Agilent Technologies Switch/Measure User manual

Agilent Technologies
Agilent 34980A
Multifunction
Switch/Measure Unit
User’s Guide

Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2004
No part of this manual may be reproduced
in any form or by any means (including
electronic storage and retrieval or transla-
tion into a foreign language) without prior
agreement and written consent from Agi-
lent Technologies, Inc. as governed by
United States and international copyright
laws.
Manual Part Number
34980-90001
Edition
First edition, November 2004
Printed in Malaysia
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
815 14th Street SW
Loveland, CO80537USA
Warranty
The material contained in this docu-
ment is provided “as is,” and is sub-
ject to being changed, without notice,
in future editions. Further, to the max-
imum extent permitted by applicable
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either express or implied, with regard
to this manual and any information
contained herein, including but not
limited to the implied warranties of
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liable for errors or for incidental or
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Limited Rights as defined in FAR 52.227-14
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(November 1995), as applicable in any
technical data.
Safety Notices
CAUTION
A CAUTION notice denotes a haz-
ard. It calls attention to an operat-
ing procedure, practice, or the like
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.
WARNING
A WARNING notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure, practice, or
the like that, if not correctly per-
formed or adhered to, could result
in personal injury or death. Do not
proceed beyond a WARNING
notice until the indicated condi-
tions are fully understood and met.
i

Additional Safety Notices
The following general safety precautions
must be observed during all phases of oper-
ation of this instrument. Failure to comply
with these precautions or with specific
warnings or instructions elsewhere in this
manual violates safety standards of design,
manufacture, and intended use of the
instrument. Agilent Technologies assumes
no liability of the customer’s failure to com-
ply with the requirements.
General
Do not use this products in any manner not
specified by the manufacturer. The protec-
tive features of this product may be
impaired if it is used in a manner not speci-
fied in the operation instructions.
Before Applying Power
Verify that all safety precautions are taken.
Make all connections to the unit before
applying power.
Ground the Instrument
This product is provided with protective
earth terminals. To minimize shock hazard,
the instrument must be connected to the
ac power mains through a grounded power
cable, with the ground wire firmly con-
nected to an electrical ground (safety
ground) at the power outlet. Any interrup-
tion of the protective (grounding) conduc-
tor or disconnection of the protective earth
terminal will cause a potential shock haz-
ard that could result in personal injury.
Do Not Operate in an Explosive
Atmosphere
Do not operate the instrument in the pres-
ence of flammable gases or fumes.
Do Not Remove the Instrument
Cover
Only qualified, service-trained personal
who are aware of the hazards involved
should remove instrument covers. Always
disconnect the power cable and any exter-
nal circuits before removing the instrument
cover.
Do Not Modify the Instrument
Do not install substitute parts or perform
any unauthorized modification to the prod-
uct. Return the product to an Agilent Sales
and Service Office for service and repair to
ensure that safety features are maintained.
In Case of Damage
Instruments that appear damaged or defec-
tive should be made inoperative and
secured against unintended operation until
they can be repaired by qualified service
personnel.
Safety Symbols
Alternating current
Frame or chassis
terminal
Standby supply. Unit is
not completely
disconnected from ac
mains when switch is off
Caution, risk of electric
shock
Caution, refer to
accompanying description
If you have questions about your shipment, or if you need information
about warranty, service, or technical support, contact Agilent
Tec hnol og ies:
In the United States: [phone]
In Europe: 31 20 547 2111
In Japan: 0120-421-345
Or go to www.agilent.com/find/assist for information on contacting
Agilent in your country of specific location. You can also contact your
Agilent Technologies Representative.
ii

