HP 3499A/B Switch/Control Mainframe
product
Test at the speed of the Revolution
CONFIDENCE
It’s what switching means to your test system
HP 3499A/B Switch/Control Mainframe
HP 3499 family is a high speed, high density switching solution for automatic test (ATE) applications that
provides a 30% cost and space savings over its predecessor-the HP 3488A.
The HP 3499A can scan at rates up to 80 channels per second, or open/close 200 channels in less than 0.1 second.
It can accommodate up to 5 plug-in option modules, routing up to 200 channels in a test system. The user can
choose from 19 plug-in modules to switch signals from DC to 26 GHz, or 1 mV to 250 V, or 1 mA to 5 A. The HP
3499B is a half-rack-width, 2-slot mainframe, switching up to 80 channels for ATE or desktop operations. Both
units have a concise user interface that is extremely useful for manual operation on the manufacturing floor or in
desktop applications. High performance switching modules, multi-function modules, built-in relay cycle counters
and easy interconnections, all give you confidence in our switching solution for your test system.
Contents
What can you expect from a switching system ........................... 3
Overview of front panel and rear panel............................................ 4
HP 3499A/B mainframe specifications..............................................4
Ideal switching solution for automatic test .................................... .5
ATE feature checklist.......................................................................... .6
Applications .......................................................................................... 7
Customize your HP 3499A/B with plug-in modules.......................... 8
Plug-in module selection guide.......................................................... 9
Module specifications
Multiplexer modules
40-channel multiplexer module ..........................................10
10-channel multiplexer module .......................................... 17
20-channel multiplexer module .......................................... 17
General purpose relay modules
40-channel general purpose relay module ....................... 11
10-channel general purpose relay module ....................... 18
20-channel general purpose relay module ....................... 18
Matrix modules
4 x 8 matrix module .............................................................. 12
4 x 4 matrix module .............................................................. 19
Digital I/O modules
32-bit digital I/O module....................................................... 13
16-bit digital I/O module....................................................... 20
Multifunction modules.............................................................. 14
Dual 1 x 4 VHF multiplexer
(300 MHz, 50Ω) module........................................................ 19
Breadboard module..................................................................20
Microwave module...................................................................21
Microwave relay driver module..............................................21
Dual 1 x 4 RF multiplexer
(1.3GHz, 50/75 Ω) module..................................................... 22
Rack mounting kits............................................................................. 23
Ordering information.......................................................................... 24
2
What can you expect from a high-speed and
high-density switching system that’s this affordable ?
Performance you can trust
While traditional switching mainframes open/close
relays in sequence, the HP 3499A/B use innovative
parallel driving circuits to open/close switches
simultaneously. The HP 3499A can drive up to 50
channels in 25 ms. The parallel operation of the HP
3499A/B significantly increases the test throughput of
an automated test system.
HP 3499 family also provides high-density modules with
up to 40 channels per module. Two multi-function
modules integrate switching and digital I/O in one
module and enhance system performance.
Powerful flexibility to get your job done
We put in a lot of effort to make the HP 3499 switching
family products as flexible as possible, so that it can be
tailored to meet your needs.
HP 3499 family includes two mainframes. HP 3499A is a
5-slot mainframe and HP 3499B, a 2-slot mainframe.
These two mainframes will accommodate a full range
of 19 different modules, including multiplexer, general
purpose relay, matrix, digital I/O, VHF module, RF
module, microwave module, Form-C relay, and two
special multifunction modules. By combining these
mainframes and modules, test engineers can set up
their test system with fewer modules in less space and
also reduce the cost and complexity of the test system.
High throughput in a small space. You can
increase test throughput without adding floor
"Just enough" functionality. Wide range of
Multi-function modules integrating switching
increasing reliability. Users can now have
simple, robust interconnections for system set-
HP 3499 Family Main Features
space.
modules to select from.
and digital I/O.
Built-in relay cycle counters for ease of
preventative maintenance.
Easy wiring for simplifying cabling and
up and fast module exchange.
