Re: S-parameter test sets

Hello Mike,

A major problem with gpib is the interface is wire-or, ...

The main problem I found with GPIB are those unwieldy garden hose type cables. Once I unhooked one and sure enough it recoiled, sending my half filled coffee mug sailing, crashing and spilling the contents all across the lab floor. On top of that it was my favorite mug.

I think Terry's path towards a TUSB uC may be a good one. Just imagine, replacing the garden hose with a USB cable from Walmart. Also, the cost for a 6ft cable would go from $100 or so to less than $10.

The only downside with USB is that its EMI performance is, well, not the best at times. RS232 would be better but many "modern" PCs don't have serial or parallel ports anymore. Oh well, out here we just keep a stack of ferrites handy.

Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com
.