Agilent Technologies Agilent 3499A User manual

Agilent 3499A/B/C
Switch/Control system
User’s Guide
©Copyright Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2000, 2002
For Safety information, Warranties, and Regulatory information,
see the pages following the Index.
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Agilent 3499A/B/C at a Glance
The Agilent Technologies 3499A/B/C Switch/Control System provides a
convenient mechanical and programming environment for a variety of
plug-in modules. With appropriate plug-in modules, the Switch/Control
System provides high density/high speed switching and digital I/O
capability.
Switch/Control System Features
•Intuitive and easy-to-use user interface
•GPIB (IEEE 488) or RS-232 interface control
•External triggering capability
•Built-in 4-bit digital I/O port
•Store and recall up to 50 customized instrument setups
•SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments)
compatibility
•Relay cycle count information for preventive maintenance
•Downloadable firmware upgrades
Agilent 3499A Features
•Five plug-in slots
•Full rack width
Agilent 3499B Features
•Two plug-in slots
•Half rack width
Agilent 3499C Features
•Nine plug-in slots
•Full rack width
Note: Unless otherwise indicated, this manual applies to all Serial Numbers.

3
Plug-in Modules at a Glance
The Agilent 3499A/B/C mainframes support a variety of plug-in modules
to make test system configuration easy. Each module is described in
more detail later in this manual.
Multiplexer Modules
N2260A 40-Channel MUX Module (armature relays)
N2266A 40-Channel MUX Module (reed relays)
N2270A 10-Channel High Voltage MUX Module
44470A 10-Channel MUX Module
44470D 20-Channel MUX Module
General Purpose Relay Modules
N2261A 40-Channel GP Relay Module
N2267A 8-Channel High Current GP Module
44471A 10-Channel GP Relay Module
44471D 20-Channel GP Relay Module
44477A 7-Channel Form-C Relay Module
Matrix Modules
N2262A 4 x 8 Matrix Module
44473A 4 x 4 Matrix Module
High Frequency Switching Modules
N2268A 50Ω3.5GHz Dual 4-to-1 MUX Module
N2272A 1 GHz RF 1-to-9 MUX Module
N2276A/B Dual 1-to-6 (4) Microwave MUX/Attenuator Module
44472A Dual 4-Channel VHF Switch Module
44478A/B 50Ω/75Ω 1.3 GHz Multiplexer
44476A 3-Channel 18 GHz Switch Module
44476B 2-Channel Microwave Switch Module
Optical Switch Modules
N2280A Optical Switch Quad 1-to-2 MUX Module
N2281A Optical Switch Dual 1-to-4 MUX Module
N2282A Optical Switch 1-to-8 MUX Module
Digital I/O Modules
N2263A 32-Bit Digital I/O Module
44474A 16-Bit Digital I/O Module
Multifunction/Special Purpose Modules
N2264A 12-Channel GP & 3-Channel High-current GP & 16-Bit Digital I/O
N2265A 4 x 4 Matrix & 16-Bit Digital I/O Module
44475A Breadboard Module

4
The Front Panel at a Glance
Note The front panel shown above is the Agilent 3499B. The 3499A and 3499C
front panels are similar and have identical functionality.
1. Power On/Standby 8. Scan Keys (see page 85)
2. Reset Module/Instrument 9. Main Menu
3. Shift/Local 10. Open/Close Relay Channels
4. Store/Recall Instrument State 11. Enter a Value/Confirm Selection
5. Monitor Channel/Port/Module 12. Read/Write Digital I/O Ports
6. View Menu 13. Knob
7. Mode Menu 14. Navigation Arrow Keys

5
The Display at a Glance
The display is divided into several areas. The channel and slot number is
always displayed on the right corner of the display. The main area,
which is in the center of the display, is primarily used to display channel
status (open or closed), information messages, menu items, prompt infor-
mation, error messages, and so on. Around the display are annunciators
to indicate various states of the instrument operation. The annunciators
are summarized below.
Other annunciators in the display are not used in the Agilent 3499A/B/C
system.
Channel/Slot Number
Annunciators
Annunciator Indication
SCAN Scan is initiated.
MON Instrument is in monitor mode.
VIEW Scan list, errors or relay cycle counts are being viewed.
CONFIG Any configuration key has been pressed.
* Instrument is advancing a scan step.
ADRS Instrument is active on the remote interface.
RMT Instrument is in remote mode.
ERROR Error queue is not empty.
EXT Scan is waiting for external trigger source.
SHIFT Shift key has been pressed.