Easy to use
Easy-to-use interface means quick test system set-up in
an automatic test environment. From the simplified
configuration procedures, to the self-guiding front
panel interface, to the easy-to-use module connection
accessories, we put in extra time and energy to save
your time and energy. Simple things, like the built-in
relay cycle counters and well-organized user
documentation, allow you to operate the HP 3499A/B
within 20 minutes after taking it out of the box,
resulting in an increased productivity.
Standard RS-232 and GPIB interfaces and SCPI
programming language make your test system
integration easy.
3
Higher density, higher speed and more flexible
than you could have ever imagined at this price
Easy to read display
Internal power supply to support parallel relay operation
Quick access to most-often-used functions
Intuitive self-guiding menu
Monitor display mode to make developing programs easier
Store/recall keys for easy/fast set up
Compatibility with all HP 3488A modules protects your investment
19 plug-in modules to choose from for switching and control
2-slot HP 3499B mainframe offers up to 80 channels
(5-slot HP 3499A mainframe offers up to 200 channels)
Built-in GPIB and RS-232 interfaces
Built-in digital I/O and external trigger link
Automatic line voltage sensing between 100-240 V
HP 3499 Mainframe Specification
Items Specifications
General
Display Vacuum Fluorescent
Rear Panel Connectors GPIB; RS-232; 8-pin mini DIN Connector (5 pins for Digital I/O, 3 pins for external trigger)
Power Supply 100 to 240 VAC universal input (47 Hz to 63 Hz); 100-127 VAC (400Hz); 40 VA maximum
Operating Environment 0° C to 55° C, <80% RH (0° C to 40° C)
Storage Environment -40° C to +70° C
Net Weight HP 3499A: 3.8 kg (8.4bs); HP 3499B: 2.5 kg (5.5bs)
Dimensions HP 3499A: H 89mm, W 426mm, L 348mm; HP 3499B: H 89mm, W 213mm, L 348mm
Safety Conforms to CSA, UL-1244, IEC 1010 Cat I
RFI and ESD CISPR 11, IEC 80 1/2/3/4
Warranty 1 year
System
Slot Capacity HP 3499A: 5 slots; HP 3499B: 2 slots.
Memory Battery backup, 4-year typical life (Temperature over 40°C will decrease battery life)
Relay Setting Time Automatically selected by the mainframe for each module.
Trigger Source External trigger (rear panel Mini-DIN connector); GPIB bus (GET,*TRG) or RS232 (*TRG)
External Trigger Trigger pulse width: >2us, External Trigger Delay: <2ms.
Built-in 4 digital I/O Input: TTL compatible; Vo (L): <0.8V@Io=-100mA;Vo (H): >2.4V@Io=1mA; Vout (H) ≤ 42V.
Store States: 10 states in SCPI mode; 40 states in HP3488A mode; Error store: 10 in SCPI mode, 1 in 3488 mode
4
High-speed and high-density switching solution ideal for automatic test
Customize your test system
with 2 mainframes and 19 modules
Test engineers want "just enough" testing and do not
want to pay extra for something they do not plan to use
immediately. The 2 mainframes and 19 modules allow
you to customize the HP 3499 switch and control
system to meet your unique requirements. Buy only
what you need - and add more modules later as your
application grows.
The HP 3499 family allows the user to select a costeffective configuration for specific applications. Newly
designed high density switch modules reduce cost by
compacting a large number of channels on a single
module. The HP 3499A contains 5 slots that can
accommodate up to 200 channels switching for those
large switching applications on the manufacturing floor.
The HP 3499B contains 2 slots for switching up to 80
channels, a cost-effective solution for small
manufacturing or desktop applications. Both units are
designed for easy installation in a standard rack.
Use high-density modules or multifunction modules to
save money and space
HP 3499 family provides modules that contain up to 40
switching channels per module. This will greatly reduce
the per channel cost and save rack and floor space. T est
engineers can set up the test system with fewer
modules using less space and also reduce the cost and
complexity of the test system. The result is that users
spend less money without sacrificing performance and
quality.
