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138 L4400 User’s Guide
7 Microwave Switch/Attenuator Driver
L4445A Microwave Switch/Attenuator Driver
The L4445A consists of a driver interface instrument (L4445A) and one or
more remote modules (34945EXT). The first remote module is electrically
attached to the driver instrument using a provided cable (equipped with 9- pin
D- Sub connectors). The first remote module attached to the driver instrument
is referred to as the master module. Additional remote modules are referred to
as slave modules.
Additional remote modules (34945EXT) are connected in a daisy- chain fashion
using RJ- 45 connectors and cables. A cable is provided with each module. Up
to eight remote modules can be controlled by a single L4445A.
Each remote module is divided into four banks for switch control.
Each bank has a connector for a distribution board. The distribution boards
provide an electrical connection between the user- supplied microwave
switches or attenuators and the remote module. A variety
of distribution boards are available that provide the most common connections
to Agilent microwave switches and attenuators. A screw terminal distribution
board is also available for other devices. A list of the available distribution
boards is shown on page 154. The microwave switches or attenuators and
the cables connecting them to the distribution boards are not supplied
with the L4445A.
The cables and the remote modules allow the microwave switches and
attenuators to be located closer to the device under test. This helps to keep the
signal transmission paths shorter and corresponding signal
losses lower.
Microwave switches and attenuators have larger power requirements than
other switch devices. The L4445A instrument is able to power 24 Volt switches
or attenuators on the first (master) remote module. Additional remote
modules (slaves) require an external power supply since no power is supplied
through the expansion bus cable. The first (master) remote module may use
either an external power supply or the L4445A to supply high power devices or
devices requiring drive voltages other than 24 Volt. Each remote module has
screw terminals for the external power supply connections.