Specifications

Which should I choose?
We always feel the best choice is to use what you know. If you are set-up for GPIB and already are familiar with
the interface it's the logical choice. If you're starting from scratch and haven't written so ware yet you should
base the decision on the requirements.  e guide below provides answers to commonly asked questions:
Requirement
Speed
Price
Remote access
System size and
physical layout
Ease of use
Usually a requirement of automated test apps. GPIB, TTL or possibly Ethernet. Keep
in mind that mechanical relay based switching systems operate slowly from an electrical
point of view. Typically relays take 1 to 10 ms to open or close and even solid state switch-
es with ns switch times may require settling times greater than 10 ms for realistic mea-
surements. Ethernet can be fast on a closed network but can have latencies on a WAN.
 e absolute fastest interface is TTL followed by GPIB and then typically Ethernet.
Every computer has an RS232, USB or ethernet port built in so any of these options work.
Which of these works best for you would be a function of what so ware you intend to
program with and which interface you understand. GPIB and TTL will require additional
hardware for your computer if you don't already own them and may require so ware that
typically isn't given away.
Ethernet shines here. How remote you can be depends on your network. If you have
complete network control you may be able to get to the switch from anywhere in the
world. If you do not have control you will need to involve someone in the IT department
that can tell you what is possible on your network.
If you have a single stand alone chassis and aren't talking to a bunch of di erent devices
then RS232 or a USB to RS232 adaptor works  ne. If your going to rack and stack a lot of
equipment then lean towards GPIB or Ethernet or for our equipment look at Mesa Con-
troller which allows one control port to drive multiple chassis. If you are going to locate
switches a long way apart from each other then ethernet is the obvious choice. If you have
a lot of switches but only need to spread them out between multiple racks then a Mesa
Controller will allow control of multiple chassis up to 30 feet apart.
Once again this depends on how familiar you are with the standard interfaces and what
so ware you want to use. We o er basic mouse-click so ware that works with Ethernet,
GPIB and RS232 and you can always use Telnet or command line prompts to do simple
manual control. If you have a complex project ahead of you then there are so ware com-
panies that make programs for controlling this kind of equipment.  ere will be a learn-
ing curve involved but they are getting easier every year.
For Tech Support or Software Help: 1-800-346-3117 or 1-585-381-4740
Web: cytec-ate.com E-mail: [e-mail]
GPIB?
Ethernet?
RS232?
USB?
TTL?