Switch Module Control

Note: The USB VNAs support P91xxAs only.

When you use the PXIe/USB VNAs, you can control the several PXI/USB Switch modules through the VNA firmware if the switch modules are included at launcher.

The switch can be set independently for each channel. The independent settings for sweep segment are not possible. In NF measurement, the switch can be controlled automatically between S Parameter and NF measurement.

Note: (M9485A) Place a switch module at just right after M9376A/7A/8AB, M9341A/B, M9379A modules or between them. Empty slot or the M9485A unsupported modules (other than M9376A/7A/8AB, M9341A/B, M9379A) is not allowed to locate between M9340A and the switch module.  

Supported PXI switches

Note: M9164C/65C, P9164C/65C are  not supported.

Prerequisites

How to Control RF Amplifier Module

 

Using Hardkey/SoftTab/Softkey

Using a mouse

  1. Press Setup > Internal Hardware > PXI Device...

  2. Click M91xx/M91xx Switch Setup..  to control the PXI switch.

  1. Click Instrument

  2. Select Setup

  3. Select Internal Hardware

  4. Select PXI Device..

  5. Select  M91xx/M91xx Switch Setup

 

PXI Switch Setup dialog box help

(This dialog box shows an example for the M9161D.)

Enable Switch/Path/Atten control for Channel n: The settings are applied for the selected channel. The setting of Switch/Path/Atten is independent for each channel.

Name: Module number.

Chassis: Chassis number where the module is located.

Slot: Slot number where the module is located.

Switch1, Switch2: Path for switch 1. 1, 2, 3 or 4. When Noise Figure Cold Source is selected as Meas Class, NF Source, NF LO or NF Receiver can be selected.

  • NF Source: The switch is used as a NF source switch to terminate the DUT input with 50 ohm. VNA port should be connected with port 1 and 50 ohm termination should be connected with port 2. The port 1 is selected during S parameter measurement. The port 2 is selected during NF measurement.

  • NF LO: The switch is used as Local selection for dual band NF measurement. (M9485A Option 720 only)

  • NF Receiver: The switch is used for pre-amp/thru selection between DUT and VNA port. The port 1 is selected during S parameter measurement. The port 2 is selected during NF measurement.