Specifications

CONTACT 1-800-346-3117 OR CYTEC-ATE.COM FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
A guide to communicating with programmable switches
CYTEC Switching Systems are available with a variety of communication interfaces.
Which one is right for your application is dependent on what you are trying to ac-
complish. This bulletin lists the options and reasons for choosing them. Since
switching systems are often used in conjunction with other, more complicated
devices your choice may be dictated by those needs and all you need to know is
that we support that option. Cytec supports all of the following interface choices:
• IEEE488
-- Commonly referred to as GPIB (General Purpose Interface Bus).  is was the industry stan-
dard for test instruments for 40 years and is still widely used and very popular. It is fast, can be daisy chained
between devices and is supported by most so ware. Requires knowledge of BUS language and hardware.
Very popular for use with graphical programming languages such as National Instruments LABView. Cytec
supports the only two 488.2 (SCPI) commands needed for switching which are *RST (reset) and *IDN (ID).
• RS232 Serial --  e standard COM port on PC's until USB began replacing them in the 90's, it is still used
due to entrenched legacy support, inexpensive price and so ware support. Very inexpensive USB to RS232
converter cables still make it a viable option. Major drawback is speed limitations and one-to-one connec-
tion which means you need a separate COM port for every device.
• Ethernet LAN -- Taking over as the predominate interface choice. 100BaseT or Gigabit Interfaces have
the needed speed for many applications and allows access from anywhere which opens up opportunities for
remote access. Number of devices controlled from one computer is almost unlimited. Drawbacks are depen-
dent on Network Infrastructure and you may need to involve IT department to do everything you want to do.
• USB -- Quick, easy solution for small systems if the device is provided with so ware or drivers. Becomes
increasingly complicated with multiple devices and cables are length limited so demand has been low.
• TTL -- Still the best choice if all you want is fast, uninterrupted control. Dependent on understanding of
TTL output device used ( there are many and they are all di erent ) so typically more di cult to program.
Common Questions:
Q What help is available?
A Quite a lot. Cytec provides programming support on a variety of levels for most common languages and
compilers. Example code, GUI drivers and freeware programs are available on the support page of our website at
cytec-ate.com/support or just call or e-mail. We're always here to help you out.
Q Do you support third party languages like National Instruments LabView or Matlab?
A Yes. See our support page or e-mail us and we'll send you whatever you need.
Q Do you support Operating systems other than Windows?
A Yes. Since our devices are simply controlled by sending them ASCII test strings they are basically OS inde-
pendent. If you have a speci c question about MAC, LINUX, or any other OS we can get you the answers you
need.
Q What is LXI and do you support it?
A LXI is an industry supported common framework for test instruments connected to a LAN. Cytec's LAN
interface is so simplistic that the LXI interface only adds a layer of unneeded complexity.  e useful parts of LXI
can be set-up on Cytec equipment via Telnet in less time than it would take to explain it. So basically we support
LXI but have not joined the consortium or added the extra layer. We like things simple.