Two multifunction modules are also introduced along
with the HP 3499 family. The N2264A includes 12
general purpose relay channels, 3 high current general
purpose relay channels, and 16 bits of digital I/O. The
N2265A combines a 4x4 matrix switch with 16 bits of
digital I/O on one module. With HP 3499B, users can
configure a small but versatile switching/control test
system. The 3 power relay channels in N2264A can
switch signals up to 5 A. These power relays are very
useful in test systems such as cellular phone test,
battery test and UPS test where only two or three high
current channels are required.
Easy wiring with versatile module connection
accessories
We understand that wiring requires a lot of your time
and energy, and the HP 3499 switching products have
been designed to make it easier for you. The HP 3499
family provides two connection accessories to minimize
your wiring time and effort. Both the removable screw
terminal blocks and crimp & insert terminal blocks are
detachable from the switching modules, eliminating the
need for rewiring the connector if a switching module
is replaced.
The six high-density modules use industry standard
DIN96 connectors for better flexibility. The modules
are equipped with DIN96-to-D50(25) cables for easy
connection to the DUT and test instruments. Using
these cables, you have completely eliminated all wiring.
Screw terminal block
Crimp & Insert terminal block
DIN96-to-D25 cable
5
Built-in relay cycle counter
to facilitate test system maintenance
In a high-speed automatic test equipment (ATE)
system, unplanned downtime can be fatal to a highyield production line. To help test engineers perform
preventative maintenance by predicting relay end-oflife, there are built-in relay cycle counters on the 5
high-density switching modules, thereby avoiding
costly production line downtime. The relay cycle
counter automatically counts every individual relay
closure and stores the number in the on-board nonvolatile memory. A simple "DIAG: CYC? Chan. xx "
command recalls the total number of cycles for
individual relays, making scheduled preventative
maintenance possible.
Take the guesswork
out of relay maintenance
The HP 3499A/B use our proprietary
relay maintenance systems to help you
predict relay end-of-life and avoid costly
production line down time. It
automatically counts every individual
switch closure and stores it in non-
Compatibility with HP 3488A
The HP 3499 family is both hardware and software
compatible to the world's most popular switch/control
unit -the HP 3488A. All 13 of the HP 3488A modules
will work in the HP 3499A/B mainframes. The HP
3499A/B can be operated with SCPI (Standard
Commands for Programmable Instruments) or the HP
3488A command sets. Upgrading from an HP 3488A to
an HP 3499A doubles your channel capacity and lowers
your cost per channel with no additional cost in
modules.
volatile memory on each module. You can
query the total number of cycles on any
individual channel so you can schedule
maintenance and avoid random end-of-
life failures.
ATE Feature Checklist
• Selection of full-rack-width and half-rack-width mainframes
• Total of 19 modules include multiplexers, general purpose relays, matrix switches, digital input
and output, VHF modules, RF modules, and microwave relays
• Switch signals from DC to 26 GHz, or from 1mV to 250 V, or from 1 mA to 5 A
• 2 multifunction plug-in modules integrating switching and digital I/O
• Built-in relay cycle counters for preventative maintenance
• Scan rates up to 80 channels/second
• Parallel open/close operation of 200 channels in 0.1 second
• Removable screw terminal blocks and crimp & insert terminal blocks available
• GPIB and 57.6 Kbaud RS-232 standard instrument interfaces
• One-year warranty for mainframes
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Application examples
Cellular phone test
In a typical cellular phone final test system there is a
switch system, a GSM/CDMA test set, a DMM (digital
multimeter), a power supply, and a spectrum analyzer.
An HP 3499A with a multifunction module (N2264A), a
digital I/O module (N2263A), and a matrix module
(N2262A) provides the switching solution needed in
this test system. The 3 general purpose high current
relays in the N2264A switch the cellular phone power
supplies --- main battery, backup battery, or charger.
