The Keysight (Agilent/HP) 3488A is a highly versatile, GPIB-programmable Switch/Control Unit designed for multi-channel signal routing and measurements in automated test systems. It features five module slots that can accommodate a wide array of multiplexer, matrix, VHF, microwave, and digital I/O modules, supporting signal switching from DC up to 26.5 GHz.

Specifications

General

ParameterValue
InterfacesHP-IB (IEEE-488.1)
Display12-character alphanumeric vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) with status indicators
Configuration Storage Battery Backup5-year minimum standby life

Physical

ParameterValue
Power Supply100 V / 120 V / 220 V / 240 V AC (+5%, -10%), 48 Hz to 66 Hz, 24 VA maximum
Operating Temperature0°C to 55°C
Dimensions (W×H×D)425.5 mm x 88.9 mm x 292.1 mm
Weight5.2 kg

System Architecture & Capacity

ParameterValue
Number of Module Slots5 slots
Maximum Channel CapacityUp to 50 channels (using 10-channel modules)
Configuration Storage40 non-volatile memory registers plus state 0
Microprocessor ControlBuilt-in microprocessor control

System Control & Programming Interface

ParameterValue
Remote InterfaceHP-IB (IEEE-488.1)
HP-IB Interface CapabilitiesSH1, AH1, T6, L4, SR1, RL1, PP0, DC1, DT1, C0, E1
HP-IB Address SelectionRear-panel DIP switch selectable (0 to 30)
External Trigger InputBNC connector, TTL level, active low, minimum pulse width 2 microseconds
Channel Advance OutputBNC connector, TTL level, active low, pulse width 15 to 25 microseconds

Power Specifications

ParameterValue
AC Line Voltage Selection Range100 V / 120 V / 220 V / 240 V AC (+5%, -10%) via rear-panel slide switches
AC Line Frequency Range48 Hz to 66 Hz
Power Consumption24 VA maximum

Physical & Mechanical

ParameterValue
Form Factor / Rack Units (U)2U (Height)
Chassis WidthStandard full-rack width

Environmental & Reliability

ParameterValue
Storage Temperature Range-40°C to +75°C
Operating Humidity Limit< 95% R.H. at 0°C to 40°C (non-condensing)

Supported Module Configurations

ParameterValue
Option 010 Module10-channel relay multiplexer module
Option 011 Module10-channel general purpose relay module
Option 012 ModuleDual 4-channel VHF switch module (300 MHz)
Option 013 Module4 x 4 matrix switch module
Option 014 Module16-bit digital input/output module
Option 015 ModuleBreadboard prototyping module
Option 016 Module3-channel 18 GHz microwave switch driver / switch module
Option 017 Module7-channel form-C relay module
Option 018 Module1.3 GHz 50 Ohm multiplexer module
Option 019 Module1.3 GHz 75 Ohm multiplexer module

Option 010 Multiplexer Performance

ParameterValue
Option 010 Max Voltage250 V AC / V DC
Option 010 Max Current1 A
Option 010 Max Power30 VA / 30 W

Option 011 General Purpose Relay Performance

ParameterValue
Option 011 Max Voltage250 V AC / V DC
Option 011 Max Current1 A
Option 011 Max Power30 VA / 30 W

Option 012 VHF Switch Performance

ParameterValue
Option 012 Frequency RangeDC to 300 MHz
Option 012 Insertion Loss< 1.5 dB at 300 MHz

Option 013 Matrix Performance

ParameterValue
Option 013 Matrix Configuration4 x 4 matrix (16 crosspoints)
Option 013 Max Voltage250 V AC / V DC
Option 013 Max Current2 A

Option 014 Digital IO Performance

ParameterValue
Option 014 IO Lines16 bi-directional lines

Option 019 / 020 Performance

ParameterValue
Option 019 Impedance75 Ohm

System Performance

ParameterValue
Scanning SpeedUp to 33 channels/s
Command Execution Time11 ms (CLOSE/OPEN)
Self-TestPower-on self-test of RAM, ROM, and HP-IB interface

Electrical Isolation

ParameterValue
Maximum Isolation Voltage250 V AC rms / 350 V DC (any terminal to chassis)

Option 010 (HP 44470A 10-Channel Multiplexer)

