The HP E8404A C-size, 13-slot VXI mainframe is the
high-performance mainframe in Hewlett-Packard’s new
VXI mainframe family. It delivers innovative cooling
technology, improved backplane design, high reliability,
easy maintenance, and versatile accessories. The power
supply in the HP E8404A VXI mainframe provides 1000
watts of usable power, sufficient for the most
demanding automated test applications. The innovative
air distribution system in this mainframe provides
extremely quiet and efficient cooling.
HP E8404A
Enhanced monitoring of the HP E8404A mainframe
provides superior cooling control and details regarding
temperatures throughout the mainframe, power supply
voltages and currents, fans operation, system status,
history queue, and stripcharts or histograms for easy
diagnostics. This information is available on the full
color display or through VXIbus or RS-232 connection.
A front panel diagnostics connector allows continuous
local or remote system monitoring. This mainframe also
complies with the VXI specification by providing
injector surface rails used by the HP QUIC easy module
insertion and extraction system. Superior cooling,
reliable design and enhanced monitoring make the
HP E8404A an excellent choice for all VXI test system
applications.
Refer to the HP Website for instrument driver
availability and downloading instructions, as well as for
recent product updates, if applicable.
PDFINFO H2 87 9- 0 2
Enhanced Monitoring
●
VXIbus or RS-232 communication
●
3 temperature sensors per slot
●
Cooling control
●
Power supply voltage and current
●
Stripcharts and histograms for easy diagnostics
●
Audible warnings of over-limit conditions
●
History queue
●
VXI
plug&play
●
English, French, German, and Spanish language
WIN Framework driver
support
State-of-the-art enhanced monitoring is provided on the
HP E8404A VXI mainframe. The enhanced monitor
board plugs into the backplane from the rear of the
mainframe; it does not occupy a slot in the mainframe
or tie up a MODID line.
The enhanced monitoring is message based, allowing
easy communication with the mainframe for the user
over RS-232 or through the VXIbus. SCPI commands
are used to address the mainframe. A VXI
plug&play
WIN Framework driver is provided.
Temperature monitoring includes module exhaust
temperatures at three points on every slot, power
supply temperature and ambient temperature.
Measurements at the front, center and rear of every slot
provide an accurate assessment of the temperature
fluctuations over a variety of cards, whose hottest
components may vary in position. Display screens are
provided for overall temperature map, temperature
limits set, stripcharts and histograms of each slot.
Temperature monitoring is also used for cooling
control. Both the absolute temperature of the slots and
the temperature rise over ambient temperature are
measured. Cooling speed is increased when either an
absolute temperature or a temperature rise approaches
its respective limit. The user may adjust these control
limit ranges programmatically.
Speeds of power supply fans and the impeller are
displayed as a percentage of full speed and as the
number of rotations per minute.
All seven voltages, + 5 V standby and the optional usersupplied external 5 V power are measured. Current
monitoring is provided and power is calculated for each
power supply voltage. Overview display screens are
provided for all these data; more detailed information is
also available in stripcharts and histograms. These
values are visible on the display and are available
through the VXI and RS-232 interfaces.
Warning alarms occur when a temperature is over limit,
power supply voltages are out of VXI specification,
when current or total power exceeds user set limits, or
for certain user-defined conditions. A beeper provides
audible warnings; it is enabled or disabled through a
SCPI command or through the front panel keys.
The enhanced monitor includes a maintenance timer.
This timer may be set, queried, and reset by the user for
support of scheduled maintenance activities, such as
cleaning the optional air filter.
The enhanced monitor may operate independently of
line power by providing external + 5 V power. When
line power goes down, communication with the
enhanced monitor is possible via the RS-232 interface.
Remote power-on is available via the diagnostic
connector “remote on signal” or through a SCPI
command.
Localization enables the user to select English, French,
German, or Spanish languages on the display for ease of
operation worldwide.
Color Graphics Display
A full color graphical display on the front of the
HP E8404A VXI mainframe provides frame status,
including:
●
Temperatures at front, center and rear of every slot
●
Ambient and power supply temperatures
●
Power supply voltages
●
Power supply currents
●
Total power
●
Fans speeds
●
User-defined text messages
●
System log and timer
●
History
1000W Power Supply
The HP E8404A VXI mainframe features over 1000 watts of
usable power from 0 °C to 55 °C. Ample dynamic and peak
currents are provided for most applications.
PDFINFO H2 87 9- 0 3
Superior Cooling
The innovative cooling design in the HP E8404A VXI
mainframe provides extremely quiet and efficient
cooling. Carefully engineered airflow provides the
ultimate in cooling with a minimum of noise.
