34980A Data Acquisition System

Introduction

The 34980A multifunction switch/measure unit provides functionality that is easy to set up and use with a fast startup time. The 34980A helps you lower your test cost and accelerate your test-system integration and development.

High-performance Data Acquisition System Provides a Low-cost, Highly Flexible Measurement Platform

Suppose you use automated test equipment for design validation or manufacturing. In that case, you now have a cost-effective solution for many test system applications. The 34980A multifunction switch/measure unit provides functionality that is easy to set up and use with a fast startup time. The 34980A helps you lower your cost of tests and accelerate your test-system integration and development

The 34980A handles system switching up to 26.5 GHz and provides basic measurements and system control. It also offers DMM measurements, counter/ totalizer functionality, digital I/O with pattern capabilities, and analog outputs with basic waveforms— all in one low-cost, compact box. And with its standard connectors and software drivers, computer-standard I/O, and Web browser interface, the 34980A easily integrates into electronic functional test and data acquisition systems.

Flexible Switching, Measurements, and System Control

The 34980A accommodates up to 8 plug-in modules to give you the flexibility you need. Choose from 21 different modules to define your own configuration. You can buy what you need now and add to it or reconfigure it as your requirements change.

Whether you are measuring temperature, AC or DC voltage, resistance, frequency, current, or custom measurements, the 34980A offers the functionality you need in a single box. Switch in different measurements with high-performance signal switching up to 300V with no external signal conditioning required. Choose between different switch types and topologies with frequency ranges from DC to 26.5 GHz. The 34980A offers high-density multiplexers for scanning multiple channels, matrices for connecting multiple points at one time, and general-purpose switches for simple control and high power needs.

Use the 34980A to individually route signals or monitor multiple signals over a specified period of time — monitor a single channel or multiple channels, set alarms, and identify irregularities.

The 34980A offers flexible choices for system control. You can control external devices such as microwave switches, attenuators, solenoids, and power relays. Or you can use the digital inputs to sense limit-switch and digital-bus status.

Optimized for Test Systems

The 34980A has the performance you need for medium- to high-density switching/measurement applications such as design verification, functional test, and data acquisition. Your signals are switched to the right measurement device without compromising signal integrity. Switch your signals to the optional internal DMM and achieve optimal throughput on switch closure time. Or, if you prefer, you can easily connect to external instruments such as DMMs, scopes, power supplies, and more. What’s more, with the built-in Ethernet interface, you can control the 34980A and collect data from anywhere on the network. For a complete modular solution, use the 34980A together with PXI modular products when more capability is required.

The rugged instrument comes with a variety of system-ready features:

• Web browser interface shows settings at a glance and provides remote access and control when using a browser that supports Java applets.
• Self-guiding front panel to configure, troubleshoot or view data
• Low EMI and efficient system cooling
• Heavy-duty cabling and connection options
• Flexible rack mounting options
• Relay counters help predict end-of-life
• In-rack calibration for reduced maintenance time
• DMM measurement accuracies include the switch for simple calculations

Make system connections easily and quickly with simple, reliable connection options:

• Built-in Ethernet, USB 2.0, and GPIB connectivity
• Low-cost, standard 50- or 78-pin Dsub connectors and cables
• Detachable terminal blocks with strain relief
• Mass interconnect solutions

Keysight Technologies, Inc. IO Libraries Suite enables you to quickly establish an error-free connection between your PC and instruments—regardless of vendor. The IO Libraries provide robust instrument control and enable you to work with the software development environment you choose.

The 34980A provides four 2-wire internal analog buses for easy signal routing. You can route your measurements directly to the internal DMM, or you can connect to external instruments through the analog bus connector on the rear of the mainframe. And since you have four 2-wire buses, you can dedicate one bus for use with the internal DMM and use the other three buses for module extensions or additional signal routing between modules which can reduce wiring complexity.

You can define up to 500 switch sequences to control complex signal routing and the order of switch closures. Assign a sequence, give it a name and then execute it with the name you create. Switch sequences are downloaded and stored in the instrument for ease of programming and increased throughput.

External trigger capabilities make it easy for you to time and synchronize measurements and other events and control when to begin or end an acquisition.

Measurements You Can Trust

Get proven performance from Keysight instruments with the resolution, repeatability, speed, and accuracy you’ve come to expect.

The 34980A offers built-in signal conditioning and modular flexibility. When you use it with the internal DMM, you can configure each channel independently for the measurements you choose. It includes a variety of features that give you confidence in your measurements:

• 6½ digits of resolution with .004% of accuracy with DC voltage measurements
• Alarms per channel — high limit, low limit, or both
• Math functions — use Mx+B for custom linear conversions and converting raw inputs
• Built-in thermocouple reference for temperature measurements (34921T)
• Time-stamped readings
• Add more formulas with BenchVue DAQ 

The integrated DMM is mounted inside the mainframe and does not consume any of the eight useravailable slots. You can access the DMM through any switch module that connects to the analog bus, or directly from the analog bus connector on the rear of the mainframe. The internal DMM gives you the flexibility to measure 11 types of inputs:

• Temperature with thermocouples, RTDs, or thermistors (with 34921A)
• DC and AC voltage
• 2- and 4-wire resistance
• Frequency and period
• DC and AC current

You can control the DMM directly or configure it to work in conjunction with the switches. Each switch channel can be configured independently for measurement functions, scale factors, and alarm limits. Advanced measurement features such as offset compensation, variable integration time, and delay are also selectable on a per-channel basis.

The DMM inputs are shielded and optically isolated from the 34980A’s earth-referenced circuitry and computer interface, and as a result, you get up to 300 V of input isolation. This is important for reducing ground-loops and common-mode voltage errors associated with long wiring runs and floating sources.

Simple DMM calibration is accomplished with just the analog bus connection on the rear panel of the mainframe. You don’t need to remove the mainframe from the rack or dedicate a channel for calibration.

Modules Provide Flexible System Stimulus and Control

System control—with analog outputs, open-collector digital outputs, clock generation, and isolated FormC relays for controlling external devices. Additionally, with the microwave switch/attenuator driver, highfrequency switches and attenuators can be efficiently controlled externally to the 34980A mainframe.

Analog sources—output either voltage or current. You can configure the 4-channel isolated D/A converter as a point-to-point arbitrary waveform generator that lets you define up to 500,000 points per waveform.

Digital patterns—send or receive digital data from your device under test. With onboard memory, you can output communication protocols and bitstreams or monitor digital input patterns and interrupt when a user-defined pattern is detected.

Standard Interfaces Take the Hassle Out of Connecting to Your PC

Standard Ethernet, USB, and GPIB interfaces are included in every mainframe. Use one of the built-in interfaces that are already available in your computer, or if you prefer, GPIB is still available.

• USB offers the quickest and easiest connection scheme—it’s perfect for small systems and bench connections.
• Ethernet offers high-speed connections that allow for remote access and control. Choose a local area network to filter out unwanted LAN traffic and speed up the I/O throughput. Or take advantage of the remote capabilities and distribute your tests worldwide. Use the graphical Web browser to monitor, troubleshoot, or debug your application remotely.
• GPIB has many years of proven reliability for instrument communication and can be used in existing GPIB-based test systems.

Download the PDF for more information.