Agilent/Keysight E8491B

The Agilent/Keysight E8491B is a C-size, 1-slot message-based VXI module that establishes direct PC-to-mainframe connectivity via IEEE-1394 (FireWire) bus. Designed as a high-speed controller for data acquisition involving large block transfers, the E8491B integrates Resource Manager and Slot 0 capabilities and operates as the mainframe's primary resource manager. The module leverages small differential signals (200 mV) transmitted over controlled-impedance twisted-pair wiring, delivering high-noise immunity and sustained data transfer rates to 14 MB/sec (16-bit and 32-bit modes) with backplane burst rates reaching 53 MB/sec (64-bit).

Communication occurs via IEEE-1394.1995 at up to 400 Mbits/second, supporting SCPI (32-bit I-SCPI) and SICL/VISA I/O libraries.

Technical Specifications

• Interface: IEEE-1394 (FireWire), IEEE-1394.1995 standard


• Data Transfer Rate: Up to 400 Mbits/second


• Sustained Transfer: 14 MB/sec (16-bit and 32-bit modes)


• Backplane Burst Rates: 13 MB/sec (16-bit), 27 MB/sec (32-bit), 53 MB/sec (64-bit)


• Signaling: 200 mV differential signals over twisted-pair, controlled-impedance wiring


• VXI Configuration: C-size, 1-slot, Slot 0 module with logical address 0


• Protocol Support: SCPI (32-bit I-SCPI), SICL/VISA


• PC Interface: OHCI-based IEEE-1394/PCI host adapter card; PCI 2.1 compliant


• Operating Systems: Windows 95/98/Me/NT 4.0/2000


• Power: Requires connection to PC 12V disk drive power bus


• Physical: 2 × 9 × 15 inches; 6 lbs

Key Features

• Hot plug-in capability with automatic device recognition without PC power-down


• Integrated Resource Manager and Slot 0 functionality


• High-noise immunity via small differential signaling


• Supports multiple mainframes with single PC


• Clock and triggering capabilities for external timing distribution


• Included 4.5-meter IEEE-1394 cable and power adapter cable

Typical Applications

• High-speed data acquisition with large block transfers


• VXI mainframe control and instrumentation via FireWire


• Multi-mainframe systems requiring centralized PC control

Compatibility & Integration Compatible with Agilent E84XX mainframe series. Requires OHCI-based IEEE-1394/PCI Card (Option E8491B 001) and PCI 2.1-compliant motherboard with current BIOS.