ParameterValue
Option 010 ConfigurationDual 1-of-5 or single 1-of-10 multiplexer

Option 011 (HP 44471A 10-Channel GP Relay)

ParameterValue
Option 011 Configuration10 independent SPST relays (Form A)

Option 012 (HP 44472A VHF Switch)

ParameterValue
Option 012 Channel ConfigurationDual 1-of-4 multiplexer

Option 014 (HP 44474A Digital I/O)

ParameterValue
Option 014 Logic CompatibilityTTL compatible
Option 014 Max Sink Current125 mA per line

Option 016 (HP 44476A Microwave Switch)

ParameterValue
Option 016 Coaxial Switch Drive CapacityDrives up to 3 coaxial switches
Option 016 Drive Voltages+5 V, +24 V, or external drive

Option 017 (HP 44477A Form C Relay)

ParameterValue
Option 017 Relay Configuration7 independent SPDT relays (Form C)
Option 017 Max Voltage250 V AC rms, 250 V DC
Option 017 Max Current2 A
Option 017 Max Power60 VA, 60 W

Option 018 (HP 44478A 1.3 GHz 50 Ohm Mux)

ParameterValue
Option 018 VSWR< 1.35 @ 1 GHz, < 1.5 @ 1.3 GHz
Option 018 Crosstalk Isolation> 55 dB @ 1 GHz, > 50 dB @ 1.3 GHz
Option 018 Insertion Loss< 1.9 dB @ 1.3 GHz

Option 019 (HP 44478B 1.3 GHz 75 Ohm Mux)

ParameterValue
Option 019 Crosstalk Isolation> 55 dB @ 1 GHz
Option 019 Insertion Loss< 1.9 dB @ 1.3 GHz

Environmental

ParameterValue
Maximum Operating Altitude4,600 m (15,000 ft)
Maximum Storage Altitude15,300 m (50,000 ft)

Option 010 (HP 44470A) Specifications

ParameterValue
Option 010 Closed Channel Resistance< 1 ̢ (initial), < 2 ̢ (end of life)
Option 010 Thermal Offset< 3 V

Option 011 (HP 44471A) Specifications

ParameterValue
Option 011 Closed Channel Resistance< 1 ̢ (initial), < 2 ̢ (end of life)
Option 011 Thermal Offset< 4 V

Option 012 (HP 44472A) Specifications

ParameterValue
Option 012 VSWR< 1.25 @ 300 MHz
Option 012 Characteristic Impedance50 ̢

Option 013 (HP 44473A) Specifications

ParameterValue
Option 013 Closed Channel Resistance< 1.5 ̢ (initial), < 3 ̢ (end of life)
Option 013 Thermal Offset< 3 V

Option 014 (HP 44474A) Specifications

ParameterValue
Option 014 Handshake Lines3 lines (Strobe, Flag, I/O Gate)

Option 015 (HP 44475A) Specifications

ParameterValue
Option 015 Available Voltages+5 V (150 mA), +15 V (50 mA), -15 V (50 mA)

Option 017 (HP 44477A) Specifications

ParameterValue
Option 017 Thermal Offset< 3 µV
Option 017 Closed Channel Resistance< 1 ̢ (initial), < 2 ̢ (end of life)

Option 018 (HP 44478A) Specifications

ParameterValue
Option 018 Characteristic Impedance50 ̢

Option 019 (HP 44481A) Specifications

ParameterValue
Option 019 VSWR< 1.15 @ 500 MHz, < 1.35 @ 1.3 GHz

Option 020 (HP 44482A) Specifications

ParameterValue
Option 020 VSWR< 1.25 @ 500 MHz, < 1.5 @ 1.3 GHz
Option 020 Crosstalk Isolation> 80 dB @ 100 MHz, > 55 dB @ 1.3 GHz
Option 020 Insertion Loss< 0.4 dB @ 500 MHz, < 0.9 dB @ 1.3 GHz

Inputs & Outputs

ParameterValue
External Trigger Input LevelTTL compatible, negative edge triggered
Channel Advance Output LevelTTL compatible, active low pulse (> 10 s)

Remote Interface

ParameterValue
Programming Command SetDevice-dependent ASCII commands (non-SCPI)

Technology

Electromechanical Relay Switching

Applications

Automated Test Equipment (ATE), Multi-channel RF/Microwave Routing, General Purpose Signal Switching