching low-frequency (less than 30 MHz) signals only. A
matrix is arranged in rows and columns. For example, a simple 3x3
matrix could be used to connect three sources to three test points as
shown below.
Source 1
Source 2
Source 3
Test 1 Test 2
Test 3
In a matrix switch configuration, any one of the signal sources can be
connected to any one of the test inputs. Be aware that with a matrix, it
is possible to connect more than one source at the same time. Therefore,
it is important to make sure that dangerous or unwanted conditions are
not created by these connections.
General Purpose Switching
You can use General Purpose (GP) switches to control power connections
to your DUTs, control status indicators, or actuate external power relays
or solenoids. The GP switches for the 34980A are available in two switch
configurations as shown below.
Form C
Form C switches are also called Single-Pole, Double-Throw (SPDT) and
contain a normally- open (NO) and a normally- closed (NC) contact. Form
A switches are also called Single- Pole, Single- Throw (SPST) and contain
a normally open (NO) contact, which is either open or closed.
Form A
Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide 9
1 Introduction to the 34980A
RF and Microwave Switching
A variety of RF and microwave switch modules are also available for the
34980A. This includes RF multiplexers (34941A, 34942A), SPDT switching
from dc to 20 GHz (34946A, 34947A), and a switch/attenuator driver
module (34945A) that allows you to control switches or attenuators
external to the 34980A mainframe.
For more information, see “Introduction to the Plug- In Modules for the
34980A” on page 163.
10 Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide
Measurement Input
The 34980A allows you to combine a DMM (either internal or external)
with multiplexer channels to create a scan. During a scan, the instrument
connects the internal DMM to the configured multiplexer channels one at
a time and makes a measurement on each channel.
Any channel that can be "read" by the instrument can also be included in
a scan. This includes any combination of temperature, voltage, resistance,
current, frequency, or period measurements on multiplexer channels. A
scan can also include a read of a digital port or a read of the totalizer
count on the digital modules.
The Internal DMM
A transducer or sensor converts a physical quantity being measured into
an electrical signal which can be measured by the internal DMM. To
make these measurements, the internal DMM incorporates the following
functions:
Introduction to the 34980A 1
• Temperature (thermocouple, RTD, and thermistor)
• Voltage (dc and ac up to 300V)
• Resistance (2- wire and 4- wire up to 100 MΩ)
• Current (dc and ac up to 1A)
• Frequency and Period (up to 300 kHz)
The internal DMM provides a universal input front- end for measuring a
variety of transducer types without the need for additional external
signal conditioning. The internal DMM includes signal conditioning,
amplification (or attenuation) and a high resolution (up to 22 bits)
analog- to- digital converter. A simplified block diagram of the internal
DMM is shown below.
Analog
Input
Signal
Signal
Conditioning
Amp
Analog to
Digital
Converter
Main
Processor
Signal Conditioning, Ranging, and Amplification
Analog input signals are multiplexed into the internal DMM's
signal- conditioning section—typically comprising switching, ranging, and
amplification circuitry.
• If the input signal is a dc voltage, the signal conditioner is composed
of an attenuator for the higher input voltages and a dc amplifier for
the lower input voltages.
Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide 11
1 Introduction to the 34980A
• If the input signal is an ac voltage, a converter is used to convert the
ac signal to its equivalent dc value (true RMS value).
• Resistance measurements are performed by supplying a known dc
current to an unknown resistance and measuring the dc voltage drop
across the resistor. The input signal switching and ranging circuitry,
together with the amplifier circuitry, convert the input to a dc voltage
which is within the measuring range of the internal DMM's
analog- to- digital converter (ADC).
You can allow the instrument to automatically select the measurement
range using autoranging or you can select a fixed measurement range
using manual ranging. Autoranging is convenient because the instrument
automatically decides which range to use for each measurement based on
the input signal. For fastest scanning operation, use manual ranging for
each measurement (some additional time is required for autoranging
since the instrument has to make a range selection).
Analog-to-Digital Conversion (ADC)
The ADC takes a prescaled dc voltage from the signal-conditioning
circuitry and converts it to digital data for output and display on the
34980A front panel. The ADC governs some of the most basic
measurement characteristics. These include measurement resolution,
reading speed, and the ability to reject spurious noise.
There are several analog-to- digital conversion techniques but they can be
divided into two types: integrating and non-integrating. The integrating
techniques measure the average input value over a defined time interval,
thus rejecting many noise sources. The non- integrating techniques sample
the instantaneous value of the input, plus noise, during a very short
interval. The 34980A's internal DMM uses an integrating ADC technique.
You can select the resolution and reading speed from 6 digits (22 bits) at
3 readings per second to 4 digits (16 bits) at up to 3,000 readings per
second. The integration time, resolution, and number of digits are all
interrelated (see “Custom A/D Integration Time” on page 88 for more
details).
Main System Processor
The main system processor controls the input signal conditioning,
ranging, the ADC, and all backplane transactions. The main system
processor synchronizes measurements during scanning and control
operations. The main system processor uses a multi- tasking operating
system to manage the various system resources and demands.
