75000 Series C
User Manual
Keysight E1463A 32-Channel
5-Amp Form C Switch
Notices
© Keysight Technologies, Inc. 1996-2019
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 Keysight Technologies, Inc. as
governed by United States and international copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
E1463-90004
Edition
Fifth Edition, October 2019
Published by
Keysight Technologies, Inc.
900 S. Taft Ave.
Loveland, CO 80537 USA
Sales and Technical Support
To contact Keysight for sales and technical support, refer to the support links on
the following Keysight websites:
www.keysight.com/find/E1463A
(product-specific information and support, software and documentation
updates)
www.keysight.com/find/assist (world-
wide contact information for repair and
service)
Declaration of Conformity
Declarations of Conformity for this product and for other Keysight products may
be downloaded from the Web. Go to
http://keysight.com/go/conformity and
click on “Declarations of Conformity.” You
can then search by product number to
find the latest Declaration of Conformity.
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.
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, KEYSIGHT 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. KEYSIGHT
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
KEYSIGHT 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.
Keysight Technologies does not warrant
third-party system-level (combination of
chassis, controllers, modules, etc.) performance, safety, or regulatory compliance unless specifically stated.
DFARS/Restricted Rights
Notices
If software is for use in the performance
of a U.S. Government prime contract or
subcontract, Software is delivered and
licensed as “Commercial computer software” as defined in DFAR 252.227-7014
(June 1995), or as a “commercial item” as
defined in FAR 2.101(a) or as “Restricted
computer software” as defined in FAR
52.227-19 (June 1987) or any equivalent
agency regulation or contract clause.
Use, duplication or disclosure of Software
is subject to Keysight Technologies’ standard commercial license terms, and nonDOD Departments and Agencies of the
U.S. Government will receive no greater
than Restricted Rights as defined in FAR
52.227-19(c)(1-2) (June 1987). U.S. Government users will receive no greater
than Limited Rights as defined in FAR
52.227-14 (June 1987) or DFAR 252.2277015 (b)(2) (November 1995), as applicable in any technical data.
Safety Information
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 operating instructions in the product
manuals violates safety standards of
design, manufacture, and intended use
of the instrument. Keysight Technologies assumes no liability for the customer's failure to comply with these
requirements.
General
Do not use this product in any manner not
specified by the manufacturer. The protective features of this product must not be
impaired if it is used in a manner specified in
the operation instructions.
Before Applying Power
Verify that all safety precautions are taken.
Make all connections to the unit before
applying power. Note the external markings
described under “Safety Symbols”.
Ground the Instrument
Keysight chassis’ are provided with a
grounding-type power plug. The
instrument chassis and cover must be
connected to an electrical ground to
minimize shock hazard. The ground pin
must be firmly connected to an electrical ground (safety ground) terminal 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 module/chassis in
the presence of flammable gases or
fumes.
Do Not Operate Near Flammable
Liquids
Do not operate the module/chassis in
the presence of flammable liquids or
near containers of such liquids.
Cleaning
Clean the outside of the Keysight module/chassis with a soft, lint-free,
slightly dampened cloth. Do not use
detergent or chemical solvents.
Do Not Remove Instrument Cover
Only qualified, service-trained personnel 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.
Keep away from live circuits
Operating personnel must not remove
equipment covers or shields. Procedures involving the removal of covers
and shields are for use by servicetrained personnel only. Under certain
conditions, dangerous voltages may
exist even with the equipment
switched off. To avoid dangerous electrical shock, DO NOT perform procedures involving cover or shield removal
unless you are qualified to do so.
DO NOT operate damaged
equipment
Whenever it is possible that the safety
protection features built into this product have been impaired, either through
physical damage, excessive moisture,
or any other reason, REMOVE POWER
and do not use the product until safe
operation can be verified by servicetrained personnel. If necessary, return
the product to a Keysight Technologies
Sales and Service Office for service and
repair to ensure the safety features are
maintained.
DO NOT block the primary
disconnect
The primary disconnect device is the
appliance connector/power cord when
a chassis used by itself, but when
installed into a rack or system the disconnect may be impaired and must be
considered part of the installation.
