Agilent / Keysight E1301B B-Size VXI Mainframe, 9-Slot

The Agilent/Keysight E1301B is a B-size, 9-slot VXI mainframe designed for compact automated test and measurement systems. It integrates a built-in command module with GPIB and RS-232 interfaces, an 8 MHz Motorola 68000 controller, and dual-fan cooling to support demanding measurement modules. The front panel includes a 40-character vacuum fluorescent display and keyboard for manual operation and troubleshooting, eliminating dependence on external controllers for remote applications.

Technical Specifications

The E1301B provides 9 total slots: 7 external B-size slots, 2 internal slots (one occupied by the base controller), and 3 available external A-size slots. The 16-bit VME Bus P1 backplane supports VXI Specification Revision 1.4 compliance. Cooling is rated for 25 W modules with a 10°C temperature rise. Power distribution delivers +5 V at 12.2 A (IMP) / 50.00 A (IMD), +12 V at 4.6 A (IMP) / 8.00 A (IMD), and -12 V at 0.9 A (IMP) / 4.00 A (IMD). Maximum usable power is 120 W at 40°C. All outputs include over-temperature, over-voltage, over-current, and short-to-ground protection. Input power accepts 115 Vac to 230 Vac (250 V maximum) at 50 Hz to 400 Hz. Replacement fuses are 1.5 A (Agilent 2110-0304) for 115 Vac and 3.0 A (Agilent 2110-0003) for 230 Vac operation.

Key Features

• Built-in GPIB interface and Resource Manager with SCPI and IEEE 488.2 command support


• RS-232 interface supporting 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, and 19200 Baud


• Integrated 2-line by 40-character vacuum fluorescent display with front-panel keyboard


• Non-volatile memory options: 512 KB, 1 MB, or 2 MB (early production units featured 256 KB or 64 KB battery-backed RAM)


• Generates ACFAIL* and SYSRESET* backplane logic signals


• Two internal slots accommodate the E1326B 2-slot multimeter module


• Dual-fan cooling for thermal management of high-power modules

Typical Applications Automated test systems requiring modular plug-in architecture, remote instrumentation platforms, and laboratory environments where manual front-panel control and GPIB network integration are both required.

Compatibility & Integration The E1301B mainframe is functionally compatible with the E1306A Command Module and accepts B-size and A-size VXI measurement modules designed to VME P1 specification.