The Keysight/Agilent/HP E1306A is a VXI GPIB Command Module that bridges VXI systems with external GPIB instruments. This B-size, 2-slot module functions as a register-based commander and provides slot 0 control and resource management for B-size VXI mainframes, particularly the 20-slot E1302A. It enables hybrid test solutions by managing VXI backplane communications, parsing measurement control commands for register-based VXI devices, and interfacing with GPIB-controlled external instruments.
Technical Specifications
• Module Type: B-size VXI GPIB Command Module, 2-slot configuration
• Processor: 8 MHz Motorola 68000 16-bit microprocessor
• Memory: Up to 2 MB nonvolatile RAM, expandable in 1 MB increments; 1 MB RAM recommended for all configurations; 2 MB RAM required for specific applications (e.g., E1313A 32-Channel Scanning A/D). Additional RAM necessary for instrument reading storage and SCPI downloadable drivers for register-based modules
• Interfaces: IEEE-488 (GPIB), RS-232 for terminal debugging
• Clock Synchronization: VXI backplane 10 MHz clock synchronizable to external TTL signal
• VXIbus Extension: Includes MXIbus Resource Manager for high-throughput performance in multiple mainframe systems
– Key Features
• Register-based command architecture for direct VXI device control
• SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) programming support
• Flexible triggering and clock interfacing
• VXI slot 0 functions and resource management
• Agilent VIC (VXI Installation Consultant) included for system setup
• Note: Does not support Compiled SCPI (C-SCPI)
– Typical Applications
• Integration of legacy GPIB instruments into modern VXI test systems
• Hybrid measurement setups combining VXI modules with external GPIB devices
• Register-based VXI device command parsing and control
• Multi-mainframe systems requiring centralized resource management
– Compatibility & Integration
Primary compatibility includes B-size VXI mainframes, notably the 20-slot HP E1302A. The module operates as slot 0 controller in any B-size VME mainframe. Early production units contained 256 KBytes of battery-backed non-volatile RAM; later production standardized on expandable configurations.
