Keysight / Agilent / HP E3249A VXI SCSI System Disk with DAT Drive

The Keysight/Agilent/HP E3249A is a C-size VXI SCSI system disk module integrating a DAT drive for mass storage and backup within VXI-based test and measurement systems. This two-slot module combines a 2.17 GB formatted hard disk with a 4 GB DAT drive (8 GB compressed capacity) to deliver dual-function data management. The isolated SCSI-II interface on the front panel connects to host computers and peripherals without interference to VXI backplane traffic, ensuring reliable operation in demanding automated test environments.

## Technical Specifications

**Hard Disk Drive**
• Formatted capacity: 2.17 GB
• Average seek time (read): 9.5 ms
• Average seek time (write): 10.5 ms
• Track-to-track seek: < 2.5 ms
• Head switch time: < 1 ms
• Synchronous transfer rate: up to 10 MB/s
• Asynchronous transfer rate: up to 5 MB/s

**DAT Drive**
• Capacity (non-compressed): 4.0 GB
• Capacity (compressed): 8.0 GB typical
• Backup time: approximately 30 minutes for 2 GB with compression
• Media: DDS-2 compatible, 120-meter tape cartridge

**SCSI Interface**
• Type: Single-ended SCSI-II with two front-panel connectors
• DAT drive SCSI ID (default): 3
• Disk SCSI ID (default): 6
• Backplane isolation: SCSI interface isolated from VXI backplane
• Termination: required

**Physical & Environmental**
• Form factor: C-size, 2-slot VXI module
• Cooling requirement: 3.3 liters/second at 0.13 mm H₂O for 10°C rise
• Orientation: mainframe must be vertical when DAT drive is operational

## Key Features

• Dual storage: integrated hard disk and tape drive in single module
• Isolated SCSI architecture eliminates VXI bus crosstalk
• Data compression extends DAT capacity to 8 GB
• Rapid backup capability within 30 minutes for 2 GB datasets
• One 120-meter DDS tape cartridge included

## Compatibility & Integration

The E3249A integrates with VXI plug-and-play software drivers for Agilent VEE, National Instruments LabView, and LabWindows environments. Standard SCSI-II connectivity enables host computer communication and daisy-chain configuration with other SCSI peripherals.