Keysight E1418A

Description

Product Brief Introduction

Keysight E1418A is a register-based C-size single-slot VXI bus modular analog output instrument, equipped with fully independent multi-channel 16-bit D/A conversion circuits. Each channel supports configurable voltage/current output mode and channel-level electrical isolation, applied for precision analog signal generation in automated test systems, hardware-in-loop simulation, and laboratory measurement calibration platforms. It supports register-level fast synchronous channel update and full software remote calibration without physical disassembly.

Core Technical Specifications

1. Channel Configuration Options
   • Model Variant 1: 8 Fully Independent D/A Channels
   • Model Variant 2: 16 Fully Independent D/A Channels
   • Per-Channel Isolation: Galvanic isolation between each output channel and backplane bus
2. Conversion Precision
   • D/A Resolution: 16 Bit Per Channel
   • Channel Synchronization: Simultaneous full-channel update via internal data buffer trigger
   • Individual Channel Independent Update Support
3. Output Mode Hardware Parameters
   • Voltage Output Mode: Local/Remote Sense wire compensation for long cable resistance error elimination
   • Current Output Mode: Fixed loop configuration without sense wire function
   • Channel Mode Switching: Terminal block jumper hardware selectable or software register programmable
4. VXI Bus Interface
   • Form Factor: C-Size, Occupies 1 Single VXI Mainframe Slot
   • Logical Address Range: 1 ~ 255, Factory Default Address = 72
   • Dynamic Auto Address Assignment Supported (Set address switch to 255)
   • GPIB Secondary Address Compatible for E1405/E1406 VXI Command Modules
5. Terminal Block & Calibration Circuit
   • Field Wiring Terminal: Standard screw-type terminal block with CALBUS calibration bus pins
   • Software Calibration: All channels calibrate remotely via SCPI commands with external 5.5-digit precision multimeter connection
6. Operating Environment
   • Operating Temperature: 0 °C ~ +55 °C
   • Storage Temperature: -40 °C ~ +85 °C
   • Relative Humidity: 10% ~ 90% RH, Non-Condensing

Function Characteristics

1. Per-channel independent electrical isolation eliminates cross-talk interference between multi-channel analog signals
2. Dual configuration modes (hardware jumper / software register) for flexible site adjustment without module disassembly
3. Remote voltage sensing circuit fully compensates voltage drop generated by long field wiring cables
4. Synchronous trigger output function: All D/A channels output updated analog values at identical timestamp
5. Complete SCPI command set, compatible with VXIplug&play instrument driver for Windows OS test software integration
6. Built-in continuous self-test circuit, real-time report channel over-range, open-circuit, short-circuit fault codes via bus readback

Performance Advantages Highlights

1. 16-bit high linearity D/A conversion ensures ultra-precise analog signal generation for aerospace, semiconductor automated test
2. Single-slot compact C-size design maximizes VXI mainframe channel density, reducing total test system cabinet footprint
3. Full remote software calibration eliminates module disassembly downtime for production line periodic calibration
4. Channel isolation design avoids ground loop distortion in multi-device mixed-signal test environments
5. Register-level backplane access realizes microsecond-level fast channel refresh for real-time hardware simulation systems

Material Composition & Structural Features

1. Main Frame: Die-cast aluminum alloy VXI module shell, black matte oxidation anti-corrosion coating
2. Internal Circuit Board: Multi-layer FR4 high-speed PCB, isolated analog/digital ground planes separated by shielding copper layers
3. Terminal Block Housing: High-temperature flame-retardant PA66 plastic, tin-plated copper screw terminals
4. Isolation Components: High-voltage reinforced optocoupler isolation chips for each independent output channel
5. Rear Connector: Standard VXI C-size metal shielded backplane edge connector with locking retention clips

Working Principle

The VXI backplane transmits digital control words and setpoint values from host controller to E1418A internal register memory. Each channel’s digital data passes through dedicated isolation circuits into 16-bit D/A converter chips, converting binary digital values into continuous analog voltage or current signals output to field test loads. When remote sensing is activated, feedback wires transmit actual load terminal voltage back to the module’s correction amplifier circuit, automatically offsetting cable resistance voltage loss. All channel calibration coefficients are stored in non-volatile onboard flash memory, modified remotely by SCPI calibration instructions without physical adjustment potentiometers.

Applicable Industries

Aerospace avionics automated test equipment (ATE), automotive ECU hardware-in-loop simulation, semiconductor wafer test systems, power electronics converter calibration, medical equipment signal simulation, university laboratory precision measurement research, industrial robot controller signal emulation

Installation Mandatory Requirements

1. Mounting: Insert fully into standard VXI C-size mainframe slot, lock front panel retaining screws to prevent vibration disconnection
2. Logical Address Setting: When paired with E1405/E1406 command modules, logical address must be set to multiples of 8
3. Terminal Block Wiring: Torque screw terminals to 0.8 N·m; separate analog signal cables from digital trigger cables with minimum 5 cm clearance
4. Calibration Connection: CALBUS pins must connect precision reference multimeter shielded test leads during calibration procedures
5. Grounding: VXI mainframe chassis must connect to laboratory dedicated protective earth ground to eliminate measurement noise

Operation & Maintenance Precautions

1. Do not insert/remove module while VXI mainframe power is energized to avoid backplane bus chip burnout
2. Short-circuit of analog output channels over 5 seconds triggers permanent channel protection circuit lockout; power cycle module to reset protection
3. Calibration must be performed every 12 months to maintain rated 16-bit conversion precision
4. Avoid exposure to conductive dust, solvent vapor, or condensation moisture inside VXI mainframe cabinet
5. All signal cables must use shielded twisted-pair wiring with shield single-end grounding at the module terminal block only
6. Operating ambient temperature exceeding +55 °C causes permanent linearity degradation of D/A conversion circuits