National Instruments Network Card 370551A 01 User Manual

TM  
MXI  
Getting Started with Your PCI-MXI-2  
TM  
TM  
and the NI-VXI /NI-VISA Software  
for Linux  
PCI-MXI-2 for Linux  
May 2002 Edition  
Part Number 370551A-01  
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Important Information  
Warranty  
The National Instruments MXIbus boards and accessories are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year  
from the date of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other documentation. National Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace equipment  
that proves to be defective during the warranty period. This warranty includes parts and labor.  
The media on which you receive National Instruments software are warranted not to fail to execute programming instructions, due to defects  
in materials and workmanship, for a period of 90 days from date of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other documentation. National  
Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace software media that do not execute programming instructions if National Instruments receives  
notice of such defects during the warranty period. National Instruments does not warrant that the operation of the software shall be  
uninterrupted or error free.  
A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained from the factory and clearly marked on the outside of the package before  
any equipment will be accepted for warranty work. National Instruments will pay the shipping costs of returning to the owner parts which are  
covered by warranty.  
National Instruments believes that the information in this document is accurate. The document has been carefully reviewed for technical  
accuracy. In the event that technical or typographical errors exist, National Instruments reserves the right to make changes to subsequent  
editions of this document without prior notice to holders of this edition. The reader should consult National Instruments if errors are suspected.  
In no event shall National Instruments be liable for any damages arising out of or related to this document or the information contained in it.  
EXCEPT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN, NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OF  
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. CUSTOMERS RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES CAUSED BY FAULT OR NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF  
NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT THERETOFORE PAID BY THE CUSTOMER. NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR  
DAMAGES RESULTING FROM LOSS OF DATA, PROFITS, USE OF PRODUCTS, OR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY  
THEREOF. This limitation of the liability of National Instruments will apply regardless of the form of action, whether in contract or tort, including  
negligence. Any action against National Instruments must be brought within one year after the cause of action accrues. National Instruments  
shall not be liable for any delay in performance due to causes beyond its reasonable control. The warranty provided herein does not cover  
damages, defects, malfunctions, or service failures caused by owner’s failure to follow the National Instruments installation, operation, or  
maintenance instructions; owner’s modification of the product; owner’s abuse, misuse, or negligent acts; and power failure or surges, fire,  
flood, accident, actions of third parties, or other events outside reasonable control.  
Copyright  
Under the copyright laws, this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,  
recording, storing in an information retrieval system, or translating, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of National  
Instruments Corporation.  
Trademarks  
CVI, LabVIEW, MITE, MXI, National Instruments, NI, ni.com, NI-VISA, and NI-VXIare trademarks of National Instruments  
Corporation.  
Product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.  
Patents  
For patents covering National Instruments products, refer to the appropriate location: Help»Patents in your software, the patents.txtfile  
on your CD, or ni.com/patents.  
WARNING REGARDING USE OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS  
(1) NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE NOT DESIGNED WITH COMPONENTS AND TESTING FOR A LEVEL OF  
RELIABILITY SUITABLE FOR USE IN OR IN CONNECTION WITH SURGICAL IMPLANTS OR AS CRITICAL COMPONENTS IN  
ANY LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS WHOSE FAILURE TO PERFORM CAN REASONABLY BE EXPECTED TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT  
INJURY TO A HUMAN.  
(2) IN ANY APPLICATION, INCLUDING THE ABOVE, RELIABILITY OF OPERATION OF THE SOFTWARE PRODUCTS CAN BE  
IMPAIRED BY ADVERSE FACTORS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO FLUCTUATIONS IN ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY,  
COMPUTER HARDWARE MALFUNCTIONS, COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE FITNESS, FITNESS OF COMPILERS  
AND DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE USED TO DEVELOP AN APPLICATION, INSTALLATION ERRORS, SOFTWARE AND  
HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS, MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC MONITORING OR CONTROL  
DEVICES, TRANSIENT FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS (HARDWARE AND/OR SOFTWARE), UNANTICIPATED USES OR  
MISUSES, OR ERRORS ON THE PART OF THE USER OR APPLICATIONS DESIGNER (ADVERSE FACTORS SUCH AS THESE ARE  
HEREAFTER COLLECTIVELY TERMED “SYSTEM FAILURES”). ANY APPLICATION WHERE A SYSTEM FAILURE WOULD  
CREATE A RISK OF HARM TO PROPERTY OR PERSONS (INCLUDING THE RISK OF BODILY INJURY AND DEATH) SHOULD  
NOT BE RELIANT SOLELY UPON ONE FORM OF ELECTRONIC SYSTEM DUE TO THE RISK OF SYSTEM FAILURE. TO AVOID  
DAMAGE, INJURY, OR DEATH, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER MUST TAKE REASONABLY PRUDENT STEPS TO  
PROTECT AGAINST SYSTEM FAILURES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO BACK-UP OR SHUT DOWN MECHANISMS.  
BECAUSE EACH END-USER SYSTEM IS CUSTOMIZED AND DIFFERS FROM NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS' TESTING  
PLATFORMS AND BECAUSE A USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER MAY USE NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS IN  
COMBINATION WITH OTHER PRODUCTS IN A MANNER NOT EVALUATED OR CONTEMPLATED BY NATIONAL  
INSTRUMENTS, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER IS ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR VERIFYING AND VALIDATING  
THE SUITABILITY OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS WHENEVER NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE  
INCORPORATED IN A SYSTEM OR APPLICATION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE APPROPRIATE DESIGN,  
PROCESS AND SAFETY LEVEL OF SUCH SYSTEM OR APPLICATION.  
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Compliance  
FCC/Canada Radio Frequency Interference Compliance*  
Determining FCC Class  
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rules to protect wireless communications from interference. The FCC  
places digital electronics into two classes. These classes are known as Class A (for use in industrial-commercial locations only)  
or Class B (for use in residential or commercial locations). Depending on where it is operated, this product could be subject to  
restrictions in the FCC rules. (In Canada, the Department of Communications (DOC), of Industry Canada, regulates wireless  
interference in much the same way.)  
Digital electronics emit weak signals during normal operation that can affect radio, television, or other wireless products. By  
examining the product you purchased, you can determine the FCC Class and therefore which of the two FCC/DOC Warnings  
apply in the following sections. (Some products may not be labeled at all for FCC; if so, the reader should then assume these are  
Class A devices.)  
FCC Class A products only display a simple warning statement of one paragraph in length regarding interference and undesired  
operation. Most of our products are FCC Class A. The FCC rules have restrictions regarding the locations where FCC Class A  
products can be operated.  
FCC Class B products display either a FCC ID code, starting with the letters EXN,  
or the FCC Class B compliance mark that appears as shown here on the right.  
Consult the FCC Web site at http://www.fcc.govfor more information.  
FCC/DOC Warnings  
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in strict accordance with the instructions  
in this manual and the CE Mark Declaration of Conformity**, may cause interference to radio and television reception.  
Classification requirements are the same for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Department  
of Communications (DOC).  
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by National Instruments could void the user’s authority to operate the  
equipment under the FCC Rules.  
Class A  
Federal Communications Commission  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC  
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated  
in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and  
used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this  
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct  
the interference at his own expense.  
Canadian Department of Communications  
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.  
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.  
Class B  
Federal Communications Commission  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the  
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.  
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the  
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not  
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can  
be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of  
the following measures:  
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
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Canadian Department of Communications  
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.  
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.  
Compliance to EU Directives  
Readers in the European Union (EU) must refer to the Manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for information**  
pertaining to the CE Mark compliance scheme. The Manufacturer includes a DoC for most every hardware product except for  
those bought for OEMs, if also available from an original manufacturer that also markets in the EU, or where compliance is not  
required as for electrically benign apparatus or cables.  
To obtain the DoC for this product, click Declaration of Conformity at ni.com/hardref.nsf/. This Web site lists the DoCs  
by product family. Select the appropriate product family, followed by your product, and a link to the DoC appears in Adobe  
Acrobat format. Click the Acrobat icon to download or read the DoC.  
*
Certain exemptions may apply in the USA, see FCC Rules §15.103 Exempted devices, and §15.105(c). Also available in  
sections of CFR 47.  
** The CE Mark Declaration of Conformity will contain important supplementary information and instructions for the user or  
installer.  
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About This Manual  
How To Use the Manual Set..........................................................................................xi  
Installing and Loading the NI-VXI/NI-VISA Software for Linux..................1-8  
VME Users ......................................................................................................1-8  
Default Settings..............................................................................................................1-9  
Chapter 2  
Configure the PCI-MXI-2..............................................................................................2-1  
Configure the VXI-MXI-2.............................................................................................3-1  
Front Panel Features........................................................................................3-3  
Removing the Metal Enclosure .......................................................................3-3  
VXIbus Logical Address .................................................................................3-3  
VXIbus Slot 0/Non-Slot 0 ...............................................................................3-5  
VXIbus Local Bus ...........................................................................................3-7  
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Contents  
Trigger Input Termination .............................................................................. 3-12  
MXIbus Termination....................................................................................... 3-13  
Onboard DRAM.............................................................................................. 3-17  
VME-MXI-2 Intermodule Signaling .............................................................. 4-4  
MXIbus Termination....................................................................................... 4-5  
Onboard DRAM.............................................................................................. 4-8  
NI-VXI/NI-VISA Software Installation  
Removing the NI-VXI Driver for Linux ....................................................................... 5-2  
Revert to Current Configuration ..................................................................... 6-4  
Logical Address Configuration Editor............................................................ 6-4  
Device Settings................................................................................. 6-5  
Logical Address.................................................................. 6-5  
Device Type ....................................................................... 6-6  
Address Space .................................................................... 6-6  
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Request Level .....................................................................6-26  
VXI/VME Fair Requester...................................................6-26  
Arbiter Timeout ..................................................................6-27  
MXI Bus Options ............................................................................................6-27  
MXI Bus System Controller .............................................................6-27  
MXI Bus Timeout Value...................................................................6-27  
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Contents  
Advanced MXI Settings ................................................................... 6-28  
MXI Auto Retry ................................................................. 6-28  
Parity Checking.................................................................. 6-29  
Multiple Applications Using the NI-VXI and VISA Libraries....................... 7-2  
Low-Level Access Functions.......................................................................... 7-3  
System Configuration Functions..................................................................... 7-4  
Compiling Your C Program for NI-VXI/NI-VISA....................................................... 7-4  
Symbols........................................................................................................... 7-4  
Appendix A  
Specifications  
Appendix B  
NI-VXI/NI-VISA Software Overview  
Appendix C  
EEPROM Configuration  
Appendix D  
Appendix E  
Technical Support and Professional Services  
Glossary  
Index  
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About This Manual  
This manual contains instructions for installing and configuring the  
National Instruments PCI-MXI-2 kits for Linux. The VXI MXI-2 kit  
includes a VXI-MXI-2 module that plugs into a VXI mainframe and links  
your PCI-based computer to the VXIbus. The VME MXI-2 kit includes a  
VME-MXI-2 that plugs into a VME chassis and links your PCI-based  
computer to the VMEbus. Both kits include the PCI-MXI-2 interface  
board, which links your computer to the MXIbus, and the NI-VXI bus  
interface software. The VXI MXI-2 and VME MXI-2 kits are fully  
VXIplug&play compliant.  
This manual uses the term PCI-MXI-2 kit when information applies to  
either kit and the term VXI/VME-MXI-2 when information applies to either  
the VXI-MXI-2 or the VME-MXI-2.  
How To Use the Manual Set  
Getting Started  
Manual  
Installation and  
Configuration  
Online  
NI-VXI  
User Manual  
Online  
NI-VISA  
User Manual  
Use Online  
Utilities:  
NI-VXI and NI-VISA  
Function Help,  
victext  
NI-VXI  
Reference  
NI-VISA  
Reference  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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About This Manual  
Begin by reading this getting started manual to guide you through the  
installation and configuration of the hardware and software. You should  
install and configure the components of the PCI-MXI-2 kit in the order in  
which this manual describes them. Be sure to review the Quick Start and  
Default Settings sections in Chapter 1, Introduction and Quick Start. The  
material in those sections may be all you need to get up and running with  
your PCI-MXI-2 kit.  
When you have successfully set up your system, you can begin to develop  
applications in NI-VXI and/or NI-VISA. The NI-VXI User Manual  
presents the concepts of VXI and prepares you for detailed explanations  
of the NI-VXI functions. Study the descriptions of each function given in  
the online help utility to fully understand the purpose and syntax of each  
function. This manual is available in the NIVXI/manualsdirectory (where  
NIVXIrefers to the actual location where you have installed the NI-VXI  
software). Use the Acrobat Reader program, Version 3 or later, to open  
this file.  
