Atec Agilent-34972A User Manual
Agilent 34970A
Data Acquisition/
Switch Unit Family
Product Overview
34970A
34972A
Agilent performance
at a fraction of the cost
of other standalone
data acquisition systems
• 3-slot mainframe with built-in 6½ digit DMM and
8 optional switch and control plug-in modules
• Measures and converts 11 different input signals:
temperature with thermocouples, RTDs and thermistors;
dc/ac volts; 2- and 4-wire resistance; frequency and
period; dc/ac current
• IO options for easy connectivity to your PC:
34970A: GPIB, RS-232
34972A: LAN, USB
• Graphical Web interface for point and click monitor and
control (34972A)
• USB flash drive support to copy/log data in standalone
applications (34972A)
• Includes BenchLink Data Logger Software to configure
and control tests, display results and collect data for
further analysis
Table of Contents
3 Features
6 34970A/34972A Power and Flexibility
7 34970A/34972A for your data acquisition applications
10 Using the 34970A/34972A for ATE applications
11 ATE feature checklist
12 Using the 34970A/34972A for switching applications
13 Customize your 34970A/34972A with plug-in modules
13 Modules at a glance selection guide
14 Agilent quality
15 Spec interpretation guide
16 Accuracy specifications
18 System measurement rates
19 System specifications
19 Agilent BenchLink Data Logger Software
20 Modules specifications
21 Multiplexer selection guide (34901A, 34902A, and 34908A)
23 Actuator module (34903A)
23 Matrix module (34904A)
24 RF Multiplexer modules (34905A, 34906A)
25 Multifunction module (34907A)
26 Rack mounting and dimensions
27 Ordering information
2
Features
Price and performance beyond compare
Go ahead and compare the Agilent Technologies 34970A
and 34972A Data Acquisition/Switch Units with other data
acquisition systems currently available. You’ll find it hard to
come up with a system that offers the powerful measurement performance, flexibility, connectivity options and ease
of use of the 34970A/34972A—even in systems costing
three to five times as much.
What can you expect from a data
acquisition system that’s this affordable?
Measurements you can trust
We took the measurement engine from our best-selling
benchtop DMM and embedded it inside a 3-slot mainframe.
You get the benefit of proven Agilent measurement performance, universal inputs with built-in signal conditioning,
and modular flexibility, all in a low-cost, compact data
acquisition package. The 34970A/34972A features 6½
digits (22 bits) of resolution, 0.004% basic dcV accuracy,
and ultra-low reading noise. Combine that with scan rates
of up to 250 channels/sec, and you’ve got the speed and
accuracy you need to get the job done right the first time.
Built-in signal conditioning to get your job done
Whether you need to measure temperature, ac/dc volts,
resistance, frequency, or current, the 34970A/34972A can
handle it. The internal autoranging DMM directly measures
11 different functions, eliminating the need for expensive
external signal conditioning. And our unique design allows
complete per channel configurability for maximum flexibility
and quick, easy set up. It’s like having an independent,
high-performance DMM behind each channel.
Standard connectivity to the PC
Whether you use GPIB, RS-232, LAN or USB interfaces, the
34970A/34972A family offers easy connection to the PC.
The 34970A offers traditional GPIB and RS-232 interfaces.
The 34972A has built-in Gigabit LAN and USB 2.0 so you
can connect to a modern PC without having to purchase
any GPIB cards, cables or converter boxes. With the standard LAN connections you also get the added benefit of a
graphical Web interface for easy configuration of measurements and monitoring of results using a standard Web
browser.
Convenient data storage with USB fl ash drive
The 34972A also features a built-in USB memory port so
that you can use a USB flash drive to upload BenchLink
Data Logger configurations into the 34972A and collect
data without being connected to a PC. Data can be logged
directly to the USB flash drive, extending your instrument’s
memory, or copied from internal memory for transfer to a
computer in another location.
3
Easy to use graphical Web interface (34972A only)
The built-in graphical Web interface provides easy access
and control of the instrument using a Java-enabled Web
browser such as Internet Explorer. Using this interface you
can configure measurements, define and execute scan
lists, or monitor measurement results from anywhere on
the network. Simply enter the instrument host name or
IP address into the browser URL and gain access to the
instrument’s capabilities with simple point and click control
right in your browser.
• Specify per channel measurement configuration
• Define and execute switch scans
• Open, close, or monitor switch positions
• Monitor measurement readings
• View and save data
• Send SCPI commands and view IO command log
• View error queue
• View instrument information like module configuration,
relay counts, firmware revisions, and more
Additionally, since the Web interface is built into the
instrument, you can access it on any operating system
that supports a Web browser without having to install
any special software.
Password protection and LAN lock out are also provided
to limit access. The graphical Web interface makes it easy
to configure measurements, set up and execute scans or
troubleshoot your designs from anywhere on the network.
