Agilent L4451A
4-Channel Isolated D/A Converter
with Memory
Data Sheet
LXI compliance includes built-in
Ethernet connectivity
Fully-featured graphical web
interface
Four isolated analog outputs
Outputs up to ±16 V or ±20 mA DC
16-bits of resolution
200 kHz update rate
Default standard waveforms
Software drivers for most common
programming environments
4-Channel D/A Converter offers high-
voltage analog outputs wherever your
application needs it
The Agilent L4451A is a high-perfor-
mance 4-channel D/A converter that
is LXI Class C compliant. With its small
size and Ethernet connectivity, the D/A
converter can be placed wherever your
application needs it.
The Agilent L4451A has four isolated
analog channels that are useful to
source bias voltages to your device
under test, to control your analog pro-
grammable power supplies, or use the
outputs as setpoints for your control
systems. You can use the standard
waveforms provided or create your own
with over 500,000 points. These points
can be dynamically allocated among
one or more channels and output as a
point-to-point arb.
Using this LXI instrument, you’ll get all
the benefits of an Ethernet connection,
built-in instrument web interface, stan-
dard software drivers and more. The
LXI standard is supported by multiple
vendors, enabling lower cost of test
with accelerated test integration and
development.
2
Isolated analog outputs can be
stacked for higher voltage outputs
The L4451A has four independent,
isolated channels that can output DC
voltage up to ±16 V or DC current up to
±20 mA with 16 bits of resolution. The
gain and offset can be adjusted while in
operation. And since these are isolated
channels, they can be stacked to create
waveforms with higher output voltages.
Each channel can be controlled manu-
ally, or use the onboard memory to
download a waveform. The 500 k global
memory can store up to 32 waveforms.
Any waveform can be dynamically
allocated among one or more channels
and output as a point-to-point arbitrary
waveform generator at up to 200 k
points/s. You can use the standard
sine, square or ramp wave shapes pro-
vided or define your own wave shape
using over 500,000 points and output to
a device under test.
Synchronize your outputs with the
CLK that can be divided down for each
channel independently.
The L4451A is electronically calibrated
using an external DMM and the CAL
command.
System connections you can trust
The L4451A comes with 1 heavy duty
50-pin Dsub connector that allows for
simple, reliable connection options.
Each connector uses 30 micro-inches
of gold to ensure a repeatable, accurate
measurement. Other connection
options include:
Detachable terminal blocks with
strain relief
Low-cost, standard 50-pin Dsub con-
nector kits and cables
Mass interconnect solutions
Figure 1. L4451A 4-channel isolated D/A converter.
User-supplied connections
Ext clock in/out
Ext trig in/out
Channel 001
16 bits
Int trigInt clock
Ext clock out
enable
Ext trig out
enable
16 bits
16 bits
16 bits
Channel 002
Channel 003
DAC
3
DAC
2
DAC
1
DAC
4Channel 004
3
Figure 2. The Web interface makes it easy to set up, troubleshoot and monitor your test remotely.
Ethernet connectivity enables simple
connection to the network and remote
access to measurements
The Ethernet interface offers high-
speed connections that allow for
remote access and control. You can
set up a private network to filter out
unwanted LAN traffic and speed up the
I/O throughput, or take advantage of
the remote capabilities and distribute
your tests worldwide. Monitor,
troubleshoot, or debug your application
remotely. Ethernet communication also
can be used with the support of LAN
sockets connections.
The optional GPIB interface has many
years of proven reliability and can be
used for easy integration into existing
applications.
The L4451A ships with the Agilent
E2094N I/O Libraries Suite, which
enables connections for Agilent and
non-Agilent modular and traditional
instruments. This makes it easy to
configure and integrate instruments
into your system.
Fully-featured graphical web
interface makes it easy to set-up and
troubleshoot your tests from anywhere
in the world
The built-in web interface provides
remote access and control of the
instrument via a Java-enabled browser
such as Internet Explorer. Using the
web interface, you can set up, trouble-
shoot, and monitor your instrument
from remote locations.
View and modify instrument setup
Configure analog and clock outputs
Define and output waveforms
View error queue
Get status reports, current configura-
tion, firmware revisions, and more
Additionally, since the web interface
is built into the instrument, you can
access it on any operating system
that supports a web browser without
having to install any special software.
