Agilent PRG-8762A Programming Guide

High performance switches for microwave and RF instrumentation and systems
Agilent Technologies offers a versatile line of multiport coaxial switches. These 50 mechanical-latching switches come with the performance and relia­bility that you have come to expect in Agilent microwave accessories.
Offering excellent electrical and mechanical performance with broad­band operation, high isolation, low SWR, long life, and exceptional repeatability, these switches are designed with your applications in mind. Frequency ranges are available to 4 GHz and 18 GHz for the A and B models with SMA connectors and to
26.5 GHz for the C models with APC-
3.5 connectors.
The 8762A, 8762B, and 8762C (Figure 1) are single-pole double­throw switches with high isolation, > 100 dB at 4 GHz for the A model,
> 90 dB at 18 GHz for the B model and > 50 dB at 26.5 GHz for the C model. All models terminate the unused port with 50 , a key feature for your applications where low SWR is required on all ports.
The 8763A, 8763B, and 8763C (Figure 2) have 4 RF ports with one internal 50 termination designed for applications requiring a transfer switch or a cross switching element.
Agilent 8762/3/4A,B,C
Coaxial Switches
Product Overview
Figure 1. Agilent 8762 Figure 2. Agilent 8763
2
The 8764A, 8764B, and 8764C (Figure 3) round out the family with 5 RF ports, giving you flexibility to configure the switch for your specific needs.
Applications
Multi-source switching
The 8762A, 8762B or 8762C is an excellent choice for applications where you require selection of multiple signal sources, frequency counters, or signal control devices such as modulators or filters, or routing signals from multiple sources as shown in Figure 4.
Transfer switching
For applications requiring a “transfer switch,” as shown in Figure 5, an 8763A, B, or C is the ideal choice to insert a component, such as a filter or mixer, into a signal path. Another pop­ular use is to switch between a device under test and a through path for system calibration. The 8763A,B,C’s internal load can terminate the device under test when in the through mode (up to 1 watt).
Reverse signal path
Figure 6 shows how an 8762 and 8764 may be used to provide a “transceiver” configuration. This example illustrates how one amplifier can be used to transmit or receive. Any application where the signal path direction needs to be reversed could use this configuration.
Figure 3. Agilent 8764
Figure 4. Multi-source switching
Figure 5. Agilent 8763 used as a transfer switch (equivalent circuit action)
Figure 6. Signal reversal
Port 4
Solenoid
drive pin #2
(-)(+)
Port 5
Solenoid
drive pin #1
(-)
Port 1
Port 2
Common drive pin
Pivot
armature
Port 3
Signal
in
2
Device
4
1
Signal out
3
8762
Solenoid
drive pin #1
(-)
Common drive pin
Pivot
armature
Solenoid
drive pin #2
(-)(+)
Solenoid
drive pin #1
(-)
8764
Common drive pin
Pivot
armature
Solenoid
drive pin #2
(-)(+)
Signal
source A
Signal
source B
8762B
To receiver
1
C
50
4
2
50
1
3
2
5
3
Portable and remote applications
Due to their small package size, light weight, low power consumption, and high reliability, these switches are ideal for your portable or remote applications. The light weight and repeatability make them well suited for portable spectrum analyzers and other portable microwave test equip­ment. Their 1,000,000 cycle life make them the ideal candidate for system design, such as communications repeaters or remote monitoring sta­tions that demand minimal mainte­nance. The switch’s automatic coil disconnect feature and low current drain during switching minimize the amount of power needed for operat­ing the switches.
Dedicated switching
For larger switching systems, where many switches will be used to provide complex signal routing, a switch driv­er such as the 87130A or 70611A is recommended. The 87130A rack-and­stack switch driver and the MMS­based 70611A are convenient, flexible interface bus (GPIB) or modular sys­tems interface bus (MS-IB) switch controllers, providing driver circuitry, indicator readback circuitry and firmware that makes it easy to integrate switch components into a switching system. Controlling the 87130A is simple using either a PC or workstation based GPIB controller and Agilent Interactive Test Generator (Agilent-ITG) or Agilent Visual Engineering Environment (Agilent VEE). The 70611A gives manual control via the MMS user interface or can also be controlled via an GPIB equipped PC or workstation.
In addition, the built-in firmware makes it possible to define often used switch paths. With the path com­mand, macros can be designed which open and close the right solenoids to select the desired switch port, and the path may be given a meaningful name. Remember that only one select pin should be activated at one time to prevent rapid cycling of the switch.
Both the 87130A and 70611A provide position monitoring and reporting, which make it possible for a program to determine if all the switches are in their proper state (position) before the program continues with testing. A programmable wake up condition makes it possible to ensure that the matrix or switching system starts up in a predetermined state, to prevent damage to delicate equipment from excessive power. This would also be the state that the system returns to after a power interruption.
Accessory cables and adapters make it easy to quickly get the 8762/3/4 working with the 87130A or 70611A. Reference literature number 5963­2038E, Switch Attenuator Driver Configuration Guide.
For smaller switching needs, the 11713A attenuator/switch controller provides simple GPIB control for up to ten 8762/3/4 switches. Connecting cables can be ordered which make it easy to connect the switches to the 11713A.
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