View source for Equipment/HP3488A Electronic Switch Unit

{{EquipmentInfobox
| name = HP3488A Electronic Switch Unit <!-- Name of the item. -->
| image = Hackspace_Unknown.png <!-- Image of the item. Leave with placeholder image if none exists. -->
| model = HP3488A <!-- Model -->
| category = Equipment <!-- Main category. Please leave alone to keep item in this category -->
| subcat = Test equipment<!-- Sub-category if one exists. Please check main listing to see other categories contained within the main one -->
| status = <!-- Set to one of; Good working order, Faulty, Out of order, Under construction, Out of consumables, Scrapped, or Unknown -->
| consumables = Unknown <!-- Any items used up in normal operation, such as; ink, paper, saw-blades, cutting disks, oil, etc.. -->
| accessories = Unknown <!-- Any items associated with the equipment but not consumable, such as; drill bits, safety gloves, goggles, etc.. -->
| reqtraining = <!-- Is training required to use this equipment? Yes or no. -->
| trainlink = Unknown <!-- If training is required, provide a link to training signup or contact page. Otherwise leave blank. -->
| acnode = <!-- Is the equipment ACnode locked? -->
| owner = [[User:dirkx]]<!-- Provide a link to owners members page if other than LHS -->
| origin = Unknown <!-- If via pledge, please link to the completed pledge page on the wiki -->
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}}

The electronics area currently has a HP3488A Electronic Switch Unit with [[GPIB]] on loan ([[User:dirkx]]) with the following cards:

** HP44471A General Purpose Relais card  (slot 1,2) (on loan, [[User:dirkx]]) 
** HP44474A Digital IO card (slot 3, 4) (on loan, [[User:dirkx]]) 
**  HP44473A Matrix Switrch card (slot 5) (on loan, [[User:dirkx]]) 

Most of above card come both with a screw-terminal and D connector breakout. You generally want to use the D connectors - a large pile of spares are in the drawers on your right.

Documentation can be found [[http://www.artisan-scientific.com/info/Agilent_3488A_Manual.pdf here]] and [[http://www.home.agilent.com/upload/cmc_upload/All/03499-90018_quick_ref.pdf?&cc=GB&lc=eng here]] (though the latter depends on the firmware key).

You can use this unit in many ways. First it is basically is a robust relay/IO system (and as you can verify a relay setting; it won't lose them across powercuts and is autonomous from the PC/laptop controlling - it is generally more suitable for controlling the more dangerous things - such as a climate chamber left on overnight). Secondly - as it understands GPIB one can use the matrix or the relay cards to measure many values in quick succession - with the HP3488A going to the next value on completion of the metering (as it follows the action on the GPIB bus).

See [http://www.artisan-scientific.com/info/Agilent_3488A_Manual.pdf h chapter 4 for inspiration].




If someone is interested in linking Dirk's unit to other GPIB equipment to make additional measurements, let me know - I have some devices such as DACs, ADCs, switches and various bits of test gear I can lend. --[[User:Artag|Artag]] 18:36, 7 April 2011 (UTC)