Do Not Modify the Instrument
Do not install substitute parts or perform any unauthorized modification to
the product. Return the product to a
Keysight Sales and Service Office 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
Do NOT block vents and fan exhaust:
To ensure adequate cooling and ventilation, leave a gap of at least 50mm
(2") around vent holes on both sides of
the chassis.
Do NOT operate with empty slots: To
ensure proper cooling and avoid damaging equipment, fill each empty slot
with an AXIe filler panel module.
Do NOT stack free-standing chassis:
Stacked chassis should be rackmounted.
All modules are grounded through the
chassis: During installation, tighten
each module's retaining screws to
secure the module to the chassis and
to make the ground connection.
Operator is responsible to maintain
safe operating conditions. To ensure
safe operating conditions, modules
should not be operated beyond the full
temperature range specified in the
Environmental and physical specification. Exceeding safe operating conditions can result in shorter lifespan,
improper module performance and
user safety issues. When the modules
are in use and operation within the
specified full temperature range is not
maintained, module surface temperatures may exceed safe handling conditions which can cause discomfort or
burns if touched. In the event of a
module exceeding the full temperature
range, always allow the module to cool
before touching or removing modules
from the chassis.
vi
Safety Symbols
A CAUTION denotes a hazard. It
calls attention to an operating procedure or practice, 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.
A WARNING denotes a hazard. It
calls attention to an operating procedure or practice, 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.
Products display the following symbols:
Warning, risk of electric
shock
Refer to manual for additional safety information.
Earth Ground.
Chassis Ground.
Alternating Current (AC).
Direct Current (DC)
vii
viii
Contents
2 Getting Started
Using This Chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Form C Switch Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Basic Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Typical Configurations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Configuring the Form C Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Warnings and Cautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Setting the Logical Address Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Setting the Interrupt Priority. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Installing the Form C Switch in a Mainframe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Configuring a Terminal Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Standard Terminal Module Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Terminal Module Option A3G Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Connecting User Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Wiring a Terminal Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Attaching a Terminal Module to the Form C Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Protecting Relays and Circuits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Relay Life Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Extending Relay Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Adding Relay and Circuit Protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Maximum Allowable Module Switch Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Programming the Form C Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Using SCPI Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Addressing the Form C Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Initial Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
3 Using the Form C Switch
Using This Chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Form C Switch Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Power-on and Reset Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Module Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Example: Module Identification (BASIC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Example: Module Identification (TURBO C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Switching Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Example: Opening/Closing Channels (BASIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Example: Voltage Switching (BASIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Example: Controlling RF Switches/Step Attenuators (BASIC). . . . . . . . . . . 42
Keysight E1463A Form C Switch User Guide ix
Example: Digital Output Configuration (BASIC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Example: Matrix Switching (BASIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Scanning Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Example: Scanning Using Trig In and Trig Out Ports (BASIC) . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Example: Scanning Using the TTL Trigger Bus (BASIC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Querying the Form C Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Example: Querying Channel Closures (BASIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Using the Scan Complete Bit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Example: Using the Scan Complete Bit (BASIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Saving and Recalling States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Example: Saving and Recalling State (BASIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Detecting Error Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Example: Detecting Error Conditions (BASIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Example: Detecting Error Conditions (Turbo C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Synchronizing the Form C Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Example: Synchronizing the Form C Switch (BASIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
4 E1463A Command Reference
Using This Chapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Command Types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Common Command Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
SCPI Command Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Command Separator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Abbreviated Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Implied Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Variable Command Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
SCPI Command Reference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
ABORt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Subsystem Syntax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
ARM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Subsystem Syntax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
ARM:COUNt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
ARM:COUNt? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
DISPlay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Subsystem Syntax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
DISPlay:MONitor:CARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
DISPlay:MONitor[:STATe] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
