Atec Agilent-34980A User Manual
Agilent 34980A
Multifunction Switch/Measure Unit
Data Sheet
• 8-slot mainframe with 19 mix-andmatch plug-in modules so you can
create your own custom configuration
• High-performance switching:
Up to 560 2-wire multiplexer channels or 1024 matrix cross-points in
one mainframe
• Optional built-in 6 1⁄2 -digit DMM lets
you make 11 measurements with up
to 2000 readings/sec
• Easy to integrate: Built-in Ethernet,
USB 2.0, and GPIB connectivity,
standard connectors and software
drivers for most common programming environments
CONFIGURE, CONNECT, GO
If you use automated test equipment
for design validation or manufacturing, you now have a cost-effective
alternative to PXI and VXI test-system
platforms. The 34980A multifunction
switch/measure unit provides comparable functionality that is much easier
to use than PXI and VXI and costs
less. The 34980A helps you lower your
cost of test and accelerate your testsystem integration and development.
The 34980A handles your system
switching needs up to 20 GHz and
provides basic measurements and
system control. It offers optional DMM
measurements, counter/totalizer
functionality, digital I/O with pattern
capabilities, and analog outputs with
basic waveforms—all in one low-cost,
compact box. And with its standard
connectors and software drivers,
computer-standard I/O, and Web
browser interface, the 34980A easily
integrates into electronic functional
test and data acquisition systems.
Flexible switching, measurements, and system control
The 34980A accommodates up to
8 plug-in modules to give you the
flexibility you need. Choose from 19
different modules to define your own
configuration. You can buy what you
need now and add to it or reconfigure
it as your requirements change.
Whether you are measuring temperature, AC or DC voltage, resistance,
frequency, current, or custom measurements, the 34980A offers the
functionality you need in a single box.
Switch in different measurements with
high-performance signal switching—
no external signal conditioning is
required. Choose between different
switch types and topologies with
frequency ranges from DC to 20 GHz.
The 34980A offers high-density
multiplexers for scanning multiple
channels, matrices for connecting
multiple points at one time, and
general purpose switches for simple
control and high power needs.
Use the 34980A to route individual
signals or monitor multiple signals
over a specified period of time—
monitor a single channel or multiple
channels, set alarms, and identify
irregularities.
The 34980A also offers flexible choices
for system control. You can control
external devices such as microwave
switches, attenuators, solenoids, and
power relays. Or use the digital inputs
to sense limit-switch and digital-bus
status.
Optimized for test systems
The 34980A has the performance
you need for medium- to high-density
switching/measurement applications
such as design verification, functional
test and data acquisition. Your signals
are switched to the right measurement
device without compromising signal
integrity. Switch your signals to the
optional internal DMM and achieve
optimal throughput on switch closure
time. Or, if you prefer, you can easily
connect to external instruments such
as DMMs, scopes, power supplies,
and more. What’s more, with the
built-in Ethernet interface, you can
control the 34980A and collect data
from remote locations.
The rugged instrument comes with
a variety of system-ready features:
• Web browser interface shows
settings at a glance and provides
remote access and control
• Self-guiding front panel to configure,
troubleshoot or view data
• Low EMI and efficient system
cooling
• Heavy-duty cabling and connection
options
• Rack mount options
• Relay counters help predict endof-life
• In-rack calibration for reduced
maintenance time
• DMM measurement accuracies
include the switch for simple
calculations
2
High-performance unit provides low-cost
alternative to PXI and VXI switch and
measurement platforms
Make system connections easily
and quickly with simple, reliable
connection options:
• Built-in Ethernet, USB 2.0, and
GPIB connectivity
• Standard IVI and LabVIEW software
drivers
• Low-cost, standard 50- or 78-pin
Dsub connectors and cables
• Detachable terminal blocks with
strain relief
• Mass interconnect solutions
In addition, the 34980A comes with
Agilent E2094N IO Libraries Suite
14.0. Quickly establish an error-free
connection between your PC and
instruments—regardless of vendor.
The I/O Libraries provide robust
instrument control and work with the
software development environment
you choose.