We recommend the VISA API for new applications. Refer to the  
NI-VISA User Manual to learn about VISA and how to use it in your  
system. The NI-VISA online help describes the attributes, events, and  
operations you can use in NI-VISA. The user manual is available in the  
VXIpnp/linux/NIvisa/manualsdirectory (where VXIpnprefers to the  
actual location where you have installed the NI-VISA software). Use the  
Acrobat Reader program, Version 3 or later, to open this file.  
Conventions  
The following conventions are used in this manual:  
The symbol indicates that the following text applies only to a specific  
product, a specific operating system, or a specific software version.  
This icon denotes a note, which alerts you to important information.  
This icon denotes a caution, which advises you of precautions to take to  
avoid injury, data loss, or a system crash.  
bold  
Bold text denotes items that you must select or click on in the software,  
such as menu items and dialog box options. Bold text also denotes  
parameter names.  
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About This Manual  
italic  
Italic text denotes variables, emphasis, a cross reference, an introduction to  
a key concept, or text as it appears on a hardware label. This font also  
denotes text that is a placeholder for a word or value that you must supply.  
monospace  
Text in this font denotes text or characters that you should enter from the  
keyboard, sections of code, programming examples, and syntax examples.  
This font is also used for the proper names of disk drives, paths, directories,  
programs, subprograms, subroutines, device names, functions, operations,  
variables, filenames and extensions, and code excerpts.  
monospace bold  
Bold text in this font denotes the messages and responses that the computer  
automatically prints to the screen. This font also emphasizes lines of code  
that are different from the other examples.  
monospace italic  
Italic text in this font denotes text that is a placeholder for a word or value  
that you must supply. Usually this is a variable in a directory path; for  
example, NIVXIrefers to the actual location where you have installed the  
NI-VXI software.  
Related Documentation  
The following documents contain information that you may find helpful as  
you read this manual:  
ANSI/IEEE Standard 1014-1987, IEEE Standard for a Versatile  
Backplane Bus: VMEbus  
ANSI/IEEE Standard 1155-1993, IEEE VMEbus Extensions for  
Instrumentation: VXIbus  
ANSI/VITA 1-1994, VME64  
Multisystem Extension Interface Bus Specification, Version 2.0,  
National Instruments Corporation  
PCI Local Bus Specification, Revision 2.0, PCI Special Interest Group  
VXI-MXI-2 User Manual, National Instruments Corporation  
VME-MXI-2 User Manual, National Instruments Corporation  
VXI-6, VXIbus Mainframe Extender Specification, Rev. 2.0, VXIbus  
Consortium  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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1
Introduction and Quick Start  
This chapter describes the PCI-MXI-2 kits, lists what you need to get  
started, introduces the concepts of MXI-2, and includes a brief description  
of the hardware and software.  
This chapter also contains a Quick Start section, which has the basic  
information you need to install the PCI-MXI-2 kit with a simple  
configuration, and a Default Settings section, which lists the hardware and  
software default settings for easy reference. You may find that these  
sections contain as much information as you need to get started with your  
PCI-MXI-2 kit.  
This manual uses the term PCI-MXI-2 kit when information applies to  
either the VXI MXI-2 kit, which contains a VXI-MXI-2 module, or the  
VME MXI-2 kit, which contains a VME-MXI-2 module. Similarly, the  
term VXI/VME-MXI-2 means that information applies to either the  
VXI-MXI-2 or the VME-MXI-2.  
The following flowchart shows where to turn in this manual for more  
information about configuring and using the hardware and software.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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Chapter 1  
Introduction and Quick Start  
How to Use This Manual  
Gather What You Need  
to Get Started  
Chapter 1  
Chapter 2  
Configure and Install the  
PCI-MXI-2  
VXI  
VME  
Using VXI or  
VME?  
Configure and Install the  
VXI-MXI-2  
Configure and Install the  
VME-MXI-2  
Chapter 3  
Chapter 4  
Chapter 5  
Chapter 6  
Install the NI-VXI/VISA Software  
Run the Software  
Configuration Utility (vxitedit)  
Review Programming  
Considerations  
Chapter 7  
Software and  
Utilities Reference  
Write Application Program  
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Chapter 1  
Introduction and Quick Start  
PCI-MXI-2 Kit Overview  
The PCI-MXI-2 kits link any computer with a PCI bus (hereafter referred  
to as a PCI-based computer) directly to the VXIbus or VMEbus using the  
high-speed Multisystem eXtension Interface bus (MXI-2).  
A PCI-based computer equipped with a VXI MXI-2 kit can function as a  
VXI Commander and Resource Manager. A PCI-based computer equipped  
with a VME MXI-2 kit can function as a VMEbus master and/or slave  
device. The PCI-MXI-2 kit makes your PCI-based computer behave as if it  
were plugged directly into the VXI/VME backplane as an embedded CPU  
VXI/VME module.  
The software included with the kits is for Intel x86-based computers.  
What You Need to Get Started  
A PCI-based computer running Linux kernel 2.2.x or 2.4.x  
VXIbus or VMEbus mainframe  
PCI-MXI-2 interface board  
VXI-MXI-2 or VME-MXI-2 interface module  
MXI-2 cable  
NI-VXI/NI-VISA software media for the PCI-MXI-2  
MXI-2 Description  
MXI-2 is the second generation of the National Instruments MXIbus  
product line. The MXIbus is a general-purpose, 32-bit, multimaster system  
bus on a cable. MXI-2 expands the number of signals on a standard MXI  
cable by including VXI triggers, all VXI interrupts, CLK10, and all of the  
utility bus signals (SYSFAIL*, SYSRESET*, and ACFAIL*).  
Because MXI-2 incorporates all of these new signals into a single  
connector, the triggers, interrupts, and utility signals can be extended not  
only to other mainframes but also to the local CPU in all MXI-2 products  
using a single cable. Thus, MXI-2 lets CPU interface boards such as the  
PCI-MXI-2 perform as if they were plugged directly into the  
VXI/VME backplane.  
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Chapter 1  
Introduction and Quick Start  
In addition, MXI-2 boosts data throughput performance past  
previous-generation MXIbus products by defining new high-performance  
protocols. MXI-2 is a superset of MXI. All accesses initiated by MXI  
devices will work with MXI-2 devices. However, MXI-2 defines  
synchronous MXI block data transfers which surpass previous block data  
throughput benchmarks. The new synchronous MXI block protocol  
increases MXI-2 throughput to a maximum of 33 MB/s between two  
MXI-2 devices. All National Instruments MXI-2 boards can initiate and  
respond to synchronous MXI block cycles.  
Note In the remainder of this manual, the term MXIbus refers to MXI-2.  
Hardware Description  
The PCI-MXI-2 is a half-size, PCI-compatible plug-in circuit board that  
plugs into one of the expansion slots in your PCI-based computer. It links  
your PCI-based computer directly to the MXIbus and vice versa. Because  
the PCI-MXI-2 uses the same communication register set that other  
VXIbus message-based devices use, other MXIbus devices view the  
PCI-MXI-2 as a VXIbus device. The PCI-MXI-2 can also function as the  
MXIbus System Controller and can terminate the MXIbus signals directly  
on the PCI-MXI-2. In addition, you can have onboard DRAM on the  
PCI-MXI-2 that can be shared with the MXIbus and VXI/VMEbus and  
used as a dedicated data buffer.  
The VXI-MXI-2 module is an extended-class, register-based VXIbus  
device with optional VXIbus Slot 0 capability so that it can reside in any  
slot in a C-size or D-size chassis.  
Note D-size VXI mainframes have connections for a P3 connector. The VXI-MXI-2,  
however, does not have this connector and, if configured as a Slot 0 controller, cannot  
provide the necessary control for VXI devices that need P3 support.  
The VXI-MXI-2 uses address mapping to convert MXIbus cycles into  
VXIbus cycles and vice versa. By connecting to the PCI-MXI-2 board,  
the VXI-MXI-2 links the PCI bus to the VXIbus. The VXI-MXI-2 can  
automatically determine if it is located in VXI Slot 0 and/or if it is the  
MXIbus System Controller.  
The VME-MXI-2 module is a single-slot, double-height VMEbus device  
with optional VMEbus System Controller functions. It uses address  
mapping to convert MXIbus cycles into VMEbus cycles and vice versa, just  
like the VXI-MXI-2. By connecting to the PCI-MXI-2 board, it links the  
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Chapter 1  
Introduction and Quick Start  
PCI bus to the VMEbus. The VME-MXI-2 can automatically determine if  
it is located in the first slot of a VMEbus chassis and if it is the MXIbus  
System Controller.  
Also, the VXI-MXI-2 and VME-MXI-2 automatically terminate the  
MXIbus if installed as the first or last device in the MXIbus. If installed  
in the middle of the MXIbus, both the VXI-MXI-2 and VME-MXI-2  
automatically disable MXIbus termination. In addition, you can have up to  
64 MB of onboard DRAM on the VXI-MXI-2 and VME-MXI-2 modules  
that can either be shared with the VXI/VMEbus and MXIbus or used as a  
dedicated data buffer.  
The PCI-MXI-2, VXI-MXI-2, and VME-MXI-2 products achieve  
high-performance block transfer rates by integrating the MITE custom  
ASIC, a sophisticated dual-channel DMA controller with standard  
interfaces for VXI, VME, MXI, and PCI. By using MITE DMA to transfer  
data and commands to and from devices, the MITE frees up a computer’s  
microprocessor to perform other tasks such as data analysis and  
presentation. In addition to DMA, the MITE incorporates both the new  
Synchronous MXI protocol and VME64 MBLT (8-byte block transfers in  
which both the address bus and data bus are used to transfer data) directly  
into the ASIC to perform the fastest transfer operation to instruments.  
Software Description  
The NI-VXI/NI-VISA bus interface software for the PCI-MXI-2 and Linux  
includes a Resource Manager, graphical and text-based interactive VXI  
resource editor programs, a comprehensive library of software routines for  
VXI/VME programming, and graphical and text-based interactive control  
programs for interacting with VXI/VME or VISA. You can use this  
software to seamlessly program multiple-mainframe configurations and  
have software compatibility across a variety of VXI/VME controller  
platforms.  
NI-VISA has a comprehensive library of software routines not only for  
VXI/VME programming, but also for GPIB, GPIB-VXI, and serial. You  
can use this software to program instruments connected via different types  
of interfaces.  
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Chapter 1  
Introduction and Quick Start  
Optional Software  
Your PCI-MXI-2 kit includes the NI-VXI/NI-VISA bus interface software.  
In addition, you can use National Instruments LabVIEW to ease your  
programming task. This standardized program matches the modular virtual  
instrument capability of VXI and can reduce your VXI/VMEbus software  
development time.  
LabVIEW is a complete programming environment that departs from the  
sequential nature of traditional programming languages and features a  
graphical programming environment.  
Quick Start  
You can use this section as a guide to quickly configure and operate your  
VXI or VME system using the PCI-MXI-2 and the VXI-MXI-2 or  
VME-MXI-2.  
This section assumes that you intend to perform a basic configuration as  
follows:  
You have one PCI-MXI-2 interface module, which you will install  
in your PCI-based computer as the Resource Manager (logical  
address 0).  
You have either one C-size VXI-MXI-2 or one 6U, B-size  
VME-MXI-2, which you will install in a VXI or VME chassis,  
respectively, and connect to the PCI-MXI-2.  
You will be using the NI-VXI/NI-VISA software for initialization,  
configuration, and device interaction.  
You will use the default hardware and software settings:  
The PCI-MXI-2 is the main controller, the VXI/VME Resource  
Manager, and a message-based device.  
Your system contains only one VXI or VME chassis.  
There is no shared memory used on the PCI-based computer,  
the PCI-MXI-2, or the VXI/VME-MXI-2.  
Refer to the Default Settings section for a complete listing of the hardware  
and software default settings. If you need more information or if you want  
to try a different configuration, refer to the appropriate hardware or  
software chapters in this manual, which describe the installation and  
configuration steps in greater detail.  
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Hardware Installation  
To guard against electrostatic discharge, touch the antistatic plastic  
package to a metal part of your computer before removing the PCI-MXI-2  
from the package. Install the PCI-MXI-2 in an available PCI slot in your  
PCI-based computer.  
system controller on the MXIbus. Verify that the correct cable end labeled  
Connect This End To Device Closest To MXIbus Controller In This Daisy  
Chain is attached securely to the PCI-MXI-2. You must connect the cable  
this way so that the PCI-MXI-2 can correctly detect whether it should be  
the system controller on the MXIbus. For more information, refer to  
Chapter 2, PCI-MXI-2 Configuration and Installation.  