6
The Rear Panel at a Glance
The figure below shows the Agilent 3499A rear panel.
The figure below shows the Agilent 3499B rear panel.
Slot 4
Slot 5
Slot 1
Slot 2
Slot 3
GPIB Connector RS-232 Connector
Mini DIN Connector
Power Input
Slot 0
Control Module
Slot 1
Slot 2
GPIB Connector RS-232 Connector
Mini DIN Connector
Power Input
Slot 0
Control Module

7
The figure below shows the Agilent 3499C rear panel.
Option FP1 (1-slot) and FP2 (2-slot) filler panels can be ordered to cover
any unused slots.
WARNING For protection from electrical shock, the power cord ground must not be
defeated.
The Mini DIN Connector
The rear panel mini DIN connector is used to make connections to
external triggers and the built-in digital I/O port. An Agilent N2289A
cable (mini DIN to D9) can be ordered to assist connections to external
devices. The figure below shows the pins used in the mini DIN connector.
GPIB Connector
RS-232 Connector
Mini DIN Connector
Power Input
Slot 1 Slot 2 Slot 3 Slot 4 Slot 5
Slot 6
Slot 7 (2 slot width)
Slot 8 (3 slot width)
Slot 9 (3 slot width)
Slot 0
Control Module

8
In This Book
Quick Start Chapter 1 prepares the switch/control system for use and
helps you get familiar with a few of its front-panel features.
Front-Panel Menu Operation Chapter 2 introduces you to the front-
panel menu and describes some of the switch/control system’s menu
features.
System Overview Chapter 3 gives an overview of a switch/control
system, describes how parts of the system work together, and describes
the channel addressing scheme used.
Features and Functions Chapter 4 gives a detailed description of the
switch/controlsystem’s capabilities and operation. This chapter is useful
for operating the switch/controlsystem from the front panel or the remote
interface.
Remote Interface Reference Chapter 5 contains a SCPI language
reference used to program the switch/control system over a remote
interface.
Error Messages Chapter 6 lists the error messages that may appear as
you are working with the instrument.
Plug-in Modules Chapter 7 gives detailed information for each plug-in
module. Each module and its wiring is described. Additionally, wiring
information for terminal blocks, crimp-and-insert connections, BNC and
SMA connections, and special cables is included.
Application Programs Chapter 8 contains several remote interface
application programs to help you develop programs for your switch/
control system.
Specifications Chapter 9 lists the technical specifications for the
mainframe and plug-in modules.
If you have questions relating to the operation of the Agilent 3499A/B/C,
call 1-800-452-4844 in the United States, or contact your nearest Agilent
Technologies Sales Office.
If your 3499A/B/C fails within one year of purchase, Agilent will either
repair or replace it free of charge. Call 1-877-447-7278 in the United
States (and ask for “Agilent Express”) or contact your local Agilent
Technologies Sales Office.

9
Contents
Contents
Chapter 1 Quick Start 13
To Prepare the Instrument for Use 15
To Install a Module in the 3499A/B/C 17
Basic Operation 19
To Rack Mount the 3499A/B/C 23
Filler Panels 26
Chapter 2 Front-Panel Operation 27
To Power On the Instrument 29
To Monitor a Channel or a Slot 29
To Use a Digital I/O Port 31
To View Instrument Errors 36
Scanning Operation 38
To Pair Two Modules Together 41
To Configure for External Trigger 42
To Configure the Power-on State 44
To Configure the Remote Interface 46
To Perform a Self-test 51
To Query the Firmware Revision 52
To Query the Serial Number 53
Local/Remote Control 54
Chapter 3 System Overview 55
Agilent 3499A/B/C Switch/Control System 57
Mainframes Overview 58
Firmware and Control Module Description 59
Plug-in Modules Overview 61
Channel and Slot Addressing 70
Factory Default and Reset States 74

10
Contents
Contents
Chapter 4 Features and Functions 77
SCPI Language Conventions 79
Monitoring a Channel or a Slot 80
Switching a Relay Channel 82
Configuring a Multiplexer Module 83
Parallel Switching 84
Scanning 85
Digital I/O Operation 95
State Storage 106
Error Conditions 108
Self-Test 109
Display Control 110
Relay Cycle Counts 111
To Select the System Mode 112
Chapter 5 Remote Interface Reference 113
SCPI Command Syntax 115
3499A/B/C SCPI Alphabetical Reference 116
3499A/B/C SCPI Commands Functionally Grouped 122
Switch Commands 127
Specific Plug-in Module Commands 129
Scanning Commands 132
Digital I/O Commands 139
State Storage Commands 147
Status System Commands 148
System Information Commands 153
System-Level Control Commands 156
RS-232 Commands 160
About the SCPI Language 161
Chapter 6 Error Messages 165
Execution Errors 167
Instrument Errors 170
Self-Test Errors 172

