Agilent Technologies Introduces First High-Density Matrix Module with Automatic Surge Protection

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today introduced two additional modules for its 34980A multifunction switch/measure unit. The modules extend this solution’s high-performance capabilities with even higher switching density and flexible measurements with automatic surge protection. These high-density modules are a cost-effective alternative to PXI and VXI test platforms.

The modules are Agilent’s next step in a series of enhancements to the Agilent 34980A multifunction switch/measure unit. They give R&D and manufacturing engineers in the aerospace/defense, consumer electronics, computers and peripherals, communications, semiconductor, and automotive industries the flexibility to route low-frequency signals between stimulus, DUT (device under test) and measurement equipment when designing high pin-count tests.

“Our customers value the cost-effectiveness and ease of integrating the Agilent 34980A multifunction switch/measure unit,” said Agilent’s Gary Whitman, vice president and general manager, System Products Division. “For customers who require even more flexibility in their high-density designs, switching units must be cost-effective and provide high-density switching options with high speed, performance and easy integration. These new modules deliver on all of those requirements at the same time.”

The Agilent 34934A 512 cross-point reed matrix features high-density switching with low-level signal capability and a patent-pending automatic surge protection upon switch closure. This, coupled with the row disconnect feature for minimizing capacitance on multimodule configurations, ensures high-quality, high-speed measurements in high pin-count applications.

The Agilent 34939A 64 Channel Form A switch offers high-density SPST switching for device actuation and switching loads or power supplies. Both modules, together with the 19 modules already offered, comprise a high-performance family of 8-slot mainframe switches with built-in DMM. The switches have 11 measurement functions and mix-and-match, plug-in modules that allow customers to create custom configurations. R&D and manufacturing engineers can mix and match any of these 21 modules to create all the functionality required in a single, compact box.

Features of the Agilent 34980A Multifunction Switch/Measure Unit include:

front-panel or software-controlled unit;
graphical Web interface for quick setup and troubleshooting;
easy connections with standard Dsub cables or screw terminal blocks;
high-speed switching with up to 500 switch sequences stored in non-volatile memory;
relay cycle counter to monitor end of switch life; and
LXI Class C compliance with standard LAN, USB and GPIB interfaces.
U.S. Pricing and Availability

The base price for the Agilent 34980A multifunction switch/measure unit is $2,395. The 21 modules are sold separately and have an average configuration price of $7,863.

For a limited time, Agilent is also offering the new Data Logger Pro Software, a $995 value, at no cost and seven new Measurement Tips that include hints on advanced limit testing while data logging and making good thermal measurements in a noisy environment. More information is available at www.agilent.com/find/measurement_tips3. Also see www.agilent.com/find/34980Avideos to view three-minute videos about increasing productivity with the Agilent 34980A multifunction switch/measure unit.