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
According to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and CEN/CENELEC EN 45014
Template: A5971-5302-2, Rev. B.00 34980A-DoC-A DoC Revision A
iii
Manufacturer’s Name: Agilent Technologies, Incorporated
Manufacturer’s Address:
815 – 14th St. SW
Loveland, CO 80537
USA
Declares under sole responsibility that the product as originally delivered
Product Name: Multifunction Switch / Measure Unit
Model Number: 34980A, 34921A/T, 34922A/T, 34923A/T, 34925A/T,
34931A/T, 34932A/T, 34933A/T, 34937A/T, 34938A/T,
34941A, 34946A, 34947A, 34951A/T, 34952A/T
Product Options: This declaration covers all options of the above products
complies with the essential requirements of the following applicable European Directives, and
carries the CE marking accordingly:
Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC, amended by 93/68/EEC)
EMC Directive (89/336/EEC, amended by 93/68/EEC)
and conforms with the following product standards:
EMC Standard
IEC 61326-1:1997+A1:1998 / EN 61326-1:1997+A1:1998
CISPR 11:1990 / EN 55011:1991
IEC 61000-4-2:1995+A1:1998 / EN 61000-4-2:1995
IEC 61000-4-3:1995 / EN 61000-4-3:1995
IEC 61000-4-4:1995 / EN 61000-4-4:1995
IEC 61000-4-5:1995 / EN 61000-4-5:1995
IEC 61000-4-6:1996 / EN 61000-4-6:1996
IEC 61000-4-11:1994 / EN 61000-4-11:1994
Canada: ICES-001:1998
Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS 2064.1
Limit
Group 1 Class A
4 kV CD, 4 kV AD
3 V/m, 80-1000 MHz
0.5 kV signal lines, 1 kV power lines
0.5 kV line-line, 1 kV line-ground
3 V, 0.15-80 MHz, 80% mod
Interrupt: 10 ms, 20 ms
The product was tested in a typical configuration with Agilent Technologies test systems.
Safety IEC 61010-1:2001 / EN 61010-1:2001
Canada: CSA C22.2 No. 61010.1:2004
USA: UL 61010-1: 2004
Supplementary Information:
This DoC applies to above-listed products placed on the EU market after:
9 November 2004
Date Ray Corson
Product Regulations Program Manager
For further information, please contact your local Agilent Technologies sales office, agent or distributor,
or Agilent Technologies Deutschland GmbH, Herrenberger Straße 130, D 71034 Böblingen, Germany.

34980A User’s Guide v
Contents
1 Introduction to the 34980A
Front Panel at a Glance 2
Rear Panel at a Glance 3
Rear Panel Connector Pinouts 4
External Trigger Input Connector (Male D-Sub) 4
Analog Bus Connector (Female D-Sub) 4
Annunciator Display Indicators 5
Front Panel Menu Reference 6
Instrument Rack Mounting 7
2 Features and Functions
SCPI Language Conventions 10
Rules for Using a Channel List 10
General Measurement Configuration 12
Overview of Measurement Modes 12
Analog Buses 15
Measurement Functions 16
Measurement Range 17
Measurement Resolution 18
Custom A/D Integration Time 19
Autozero 21
Trigger Delay 22
Automatic Trigger Delays 23
Safety Interlock 24
User-Defined Channel Labels 25
2-Wire Versus 1-Wire Mode 27
Analog Bus and Internal DMM Considerations 28
Environmental Operating Conditions 28
Electrical Operating Conditions 29

vi 34980A User’s Guide
Temperature Measurement Configuration 30
Measurement Units 30
Thermocouple Measurements 31
RTD Measurements 33
Thermistor Measurements 34
Voltage Measurement Configuration 35
DC Input Resistance 35
AC Low Frequency Filter 36
Resistance Measurement Configuration 37
Offset Compensation 37
Current Measurement Configuration 38
AC Low Frequency Filter 38
Frequency Measurement Configuration 39
Low Frequency Timeout 39
Mx+B Scaling 40
Scanning 42
Rules for Scanning 42
Adding Channels to the Scan List 44
Scan Trigger Source 46
Trigger Count 49
Sweep Count 50
Sample Count 51
Channel Delay 53
Automatic Channel Delays 54
Reading Format 56
Non-Sequential Scanning 57
Viewing Readings Stored in Memory 58
Monitor Mode 60

34980A User’s Guide vii
System-Related Operations 62
Firmware Revision 62
Product Firmware Updates 63
Instrument State Storage 63
Error Conditions 64
Self-Test 66
Front-Panel Display Control 66
Front-Panel Number Format 67
Real-Time System Clock 68
Relay Cycle Count 68
SCPI Language Version 69
Calibration Overview 70
Calibration Security 70
Calibration Count 72
Calibration Message 73
Remote Interface Configuration 74
GPIB Interface 75
USB Interface 75
LAN Interface 75
Factory Reset State 84
Instrument Preset State 86
3 Introduction to the Plug-In Modules for the 34980A
Slot and Channel Addressing Scheme 90
Interconnection Solutions Overview 91
Module Considerations 92
General Considerations 92
Environmental Operating Conditions 92
Electrical Operating Conditions 93

