The Keysight/Agilent E1406A is a C-size, 1-slot VXI message-based command module that provides Slot 0 and Resource Manager functionality. It serves as a VMEbus system controller and a GPIB (IEEE-488)-to-VXIbus interface device, allowing for seamless communication with message-based and register-based VXI modules from any manufacturer. Featuring a 16 MHz 68000 processor, flash memory for driver storage, and up to 2 MB of RAM, the module also translates SCPI commands to make register-based instruments highly programmable and user-friendly. High-throughput performance across multiple mainframe systems is enabled via MXIbus protocol support.
Specifications
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Interfaces | GPIB (IEEE-488), RS-232, VXIbus |
| Display | 12-character dot-matrix LED display |
| Front Panel Status LEDs | FAILED, READY, ACCESS, SYSFAIL |
| Real-Time Clock Battery | Lithium, non-rechargeable |
Physical
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +55 °C |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 262 mm x 30.5 mm x 353 mm |
System & Chassis Architecture
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | VXI C-size |
| Chassis Slot Width | 1-slot |
| VXI Device Type | Message-based Commander |
| System Controller Capability | VMEbus system controller and Slot 0 / Resource Manager |
| Processor | 16 MHz 68070 |
| Memory (RAM) | Up to 2 MB |
| Flash Memory | Integrated flash memory for downloadable drivers |
Timing & Synchronization
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Reference Clock Output Synchronization | Synchronizes VXI backplane 10 MHz clock to external TTL signal |
Connectivity & Host Interfaces
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Interface Connection | GPIB (IEEE-488) or RS-232 |
Software & Programming
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Command Language Support | SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) |
| SCPI Command Translation | Translates SCPI commands for register-based instruments |
| Diagnostic / Configuration Utility | Agilent VIC (VXI Installation Consultant) |
Power Requirements
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| +5 V Current Draw | 2.2 A |
| +12 V Current Draw | 0.08 A |
| -5.2 V Current Draw | 0.15 A |
| -2 V Current Draw | 0.03 A |
Environmental Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature Range | -40 °C to +75 °C |
| Cooling Fan Configuration | Forced air from VXI mainframe |
Interfaces & Connectivity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| HP-IB (GPIB) Maximum Transfer Rate | 1 MB/s |
| RS-232 Maximum Baud Rate | 38.4 kbps |
Standards & Compliance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| VXIbus Specification Compliance | VXIbus Rev 1.4 |
System Performance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Resource Manager Execution Time | < 5 seconds (typical 13-slot mainframe) |
Triggering & Synchronization
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard Internal Clock Accuracy | ±0.01% (±100 ppm) |
| 10 MHz Reference Clock Input (CLK10 IN) | SMB connector |
| 10 MHz Reference Clock Output (CLK10 OUT) | SMB connector |
Environmental
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Humidity Range | Up to 95% RH at 40 °C (non-condensing) |
| Storage Humidity Range | Up to 95% RH at 65 °C |
| Operating Altitude | Up to 4,572 m (15,000 ft) |
| Storage Altitude | Up to 15,240 m (50,000 ft) |
VXI Interface
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| VXIbus Master Capability | A24, A32, D16, D32 |
| VXIbus Slave Capability | A16, D16 |
| Data Transfer Bus Arbiter | Priority (PRI) or Round Robin (RRS) |
Connectivity
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| RS-232 Flow Control | XON/XOFF, RTS/CTS |
| RS-232 Connector Type | 9-pin D-sub (male) |
| Trigger Output Connector | SMB |
| 10 MHz Reference Input Connector | SMB |
| 10 MHz Reference Output Connector | SMB |
| GPIB Capability Codes | SH1, AH1, T6, TE0, L4, LE0, SR1, RL1, PP0, DC1, DT1, C1, C2, C3, C4, C28 |
| GPIB Address Range | 0 to 30 |
Technology
VXIbus
Applications
VXI Slot 0 System Controller and Resource Manager