Description
HP 3488A Switch Control Unit GPIB IEEE-488 Rackmount For Parts No Power
The HP (Hewlett-Packard) 3488A is a rack-mounted switch and control unit designed for use in automated test and measurement systems. It serves as a mainframe chassis that accepts plug-in switch, relay, and control cards, allowing a GPIB-connected test system controller to route signals and automate switching sequences across multiple instruments or devices under test. The unit communicates via the HP-IB (IEEE-488 / GPIB) bus, making it compatible with HP test system architectures and other IEEE-488 compliant controllers.
Specifications & What's Included
- Manufacturer: Hewlett-Packard (HP)
- Model: 3488A Switch/Control Unit
- Interface: HP-IB / GPIB / IEEE-488
- Form Factor: Rackmount, 2U
- Card Slots: 5 slots for plug-in switch/control cards
- Add-On Cards: None installed — all slots empty
- Front Panel: LCD status display, RESET, TEST, SYNTAX, LOCAL, ADRS, STATUS, MASK, SRQ buttons; Scanner and Digital keypad section
- Rear Panel: HP-IB / GPIB connector (24-pin), DIP address switches (PWR ON/SRQ), IEC AC power inlet
- Power Input: 90–132V / 195–250V AC, 50/60Hz (selectable)
- Line Limits: 115V — 500mA; 230V — 250mA
- Fuse Cap: Missing
- Backplane PCB visible in interior; board label 09-2439 observed
- No accessories, cables, or add-on cards included
Applications
The HP 3488A was designed for use in automated test equipment (ATE) environments where GPIB-controlled signal switching and routing are required. It was commonly used in semiconductor test, production test benches, and laboratory automated measurement systems built around HP instrument clusters. The mainframe accepts a family of plug-in cards — including relay multiplexers, digital I/O cards, and matrix switch cards — enabling flexible routing between instruments and devices under test. Systems integrators and test engineers maintaining or rebuilding HP 3488A-based ATE setups use the mainframe chassis as a core component, making this unit of interest for parts recovery, chassis repair, or backplane servicing.
This HP 3488A Switch/Control Unit does not power on and is being sold AS-IS for parts or repair. The unit is missing its fuse cap and no add-on cards are installed in any of the card slots. It has not been tested and is not guaranteed functional in any capacity. The chassis, front panel, keypad, and backplane appear physically intact based on visual inspection — photos show the interior card bays, rear HP-IB GPIB connector, IEC AC power inlet, and voltage selector switch. Please view our full photo set carefully and contact us if you have any questions before purchasing.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Hewlett-Packard |
Model: |
3488A |
MPN: |
3488A |
Type: |
Switch/Control Unit |
SKU: |
49853 |
Condition: |
As-Is / For Parts or Not Working |
Interface Type: |
HP-IB / GPIB / IEEE-488 |
Form Factor: |
Rackmount, 2U |
Number of Card Slots: |
5 |
Add-On Cards Included: |
None — no add-on cards installed |
Power Requirements: |
90-132V / 195-250V AC, 50/60Hz |
Line Limits: |
115V: 500mA; 230V: 250mA |
Seller Notes: |
Does not power on. Missing fuse cap. No add-on cards included. Sold AS-IS. |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Compatible With: |
HP 3488A plug-in switch/control cards |
Application: |
Automated Test Equipment (ATE), GPIB instrument switching |
Condition Notes: |
HP 3488A Switch/Control Unit does not power on. Missing fuse cap. No add-on cards included. Sold AS-IS for parts or repair only. Not tested, not guaranteed functional. |
