Agilent/Keysight N1231A

The Keysight N1231A is a register-based PCI bus board that delivers three-axis laser position measurement with 0.31 nm resolution and direct hardware outputs for closed-loop servo control. Designed for tight integration with DeltaTau PMAC and UMAC systems, this card streams parallel digital position data at rates up to 4000 kHz via hardware outputs, while PCI bus access supports 100 kHz for all three axes (position and velocity combined) or 200 kHz for single-axis data. The board's 20 MHz position data update rate, paired with asynchronous data hold uncertainty of ±25 ns and synchronous uncertainty of ±1 ns, enables high-precision real-time feedback control.

Technical Specifications

• Form Factor: PC-PCI (33 MHz), PCI local bus spec rev 2.2


• Dimensions: 98 × 312 mm


• Axes per Board: 3


• Resolution (plane mirror optics): 0.31 nm


• Resolution Extension: ×512


• Maximum Velocity: 2800 mm/sec (limited by laser head)


• Position Data Update Rate: 20 MHz


• Direct Hardware Output Rate: 4000 kHz


• PCI Bus Data Rates: 100 kHz (3 axes) / 200 kHz (single axis)


• Asynchronous Data Hold Uncertainty: ±25 ns (relative to OCLK)


• Synchronous Data Hold Uncertainty: ±1 ns (relative to ICLK)


• External Sample and Data Hold Inputs: 3

Key Features

• Single-board three-axis laser measurement eliminates multiple cards


• Direct hardware interface to DeltaTau PMAC/UMAC servo systems


• Parallel digital outputs for ultra-low-latency control loops


• Windows NT4/2000/XP API library for programmable access


• PCI Compliant design ensures broad host compatibility

Typical Applications

• Precision XYZ motion control and position feedback


• High-speed closed-loop servo systems


• Laser-based metrology and positioning


• Industrial automation requiring sub-nanometer resolution

Compatibility & Integration The N1231A connects directly to DeltaTau PMAC and UMAC servo controllers via hardware outputs, eliminating PCI latency for time-critical feedback paths. API software and monitor programs ship with documentation and datasheets.