INITiate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Subsystem Syntax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
INITiate:CONTinuous. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
x Keysight E1463A Form C Switch User Guide
INITiate:CONTinuous? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
INITiate[:IMMediate] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
OUTPut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Subsystem Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
OUTPut:EXTernal[:STATe] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
OUTPut:EXTernal[:STATe]? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
OUTPut[:STATe]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
OUTPut[:STATe]?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
OUTPut:TTLTrgn[:STATe]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
OUTPut:TTLTrgn[:STATe]? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
[ROUTe:]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
[ROUTe:]CLOSe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
[ROUTe:]CLOSe?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
[ROUTe:]OPEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
[ROUTe:]OPEN? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
[ROUTe:]SCAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
STATus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Subsystem Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
STATus:OPERation:CONDition? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
STATus:OPERation:ENABle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
STATus:OPERation:ENABle? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
STATus:OPERation[:EVENt]?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
STATus:PRESet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
SYSTem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Subsystem Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
SYSTem:CDEScription? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
SYSTem:CPON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
SYSTem:CTYPe? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
SYSTem:ERRor? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
TRIGger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Subsystem Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
TRIGger[:IMMediate] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
TRIGger:SOURce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Keysight E1463A Form C Switch User Guide xi
TRIGger:SOURce?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
SCPI Commands Quick Reference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
IEEE 488.2 Common Commands Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
A Form C Switch Specifications
B Register-Based Programming
About This Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Register Programming vs. SCPI Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Addressing the Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
The Base Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
A16 Address Space Outside the Command Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
A16 Address Space Inside the Command Module or Mainframe . . . . . . . . 94
Register Offset. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Register Descriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Reading and Writing to the Registers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Manufacturer Identification Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Device Type Register. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Status/Control Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Reading the Status/Control Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Relay Control Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Programming Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Example: Reading the Registers (BASIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Example: Reading the Registers (C/HP-UX) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Example: Making Measurements (BASIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Example: Making Measurements (C/HP-UX) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Example: Scanning Channels (BASIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Example: Scanning Channels (C/HP-UX). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
C E1463A Error Messages
Error Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Error Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
xii Keysight E1463A Form C Switch User Guide
Keysight E1463A 32-Channel Form C Switch
User Guide
1 Getting Started
Using This Chapter
This chapter gives guidelines to get started using the E1463A 32-Channel, 5
Amp Form C Switch module (Form C switch), including:
Form C Switch Description page 13
Configuring the Form C Switch page 17
Configuring a Terminal Module page 21
Protecting Relays and Circuits page 27
Programming the Form C Switch page 32
Form C Switch Description
The E1463A 32-Channel, 5 Amp, Form C Switch module (Form C switch)
is defined as a VXIbus instrument. VXIbus plug-in modules installed in a
mainframe or used with a command module are treated as independent
instruments each having a unique secondary address.
Each instrument is also assigned a dedicated error queue, input and output
buffers, status registers and, if applicable, dedicated mainframe/command
module memory space for readings or data. An instrument may be composed of
a single plug-in module (such as a counter) or multiple plug-in modules (for a
switchbox or scanning multimeter instrument).
Basic Operation
The Form C switch is a C-Size VXIbus and VMEbus register-based product that
can be used for switching, scanning, and control. The switch can operate in a
C-Size VXIbus or VMEbus mainframe. The switch has 32 channels of Form C
relays. Each channel includes a relay with common (C), normally open (NO), and
normally closed (NC) contacts.
For the Form C switch, switching consists of opening or closing a channel relay
to provide alternate connections to user devices. Scanning consists of closing a
set of relays, one at a time.
13
Getting Started Form C Switch Description
TERMINAL MODULE
C0NO
C0C
C0NC
C0N0
C0C
C0NC
NCNO
Channe l 0
E1463A MODULE
Channe l 15
C15N0
C15C
C15C
NO NC
C15NC
C15C
C15NO
Pads
for M OVS
Pads
for M OVS
Jumper
Channel 16
NO
C16C
C16C
C16N0
NC
C16NC
C16C
C16NO
Channel 31
NO
C31C
C31C
C31N0
NC
C31C
C31NC
C31NO
As shown in Figure 1-1, the Form C switch module consists of 32 channels
(channels 00 through 31). Each channel uses a nonlatching relay. Varistors
(MOVs) can be added for relay protection and resistors or fuses can be added for
circuit protection. See "Adding Relay and Circuit Protection" for more information
on protecting relays.
External pull-up resistors can also be added for digital output applications. See
"Digital Output Configuration" for additional information about these
applications.
Figure 1-1 Form C Switch Simplified Schematic
14 Keysight E1463A 32-Channel Form C Switch User Guide
Form C Switch Description Getting Started
Each channel is switched by opening or closing the appropriate channel relay.