You received either a VXI-MXI-2 or a VME-MXI-2 in your PCI-MXI-2  
kit. To guard against electrostatic discharge, touch the antistatic plastic  
package to a metal part of your computer before removing the VXI-MXI-2  
or VME-MXI-2 from the package. Install the VXI-MXI-2 in the first slot  
of a VXI chassis, or install the VME-MXI-2 in the first slot of a VME  
chassis.  
The VXI/VME-MXI-2 default configuration automatically detects whether  
it should be the VXI/VMEbus system controller. The VXI/VMEbus system  
controllers operate certain VXI/VMEbus lines as required for VXI/VME  
systems. Verify that any other VXI/VME devices with system controller  
capability that are located in the same chassis are not configured as system  
controller. Having more than one device configured as system controller  
will damage the VXI/VME system.  
For VXI systems that include VME devices, ensure that the VME devices  
are not configured in the upper 16 KB (starting from 0xC000) of the  
A16 address space. This region is reserved for VXI device configuration  
registers, which are used for initializing, configuring, and interacting with  
VXI devices. The PCI-MXI-2 and VME-MXI-2 also use this region for this  
purpose.  
logical addresses 0 or 1. These are the default configurations for the  
PCI-MXI-2 and the VXI-MXI-2, respectively.  
For more information about the VXI-MXI-2 or VME-MXI-2 hardware,  
refer to either Chapter 3, VXI-MXI-2 Configuration and Installation, or  
Chapter 4, VME-MXI-2 Configuration and Installation.  
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Installing and Loading the NI-VXI/NI-VISA Software for Linux  
For information on installing, uninstalling, or using the NI-VXI/NI-VISA  
software, refer to Chapter 5, NI-VXI/NI-VISA Software Installation.  
VME Users  
When used with a VXI-MXI-2, Resman identifies and configures the  
VXI devices, including the VXI-MXI-2. When used with a VME-MXI-2,  
Resman configures the VME-MXI-2 to allow the PCI-MXI-2 to access  
devices in the VME chassis. Resman does not configure VME devices. The  
VME specification does not specify the initialization and configuration  
procedures that the VXI specification requires.  
into the vxiteditutility. Resman can then properly configure the various  
device-specific VME address spaces and VME interrupt lines. For more  
information on configuring non-VXI devices in your VXI system, refer to  
Chapter 3, VXI Text Resource Editor, of the NI-VXI Text Utilities Reference  
Manual. For more details about installing the NI-VXI software, refer to  
Chapter 5, NI-VXI/NI-VISA Software Installation, in this manual.  
Device Interaction  
After Resman has detected and configured all VXI/VME devices, you can  
view specific information on each device in your system by using the  
vxieditutility or its text-mode counterpart, vxitedit. These utilities  
include a Resource Manager Display, which contains a description for each  
device, including each VXI device’s logical address.  
You can interact with your VXI/VME devices by using the vicand  
victextutilities for NI-VXI. These utilities let you interactively control  
your VXI/VME devices without using a conventional programming  
language, LabVIEW, or LabWindows/CVI.  
Try the following in vic:  
1. Click the Bus Access tab at the top of the window and select InReg as  
the Operation along the left side of the window.  
2. Select the VXI-MXI-2 or VME-MXI-2 as the Device Name under  
Input Parameters and the Id/Logical Address register under Input  
Parameters.  
3. Click Go!. If the CMPL light along the right side of the window is  
green, and the output value ends in an FF6, you have successfully read  
the manufacturer ID for National Instruments.  
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The same functionality is available in victextwith the vxiinreg  
command. You can use help vxiinregfor the command’s parameter  
description.  
You may now want to read the configuration registers from other VXI  
devices in your system using the same procedure. The InRegoperation  
accesses only the upper 16 KB of A16 space. Try reading the registers from  
one of the devices listed in the Resource Manager Display of vxiedit.  
In this way, you can verify that your PCI-MXI-2 can access each device in  
your VXI system successfully.  
You can also access VXI and VME defines that are configured in A16, A24,  
and A32 address spaces by using the Inand Outoperations in vicor the  
vxiinor vxioutcommands in victext.  
Default Settings  
This section summarizes the hardware and software default settings for the  
PCI-MXI-2 kit. If you need more information about a particular setting, or  
if you want to try a different configuration, please refer to the appropriate  
hardware or software chapters in this manual. The manual flowchart at the  
beginning of this chapter directs you to where to find the information you  
need.  
PCI-MXI-2  
This section summarizes the hardware and software default settings for the  
PCI-MXI-2.  
Table 1-1. PCI-MXI-2 Hardware Default Settings  
Hardware Component  
Default Setting  
U17 Switch 1 (FOV)  
OFF: PCI-MXI-2 boots off the  
user-configured half of the EEPROM.  
U17 Switch 2 (TST)  
OFF: Factory configuration of the  
EEPROM is protected.  
U17 Switch 3 (POS)  
U17 Switch 4 (CT)  
OFF: Do not alter this setting.  
ON: Do not alter this setting.  
Per customer order  
DRAM SIMM Installed  
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Table 1-2. PCI-MXI-2 Logical Address Configuration Editor Default Settings  
Editor Field Default Setting  
Logical Address  
0
Device Type  
MBD  
Address Space  
A16  
VXI Shared RAM Size  
0 KB  
Shared RAM Pool  
0 KB  
Lower Half Window Byte Swapping  
Lower Half Window Memory Select  
Upper Half Window Byte Swapping  
Upper Half Window Memory Select  
Resource Manager Delay  
Disabled (non-swapped)  
System Memory  
Disabled (non-swapped)  
System Memory  
5 s  
Map Upper/Lower Halves to Same Address Disabled  
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Table 1-3. PCI-MXI-2 Device Configuration Editor Default Settings  
Editor Field  
Default Controller (LA-1)  
System IRQ Level  
Default Setting  
First Remote Controller  
1
Servant Area Size  
0
Number of Handlers  
Number of Interrupters  
Protocol Register  
1
0
0xFF0  
0x8448  
Read Protocol Response  
Table 1-4. PCI-MXI-2 Bus Configuration Editor Default Settings  
Editor Field  
MXI System Controller  
MXI Bus Timeout Value  
MXI CLK10  
Default Setting  
Auto  
1 ms  
Receive  
MXI Transfer Limit  
VXImove uses Synchronous MXI  
MXI-2 Auto Retry  
Unlimited  
Enabled  
Enabled  
Disabled  
64 KB  
A24/A32 Write Posting  
User Window Size  
Driver Window Size  
Expansion ROM  
32 KB  
Enabled  
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VXI/VME-MXI-2  
This section summarizes the hardware and software default settings for the  
VXI-MXI-2 and VME-MXI-2.  
Table 1-5. VXI-MXI-2 Hardware Default Settings  
Hardware Component  
Logical Address (U43)  
Default Setting  
1
VXIbus Slot 0/Non-Slot 0 (W2)  
VXIbus Local Bus (S8, S9)  
VXIbus CLK10 Routing (W3)  
External Trigger Termination (S2)  
SMB CLK10 Direction (S3)  
SMB CLK10 Termination (S4)  
Automatic detection  
Both OFF: Single VXI-MXI-2  
From onboard oscillator  
OFF: Unterminated  
OUT: Drive CLK10 signal  
Ignored; effective only when S3  
is set to IN.  
Polarity of External SMB CLK10  
(S5)  
Inverted  
MXIbus CLK10 Signal (S7)  
Receive CLK10 from MXIbus  
MXIbus Termination  
(U35 switches 1 and 2)  
Automatic MXIbus termination:  
switch 2 set to YES; switch 1  
ignored.  
Configuration EEPROM  
(U35 switches 3 and 4)  
User-modifiable; factory settings  
protected: both switches set to  
NO.  
DRAM SIMMs Installed  
Per customer order  
SIMM Size Configuration (S6)  
OFF if SIMMS are 4 M × 32  
or larger; ON if smaller than  
4 M × 32.  
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Table 1-6. VME-MXI-2 Hardware Default Settings  
Hardware Component Default Setting  
Hex C040  
A16 Base Address (U20)  
VME-MXI-2 Intermodule  
Signaling (W2)  
No user-defined pin selected  
MXIbus Termination  
(U21 switches 3 and 4)  
Automatic MXIbus termination:  
switch 3 OFF; switch 4 ignored.  
Configuration EEPROM  
(U21 switches 1 and 2)  
User-modifiable; factory settings  
protected: both switches OFF.  
DRAM SIMMs Installed  
Per customer order  
SIMM Size Configuration (S2)  
OFF if SIMMS are 4 M × 32 or  
larger; ON if smaller than 4 M × 32.  
Table 1-7. VXI/VME-MXI-2 Configuration Editor Default Settings  
Editor Field  
Logical Address  
Default Setting  
1 (set by hardware switch)  
LA Selection  
Set by hardware switch  
A24*  
Address Space  
Requested Memory  
16 KB*  
Disabled  
Disabled  
Disabled  
Auto  
A16 Write Posting  
A24/A32 Write Posting  
Interlocked Mode  
VXI/VME System Controller  
VXI/VME Bus Timeout Value  
VXI/VME Auto Retry  
VXI/VME Transfer Limit  
VXI/VME Arbiter Type  
VXI/VME Request Level  
VXI/VME Fair Request  
125 µs  
Disabled  
256  
Priority  
3
Enabled  
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Table 1-7. VXI/VME-MXI-2 Configuration Editor Default Settings (Continued)  
Editor Field Default Setting  
VXI/VME Arbiter Timeout  
MXI System Controller  
MXI Bus Timeout Value  
MXI Auto Retry  
Enabled  
Auto  
1 ms  
Disabled  
MXI Transfer Limit  
MXI Parity Checking  
MXI Fair Requester  
MXI CLK10  
Unlimited  
Enabled  
Disabled  
Set by hardware  
switch (VXI-MXI-2 only)  
*Assumes no DRAM is installed. If DRAM is installed, the Address Space would be A32,  
and Requested Memory would match the amount of DRAM.  
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PCI-MXI-2 Configuration  
and Installation  
This chapter contains the instructions to configure and install the  
PCI-MXI-2 module.  
Caution Electrostatic discharge can damage several components on your PCI-MXI-2  
module. To avoid such damage in handling the module, touch the antistatic plastic package  
to a metal part of your computer chassis before removing the PCI-MXI-2 from the  
package.  
Configure the PCI-MXI-2  
This section describes how to configure the configuration EEPROM on the  
PCI-MXI-2.  
Figure 2-1 shows the PCI-MXI-2. The drawing shows the location and  
factory-default settings on the module. Your PCI-MXI-2 may look slightly  
different.  
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2
1
1
U17  
2
DRAM  
Figure 2-1. PCI-MXI-2 Parts Locator Diagram  
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Configuration EEPROM  
The PCI-MXI-2 has an onboard EEPROM, which stores default register  
values that are loaded at power-on. The EEPROM is divided into two  
halves—a factory-configuration half, and a user-configuration half—so  
you can modify the user-configurable half, while the factory-configured  
half stores a back-up of the default user settings. The factory configuration  
is a minimal configuration that allows you to boot your PCI-MXI-2  
regardless of the changes made to the user configuration.  
For information on configuring the onboard EEPROM, refer to  
Appendix C, EEPROM Configuration.  
Install the PCI-MXI-2  
This section contains general installation instructions for the PCI-MXI-2.  
Consult your computer user manual or technical reference manual for  
specific instructions and warnings.  
1. Plug in your PCI-based computer before installing the PCI-MXI-2.  
The power cord grounds the computer and protects it from electrical  
damage while you are installing the module.  
Caution To protect both yourself and the computer from electrical hazards, the computer  
should remain off until you are finished installing the PCI-MXI-2 module.  
2. Remove the top cover or access port to the PCI bus.  
3. Select any available PCI expansion slot.  
4. Touch the metal part of the power supply case inside the computer to  
discharge any static electricity that might be on your clothes or body.  
5. Line up the PCI-MXI-2 with the MXI-2 connector near the cut-out on  
the back panel. Slowly push down on the top of the PCI-MXI-2 until  
its card-edge connector is resting on the expansion slot receptacle.  
Using slow, evenly distributed pressure, press the PCI-MXI-2 straight  
down until it seats in the expansion slot.  
6. Check the installation. Ensure that the PCI-MXI-2 is secure in its slot.  
7. Replace the computer cover.  
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Figure 2-2 shows how to install the PCI-MXI-2.  