Free BenchLink Data Logger software
saves you time and money
Now you don’t have to spend your valuable time writing
or configuring software. Agilent BenchLink Data Logger
3 software gives you a familiar Microsoft
interface for test configuration and real-time data display
and analysis. Even better, the data logging application is
included with every standard Agilent 34970A/34972A.
®
Windows®
Also available
The BenchLink Data
Logger Pro Software
adds limit checking and
decision making for
more complex applications. Simply identify
the measurements you
want to acquire, define
limits and actions to
be performed, and then
initiate the process. Your
data is then collected,
evaluated and acted on
real-time.
Start
Scan List A
(base)
Events
Scan List C
34832A BenchLink Data Logger Pro adds limit checking and decision making
• Control Instruments
Event
Events
Events
Event
• Send Notification(s)
• Stop Scan
Scan List B
• Control Instruments
• Send Notification(s)
• Stop Scan
Event
• Control Instruments
• Send Notification(s)
• Stop Scan
4
Unequaled ease of use
34970A and 34972A are compatible
From the simplified configuration to the graphical Web
interface in the 34972A, we put in extra time and energy
so you don’t have to. Simple things like on-module screwterminal connectors, built-in thermocouple reference junctions, well-organized user documentation full of examples
and hints, and a standard Getting Started kit that will have
you making measurements in just a few minutes all add up
to increased productivity, whether you use the instrument
every day or only now and then.
Custom confi gurations that grow with you
Three module slots and eight switch/control modules allow
you to customize the 34970A/34972A to meet your unique
requirements. Buy only what you need—and add more
modules later as your application grows.
The 34972A LXI Data Acquisition/Switch Unit is an LXI
version of the 34970A. It replaces the GPIB and RS-232
interfaces with modern connectivity for a direct connection
to your PC or Laptop.
The 8 plug-in modules can be used with either unit—so all
the measurements and wiring are compatible. The 34972A
can be easily integrated into an existing test program with a
simple change to the instrument address. Since the 34972A
code is a superset of the 34970A code, once the instrument
address is changed, the test program will run as normal.
Example:
Change:
Set inst1.IO = ioMgr.Open(“GPIB0::9::INSTR”)
To :
Set inst1.IO = ioMgr.Open(“TCPIP0::156.140.77.230::inst0::
INSTR”)
34970A 34972A
Support 8 plug-in modules ● ●
LabView drivers ● ●
IVI-C, IVI-COM drivers ● ●
BenchLink Data Logger ● ●
Optional BenchLink Data Logger Pro ● ●
Graphical Web interface ●
Gigabit LAN ●
USB 2.0 ●
USB memory port ●
GPIB ●
RS-232 ●
5
More power and fl exibility than you
ever imagined you could afford
6½ digit (22-bit) internal
DMM measures 11 functions without
external signal conditioning
Monitor display
mode lets you
keep an eye on
tests in progress
Scaling function for
converting raw inputs
into user-defined units
HI/LO alarm limits on each input
channel, plus 4 TTL alarm outputs
Intuitive front panel with
task-oriented, self-guiding menus
34972A
50 k readings of non-volatile
memory holds data when
power is removed
Battery-backed real-time clock for pacing
scans and timestamping readings
• Offers up to 96 matrix
crosspoints or
120 single-ended channels
• 8 switch and control plug-in
modules to choose from
• Agilent BenchLink Data
Logger 3 Agilent VEE,
IVI-C, IVI-COM and
National Instruments
LabVIEW drivers included
6
USB
USB memory port to log/
transfer data to a USB flash drive
Built-in LAN and USB for instant connection to a PC
34970A
GPIB
34970A built-in GPIB and RS-232 interfaces
The Agilent 34970A/34972A offers unequaled versatility
for your data acquisition applications
In the past, you had to make a choice. On the one hand,
you could choose the simple operation and low cost of a
data logger. On the other hand, you had the flexibility and
higher performance of a modular data acquisition system.
The Agilent 34970A/34972A Data Acquisition/Switch Unit
gives you the best of both worlds: a simple user interface
with low per-channel cost, modular flexibility, standard
connectivity and impressive measurement performance.
Whether you’re an R&D engineer working on characterizing your latest design, or a manufacturing engineer
building a test system or troubleshooting a process, the
34970A/34972A Data Acquisition/Switch Unit offers the
best combination of price and measurement performance.
It’s a data logger
Configured with a 20-channel relay multiplexer, the
34970A/34972A becomes a powerful, low-cost data logger
for simple characterization applications. What’s more,
the 34972A with its LAN and USB interfaces is ideal for
easy set up and control for data logging applications
in remote locations. For more information on using the
34970A/34972A for data logging applications, see page 8.
It’s a data acquisition front end
The 34970A/34972A is an automated test system with
excellent measurement performance—it’s got the accuracy,
resolution, and speed you need. See page 10 for application
information.
It’s a switch system
Order the mainframe without the internal DMM and you’ve
got an even lower cost, high-quality signal routing solution.
See page 12 for details.