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Contents
4
Contents
Chapter 7 Plug-in Modules 173
N2260A 40-Channel MUX Module 176
N2261A 40-Channel GP Relay Module 182
N2262A 4 x 8 2-Wire Matrix Switch Module 185
N2263A 32-bit Digital I/O Module 188
N2264A Multifunction Module 192
N2265A Multifunction Module 196
N2266A 40-Channel MUX Module 200
N2267A 8-Channel High Current GP Module 206
N2268A 50Ω3.5 GHz Dual 1-to-4 MUX Module 210
N2270A 10-Channel High Voltage MUX Module 212
N2272A 1 GHz RF 1-to-9 MUX Module 214
N2276A Dual 1-to-6(4) Microwave MUX/Attenuator Module 217
N2276B Microwave MUX/Attenuator Module 221
N2280A Quadruple 1-to-2 Optical Switch Module 225
N2281A Dual 1-to-4 Optical Switch Module 226
N2282A 1-to-8 Optical Switch Module 228
44470A 10-Channel MUX Module 230
44470D 20-Channel MUX Module 233
44471A 10-Channel GP Relay Module 236
44471D 20-Channel GP Relay Module 239
44472A Dual 4-Channel VHF Switch Module 242
44473A 4 x 4 2-Wire Matrix Switch Module 245
44474A 16-Bit Digital I/O Module 248
44475A Breadboard Module 251
44476A Microwave Switch Module 257
44476B Microwave Switch Module 260
44477A Form-C Relay Module 265
44478A/B 1.3 GHz Dual 4-to-1 MUX Modules 267
Protection Networks 272
Terminals and Connections Information 275
Chapter 8 Application Programs 289
Visual C++ Example Program 291
Visual BASIC Example Program 293
VB.net Example Program 296
BASIC Example Program 298

12
Contents
Contents
Chapter 9 Specifications 299
3499A/B/C Mainframe 301
N2260A 40-Channel MUX Module 303
N2261A 40-Channel GP Relay Module 305
N2262A 4 x 8 2-Wire Matrix Switch Module 307
N2263A 32-bit Digital I/O Module 309
N2264A Multifunction Module 310
N2265A Multifunction Module 313
N2266A 40-Channel MUX Module 315
N2267A 8-Channel High Current GP Module 317
N2268A 50Ω3.5GHz Dual 1-to-4 MUX Module 319
N2270A 10-Channel High Voltage MUX Module 321
N2272A 1 GHz RF 1-to-9 MUX Module 323
N2276A Dual 1-to-6(4) Microwave MUX/Attenuator Module 325
N2276B Microwave MUX/Attenuator Module 325
N2280A Quadruple 1-to-2 Optical Switch Module 326
N2281A Dual 1-to-4 Optical Switch Module 327
N2282A 1-to-8 Optical Switch Module 328
44470A 10-Channel MUX Module 329
44470D 20-Channel MUX Module 331
44471A 10-Channel GP Relay Module 333
44471D 20-Channel GP Relay Module 335
44472A Dual 4-Channel VHF Switch Module 337
44473A 4 x 4 2-Wire Matrix Switch Module 339
44474A 16-Bit Digital I/O Module 341
44475A Breadboard Module 342
44476A Microwave Switch Module 344
44476B Microwave Switch Module 344
44477A Form-C Relay Module 345
44478A/B 1.3 GHz Dual 4-to-1 MUX Modules 347
Index 349

1
1
Quick Start

14
1
Quick Start
This chapter describes the procedure to install the plug-in modules into
an Agilent 3499A/B/C mainframe and mount the mainframe onto a
system rack. The basic operations of the Agilent 3499A/B/C Switch/
Control System is also described. The chapter contents include:
•To Prepare the Instrument for Use, on page 15
•To Install a Module in the 3499A/B/C, on page 17
•Basic Operation, on page 19
•To Rack Mount the 3499A/B/C, on page 23

