The Agilent/Keysight 87130A Attenuator/Switch Driver is a GPIB-compatible instrument that controls and drives electromechanical switches and step attenuators in RF and microwave automated test equipment systems. It enables remote automation of signal path selection and establishes repeatable test environments across complex switching networks. As a member of Keysight’s System II family, this 3.5-inch, full-width device serves as a central control point for distributed switching and attenuation functions.
Technical Specifications
• Switch/Attenuator Control: The standard configuration includes an internal driver board capable of driving up to 31 switch and/or attenuator sections. Control capacity expands to 248 sections when up to seven external HP 84940A driver boards are connected externally.
• Concurrent Drive Capability: Simultaneously drives up to two Keysight 8494/5/6/7 programmable attenuators and two electromechanical switches (Keysight 8761, 8762, or 8765 Series).
• Internal Power Supply: Includes a 24 VDC internal power supply for switch and attenuator drive lines.
• Sensing/Readback: Features voltage-based sensing capability to monitor switch position and attenuator section state, verifying intended operational states.
– Key Features
• GPIB (HP-IB) remote control interface for automated test sequences
• Position/state verification through integrated readback sensing
• Expandable architecture supporting up to seven external driver boards
• Full-width, compact 3.5-inch form factor for standard test system integration
– Typical Applications
• RF signal path automation and switching matrix control
• Programmable attenuation in production and characterization test systems
• Multi-switch electromechanical relay control
• Test environment repeatability in automated measurement systems
– Compatibility & Integration
Supports Keysight programmable attenuators (8494/5/6/7 and 84904/6/7K/L Series) and electromechanical switches (8761, 8762, 8765 Series). The 84941A interface card with 68-pin SCSI connector and thirty-one 4-pin output connectors integrates the internal driver card into larger systems. Recommended modern replacements include the Keysight 34980A multifunction switch/measurement unit with 34945A driver or the Keysight 11713A attenuator/switch driver.
