The Keysight/Agilent/HP E1344A is a 16-channel thermocouple high-voltage relay multiplexer designed as a B-size, 1-slot VXI module. It delivers precise temperature measurements in demanding test environments by combining thermocouple signal conditioning with high-voltage switching capability. The module integrates a built-in thermistor reference junction and supports automatic cold junction compensation, enabling accurate thermocouple readings across all 16 channels. When paired with compatible Keysight VXI Digital Multimeters such as the E1326B or E1411B, the E1344A enables rapid multi-channel scanning, voltage, current, and resistance measurements on a single platform.
Technical Specifications
• Module: B-size, 1-slot, register-based VXI module
• Channels: 16-channel multiplexer (configurable as 16-channel 3-wire or 8-channel 4-wire)
• Measurement voltage: Up to 250 V
• Relay type: Thermocouple-compensated reed relays in break-before-make configuration
• Reference junction: Built-in thermistor
• Channel scanning rate: 350 channels/s typical
• Relay life: 10⁸ operations at no load; 10⁷ operations at rated load
• Terminal wire size: 16 to 26 AWG (1.5, 1.2, 0.9, 0.75, 0.5 mm)
• Relay state at power-up and power-down: Open
• Command interface: SCPI
– Key Features
• Thermocouple measurements with automatic cold junction compensation
• Support for voltage, current, two-wire and four-wire resistance measurements via compatible DMMs
• Thermocouple-compensated reed relay switching for signal integrity
• High-voltage switching capability to 250 V
• Screw terminal block interface for secure connections
• Included analog bus cable for slot-adjacent module interconnection
– Typical Applications
• Multi-channel temperature monitoring in high-voltage test environments
• Automated data acquisition with thermocouple sensor arrays
• Combined thermocouple and electrical parameter measurement in production test
• Temperature mapping in thermal chamber validation
– Compatibility & Integration
The E1344A operates within Keysight B-size VXI mainframes such as the E1300B and E1301B. Installation in C-size mainframes requires the E1403C active adapter. Full measurement capability requires integration with compatible Keysight VXI DMMs (E1326B, E1411B). Functionally equivalent to the E1343A module.