5
4
3
2
1
1
2
3
PCI Bus Slot  
Cutouts  
PCI Bus Card-Edge Connector  
4
5
MXI-2 Connector  
PCI-MXI-2 Board  
Figure 2-2. PCI-MXI-2 Installed in a Computer  
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3
VXI-MXI-2 Configuration  
and Installation  
This chapter contains the instructions to configure and install the  
VXI-MXI-2 module. This chapter applies only if you ordered the VXI  
MXI-2 kit. If you ordered the VME MXI-2 kit, skip this chapter and refer  
to Chapter 4, VME-MXI-2 Configuration and Installation.  
Caution Electrostatic discharge can damage several components on your VXI-MXI-2  
module. To avoid such damage in handling the module, touch the antistatic plastic package  
to a metal part of your VXI chassis before removing the VXI-MXI-2 from the package.  
Configure the VXI-MXI-2  
This section describes how to configure the following options on the  
VXI-MXI-2:  
VXIbus logical address  
VXIbus Slot 0/Non-Slot 0  
VXIbus local bus  
VXIbus CLK10 routing  
Trigger input termination  
MXIbus termination  
Configuration EEPROM  
Onboard DRAM  
Note If you have only one VXI chassis in your system, you should leave the VXI-MXI-2  
at Logical Address 1 and install it into Slot 0. To install the VXI-MXI-2, refer to the Install  
the VXI-MXI-2 section.  
Figure 3-1 shows the VXI-MXI-2 as it would appear when facing the right  
side cover. The drawing shows the location and factory-default settings of  
most of the configuration switches and jumpers on the module. Notice that  
switch S6 is accessible only by removing the front cover.  
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3
4
5
N o n s l o t  
0
0
A u t o  
S l o t  
2
W 2  
R e c e i v e C L K 1 0 f r o m M X I b u s  
D r i v e C L K 1 0 o M X I b u s  
6
7
N o  
Y e s  
Y e s  
N o  
T e r m i n a t e M X I b u s  
8
N o  
A u t o m a t i c M X I b u s T e r m i n a t i o n  
C h a n g e F a c t o r y C o n f i g u r a t i o n  
R e s t o r e F a c t o r y C o n f i g u r a t i o n  
Y e s  
Y e s  
N o  
1
U 3 5  
9
I N V E R T E D  
N O N - I N V E R T E D  
S 5  
S M B C L K 1 0 O u t p u t P o l a r i t y ( f f e c t i v e o n l y i s s e t t o " O U T " )  
10  
5 0 T O e r n m i n a t i o n f o r O S f M f C S L 4 K ( E f f e c t i v e o n l y w h e n S 3 i s s e t t o " I N " )  
B
S M B C I n L K 1 0 D i r e c t i o n O u t S 3  
I n p u t 11  
12  
5 0 T O e r n m i n a t i o n f o r O E f x f t e r n S a 2 l T r i g g e r  
1
2
U35  
W2  
3
4
W3  
S8  
5
6
S9  
S7  
7
8
U43  
S6  
9
S5  
11 S3  
12 S2  
10 S4  
Figure 3-1. VXI-MXI-2 Right-Side Cover  
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Front Panel Features  
The VXI-MXI-2 has the following front panel features:  
Three front panel LEDs  
SYSFAIL LED indicates that the VMEbus SYSFAIL line is  
asserted.  
MXI LED indicates when the VXI-MXI-2 is accessed from the  
MXIbus.  
VXI LED indicates when the VXI-MXI-2 is accessed from the  
VXIbus.  
MXIbus connector  
Three SMB connectors  
External clock  
Trigger output  
Trigger input  
System reset pushbutton  
Removing the Metal Enclosure  
The VXI-MXI-2 is housed in a metal enclosure to improve EMC  
performance and to provide easy handling. Because the enclosure includes  
cutouts to facilitate changes to the switch and jumper settings, it should not  
be necessary to remove it under normal circumstances.  
However, it is necessary to remove the enclosure if you want to change  
the amount of DRAM installed on the VXI-MXI-2. Switch S6, which is  
directly related to the amount of DRAM you want to install, is also  
accessible only by removing the enclosure. If you will be making this  
change, remove the four screws on the top, the four screws on the bottom,  
and the five screws on the right side cover of the enclosure. Refer to the  
Onboard DRAM section for details about changing DRAM.  
VXIbus Logical Address  
Each device in a VXIbus/MXIbus system is assigned a unique number  
between 0 and 254. This 8-bit number, called the logical address, defines  
the base address for the VXI configuration registers located on the device.  
With unique logical addresses, each VXIbus device in the system is  
assigned 64 bytes of configuration space in the upper 16 KB of A16 space.  
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Logical address 0 is reserved for the Resource Manager in the VXIbus  
system. Because the VXI-MXI-2 cannot act as a Resource Manager, do not  
configure the VXI-MXI-2 with a logical address of 0.  
Some VXIbus devices have dynamically configurable logical addresses.  
These devices have an initial logical address of hex FF or 255, which  
indicates that they can be dynamically configured. While the VXI-MXI-2  
does support dynamic configuration of VXI devices within its mainframe,  
it is itself a statically configured device and is preset at the factory with a  
VXI logical address of 1.  
Ensure that no other statically configurable VXIbus devices have a logical  
address of 1. If they do, change the logical address setting of either the  
VXI-MXI-2 or the other device so that every device in the system has a  
unique associated logical address.  
You can change the logical address of the VXI-MXI-2 by changing the  
setting of the 8-bit DIP switch labeled LOGICAL ADDRESS SWITCH  
(location designator U43) on the panel. The down position of the DIP  
switch corresponds to a logic value of 0 and the up position corresponds  
to a logic value of 1. Verify that the VXI-MXI-2 does not have the same  
logical address as any other statically configured VXIbus device in your  
system. Remember that logical addresses hex 0 and FF are not allowed for  
the VXI-MXI-2. Also, when setting logical addresses, keep in mind the  
grouping requirements set by the system hierarchy. Refer to VXI-6, VXIbus  
Mainframe Extender Specification, for more information about setting  
logical addresses on a multimainframe hierarchy.  
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Figure 3-2 shows switch settings for logical address hex 1 and C0.  
LOGICAL ADDRESS  
SWITCH  
Shown at  
default setting of  
Logical Address 1  
Push up for logic 1  
Push down for logic 0  
1
2 3 4 5 6 7  
U43  
8
a. Switch Set to Logical Address 1 (Default)  
LOGICAL ADDRESS  
SWITCH  
Push up for logic 1  
Push down for logic 0  
1
2 3 4 5 6 7  
U43  
8
b. Switch Set to Logical Address Hex C0  
Figure 3-2. Logical Address Selection  
VXIbus Slot 0/Non-Slot 0  
The VXI-MXI-2 is configured at the factory to automatically detect if it is  
installed in Slot 0 of a VXIbus mainframe. With automatic Slot 0 detection,  
you can install the VXI-MXI-2 into any VXIbus slot.  
You can manually configure the VXI-MXI-2 for either Slot 0 or  
Non-Slot 0 operation by defeating the automatic-detection circuitry. Use  
the three-position jumper W2 to select automatic Slot 0 detection, Slot 0,  
or Non-Slot 0 operation. Figure 3-3 shows these three settings.  
Caution Do not install a device configured for Slot 0 into another slot without first  
reconfiguring it to either Non-Slot 0 or automatic configuration. Neglecting to do this  
could damage the device, the VXIbus backplane, or both.  
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W2  
Slot 0  
Auto  
Nonslot 0  
a. Automatic Slot 0 Detection (Default)  
W2  
Slot 0  
Auto  
Nonslot 0  
b. Manual Slot 0 Configuration  
W2  
Slot 0  
Auto  
Nonslot 0  
c. Manual Nonslot 0 Configuration  
Figure 3-3. VXIbus Slot Configuration  
When the VXI-MXI-2 is installed in Slot 0, it becomes the VMEbus  
System Controller. In this role, it has VMEbus Data Transfer Bus Arbiter  
circuitry that accepts bus requests on all four VMEbus request levels,  
prioritizes the requests, and grants the bus to the highest priority requester.  
As VMEbus System Controller, the VXI-MXI-2 also drives the 16 MHz  
VMEbus system clock by an onboard 16 MHz oscillator.  
As required by the VXIbus specification, the VXI-MXI-2 drives the  
10 MHz signal CLK10 on a differential ECL output when installed in  
Slot 0. When not installed in Slot 0, the VXI-MXI-2 only receives the  
CLK10 signal.  
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VXIbus Local Bus  
If you will be installing more than one VXI-MXI-2 in a single VXIbus  
mainframe, you must configure the boards to use the local bus. The  
VXI-MXI-2 uses the local bus to pass a signal to the other VXI-MXI-2  
modules in the mainframe to disable the VMEbus bus timeout unit (BTO)  
during cycles that map to the MXIbus. Because the local bus is used,  
you need to install all VXI-MXI-2 modules for a single mainframe in  
adjacent slots.  
You will use two switches on the VXI-MXI-2 to select its position in  
relation to any other VXI-MXI-2 module in the mainframe. Use switch S9  
when there is a VXI-MXI-2 to the right (higher numbered slot). Use S8  
when there is a VXI-MXI-2 to the left (lower numbered slot).  
Figure 3-4 shows four configuration settings for a VXI-MXI-2. Figure 3-4a  
illustrates the default setting, which is for a single VXI-MXI-2 in a  
mainframe. Use the setting in Figure 3-4b for the VXI-MXI-2 located to  
the left of all others. Figure 3-4c shows the setting to use if the VXI-MXI-2  
is between two others. Use the setting of Figure 3-4d for the VXI-MXI-2  
located to the right of all others.  
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S8  
S8  
S9  
S9  
No  
Yes  
No  
Yes  
VXI-MXI to left  
VXI-MXI to right  
VXI-MXI to left  
VXI-MXI to right  
b. Leftmost VXI-MXI-2 in Mainframe  
a. Single VXI-MXI-2 in Mainframe (Default)  
S8  
S9  
S8  
S9  
No  
Yes  
No  
Yes  
VXI-MXI to left  
VXI-MXI to right  
VXI-MXI to left  
VXI-MXI to right  
c.VXI-MXI-2 between Two Others  
d. Rightmost VXI-MXI-2 in Mainframe  
Figure 3-4. VXIbus Local Bus Configuration  
VXIbus CLK10 Routing  
When the VXI-MXI-2 is installed in Slot 0 of your mainframe, it supplies  
the VXIbus CLK10 signal. The VXI-MXI-2 can use three different sources  
to generate this signal: the onboard oscillator, the external CLK SMB  
connector, and the MXIbus CLK10 signal. Use the three-position jumper  
W3 to select these options, as shown in Figure 3-5.  
Notice that Figure 3-5b and Figure 3-5c also show switches S3 and S7,  
respectively. You must configure these switches as shown when using the  
corresponding CLK10 source setting of W3.  
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From Onboard Oscillator  
From SMB (S3 must be set to IN)  
From MXIbus  
W3  
a. CLK10 Generated from Onboard Oscillator (Default)  
From Onboard Oscillator  
W3  
SMB CLK10 Direction  
From SMB (S3 must be set to IN)  
From MXIbus  
b. CLK10 Generated from SMB  
From Onboard Oscillator  
W3  
From SMB (S3 must be set to IN)  
Receive CLK10 from MXIbus  
From MXIbus  
S7  
c. CLK10 Generated from MXIbus  
Figure 3-5. VXIbus CLK10 Routing  
The VXI-MXI-2 can also be configured to drive the external CLK SMB  
signal from the VXIbus CLK10 signal. Switch S3 controls whether the  
VXI-MXI-2 drives or receives the external CLK SMB signal. If you change  
the S3 setting to drive CLK10 out the external CLK10 SMB connector, do  
not set the W3 jumper to receive the SMB CLK10 signal; instead use the  
settings shown in either Figure 3-5a or Figure 3-5c as appropriate.  
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When switch S3 is set so that the VXI-MXI-2 receives the SMB CLK10  
signal, you have the option to add a 50 termination to the signal by setting  
switch S4. S4 is unusedits setting does not matterwhen S3 is  
configured to drive the external CLK SMB signal.  
You can use an additional switch, S5, to control the polarity of the external  
CLK SMB signal when S3 is configured to drive it. S5 is unusedits  
setting does not matterwhen S3 is configured to receive the external CLK  
SMB signal.  
Figure 3-6 shows four configuration settings for the VXI-MXI-2.  
Figure 3-6a shows the default configuration, which is for driving the  
inverted external CLK SMB. Use the settings of Figure 3-6b to drive the  
noninverted external CLK SMB signal. Figure 3-6c illustrates the setting  
for receiving the external CLK SMB signal. Finally, you can configure the  
switches as shown in Figure 3-6d to receive the external CLK SMB signal  
with a 50 termination.  