Password protection and LAN lockout
are also provided to limit access for
additional security.
Software for most popular
programming environments
Full support for standard programming
environments ensures compatibility and
efficiency. You can use direct I/O with
your own software, or use standard
IVI and LabVIEW software drivers that
provide compatibility with the most
popular development environments:
Agilent T&M Toolkit for Microsoft
Visual Studio.NET and Agilent VEE
Pro
National Instruments LabVIEW,
LabWindows/CVI, TestStand, and
Switch Manager
Microsoft C/C++ and Visual Basic
4
High-performance switching wherever your application needs it
Power
button
Status LEDs
External trigger to
synchronize events
Optional GPIB Built-in Ethernet
Easy connection options
with terminal blocks,
standard 50-pin cables or
connector kits
5
Product specifications
Output characteristics
Maxiumum update rate: 200 kHz point-to-point
Monotonic: to 16-bits
Isolation: > 80 VDC/AC peak
(channel-to-chassis or channel-to-channel)
Synchronization: Software commands or external trigger
Internal/external CLK accuracy: 100 ppm
AC accuracy: Not specified
DC voltage
Amplitude: ±16 V up to 10 mA
Resolution: 16-bit = 500 µV
Amplitude accuracy (DC): ±(0.05% + 3.0 mV)
(90 days, Tcal ±5 °C or Cal:MOD?: ±5°C)
Ripple and noise: < 2 mVrms, 20 Hz to
250 kHz into 10 kΩ load
Settling time: 40 µs (-full scale to +full scale step, single
channel, to rated accuracy)
Output impedance: < 1 Ω with the load sensed
DC current
Range: ±20 mA
Resolution: 16-bit = 630 nA
Accuracy: ±(0.09% + 5.0 μV)
(90 days, Tcal ±5 °C or Cal:MOD?: ±5°C
Ripple and noise: < 2 µArms, 20 Hz to 250 kHz into 250 Ω
Compliance voltage: ±12 V
Max open circuit voltage < ±22 V
6
Product specifications (continued)
Phase-locking I/O trigger characteristics
Trigger input Input level: TTL compatible
(3.3 V logic, 5 V tolerant)
Slope: Rising or falling, selectable
Pulse width: > 100 ns
Input impedance: > 10 kΩ, DC coupled
Trigger output Level: TTL compatible
into 1 kΩ (3.3 V logic)
Output impedance: 50 Ω typical
Clock input Input level: TTL compatible
(3.3 V logic, 5 V tolerant)
Input impedance: > 10 kΩ, DC
Maximum rate: 10 MHz
Clock output Level: TTL compatible
Into 1 kΩ (3.3 V logic)
Output impedance: 50 Ω typical
Maximum rate: 10 MHz
Accuracy: ±100 ppm
Memory
Type Volatile
Size 500 K for waveforms
States 5 instrument states with user label in non-volatile memory
General system specifications
Power supply Universal 100 V to 240 V ±10%
Power line frequency 50 Hz to 60 Hz ±10% automatically sensed
Power consumption 15 VA
Operating environment Full accuracy for 0°C to 55°C
Full accuracy to 80% R.H. at 40 °C
Storage environment -40°C to 70°C
Dimensions (H x W x L) 40.9 x 212.3 x 379.3 mm
1.61 x 8.36 x 14.93 in
Weight 3.7 kg, 8.2 lbs
Safety conforms to CSA, UL/IEC/EN 61010-1
EMC conforms to IEC/EN 61326-1, CISPR 11
Warranty 3 years
7
Product specifications (continued)
Software
Agilent connnectivity
software included
Agilent I/O Libraries Suite 14 or greater (E2094N)
Minimum system requirements
PC hardware Intel Pentium 100 MHz, 64 Mbyte RAM, 210 Mbyte disk space
Display 800x600, 256 colors, CD-ROM drive
Operating system 1Windows 98 SE/NT/2000/XP
Computer interface
Standard LAN 10BaseT/100BaseTx
Optional IEEE 488.2 GPIB
Software driver support for programming languages
Software drivers IVI-C and IVI-COM for Windows NT/2000/XP
LabVIEW
Compatible with programming tools and environments
Agilent VEE Pro
T&M Toolkit
(requires VisualStudio.NET)
National Instruments TestStand
Measurement Studio
LabWindows/CVI
LabVIEW
Switch Executive
Microsoft Visual Studio.NET
C/C++
Visual Basic 6
1 Load I/O Libraries Version M for Windows NT support or version 14.0 for Windows 98 SE support
8
Ordering information
L4451A 4-channel isolated D/A
converter with memory
Includes User’s guide on CD, power
cord, and Quick Start package
Option -GPIB
Adds GPIB interface
Option 0B0
Deletes printed manual set, full docu-
mentation included on CD ROM
Option ABA
English printed manual set
Connection options
Select terminal block for discrete wir-
ing, cables or connector kits. Cables
and connector kits require 2 per instru-
ment.
