The Agilent/Keysight 37203A is an HP-IB extender that overcomes the standard 20-meter cable length limitation by serializing parallel HP-IB data for transmission over a single coaxial cable, then deserializing it at the remote end. Designed for paired operation, this unit enables high-speed, bidirectional communication across distances up to 1000 meters while maintaining full HP-IB protocol compliance.
Technical Specifications
• Maximum transmission distance: 1000 meters
• Data transfer rate: up to 50 kbytes/s
• Transmission medium: Single coaxial cable, bidirectional
• Operating configuration: Requires two units (one serializer, one deserializer)
– Key Features
• Serializes and deserializes parallel HP-IB information for extended-range transmission
• Supports all HP-IB functions including pass control and parallel poll
• Low-cost implementation using standard coaxial cable
• Electrical isolation between transmitter and receiver stages
• Integrated error detection and error correction mechanisms
• Maintains full HP-IB protocol transparency
– Typical Applications
• Distributed test systems with controllers and instruments separated across facility locations
• Remote instrument connectivity beyond standard HP-IB cable length constraints
• Extended-range automated test equipment (ATE) configurations
• Multi-building test facility integration
– Compatibility & Integration
• Interface standard: HP-IB (IEEE-488)
• System requirement: Two 37203A units per extended link