Easier signal routing with four
2-wire internal analog buses. You can
route your measurements directly to
the internal DMM, or you can connect
to external instruments through the
analog bus connector on the rear of
the mainframe. And since you have
four 2-wire buses, you can dedicate
one bus for use with the internal
DMM and use the other three buses
for module extensions or additional
signal routing between modules,
reducing your wiring needs.
You can define switch sequences to
control complex signal routing and
the order of switch closures. Assign
a sequence, give it a name and then
execute it with the name you created.
You also can define lists to identify
channels that should never be
connected together.
External trigger capabilities make it
easy for you to time and synchronize
measurements and other events. This
can help you determine when to begin
or end an acquisition.
Measurements you can trust
Get proven performance from Agilent
instruments, with the resolution,
repeatability, speed, and accuracy
you’ve come to expect.
The 34980A offers built-in signal
conditioning and modular flexibility.
When you use it with the internal
DMM, you can configure each channel
independently for the measurements
you choose. It includes a variety of
features that give you confidence in
your measurements:
•6
1
⁄2 digits of resolution with .004%
of accuracy with DC voltage
measurements
• Alarms per channel—high limit,
low limit, or both
• Math functions—use Mx+B for
custom linear conversions and
converting raw inputs
• Built-in thermocouple reference
for temperature measurements
(34921T)
• Time-stamped readings
The integrated DMM is mounted
inside the mainframe and does not
consume any of the eight useravailable slots. You can access the
DMM through any switch module that
connects to the analog bus, or directly
from the analog bus connector on the
rear of the mainframe. The internal
DMM gives you the flexibility to
measure 11 types of inputs:
• Temperature with thermocouples,
RTDs, or thermistors (with 34921A)
• DC and AC voltage
• 2- and 4-wire resistance
• Frequency and period
• DC and AC current
You can control the DMM directly, or
configure it to work in conjunction
with the switches. Each switch channel
can be configured independently for
measurement functions, scale factors
and alarm limits. Advanced measurement features such as offset compensation, variable integration time, and
delay are also selectable on a perchannel basis.
The DMM inputs are shielded and
optically isolated from the 34980A’s
earth-referenced circuitry and
computer interface, and as a result,
you get up to 300 V of input isolation.
This is important for reducing
ground-loops and common-mode
voltage errors associated with long
wiring runs and floating sources.
Simple DMM calibration is
accomplished with just the analog
bus connection on the rear panel of
the mainframe. You don't need to
remove the mainframe from the rack
or dedicate a channel for calibration.
3
4
Modules provide flexible system
stimulus and control
System control—with analog outputs,
open-collector digital outputs, clock
generation, and isolated Form-C
relays for controlling external devices.
Additionally, with the microwave
switch/attenuator driver, highfrequency switches and attenuators
can be efficiently controlled external
to the 34980A mainframe.
Analog sources—output either
voltage or current. You can configure
the 4-channel isolated D/A converter
as a point-to-point arbitrary waveform generator that lets you define
up to 500,000 points per waveform.
Digital patterns—send or receive
digital data from your device under
test. With on-board memory you can
output communication protocols and
bit streams or monitor digital input
patterns and interrupt when a userdefined pattern is detected.
Standard interfaces take the
hassle out of connecting to
your PC
Standard Ethernet, USB and GPIB
interfaces are included in every
mainframe. Use one of the interfaces
that is already available in your
computer, or if you prefer, GPIB is
still available.
• USB offers the quickest and easiest
connection scheme—it’s perfect for
small systems and bench connections.
• Ethernet offers high-speed
connections that allow for remote
access and control. Choose a local
area network to filter out unwanted
LAN traffic and speed up the I/O
throughput. Or take advantage of
the remote capabilities and
distribute your tests worldwide.
Monitor, troubleshoot, or debug
your application remotely.
• GPIB has many years of proven
reliability for instrument communication and can be used in existing
GPIB based test systems.
Remote access and control
The built-in Web browser interface
provides remote access and control
of the instrument via a Java-enabled
browser such as Internet Explorer.
