Series 3700A System Switch/Multimeter Reference Manual
Section 5: Switching and scanning
3700AS-901-01 Rev. D/June 2018
5-13
8. Press the navigation wheel to return to the main display after selecting the user configuration
for the channel range.
9. Press the
CONFIG
key followed by the
CHAN
key to change other channel attributes for the
range. Similarly, press the
CHAN
key without the
CONFIG
key to bring up the CHANNEL
ACTION MENU for use with the selected channel range.
Working with channels
Connection methods for close operations
You can dictate the order in which relays are opened and closed using the channel connection rule.
When the connection rule is set to break before make, the instrument ensures that all switch
channels open before any switch channels close. This behavior covers the most common
applications and is considered the safest connection rule because the tested device is
completely decoupled from the instrument. This is the default behavior. When switch
channels are both opened and closed, this command executes not less than the addition of
both the open and close settle times of the indicated switch channels.
When the connection rule is set to make-before-break, the instrument ensures that all switch
channels close before any switch channels open. This behavior should be applied with
caution because it will connect two test devices together for the duration of the switch close
settle time. When switch channels are both opened and closed, the command executes not
less than the addition of both the open and close settle times of the indicated switch
channels.
With no connection rule (set to
channel.OFF
), the instrument attempts to simultaneously
open and close switch channels in order to minimize the command execution time. This
results in faster performance at the expense of guaranteed switch position. During the
operation, multiple switch channels may simultaneously be in the close position. Make sure
your device under test can withstand this possible condition. When switch channels are both
opened and closed, the command executes not less than the greater of either the open or
close settle times of the indicated switch channels.
Cold switching is highly recommended.
Hot switching can dry weld reed relays such that they will always be on. Hot switching is
recommended only when external protection is provided.
The channel connect rule determines the order in which multiple channels are opened and closed on
the instrument. This attribute applies to electromechanical, reed, and solid-state relay switching
cards.