Since the relays are nonlatching, the relays are all open during power-up or
power-down.
When a reset occurs, all channel commons (C) are connected to the
corresponding normally closed (NC) contacts. When a channel is closed, the
common contact (C) is connected to the normally open contact (NO). User
inputs and outputs to each channel are via the NO, NC, and C terminal
connectors on the terminal module.
Typical Configurations
The Form C switch accepts user inputs up to 125 Vdc or 250 Vrms. Maximum
rated power capacity (external load) is 150 Wdc or 1250 VA per channel. Per
module, you can switch 1500 Wdc or 12500 VA.
As noted, the switch may be configured for general purpose switching/scanning
or digital output applications. For general purpose switching or scanning, no
additional configuration is required. To configure the switch for digital output
applications, install external pull-up resistors as required.
Multiple Form C switch modules can be configured as a switchbox instrument.
When using a switchbox instrument, multiple Form C switch modules within the
switchbox instrument can be addressed using a single interface address. This
configuration, however, requires the use of Standard Commands for
Programmable Instruments (SCPI).
General Purpose Relay Configuration
As factory-configured, the Form C switch module is set for general purpose relay
configuration. For this configuration, you can switch channels by opening or
closing channel relays or you can scan a set of channels.
Figure 1-2 shows a typical general purpose relay configuration for channel 00.
When the relay is open (NC terminal is connected to the C terminal), load 1 is
connected. When the relay is closed (NO terminal is connected to the C
terminal), load 2 is connected.
Keysight E1463A 32-Channel Form C Switch User Guide 15
Getting Started Form C Switch Description
C
NO
NC
Channel
00
C0NO
C0NC
C0C
TERMINAL
MODULE
2
1
+V
Relay Load
Open 1
Closed 2
MODULE
TERMINAL
C0NC
C0NO
Closed
Open
Relay
OV
+V
1
MODULE
E1463A
Channel
C
00
NC
NO
OV
0V
2
2
C0C
1
+V
Figure 1-2 General Purpose Relay Configuration
Digital Output Configuration
By installing external pull-up resistors, the Form C switch can be configured as a
digital output device. Figure 1-3 shows channel 00 configured for digital output
operation. When the channel 00 relay is open (NC connected to C), point 1 is at
+V. When the channel 00 relay is closed (NO connected to C), point 1 is at 0V.
Figure 1-3 Digital Output Configuration
16 Keysight E1463A 32-Channel Form C Switch User Guide
Configuring the Form C Switch Getting Started
Configuring the Form C Switch
This section gives guidelines to configure the Form C switch, including the
following topics. See "Configuring a Terminal Module" for guidelines to configure
the terminal modules. Section topics include:
– Warnings and Cautions
– Setting the Logical Address Switch
– Setting the Interrupt Priority
– Installing the Form C Switch in a Mainframe
Warnings and Cautions
SHOCK HAZARD. Only qualified, service-trained personnel
who are aware of the hazards involved should install,
configure, or remove the Form C switch module. Use only
wire rated for the highest input voltage and remove all
power sources from the mainframe and installed modules
before installing or removing a module.
MAXIMUM VOLTAGE/CURRENT. Maximum allowable voltage per channel
for the Form C switch is 125 Vdc or 250 Vrms. Maximum current per
channel is 5 Adc or ac rms (non-inductive). Maximum power of an
external load is 150 W or 1250 VA per channel or 1500 W or 12500 VA
per module. Exceeding any limit may damage the Form C switch.
STATIC ELECTRICITY. Static electricity is a major cause of component
failure. To prevent damage to the electrical components in the Form C
switch, observe anti-static techniques whenever removing a module
from the mainframe or whenever working on a module. The Form C
switch is susceptible to static discharges. Do not install the Form C
switch without its metal shield attached.
Setting the Logical Address Switch
The logical address switch (LADDR) factory setting is 120. Valid addresses are
from 1 to 255. The Form C switch can be configured as a single instrument or as
a switchbox. See Figure 1-4 for switch position information.