Using the Web interface, you can set
up, troubleshoot, and maintain your
system remotely.
• View and modify instrument setup
• Open, close, or monitor switches
• Send SCPI commands
• Define and execute switch
sequences
• View error queue
• Get status reports on 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 the Web browser without
having to install any special software.
Password protection and LAN lockout are also provided to limit access.
The Web interface makes it easy to
set up, troubleshoot and maintain
your system remotely.
Works with your choice of software
so you can save time and preserve
your software and hardware investments. You can program directly with
SCPI, or use IVI or LabVIEW software
drivers that provide compatibility
with the most popular development
environments and tools:
• Agilent VEE Pro, Agilent T&M
Toolkit (requires Microsoft® Visual
Studio®.NET)
• National Instruments LabVIEW,
LabWindows/CVI, TestStand, and
Switch Executive
• Microsoft Visual Studio.NET, C/C++
and Visual Basic 6
Figure 1 The Web interface makes it easy to set up, troubleshoot and maintain your
system remotely.
Power and flexibility to get your job done
5
Intuitive front panel with self-guiding menus
See results on bright,
multiline display
6 1⁄2 digit DMM measurements
with 11 functions
Scan multiple channels,
close specified channel list,
or monitor results on a single channel
Store up to 500,000 readings with timestamp
8-slots connect to optional internal DMM
Use keypad to enter channel number or knob to scroll
Configure measurements by channel
Set up scan lists
External trigger to synchronize events
Built-in Ethernet, USB 2.0,
and GPIB interfaces
Access to four
2-wire analog buses
19 plug-in modules to choose from
Optional terminal blocks,
standard cables or connector kits
6
The 34980A mainframe holds up to eight plug-in modules.
Mix and match them to create a custom system to meet
your switching and system control needs. You can easily
add or replace modules as your needs change.
Mix and match 34980A modules to
create your own custom configuration
Table 1. 34980A modules at a glance
Max Max BW Scan Thermal
Module Description volts current (MHz) ch/sec offset Comments
Multiplexer modules
34921A 40-channel armature multiplexer w/ ± 300V 1A 45 MHz 100 < 3 uV Temperature reference
low thermal offset 4 current channels
Config as 2- or 4-wire
34922A 70-channel armature multiplexer ± 300V 1A 25 MHz 100 < 3 uV Config as 2- or 4-wire
34923A 40/80-channel reed multiplexer ± 150V 0.5A 45 MHz 500 < 50 uV Config as 1-, 2- or 4-wire
34924A 70-channel reed multiplexer ± 150V 0.5A 25 MHz 500 < 50 uV Config as 2- or 4-wire
34925A 40/80-channel optically isolated ± 80V 0.05A 1 MHz 1000 < 3 uV Config as 1-, 2- or 4-wire
FET multiplexer
Matrix modules
34931A Dual 4x8 armature matrix ± 300V 1A 30 MHz 100 < 3 uV Backplane expandable
34932A Dual 4x16 armature matrix ± 300V 1A 30 MHz 100 < 3 uV Backplane expandable
34933A Dual/Quad 4x8 reed matrix ± 150V 0.5A 30 MHz 500 < 50 uV Backplane expandable
Config as 1- or 2-wire
General-purpose modules
34937A 28-channel Form C and 300V 1A 10 MHz N/A < 3 uV
4-channel Form A 250AC 5A < 3 uV
34938A 20-channel 5-amp Form A 250AC 5A 1 MHz N/A < 3 uV
RF and microwave modules
Insertion Isolation Freq Input
Module Description Loss Range VSWR Impedence Comments
34941A Quad 1x4 50 ohm 3 GHz RF multiplexer 0.6dB > 58dB 3 GHz < 1.25 50 Ω @ 1 GHz
34942A Quad 1x4 75 ohm RF multiplexer Contact factory 75 Ω
34945A/ Microwave switch/attenuator driver Can drive up to 64 external switch coils; 32 SPDT switches,8 multiport switches,
34945EXT 8 attenuators, or your own combination. Expand with additional 34945EXTs.