viii 34980A User’s Guide
4 Low Frequency Multiplexer Switch Modules
Low Frequency Multiplexer Switch Modules 96
Measurement Functions for the MUX Modules 97
SCPI Programming Examples for the MUX Modules 98
34921A 40-Channel Armature Multiplexer with Low Thermal Offset 102
34921A Simplified Schematic 104
34921A D-Sub Connectors 105
34921T Terminal Block 106
34922A 70-Channel Armature Multiplexer 107
34922A Simplified Schematic 108
34922A D-Sub Connectors 109
34922T Terminal Block 111
34923A 40/80-Channel Reed Multiplexer 112
34923A Simplified Schematic for Two- or Four-Wire Mode 114
34923A D-Sub Connectors for Two- or Four-Wire Mode 116
34923T-001 Terminal Block for Two- or Four-Wire Mode 117
34923A Simplified Schematic for One-Wire Mode 118
34923A D-Sub Connectors for One-Wire Mode 119
34923T-002 Terminal Block for One-Wire Mode 120
34924A 70-Channel Reed Multiplexer 121
34924A Simplified Schematic 123
34924A D-Connectors 124
34924T Terminal Block 126
34925A 40/80-Channel Optically-Isolated FET Multiplexer 127
34925A Simplified Schematic for Two- or Four-Wire Mode 130
34925A D-Sub Connectors for Two- or Four-Wire Mode 131
34925T-001 Terminal Block for Two- or Four-Wire Mode 132
34925A Simplified Schematic for One-Wire Mode 133
34925A D-Sub Connectors for One-Wired Mode 134
34925T-002 Terminal Block for One-Wire Mode 135

34980A User’s Guide ix
5MatrixSwitchModules
Matrix Switch Modules 138
SCPI Programming Examples for the Matrix Modules 139
Linking Multiple Matrix Modules 142
34931A Dual 4x8 Armature Matrix 144
34931A Simplified Schematic 145
34931A D-Sub Connectors 146
34931T Terminal Block 147
34932A Dual 4x16 Armature Matrix 149
34932A Simplified Schematic 150
34932A D-Sub Connectors 151
34932T Terminal Block 152
34933A Dual/Quad 4x8 Reed Matrix 153
34933A Simplified Schematic for Two-Wire Mode 155
34933A D-Sub Connectors for Two-Wire Mode 156
34933T-001 Terminal Block for Two-Wire Mode 157
34933A Simplified Schematic for One-Wire Mode 159
34933A D-Sub Connectors for One-Wire Mode 160
34933T-002 Terminal Block for One-Wire Mode 161
6 General Purpose Switch Modules
General Purpose Switch Modules 164
34937A and 34938A SCPI Programming Examples 166
34937A 32-Channel GP Switch 168
34937A Simplified Schematic 168
34937A D-Sub Connectors 169
34937T Terminal Block 170
34938A 20-Channel High-Current GP Switch 171
34938A Simplified Schematic 171
34938A D-Sub Connectors 172
34938T Terminal Block 173
7 RF Multiplexer Switch Modules
34941A and 34942A RF Multiplexer Switch Modules 176
Installing SMA Connectors 177
Isolating Connector Banks 177
34941A and 34942A SCPI Programming Examples 178
34941A and 34942A Simplified Schematic 179

x34980A User’s Guide
8 Dual/Triple Microwave Switch Modules
34946A and 34947A Dual/Triple Microwave Switch Modules 182
34946A and 34947A SCPI Programming Examples 182
Installing SMA Connectors 183
34946A and 34947A Simplified Schematics 184
9 4-Channel Isolated D/A Converter with Waveform Memory Module
34951A 4-Channel Isolated D/A Converter with Waveform Memory Module 186
34951A SCPI Programming Examples 189
34951A Simplified Schematics 193
34951A D-Sub Connector Pinout 194
34951T Terminal Block 195
10 Multifunction Module with DIO, D/A, and Totalizer
34952A Multifunction Module 198
Digital Input/Output 198
Totalizer Input 198
Analog Output (DAC) 198
34952A SCPI Programming Examples 199
34952A Simplified Schematic 201
34952 D-Sub Connector 202
34952T Terminal Block 203

1
Agilent 34980A Multifunction Switch/Measure Unit
User’s Guide
Agilent Technologies
1
Introduction to the 34980A
Front Panel at a Glance 2
Rear Panel at a Glance 3
Rear Panel Connector Pinouts 4
Annunciator Display Indicators 5
Front Panel Menu Reference 6
Instrument Rack Mounting 7

234980A User’s Guide
1Introduction to the 34980A
Front Panel at a Glance
1On/Standby switch WARNINGss This switch is standby only. To disconnect the mains from the instrument,
remove the power cord.
2Utility menu contains settings for Remote I/O (LAN, GPIB, and USB), Date and Time, and other
system-related instrument parameters
3Store/recall menu allows you to save and recall up to six instrument setups
4Control keys directly control module actions
5Number keypad enters numerical characters
6Exponent
7Cancel key exits a menu without saving changes
8Arrow keys move cursor positions
9Knob enters alphanumeric characters, selects slots, channels, and navigates menus
10 Enter key steps you through a menu or saves number entries
11 Running a program puts the display into “remote” and disables the front panel keys. Local takes you out of
“remote” mode and enables the front panel keys.
12 Configure keys select functions and set function parameters
13 Measure keys execute and monitor measurements. Depending on which measurement key you use, you can
have complete/direct control over the switching and measurement operation, or you can have the 34980A
automatically control these to capture the desired data.
WARNING

