The Hewlett-Packard modular measurement system interface bus as a control bus for modular microwave instrumentation

The Hewlett-Packard modular system interface bus (HP-MSIB) is the digital communication system used in the modular measurement (MMS). The MMS is a modular architecture for high performance RF, microwave and lightwave instrument systems. At the core of the MMS is the mainframe. The mainframe defines the structural environment and has slots into which modules can be inserted. Each slot provides power, cooling, IEEE-488 (HP-IB) and HP-MSIB. Mainframes can be inter-connected to increase the number of module slots in a system. The module is the basic building block of the MMs. A module is any device with an address on the HP-MSIB, and can be all or part of an instrument. As well as instrument function modules, modules are available with a display and keyboard to provide a user-interface for other modules