HP HP 8712ET, User Manual, Page: 274 / 480

7-8 ET User’s Guide
Front/Rear Panel
Connectors
HP-IB Interface Cables Available
As many as 14 HP-IB instruments can be connected to the analyzer (15
total instruments in the system). The cables can be interconnected in a
star pattern (one central instrument with the HP-IB cables emanating
from that instrument like spokes on a wheel), or in a linear pattern (like
boxcars on a train), or a combination of the two. See
Figure 1-5, “HP-IB
Connection Configurations,” on page 1-5 . There are certain restrictions
that must be followed when interconnecting instruments:
• Each instrument must have a unique HP-IB address, ranging from 0
to 30.
• In a two-instrument system that uses just one HP-IB cable, the cable
length must not exceed 4 meters (13.2 ft).
• When more than two instruments are connected on the bus, the cable
length to each instrument must not exceed two meters (6.6 ft).
• The total cable length between all instruments must not exceed 20
meters (66 ft).
Hewlett-Packard manufactures HP-IB extender instruments (Models
HP 37204A and HP 37204B) that overcome the range limitations
imposed by the cabling rules. These extenders allow twin pair cable
operation up to 1 km (3,280 ft), and telephone modem operation over any
distance. HP Sales and Service Offices can provide additional
information on the HP-IB extenders.
HP-IB Cable
Part Number
Length
HP 10833A 1 m (3.3 ft)
HP 10833B 2 m (6.6 ft)
HP 10833C 4 m (13.2 ft)
HP 10833D 0.5 m (1.6 ft)