Outstanding back pressure performance insures airflow
through dense modules. Separate power supply cooling
fan(s) provides an independent air path for reliable
cooling of the power supply.
All fans operate in either Variable or Full Speed mode.
A two-position switch on the mainframe’s front panel
controls the speed mode. Full Speed mode is
recommended for maximum cooling and/or if acoustic
noise is not a concern; all air movers (cardcage impeller
and power supply fan(s)) are operated at full capacity
at all times. In Variable Speed mode, the fan speed will
vary depending on the temperature rise in the
mainframe, and the ambient temperature. Variable
Speed mode operation allows the quietest operation
while providing sufficient cooling for the modules in
the mainframe.
Airflow is conveniently routed into the rear and
exhausted out the sides of the mainframe. This allows
mainframes to be stacked or rack-mounted directly on
top of one another.
At-a-Glance Confidence in Operation
The front panel indicator lights on the HP E8404A VXI
mainframe gives immediate visual indication that the
power supply voltages are operating within the VXI
Specification, the temperatures are within limit, and
that the fans are operational. Backplane activity and
SYSFAIL indicators are also provided.
The system can be reset easily from the front panel,
providing reset even when the Slot 0 is inaccessible due
to cabling.
The diagnostic connector, conveniently located on the
front of the mainframe, provides connection for remote
monitoring of power supply voltages, power supply and
reference temperatures, and fans function. This
connector also allows remote on/standby, access to
+5VSTDBY, ACFAIL, and SYSRESET. The connector’s
functionality is a superset of the functionality on the
HP E1401B Mainframe, allowing software and hardware
compatibility with existing applications. Up to 1A of
+5VSTDBY may be provided by the user through the
connector. Up to 1 A each of + 5 V and + 12 V are
available for external applications through the
connector.
Improved, Highly Reliable Backplane Design
The backplane features solid state automatic daisychain jumpering for the VMEbus grant and interrupt
acknowledge lines, eliminating the need for hand
selection of switch settings. Full differential distribution
of the CLK10 signal is provided on the backplane. This
minimizes jitter and skew, providing a clean timing
source for VXI instrument modules. The surface mount
backplane improves both reliability and stripline signal
performance.
HP generates SYSRESET and ACFAIL on the
backplane. This is necessary for full compliance with
the VXI Specification, but is not generally implemented
by other manufacturers.
Easy Maintenance Rear-Accessible Power Supply
and Impeller
Convenient access to the power supply, cooling and
monitoring systems is provided through the
mainframe’s rear panel; a replacement power supply or
fan can be installed without removing the mainframe
from a rack. The power supply’s plug-in design makes
repairing easy.
The monitor control board and the impeller for module
cooling are easily replaced. The internal fan for the
power supply, an integral part of the supply, is easily
replaced with the power supply itself. If the optional Air
Filter Accessory Kit is installed, air filters may be
replaced without tools.
Accessories and Configurations
Optional Rack Mounting Kits
Three rack mounting kits are available for the
mainframe, providing versatile options for installation
in an HP or a non-HP rack. The following rack
mounting kits are available: Standard Adapter Kit, Flush
Mount Adapter Kit and VXI
plug&play
Adapter Kit.
Standard Adapter Kit for Recess, Flush or
Forward Rack Mounting
Using the Standard Adapter Kit (HP E8394A), the
mainframe can be recess mounted up to 10.6 inches in
∼1/2 inch increments. (Recess mounting is required for
compatibility with the tinted acrylic door.) The
mainframe can also be mounted extended from the
front of the rack from 0 to 5.8 inches in ∼1/2 inch
increments, allowing mounting in racks with shallow
depths. The Standard Adapter Kit includes handles and
requires the HP E3664A Support Rail Kit or the
HP 1494-0411 Rack Slide Kit.
Compliant
PDFINFO H2 87 9- 0 4
Flush Mount Adapter Kit
The Flush Mount Adapter Kit (Opt. 924 or HP E8400-
80924), the least expensive of the adapter kits, allows
flush rack mounting of the mainframe. It does not
include handles. The Flush Mount Adapter Kit requires
the HP E3664A Support Rail Kit. The Flush Mount
Adapter Kit is not compatible with the tinted acrylic
door or with the rack slides.
plug&play
VXI
The VXI
plug&play
Compliant Adapter Kit
Compliant Adapter Kit (Opt. 925 or
HP E8400-80925) provides rack mounting compatible
with the VXI
plug&play
VPP-8 Specification for ease of
interconnect with MAC Panel, Virginia Panel, TTI
Testron or other VXI
plug&play
-compatible ICA
receivers. The Adapter Kit locates the mainframe in the
position prescribed by the VXI
plug&play
Systems
Alliance and provides four mounting holes for
attachment of the receiver adapter frame. The
plug&play
VXI
Compliant Adapter Kit requires the
HP E3663A Support Rail Kit or the HP 1494-0411 Rack
Slide Kit.
