The HP/Agilent 6940B MultiProgrammer is a modular data acquisition and control system for automated test environments. This medium-speed platform delivers programmable stimulus and measurement capabilities through a card-based architecture, supporting up to 15 plug-in I/O slots in the mainframe. The 6940B transfers data at 20 k words/second with 12-bit maximum resolution per card. Programming relies on word formats and octal coding—distinct control, data, and address words govern mode selection, output card control, and input card selection. Front-panel switch registers enable manual programming of all functions for fault isolation and system checkout.
Technical Specifications
• I/O Card Slots: 15 maximum in mainframe
• Expandability: Up to 15 HP 6941B Extender units can be chained, enabling 240 total programmable I/O slots
• Extender Separation: Up to 30 m between units
• Data Transfer Rate: 20 k words/second
• Data Resolution: Maximum 12 bits per plug-in card
• Programming Method: Word formats and octal coding (control, data, and address words)
• Analog Card Isolation: System ground isolation on analog cards
• Bias Power Supplies: Four isolated supplies for independent powering of up to four card groups
– Key Features
• Modular plug-in architecture for custom I/O configurations
• Full-feature front-panel switch register for manual control and diagnostics
• Isolated analog card design reduces ground-loop interference
• Four independent bias power supplies enable flexible card group powering
• Scalable to 240 I/O slots via extender chaining
– Typical Applications
• Automated test systems requiring distributed I/O control
• Data acquisition in production test environments
• Stimulus and measurement in multi-card test configurations
– Compatibility & Integration
• Primary Interface: General Purpose Interface Bus (GP-IB), IEEE Std 488
• HP-IB Connectivity: Requires HP 59500A MultiProgrammer Interface Kit for conversion to 16-bit parallel format
• Front Panel: Two 50-contact ribbon data connectors
• Extender Interconnection: Daisy-chain topology with up to 30 m cable runs between units
