Drive Pulse and Sensing

Introducing the 87130A Attenuator/Switch Driver

Features of the Attenuator/Switch Driver

The attenuator/switch driver can deliver 500 mA, 24 Vdc current pulses to 31 individual switch sections and up to a total of 248 switch sections by the addition of external 84940A driver boards (or driver boards inside externally connected equipment such as switch matrixes). These low impedance pulses can be adjusted for pulse width in order to optimize switching speed. Pulse width and sensing delay can be set from 0.005 to 1.275 seconds.

Sensing Disabled

Each switch coil is internally connected to the + 24 V bias supply. A power transistor on the driver board supplies the ground that will activate the switch coil. The controller assembly actuates the transistor for a predetermined time that is set by the :WIDTh command. (Refer to “:WIDTh” on page 4-67.) The default setting is 30 ms.

Sensing Enabled

For switches that can be sensed, the switch coil is internally connected to the

+24 V bias supply via a dc switch that removes the bias from the activated coil after the switch has changed position and applies the bias to the opposite coil. By monitoring the presence of this bias through the opposite coil, the switch controller can determine the switch position.

After the initial 30 ms closure pulse, an additional 20 ms time is allowed for the sense lines to settle. At this time an error and a programmed position check are performed.

The power supply allows the switch driver four switching operations at the same time. This means that at the default setting, seven groups of four switches and one group of three switches will each take 50 ms to switch and verify. This results in a default switching speed of 0.4 seconds for 31 relays with sensing enabled. Refer to “Example Speed Calculation” on page 4-74for more information.

Agilent 87130A Operating and Service Manual 1-3

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Agilent Technologies 87130A manual Drive Pulse and Sensing, Sensing Disabled, Sensing Enabled

87130A specifications

Agilent Technologies 87130A is a highly regarded network analyzer that has been widely adopted in the field of RF and microwave testing. Known for its versatility and precision, the 87130A is designed for evaluating components and devices in various applications, including telecommunications and electronics.

One of the main features of the 87130A is its frequency range, which spans from 300 kHz to 3 GHz. This broad spectrum allows engineers to test a wide variety of RF components, including amplifiers, filters, and antennas. The analyzer provides vector network analysis capabilities, enabling users to measure both the magnitude and phase of S-parameters, essential for characterizing components effectively.

The instrument is equipped with a powerful internal calibration capability, which ensures accurate measurements by compensating for test fixture errors and other variables. The built-in electronic calibration options further enhance measurement accuracy and repeatability, giving engineers confidence in their results.

Another notable characteristic of the 87130A is its graphical user interface, which is intuitive and user-friendly. The display provides clear visual representations of measurement data, allowing for easy interpretation and analysis. Users can access a variety of measurement functions, such as gain compression, group delay, and return loss, making it a versatile tool for multi-faceted testing.

The Agilent 87130A employs advanced measurement algorithms that improve speed and accuracy. These enhancements facilitate rapid data acquisition, which is particularly beneficial in production environments where time is critical. The analyzer also supports multiple calibration techniques, including through-reflect-match (TRM) and short-open-load (SOL), catering to diverse testing needs.

Connectivity options are abundant, with GPIB, LAN, and USB interfaces, allowing seamless integration into automated test setups. This modularity supports remote operation, making it easier to incorporate the analyzer into various testing environments.

Overall, Agilent Technologies 87130A stands out for its precision, ease of use, and flexibility in RF and microwave testing applications. Its combination of advanced features and robust performance makes it a staple in laboratories, production lines, and research settings, helping engineers and technicians achieve optimal results in their measurement endeavors.