5305 Spectrum Drive, Frederick, MD 21703-7362
TEL: 301-846-9222, 800-638-2048
Fax: 301-846-9116
web: www.aeroflex.com/weinschel
email: weinschel-sales@aeroflex.com
32
SmartStep
Subsystems
Revision Date: 2/20/09
Description
Model 8210A represents a new concept in device control
applications and provides a high level interface from various
industry standard communications interfaces to the serial
Driver Interface Bus.
The Device Interface Bus (DIB) is a system for connecting
a number of relatively low-speed I/O devices to a host, pro-
viding a simple, uniform and inexpensive way to control a
variety of devices via a single port. The DIB is based on the
two-wire serial bus and several software protocol layers that
allow the Model 8210A to address up to 125 peripheral
devices with serial data rates of up to 100 KHz. The DIB
may also be used to supply DC power to the devices, result-
ing in a simple, low-cost interconnection system.
This Programmable attenuator/switch controller is available
in two models, each providing a different type of communi-
cations interface to suit user configuration requirements.
Each model contains similar capabilities, and provides
switch-selectable parameters to the interfaces’ operation.
Model 8210A
Programmable Attenuator/Switch Controller
RS232\RS422/RS485
A Logical Interface for Switchable Devices!
Features
o Provides a flexible, powerful, low cost solution for bus
control of programmable step attenuators and other
switchable devices under computer control.
o Designed to interface with Aeroflex / Weinschel’s line
of intelligent programmable attenuators and other
electromechanical devices.
o Simplifies your bench test setups and subsystem
design.
o Available in two standard communication interfaces:
- Model 8210A-1:
GPIB/IEEE-488 (HS-488 ready)
- Model 8210A-2:
RS-232, RS-422, RS-485
Applications
Applications for the 8210A range from providing control of a
single Programmable Attenuator in a bench test/lab envi-
ronment using a PC and a terminal emulator, to complex
system applications where the 8210A is employed to control
many devices to create custom/semi-custom subsystems to
reduce overall design cost. Aeroflex / Weinschel can pro-
vide a variety of custom designed driver interfaces for
various devices, such as RF switches, relays, PIN attenua-
tors, displays and other devices, as well as complete
subsystem design and integration services. Contact us with
your specialized needs.
Typical Capacity: Control a subsystem consisting of 32
individual 8-cell programmable attenuators plus 16
DPDT switches.
For additional information on the Model 8210A, visit our website @ www.aeroflex.com/AW/8210A.htm
IEEE-488