Astronics / EADS / Racal 1261B 13-Slot High-Performance VXI Mainframe

The Astronics 1261B is a 13-slot C-size VXI mainframe. It was sold under EADS and Racal Instruments branding at different points — the hardware is identical across all three names. It accepts standard VXI C-size modules in slots 0 through 12, delivers regulated DC power across the backplane, and supports both embedded slot-0 controllers and external PC controllers via MXI-2 interface. Key Specs Slots: 13 C-size VXI Power Input: 115 Vrms ±10%, 47–63 Hz Bus: VXIbus Rev 1.4, VME64 compatible Controller Support: Slot-0 embedded or external via MXI-2 Cooling: Dual-fan active, field-replaceable fans Form Factor: 7U rack-mount with optional cable tray Compliance: VXIbus Rev 1.4, SCPI Slot 0 holds the resource manager. This can be an embedded VXI controller or an MXI-2 interface card that connects back to a host PC. The remaining 12 slots are open for instrument modules. The backplane distributes bus power with low ripple and noise, which matters when you are mixing high-power digital modules and sensitive analog or RF instruments in the same chassis. The 1261B is compatible with VXI plug&play drivers and works with LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, and HP-BASIC-based test executives. Most major VXI instruments from Agilent, Racal, Wavetek, and Keithley seat directly without adaptation. This unit includes the optional cable tray, which attaches to the rear of the chassis and routes I/O cabling away from the module face. It is cosmetically clean and fully functional. This unit was pulled from a working system, powered on, and verified at our Downingtown, PA facility before listing. Does this chassis include a slot-0 controller? No. This listing is for the mainframe only. You will need a separate VXI resource manager — common choices include the National Instruments VXI-MXI-2 or Agilent E8491B. Contact us if you need help sourcing a compatible controller. Is the 1261B compatible with modern NI or Keysight VXI modules? Yes. Any VXI C-size module that meets VXIbus Rev 1.4 will seat and receive power. The chassis does not limit compatibility by vendor. Driver support is the responsibility of the module vendor. What is the difference between Astronics, EADS, and Racal 1261B? None. Racal Instruments was acquired by EADS, which was later acquired by Astronics. The 1261B chassis hardware did not change across these ownership transitions.