Note The settings of any switches shown with this pattern (  
configuration described in any of the following figures.  
) have no bearing on the  
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On  
50 Termination for External Trigger Input  
S2 Off  
S3 Out  
S4 Off  
In  
SMB CLK10 Direction  
50 Termination for SMB CLK10 (Effective only when S3 is set to IN)  
On  
SMB CLK10 Output Polarity (Effective only when S3 is set to OUT)  
S5  
INVERTED  
NON-INVERTED  
a. Drive Inverted External CLK SMB (Default)  
50 Termination for External Trigger Input  
SMB CLK10 Direction  
On  
S2 Off  
S3 Out  
S4 Off  
In  
50  
Termination for SMB CLK10 (Effective only when S3 is set to IN)  
On  
SMB CLK10 Output Polarity (Effective only when S3 is set to OUT)  
S5  
INVERTED  
NON-INVERTED  
b. Drive Non-Inverted External CLK SMB  
50 Termination for External Trigger Input  
On  
In  
S2 Off  
S3 Out  
S4 Off  
S5  
SMB CLK10 Direction  
50 Termination for SMB CLK10 (Effective only when S3 is set to IN)  
On  
SMB CLK10 Output Polarity (Effective only when S3 is set to OUT)  
INVERTED  
NON-INVERTED  
c. Receive External CLK SMB  
On  
In  
50 Termination for External Trigger Input  
S2 Off  
S3 Out  
S4 Off  
S5  
SMB CLK10 Direction  
50 Termination for SMB CLK10 (Effective only when S3 is set to IN)  
SMB CLK10 Output Polarity (Effective only when S3 is set to OUT)  
On  
INVERTED  
NON-INVERTED  
d. Receive External CLK SMB with 50 Termination  
Figure 3-6. SMB CLK10 Settings  
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The VXI-MXI-2 can also drive or receive the MXIbus CLK10 signal.  
Switch S7 controls whether the VXI-MXI-2 drives MXIbus CLK10 from  
the VXIbus CLK10 or receives MXIbus CLK10. As shown in Figure 3-5c,  
if W3 is configured to use the MXIbus CLK10 to generate the VXIbus  
CLK10 signal, switch S7 must be configured to receive MXIbus CLK10.  
This is shown again in Figure 3-7a. If you change the S7 setting to drive  
CLK10 out the MXIbus, do not set the W3 jumper to receive the MXIbus  
CLK10; instead use the settings shown in Figure 3-5a or Figure 3-5b as  
appropriate.  
Caution Do not configure more than one MXIbus device to drive the MXIbus CLK10.  
Having a second device driving MXIbus CLK10 could damage the device.  
Figure 3-7 shows the configuration settings for receiving and driving  
MXIbus CLK10, respectively.  
Drive CLK10 out MXIbus  
Drive CLK10 out MXIbus  
Receive CLK10 from MXIbus  
Receive CLK10 from MXIbus  
a. Receive CLK10 from MXIbus (Default)  
b. Drive MXIbus CLK10 from VXIbus CLK10  
Figure 3-7. Receiving or Driving MXIbus CLK10  
Trigger Input Termination  
You can use switch S2 to terminate the external trigger input SMB with  
50 . Figure 3-8a shows the default setting for a nonterminated trigger  
input SMB. Use the setting of Figure 3-8b to terminate the trigger input  
SMB. Switch S2 is located above switches S3, S4, and S5, which have no  
effect on this configuration.  
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On  
In  
50 Termination for External Trigger Input  
S2 Off  
S3 Out  
S4 Off  
S5  
SMB CLK10 Direction  
50 Termination for SMB CLK10 (Effective only when S3 is set to IN)  
SMB CLK10 Output Polarity (Effective only when S3 is set to OUT)  
On  
NON-INVERTED  
INVERTED  
a. Non-Terminated External Trigger Input SMB (Default)  
On  
In  
50 Termination for External Trigger Input  
S2 Off  
S3 Out  
S4 Off  
S5  
SMB CLK10 Direction  
50 Termination for SMB CLK10 (Effective only when S3 is set to IN)  
SMB CLK10 Output Polarity (Effective only when S3 is set to OUT)  
On  
NON-INVERTED  
INVERTED  
b. Terminated External Trigger Input SMB with 50  
Figure 3-8. SMB Trigger Input Termination  
MXIbus Termination  
The first and last MXIbus devices connected to the MXIbuswhether it is  
a single MXI-2 cable or daisy-chained MXI-2 cablesmust terminate the  
MXIbus. Any MXIbus devices in the middle of a MXIbus daisy chain must  
not terminate the MXIbus.  
The VXI-MXI-2 automatically senses whether it is at either end of the  
MXIbus cable to terminate the MXIbus. You can manually control MXIbus  
termination by defeating the automatic circuitry. Use switches 1 and 2  
of the four-position switch at location U35 to control whether MXIbus  
termination is automatic (Figure 3-9a), on (Figure 3-9b), or off  
(Figure 3-9c). The settings of switches 3 and 4 have no effect on MXIbus  
termination.  
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Use switch 2 of U35 to select whether you want the VXI-MXI-2 to  
automatically control termination of the MXIbus. Switch 1 of U35 lets  
you manually control whether to terminate the MXIbus when automatic  
termination is turned off. Switch 1 has no effect when switch 2 is set for  
automatic MXIbus termination; you must turn off automatic termination  
if you want to manually control termination.  
U35  
Restore Factory Configuration  
Change Factory Configuration  
Automatic MXIbus Termination  
Terminate MXIbus  
No  
No  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
No  
No  
a. Automatic MXIbus Termination (Default)  
U35  
Restore Factory Configuration  
Change Factory Configuration  
Automatic MXIbus Termination  
Terminate MXIbus  
No  
No  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
No  
No  
b. Terminate MXIbus (On)  
U35  
Restore Factory Configuration  
No  
No  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
No  
Change Factory Configuration  
Automatic MXIbus Termination  
Terminate MXIbus  
No  
c. Do Not Terminate MXIbus (Off)  
Figure 3-9. MXIbus Termination  
Configuration EEPROM  
The VXI-MXI-2 has an onboard EEPROM, which stores default register  
values that are loaded at power-on. The EEPROM is divided into two  
halvesa factory-configuration half, and a user-configuration half. Both  
halves were factory configured with the same configuration values so you  
can modify the user-configurable half, while the factory-configured half  
stores a back-up of the default user settings.  
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Use switches 3 and 4 of the four-position switch at location U35 to control  
the operation of the EEPROM. The Restore Factory Configuration switch  
(switch 4) causes the VXI-MXI-2 to boot off the factory-configured half  
instead of the user-modified settings. This is useful in the event that the  
user-configured half of the EEPROM becomes corrupted in such a way that  
the VXI-MXI-2 boots to an unusable state.  
The Change Factory Configuration switch (switch 3 of U35) lets you  
change the factory-default configuration settings by permitting writes to the  
factory settings section of the EEPROM. This switch serves as a safety  
measure and should not be needed under normal circumstances. When this  
switch is off (its default setting) the factory configuration of the EEPROM  
is protected, so any writes to the factory area will be ignored. The factory  
area is protected regardless of the setting of switch 4 of U35.  
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Figure 3-10 shows the configuration settings for EEPROM operation.  
The settings of switches 1 and 2 have no effect on EEPROM configuration.  
U35  
Restore Factory Configuration  
Change Factory Configuration  
Automatic MXIbus Termination  
Terminate MXIbus  
No  
No  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
No  
No  
a. Boot from User Configuration (Factory Configuration Protected) (Default)  
U35  
Restore Factory Configuration  
Change Factory Configuration  
Automatic MXIbus Termination  
Terminate MXIbus  
No  
No  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
No  
No  
b. Boot from Factory Configuration (Factory Configuration Protected)  
U35  
Restore Factory Configuration  
Change Factory Configuration  
Automatic MXIbus Termination  
Terminate MXIbus  
No  
No  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
No  
No  
c. Boot from User Configuration (Factory Configuration Unprotected)  
U35  
Restore Factory Configuration  
Change Factory Configuration  
Automatic MXIbus Termination  
Terminate MXIbus  
No  
No  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
No  
No  
d. Boot from Factory Configuration (Factory Configuration Unprotected)  
Figure 3-10. EEPROM Operation  
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Onboard DRAM  
The VXI-MXI-2 can accommodate up to two 1.35 in. DRAM SIMMs.  
Table 3-1 lists the SIMMs you can use.  
Table 3-1. VXI-MXI-2 DRAM Configurations  
National  
Instruments  
Option  
Switch Setting  
of S6  
Bank 0  
Bank 1  
Total DRAM  
0
256 K × 32 or  
256 K × 36  
1 MB  
ON  
256 K × 32 or  
256 K × 32 or  
2 MB  
2 MB  
ON  
ON  
256 K × 36  
256 K × 36  
512 K × 32 or  
512 K × 36  
512 K × 32 or  
512 K × 36  
512 K × 32 or  
512 K × 36  
4 MB  
ON  
1 M × 32 or  
4 MB  
YES  
ON  
1 M × 36  
1 M × 32 or  
1 M × 36  
1 M × 32 or  
1 M × 36  
8 MB  
ON  
2 M × 32 or  
8 MB  
YES  
ON  
2 M × 36  
2 M × 32 or  
2 M × 36  
2 M × 32 or  
2 M × 36  
16 MB  
16 MB  
32 MB  
32 MB  
64 MB  
ON  
4 M × 32 or  
4 M × 36  
YES  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
4 M × 32 or  
4 M × 36  
4 M × 32 or  
4 M × 36  
8 M × 32 or  
8 M × 36  
YES  
YES  
8 M × 32 or  
8 M × 36  
8 M × 32 or  
8 M × 36  
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You can use 32- or 36-bit SIMMs because DRAM parity is not required.  
Because the VXI-MXI-2 supports only one organization at a time, all  
SIMMs installed must be of the same type. Use Bank 0 first when installing  
the SIMMs. This allows you to install up to 64 MB. The VXI-MXI-2  
supports DRAM speeds of 80 ns or faster.  
Switch S6 is used to select the size of each SIMM. The SIMM sockets and  
S6 are accessible only by removing the right-side cover. To access these  
components, remove the four screws on the top, the four screws on the  
bottom, and the five screws on the right-side cover of the metal enclosure.  
If the SIMMs are 4 M × 32 or larger, S6 should be in the OFF setting as  
shown in Figure 3-11a. For SIMMs smaller than 4 M × 32, use the ON  
setting as shown in Figure 3-11b.  
SIMM Size  
(= 4M x 32  
and Larger)  
SIMM Size  
(= 4M x 32  
and Larger)  
S6  
b. Smaller than 4 M x 32  
S6  
a. 4 M x 32 and Larger  
Figure 3-11. SIMM Size Configuration  
Refer to Table 3-1 for how to adjust the switch (ON or OFF) for all  
supported DRAM configurations. Many of the DRAM options are  
available from National Instruments.  
Install the VXI-MXI-2  
This section contains general installation instructions for the VXI-MXI-2.  
Refer to your VXIbus mainframe user manual or technical reference  
manual for specific instructions and warnings.  
1. Plug in your mainframe before installing the VXI-MXI-2. The power  
cord grounds the mainframe and protects it from electrical damage  
while you are installing the module.  
Caution To protect both yourself and the mainframe from electrical hazards, the  
mainframe should remain off until you are finished installing the VXI-MXI-2 module.  
2. Remove or open any doors or covers blocking access to the  
mainframe slots.  
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3. If you are installing the VXI-MXI-2 into a D-size mainframe, install  
a support designed for installing C-size boards in D-size mainframes.  
The VXI-MXI-2 has no P3 connector and cannot provide P3 Slot 0  
control to VXI devices requiring this capability.  
Caution If the VXI-MXI-2 is not configured for automatic Slot 0 detection, be certain that  
the slot you select in your VXIbus mainframe matches the VXI-MXI-2 configuration as  
either a Slot 0 device or a Non-Slot 0 device. If you install your VXI-MXI-2 into a slot that  
does not correspond with the jumper setting, you risk damage to the VXI-MXI-2, the  
VXIbus backplane, or both.  
4. Insert the VXI-MXI-2 in the slot you have selected by aligning the  
top and bottom of the board with the card-edge guides inside the  
mainframe. Slowly push the VXI-MXI-2 straight into the slot until its  
plug connectors are resting on the backplane receptacle connectors.  
Using slow, evenly distributed pressure, press the VXI-MXI-2 straight  
in until it seats in the expansion slot. The front panel of the VXI-MXI-2  
should be even with the front panel of the mainframe.  
