Keysight 34980A Multifunction Data Acquisition / Switch Mainframe

Key Features At A Glance

• Accommodates up to 8 plug-in modules with 21 different module options for switching, measurement, and system control
• Optional internal 6½-digit DMM measures 11 input types: DC/AC voltage, 2- and 4-wire resistance, frequency/period, DC/AC current, and temperature (thermocouple, RTD, thermistor)
• System switching from DC to 26.5 GHz across multiplexer, matrix, general-purpose, and RF/microwave module families
• Four built-in 2-wire analog buses route signals to the internal DMM or to external instruments via rear-panel analog bus connector
• Built-in Ethernet (LXI), USB 2.0, and GPIB (IEEE-488) interfaces standard on every mainframe for flexible test-system integration
• Web browser interface provides remote setup, switch control, SCPI command entry, and status monitoring via Java-applet-enabled browser
• Stores up to 500,000 readings with timestamps and supports up to 500 user-defined switch sequences for complex signal routing
• Per-channel relay cycle counters help predict end-of-life; in-rack DMM calibration via rear analog bus connector

The Keysight 34980A is a multifunction switch/measure data acquisition mainframe designed as a cost-effective platform for design validation, functional test, and data acquisition applications. The mainframe accepts up to eight plug-in modules and is built to handle system switching up to 26.5 GHz while also providing measurement, counter/totalizer, digital I/O with pattern capabilities, and analog output functions in a single full-rack, 3U-high enclosure.

According to the datasheet, the 34980A is used for automated test equipment in design validation and manufacturing environments. Typical applications listed include medium- to high-density switching and measurement, electronic functional test, design verification, data acquisition, monitoring multiple signals over time, routing individual signals between instruments, and controlling external devices such as microwave switches, attenuators, solenoids, and power relays. A data acquisition system, in general terms, is an instrument that converts physical or electrical signals from a device under test into digital values that can be logged, analyzed, and acted upon over time — and the 34980A combines that role with the signal-routing flexibility of a switch matrix in one chassis.

ValueTronics stocks, inspects, and ships the 34980A and its plug-in modules from a 20,000 sq ft secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive in Elgin, Illinois. Every used 34980A mainframe and module that leaves the building is performance-verified by our technicians against the published Keysight specifications, and we maintain depth across the multiplexer, matrix, general-purpose, RF, and system-control module families so that a customer expanding a configuration can typically source new and used modules on a single purchase order — something most direct-channel sources cannot provide.

Brand Heritage

The 34980A originated under Agilent Technologies, the test and measurement company that was spun out of Hewlett-Packard in 1999. In 2014, Agilent's electronic measurement business was transferred to a separate publicly traded company, Keysight Technologies, which continues to produce, support, and calibrate the 34980A and its modules today. Instruments in active service may carry either the Agilent or Keysight brand on the front panel depending on date of manufacture; both are part of the same product line.

Product Core & Specifications

Specification	Value
Module slots	8 plug-in modules
Internal DMM	Optional, 6½ digits, 11 measurement functions
DC voltage accuracy (1 year, 10 V range)	± (0.0035% rdg + 0.0005% range)
DCV ranges	100 mV, 1 V, 10 V, 100 V, 300 V
True RMS AC voltage	3 Hz to 300 kHz
Resistance ranges	100 Ω to 100 MΩ
DC current (with 34921A)	10 mA, 100 mA, 1 A
Frequency/Period	3 Hz to 300 kHz
Temperature (with 34921A)	Thermocouple, RTD, Thermistor
Input isolation	Up to 300 V
Analog buses	Four 2-wire internal analog buses
Memory	500,000 readings with timestamp
Switch sequences	Up to 500 user-defined
Instrument states	5 with user label
Alarm queue	Up to 20 events
Scan count	1 to 50,000 or continuous
Scan interval	0 to 99 hours; 1 ms step size
Channel delay	0 to 60 seconds per channel; 1 ms step size
External trigger delay	< 2 ms
Alarm outputs	4 TTL compatible
Interfaces	LXI 10/100Base-T Ethernet, USB 2.0, GPIB (IEEE-488)
Programming language	SCPI-1999, IEEE-488.2
Power supply	Universal 100 V to 240 V ± 10%
Power line frequency	50 – 60 Hz ±10% automatically sensed
Power consumption	150 VA
Operating environment	Full accuracy 0 °C to 55 °C, to 80% R.H. at 40 °C
Storage environment	-40 °C to 70 °C
Pollution degree	IEC 60664-1 pollution degree 1
Mainframe dimensions	133 H x 426 W x 341 D mm (5.25" x 16.8" x 14"), full rack, 3U high
Mainframe weight	8.8 kg (19.6 lbs)
Safety	CSA, UL/IEC/EN 61010-1
EMC	IEC/EN 61326-1, CISPR 11

Important: Plug-in modules vary significantly in maximum voltage and current ratings. Armature multiplexers and matrices are rated to ±300 V and 1–2 A, while reed and FET modules are rated to ±150 V or ±80 V peak with lower switch-current limits. Verify the module's rating against the application before connecting any signal.Important: The 34980A mainframe holds up to 8 plug-in modules. Modules and their associated terminal blocks, cables, or connector kits are ordered separately per the datasheet's Ordering Instructions; the mainframe alone does not provide signal connections.Important: The 34923A, 34924A, 34925A, 34933A, and 34934A have 100 ohm input protection resistors. The series resistance of these modules limits the use of the 100 Ω resistance range. Keysight recommends the use of 4-wire Ohms for resistance measurements.Important: For high accuracy voltage measurements, select the DMM input resistance setting of >10 GΩ to minimize the impact of relay contact resistance.Important: Storage at temperatures above 40 °C will decrease battery life of the real-time clock.Important: The 34951A 4-channel isolated D/A converter requires the optional internal DMM for calibration.Important: The Web browser interface requires a Java applet-enabled browser such as Internet Explorer version 11.Recommended pairing: the Y1130B rack-mount kit for installing the 34980A in a 19-inch rack (forward or reverse mount), and the appropriate 3492xT, 3493xT, 34934T, 34939T, or 3495xT screw-terminal block plus Y1135A/Y1136A (50-pin) or Y1137A/Y1138A (78-pin) D-sub cables for each installed module.

Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.