Re: S-parameter test sets

Terry Given wrote:

[...]

> Hi Mike,
>
> thanks for the link. I have also toyed with the idea of using a TUSB3210
> (A USB micro I have used for other projects) to roll my own usb-to-HPIB
> converter. Then I have to write software to make it all go :{
>
> If I could get the agilent USB interface for, say $200 it would be a
> no-brainer. Even at $500, it takes less than a days work to pay for it.
> I doubt I could get a system up and running in less time, so I'll
> probably just buy one.
>
> Cheers
> Terry

Hi Terry,

I usually find problems with outside hardware/software can take more than a day to
solve. Intermittent failures, random software bugs, installation problems, data
transfer errors, problems saving files and having them disappear, ad infinitum.
When this happens, good luck getting support from the vendor.

The gpib interface is not that difficult, and is really easy to code. When you
have done it yourself, you can easily fix any problems that might come up, and
duplicate the system at very low cost.

A major problem with gpib is the interface is wire-or, so when you have an
intermittent cable problem, it can be very difficult to troubleshoot. You don't
know if it is in the equipment, or in the hardware or software, so you don't know
where to start looking.

I have never seen diagnostics in commercial code that looks for any failure
conditions, but you can easily add them to your own code.

YMMV, so best of luck. Let us know how it turns out.

Mike Monett
.

Relevant Pages