The Keysight 87130A Attenuator/Switch Driver is an HP-IB compatible instrument engineered to control programmable attenuators and electromechanical switches in RF and microwave automated test equipment and benchtop systems. It provides direct drive capability for up to 31 switch or attenuator sections via an internal driver card, with scalable expansion to 248 sections through seven external HP 84940A driver cards. The instrument includes an internal 24 VDC power supply and features integrated switch position sensing through voltage monitoring on drive lines, enabling real-time readback of switch state and enabled/disabled status. It operates without front panel controls, relying on SCPI-compatible programming through HP-ITG and HP-VEE software drivers for command and control.
Technical Specifications
• Switch/Attenuator Drive Capacity: Up to 31 sections directly; expandable to 248 sections with external HP 84940A cards
• Drive Voltage: 24 VDC common with ten pairs of current-sinking contacts
• Concurrent Switch Drive: Up to two electromechanical switches simultaneously
• Position Sensing: Voltage monitoring on drive lines; +24 VDC readback indicates enabled state; open-circuit detection for disabled sections
• Extended Reach: External driver cards support operation up to 150 ft (45 m) from the main unit
– Key Features
• HP-IB and SCPI protocol support for system integration
• Internal 24 VDC power supply eliminates external supply requirements
• Electronically equivalent to HP 70611A with programmatic control interface
• Compatible with HP 8494/5/6/7, HP 84904/6/7, and HP 33320 series programmable attenuators
• Real-time switch position feedback via voltage detection
• No manual front panel—fully software-driven operation
– Compatibility & Integration
• Supported Attenuators: HP 8494/5/6/7, HP 84904/6/7, HP 33320 series
• Expansion Cards: HP 84940A driver cards (up to seven units)
• Interface Card: HP 84941A recommended, featuring 68-pin SCSI connector and thirty-one 4-pin output connectors
• Software Drivers: HP-ITG and HP-VEE
• Form Factor: 3 1/2 inch full-width System II module