Electromagnetic Compliance (EMC) Accessories
The standard mainframe is suitable for the majority of
applications. For more demanding EMC applications, a
Chassis Shield Kit, Backplane Connector Shields, and
EMC Filler Panels are available.
Chassis Shield Kit
The Chassis Shield Kit (HP E8400-80919) is used to
provide additional isolation or shielding between noisy
or sensitive modules. These newly designed, patent
pending chassis shields are easy to install and are
grounded in all four corners.
Backplane Connector Shields
Backplane Connector Shields (Opt. 918 or HP E8400-
80918) are useful for improving the ground connection
between a module and the backplane. For a few
modules, they are necessary for EMC compliance to
EN55011 and CISPR11. For the vast majority of modules,
they are not necessary. Note that these shields are
only
useful if the module includes contacts conforming to
VXI Spec B.7.2.3.
EMC Filler Panels
EMC Filler Panels (HP E8400-60202) are used to
provide a continuous connection across the front
opening of the mainframe. All HP modules include EMC
contacts to the adjacent slot. Using EMC Filler Panels
in the empty slots completes the connection and
reduces radiated emissions and increases radiated and
ESD immunity.
Optional Air Filter
Air filters are not necessary on these mainframes.
However, an optional Air Filter Kit (HP E8395A) is
available for use in demanding environments. The
airflow is reduced less than 10% with a clean air filter
installed.
Cable Routing
In rack-mount installations, cables can be routed to the
front of the mainframe or from below the mainframe.
The optional Cable Tray (HP E8393A) allows cable
routing under the mainframe. The Cable Tray may be
mounted to provide three different heights: one EIA
rack unit (44.5 mm), two EIA rack units, and halfway
between one and two EIA rack units. It is compatible
with the HP E3664A Support Rail Kit and the HP 14940411 Rack Slide Kit. If the mainframe is used on a
benchtop, the mainframe feet may be removed and
reinstalled on the bottom of the Cable Tray.
Optional Door
An optional Tinted Acrylic Door (Opt. 915 or HP E8400-
80915) is available for use in rack-mount installations.
All of the modules installed in the mainframe are
accessible when this door is open. The door hinges on
the right so that its latch mechanism occupies the space
outside Slot 0, allowing the door to close with the
minimum recess into the rack. Its hinges are a lift-off
type so that the door may be easily removed when
open. It is fabricated of acrylic to provide adequate
strength and superior scratch resistance when
compared to polycarbonate.
The Tinted Acrylic Door Kit requires and is compatible
with the Standard Adapter Kit (HP E8394A) only.
Documentation
The mainframe documentation consists of a User and
Service Manual. The manual is distributed on the HP
Universal Instrument Drivers CD-ROM supplied with
the mainframe and a variety of other HP VXI products.
It is also available on the HP Website. This
documentation describes all mechanical aspects for the
mainframe and its accessories. A printed copy of this
manual is also included.
PDFINFO H2 87 9- 0 5
Warranty
Hewlett-Packard provides a standard 3-year returnto-HP warranty on this mainframe. Opt. W01 converts
the standard warranty to 1-year on-site.
Product Specifications
Mechanical
Mainframe height:352 mm (13.9 inches) (8 EIA rack units)
Mainframe width:424.5 mm (16.7 inches)
Mainframe depth:631 mm (24.9 inches)
Mainframe weight:25 kg (55 lbs.)
General Specifications
VXI Characteristics
VXI device type:Mainframe
Data transfer bus:All per VXIbus Specification, Rev 1.4
Size:C
Slots:13 available
Connectors:P1/P2
Shared memory:n/a
VXI busses:All per VXIbus Specification, Rev 1.4
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 Win 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
plug&play
VXI
Framework:No
plug&play
VXI
Framework:Yes
plug&play
VXI
Framework:No
Win
Win 95/NT
HP-UX
Power Input
Input voltage:90-264 Vac (single continuous range)
Input frequency:47-66 Hz (across full input voltage range)
Inrush current:
At input voltage 100 Vac: 40 A typ.
At input voltage 264 Vac: 70 A typ.
Power Switch
On/Standby switch on front with lighted indicator.
May be switched On/Standby remotely via diagnostic
connector.
May be switched On/Standby via SCPI command.
+5VSTDBY
(Power may be provided by the user to the +5VSTDBY bus on the VXI
backplane.)
