Specifications

Introduction
LAN (Ethernet) is fast becoming
the basis for a new set of
instrumentation called LXI,
or LAN eXentions for Instru-
mentation. LXI is a collection
of standards that specify how
instruments behave on LAN.
The 34980A Switch/Measure
Unit and the L4400 Modules are
both LXI Class C compliant which
means these instruments can
be operated via LAN, follow a
specified LAN protocol, and
adhere to requirements such
as a built-in Web Server, IVI
software drivers, and others.
Please refer to the Related
Literature section at the end
of this application note for
more information about LXI
and IVI software drivers.
The Agilent 34980A Multi-
function Switch/Measure
Unit provides the core switch-
ing functionality, stimulus/
measurement capabilities, and
performance necessary for low
to medium-density switching/
measurement applications from
design verification to functional
test. From relatively low frequen-
cy applications like automotive
electrical component testing
to higher frequency switching
needs in aerospace/defense
and wireless communications,
the 34980A becomes the heart of
the test system – routing signals
between the Device Under Test
(DUT) and instrumentation
through a wide range of switch
modules, internal analog busses,
providing internal DMM mea-
surements, high-speed digital
IO, totalize, and static/dynamic
analog outputs. The 34980A
comes standard with LAN, USB,
and GPIB interfaces and also
includes an easy to use Web
Server, Front Panel, and driver
software for all major software
development platforms. These
connectivity features give the
flexibility to build and adapt
widely varying test system
configurations.
The 8-slot, 3 U high, full rack
34980A has more than 14 switch
modules offering multiple switch
topologies such as multiplexer,
matrix, general purpose switches,
and a variety of RF and micro-
wave switch modules – from
DC to 20 GHz. For applications
that require discrete switches/
attenuators located close to the
DUT, the 34980A also provides
the 34945A Switch Driver
Module designed to directly
drive Agilent’s most popular
switches and attenuators.
The L4400 Modules are 1 U,
half rack instruments that
encompass the benefits of
small size, rack-mountable,
and with remote capabilities.
The L4400 is a family of stand-
alone LXI modules created from
key 34980A modules in the
area of Low/High Frequency
Switching, Digital I/O, Analog
Outputs, and Counters. In par-
ticular, the L4445A was created
as a stand-alone version of the
34945A Switch Driver. With its
small size and LAN connectivity,
this switch/attenuator driver
can be placed wherever your
application needs it.
Agilent Technologies has been
providing custom RF/Microwave
switch matrix solutions for
many years. A test system
specification for RF/Microwave
switching is submitted, and
the desired configuration is
completely provided by Agilent.
Agilent is in the unique position
of supplying the highest quality
RF/Microwave components,
electronic control of those com-
ponents, and the expertise to
integrate those components into
a high quality switch solution.
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