Parallel Switching - Agilent Technologies Agilent 3499A User Manual

Chapter 4 Features and Functions

Parallel Switching

Parallel Switching
While traditional switch/control systems open/close relays in sequence,
the 3499A/B/C uses an innovative parallel driving circuit to open/close
switches simultaneously. The parallel operation of the 3499A/B/C
significantly increases the test throughput of an automated test system.
The following plug-in module use parallel switching: N2260A, N2261A,
N2264A, N2265A, and N2266A
For example, the 40, 2-wire relays on the N2260A can be separated
into four banks: Bank 1 (CH00-09) through Bank 4 (CH30-39). The
switches (up to 10) in the same bank can be closed simultaneously
('parallel switching').
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Since a relay is controlled by the signal applied to it's coil, relay coils can
be arranged in arrays to simplify the driver circuits. Coils aligned in the
same row share a common row control signal, and coils aligned in the
same column share a common column control signal. The figure below
shows an array of coils with 4 rows and 10 columns. This is different
from the wiring of the relay terminal from users' point of view. Relays
can be connected and configured as MUX, GP, or MATRIX, while their
driver circuits are similar.
The 3499A/B/C /C /C supports parallel operation of latching relays. Any
relay in the same row can be opened or closed at the same time.
Basically, the relays are switched row by row, or bank by bank.
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