Current:1 A max
Voltage range:5.25 V max., 4.875 V min.
Connector:Pins 8 and 21 of the diagnostic connector
External +5VSTDBY
(Power may be provided by the user to operate the enhanced monitor in the absence of line power.)
Current:500 mA min. (needed for enhanced monitor
Voltage range:5.25 V max., 4.875 V min.
Connector:Rear panel
operation),1.5 A max. on connector.
Power Supply Protection
All voltages are protected from over-temperature, overvoltage, over-current, short-to-ground and short-toother-output. Protection mode is full shutdown.
Recovery occurs when the fault condition is removed
and power on/standby is cycled.
Acoustic Noise
(Sound power at bystander position one meter in front of mainframe.)
High-speed fan:55 dBA
Variable fan on low speed:42 dBA
Available Current
Peak Current
Voltage
+5 V:90 A9 A
+12 V:15 A2.5 A
–12 V:15 A2.5 A
+24 V:15 A5 A
–24 V:15 A5 A
–5.2 V:60 A8 A
–2 V:30 A5 A
IMP(Amps)
@ 55 °C:
Dynamic Current
IMD(Amps)
@ 55 °C:
Power
Temperature range:0-55 °C
Available power (90-264 Vac): 1902 W
Usable power (110-264 Vac):1000 W
Usable power (90-110 Vac):950 W
Shielding
Front panel EMC gasketing: Front panel gasketing provided per
Backplane shielding:Backplane connector shields per
Intermodule chassis
shielding:
VXI Rev. 1.4, B.7.2.3
VXI Rev. 1.4, B.7.2.3
Intermodule chassis shields per
VXI Rev. 1.4, B.7.3.4
Airflow
Airflow is routed into the rear and exhausted out the
upper sides of the mainframe. Allow 50 mm of clearance
for proper air flow.
Fan Speed
(Cooling Mode, High or Variable, switchable on the front panel.
Controls both module impeller and power supply fan.)
High fan speed mode:Full airflow all the time
Variable fan speed mode:Fan speed increments through 8 discreet
speeds as a function of ambient, module, and
power supply temperatures.
Voltages:7 VXI, 5VSTDBYOutputOutputOutput
Current:7 VXIOutputOutputOutput
Power:Calculated (V*I)OutputOutputOutput
Voltage Limits:FixedOutputOutput
Current Limits:7 VXIOutputIn/OutIn/Out
Power Limits:TotalOutputIn/OutIn/Out
Stripcharts:7 VXI, 5VSTDBY, total, PSTempOutputOutputOutput
Histograms:7 VXI, 5VSTDBY, total, PSTempOutputOutputOutput
Warnings:Out-of-limit conditionsOutputOutputOutput
Fan speed: % full, RPMModule impeller, PS fansOutputOutputOutput
Stripcharts: RPMModule impeller, PS fansOutputOutputOutput
Histograms: RPMModule impellerOutputOutputOutput
Fan speed control:Closed loop control in Var mode
Warnings:Out-of-limit conditionsOutputOutputOutput
System log:Hrs on, last cal, etc.OutputOutputOutput
Maintenance timer:OutputIn/OutIn/Out
History queue:Event description & timeOutputOutputOutput
Min/max values:Temperature, power supply, fansOutputOutput
Histograms:Temperature, power supply, fansOutputOutputOutput
Resolution:256 x 64 pixels
Colors:16
Type:Liquid Crystal Display
Size:92mm x 25mm
Average bulb life:25,000 hours
Language support:English, French, German, Spanish
User-defined messages:200 characters, 4 lines maxOutputIn/OutIn/Out
Display contrast:In/Out
Screen saver On/Off:In/OutIn/OutIn/Out
Beeper On/Off:In/OutIn/OutIn/Out
interrupter,
statically-addressed, A16 device
PDFINFO H2 87 9- 0 8
Environmental
Temperature
Operating temperature
range:0 °C - + 55 °C
Storage temperature range: –40 °C - + 75 °C
Humidity
Operating humidity range:Up to 95% RH from
Storage humidity range:Up to 95% RH from
0 °C to + 40 °C,
Up to 65% RH from + 40 °C to + 55 °C
0 °C to + 55 °C,
Up to 65% RH from + 55 °C to + 75 °C
Altitude: Up to 3000 m
Standards Compliance
100% compatible with the VXIbus Specification Revision
1.4. E8402A/04A command set compatible with
IEEE-488.1, IEEE-488.2, and SCPI-1995.0
Repair
(Diagnosis and troubleshooting through the front panel
monitor and connector.)
