Signal distribution system switching module

Claim 1

In a signal distribution system having multiple switching matrix means for effecting connection between an equipment under test and at least one of a plurality of instruments, an interfacing means for connecting the equipment under test to a switching matrix means, each of the switching matrix means including a plurality of relays adapted to be selectively controlled by at least one controller means, each switching matrix means comprising: a plurality of I/O ports connected to the interfacing means, at least one of the I/O ports communicating with the equipment under test; a corresponding number of first data lines each connectable directly to one of the I/O ports for providing digital signals from the equipment under test to at least one digital test instrument for measurement, at least one of the first data lines being connected to a switch means adaptable to connect that data line to a first analog instrument so that analog parameters of the digital signals transmitted on that data line are measured by the first analog instrument; an instrument-to-bus matrix means for effecting communication between the switching matrix means and an intercard signal bus, the instrument-to-bus matrix means including a plurality of second data lines each having a relay means; multiple matrix buses, corresponding in number to the I/O ports, each connectable to a particular I/O port for selectively providing a signal path between that I/O port and one of the second data lines of the instrument-to-bus matrix means, the one second data line connectable to at least an instrument means.