HP / Agilent 3488A Switch/Control Unit

The HP/Agilent 3488A is a programmable switch/control unit that routes signals across multiple test channels in automated measurement systems. It accommodates up to five plug-in switch and control modules, stores 40 complete configurations, and operates via HP-IB (IEEE-488) control. The unit supports multiple relay closures, break-before-make channel selection, and programmable scan lists, making it suitable for production testing, development labs, and system integration.

## Technical Specifications

**Mainframe**
• Programmable Interface: HP-IB (IEEE-488)
• Module Capacity: Up to 5 plug-in modules
• Configuration Storage: 40 complete switch configurations
• Switching Modes: Multiple relay closures, break-before-make selection, programmable scan lists
• Connectors: Removable screw terminals, 18-26 AWG wire
• Built-in self-test capability

**10 Channel Relay Multiplexer (Option 010 / HP 44470A)**
• 10-channel 2-wire, 2PST multiplexer per channel
• Voltage: Up to 250 VDC, 250 VAC RMS, 350 Vpeak
• Current: 2 ADC, 2 AAC RMS per channel or module
• Power: 60 W DC, 500 VA AC per channel or module
• Thermal Offset: <3 µV differential or single-ended

**10 Channel General Purpose Relay (Option 011 / HP 44471A)**
• 10 independent SPST relays
• Voltage: Up to 250 VDC, 250 VAC RMS, 350 Vpeak
• Current: 2 ADC, 2 AAC RMS per channel; 20 ADC, 20 AAC RMS per module
• Power: 60 W DC, 500 VA AC per channel; 60 W DC, 500 VA AC per module
• Closed Channel Resistance: <2 Ω
• Open Channel Capacitance: <7 pF
• Closed Channel Capacitance: <10 pF
• Channel to Chassis Capacitance: <25 pF
• Thermal Offset: <3 µV per channel

**Dual 4 Channel VHF Switch (Option 012 / HP 44472A)**
• Two independent bidirectional 1×4 switches, DC to 300 MHz
• Voltage: 30 VAC RMS, 42 VAC peak
• Current: 30 mA DC, 300 mA AC RMS per channel
• Thermal Offset: <15 µV per channel
• Insertion Loss: <0.5 dB at 30 MHz, <0.75 dB at 100 MHz, <1.25 dB at 300 MHz (50 Ω termination)

## Key Features

• Modular architecture supports mixed module configurations for signal routing and device control
• Screw terminal connectivity simplifies wiring for lab and production environments
• Break-before-make operation prevents signal transients during channel transitions
• Low thermal offset enables precision DC and low-level measurements
• Configurable scan lists automate complex multi-step test sequences

## Typical Applications

• Production test automation requiring flexible signal switching
• Laboratory measurement systems with multiple instrument interconnects
• Development environments for RF and analog circuit characterization
• Data acquisition systems combining multiplexing and general-purpose control

## Compatibility & Integration

HP-IB (IEEE-488) programmable control integrates with HP/Agilent instruments and third-party GPIB-capable equipment. Modular design allows custom configurations for DC to 300 MHz signal routing.