Keysight / Agilent / HP E1489C ISA-MXI Interface

The Keysight E1489C ISA-MXI Interface is an adapter card that bridges ISA/EISA bus computers to MXI-based instruments and VXI systems. It enables direct, high-speed data acquisition and real-time instrument control by connecting Hewlett-Packard 9000 Series 700 computers with EISA backplanes to the MXIbus, allowing direct communication with VXI backplanes through memory-mapped access. The card extends both the MXIbus and INTX buses, providing access to critical system control lines and interrupt signals for enhanced timing and synchronization in complex test environments.

## Technical Specifications

• **Bus Interface:** ISA/EISA to MXIbus
• **Data Transfer Rate:** 32-bit at 4.0 MB/s (when used with E1482B VXIbus Extender)
• **Onboard Memory:** Dual-ported, configurable with 1 MB or 4 MB SIMM modules
• **SIMM Specifications:** 80 ns, no parity, PC-compatible modules
• **Extended Buses:** MXIbus and INTX (Interrupt and Timing Extension)
• **System Control Access:** Direct connection to SYSRESET, SYSFAIL, and ACFAIL lines
• **Interrupt Lines:** Direct VME/VXI IRQ line connection and TTL trigger line interaction

## Key Features

• Dual-ported memory architecture supports local controller access and remote VME/VXI card access simultaneously
• Direct backplane integration for enhanced interrupt response
• Configurable memory capacity accommodates diverse application requirements
• INTX bus extension provides advanced system timing and control capabilities

## Typical Applications

• High-throughput data acquisition and logging
• Real-time instrument command and control
• Legacy ISA-based computer integration with advanced VXI instrumentation
• Complex test system development combining multiple VXIbus Extender modules

## Compatibility & Integration

Designed for Hewlett-Packard 9000 Series 700 computers running HP-UX 9.x, 10.01, and 10.20. Supports SICL and VISA I/O Libraries for instrument control. Connects to the Agilent E1482B VXIbus Extender via MXI controller cable for VXI system integration.