Agilent/Keysight E3490A

The Agilent/Keysight E3490A is a modular mainframe designed for data acquisition and control in automated testing environments. It combines a built-in 6½-digit (22-bit) digital multimeter with a configurable slot architecture that accepts plug-in modules for signal routing, switching, analog output, and frequency measurement. This platform enables engineers to assemble custom solutions tailored to specific measurement and control requirements without redesigning core hardware.

Technical Specifications

The mainframe incorporates an internal DMM with 0.004% basic DC voltage accuracy and supports AC/DC voltage, resistance, current, frequency, and temperature measurements. Input isolation reaches 300 V for noise rejection and safety. Scanning performance extends to 250 channels per second under specified measurement conditions. Plug-in module options span multiplexer cards (2-wire and 4-wire configurations with 20- and 40-channel densities), matrix switch modules for complex routing, digital I/O modules with programmable thresholds, analog output modules with waveform memory, and frequency counter/totalizer modules. All switch modules include relay maintenance tracking to monitor closure counts and enable predictive maintenance scheduling. Signal conditioning capabilities encompass thermocouple, RTD, and thermistor measurement as well as standard AC/DC voltage and current sensing.

Key Features

• Modular architecture accommodates multiple plug-in configurations


• 6½-digit DMM with 0.004% DC voltage accuracy and 300 V isolation


• Up to 250 channels/second scanning speed


• Relay closure counting for maintenance planning


• Built-in thermocouple, RTD, and thermistor conditioning


• Supports 2-wire and 4-wire measurement topologies

Interfaces & Integration Connectivity includes GPIB (IEEE 488) and RS-232 interfaces. Related platform variants offer Gigabit LAN and USB 2.0 for direct PC connectivity, with web browser-based configuration and remote monitoring available on select models.

Typical Applications Automated test systems, multi-channel data logging, process monitoring, environmental chamber control, and production verification requiring flexible channel expansion and mixed-signal measurement.