Description
Core Product Summary
The Keysight / Agilent E8491B is a C-size, 1-slot, message-based VXI module that establishes a direct, high-speed communication link between an external PC and a VXI mainframe via the IEEE-1394 (FireWire) serial bus. Functioning as a slot-0 controller and system resource manager, the E8491B enables robust data exchanges and configuration management for automated test equipment (ATE) setups.
The system utilizes an OHCI-compliant PCI-to-IEEE 1394 host adapter card in the PC linked via durable FireWire cabling to the E8491B module in the VXI chassis. It supports high-performance data block transfers, multi-mainframe expansion from a single computer workstation, and complete integration with standard instrument control libraries like Keysight VISA and SICL.
Key Technical Specifications
| Technical Parameter | Specification Detail |
| Brand | Keysight Technologies / Agilent Technologies / HP |
| Model Number | E8491B |
| VXI Form Factor | C-size, 1-slot module |
| Module Architecture | Message-based VXI commander / Slot-0 device |
| Bus Interface Type | IEEE-1394 (FireWire) serial interface |
| Data Transfer Speed | Up to 400 Mbits/second (interface dependent) |
| System Controller Features | Built-in VXI Resource Manager, Slot-0 functions, and trigger routing |
| Software Environment | Keysight I/O Libraries (VISA / SICL drivers), 32-bit Interpreted SCPI (I-SCPI) |
| Physical PC Connection | PCI-to-IEEE 1394 host adapter card (OHCI-compatible) |
Engineering Selection Highlights
- Direct PC-to-VXI Bridge: Bypasses complex proprietary card cages by leveraging the standard IEEE-1394 (FireWire) physical layer for external PC control.
- Slot-0 & Resource Manager Capabilities: Combines slot-0 backplane control, bus management, and device enumeration directly within the module hardware.
- Multi-Mainframe Scalability: Permits a single computer host adapter to interface with multiple VXI mainframes through daisy-chained FireWire connections.
- High-Throughput Block Transfers: Designed to accommodate data-intensive applications such as modular data acquisition and high-speed automated testing.
- Standardized Driver Integration: Fully compatible with standard software connection layers including VISA and SICL for straightforward test program development.
System Compatibility & Integration Requirements
| Item / Dependency | Verified Compatibility or Requirement | Practical Note |
| Mainframe Chassis | C-size VXI Mainframe (e.g., Keysight E84XX series) | Occupies one physical slot, typically configured as Slot 0. |
| Host Computer Interface | PCI-to-IEEE 1394 Host Adapter (OHCI-compliant card) | Installed in the external PC to drive the FireWire bus. |
| Interconnection Cable | Standard IEEE-1394 FireWire Cable | Connects the PC host card directly to the front panel of the E8491B module. |
| Software Libraries | Keysight I/O Libraries Suite (VISA / SICL) | Necessary for proper hardware recognition, instrument addressing, and command routing. |
Dimensions, Mounting & Connection Notes
- VXI Size Configuration: Standard C-size, single-slot-wide module card.
- Chassis Location: Designed to sit in Slot 0 of the VXI mainframe to manage backplane timing, triggers, and bus arbitration, though functional communication relies on its front-panel interface connection.
- Front Panel Access: Features an external IEEE-1394 connector port to accept the ruggedized or standard FireWire cable coming from the host computer adapter.
E8491B
E8491B
Detailed Product Overview
The Keysight / Agilent E8491B provides an effective interface solution for linking external PC architectures to C-size VXI measurement environments. Capitalizing on the high-speed data transmission capabilities of the IEEE-1394 (FireWire) standard, the module eliminates the need for bulky legacy interface cards while maintaining low latency and high throughput for system commands and block data reads.
Operating as a message-based VXI commander, the E8491B incorporates built-in resource management and slot-0 functions that oversee system startup, backplane configurations, and bus arbitration. Software communication is streamlined via standard Keysight VISA and SICL drivers, allowing engineers to write and execute test routines without managing low-level hardware translation. Its combination of hot-plug capability, reliable cable interconnects, and multi-mainframe support makes it an established hardware link for controlling modular instrumentation setups.
Applications & System Role
The Keysight E8491B acts as the primary communication bridge and system controller in computer-controlled VXI test systems. It is deployed in demanding data acquisition and manufacturing test applications that require moving large blocks of measurement data between modular VXI instruments and an external PC processor. By converting standard PC bus protocols into structural VXI backplane commands, it enables unified control across electronic test, aerospace/defense checkouts, and multi-instrument modular platforms.
FAQ
What is the primary function of the Keysight E8491B?
The E8491B is a PC-to-VXI interface module that connects an external PC to a C-size VXI mainframe using an IEEE-1394 (FireWire) connection.
What slot size does the E8491B occupy in a chassis?
It is a single-slot, C-size VXI module.
Does the E8491B function as a Slot-0 controller?
Yes, it functions as a message-based device with built-in Slot-0 and VXI Resource Manager capabilities.
What software drivers are required to operate the module?
It requires the Keysight I/O Libraries Suite, which supplies the necessary VISA and SICL drivers.
Can a single PC control multiple mainframes using this module?
Yes, the architecture supports connecting and managing multiple mainframes from a single computer configuration.
Start Chat
