Automated Test & Measurement Solution – Agilent E1406A | VXI Command Module Series
Where This Product Is Used
The Agilent E1406A Command Module is the backbone of VXI-based automated test systems across high-reliability industries. Engineers deploy this Slot 0 controller in environments where deterministic bus control, GPIB bridging, and multi-instrument synchronization are non-negotiable:
- Aerospace & Defense ATE: Avionics functional test, radar subsystem verification, and MIL-STD-1553 bus simulation rigs.
- Semiconductor & Wafer Fab: Parametric test stations requiring tight timing coordination between SMUs, DMMs, and RF sources inside a VXIbus mainframe.
- Automotive R&D: ECU validation benches integrating oscilloscopes, signal generators, and power analyzers via a single GPIB/LAN gateway.
- Telecommunications: BER test systems and protocol analyzers where the E1406A serves as the central command arbiter.
- Research & University Labs: Physics and materials science setups using HP/Agilent VXI mainframes (E1400-series) for multi-channel data acquisition.
Technical Specifications
- Model: Agilent / HP E1406A
- Form Factor: VXIbus Slot 0 Command Module (C-size)
- Bus Interface: GPIB (IEEE-488.2) + RS-232
- VXI Role: Resource Manager & Message-Based Commander
- Supported Mainframes: Agilent/HP E1400A, E1401A, E1402A, E1421B and compatible C-size VXI chassis
- Programming: SCPI command set; compatible with HP VISA, NI-VISA, and IBASIC
- Trigger Lines: TTLTrg0–7, ECLTrg0–1
- Weight: 1,110 g
- Country of Origin: USA
- Part Number / SKU: E1406A
Why Engineers Specify This Model
- True Slot 0 Resource Manager: Handles VXI system initialization, address assignment, and interrupt arbitration automatically — no external PC controller required for basic operation.
- GPIB-to-VXI Bridge: Allows legacy GPIB controllers and software to command modern VXI instruments without re-architecting the test rack.
- SCPI & IBASIC Compatibility: Runs embedded IBASIC programs for stand-alone test sequences; fully SCPI-compliant for integration with LabVIEW, MATLAB, and Python (pyvisa).
- Proven Long-Term Availability: Widely supported in the secondary market, making it the preferred choice for sustaining legacy ATE programs with 10–20 year lifecycles.
- Drop-In Replacement: Pin-compatible and firmware-compatible with HP E1406A units, enabling direct swap in existing mainframes.
Complete System Bill of Materials
For a fully operational VXI test station built around the E1406A, engineers typically specify:
- VXI Mainframe: Agilent E1401B / E1402A (13-slot C-size)
- Command Module: Agilent E1406A (this unit – Slot 0)
- DMM Module: Agilent E1411B 5½-digit DMM
- Multiplexer: Agilent E1476A 4×64 Matrix
- GPIB Cable: Agilent 10833A (1 m) or 10833B (2 m)
- Power Supply: Agilent E3631A (bench) or E1368A (VXI)
- Software: Agilent VXI Plug&Play driver + NI-VISA 21.x or later
Compliance & Industry Standards
- VXIbus Specification Rev. 2.0 compliant
- IEEE-488.2 (GPIB) compliant
- SCPI 1999.0 command set
- CE Marked (original manufacture)
- RoHS status: Pre-RoHS era product — confirm with your compliance team for restricted-substance requirements
Quality Assurance & Sourcing
Every Agilent E1406A unit offered through Konmask.com undergoes a structured inspection process:
- Visual inspection: PCB, connectors, front-panel labeling, and slot-0 keying verified.
- Power-on self-test (POST) confirmation.
- GPIB communication handshake test with a reference controller.
- Firmware revision documented and disclosed prior to shipment.
- Sourced from decommissioned ATE labs, OEM overstock, and certified refurbishers — never counterfeit channels.
How to Source This Part
Konmask.com maintains stock of the E1406A for immediate quotation. To place an order or request a formal quote:
- 📧 Email: support@konmask.com
- 📞 Phone/WhatsApp: +0086 198 5928 8691
- 🌐 Web: https://konmask.com
- Lead time: In-stock units ship within 2–5 business days; EXW Xiamen, China.
- Payment: T/T, PayPal, and trade-term negotiation available for volume orders.
Application-Specific FAQ
Q: Can the E1406A control non-Agilent VXI instruments?
A: Yes. As a VXIbus-compliant Slot 0 Resource Manager, it initializes and commands any VXIbus-compliant instrument regardless of manufacturer, provided the instrument uses message-based or register-based communication per the VXI spec.
Q: Is the E1406A compatible with NI-VISA and LabVIEW?
A: Yes. NI-VISA recognizes the E1406A as a GPIB-VXI controller. Standard VISA resource strings (e.g., GPIB-VXI0::24::INSTR) work without modification.
Q: What firmware version should I request?
A: Firmware A.04.00 or later is recommended for full SCPI compliance. Konmask discloses the firmware revision before shipment — request a specific version if your test software requires it.
Q: Can this replace an HP E1406A directly?
A: Yes. The Agilent E1406A is the direct successor to the HP E1406A with identical form factor, pinout, and command set. It is a drop-in replacement.
Q: Do you provide a calibration certificate?
A: The E1406A is a bus controller, not a measurement instrument, so calibration certificates do not apply. A functional test report is available upon request.
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Contact: support@konmask.com | +0086 19859288691
