GPIB-Controlled GPIB Bus Switch automates test systems.
Press Release Summary:
Model 4842B, as multiplexer, lets test system designers automate sharing of test equipment among multiple GPIB controllers. As bus switch, 4842B enables GPIB controller to access 3 GPIB buses and 39 instruments. This lets system designers overcome GPIB bus fanout limit of 14 devices and expands number of accessible GPIB primary addresses. Using 1.75 in. of rack space, 4842B adds <20 ns delay to GPIB bus signals and can be used in any speed GPIB bus system.
Original Press Release:
Model 4842B GPIB Bus Switch Announced by ICS Electronics
PLEASANTON, CA. Today ICS Electronics announced a new GPIB Controlled, GPIB Bus Switch for automating test systems.  The Model 4842B is the third generation of GPIB controlled GPIB Bus Switches from ICS and replaces ICS’s earlier Model 4842. As a multiplexer, the 4842B GPIB Bus Switch enables test system designers to automate the sharing of expensive test equipment among multiple GPIB Controllers. As a Bus Switch, the 4842B GPIB Bus Switch enables a GPIB Controller to access 3 GPIB Buses and 39 instruments. This capability lets a system designer overcome the GPIB Bus fanout limit of 14 devices and expands the number of GPIB Primary Addresses the controller can access. The 4842B adds less than 20 ns of delay to GPIB Bus signals, allowing it to be used in any speed GPIB Bus systems.
The Model 4842B is a follow-on product to ICS's older 4842 GPIB controlled GPIB Bus Switches. The older 4842 series was offered with two or three GPIB Buses and took 3.5 inches of rack space and had an optional rack mounting kit. The new 4842B is a lower cost unit with three GPIB Bus channels standard uses only 1.75 inches of rack space and includes rack-mounting ears.   The 4842B is command compatible with ICS’s earlier 4842 and 4840 GPIB Bus Switches and can be used as a functional replacement for them without any program changes.
The 4842B automates instrument sharing, which is often the best way to implement a manufacturing test system. In one case, a manufacturer used a 4842 to share an expensive HP Optical Analyzer between one computer which positioned the probes for testing a optical switch and a second computer that tested and characterized the part. In another case, several test systems shared a set of calibration equipment that had to be used to calibrate the test systems every four hours.
Pricing for the Model 4842B is $1,290 each is quantities of 1 to 4 units, FOB San Jose, California. Delivery is 3 to 4 weeks ARO. Each 4842B includes a universal power adapter, rack mounting ears, and a printed manual.
ICS Electronics is a pioneer and leader in the design and development of GPIB support products, Serial, VXI bus and Ethernet interface products. ICS's GPIB product line includes GPIB Controllers, Interfaces, Expanders, Extenders and many GPIB support products.
ICS Electronics is headquartered at 7034 Commerce Circle, Pleasanton, CA 94588. Phone (925) 416-1000. Contact Jerry Mercola, Marketing Manager for more information.
- DataSheet URL http://www.icselect.com/pdfs/4842B_ds.pdf
