Keysight Technologies (Agilent HP) Modules

Keysight's modules in this category split into clear functional groups: electronic calibration (ECal) modules for VNAs, plug‑in sampling/receiver and clock modules designed for Infiniium DCA mainframes, chassis and system controller modules (AXIe and VXI), multifunction I/O and switch modules for data acquisition mainframes, and dedicated logic‑analysis modules for the 16900 series. Within those groups you will find distinct performance tiers: ECal modules aimed at very wide frequency coverage, multiport ECal modules for multiport VNAs, DCA plug‑ins that trade bandwidth for noise/rise‑time performance, and modular chassis that supply PCIe or VXI host links and slot power.

ECal modules are intended to speed and standardize VNA calibrations. Keysight offers single/dual‑port and multiport ECal modules with different connector types and frequency coverage. For example, the N4694D is a 2‑port microwave ECal module with 1.85 mm connectors and a standard operating range up to 67 GHz (Option 0DC extends to DC). At lower frequency and different impedance points, the N4433A provides four ports and 50 Ω operation from 300 kHz to 20 GHz, and the 85096C is a 2‑port 75 Ω ECal covering 300 kHz to 3 GHz. Choose by: required number of calibrated ports, the connector/coaxial interface (50 Ω vs 75 Ω, connector type), and the top frequency needed for the VNA.

Modules intended for the Infiniium DCA family cover optical and electrical receiver functions, high‑speed electrical sampling, and clock recovery. Sampling/receiver modules vary in bandwidth, noise, connector type and optical compatibility. Examples include the 86105A (20 GHz optical and electrical plug‑in for 86100 mainframes), the 86112A (dual electrical receiver, 12.4 or 20 GHz modes), and the 83484A (dual electrical sampling module with selectable 26.5 GHz or 50 GHz bandwidth). For continuous clock recovery and ultra‑low jitter requirements the 83496A is a dedicated optical/electrical clock recovery module. When you specify a DCA plug‑in, confirm the compatible mainframe (several modules list 86100A/B/C family compatibility) and match the module bandwidth/noise figures to the bit‑rate and eye‑closure you need to measure.

Keysight supplies the system infrastructure and general‑purpose modules engineers expect around modular test systems. The M9505A is an AXIe 5‑slot chassis with an integrated system module and PCIe Gen2 x8 host link. For legacy VXI applications the E1406A is a VXI C‑size system/slot‑0 module and resource manager. Data acquisition and switching needs are addressed by plug‑ins such as the 34907A multifunction module (digital I/O, gated totalizer, analog outputs for 34970/34972 mainframes) and the 34946A microwave switch module (two independent 1×2 terminated coax switches up to 26.5 GHz depending on option). For digital capture and bus timing, the 16911A and 16950B are logic analyzer modules for 16900 series mainframes with differing channel counts, state rates and memory options.

Use these criteria when choosing a module:

• Signal path and connector: pick the connector type and impedance that match your DUT and test cabling (examples show 1.85 mm, 3.5 mm, 2.4 mm, Type‑N, SMA).
• Frequency and bandwidth: select the module whose top frequency and bandwidth meet the test vector (ECal top‑end vs DCA sampling bandwidth differ by model).
• Ports and multiport needs: choose 2‑port versus 4‑port ECal depending on VNA port count and whether single‑connection calibration is needed.
• Host requirements: confirm mainframe or chassis compatibility; many DCA plug‑ins require an Infiniium DCA mainframe while AXIe/VXI modules need their respective hosts.
• Calibration and traceability: several modules specify a 12‑month or 1‑year recommended calibration interval and NIST traceability where listed; include calibration planning in procurement and maintenance schedules.

When in doubt, identify the single most limiting spec for your application (frequency limit, connector type, or channel count) and use that to narrow the candidate modules.