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HP Agilent E1460A High-Density Latching Relay Multiplexer

  • Model: E1460A
  • Brand: HP / Agilent / Keysight
  • Series: VXI C-Size Switching (shares switch card with E1468A, E1469A)
  • Core Function: High-density latching relay multiplexing for signal routing and switching
  • Product Type: Relay Multiplexer (register-based VXI module)
  • Key Specs: 64/32/128-channel configurable topology, armature latching relays, SCPI-programmable wire mode
  • ⚠️ Obsolete Model – Limited Stock Available (also no longer available in the EU under RoHS 2011/65/EU)
  • Condition: New Original / New Surplus / Refurbished (tested) — specify per unit in inventory
Categories: , , , SKU: E1460A Brand:

Description

Key Technical Specifications

  • Switching Topologies: 64 two-wire, 32 three-wire, 32 four-wire, or 128 single-ended
  • Relay Type: Latching armature switches
  • Wire Mode Configuration: SCPI command or status bit jumpers on terminal card — selectable as 128×1-wire, 64×2-wire, 32×3-wire, or 32×4-wire
  • Format: C-size, 1-slot, register-based VXI
  • Component Card: E1460-66202 (switch card)
  • Terminal Block Options: QUIC screw terminal block (E1460-80011, newer style) or non-QUIC terminal block (E1460-66201, older style, sold separately)
  • Shared Switch Card: Same base card used in E1468A and E1469A; matrix topology set by terminal block
  • Typical Applications: Wire harness and cable testing, semiconductor testing, PCB testing, scanning voltmeter front-end
  • Compatible DMM Pairing: Works with E1411B DMM for scanning voltmeter configurations
  • Compliance Note: Discontinued in the EU for non-compliance with RoHS 2011/65/EU

 

Product Introduction

The E1460A is a C-size, 1-slot relay multiplexer built around armature latching relays, giving you a reconfigurable switching front-end instead of a fixed-topology mux. Set the wire mode via SCPI command or the terminal card’s status bit jumpers, and the same switch card supports 128 single-ended, 64 two-wire, 32 three-wire, or 32 four-wire channel counts.

The QUIC terminal block architecture is what separates this from a fixed-wiring mux card — the E1460A, E1468A, and E1469A all share the same base switch card (E1460-66202), so matrix configuration comes down to which terminal block you plug in. Pair it with an E1411B DMM over SCPI and you’ve got a scanning voltmeter setup without custom wiring at the analog bus. It’s a standard choice for wire harness, semiconductor, and PCB test racks running on legacy VXI infrastructure.

 

Troubleshooting Quick Reference

Symptom Possible Cause Relevance to this Part Quick Check Method Recommendation
Specific channel won’t close/open Individual relay contact failure or wear ✅ High Run the closed-channel resistance test from the service manual on the affected channel Isolated single-channel failure usually means the relay card needs repair or replacement
All channels unresponsive VXI backplane fault or Resource Manager not recognizing module ❌ Low Verify module enumerates under your command module (e.g., E1406A) Check backplane seating and Resource Manager status before replacing
Wire mode not switching correctly Status bit jumper misconfiguration or SCPI wire-mode command error ✅ Medium Check jumper settings on terminal card against desired mode, or re-send SCPI wire-mode config Reconfigure jumpers/SCPI before assuming hardware fault
High resistance on closed channels Relay contact wear or oxidation from switching cycles ✅ High Run Test 2-1 (Closed-channel Resistance Test) from the service manual If resistance exceeds spec after cleaning cycles, relay card likely needs replacement
Cross-talk or unexpected connections between channels Terminal block wiring error or wrong terminal block installed ❌ Low Verify terminal block part number (QUIC E1460-80011 vs. non-QUIC E1460-66201) matches your wiring diagram Usually a wiring/terminal-block mismatch, not the switch card
DC isolation failure between channels Contamination, moisture, or relay insulation breakdown ✅ Medium Run the DC Isolation Test (Test 2-3) per the service manual Persistent isolation failure after cleaning points to relay card replacement

If you’re still stuck after running these checks, send us the self-test error code (if any) along with your wire-mode configuration and terminal block part number so we can help pin it down.

E1460A

E1460A

E1460A

E1460A

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to buy the terminal block separately?
Depends on the listing — check whether you’re getting the QUIC version (E1460-80011) or the older non-QUIC version (E1460-66201). Some resellers sell the switch card and terminal block as separate line items, so confirm before you order if you need a complete, ready-to-wire unit.

Can I change the switching topology after I’ve installed it?
Yes — that’s the point of this card. Swap the terminal block or reconfigure via SCPI/status bit jumpers to move between 128×1-wire, 64×2-wire, 32×3-wire, or 32×4-wire modes. You don’t need a different switch card for different topologies.

Is this compatible with the E1468A or E1469A terminal blocks?
The switch card (E1460-66202) is shared across the E1460A, E1468A, and E1469A family. The terminal block is what defines the final matrix configuration, so check part numbers carefully — swapping terminal blocks between these models is exactly how the topology changes.

Why is this listed as unavailable in the EU?
Keysight pulled the E1460A from EU sale for non-compliance with RoHS 2011/65/EU, not because of a functional issue. If you’re outside the EU, that’s not a factor for procurement.

How many switching cycles can I expect before the relays wear out?
To be honest, latching armature relays are a mechanical wear item — expect gradual increases in closed-channel resistance over the module’s service life, especially on heavily-cycled channels. Run the closed-channel resistance test on a used unit before deploying it in a high-cycle-count application.

Is this hot-swappable in a running VXI mainframe?
No. It’s a register-based module — power down the mainframe before installing or removing it to avoid backplane communication errors for other modules.

Why is this cheaper than buying new?
It’s discontinued — Keysight doesn’t manufacture new units. What you’re buying is New Surplus (unused, pulled stock) or Refurbished (tested) genuine OEM hardware, not new-production inventory. Ask for closed-channel resistance and DC isolation test results if you want documented proof of condition before buying used.