Agilent / Keysight E1429A VXI 20 MSa/s Digitizer

The Agilent/Keysight E1429A is a C-size, 1-slot VXI digitizer module for high-speed transient signal acquisition. It delivers two analog channels at 12-bit resolution with sampling rates from 0.05 Sa/s to 20 MSa/s, supported by 512 kSa per channel of non-volatile segmentable memory. The module stores up to 128 independent pre- and post-arm data sets, making it ideal for capturing burst and event-triggered waveforms.

Programmable arm and trigger circuits respond to multiple sources - internal timers, external BNC signals, TTL/ECL logic lines, and VXI bus events - with logical OR capability for complex triggering scenarios. Input ranges span 0.1 V to 100 V across three impedance/voltage configurations, with 50 MHz bandwidth at 1 V single-ended and 10 MHz Bessel filtering. The E1429A supports both message-based SCPI commands for system integration and register-based access for high-speed data streaming.

Re-arm rates reach 2 MHz in non-segmented mode, enabling rapid sequential captures. VXIplug&play compatibility integrates with Keysight I/O Libraries for automated instrument control and data handling.

Technical Specifications

• Sampling Rate: 0.05 Sa/s to 20 MSa/s


• Resolution: 12-bit


• Channels: 2 analog


• Memory: 512 kSa/channel; segmentable; up to 128 pre- and post-arm data sets; non-volatile


• Input Ranges: 0.1 V to 1 V (50 Ω/75 Ω); 0.1 V to 100 V (1 MΩ) in 1-2-5 steps


• Bandwidth: 50 MHz @ 1 V single-ended; 5 MHz @ 10 V differential (typical)


• Bessel Filter: 10 MHz nominal, 2-pole, switchable


• SNR: −62 dB typical


• Low-Frequency CMRR: 68 dB


• Re-arm Rate: Up to 2 MHz (non-segmented)


• Form Factor: C-size, 1-slot VXI module


• Dimensions: 12 × 10 × 8 in; Weight: 10 lbs

Key Features

• Programmable arm sources: internal, faceplate BNC, input voltage level, TTLTRG, ECLTRG, or logical OR of two signals


• Trigger sources: internal, VXI read, faceplate BNC, TTLTRG, ECLTRG


• Pre-arm capture capability with configurable readings (1, 7, 16,777,215, or continuous post-arm)


• ECLTRG functions: arm, trigger, and reference (input/output)


• TTLTRG functions: trigger and arm (input); ready for trigger (output)


• Built-in self-test


• Register-based and message-based programming

Typical Applications

• Transient event capture and waveform analysis


• Multi-segment sequential data acquisition


• Triggered RF and analog signal characterization


• System integration via VXI mainframe chassis

Compatibility & Integration

• VXIplug&play compatible


• SCPI command set


• Keysight I/O Libraries support