Agilent/Keysight 59306A Relay Actuator

The Agilent/Keysight 59306A Relay Actuator is a programmable switching control unit housing six Form-C relays for automated test and measurement systems. It has both front-panel manual operation and remote HP-IB control, enabling flexible integration into test benches, data acquisition setups, and signal-path optimization configurations where precise relay switching is essential.

Technical Specifications

• Six Form-C relays


• Contact rating: 0.5 A at 28 V dc or 115 V ac


• Settling time: 50 ms


• Maximum switching rate: 20 switches per second Control & Interface


• Local control via front-panel pushbutton switches


• Remote control via HP-IB (24-pin connector)


• Octal address configurable via rear-panel switches; typical address 7 octal


• Bus load: 3.3 mA per line Power


• Input: 115 V or 230 V ± 10%, 50 to 400 Hz, 10 VA max


• Fuse: 1.0 A normal blow (either voltage selection)


• Internal power supply Environmental


• Operating temperature: 0 to 50°C Indicators & Controls


• Front-panel indicator bulbs (5 V, 0.06 A, T-1 3/4) per relay state


• Power and Remote indicator lights (6 V, 0.04 A wire-terminal bulbs)


• Local-reset pushbutton for immediate operator control and remote-to-local transfer

Key Features

• Dual-mode operation: manual button control or remote HP-IB command


• Front-panel relay status indication via illuminated pushbuttons


• Terminal interface: 18 binding posts (4 mm banana jacks) for relay contacts and signal connections


• Local lockout capability prevents unauthorized remote control


• Time-out error detection for bus faults, address conflicts, or hardware malfunction


• Proximity placement capability via HP-IB reduces signal losses in test signal paths

Typical Applications

• Automated test system switching and control


• Signal routing in RF/microwave measurement setups


• Data acquisition system relay switching


• Process control environments requiring reliable contact switching

Compatibility & Integration The 59306A integrates with electrically controlled attenuators, RF switches, and microwave components including the 8761A/B coaxial switch family and 8494A–8496G/H programmable step attenuators.