Krohn-Hite Corporation, 15 Jonathan Drive, Unit 4, Brockton, MA  02301
If you’re doing demanding test and measurement work in a mainframe environment, you need a reliable, high-performance IEEE-488 programmable filter that will deliver consistently excellent results while providing integration capability and versatility in different test scenarios. That’s a tough set of demands, though, so it’s important to know which features matter most and then evaluate the products and specs to choose the best analog filter for your testing needs.

The Model 3916C IEEE-488 programmable filter from Krohn-Hite can meet all these requirements across the board in your mainframe application. This programmable analog filter is an established product that’s been providing high-level results for companies doing all levels of testing, and it’s flexible and adaptable enough to handle your future testing needs as well. To get a better idea of how all that works, let’s go through some of the most important specs and features you get from this impressive analog filter and break down some of the specifics.

The Importance of Signal Integrity in Your Analog Filter

Mainframe testing applications are ongoing exercises in precision and control, and compromised signal integrity can skew, compromise, or even ruin your results. The Model 3916C ensures reliability with low noise and distortion specs—specifically, the noise level is less than 50uV RMS, which corresponds to less than -85 dBu across the passband. The total harmonic distortion is 0.05 percent between 20 Hz and 20 kHz, and the device can handle a signal level up to 15 dBm. These are ideal numbers for signal processing applications, and the other features are designed to complement those specifications with additional levels of flexibility and modularity.

Analog Filter Types and Flexibility

Let’s start with versatility. It’s another requirement for analog filters in the world of high-level mainframe testing, and the Model 3916C gives you everything you need in that area as well. With this product, you can order a variety of filter types, including both low- and high-pass filters, as well as band-reject (i.e., notch). The cutoff frequency ranges from 0.1 Hz to 99.9 kHz, and this range can be programmed in 0.1 Hz increments to get a precise filter frequency response. There are four different selectable slopes, ranging from 6-24 dB/octave in increments of 6, i.e., 6, 12, 18 and 24. The gain is also programmable in 0.1 dB increments with a range of -99.9 dB to +99 dB for applications in which the filter attenuation has to be set beyond the cutoff frequency. The Q factor is programmable, so you can define the sharpness of the filter along with the selectivity, and this filter can operate in either bypass or normal mode. Accuracy is to within 0.1 percent of the programmed value, so that’s another precision element you gain by using the Model 3961.

Modularity Matters in Your Analog Filter

The 3916C also offers an impressive array of modularity features to meet your mainframe testing needs. This analog filter can be configured with two independent channels, each of which can be set up with its own set of filter modules to separately process signals that need different filter settings. All modules within the 3916C can be replaced on the fly in the field without the need for specialized tools—plus, you’ll never have to send the unit back to us for adjustments. Filter characteristics can also be upgraded by adding or replacing different modules, and this can be done without interrupting the system's overall performance. Another flexibility feature relates to programmability. Different filter configurations can be programmed, stored, and recalled, which helps you change setups quickly and efficiently on the fly. You can remotely control all filter settings, including cutoff frequency, slope, gain, and the Q factor. In addition, the two channels can also be linked independently to operate together for more complex filtering applications. Frequencies can also be customized to operate between different bands, which gives you even more versatility. The Model 3916C is the ultimate do-it-all filter, and it will give you the best possible results for every test application, regardless of complexity or unusual requirements.

Partner with Krohn-Hite

One of the serious advantages of choosing the Model 3916C is the support and backing that comes with it. You get Krohn-Hite reliability—the company has been supplying analog instruments since 1949, and we support our products across the board, whether they’re new or you’ve been using them for years. We also offer calibration testing when necessary, and support includes tech and app notes about any ongoing changes that are made to the unit or its specifications. It’s the ultimate win-win when it comes to high-performance testing, so call now or contact us at 508-580-1660 for more information or a demonstration.


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3916C 16 Slot Chassis