5. Tighten the retaining screws on the top and bottom edges of the  
front panel.  
6. Check the installation.  
7. Connect the cables as described in the following section before  
restoring power.  
8. Replace or close any doors or covers to the mainframe.  
Connect the MXIbus Cable  
There are two basic types of MXI-2 cables. MXI-2 cables can have either  
a single connector on each end or a single connector on one end and a  
double connector on the other end.  
Connect the labeled end of the cable to the MXI-2 device that will be the  
MXIbus System Controller. Connect the other end of the cable to the other  
device. Be sure to tighten the screw locks to ensure proper pin connection.  
Figure 3-12 shows the correct cabling for a VXI system containing a  
PCI-MXI-2 board in a PCI-based computer cabled to a VXI-MXI-2 module  
residing in Slot 0 of a VXIbus mainframe. Notice that you can expand your  
system to include other devices by using an additional MXI-2 cable.  
However, in such a case the first cable needs to have a double connector on  
one end. You can use a cable with a single connector on each end to connect  
the last device on the MXIbus.  
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1
N
S
A
T
I
T
I
N
O
U
N
A
E
R
L
N
M
T
S
®
7
b
u
s
6
2
5
3
4
1
2
3
4
VXI Mainframe  
VXI-MXI-2 Slot 0 Module  
Additional MXI-2 Cable  
5
6
7
Connection to External Computer  
PCI-MXI-2 Interface Module  
MXI-2 Cable  
Connection to Other Mainframes  
Figure 3-12. MXI-2 Cable Configuration Using a PCI-MXI-2 and a VXI-MXI-2  
When you have properly connected the MXI-2 cable, power on the VXIbus  
mainframe and then the computer.  
Note Always turn on the mainframe first. Doing so makes it possible for your external  
computer to access the VXI boards in the mainframe upon startup.  
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4
VME-MXI-2 Configuration  
and Installation  
This chapter contains the instructions to configure and install the  
VME-MXI-2 module. This chapter applies only if you ordered the  
VME MXI-2 kit. If you ordered the VXI MXI-2 kit, you should refer to  
Chapter 3, VXI-MXI-2 Configuration and Installation.  
Caution Electrostatic discharge can damage several components on your VME-MXI-2  
module. To avoid such damage in handling the module, touch the antistatic plastic package  
to a metal part of your VMEbus chassis before removing the VME-MXI-2 from the  
package.  
Configure the VME-MXI-2  
This section describes how to configure the following options on the  
VME-MXI-2:  
VMEbus A16 base address  
VME-MXI-2 intermodule signaling  
MXIbus termination  
Configuration EEPROM  
Onboard DRAM  
The VME-MXI-2 automatically detects if it is located in the first slot of  
the chassis to perform the VMEbus System Controller functions. It is not  
necessary to configure the VME-MXI-2 System Controller option. The  
module can be installed in any slot of a VMEbus chassis.  
Figure 4-1 shows the VME-MXI-2. The drawing shows the location and  
factory-default settings of the configuration switches and jumpers on the  
module.  
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1
3
2
4
5
6
1
2
S2  
U21  
3
4
W2  
U20  
5
6
DRAM Bank 1  
DRAM Bank 0  
Figure 4-1. VME-MXI-2 Parts Locator Diagram  
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Front Panel Features  
The VME-MXI-2 has the following front panel features:  
Three front panel LEDs  
SYSFAIL LED indicates that the VMEbus SYSFAIL line is  
asserted.  
MXI LED indicates when the VME-MXI-2 is accessed from  
the MXIbus.  
VME LED indicates when the VME-MXI-2 is accessed from  
the VMEbus.  
MXIbus connector  
System reset pushbutton  
VMEbus A16 Base Address  
The VME-MXI-2 requires 64 bytes of A16 space for its configuration  
registers. It uses the logical address scheme of the VXIbus specification,  
in which each device is assigned an 8-bit value called the logical address.  
This logical address allocates 64 bytes of space to the device within the  
upper quarter of A16 space. The VME-MXI-2 cannot be configured to  
locate its registers in the lower three quarters of A16 space. The A16 base  
address of the VME-MXI-2 will be address lines 15 and 14 high with  
address lines 13 through 6 matching the logical address of the  
VME-MXI-2, and address lines 5 through 0 low. In other words, the  
A16 base address of the VME-MXI-2 modules 64-byte register set is  
as calculated below:  
base address = C000 hex + (logical address) × 40 hex  
The factory-default logical address for the VME-MXI-2 is 1, which locates  
the registers in the range C040 hex to C07F hex. You can change the logical  
address of the VME-MXI-2 by changing the setting of the 8-bit DIP switch  
at location designator U20. The ON position of the DIP switch corresponds  
to a logic value of 0, and the OFF position corresponds to a logic value of 1.  
Allowable logical addresses for the VME-MXI-2 range from 1 to 254  
(hex FE). Verify that no other devices in your system use the A16 address  
space for the VME-MXI-2. If possible, configure all other VMEbus A16  
devices to be located within the lower three quarters of A16 space. Also,  
when setting base addresses, keep in mind the grouping requirements set by  
the system hierarchy. Refer to VXI-6, VXIbus Mainframe Extender  
Specification, for more information on setting base addresses on a  
multimainframe hierarchy.  
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Figure 4-2 shows switch settings for A16 base address hex C040 and F000.  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
OFF  
a. Switch Set to A16 Base Address Hex C040 (Default)  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
OFF  
b. Switch Set to A16 Base Address Hex F000  
Figure 4-2. Base Address Selection  
VME-MXI-2 Intermodule Signaling  
If you will be installing more than one VME-MXI-2 in a single VMEbus  
chassis, you must select a user-defined pin for use by the VME-MXI-2. The  
VME-MXI-2 modules use this signal to disable the bus timeout unit(s) on  
the other VME-MXI-2 modules during VMEbus accesses that map to the  
MXIbus. This is done because the MXIbus bus timeout unit should be the  
sole timer of any MXIbus access. Since bus timeout units on other VMEbus  
modules cannot monitor this signal, they should be permanently disabled.  
If it is not possible to disable a modules bus timeout unit, it should be  
configured to the highest setting to give MXIbus accesses as much time  
as possible.  
You can choose from three user-defined pins on J2/P2. The pin you select  
must be bused on the VMEbus backplane between all slots that will have a  
VME-MXI-2 installed. Use jumper W2 to select pin A5, C5, or C30 of  
J2/P2, as shown in Figure 4-3.  
Notice that a fourth position is also available on the jumper. This is the  
factory-default setting, which does not connect the VME-MXI-2 to any  
user-defined pin. You would use this option only if you are installing a  
single VME-MXI-2 in a chassis.  
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Figure 4-3 shows the four intermodule signaling settings.  
W2  
W2  
A5  
C5  
A5  
C5  
C30  
NC  
C30  
NC  
a. User-Defined Pin A5 Selected  
W2  
b. User-Defined Pin C5 Selected  
W2  
A5  
C5  
A5  
C5  
C30  
NC  
C30  
NC  
c. User-Defined Pin C30 Selected  
d. No User-Defined Pin Selected (Default)  
Figure 4-3. VME-MXI-2 Intermodule Signaling Settings  
MXIbus Termination  
The first and last MXIbus devices connected to the MXIbuswhether it is  
a single MXI-2 cable or daisy-chained MXI-2 cablesmust terminate the  
MXIbus. Any MXIbus devices in the middle of a MXIbus daisy chain must  
not terminate the MXIbus.  
The VME-MXI-2 automatically senses if it is at either end of the MXIbus  
cable to terminate the MXIbus. You can manually control MXIbus  
termination by defeating the automatic circuitry. Use switches 3 and 4  
of the four-position switch at location U21 to control whether MXIbus  
termination is automatic (Figure 4-4a), on (Figure 4-4b), or off  
(Figure 4-4c). The settings of switches 1 and 2 have no effect on MXIbus  
termination.  
Use switch 3 to select whether you want the VME-MXI-2 to automatically  
control termination of the MXIbus. Switch 4 lets you manually control  
whether to terminate the MXIbus when automatic termination is turned off.  
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Switch 4 has no effect when switch 3 is set for automatic MXIbus  
termination; you must turn off automatic termination if you want to  
manually control termination.  
1
2
3
4
OFF  
a. Automatic MXIbus Termination (Default)  
1
2
3
4
OFF  
b. Terminate MXIbus (On)  
1
2
3
4
OFF  
c. Do Not Terminate MXIbus (Off)  
Figure 4-4. MXIbus Termination  
Configuration EEPROM  
The VME-MXI-2 has an onboard EEPROM, which stores default register  
values that are loaded at power-on. The EEPROM is divided into two  
halvesa factory-configuration half, and a user-configuration half. Both  
halves were factory configured with the same configuration values so you  
can modify the user-configurable half, while the factory-configured half  
stores a back-up of the default user settings.  
Use switches 1 and 2 of the four-position switch at location U21 to control  
the operation of the EEPROM. The Restore Factory Configuration switch  
(switch 1) causes the VME-MXI-2 to boot off the factory-configured half  
instead of the user-modified settings. This is useful in the event that the  
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user-configured half of the EEPROM becomes corrupted in such a way that  
the VME-MXI-2 boots to an unusable state.  
The Change Factory Configuration switch (switch 2 of U21) lets you  
change the factory-default configuration settings by permitting writes to the  
factory settings section of the EEPROM. This switch serves as a safety  
measure and should not be needed under normal circumstances. When this  
switch is off (its default setting) the factory configuration of the EEPROM  
is protected so any writes to the factory area will be ignored. The factory  
area is protected regardless of the setting of switch 1 of U21.  
Figure 4-5 shows the configuration settings for EEPROM operation.  
The settings of switches 3 and 4 have no effect on EEPROM configuration.  
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1
2
3
4
OFF  
a. Boot from User Configuration (Factory Configuration Protected) (Default)  
1
2
3
4
OFF  
b. Boot from Factory Configuration (Factory Configuration Protected)  
1
2
3
4
OFF  
c. Boot from User Configuration (Factory Configuration Unprotected)  
1
2
3
4
OFF  
d. Boot from Factory Configuration (Factory Configuration Unprotected)  
Figure 4-5. EEPROM Operation  
Onboard DRAM  
The VME-MXI-2 can accommodate up to two 1.35 in. DRAM SIMMs.  
Table 4-1 lists the SIMMs you can use. You can use 32- or 36-bit SIMMs  
since DRAM parity is not required. Because the VME-MXI-2 supports  
only one organization at a time, all SIMMs installed must be of the same  
type. Use Bank 0 first when installing SIMMs. This allows you to install up  
to 64 MB. The VME-MXI-2 supports DRAM speeds of 80 ns or faster.  
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Switch S2 is used to select the size of each SIMM. If the SIMMs are  
4 M × 32 or larger, S2 should be in the OFF setting as shown in  
Figure 4-6a. For SIMMs smaller than 4 M × 32, use the ON setting as  
shown in Figure 4-6b.  
S2  
S2  
a. 4 M x 32 and Larger  
b. Smaller than 4 M x 32  
Figure 4-6. SIMM Size Configuration  
Refer to Table 4-1 for how to adjust the switch (ON or OFF) for all  
supported DRAM configurations. Many of the DRAM options are  
available from National Instruments.  
Table 4-1. VME-MXI-2 DRAM Configurations  
National  
Instruments  
Option  
Switch Setting  
Bank 0  
Bank 1  
Total DRAM  
of S6  
0
256 K × 32 or  
256 K × 36  
1 MB  
ON  
256 K × 32 or  
256 K × 32 or  
2 MB  
2 MB  
4 MB  
4 MB  
8 MB  
8 MB  
ON  
ON  
ON  
ON  
ON  
ON  
256 K × 36  
256 K × 36  
512 K × 32 or  
512 K × 36  
512 K × 32 or  
512 K × 36  
512 K × 32 or  
512 K × 36  
1 M × 32 or  
1 M × 36  
YES  
1 M × 32 or  
1 M × 36  
1 M × 32 or  
1 M × 36  
2 M × 32 or  
2 M × 36  
YES  
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Table 4-1. VME-MXI-2 DRAM Configurations (Continued)  
National  
Instruments  
Option  
Switch Setting  
of S6  
Bank 0  
Bank 1  
Total DRAM  
2 M × 32 or  
2 M × 32 or  
16 MB  
ON  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
2 M × 36  
2 M × 36  
4 M × 32 or  
4 M × 36  
16 MB  
32 MB  
32 MB  
64 MB  
YES  
4 M × 32 or  
4 M × 36  
4 M × 32 or  
4 M × 36  
8 M × 32 or  
8 M × 36  
YES  
YES  
8 M × 32 or  
8 M × 36  
8 M × 32 or  
8 M × 36  
Install the VME-MXI-2  
This section contains general installation instructions for the VME-MXI-2.  