Keysight E1463A 32-Channel Form C Switch User Guide 17
Getting Started Configuring the Form C Switch
8+16+32+64=120
Logical Address = 120
Logical Address
Switc h Loc ation
128
64
32
16
8
4
2
1
C
L
O
S
E
D
O
P
E
N
CLOSED = Switch Set To 1 (ON)
OPEN = Switch Set To 0 (OFF)
The address switch selected value must be a multiple of 8 if the
module is the first module in a switchbox used with a VXIbus
command module and is being instructed by SCPI commands.
.
Figure 1-4 Setting the Logical Address Switch
Setting the Interrupt Priority
The Form C switch generates an interrupt after a channel has been closed. These
interrupts are sent to, and acknowledgments are received from, the command
module (E1406, for example) via the VXIbus backplane interrupt lines.
For most applications where the Form C switch is installed in a C-Size
18 Keysight E1463A 32-Channel Form C Switch User Guide
mainframe, the interrupt priority jumper does not have to be moved. This is
because the VXIbus interrupt lines have the same priority and interrupt priority is
established by installing modules in slots numerically closest to the command
module. Thus, slot 1 has a higher priority than slot 2, slot 2 has a higher priority
than slot 3, etc.
See Figure 1-5 to change the interrupt priority. You can select eight different
interrupt priority levels. Level 1 is the lowest priority and Level 7 is the highest
priority. Level X disables the interrupt. The Form C switch factory setting is Level
Configuring the Form C Switch Getting Started
Interrupt
2
2
X
1
Location
Priority
X
1
Using 2-Pin
5
3
4
6
7
Jumper
IRQ
Switch Location
Logical Address
5
3
4
6
7
Jumper
Using 4-Pin
IRQ
1. To change the interrupt priority, remove the 4-pin jumper from the old priority
location and reinstall in the new priority location. If the 4-pin jumper is not used,
the two jumper locations must have the same interrupt priority level selected.
The interrupt priority jumper MUST be installed in position 1 when
using the E1406 Command Module. Level X interrupt priority
should not be used under normal operating conditions. Changing
the priority level jumper is not recommended. Do not change
unless specifically instructed to do so.
Figure 1-5 Setting the Interrupt Priority
Installing the Form C Switch in a Mainframe
The E1463A may be installed in any slot, except slot 0, in a C-size VXIbus
mainframe. See Figure 1-6 to install the Form C switch in a mainframe.
Keysight E1463A 32-Channel Form C Switch User Guide 19
Getting Started Configuring the Form C Switch
in the extraction levers.
Seat the E1463A into
the mainframe by pushing
4 Tighten the top and bottom screws
to secure the module to the
To remove the module from the mainframe,
reverse the procedure.
mainframe.
Set the extraction levers out.1
3
Slide the E1463A into any slot
(except slot 0) until the backplane
connectors touch.
2
NOTE: The extraction levers will not
seat the backplane connectors on older
VXIbus mainframes. You must manually
seat the connectors by pushing in the
module until the module's front panel is
flush with the front of the mainframe. The
extraction levers may be used to guide or
remove the Form C switch.
Figure 1-6 Installing the Form C Switch in a VXIbus Mainframe
20 Keysight E1463A 32-Channel Form C Switch User Guide
Configuring a Terminal Module Getting Started
Configuring a Terminal Module
The E1463A 32-Channel, 5 Amp, Form C Switch consists of a relay switch card
and a screw type standard terminal module. In addition, a solder eye terminal
module (Option A3G) is available. User inputs to the Form C switch are to the
normally open (NO), normally closed (NC), and common (C) terminal connectors
on the terminal module. This section shows how to configure the terminal
modules, including:
– Standard Terminal Module Description
– Terminal Module Option A3G Description
– Connecting User Inputs
– Wiring a Terminal Module
– Attaching a Terminal Module to the Form C Switch
Standard Terminal Module Description
Figure 1-7 shows the standard screw type terminal module connectors and
associated channel numbers.
Figure 1-7 Standard Screw-type Terminal Module
Keysight E1463A 32-Channel Form C Switch User Guide 21
Getting Started Configuring a Terminal Module
Terminal Module Option A3G Description
Option A3G provides a plastic terminal module housing with solder eye
connectors (see Figure 1-8) that allows you to solder wires onto connectors
which are then inserted directly into the mating connector of the Form C switch.