Introduction to the 34980A 1
34980A User’s Guide 3
Rear Panel at a Glance
1Access to Analog Buses (shown with cover installed). For pinout, see page 4.
2Module installed in slot 1
3Slot identifier
4Module ground screw
5Slot cover over slot 2
6AC power connector
7LAN connector (10Base T/100Base Tx)
8USB 2.0 connector
9External trigger input. For pinout, see page 4.
10 Internal DMM option mark. If you ordered the internal DMM option, the circle is marked black.
11 IEEE 488.2 GPIB Connector
12 Chassis ground screw

434980A User’s Guide
1Introduction to the 34980A
Rear Panel Connector Pinouts
External Trigger Input Connector (Male D-Sub)
Analog Bus Connector (Female D-Sub)
Input
5 V
0 V
> 1 µs
Ext Trig Input (Pin 6)
Gnd (Pin 9)
1
5
6
9
ANALOG
BUSSES
Current I(Pin 5)
ABus1 LO (Pin 4)
ABus2 LO (Pin 3)
ABus3 LO (Pin 2)
ABus4 LO (Pin 1)
5
1
9
6
ABus1 HI (Pin 9)
ABus2 HI (Pin 8)
ABus3 HI (Pin 7)
ABus4 HI (Pin 6)

Introduction to the 34980A 1
34980A User’s Guide 5
Annunciator Display Indicators
Display Indicator Definition
LAN Communicating with the 34980A over LAN
USB Communicating with the 34980A over USB
GPIB Communicating with the 34980A over GPIB
ABUS [1234] Analog Bus Connectivity. Normally, designated ABus connected on any module in mainframe.
During scan, if ABus 1 and ABus 2 are indicated, they will be used at some point during the scan
An error has been generated and is in the error queue
Rmt Remote. Running a program puts the display into “remote” and disables the front panel keys.
Pressing the LOCAL button takes you out of “remote” mode and enables the front panel keys.
Safety Interlock ABus safety interlock. Terminal block or cables have been removed from the D-sub connector of a
module. For more information, see page 96 and page 138.
Trig Waiting for external or manual trigger during scans
Over-temperature condition. One or more general purpose (34937A/34938A) modules have reached
their over-temperature limits.
ALARM (H1234L) Additional functionality to be implemented
Bell Symbol Additional functionality to be implemented
Mx+B Scaling enabled on channel. This appears on display after you select scaling function via front panel
or remote interface
4W 4-wire measurement specified on channel. This appears on display after you select the 4-wire
function via the front panel or remote interface.
OC Offset Compensation specified on channel. This appears on display after you have selected the
offset compensation function via the front panel or remote interface.
*(left side of display) Measurement is in progress
HOT
ERROR

634980A User’s Guide
1Introduction to the 34980A
Front Panel Menu Reference
This section gives an overview of the top two levels of menus that you access
from the front panel. The menus are designed to automatically guide you
through all parameters required to configure a particular function or
operation.
Store/Recall Store and recall instrument states
•Store up to six instrument states in non-volatile memory
•Assign a name to each storage location.
•Recall stored states, power-down state, factory reset state, or preset state
Utility Configure system-related instrument parameters
•Connecting and configuring to use with LAN, GPIB, or USB
•Set the real time clock and calendar
•Set radix character, thousand separator
•Enable/disable the internal DMM
•Secure/unsecure the instrument for calibration
•Query and update the firmware revisions for the mainframe and modules
Configure Key Group Set parameters for measurement
DMM
•Set DMM measurement function (AC volts, DC volts, AC current, DC current, 2-wire ohms, 4-wire ohms,
temperature, frequency, and period
•Set function parameters
Channel
•Set channel measurement function (AC volts, DC volts, AC current (34921A only), DC current (34921A only)
2-wire ohms, 4-wire ohms, temperature, frequency, and period
•Set function parameters
Scan
•Set up trigger-in parameters
•Set up sweep count
•Set up sample count
Sequences
Available at a later firmware release
Module
•Open all relays
•Clear all measurement functions
•Clear channel labels
•Configure external trigger and clock (34951A)
•Set trace or level mode (34951A)
•Set waveform parameters (34951A)

Introduction to the 34980A 1
34980A User’s Guide 7
Instrument Rack Mounting
Using the optional Agilent Y1130A Rack Mount Kit, you can mount the
34980A in a standard 19- inch rack cabinet. The kit includes hardware and
instructions to forward or reverse mount the instrument in a cabinet.
View
•View readings, alarms, and errors
•View the scanned readings from memory
•View errors in the error queue
•Read the number of cycles for the displayed relay (relay maintenance feature).
Advanced
Available at a later firmware release
Alarm
Available at a later firmware release

834980A User’s Guide
1Introduction to the 34980A