The main system processor also performs Mx+B scaling operations,
monitors alarm conditions, converts transducer measurements to
engineering units, adds time stamp information to scanned
measurements, and stores measurement data in memory.
12 Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide
Scanning
Introduction to the 34980A 1
The instrument allows you to combine a DMM (either internal or
external) with multiplexer channels to create a scan. During a scan, the
instrument connects the DMM to the configured multiplexer channels one
at a time and makes a measurement on each channel.
Before you can initiate a scan, you must set up a scan list to include all
desired multiplexer or digital channels. Channels which are not in the
scan list are skipped during the scan. By default, the instrument
automatically scans the list of channels in ascending order from slot 1
through slot 8 (channels are reordered as needed). If your application
requires non- ordered scanning of the channels in the present scan list,
you can configure a non- sequential scan. Measurements are taken only
during a scan and only on those channels which are included in the scan
list.
You can store up to 500,000 readings in memory during a scan and all
readings are automatically time stamped. The most recent readings are
always preserved in memory. You can read the contents of memory at
any time, even during a scan. Reading memory is not cleared when you
read it. Each time you start a new scan, the instrument clears all
readings stored in reading memory from the previous scan. Therefore, all
readings currently stored in memory are always from the most recent
scan.
You can configure the event or action that controls the onset of each
sweep through the scan list (a sweep is one pass through the scan list):
• You can set the instrument's internal timer to automatically scan at a
specific interval as shown below.
Scan List
t
Ch 1 Ch 2
Ch 3
Ch 4
Ch 5
Ch 6
t
t
1
Channel Delay
(0 to 60 seconds)
t
t
2
t
3
t
4
t
5
6
• You can also program a time delay between channels in the scan list
(see “Channel Delay” on page 120).
Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide 13
1 Introduction to the 34980A
• You can manually control a scan by repeatedly pressing the Scan
(Measure) key from the front panel.
• You can start a scan by sending a software command from the remote
interface (MEASure? or INITiate command).
• You can start a scan when an external TTL trigger pulse is received.
• You can start a scan when an alarm event is logged on the channel
being monitored.
For more information on scanning, see “Scanning” on page 108.
Scanning With External Instruments
If your application doesn't require the built-in measurement capabilities
of the 34980A, you can order the mainframe without the internal DMM.
In this configuration, you can use the 34980A for signal routing or
control applications. If you install a multiplexer plug- in module, you can
use the system for scanning with an external instrument. You can
connect an external instrument such as a DMM to the multiplexer's COM
terminals (see below) or you can connect to the 34980A's analog buses.
Input
Channels
External DMM
Common Terminals
(COM)
L
H
14 Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide
Introduction to the 34980A 1
The figure below shows the external connections required to synchronize
the scan sequence between the 34980A and an external instrument. The
34980A must notify the external instrument when a relay is closed and
fully settled (including channel delay). The 34980A outputs a Channel
Closed pulse. In response, the external instrument must notify the
34980A when it has finished its measurement and is ready to advance to
the next channel in the scan list. For more information, see “Scanning
With External Instruments” on page 129.
Analog Bus Connector
ABus1 HI
ABus2 HI
ABus3 HI
ABus4 HI
9
6
5
1
ABus1 LO
ABus2 LO
ABus3 LO
ABus4 LO
Channel Advance
34980A Mainframe
Ext Trig Connector
(In)
GND
Channel Closed
(Out)
1
6
9
5
VM Complete Out Ext Trig In
External
DMM
Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide 15
1 Introduction to the 34980A
The Digital Modules
The 34950A and 34952A digital modules add two additional measurement
input capabilities to the system: digital input and event totalize. For more
information, see the individual User's Guides included with those
modules.
Digital Input
The digital modules have multiple non-isolated 8- bit input/output ports
which you can use for reading digital patterns. You can read the live
status of the bits on the port or you can configure a scan to include a
digital read. Each port has a separate channel number on the module
and contains 8- bits. You can combine ports to read 16- or 32- bit words.
8
8
Bit 0
Bit 7
Bit 8
Bit 15
Bit 16
8
Bit 23
Bit 24
8
Bit 31
16 Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide
Introduction to the 34980A 1
To t al i z e r
The digital modules have 32-bit totalizer input channels for counting
pulses and measuring frequency. You can manually read the totalizer
count or you can configure a scan to read the count.
Count +
Count -
32 Bits
To t al i z er
You can configure the totalizer to count on the rising edge or falling edge
of the input signal. The maximum rise/fall time for input signals to the
totalizer is 5
The maximum count is 4,294,967,295 (2
µS.
32
after reaching the maximum allowed value.
Gate
Gate
- 1). The count rolls over to "0"
You can configure the totalizer to read without affecting the count or
reset the count to zero without losing any counts.
Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide 17
1 Introduction to the 34980A
Control Output
In addition to signal routing and measurement, you can also use the
34980A to provide simple control outputs. For example, you can control
external high- power relays using the GP switch modules or a digital
output channel.
