HP E8491A IEEE-1394 PC Link to VXI, C-Size

The HP E8491A IEEE-1394 PC Link to VXI is a C-size, 1-slot, message-based VXI module, providing a direct connection from your PC to a VXI mainframe via the industry standard IEEE-1394 bus (FireWire). The HP E8491A is a cost effective choice for high-speed data acquisition applications moving large blocks of data. Users now have an affordable VXI solution for their test applications when the HP E8491A is used with HP’s new E8400 mainframe series.

The HP E8491A includes a C-size VXI Slot 0 module and a 4.5-meter cable. It supports up to 16 mainframes with one PC. For restrictions on using I-SCPI, please refer to the Ordering Information Section below. Ease of configuration is achieved with automatic recognition of a new IEEE-1394-based device without powering down the PC, known as “hot plug-in”. The HP E8491A Opt. 001 includes an IEEE-1394/PCI card to install in your PC.

For multiple VXI mainframe systems, one HP E8491A is installed into each mainframe and these are interconnected via the cable in a daisy-chain or star configuration. This reduces the system cost further since an additional IEEE-1394/PCI card is not needed for each added mainframe. For more information about PCI 2.1 comliance, refer to the Related Information section below.

The HP E8491A includes clock and triggering capabilities, plus complete SICL/VISA I/O library software for the Windows 95 and Windows NT 32-bit environments. The interface also supports 32-bit Interpreted SCPI (I-SCPI).

Refer to the Related Information section below for instrument driver availability and downloading instructions, as well as for recent product updates, if applicable.

[ Features ]

C-size, 1-slot, message-based commander
Industry standard PC-to-VXI interface
High-performance data block transfers
Ease of configuration with hot plug-in capability
Supports multiple mainframes with one PC
Timing and triggering to external devices/mainframes

[ Specifications ]

Interface Characteristics
Operating system:  Windows™ 95, Windows NT
Controllers:       PC based
I/O Library:       SICL/VISA
Backplane:         PCI 2.1 with latest BIOS
Max. sustained
 data transfer:
     16 bit:       2.5 MB/sec
     32 bit:       2.5 MB/sec
Max. backplane
 burst rate:
     16 bit:       6 MB/sec
     32 bit:       12 MB/sec
Languages:         C/C++, Visual Basic, HP VEE, LabVIEW/VISA



VXI Characteristics
VXI device type:     Message-based commander
Data transfer bus:   n/a
Size:                C
Slots:               1
Connectors:          P1/P2
Shared memory:       128 kB
VXI busses:          TTL Trigger Bus, ECL Trigger Bus
C-size compatibility:n/a



Instrument Drivers
See the HP Website (http://www.hp.com/go/inst_drivers) for driver 
availability and downloading.

Command module firmware:     n/a
Command module firmware rev: n/a
I-SCPI Windows 3.1:          n/a
I-SCPI Series 700:           n/a
C-SCPI LynxOS:               n/a
C-SCPI Series 700:           n/a
HP Panel Drivers:            No
VXIplug&play
Windows Framework:           No
VXIplug&play Windows
95/NT Framework:             No
VXIplug&play HP-UX
Framework:                   n/a



Cooling/Slot
Watts/slot:       20
DeltaP mm H₂O:     0.10
Air flow liter/s:  2.0



Module Current
       I_PM (A)   I_DM (A)
+5 V:  2.5       0.001
+12 V: 0.35      0.050
–12 V: 0.015     0.001
+24 V: 0         0
–24 V: 0         0
–5.2 V:0.180     0.001
–2 V:  0.360     0.001

[ Ordering ]

HP E8491A IEEE-1394 PC Link to VXI, C-size Opt 001 IEEE-1394/PCI Card Opt W01 3 Year Return to HP to 1 Year OnSite Warranty HP 8120-8688 Extra FireWire Cable, 4.5m (if ordered separately) HP E8491-66502 Extra PCI-based I/O Plug-in Card (if ordered separately) Note: FireWire cables are available in other lengths and can be ordered from Molex, Inc., telephone (800) 78-MOLEX, www.molex.com. Restricted Use With I-SCPI Up to 16 VXI mainframes can be controlled from each HP E8491A Opt 001 IEEE-1394/PCI Card. However, only 1 of the 16 mainframes can include I-SCPI controlled modules.

Trademarks:
Windows is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

[ Key Literature ]

HP E8491A Technical Specifications Datasheet

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[ Assistance ]

To help you make the right product choices

Local Sales Office

[ Related ]

Related Information:

Instrument Drivers

System Requirements for Host PC with HP E8491A
This tells how to know if the HP E8491A will run with your PC.

VXI I/O Using the IEEE 1394 Serial Bus (FireWire)
This paper describes the adaptation of IEEE 1394 to VXI systems (pdf format).

Understanding FireWire
The new IEEE-1394 specification: easier, faster and cheaper control of your instruments.

HP E8491A IEEE-1394 (FireWire) Interface User's Manual

Related VXI Direct Access Interfaces product datasheets:

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HP E1383A VXLink Kit to Connect PC to B-Size VXI

HP E1406A VXI HP-IB Command Module, C-Size

HP E1482B VXIbus Extender (VXIbus-to-MXIbus)

HP E1483A VXLink Direct VXI Connection for External PC Controllers

HP E1489C MXI Interface for HP S/700 + Software

HP E8491A IEEE-1394 PC Link to VXI, C-Size