Agilent Technologies 3488 User manual

Agilent 3499A/B/C
Switch/Control System
User’s Manual
3488 Mode Supplement
This manual describes the Agilent 3499A/B/C Switch/Control System
when used in the 3488 mode of operation. This manual is a supplement
to the Agilent 3499A/B/C Switch/Control System User’s Manual (shipped
with the instrument). Adobe Acrobat (PDF) versions of the user’s manual
areavailable at www.agilent.com.
©Copyright Agilent Technologies, Inc. 1999-2002

2
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.
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 Module1
N2276A/B Dual 1-to-6 (4) Microwave MUX/Attenuator Module1
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 Module1
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
1These modules are NOT supported in the 3488 Mode of operation.

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 78)
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/control system’s capabilities and operation. This chapter is useful
for operating the switch/controlsystemfrom the front panel or the remote
interface.
Remote Interface Reference Chapter 5 contains the 3488 mode
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.
Application Programs Chapter 7 contains several remote interface
application programs to help you develop programs for your switch/
control system.
Note This manual does not describe the plug-in modules except in a general
way. Use the Agilent 3499A/B/C User’s Manual (shipped with the
instrument) for complete details. A PDF version is also available at
www.agilent.com.
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 11
To Prepare the Instrument for Use 13
To Install a Module in the 3499A/B/C 15
Basic Operation 17
To Rack Mount the 3499A/B/C 21
Filler Panels 24
Chapter 2 Front-Panel Operation 25
To Power On the Instrument 27
To Select the System Mode 27
To Monitor a Channel or a Slot 28
To Use a Digital I/O Port 30
To View Instrument Errors 35
Scanning Operation 37
To Pair Two Modules Together 40
To Configure for External Trigger 41
To Configure the Power-on State 43
To Configure the Remote Interface 45
To Perform a Self-test 47
To Query the Firmware Revision 48
To Query the Serial Number 49
Local/Remote Control 50
Chapter 3 System Overview 51
Agilent 3499A/B/C Switch/Control System 53
Mainframes Overview 54
Firmware and Control Module Description 55
3488 Mode Differences 57
Plug-in Modules Overview 58
Channel and Slot Addressing 67
Factory Default and Reset States 71

10
Contents
Contents
Chapter 4 Features and Functions 73
Monitoring a Channel or a Slot 75
Switching a Relay Channel 77
Scanning 78
Digital I/O Operation 84
State Storage 94
Error Conditions 96
Self-Test 96
Display Control 97
Relay Cycle Counts 98
Chapter 5 Remote Interface Reference 99
Command Syntax 101
3488 Mode Command Quick Reference 102
3488 Mode Commands 104
Chapter 6 Error Messages 135
Error Messages 136
Self Test Errors 136
Chapter 7 Application Programs 137
Visual C++ Example Program 139
Visual BASIC Example Program 141
BASIC Example Program 143
Index 145

1
1
Quick Start

12
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 13
•To Install a Module in the 3499A/B/C, on page 15
•Basic Operation, on page 17
•To Rack Mount the 3499A/B/C, on page 21

13
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
135.
3499 0
SCPI GPIB 9

14
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).

15
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 16 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 the
Agilent 3499A/B/C User’s Manual (shipped with the instrument) or visit
www.agilent.com.
Module Removal
To remove a plug-in module from the Agilent 3499A/B/C mainframe,
reverse the procedures shown on page 16.

16
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).
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).

17
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 25. For more information about
programming the instrument, refer to the “Remote Interface Reference”
chapter on page 99.
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 67.
3499A slots 0 through 5
3499B slots 0 through 2
3499C slots 0 through 9

18
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

19
Chapter 1 Quick Start
Basic Operation
4
1
To Open or Close a Channel
When a channel is selected, you can open or close the channel using the
front panel keys. For example, with an N2260A 40-channel MUX
installed in slot 1, select channel 00 as described on the previous page.
Press the CLOSE key to close the channel.
Press the OPEN key to open the channel
In this manner, you can select and control as many channels as you need.
The N2260A has 40 channels numbered 0 through 39 (in slot 1, 100
through 139). You may also select additional plug-in modules and
channels by turning the knob.
MUX 100 OPEN
MUX 100 CLOSED
MUX 100 OPEN

20
Chapter 1 Quick Start
Basic Operation
1
To Open All Channels on a Module
You can open individual channels on a module one at a time as described
above. There are times, however, when it would be more expedient to
open all channels on a module at once.
Use the arrow keys to select the module to work with. You cannot have
an individual channel selected for this operation. For example, select the
module in slot 1 (using the N2260A as an example) to show a display
similar to this:
Press and hold the card reset key. When you first press the key, the
display shows:
When the card has been reset, the display briefly shows:
and then returns to:
To Reset All Modules
You can reset all channels on all modules in the mainframe at once.
Press the shift key and then press and hold the reset key. The display
shows:
When the mainframe has been reset, the display will briefly show the
reset and then return to the slot or channel display.
N2260A 1
HOLD TO RESET
RESET CARD
N2260A 1
HOLD TO RESET
RESET . . .