34946A Dual 1x2 SPDT terminated microwave < 0.42dB > 85dB 4 GHz or < 1.15 50 Ω @ 4 GHz
switch < 0.69dB > 67dB 20 GHz < 1.30 @ 20 GHz
34947A Triple 1x2 SPDT unterminated < 0.42dB > 85dB 4 GHz or < 1.15 50 Ω @ 4 GHz
microwave switch < 0.69dB > 67dB 20 GHz < 1.30 @ 20 GHz
System control modules Description
34950A 64-bit digital I/O with memory Eight 8-bit digital I/O channels with programmable polarity, thresholds up to 5 V,
and counter with 7 handshaking protocols and pattern memory. Two 10-MHz frequency counter/
totalizers and programmable clock output to 10MHz.
34951A 4-channel isolated D/A converter Output DC voltage up to ± 16 V or DC current up to ± 20 mA.
with waveform memory Output waveforms with a 200 kHz update rate and 16 bits of resolution.
Use on-board memory to create point-to-point waveforms with more than 500,000 points.
34952A Multifunction module with 32-bit DIO, Four 8-bit digital I/O channels, two ± 12-V analog outputs, and a 100-kHz gated totalizer.
2-ch D/A and totalizer
34959A Breadboard module Create your own custom designs with access to the +12 V and +5 V supplies,
16 GPIO ports and 32 relay drive lines.
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34980A multiplexer switch
modules
The 34980A multiplexer modules
can be used to connect one of many
different points to a single point.
You can connect to an external
instrument, or scan multiple analog
signals to the internal DMM.
Choose from the following features:
• 1-wire, 2-wire, or 4-wire
configurations
• High voltage—up to 300 V, 1 A
• High-density—70 2-wire or 80
1-wire channels
• Bandwidths up to 45 MHz
• Temperature measurements with
built-in thermocouple reference
junction (34921T)
• AC or DC current measurements
without external shunts
• Connections via standard 50- or
78-pin Dsub cables or detachable
terminal block
Figure 2. 34921A 40-channel armature multiplexer with low thermal offset (bank 2)
026
027
028
029
030
912
LH
ABus2 DMM (SENS)
LH
922
H
L
911
LH
I
L
L
Fuse
041
I
L
Fuse
042
I
L
Fuse
043
I
L
Fuse
044
I
931
ABus1
Current
DMM (MEAS)
LH
921
LH
021
022
023
024
025
H
L
913
LH
ABus3
LH
923
031
032
033
034
035
036
037
038
039
H
L
040
914
LH
ABus4
LH
924
H
L
Multiple multiplexers can connect
to the built-in analog buses, allowing
you to scan up to 560 2-wire channels
or 640 1-wire channels in a single
mainframe. The 34921A also offers
4 channels for directly measuring
current. Or if you need more current
channels, shunts can be added to the
terminal block for easy current
measurements.
The multiplexer modules feature
break-before-make connections to
ensure that no two signals are connected to each other during a scan.
Or, if you prefer, you can control
switching manually to create your
own switch configuration. All the
multiplexer switches have a relay
counter to help predict when relays
need to be replaced.
8
Figure 4. 34925A 40/80-channel optically isolated FET mux (shown in 1-wire mode bank 2)
Figure 3. 34922A 70-channel armature multiplexer (bank 1 shown)
002
003
004
005
006
007
HL
911
HL
ABus1 DMM (MEAS) ABus2 DMM (SENS) ABus3 ABus4
009
010
011
012
013
014
912
016
017
018
019
020
021
HL
023
024
025
026
027
028
913
HL
030
031
032
033
034
035
914
HL
911
LH
ABus1 DMM (MEAS) ABus2 DMM (SENS) ABus3 ABus4
LH
921
LH
041
042
043
044
045
046
047
048
049
050
H
912
LH
LH
922
051
052
053
054
055
056
057
058
059
060
H
913
LH
LH
923
061
062
063
064
065
066
067
068
069
070
H
914
LH
LH
924
071
072
073
074
075
076
077
078
079
080
H
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