The Keysight E8491A is a C-size, single-slot message-based VXI controller board that establishes direct PC-to-VXI mainframe connectivity via IEEE-1394 (FireWire). This module enables high-performance data block transfers essential for demanding data acquisition and instrument control applications. It functions as a VXI commander with integrated resource manager capabilities, supporting up to 16 mainframes from a single PC while providing external timing and triggering control.
Technical Specifications
Interface & Connectivity
• IEEE-1394 (FireWire) PC-to-VXI interface
• PCI 2.1 backplane compatible (optional PCI card)
• 4.5-meter IEEE-1394 cable included
• Hot plug-in capability for automatic device recognition without power cycling
Data Transfer Performance
• Address/Data Bus: A16, A24, A32, D08, D16, D32, D64
• Maximum sustained data transfer rate: 14 MB/sec (16-bit); 14 MB/sec (32-bit)
• Maximum backplane burst rate: 13 MB/sec (16-bit); 27 MB/sec (32-bit); 53 MB/sec (64-bit)
• Shared memory: 128 kB
System Integration
• Slot 0 functions supported
• Extended VXIbus resource manager
• Support for up to 16 mainframes per PC
• 32-bit Interpreted SCPI (I-SCPI) support
• SICL/VISA I/O library compatibility
Power Consumption (Module)
• +5 V: 2.5 A (IPM), 0.001 A (IDM)
• +12 V: 0.35 A (IPM), 0.050 A (IDM)
• −12 V: 0.015 A (IPM), 0.001 A (IDM)
• −5.2 V: 0.180 A (IPM), 0.001 A (IDM)
• −2 V: 0.360 A (IPM), 0.001 A (IDM)
– Key Features
• Single-slot C-size form factor for compact mainframe integration
• FireWire-based architecture eliminates external parallel interfaces
• Scalable multi-mainframe operation from one PC
• Hot plug-in detection requires no system restart
• Integrated timing and triggering for synchronized measurements across instruments
– Compatibility & Integration
The E8491A is compatible with the Agilent/Keysight E8400 mainframe series. Supported operating systems include Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT 4.0, and Windows 2000. SICL/VISA programming interfaces enable instrument control via standard command protocols.