MTTR = Mean Time to Repair
MTTR, power supply:<10 min. (w/mainframe and modules fully
MTTR, impeller and/or fan: <10 min. (w/mainframe and modules fully
MTTR, enhanced monitor
control board:
installed in rack)
installed in rack)
5 - 10 min. (w/mainframe and modules fully
installed in rack)
Ordering Information
DescriptionProduct No.
13-Slot, C-Size VXI Mainframe, high
performance, with 1000 W power
supply and Enhanced Monitoring
Module Installation Using Standard SettingsHP E8404A 500
Tinted Acrylic Door KitHP E8404A 915
Installed Backplane Connector ShieldsHP E8404A 918
Flush Rack Mount Adapter KitHP E8404A 924
plug&play
VXI
Convert 3 year Return-to-HP to 1 yr OnSite Warr.HP E8404A W01
Extra User and Service ManualHP E8402-90000
Cable Tray KitHP E8393A
Tinted Acrylic Door KitHP E8400-80915
Backplane Connector Shields KitHP E8400-80918
Intermodule Chassis Shield KitHP E8400-80919
EMC Filler Panel (1-slot)HP E8400-60202
Replacement VXI Slot Filler Panels:
1-Slot:HP E8400-00204
3-Slot:HP E8400-00205
7-Slot:HP E8400-00206
Standard Rack Mount Adapter KitHP E8394A
Flush Rack Mount KitHP E8400-80924
plug&play
VXI
for HP Racks
Air Filter Accessory KitHP E8395A
Support Rail for Standard Rack Mount Adapter
or Flush Rack Mount KitHP E3664A
Support Rail Kit for VXI
Rack Slide Kit for Standard Adapter Kit or VXI
(VPP-8) Compatible Rack Mount KitHP 1494-0411
Replacement 1000 W Power Supply for HP E8404AHP 0950-3277
(VPP-8) Compatible Rack Mount KitHP E8404A 925
(VPP-8) Compatible Rack Mount Kit
plug&play
(VPP-8) Rack Mount Kit HP E3663A
plug&play
HP E8404A
HP E8400-80925
PDFINFO H2 87 9- 0 9
Related Literature
1998 Test System and VXI Products Data Book,
HP Pub. No. 5966-2812E
1999 Test System and VXI Products Catalog,
HP Pub. No. 5968-3698
Warranty
Standard Hewlett-Packard VXIbus hardware products are
warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a
period of three years unless otherwise noted. HP software
and firmware products that are designated by HP for use with
a hardware product, when properly installed on that
hardware product, are warranted not to fail to execute their
programming instructions due to defects in materials and
workmanship.
For more information about HewlettPackard test & measurement products,
applications, services, and for a current
sales office listing, visit our website,
http://www.hp.com/go/tmdir
. You can also
contact one of the following centers
and ask for a test & measurement sales
representative.
United States:
Hewlett-Packard Company
Test and Measurement Call Center
P.O. Box 4026
Englewood, CO 80155-4026
1 800 452 4844
For a complete and detailed warranty statement please see
Test System and VXI Products Data Book
the HP
or visit the
HP Website at http://www.hp.com/go/vxi.
Website Directory
HP VXI Product Information
http://www.hp.com/go/vxi
HP VXI Channel Partners
http://www.hp.com/go/vxichanpart
HP VEE Application Website
http://www.hp.com/go/hpvee
Data Acquisition and Control Website
http://www.hp.com/go/data_acq
HP Instrument Driver Downloads
http://www.hp.com/go/inst_drivers
Electronics Manufacturing Test Solutions
http://www.hp.com/go/manufacturing
Europe:
Hewlett-Packard
European Marketing Centre
P.O. Box 999
1180 AZ Amstelveen
The Netherlands
(31 20) 547 9900
Japan:
Hewlett-Packard Japan Ltd.
Measurement Assistance Center
9-1, Takakura-Cho, Hachioji-Shi,
Tokyo 192, Japan
Tel: (81) 426 56 7832
Fax: (81) 426 56 7840
Latin America:
Hewlett-Packard
Latin American Region Headquarters
5200 Blue Lagoon Drive, 9th Floor
Miami, Florida 33126
U.S.A.
Tel: (305) 267-4245
(305) 267-4220
Fax: (305) 267-4288
Australia/New Zealand:
Hewlett-Packard Australia Ltd.
31-41 Joseph Street
Blackburn, Victoria 3130
Australia
1 800 629 485
Asia Pacific:
Hewlett-Packard Asia Pacific Ltd.
17-21/F Shell Tower, Times Square,
1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay,
Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2599 7777
Fax: (852) 2506 9285