See Figure 1-9 for pin-outs.
Figure 1-8 Option A3G Terminal Module
22 Keysight E1463A 32-Channel Form C Switch User Guide
Configuring a Terminal Module Getting Started
A32
Pin
00NO
01NO
02NO
03NO
A2
Pin
04NO
05NO
06NO
07NO
08NO
09NO
10NO
11NO
12NO
13NO
14NO
15NO
C2
Pin
15C
14C
11C
13C
12C
10C
09C
06C
08C
07C
05C
04C
C32
Pin
01C
02C
03C
00C
Pin
E2
15NC
14NC
11NC
13NC
12NC
10NC
09NC
06NC
08NC
07NC
05NC
04NC
Pin
E32
01NC
03NC
02NC
00NC
A2
Pin
31NO
30NO
Pin
C2
31C
30C
Pin
E2
31NC
30NC
27NO
29NO
28NO
26NO
25NO
22NO
23NO
24NO
21NO
20NO
27C
29C
28C
26C
25C
22C
24C
23C
21C
20C
A32
Pin
18NO
19NO
17NO
16NO
Pin
C32
17C
19C
18C
16C
27NC
29NC
28NC
26NC
25NC
22NC
24NC
23NC
21NC
20NC
E32
Pin
17NC
19NC
18NC
16NC
Connecting User Inputs
Figure 1-9 shows the front panel of the E1463A and the Form C switch connector
pin-out that mates to the terminal module. Actual user inputs are connected to
the applicable terminal module.
Figure 1-9 Form C Switch Pin-outs
Keysight E1463A 32-Channel Form C Switch User Guide 23
Getting Started Configuring a Terminal Module
Tighte n wraps to
secure wires
Remove Clear Cover1 Remove and Retain Wiring Exit Panel2
Make Connections3
Route WiringInstall Connectors (Solder Eye Only)45
A. Release Screws
B. Press Tab Forward
and Release
Tab
Remove 1 of the 3
wire exit panels
Size 16-26
AWG
5mm
0.2"
Use wire
VW1 Flammability
Rating
Insert wire into terminal.
Tighten screw.
Screw Type Solder Eye Type
Wiring a Terminal Module
Figures 1-10 and 1-11 show how to connect field wiring to the terminal module.
When making wiring connections, be sure the wires make good connections on
screw terminals. Maximum terminal wire size is No. 16 AWG. When wiring all
channels, a smaller gauge wire (No. 20 - 22 AWG)
is recommended. Wire ends should be stripped 6 mm (0.25 inch) and tinned to
prevent single strands from shorting to adjacent terminals.
Figure 1-10Wiring a Terminal Module (continued on next page)
24 Keysight E1463A 32-Channel Form C Switch User Guide
Configuring a Terminal Module Getting Started
Module
E1463A
Replace Wiring Exit Panel
for wire exit
holes in panels
Cut required
Install the Terminal
8
Module
6
possible
hole as small as
Keep wiring exit panel
Extraction
Levers
Terminal Module onto the E1463A
tighten screws
B. Press down and
Push in the Extraction Levers to Lock the
9
onto the fixture
A. Hook in the top cover tabs
Replace Clear Cover
7
Figure 1-11Wiring a Terminal Module
Keysight E1463A 32-Channel Form C Switch User Guide 25
Getting Started Configuring a Terminal Module
to free it from the Form C switch module.
levers and push both levers out simultaneously
use a small screwdriver to release the two extraction
To remove the terminal module from the E1463A,
onto the E1463A module.
Push in the extraction levers
to lock the terminal module
the terminal module to the
Apply gentle pressure to attach
Align the terminal module connectors
to the E1463A module connectors.
4
E1463A module.
extraction levers
to release the two
3
2
Levers
Extraction
Module
E1463A
Extraction Lever
Extend the extraction levers on the1
Use small screwdriver
terminal module.
Extraction Lever
Attaching a Terminal Module to the Form C Switch
Figure 1-12 gives guidelines to attach a terminal module to the Form C switch.