Consult your VMEbus mainframe user manual or technical reference  
manual for specific instructions and warnings.  
1. Plug in your mainframe before installing the VME-MXI-2. The power  
cord grounds the mainframe and protects it from electrical damage  
while you are installing the module.  
Caution To protect both yourself and the mainframe from electrical hazards, the  
mainframe should remain off until you are finished installing the VME-MXI-2 module.  
2. Remove or open any doors or covers blocking access to the  
mainframe slots.  
3. Insert the VME-MXI-2 in the slot you have selected by aligning the top  
and bottom of the board with the card-edge guides inside the  
mainframe. Slowly push the VME-MXI-2 straight into the slot until its  
plug connectors are resting on the backplane receptacle connectors.  
Using slow, evenly distributed pressure, press the VME-MXI-2  
straight in until it seats in the expansion slot. The front panel of the  
VME-MXI-2 should be even with the front panel of the mainframe.  
4. Tighten the retaining screws on the top and bottom edges of the  
front panel.  
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5. Check the installation.  
6. Connect the cables as described in the following section before  
restoring power.  
7. Replace or close any doors or covers to the mainframe.  
Connect the MXIbus Cable  
There are two basic types of MXI-2 cables. MXI-2 cables can have either  
a single connector on each end or a single connector on one end and a  
double connector on the other end.  
Connect the labeled end of the cable to the MXI-2 device that will be the  
MXIbus System Controller. Connect the other end of the cable to the other  
device. Be sure to tighten the screw locks to ensure proper pin connection.  
Figure 4-7 shows the correct cabling for a VME system containing a  
PCI-MXI-2 board in a PCI-based computer cabled to a VME-MXI-2  
module residing in Slot 1 of a VMEbus mainframe. Notice that you can  
expand your system to include other devices by using an additional MXI-2  
cable. However, in such a case the first cable needs to have a double  
connector on one end. You can then use a cable with a single connector  
on each end to connect the last device on the MXIbus.  
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1
7
6
2
3
5
4
1
2
3
4
VME Chassis  
VME-MXI-2 Module  
Additional MXI-2 Cable  
5
6
7
Connection to External Computer  
PCI-MXI-2 Interface Module  
MXI-2 Cable  
Connection to Other Mainframes  
Figure 4-7. MXI-2 Cable Configuration Using a PCI-MXI-2 and a VME-MXI-2  
When you have properly connected the MXI-2 cable, power on the  
VMEbus mainframe and then the computer.  
Note Always turn on the mainframe first. Doing so makes it possible for your external  
computer to access the VME boards in the mainframe upon startup.  
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5
NI-VXI/NI-VISA Software  
Installation  
This chapter describes how to install and uninstall the NI-VXI/NI-VISA  
software for Linux.  
Installing the NI-VXI/NI-VISA Software for Linux  
Before you begin, you may need to install Linux on your computer. Refer  
to the Linux documentation for instructions. After your computer is booted  
into Linux, you are ready to install the NI-VXI/NI-VISA software.  
To install NI-VXI/NI-VISA for the PCI-MXI-2 for Linux, perform the  
following steps:  
1. Insert the NI-VXI/NI-VISA for Linux CD.  
2. Login to your system as root.  
3. Mount the CD-ROM.  
4. To change the current directory to the mounted CD-ROM, type the  
following command:  
cd/mnt/cdrom  
5. To run the installation script, type the following command:  
./INSTALL  
The INSTALLplaces NI-VXI and NI-VISA in their default locations.  
The script uses rpmto install the packages on systems that support it or  
extracts the files directly on other systems. The script also optionally  
installs support for NI-VXI in LabVIEW.  
You also can install the RPM files without going through the INSTALL  
script by using rpm, glint, or gnorpmon RedHat or other RPM-based  
systems. For example, to install NI-VXI in /opton a RedHat 5.x system,  
type the following command:  
rpm --prefix=/opt/nivxi-Uvh nivxi-pcimxi-1.6-1.i386.rpm  
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where 1.6-1is the version you are installing. Note that this version  
number will be different if you are installing a newer version.  
Note If you use rpmrather than the INSTALLscript, you must repeat this step for each  
package you want to install.  
If you install the software to a location other than the default, set the  
appropriate environment variable: NIVXIPATHfor NI-VXI or  
VXIPNPPATHfor NI-VISA. See your manual for details.  
Refer to the README file on the CD-ROM for additional important  
information and instructions.  
Removing the NI-VXI Driver for Linux  
To uninstall the driver, you must meet the following requirements:  
You must have superuser privileges.  
The driver must not be in use.  
Typing rpm -e nivxi-pcimxi nivisa removes the NI-VXI/NI-VISA  
software.  
Using the NI-VXI/NI-VISA Software  
The NI-VXI software is configured to be loaded in the  
/usr/local/nivxidirectory. If you have installed the software in  
another directory, set the NIVXIPATHenvironment variable to your  
directory. For example, if you have installed NI-VXI in /usr2/nivxi,  
type the following command:  
in csh: setenv NIVXIPATH /usr2/nivxi  
in bashor ksh: export NIVXIPATH=/usr2/nivxi  
The NI-VISA software is configured to be loaded in the  
/usr/local/vxipnpdirectory. If you have installed the software in  
another directory, set the VXIPNPPATHenvironment variable to your  
directory. For example, if you have installed NI-VXI in /usr2/vpp,  
type the following command:  
in csh: setenv VXIPNPPATH /usr2/vpp  
in bashor ksh: export VXIPNPPATH=/usr2/vpp  
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Place these lines in your .cshrcor .login(C shell) or .profile  
(Bourne or Korn shells) so they will execute automatically the next time  
you log in.  
Completing the Software Installation  
After the software is installed, run Resman, the National Instruments  
Resource Manager. You must run Resman every time the computer or  
chassis power is cycled so that your application can access devices in the  
VXI/VME chassis.  
After you run Resman, you are ready to use the NI-VXI Resource Editor  
program vxieditto interactively configure the hardware in your system.  
Refer to Chapter 6, NI-VXI Configuration Utility, for instructions on using  
the configuration editors in vxiedit.  
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NI-VXI Configuration Utility  
This chapter contains instructions for using the VXI Resource Editor utility  
of the NI-VXI software to configure the PCI-MXI-2 and the VXI-MXI-2  
or VME-MXI-2.  
vxieditis the VXI resource editor program that you use to configure the  
system and to edit the manufacturer name and ID numbers, the model  
names of VXI and non-VXI devices in the system, and the system interrupt  
configuration information. This program also displays the system  
configuration information generated by the Resource Manager.  
Note A text-based version, vxitedit, is also available as an alternative. Although this  
chapter focuses only on the graphical vxieditprogram, the two programs are  
functionally equivalent. For information on vxitedit, refer to the NI-VXI Text Utilities  
Reference Manual.  
Running the VXIedit Configuration Utility  
To run vxiedit, type vxieditat the command prompt. You can run  
vxieditfrom any directory, but make sure that both the PATHand  
NIVXIPATHenvironment variables have the destination directory of the  
NI-VXI software added to them. NIVXIPATHis used by the application to  
find the different configuration files (*.cfg), table files (*.tbl), and help  
files (*.hlp) during its execution. The default pathname used by the  
program if NIVXIPATHis not set is /usr/local/nivxi.  
Most of the features on the PCI-MXI-2, VXI-MXI-2, and VME-MXI-2  
are configurable through software, using vxiedit, rather than through  
hardware switches or jumpers on the boards themselves. In addition,  
the vxieditutility can override some of the hardware settings.  
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Figure 6-1 shows the main menu of the vxieditresource editor.  
Figure 6-1. VXIedit Main Screen  
The rest of this chapter describes only the features of the PCI-MXI-2  
Configuration Editor and the VXI/VME-MXI-2 Configuration Editor.  
For instructions on using the other editors, refer to your software utility  
reference manualeither the NI-VXI Graphical Utilities Reference  
Manual or the NI-VXI Text Utilities Reference Manual.  
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PCI-MXI-2 Configuration Editor  
Figure 6-2 shows the opening screen of the PCI-MXI-2 Configuration  
Editor. Notice that the screen displays the serial number and hardware  
revision of the PCI-MXI-2 board in addition to several configuration  
options.  
Figure 6-2. PCI-MXI-2 Configuration Editor  
The first three options under the PCI-MXI-2 Configuration Editor are as  
follows:  
Logical Address Configuration Editor  
Device Configuration Editor  
Bus Configuration Editor  
When making changes to the PCI-MXI-2 through these editors, remember  
that the changes do not take effect until you commit them by selecting the  
Update Current Configuration option.  
Before proceeding to a description of each field in these editors, review the  
remaining four options of the PCI-MXI-2 Configuration Editor. These  
options directly relate to how you can use the changes you make using the  
configuration editors, which are described after the options.  
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Update Current Configuration  
Use this option to write the configuration settings to the PCI-MXI-2  
EEPROM and files used by NI-VXI. Notice that some of the configuration  
settings cannot take effect until you reset the machine, either by using the  
reset button or by turning the power off and on again.  
Record Configuration to File  
With this option you can save your configuration settings to a file. Notice  
that this option does not write the configuration settings to the PCI-MXI-2  
configuration EEPROM.  
If you want to update the PCI-MXI-2 configuration settings, use the  
Update Current Configuration option instead.  
Load Configuration from File  
You can use this option to load your configuration settings from a file. This  
action only updates the configuration settings in your editor. This does not  
write the configuration settings to the PCI-MXI-2 configuration EEPROM.  
To update the configuration use the Update Current Configuration  
option for the changes to take effect.  
Revert to Current Configuration  
If you made changes to the configuration settings without committing those  
changes (writing to configuration EEPROM), you can revert the  
configuration settings to the values they had before you made the changes.  
Note You can successfully revert only if you have not yet selected the Update Current  
Configuration option.  
Logical Address Configuration Editor  
Figure 6-3 shows the Logical Address Configuration Editor. Notice that the  
options are arranged into three groupsDevice Settings, VXI Shared  
Memory, and Resource Manager. The following sections describe the  
options you can select for each of the fields.  
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Figure 6-3. PCI-MXI-2 or PXI-MXI-2B Logical Address Configuration Editor  
Device Settings  
The Device Settings group contains the controls to set the logical address,  
device type, and address space of the PCI-MXI-2.  
Logical Address  
This parameter sets the MXI logical address of the PCI-MXI-2. The  
following table shows the allowable range of values and the default value.  
Logical Address Range  
Default Value  
0 to 254  
0
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Device Type  
This field indicates the classification of the PCI-MXI-2. The default value  
is MBD, designating a message-based device. The following table shows  
the available options.  
Classification  
Extended Device  
Setting  
EXT  
Message-Based Device  
Register-Based Device  
MBD  
RBD  
The device type affects only the contents of the Device Class field in the  
Device Type register. The functionality of the other registers does not  
change.  
Address Space  
This field indicates the addressing mode(s) of the devices operational  
registers. The PCI-MXI-2 can be configured in one of three ways. The  
default addressing mode is for A16 space only. Your other options are  
A16/A24 and A16/A32.  
Notice that several other controls on the configuration editor panel are  
disabled when the addressing mode is A16, as shown in Figure 6-3. Only  
if you select A16/A24 or A16/A32 are the following controls relevant:  
VXI Shared RAM Size  
Shared RAM Pool  
Advanced  
Byte Swapping  
Memory Select  
Mapping  
VXI/VME Shared Memory  
The VXI Shared Memory group contains the controls to set the VXI and  
VME shared RAM size and the shared RAM pool. The Advanced button  
leads to additional options that configure the upper and lower half of the  
shared RAM area.  
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VXI/VME Shared RAM Size  
This field indicates the amount of RAM (in bytes) that is shared in either  
A24 or A32 space. This determines the total shared RAM size, which is  
then divided into two equal halves that you can set up independently of one  
another.  
Note When the Address Space field is in the default setting of A16 only, this field is  
ignored.  
Shared RAM Pool  
This field indicates the size of memory (in kilobytes) that is allocated at  
startup. This memory is used by the lower/upper half window when the  
Memory Select controlaccessible through the Advanced popup  
fieldis set to System memory.  
Memory Range  
Default Value  
0 to 65,535 KB  
0 KB  
The following table indicates how the Shared RAM Pool relates to the  
VXI Shared RAM Size depending on the setting of the Memory Select  
control for the upper and lower half windows.  
