Switch Platform Provides Alternative to Modular Systems
Application Notes
The Keysight Technologies, Inc. 34980A Switch Subsystem is a very good lower cost alternative to VXI and PXI for systems with up to 1120 two wire channels (two 34980A mainframes). The 34980A is optimized for low to medium complexity/speed test applications and can be viewed as a bigger, better, and faster version of the highly successful Keysight 34970A with many usability enhancements. Putting the switching and DMM functions in a low cost mainframe that doesn’t need the expensive, high speed VXI or PXI backplane can significantly reduce the test system hardware cost. More than 1000 readings/sec scan/ measurements speeds can be achieved with the 34980A and this is adequate for most test applications. Combining the 34980A with high performance stand alone instrument products is often more cost effective and in some cases uses less rack space. The Keysight 33220A Function/Arbitrary Waveform Generator and the N6700 Series Modular Power System for example, also have modern high speed interfaces and have better cost/performance than similar instruments in VXI and PXI. The 34980A also brings the “Front Panel” back to switch/ measure instruments. Unlike VXI and PXI, an integrated front panel allows for manual operation right out of the box.