The Digital Modules
The 34950A, 34951A and 34952A digital modules add two additional
measurement control output capabilities to the system: digital output and
voltage (DAC) output. For more information, see the individual User's
Guides included with those modules.
The digital modules also contain digital input and event totalizer
capabilities which are described in more detail on page 16 and page 17.
Digital Output
The digital modules have multiple non-isolated 8- bit input/output ports
which you can use for writing digital patterns. Each port has a separate
channel number on the module and contains 8- bits. You can combine
ports to output 16- or 32- bit words.
Bit 0
8
Bit 7
Bit 8
8
Bit 15
Bit 16
8
Bit 23
Bit 24
8
Bit 31
18 Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide
Introduction to the 34980A 1
Voltage (DAC) Output
The 34951A module has four independent, isolated analog output
channels that can output dc voltage up to
± 16V or dc current up to
± 20 mA. Each DAC (Digital- to- Analog Converter) channel can be used
as a programmable voltage source for analog input control of other
devices. A simplified diagram is shown below.
16 Bits
16 Bits
16 Bits
16 Bits
DAC 1
DAC 2
DAC 3
DAC 4
DAC 1H
DAC 1L
DAC 2H
DAC 2L
DAC 3H
DAC 3L
DAC 4H
DAC 4L
You can set the output voltage to any value between - 16 Vdc and +16
Vdc, in 500
µV steps on any or all four channels.
You can set the output current to any value between -20 mA and +20
mA, in 630 nA steps on any or all four channels.
Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide 19
1 Introduction to the 34980A
The Actuator / General-Purpose Switches
You can think of the 34937A, 34938A, and 34939A modules as a control
outputs because they are often used to control external power devices.
For example, the 34937A provides 28 independent, isolated Form C
(SPDT) switches. Each channel can switch up to 300V dc or ac rms. Each
switch can also switch up to 1A dc or ac rms up to 60W maximum. For
example, the maximum current that you can switch at 120V is 0.45A as
shown below.
120
300
100
50
30
.2 .5
For control applications, the GP modules have the following advantages:
• Higher voltage and power rating than the digital output channels.
• The actuator switches can also be used to control power devices.
When used with high-power devices, however, it is critical that you
provide protection to the switch from capacitive and inductive loads to
ensure maximum relay life.
1
20 Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide
Agilent 34980A Multifunction Switch/Measure Unit
Mainframe User’s Guide
2
Getting Started
This chapter provides an overview of the 34980A’s controls,
displays and connections; module assembly, wiring and
installation instructions; and some basics of operation with
examples. It is designed to allow you to gain quick
familiarity with the instrument and start using it.
Front Panel at a Glance 22
Rear Panel at a Glance 23
Rear Panel Connector Pinouts 24
Annunciator Display Indicators 25
Installing and Connecting Modules 26
Installing a Module 27
Wiring and Installing a Terminal Block 29
Instrument Rack Mounting 32
Operating the 34980A from the Front Panel Keyboard 34
Front Panel Menu Reference 35
Menu Example 1: Setting the Time and Date 37
Menu Example 2: Opening and Closing Channel Relays 38
Using the Measure Keys 39
Menu Example 3: Configuring the DMM for a Measurement 40
Menu Example 4: Configuring a Channel for a Measurement 42
Connecting the 34980A to Your Computer 45
Connecting Over LAN 46
Connecting Over GPIB 51
Connecting Over USB 52
Communicating with the 34980A 53
Operating the 34980A using the Integrated Web Browser Interface 53
Launching the Web Interface 54
Displaying the Browser Web Control Page 55
Selecting the “Allow Full Control” Mode 56
Setting a Web Browser Password 56
Closing and Opening Channel Relays 57
Modifying the Channel Configuration 58
Sending SCPI Commands Via the Web Interface 59
34980A Documentation Map 61
Agilent Technologies
21
2 Getting Started
Front Panel at a Glance
The On/Standby switch is used to toggle the 34980A between On and Standby modes only. To turn the unit
1
off, remove the power cord.
The Utility key accesses menus to configure Remote I/O (LAN, GPIB, and USB) operation, set Date and Time,
2
and configure other system-related instrument parameters.
The Store/Recall key allows you to save and recall up to six instrument setups.
3
Control keys directly control module actions.
4
The number keypad is used for entering numerical characters.
5
The exponent entry key is used to enter the exponent during a numerical entry.
6
The Cancel key exits any menu without saving changes.
7
Arrow keys move the cursor position in an entry.
8
The knob provides for entry of alphanumeric characters, selecting slots or channels, and navigating menus.
9
The Enter key steps you through a menu or saves number entries.
10
Running a program puts the display into “remote” and disables the front panel keys. Local takes you out of
11
“remote” mode and enables the front panel keys.
Configure keys select functions and set function parameters.
12
Measure keys execute and monitor measurements. Depending on which measurement key you use, you can
13
have complete/direct control over the switching and measurement operation, or you can have the 34980A
automatically control these to capture the desired data.
22 Agilent 34980A Mainframe User’s Guide
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