The Keysight/Agilent/HP 6942A Benchtop Multiprogrammer is a modular instrument controller for automated testing, data acquisition, and measurement sequencing. It manages concurrent I/O operations via HP-IB (IEEE 488) interface, offloading control complexity from the host computer. The 6942A accepts up to 16 plug-in input or output cards and chains with up to seven 6943A Extenders for system expansion.
Technical Specifications
Processor & Memory
• Onboard microprocessor executes mnemonic, action-oriented instructions
• Program memory: 76 instructions maximum
• Data storage: 1440 readings in mainframe memory
• Expandable storage: 4K Memory Cards (69790B) hold 4096 16-bit words of input or output data
I/O Architecture
• Maximum 16 plug-in cards per mainframe
• Analog I/O: isolated inputs and outputs with automatic unit conversion (volts, millivolts, amps, degrees, feet, etc.)
• Digital I/O: 16-bit TTL, open collector, or SPST relay-contact form
• Overlapped I/O operations supported
System Expansion
• Chainable with up to 7 × 6943A Extenders using 14702A cables (1.5 m length)
• Maximum chaining cable length: 152 meters (500 feet)
Real-Time Control
• Built-in clock synchronized to 50 Hz or 60 Hz line frequency
• Clock range: 65,534 days at 0.1-second resolution
• Internal or external pacing of measurements
• Built-in self-test status indication
Interface
• HP-IB (IEEE 488, ANSI MC I.I) with extended bus addressing
• Data and status readback via extended bus features
– Key Features
• Programmable voltage and current outputs for compatible power supplies
• Automatic data format conversion for connected I/O cards
• Time-of-day measurement capability
• Single mainframe supports complex, multi-card test sequences
– Typical Applications
Automated test systems, distributed measurement networks, equipment characterization, and production test environments requiring independent I/O sequencing and data logging.
– Compatibility & Integration
Controlls via HP Series 80, Series 200, Series 1000, 9825, and 9845 computers. Documentation packages available for supported platforms.