15
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Prepare the Instrument for Use
4
1
To Prepare the Instrument for Use
1Check the list of supplied items
Verify that you have received the following items with your
Agilent 3499A/B/C mainframe:
❏One power cord;
❏This User’s Manual;
❏One Quick Reference Guide;
❏One Tie Down Clip 03499-21002 (for Agilent 3499B only);
❏Any plug-in modules that you ordered are delivered in separate
shipping containers.
2Connect the power cord and turn on the instrument
1. Connect the 3499A/B/C to an AC power source with the supplied
power cord.
2. Push the Power switch located on the lower left side of the front
panel.
3. On power-up, every segment in the display will light up briefly,
including all annunciators. Following this “starburst” display, the
internal self-test will begin.
4. If the self-test passes1, the default system mode and the GPIB
address are displayed, together with a “beep” sound. Then the display
shows the instrument model number and the active slot (slot 0).
1If the self-test failed, the failure will be displayed on the front panel. For
details of all self-test errors, refer to “Error Messages” starting on page
165.
3499 0
SCPI GPIB 9

16
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Prepare the Instrument for Use
1
When shipped from the factory, the SCPI mode and the GPIB interface
address of “9” are used. Slot 0 refers to the built-in controller board of the
switch/control system.
If the Instrument Does Not Turn On
1. Verify that the power cord is firmly plugged into the power receptacle
on the rear panel of the 3499A/B/C.
2. Make sure that the power source the 3499A/B/C is plugged into is
energized.
3. Verify that the 3499A/B/C is turned on.
Note If the 3499A/B/C DOES NOT turn on after you perform the above
procedure, contact your nearest Agilent Service Center (see page 8).

17
Chapter 1 Quick Start
To Install a Module in the 3499A/B/C
4
1
To Install a Module in the 3499A/B/C
The plug-in modules you ordered were not installed in the mainframe.
The figure on page 18 shows how to install a plug-in module into the
3499B mainframe. Other mainframes use similar procedures.
WARNING Disconnect the power cord from the rear panel of the mainframe prior to
installing or removing any modules.
Caution Use anti-static procedures when configuring, installing or removing any
plug-in modules. To prevent contamination to the modules that could
degrade performance, handle the modules by the side edges or shields
only. Do not touch the board surfaces or components.
Each plug-in module may have terminal block(s) and/or the cables for
wiring to external circuits. These terminations are also shipped
separately.
For more details about terminal blocks, cables, and connections, see
“Terminals and Connections Information” on page 275.
Module Removal
To remove a plug-in module from the Agilent 3499A/B/C mainframe,
reverse the procedures shown on page 18.

18
1
Module installation
STEP 1 STEP 2
STEP 3 (for modules with terminal blocks) STEP 4 (for modules with terminal blocks)
1. Hold the sides of the module, component side
down, by the metal shields.
2. Insert the module into the slot guides and slide
the module toward the front of the instrument.
3. Push firmly until the module “snaps” into place.
4. Push both plastic levers inward to lock the
module.
1. Face the mainframe rear panel toward you.
2. Select a slot in which the module is to be
installed.
1. Wire the screw terminal block (module
dependent, refer to chapter 7 for details).
2. Attach the screw terminal block to the plug-in
module.
1. Push firmly until the terminal block “snaps” into
place.
2. Secure the screw terminal block with the two
screws (Torque < 8 in-lbs).

19
Chapter 1 Quick Start
Basic Operation
4
1
Basic Operation
An Agilent 3499A/B/C Switch/Control System can be easily operated
from the front-panel, or programmed with SCPI commands over the
remote interface.
The following sections are only intended to show the basic front-panel
operation. For detailed front-panel operation, refer to the “Front-Panel
Operation” chapter on page 27. For more information about
programming the instrument, refer to the “Remote Interface Reference”
chapter on page 113.
Channel Addressing
A channel refers to an individual relay on a switching module, or an
individual bit/port on a digital I/O module. The channel address is in the
form of snn, where srepresents slot number and nn represents a channel
number.
For all mainframes, slot 0 refers to the 3499 controller board. Valid slot
numbers are:
The channel number, nn, is plug-in module dependent. For additional
information about channel numbers of individual plug-in modules, refer
to the table beginning on page 70.
3499A slots 0 through 5
3499B slots 0 through 2
3499C slots 0 through 9

20
Chapter 1 Quick Start
Basic Operation
1
To Select a Slot and Channel
When the instrument is first turned on, the display shows the model
number and the slot number of the controller board.
Use the knob to select a channel on the active slot. For example, with the
display shown above, turning the knob to the right will select the first of
the individual built-in digital I/O ports.
The “DIN” indicates the port is set for a digital input operation. As the
knob is turned, the additional ports are displayed followed by any
installed plug-in modules.
If you have installed one or more plug-in modules, you can select the
module by pressing the right arrow key. For example, if an N2260A (40-
channel MUX module) is installed in slot 1, pressing the right arrow key
will show the module name and slot number.
Turning the knob will then step through the individual channels on that
module.
3499 0
DIN 090
N2260A 1
MUX 100 OPEN