Description
Product Introduction & Engineering Value
The HP Agilent Keysight E4809 designation is not a standalone electronic instrument. The documented E4809-61601 variant is a system clock interconnect cable used with the 81250 ParBERT high-speed test platform. That distinction matters when sourcing a replacement because the complete part number—not merely “E4809”—determines the actual cable assembly.
In a high-speed BER test environment, the interconnect is part of the measurement architecture. Cable construction, connector configuration, signal integrity, and physical routing can affect system operation. The E4809-61601 is associated with ParBERT systems used for applications including SerDes, multiplexer/demultiplexer, multiple-transmitter/receiver, 10GbE, and FEC device testing.
Technical Specifications
- Manufacturer Lineage: Hewlett-Packard → Agilent Technologies → Keysight Technologies
- Model Family: E4809
- Specific Documented P/N: E4809-61601
- Description: System Clock Interconnect Cable
- Associated System: HP/Agilent/Keysight 81250 ParBERT
- Related Platform: 81200 Data Generator/Analyzer system
- Approximate Length: 21 in. / 53.34 cm
- Product Category: High-speed test-system interconnect
- Primary Role: System clock interconnection
- Application Environment: Automated high-speed semiconductor and communications testing
- Typical Test Applications: SerDes, Mux/Demux, multiple TX/RX, 10GbE, FEC
- Inventory Consideration: Exact suffix and cable assembly number must be matched before ordering
Critical sourcing note: E4809 is not sufficiently specific as a purchasing identifier. The documented E4809-61601 is a system clock interconnect cable. Other E4809-prefixed numbers appear in the market for unrelated assemblies and even unrelated equipment. Always match the complete part number printed on the existing cable or assembly.
Field Application & the “Trench” Experience
A semiconductor test rack was still running a validated ParBERT configuration for high-speed serial-device characterization. The main instruments were operating normally, but an intermittent system-clock problem appeared whenever the test configuration was changed.
The first mistake would have been replacing the clock source.
Instead, the engineer inspected the clock interconnect path, including the cable assembly and its connectors. The existing cable identification was recorded, and the replacement was sourced using the complete -61601 number. After installation, the team repeated the system-level clock and BER checks rather than declaring the repair complete simply because the instruments powered up.
That is the right mindset for high-speed test equipment: an interconnect can be part of the test system, not just an accessory.
Niche applications include:
- SerDes transmitter/receiver characterization using the 81250 ParBERT architecture.
- 10GbE device testing, where high-speed pattern generation and analysis are coordinated across the test system.
- FEC device verification, requiring synchronized high-speed stimulus and measurement.
- Mux/Demux IC testing, where multiple high-speed channels must operate as a coordinated test environment.
E4809
E4809
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Transparency SOP: QA & Testing
For a New Surplus E4809-61601, the inspection should concentrate on identity and signal-path condition.
- Part-number verification — Confirm the complete E4809-61601 designation rather than only E4809.
- Connector inspection — Examine both ends for bent contacts, contamination, damaged shells, or signs of forced insertion.
- Cable inspection — Check jacket condition, strain relief, bends, cuts, crushing, and evidence of previous installation.
- Dimensional verification — Compare the approximate cable length and physical configuration with the original.
- System-level test — Where an 81250/81200 test environment is available, install the cable and verify the clock path under representative operating conditions.
- Condition documentation — Clearly identify the item as New Surplus, Used, or Refurbished.
A secondary-market listing currently identifies E4809-61601 as new surplus stock and tested, with a one-year seller warranty; that is a seller-specific condition and warranty, not an OEM warranty.
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide
⚠️ Trap #1 — Ordering “E4809” without the suffix.
This is the biggest sourcing risk. E4809 is a prefix used in multiple part-number contexts. The cable is specifically identified as a System Clock Interconnect Cable.
⚠️ Trap #2 — Assuming any cable with the same connector will work.
High-speed test systems are sensitive to cable characteristics and system configuration. A visually similar cable is not automatically an acceptable substitute.
PRO TIP: Photograph the complete cable label before removing it. Record both the full part number and the equipment model to which it connects.
⚠️ Trap #3 — Testing continuity and calling the cable good.
For a system-clock cable used in a high-speed test architecture, DC continuity alone is a weak acceptance test. Where possible, validate the cable in the actual ParBERT system or use an appropriate high-frequency test procedure.
Dynamic FAQ
Q: What is HP/Agilent/Keysight E4809?
A: The documented is a System Clock Interconnect Cable used with the 81250 ParBERT test platform.
Q: Is E4809-61601 an electronic module?
A: No. It is a cable assembly. Treat it as a system interconnect rather than a VXI plug-in instrument.
Q: What is the approximate length of E4809-61601?
A: A current listing specifies approximately 21 inches (53.34 cm). Verify the physical dimensions against the original cable before ordering.
Q: What equipment uses E4809-61601?
A: It is associated with the HP/Agilent/Keysight 81250 ParBERT system and its high-speed test architecture.
Q: Can I order simply by specifying E4809?
A: No. Specify the complete part number whenever possible. is materially more useful than the generic E4809 designation.
Q: What does New Surplus mean for E4809-61601?
A: It normally means previously manufactured OEM inventory that was not used in normal service and later entered secondary-market stock. Confirm condition, testing, and warranty terms with the supplier. A current listing, for example, describes E4809-61601 as new surplus and tested, with a seller-provided warranty.
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