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Model 3830
Multiplexer
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Version 3.0
Software for Windows Vista
Now Available - Free upgrade for existing users! |
The Model 3830 Multiplexer (mux) makes it easy to implement
computer-selected interconnections between different instruments. Six
floating BNC connectors can be used as either inputs or outputs and are
coupled to one of two common buses via DPST reed-relay switches. This
ensures that both inner and outer parts of the connector are isolated when
the relevant relay is not energized. The two buses can also be connected
together via a seventh "bridge" reed relay, allowing operation
either as two, two-input, one-output muxes or as a five-input, one-output
mux. Other configurations are of course possible.
The unit is powered and controlled directly from the PC’s USB port,
so requires no additional power source. Operation is entirely via
software, with no manual switches or settings on the module.
| The supplied instrument control
software consists of two layers. At the upper level, a simple
Windows dialog application, "SR3830 Multiplexer", offers a
convenient panel that allows switching patterns, known as
"states", to be set up graphically and combined into
"configuration" files. |
Easy to use SR3830Multiplexer applications software
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Save and Recall Switch Configurations
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Configuration files can be saved to
and recalled from disk. Using these files makes replication of
experiments very straightforward. |
Two main modes of operation are therefore possible. Users who simply want
to operate the multiplexer "out of the box" need do no more than
plug it in, install the driver and software, and then use the SR3830
Multiplexer software to control it. Alternatively, when the multiplexer is
to be used as part of a computer controlled test system, then the user can
develop software to control it via the SR3830Comms ActiveX control. The
control eliminates the need for users to write the low-level code needed
to send commands to and receive responses from the multiplexer, allowing
them to concentrate on developing the higher level program to run their
experiments. Typical applications include:
- Switching one of several sensor outputs to the input of a measuring
instrument, such as a voltmeter or oscilloscope
- Connecting a signal source, such as an oscillator, to one of several
actuators or drive coils
- Test and measurement systems implement in LabVIEW where a SIGNAL RECOVERY
multiplexer needs to be controlled at the same time as instruments
from different suppliers.
- Measurement system using scripted web pages (HTML files) operated
via Internet Explorer.
| The SR3830Comms control can of course also be used at
the same time as other SIGNAL RECOVERY software
ActiveX controls, such as SRInstComms, allowing sophisticated
systems to be assembled. For example, a group of five photodiodes
could be connected to the current preamplifier input of a model 7265
DSP lock-in amplifier via the model 3830 and then, using both
controls a user-developed application program could sequentially
measure the signal on each photodiode.
Both the top level SR3830 Multiplexer software and the
lower-level SR3830Comms ActiveX control include comprehensive
on-screen help files, while examples of how to use the control in
LabVIEW, Visual Basic, VBScript, Visual C++ and Excel are also
supplied.
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Sample LabVIEW VI using SR3830Comms
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Specifications
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| Inputs/Outputs |
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Connectors |
BNC, no internal load |
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Switches |
Reed relay, DPST |
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Max Voltage |
50 V between BNC inners and
outers and from BNC to ground |
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Max Current |
200 mA |
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Contact Resistance |
< 0.15 Ω |
| Signal Levels |
Multiplexer is
suitable for switching logic signals (TTL, ECL, NIM) and for analog
signals > 1 µV or 1 pA |
| Switching |
Six relays
connect A, B, C to bus 1 and D, E F to bus 2. Seventh
"bridge" relay connects bus 1 to bus 2 |
| Indicators |
LED indicates
when corresponding relay is energized |
| USB Connector |
Rear-panel,
female USB connector for connection to the PC or a USB hub |
| USB Cable |
Supplied complete
with 6ft (1.8m) USB A/B cable |
| General |
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Power Requirements |
<500 mA @ +5 V DC,
supplied via USB |
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Dimensions |
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Width |
5½" (134 mm) |
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Depth |
4½" (114 mm) |
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Height |
1¼" (32 mm) |
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Weight |
9.9 oz (280 g) |
| Software |
A CD containing
the full applications package for 32-bit Windows XP SP2/SP3 and
Vista allowing threshold and input to be adjusted, and measurements
to be displayed and saved is supplied with each unit. SR3830Comms
ActiveX control also included for use with compatible programming
languages, and examples provided of its use in C++, VisualBasic,
VBScript, LabVIEW and Excel. Both top-level and ActiveX software
includes on-screen help. |
Already using a model 3830?
Version 3.0 of the software is fully compatible with 32-bit versions
of Windows XP and Vista. It includes a new USB driver, updated ActiveX
control and new help files for both the counter software and the control.
The Multiplexer application software will read configuration files created
with the older package, so in most cases users of the older software will
get better performance by completely uninstalling it and replacing it with
the new programs, which are available free of charge by clicking the link
below.
Download Software
The SR3830 Multiplexer, SR3830Comms ActiveX control, and sample
files are available by download from this website
Product support and upgrades are automatic and free of charge to
existing users of the model 3830 Multiplexer. If you have already
purchased the product and installed the software then you can simply
download and install any later software version by clicking the link
below.
To check if you need to upgrade, see the product version number on the
distribution CD or in the program's "About" box and verify if
this matches the version given below. If it is a lower number then you
should upgrade.
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is
a trademark of AMETEK, Inc.