Figure 1-12Attaching a Terminal Module to the Form C Switch
26 Keysight E1463A 32-Channel Form C Switch User Guide
Protecting Relays and Circuits Getting Started
Protecting Relays and Circuits
This section gives guidelines to protect relays and circuits in the Form C switch,
including:
– Relay Life Factors
– Extending Relay Life
– Adding Relay and Circuit Protection
– Maximum Allowable Module Switch Current
Relays that wear out normally or fail due to misuse should not be
considered defective and are not covered by the product's
warranty.
Relay Life Factors
Relays have a shorter life span than other electronic parts, such as ICs. Because
of their mechanical nature, relays usually have about 10 million operations (at 30
operations per second) which is not quite 100 hours. Therefore, to get the full life
out of a relay in a switching module, you must protect the relay.
Loading and Switching Frequency
Electromechanical relays are subject to normal wear-out. Relay life depends on
several factors. The effects of loading and switching frequency are:
Relay Load. In general, higher power switching reduces relay life. In addition,
capacitive/inductive loads and high inrush currents (for example, turning on a
lamp or starting a motor) reduces relay life.
Exceeding specified maximum inputs can cause catastrophic
failure.
Switching Frequency. Relay contacts heat up when switched. As the switching
frequency increases, the contacts have less time to dissipate heat. The resulting
increase in contact temperature also reduces relay life.
End-of-Life Detection
A preventive maintenance routine can prevent problems caused by unexpected
relay failure. The end of the life of the relay can be determined by using one or
more of the following three methods. The best method (or combination of
methods), as well as the failure criteria, depends on the application in which the
relay is used.
Keysight E1463A 32-Channel Form C Switch User Guide 27
Getting Started Protecting Relays and Circuits
Contact Resistance. As the relay begins to wear out, its contact resistance
increases. When the resistance exceeds a predetermined value, the relay should
be replaced.
Stability of Contact Resistance. The stability of the contact resistance decreases
with age. Using this method, the contact resistance is measured several (5-10)
times and the variance of the measurements is determined. An increase in the
variance indicates deteriorating performance.
Number of Operations. Relays can be replaced after a predetermined number of
contact closures. However, this method requires knowledge of the applied load
and life specifications for the applied load.
Replacement Strategy
The replacement strategy depends on the application. If some relays are used
more often, or at a higher load, than the others, the relays can be individually
replaced as needed. If all the relays see similar loads and switching frequencies,
the entire circuit board can be replaced when the end of relay life approaches.
The sensitivity of the application should be weighed against the cost of replacing
relays with some useful life remaining.
Extending Relay Life
To help ensure full life for the relays, you should consider the following items.
Be aware of non-resistive loads. When switching inductive loads, high voltages
(thousands of volts) are produced across the relay contacts. This causes arcing
and transfer of material between contacts. Oxides and carbides from
components of the atmosphere coat the contacts and cause high contact
resistance.
The transfer of material creates hills and valleys that lock together to "weld"
contacts. Motor loads, for example, produce large inrush currents that can be 5
to 10 times greater than the steady state current. Table 1-1 summarizes inrush
current magnitudes for different types of loads.
Table 1-1 Inrush Currents
Type of
Load
Resistive 1 Incandescent Lamp 10 - 15
Capacitive 20 - 40 Mercury Lamp 3
Solenoid 10 - 20 Sodium Vapor Lamp 1 - 3
Inrush Current
Times
Steady State
Type of
Load
Inrush Current
Times
Steady State
Motor 5 - 10 Transformer 5 - 15
28 Keysight E1463A 32-Channel Form C Switch User Guide
Protecting Relays and Circuits Getting Started
Be aware of heavy current applications. When a relay is used in heavy current
applications, the thin layer of gold plating on the contact may be destroyed. This
will not affect the heavy current application. However, if you go back to a low
current application, a high contact resistance may be present and the relay
cannot be used for low current applications.
Use protective circuits with relay connections. The relay manufacturer (Aromat)
recommends some protective circuits that can be used with your relay
connections. See the Aromat Technical Data Book (AGC-C0064-A-1) for
additional information. Contact Aromat at (408) 433-0466 for more information.
Do not use capacitors. Capacitors are not to be placed across the load or relay
contacts. Capacitors may suppress arcs, but the energy stored in the capacitors
will flow through the relay contacts, welding them.