With the 3 relays on N2264A, the DMM tests the
sleeping, standby, and working current - between 0.1
mA and about 4 A. Eight bits of digital I/O drives the
external solenoid coils to simulate key pressing. Eight
additional bits of digital I/O are used to drive a coaxial
relay to route the RF signal coming from the phone
antenna to GSM/CDMA test set for camping, call setup,
power level, BER test, or to spectrum analyzer for
spectrum leakage tests. Three more bits of digital I/O
are used to communicate with the cellular phone under
test. Working with the DMM, the matrix module
switches the voice signals to/from the cellular phone for
audio testing.
Pager Test
A typical test system that tests the pager PC board
consists of an HP 3499B equipped with one multiplexer
module (N2260A), one matrix module (N2262A), one
DMM, and one power supply. This compact test system
can test one pager. In this configuration, one 2-meter
rack is capable of holding 6-8 test systems. One matrix
channel switches the DUT (pager) on/off. Using a
multiplexer channel, the DMM tests the bias voltage of
the mixer, front-end amplifier, and filters to ensure that
the different circuits of the pager are working properly.
Using a multiplexer channel, the DMM also tests the
working/standby current to ensure the battery
operating time specification is met.
HP 3499A
N2262A
N2263A
N2264A
DMM Power Supply
GSM/CDMA Test Set
Spectrum Analyzer
A typical cellular phone test system
HP 3499B
N2260A
N2262A
DMM
Power Supply
Monitor
A typical pager board test system
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Customize your HP 3499A/B with plug-in modules
We invested a lot of time and energy in studying actual switching applications and tailoring the switching
modules for different applications. Six high density modules (HP N2260A, N2261A, N2262A, N2263A,
N2264A and N2265A) plus the 13 existing modules (HP 44470A/D, 44471A/D, 44472A, 44473A, 44474A,
44475A, 44476A/B, 44477A, and 44478A/B) for the HP 3488A can cover a wide variety of signals with
superior flexibility.
Different switching for applications
A general purpose relay is used to turn on/off the DUT
(device under test), instruments, motors, pumps and
LEDs, or to form an attenuation network with L, C, R
components.
A multiplexer is used for switching signal to
instrumentation by connecting many test points to an
instrument, or a DUT to many instruments. The
instruments can include multimeters, oscilloscopes,
spectrum analyzers, and counters, etc. There are onewire, two-wire, three-wire or four-wire multiplexers. A
one-wire multiplexer is very useful in high frequency
(30 MHz - 26 GHz) applications and common ended
signal switching. The two-wire multiplexer is very
useful for floating measurements where you need to
switch both the "high" and "low" paths. The three-wire
multiplexer is mostly used for the guarded
measurements that have very high CMRR (Common
Mode Rejection Ratio). The four-wire multiplexer is
mainly used for 4-wire precision ohm measurements.
A matrix switch is used when one or more instruments
are connected to one or more test points at the same
time. By using a matrix switch, you can connect any
point on a column to any point on a row. A matrix
switch offers maximum flexibility, but you need to use
more relays and be careful to avoid crosstalk between
channels.
A digital I/O module has both input & output bits for
digital sensing and is mainly used to control external
devices, such as motors, LEDs, and microwave relays.
The digital I/O can also be used to send and receive
digital patterns to/from the DUT, and to communicate
with other devices.
Six high density modules
Now test engineers have a 40-channel 2-wire
multiplexer in roughly the same space as only one of
the HP 3488A's 10-channel switching modules. The six
high density modules reduce cost by compacting a large
number of channels on a single module. There are also
two multifunction modules for applications a that
require variety of functions in limited space. The
N2264A includes 12 general purpose relay channels, 3
high current channels and 16-bit digital I/O. The
N2265A includes a 4 x 4 matrix switch and 16-bit of
digital I/O. With these two modules and HP 3499B, the
half-rack-width mainframe, you will have a compact
switching unit in a small space and at a low cost!
Flexible channel capacity
The 19 modules in HP 3499 family provide a large
variety of channel selections to match your test system
application (10-200 channels in one mainframe). The
total channel count ranges from 10, 20, to 40 channels
per module. You can customize your HP 3499A/B with
these modules to match the channel count and
switching topologies to meet your individual needs.
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