Keysight E1421B | C-Size 6-Slot VXI Mainframe

Description

Core Product Summary

The Keysight / Agilent E1421B is a C-size, 6-slot VXI mainframe designed to house compatible modular instruments in a VXIbus-based test system. It provides the chassis, backplane, power distribution, and cooling infrastructure required to integrate supported plug-in modules into a shared instrument platform.

The E1421B supports six VXI module slots and uses P1/P2 backplane connectors. Its integrated power supply provides the supply rails required by installed modules, while a pressurized air-channel cooling arrangement directs airflow through the chassis. Rear-panel power access and a design intended for portable or rack-mounted configurations are relevant when planning cabinet layout, servicing access, and instrument-system integration. Engineers selecting this model should assess the power demand of the intended module combination, the required VXIbus functions, and the available installation space before specifying the mainframe.

Key Technical Specifications

Engineering Selection Highlights

• Six-slot C-size VXI architecture → Suitable for configurations requiring up to six compatible VXI module positions; confirm the installed module dimensions and system requirements.
• VXIbus Revision 1.4 → Check that the intended modules conform to the supported bus architecture and required backplane functions.
• P1/P2 backplane connectors → Confirm module connector and backplane requirements before integrating the chassis into an existing instrument system.
• 60 W per slot at a 10°C temperature rise → Evaluate module power dissipation and cooling requirements when planning the chassis configuration.
• Integrated power distribution → Check the demand on each required supply rail against the mainframe’s available capacity, rather than relying on total power alone.
• Pressurized air-channel cooling → Account for the specified airflow path when positioning the mainframe and planning cabinet ventilation.
• Portable or rack-mounted installation → Determine whether the intended setup requires a rack flange, handle, slide, or other mounting hardware.

E1421B

E1421B

System Compatibility & Integration Requirements

Dimensions, Mounting & Connection Notes

The E1421B is designed for portable or rack-mounted use. Its physical installation and service arrangement should account for the following:

• Module insertion: The chassis uses injector surface rails associated with the VXI QUIC module insertion and extraction arrangement.
• Power access: AC power enters through the rear of the mainframe, so the installation should provide suitable access for power connection and servicing.
• Airflow direction: Air enters through the right side and exhausts through the left. Avoid cabinet arrangements that obstruct these paths.
• Cooling clearance: Allow sufficient space around the airflow openings for the intended cooling arrangement.
• Rack accessories: Mounting options include flange and handle/flange configurations. Confirm the required mounting arrangement before ordering accessories.
• Backplane shielding: The required connector shields should be assessed when configuring the system for the applicable electromagnetic-compliance requirements.

Detailed Product Overview

Chassis architecture and module integration

The Keysight / Agilent E1421B is a six-slot C-size VXI mainframe for modular electronic instrumentation. Its primary function is to provide a common mechanical and electrical platform for compatible VXI modules. The backplane connects installed modules through the VXIbus architecture, allowing the assembled system to operate according to the functions and interfaces provided by its individual instruments.

Slot capacity is an important design consideration. A six-slot chassis can accommodate a limited set of modules, so the system designer must account for the physical positions and backplane resources required by each instrument. The mainframe should be selected based on the actual module configuration rather than slot count alone.

Power distribution and module loading

The E1421B incorporates a power supply that distributes the supply rails required by compatible modules. Its published cooling specification is 60 W per slot at a 10°C temperature rise. This thermal figure should not be interpreted as an unrestricted electrical power allowance for every slot under all operating conditions.

When planning a configuration, engineers should evaluate the current requirements on each supply rail, the combined module load, and the thermal characteristics of the installed equipment. A system can require additional analysis even when the number of modules is within the chassis capacity.

Cooling and installation

The mainframe uses pressurized air-channel cooling to direct airflow through the installed modules. Air enters from the right side and exits through the left, making airflow direction a practical cabinet-design constraint. Enclosures, adjacent equipment, and cable routing should not obstruct the intended cooling path.

The chassis supports portable and rack-mounted arrangements. The appropriate mounting hardware depends on the installation, so the required flange, handle, or rack accessories should be considered separately from the mainframe itself.

Integration considerations

The E1421B is intended for VXI-based modular instrumentation rather than as a standalone programmable controller or general-purpose industrial I/O module. Its suitability for a particular application depends on the VXI modules, controller arrangement, power requirements, and system-level interfaces involved.

Before specifying the unit, confirm the required module types, slot allocation, supply-rail loading, cooling conditions, mounting arrangement, and any applicable backplane shielding requirements. These checks help establish whether the mainframe meets the physical and electrical requirements of the intended instrument configuration.

Applications & System Role

The E1421B serves as the physical infrastructure for a modular VXI instrumentation system. Rather than performing measurement or control functions independently, it provides the mechanical enclosure, shared backplane, power distribution, and cooling needed by compatible plug-in instruments.

Its six-slot capacity makes it relevant to modular test configurations that require fewer module positions than a larger VXI mainframe. The specific functions available in the assembled system depend on the modules installed and the associated system controller and instrumentation architecture.

The mainframe’s role can be understood in three areas:

• Module integration: Houses compatible VXI instruments within a common chassis and provides their backplane connections.
• Power and thermal management: Distributes the required supply rails and directs cooling airflow through the installed modules.
• System installation: Supports portable and rack-mounted arrangements for modular instrumentation setups.

For system design or equipment replacement, the important selection questions are whether the existing modules fit the C-size VXI architecture, whether the required backplane and supply-rail resources are available, and whether the planned module combination can be cooled within the intended installation.

FAQ

What is the Keysight / Agilent E1421B?

The E1421B is a C-size, six-slot VXI mainframe that provides the chassis, backplane, power distribution, and cooling infrastructure for compatible modular instrumentation.

How many modules can the E1421B accommodate?

The E1421B provides six VXI module slots. The number of modules that can be used in a particular system depends on their form factor and the configuration requirements.

Which bus architecture does the E1421B use?

The E1421B is designed for VXIbus systems conforming to Revision 1.4. Module and system-controller requirements should be checked before integration.

What backplane connectors does the E1421B use?

The mainframe uses P1/P2 backplane connectors. Confirm the connector requirements of the intended modules when assessing system compatibility.

How does the E1421B cool installed modules?

It uses pressurized air-channel cooling, with air entering through the right side and exhausting through the left. Installation planning should preserve this airflow path.

Is the E1421B suitable for rack installation?

Yes. The E1421B supports portable or rack-mounted configurations. The required mounting accessories depend on the intended installation.

What should be checked before integrating the E1421B into an existing system?

Confirm the C-size VXI module requirements, six-slot allocation, backplane interfaces, supply-rail loading, cooling path, mounting hardware, and any applicable shielding requirements.