34951T
Terminal block for 34951A and L4451A
4-Ch D/A converter
Y1135A
1.5 m 50-pin Dsub, M/F twisted pair
with outer shield cable – 300 V
Y1136A
3 m 50-pin Dsub, M/F twisted pair with
outer shield cable – 300 V
Y1141A
Solder cup connector kit with male
50-pin Dsub
Other accessories
Y1160A
Rack mount kit for L4400 series instru-
ments-racks 2 instruments side-by-side
with sliding tray
Note: when using the L4400 Series
Rack Mount Kit, use the Y1139A solder
cup connector kit rather than the
34921T terminal block.
For additional information please visit:
http://www.agilent.com/find/L4451A
Related literature
Data sheets
5988-6302EN, Agilent VEE Pro
5989-1441EN, Agilent W1130B T&M
Toolkit 2.1 with Test Automation
5989-1439EN, Agilent E2094N I/O
Libraries Suite 15.5
myAgilent
myAgilent
www.agilent.com/find/myagilent
A personalized view into the information most relevant to you.
www.axiestandard.org
AdvancedTCA® Extensions for Instrumentation and Test (AXIe)
is an open standard that extends the AdvancedTCA for general
purpose and semiconductor test. Agilent is a founding member of
the AXIe consortium.
www.lxistandard.org
LAN eXtensions for Instruments puts the power of Ethernet and the
Web inside your test systems. Agilent is a founding member of the
LXI consortium.
www.pxisa.org
PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation (PXI) modular instrumentation
delivers a rugged, PC-based high-performance measurement and
automation system.
Three-Year Warranty
www.agilent.com/find/ThreeYearWarranty
Agilent’s combination of product reliability and three-year warranty
coverage is another way we help you achieve your business goals:
increased confidence in uptime, reduced cost of ownership and
greater convenience.
Agilent Advantage Services
www.agilent.com/find/AdvantageServices
Accurate measurements throughout the life of your instruments.
www.agilent.com/quality
Agilent Electronic Measurement Group
DEKRA Certified ISO 9001:2008
Quality Management System
Agilent Channel Partners
www.agilent.com/find/channelpartners
Get the best of both worlds: Agilent’s measurement expertise and
product breadth, combined with channel partner convenience.
www.agilent.com
www.agilent.com/find/L4451A
For more information on Agilent
Technologies’ products, applications or
services, please contact your local Agilent
office. The complete list is available at:
www.agilent.com/find/contactus
Americas
Canada (877) 894 4414
Brazil (11) 4197 3600
Mexico 01800 5064 800
United States (800) 829 4444
Asia Pacific
Australia 1 800 629 485
China 800 810 0189
Hong Kong 800 938 693
India 1 800 112 929
Japan 0120 (421) 345
Korea 080 769 0800
Malaysia 1 800 888 848
Singapore 1 800 375 8100
Taiwan 0800 047 866
Other AP Countries (65) 375 8100
Europe & Middle East
Belgium 32 (0) 2 404 93 40
Denmark 45 45 80 12 15
Finland 358 (0) 10 855 2100
France 0825 010 700*
*0.125 €/minute
Germany 49 (0) 7031 464 6333
Ireland 1890 924 204
Israel 972-3-9288-504/544
Italy 39 02 92 60 8484
Netherlands 31 (0) 20 547 2111
Spain 34 (91) 631 3300
Sweden 0200-88 22 55
United Kingdom 44 (0) 118 927 6201
For other unlisted countries:
www.agilent.com/find/contactus
(BP-09-27-13)
Product specifications and descriptions in
this document subject to change without
notice.
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2013
Published in USA, October 15, 2013
5991-4830EN