Description
Agilent E1421B | 6-Slot C-Size VXI Mainframe, In Stock
Architect’s Product Breakdown
The Agilent E1421B operates as a compact, cost-effective 6-slot C-size VXIbus mainframe designed for automated test setups that require fewer slots than larger 13-slot systems (such as the E1401B). Its smaller footprint and lighter weight make it an ideal enclosure for portable test equipment racks, field calibration kits, and benchtop manufacturing test benches.
The chassis incorporates Beijer/HP-engineered cooling features, including a Pressurized Air Channel cooling system that delivers uniform airflow across all installed cards to maintain stable operating temperatures. Managing slot power budgets and ensuring rear-intake ventilation clearance are crucial when deploying the E1421B in dense instrument configurations.
E1421B
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Series | Agilent / HP VXIbus Modular Mainframe |
| Model / Part Number | E1421B |
| Form Factor | C-Size, 6-slot VXIbus portable/rackmount chassis |
| Slot Capacity | 6 C-size VXIbus slots with QUIC module insertion/extraction rails |
| Power Supply | Integrated high-power AC-to-DC switching power supply |
| AC Input Range | 100–240 VAC, 47–63 Hz automatic ranging |
| Cooling System | Pressurized Air Channel (right-side intake, left-side exhaust) |
| Backplane | Compliant with VXIbus Specification Revision 1.4 / compatible protocols |
Field Engineer’s Pitfall Guide
- WARNING: Restricted Airflow & Overheating. Blocking the rear power intake or right-side/left-side chassis vents will disrupt the Pressurized Air Channel cooling path, causing thermal shutdowns or premature failure of installed VXI modules.
- WARNING: AC Mains Overload. Connecting multiple high-draw instrument cards without calculating the aggregate DC current requirements against the E1421B power supply rating will trip internal protection circuits.
- WARNING: Backplane Misalignment. Forcing C-size modules into slots without engaging the QUIC injector/extractor rails correctly can bend backplane pins and ruin the main bus board.
- Field Anecdote: I remember a portable test cart experiencing intermittent system lockups during hot ambient conditions because the E1421B mainframe had been pushed flush against a solid cabinet wall, choking off the side exhaust vents and trapping heat inside the chassis.
QA & Testing SOP
- Visual & Structural Inspection: Inspect the outer metal enclosure, front module slot guides, QUIC rails, and rear AC inlet for physical damage, dents, or obstructed ventilation paths.
- Power Supply & AC Input Test: Connect the mainframe to an adjustable AC source (100–240 VAC) and verify that all internal DC voltage rails (+5V, -5V, +12V, -12V, +24V, -24V) regulate cleanly under load.
- Cooling Fan Verification: Power on the unit and listen/feel for smooth fan operation, checking that airflow flows freely from intake to exhaust without excessive bearing noise or vibration.
- Safe Transport Packaging: Wrap the mainframe in heavy protective cushioning and place it inside a double-walled shipping container with high-density foam inserts to prevent frame distortion during transit.
Technical FAQ
What is the primary difference between the and larger 13-slot mainframes?
The provides a compact 6-slot capacity optimized for smaller test configurations and portable carts, whereas units like the E1401B feature 13 slots for high-density systems.
Does the support standard C-size VXI modules from other manufacturers?
Yes. Any fully compliant C-size VXIbus module from Agilent, Keysight, National Instruments, or other vendors will fit and operate in the slots.
Is the still actively manufactured?
No. The is obsolete and discontinued by Keysight Technologies, but certified refurbished units and replacement power supply modules remain widely available through specialized test equipment vendors.
What causes the mainframe to fail to power on?
A failure to power on is typically caused by a blown line fuse, a tripped internal thermal breaker, a faulty AC power cord, or a failure within the internal multi-voltage DC power supply unit.