Adding Relay and Circuit Protection
The Form C switch has space for adding relay and circuit protection. Relay
protection can be added by placing a protective device across the specified pads.
This is done by adding metal oxide varistors (MOVs) between the common (C)
and normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC) terminals. As the voltage goes
up, the varistor draws current to protect the relay.
Circuit protection can be added by placing a protective device in series with the
common lead. This is done by adding a resistor between the common (C)
terminal and your circuit. When installing circuit protection, a jumper must be
removed first.
To install these protective devices it is necessary to remove the sheet metal
covers from the module. The locations for installing the devices are labeled as
shown in Table 1-2, where xx = the channel number. Do not install a capacitor in
any of these locations. Figure 1-13 shows locations where these protective
devices can be added.
Table 1-2 Protective Devices Board Locations
Relay Protection Circuit Protection
VxxO Varistor location across common (C) and normally open (NO).
VxxC Varistor location across common (C) and normally closed
(NC).
Circuit Protection
JMxx Resistor or fuse location in series with common (C).
Keysight E1463A 32-Channel Form C Switch User Guide 29
Getting Started Protecting Relays and Circuits
C
Relay
NCNO
VxxC
VxxO
J
M
x
x
xx = Channel Number
Figure 1-13Adding Relay and Circuit Protection
Maximum Allowable Module Switch Current
The Form C switch has an individual channel current specification of 5A.
However, if you apply 5A to all the channels with a relay contact resistance of .25
Ohms, the power dissipation is 200 W. Since, for example, the
E1401B mainframe can only provide cooling for 55W per slot (to keep the
temperature rise to 10
A reasonable maximum current for the entire mainframe is 50A. That is,
10 channels each carrying 5A or some combination of channels and currents that
total 50A. This will produce about 67.5 W of internal dissipation, leading to an
approximate 15
o
Figure 1-14 shows a typical way to derate the channels, in terms of current
throughout the channels, to keep internal power dissipation under 45 W and
o
67.5 W or 10
C and 15oC temperature rise, respectively.
o
C), this cannot be allowed to happen.
C temperature rise.
30 Keysight E1463A 32-Channel Form C Switch User Guide
Protecting Relays and Circuits Getting Started
1230 4 5 6 7 8 9 101112131415161718192021222324252627282930 31
0
1
2
3
4
5
No. of Switches Carrying Current
C
u
r
r
e
n
t
P
e
r
S
w
itc
h
-
A
M
P
S
=45 Watt MF Diss
=67.5 Watt MF Diss
E1401 B Mainframe and
.25 Relay Contact Resistance
Figure 1-14Typical Form C Switch Allowable Switch Current
Keysight E1463A 32-Channel Form C Switch User Guide 31
Getting Started Programming the Form C Switch
Programming the Form C Switch
This section gives guidelines to program the Form C switch, including:
– Using SCPI Commands
– Addressing the Form C Switch
– Initial Operation
Using SCPI Commands
There are several ways you can program the Form C switch. One way is
to write directly to the registers. This method can provide better throughput
speed. However, it requires more knowledge of the Form C switch design.
Another way to program the Form C switch is to use an E1406 Command Module
and SCPI commands. With SCPI commands, the command module parses the
commands and writes to the appropriate Form C switch register.
You can use different controllers and different programming languages.
However, most examples in this manual use SCPI commands and an
HP 9000 Series 200/300 (or equivalent) computer running BASIC or a
PC with an 82350A (or equivalent) Interface Card (with command library) running
Borland
Turbo C.
Most examples in this manual use SCPI commands. See Appendix
B for information on writing directly to the registers.
To address specific channels (relays) within a Form C switch, you must specify
the SCPI command and switch channel list. Table 1-3 lists the most commonly
used commands.
Table 0-1. Typical SCPI Commands
SCPI Command Description
CLOSe <channel_list> Connects the normally open (NO) terminal to the
common (C) terminal for the channels specified.
OPEN <channel_list> Connects the normally closed (NC) terminal to the
common (C) terminal for the channels specified.
SCAN <channel_list> Closes the set of Form C relays, one at a time.
32 Keysight E1463A 32-Channel Form C Switch User Guide
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