7
An easy-to-use data logger for monitoring
and characterization applications
Data loggers are used to monitor multiple signals (temperature, voltage, etc.) over extended periods of time to identify
irregularities. Example applications include environmental
chamber monitoring, component inspection, benchtop testing, process troubleshooting, and temperature profiling.
applications. Use GPIB (IEEE 488) or RS-232 interfaces
in the 34970A for legacy systems or use the 34972A with
standard LAN and USB interfaces for simple connection
to the PC and support of remote applications. The 34972A
can be set up at remote locations and accessed through
the Web interface on a network connection or through
the USB port by copying instrument configurations and
measurement data results to a USB flash drive.
The Agilent 34970A/34972A is easy to use for a multitude
of data logging and monitoring applications, either standalone or with a computer. Its flexible, modular design
makes it scalable from 20 to 120 channels, and lets you
add actuator, digital I/O, and analog output channels for
simple control. Its small size, ruggedized features and USB
memory port on the 34972A make it perfect for portable
Simplify your data gathering with
Agilent BenchLink Data Logger 3 software
Do you want PC-based data logging capability, but don’t
want to spend hours programming? The BenchLink Data
Logger 3 software is the answer. This Windows-based
application is designed to make it a snap to use your PC
for gathering and analyzing measurements. Use it to set
up your test, acquire and archive measurement data, and
perform real-time display and analysis of the incoming
measurements.
A familiar spreadsheet environment makes it easy to
configure and control your tests. And a rich set of colorful graphics provides many options for analyzing and
displaying your data—all with point-and-click ease. Set up
multiple graphics using strip charts, histograms, bar and
scatter charts, individual channel results, and more. And
of course you can use BenchLink Data Logger 3 to easily
move data to other applications for further analysis, or for
inclusion in your presentations and reports.
Better measurements with fewer hassles
Tired of putting up with the mediocre measurement
performance you get with most data loggers or plug-in data
acquisition boards? The 34970A/34972A offers 6½ digits of
resolution and 0.004% basic 1-year dcV accuracy.
The BenchLink Data Logger software can run connected
to the computer, standalone in the instrument or even over
the network when using the LAN interface on the 34972A.
8
And the 34970A/34972A measures and converts
11 different input signals:
• temperature with thermocouples, RTDs,
and thermistors
• dc and ac volts
• 2- and 4-wire resistance
• frequency and period
• dc and ac current
What’s more, each channel is independently configurable.
This means you can configure channel 1—for dcV, channel
2 for a K-type thermocouple, and channels 3 and 13 for a
4-wire RTD measurement—all on the same module, all in a
single scan. For custom linear conversions, use the Mx+B
scaling function on any channel. You can even display a
custom 3-character engineering label like RPM or PSI to
identify your measurement units.
Versatile alarms
Alarms are available on a per-channel basis as well.
Enter a high limit, a low limit, or both. The 34970A/34972A
compares each reading to its limits and flags any out-ofrange measurements. You can assign one of four TTL
alarm outputs to any input channel to trigger external
alarm lights, sirens, or send a TTL pulse to your control
system, all without a PC connected.
Monitor any input
A special display mode monitors a selected input channel,
continuously updating the display with new readings—even
during a scan. Or, when using the 34972A with built-in LAN,
the channels can be monitored over the network using the
graphical Web interface. It’s great for keeping an eye on a
key input, or for troubleshooting your system before a test.
Non-volatile memory and USB fl ash drive adds
convenience, portability
All readings are automatically time-stamped and stored in
a nonvolatile 50,000 reading memory—enough memory
to hold more than a week’s worth of data (20 channels
scanned every five minutes). The nonvolatile memory holds
your data even after power is removed, so you can use the
34970A/34972A to collect data at a remote location for
later uploading to a PC. Or if you need even more memory,
the 34972A’s USB port can be used to log data directly
to a USB flash drive or to copy the data from the reading
memory without being connected to a computer.
Data logging feature checklist
• From 1 to 120 channels of analog input
Scanning made simple
The 34970A/34972A automatically builds a scan list that
includes all configured inputs (even digital inputs from the
Agilent 34907A multifunction module) in ascending order
by channel number. You can pace scans by setting the
34970A/34972A’s internal timer for automatic scanning
at a specific interval, by manually pressing a front-panel
button, or by sending a software command or external
TTL trigger pulse.
• Measurements include dc volts, ac volts, thermocouple, thermistor and RTD temperature measurements, 2- and 4-wire Ohms, dc current, ac current,
frequency, and period
• 6½ digits (22 bits) of resolution with 0.004% basic
1-year dcV accuracy
• 50 k reading nonvolatile memory including timestamp
• Scaling and alarms available on each channel
• Full-featured front panel for stand-alone configuration, troubleshooting, and data viewing
• BenchLink Data Logger 3 software for configuration and data analysis
• Nonvolatile storage for five complete instrument
states
• Built-in LAN or USB interfaces to support remote
data logging applications (34972A only)
9
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