Column Control DTX

34945A, L4445A, and L4490A/L4491A

Configuration Guides

Introduction

RF/Microwave switches are used in a wide variety of applications ranging from DC to over 50 GHz. These applications can include:

– Wireless Communications

– Broadband CATV

– Communication Satellites

– Test and Measurement Equipment

– Electronic Radar and Defense Systems

– Avionics

– Medical Electronics

– Space Programs.

High Frequency measurement systems can be configured to route RF/Microwave signals in a variety of configurations including:

– Selection from multiple signal sources to a single output

– Selection of multiple input signals to a single measurement instrument

– Transfer switching to insert or remove a device in a signal path

– Matrix switching of multiple inputs and outputs

Keysight Technologies, Inc. is a leader in providing RF/Microwave switching solutions. Keysight’s solutions include both RF/Microwave switch modules and switch driver instruments that control discreet (external) switches and attenuators physically located at the site of the device under test (DUT) or application.

The purpose of this configuration guide is to introduce you to the features of the Keysight 34945A, L4445A, and L4490A/L4491A family of RF/Microwave switching instruments, and to assist you in the three step process of selecting and configuring your Keysight system:

Step 1: Select the switches/attenuators and their options for your application.

Step 2: Determine the type and number of distribution boards required, and the bracket and cable kits required.

Step 3: Select the switch driver instrument or switch platform you plan to use.

System Interconnections Defined

PC to 34945A, L4445A, or L4490A/L4491A

When connecting the PC directly to the 34980A (34945A), L4445A, or L4490A/ L4491A, the LAN cross-over cable (p/n

5061-0701) provided with the instruments is used. If your PC supports Auto-MDIX or contains a LAN card with Gigabit data transfer rates, the cross-over cable is not required. A standard LAN cable may be used instead. For network configurations that include a LAN switch or router between the PC and the instruments, standard LAN cables are used. Connections from the PC to the 34980A (34945A) are also available through the 34980A GPIB and USB ports. Connection via the optional GPIB interface is also available for the L4445A and L4490A/ L4491A. However, access to the instrument Web interfaces is only available through the LAN connection (see the product user’s guide).

34945A, L4445A, or L4490A/L4491A to 34945EXT

As described in Step 2, Microwave switches/attenuators are connected to the 34945A, L4445A, and L4490A/L4491A through distribution boards (Y1150A – Y1155A) installed on the 34945EXT module. The 34945EXT is divided into four banks (1–4) organized by channel number. Any distribution board may be installed in any bank, and multiple distribution boards of the same type may be installed on the same 34945EXT module.

Each 34945A or L4445A configuration must contain at least one 34945EXT module (a “master”) with limits on the configuration as follows:

– Up to eight 34945EXT modules allowed per 34980A mainframe which can consist of eight 34945A modules each with one 34945EXT module, a single 34945A module with up to eight 34945EXT modules, or any combination in between,

– Up to eight 34945EXT modules allowed per L4445A.

The 34945A and L4445A are connected to the master 34945EXT using the 9-pin D-Sub extension cable (8121-1289) through which +24 V is also supplied. A (master) 34945EXT module is built into the L4490A and L4491A chassis. Up to seven 34945EXT modules (in addition to the master) are allowed per L4490A and L4491A. A second 34945EXT module (the first slave) is available in the L4491A chassis as Option 002.

34945EXT to 34945EXT

Multiple (slave) 34945EXT modules are connected through the expansion bus ports using standard (i.e. non cross-over) LAN cables. A LAN cable (p/n 8121-1339) is included with each 34945EXT for this purpose. The master EXT module must be connected to the first slave module via the (master’s) Expansion Bus Port 1, and either Port 1 or Port 2 of the slave EXT module. The expansion ports on the slave modules are interchangeable.

34945EXT to external power supplies

All slave 34945EXT modules and those external to the L4490A or L4491A chassis must use an external power supply or supplies. The 34945EXT can only support one external voltage level (+24 V, +12V, +5V) at a time which applies to all distribution board banks on the 34945EXT. An external supply can also be used with the master 34945EXT.

System diagnostics

Often the most common problems with switches/attenuators connected to the 34945EXT through distribution boards are related to the switch and attenuator cables. A seventh distribution board, the Y1156A Verification Board, is used to provide visual confirmation of the signal path from the PC to distribution board banks 1–4. Verifying the path from the PC to a selected bank helps isolate suspected problems in the entire path from PC to switch. Many Keysight switches contain position indicator options that allow for electronic verification of the switch position. The 34945EXT contains circuitry to detect these signals, and the Y1156A diagnostic board can also be used to test the functioning of this circuitry.

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Column Control DTX