Lower Half  
Window  
Upper Half  
Window  
Shared RAM Pool  
(Window)  
System memory  
System memory  
Onboard memory  
Onboard memory  
System memory  
Onboard memory  
System memory  
Onboard memory  
Equal to VXI/VME  
Shared RAM Size  
Half the VXI/VME  
Shared RAM Size  
Half the VXI/VME  
Shared RAM Size  
0
The shared RAM pool is used by VXImemAlloc()function calls. For  
information on the VXImemAlloc()function, refer to the NI-VXI User  
Manual and the NI-VXI Programmer Reference Manual.  
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Note When the Address Space field is in the default setting of A16 only, this field is  
ignored. This field is also ignored if the Memory Select fields for both the lower and upper  
half windows are set to Onboard memory.  
Advanced Shared RAM Settings  
Clicking the Advanced button displays a dialog box to configure the  
destination of MXIbus cycles that map into the PCI-MXI-2 through the  
A24/A32 shared RAM.  
Figure 6-4. Advanced Shared RAM Settings  
Note When the Address Space field is in the default setting of A16 only, these fields are  
ignored, and cannot be accessed.  
The VXI/VME shared RAM is divided into two halves, or windows. You  
can select the byte order for each half independently. You can map each  
half of the VXI/VME shared RAM independently into system memory on  
the motherboard or into onboard memory on the PCI-MXI-2.  
Because each half is independent of the other, you can choose from any of  
the following mapping options:  
Half the VXI/VME shared RAM mapped to system memory; the other  
half mapped to PCI-MXI-2 onboard memory  
Both halves mapped to PCI-MXI-2 onboard memory  
Both halves mapped to system memory  
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Enable Byte Swapping  
This checkbox indicates whether byte swapping should be performed for  
slave accesses to this half of the VXI/VME shared RAM space. For  
example, if the native byte order of the shared RAM is Motorola  
(Big Endian), and you want to present data to the VXI/VMEbus in Intel  
(Little Endian) byte order, you will need to enable byte swapping. The  
default value is non-swapped. Click on the checkbox if you want to enable  
byte swapping.  
This field is ignored if the Memory Select field is set to Onboard memory.  
Memory Select  
This option determines where this half of the VXI/VME shared RAM is  
mapped. By default, the shared RAM is mapped to System memory. If you  
want to use the RAM on the PCI-MXI-2, choose the Onboard memory  
option.  
Window Mapping  
You can click on the checkbox at the bottom of the screen if you want to  
map both halves of the inward window to the same address. When both  
halves of the inward window are mapped to the same destination with the  
same byte order, the windows essentially form one continuous window. If  
the windows are mapped to different destinations, the base of each inward  
window maps to the base of each destination.  
If the windows both map to the shared RAM destination but the byte order  
is different, the base of each inward window maps to the base of the shared  
RAM destination. This results in one half of the window accessing the  
system RAM in Little Endian byte order and the other half accessing it in  
Big Endian byte order.  
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Caution There is a potential problem when opening up a shared memory region to point  
to system RAM. The PCI bus may return a retry on any cycle into system RAM. As a  
consequence, an external VXI/VME device accessing the system RAM may get a  
VXI/VME retry back. If the external VXI/VME device does not support VXI/VME retry,  
the VXI/VME device will falsely detect the retry condition as a bus error condition.  
VXI/VME devices that support retries will not have this problem, because they can handle  
VXI/VME retry conditions correctly by automatically retrying the access. For example, the  
National Instruments VXI-DAQ boards handle VXI/VME retry conditions properly and do  
not exhibit this problem.  
Resource Manager Delay  
The only option under the Resource Manager portion of the Logical  
Address Configuration Editor is the Resource Manager Delay control.  
Resource Manager Delay  
Note This field is effective only when the PCI-MXI-2 is at its default logical address of 0.  
The PCI-MXI-2 is the Resource Manager only if its logical address is 0.  
This field specifies the time in seconds that the Resource Manager (RM)  
waits before accessing any other VXI/VMEbus devices A16 configuration  
registers.  
RM Delay Range  
Default Value  
0 to 65535 s  
5
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Figure 6-5 shows the Device Configuration Editor. The following  
paragraphs describe the options you can select for each of the fields.  
Figure 6-5. PCI-MXI-2 Device Configuration  
Default Controller (LA –1)  
Many NI-VXI functions use controller as a parameter with 1 accepted as  
a valid value. You use this selection to determine which controller you are  
referring to when you use 1 in these NI-VXI functions. Review the  
descriptions of the NI-VXI functions to determine which are applicable for  
this control.  
By default, the Default Controller (LA –1) option is set to First remote  
controller, so that any NI-VXI functions that are passed the value of 1 for  
the controller parameter will be executed on the first VXI/VME-MXI-2 in  
the MXI-2 chain. If you select the Local controller option, the NI-VXI  
functions execute on the PCI-MXI-2.  
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System IRQ Level  
The remote controllersin this case the VXI/VME-MXI-2can report  
events such as triggers and DMA to the PCI-MXI-2 through a VXI IRQ  
line. This field selects which VXI IRQ level the remote controllers should  
use to report events to the PCI-MXI-2.  
Interrupt Request Levels  
Default Value  
1 to 7  
1
Servant Area Size  
This field designates the servant area size, which is supplied to the  
Resource Manager in response to the Read Servant Area command (if the  
PCI-MXI-2 is not the Resource Manager in your system). The servant area  
size is an 8-bit value (0 through 255) that indicates the servant area. The  
servant area begins at the logical address following the PCI-MXI-2 logical  
address, and includes N contiguous logical addresses, where N is the value  
of the servant area size. This field is meaningful only when the PCI-MXI-2  
is configured as a message-based device.  
Servant Area Range  
Default Value  
0 to 255  
0
Note If the PCI-MXI-2 is the Resource Manager (Logical Address 0), this setting is  
irrelevant.  
Number of Handlers  
This field gives the number of interrupt handlers that the PCI-MXI-2  
supports.  
Interrupt Handlers  
Default Value  
0 to 7  
1
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Number of Interrupters  
This field gives the number of interrupters that the PCI-MXI-2 supports.  
Interrupters  
Default Value  
0 to 7  
0
Protocol Register  
This field specifies the contents of the Protocol register, indicating which  
protocols the device supports. This field is meaningful only when the  
PCI-MXI-2 is configured as a message-based device. The default value is  
0x0ff0 (Commander, Signal Register, Master).  
Read Protocol Response  
This field specifies the response value to a Read Protocol command  
received by the PCI-MXI-2 from the Resource Manager (if the PCI-MXI-2  
is not the Resource Manager in your system). This field is meaningful only  
when the PCI-MXI-2 is configured as a message-based device. The default  
value is 0x8448 (Response Generation, Event Generation, Programmable  
Handler, Word Serial Trigger, Instrument, Extended Longword Serial,  
Longword Serial).  
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Bus Configuration Editor  
Figure 6-6 shows the Bus Configuration Editor. The following sections  
describe the options you can select for each of the fields.  
Figure 6-6. PCI-MXI-2 Bus Configuration Editor  
MXI Bus  
The following sections describe the options for the MXI Bus portion of this  
editor.  
MXI System Controller  
You can use the MXI System Controller control to determine whether the  
PCI-MXI-2 acts as the MXIbus System Controller. The three options are  
Auto, Yes, and No.  
When the Auto setting is active (the default setting), the PCI-MXI-2  
the controller. This setting requires that the cable is attached properly  
before making any NI-VXI function calls or attempting to use the  
VXI/VME-MXI-2 Configuration Editor. Refer to the Connect the MXIbus  
Cable section of Chapter 3, VME-MXI-2 Configuration and Installation, or  
the Connect the MXIbus Cable section of Chapter 4, VME-MXI-2  
Configuration and Installation.  
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You can select the Yes or No options to manually determine whether the  
PCI-MXI-2 should be the MXIbus System Controller. You must still be  
certain to cable the MXIbus system appropriately when you make either of  
these selections.  
Note Make sure the MXI-2 cable is connected to the PCI-MXI-2 when you power on or  
reboot the computer. This is required for the PCI-MXI-2 to automatically detect whether it  
will be the MXIbus System Controller.  
MXI Bus Timeout  
The MXIbus Bus Timeout (BTO) is a watchdog timer for transfers on the  
MXIbus. The MXIbus BTO operates only when the PCI-MXI-2 is acting  
as the MXIbus System Controller.  
After the specified amount of time has elapsed, the BTO circuitry  
terminates a MXIbus cycle if no slave has responded. The BTO is also  
disabled when the current MXIbus cycle maps to the VXI/VMEbus through  
a VXI/VME-MXI-2.  
The default timeout value is 1 ms. If the Enable MXI-2 Auto Retry  
checkbox option is enabled, you should use a MXI Bus Timeout of 1 ms  
or greater.  
MXI CLK10  
The PCI-MXI-2 is capable of either receiving or driving the MXIbus  
CLK10 signal.  
You can use the Drive or Receive options of the MXI CLK10 feature to  
control the direction of the MXIbus CLK10 signal. By default all MXI-2  
boards receive MXI CLK10 (the Receive option is active); therefore, you  
must choose one board on your MXI-2 bus to drive CLK10 by changing the  
value of the control to Drive. For most configurations, it is recommended  
to choose the System Controller as the CLK10 source for simplicity.  
The only exception you may want to make is if you want your triggers  
synchronous to the VXI 10 MHz clock.  
Caution Do not configure more than one MXIbus device to drive MXIbus CLK10. Having  
a second device driving MXIbus CLK10 could damage the device.  
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MXI Transfer Limit  
Use this feature to control how many data transfers the PCI-MXI-2 will  
perform on the MXIbus before releasing it to another master device that is  
requesting use of the bus. The default setting holds the MXIbus for an  
unlimited period of time.  
The other options you can choose from are 256, 64, and 16 transfers. If you  
do not want the PCI-MXI-2 to hold the MXIbus for an unlimited period of  
time, you can use this control to select one of these values.  
Synchronous MXI  
The MXIbus has a special high-speed block protocol for transferring large  
blocks of data. This protocol, SYNC-MXI, locks the MXIbus during the  
transfer, which prevents anyone else from using the bus. VXImove()uses  
this protocol to transfer data.  
If a VXI interrupt or signal comes in while a synchronous MXI move is  
underway, there can be a problem. Using the SYNC-MXI protocol will  
prohibit access to the MXI bus, which will prevent you from responding to  
an interrupt, and prevent bus monitoring devices from accessing the bus at  
regular intervals.  
By default, this option is enabledthe VXImove uses Synchronous MXI  
checkbox is checked. You can also disable SYNC-MXI programmatically  
in VXImove(). However, if you have an older NI-VXI application that does  
not disable SYNC-MXI programmatically, you can deselect the checkbox  
to force your application to not use SYNC-MXI, if necessary.  
MXI-2 Auto Retry  
The PCI-MXI-2 has an automatic retry feature for cycles that map from the  
MXI bus to the PCI bus. By default this option is enabledthe Enable  
MXI-2 Auto Retry checkbox is checked.  
Normally, when a cycle maps from the MXI bus to the PCI bus, any retry  
response received on the PCI bus is passed to the MXI bus. When the  
MXI-2 auto retry feature is enabled, the PCI-MXI-2 automatically retries  
any PCI cycle when the PCI host responds to a cycle with a retry. The  
PCI-MXI-2 automatically continues to retry the PCI cycle until it receives  
either a DTACK or BERR response, which it then passes to the MXI bus.  
This is the default situation because many external masters do not support  
VXI/MXI retries. If the external master does support retries, it may be  
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beneficial to disable the MXI-2 auto retry feature. With this feature  
disabled, you can lower the MXI Bus Timeout because there will be no  
delay due to the inward cycles being retried.  
Note The PCI-MXI-2 has a limit on the number of automatic retries they will perform on  
any one cycle. If the limit is exceeded and the PCI-MXI-2 receives another retry, it will  
pass a retry back to the MXIbus even though the Enable MXI-2 Auto Retry checkbox is  
checked.  
A24/A32 Write Posting  
This field determines whether to enable write posting for incoming slave  
accesses to A24/A32 VXI/VME shared RAM. By default this option is  
disabledthe Enable A24/A32 Write Posting checkbox is cleared.  
Enabling write posting will increase the throughput of your inward cycles.  
However, you should not enable write posting unless the destination of your  
inward A24/A32 cycles is onboard RAM, because cycles to onboard RAM  
will always complete successfully.  
PCI Bus  
The following sections describe the options for the PCI Bus portion of this  
editor.  
User Window and Driver Window  
The PCI-MXI-2 driver requires the use of two PCI windows: a user  
window and a driver window. Calling the MapVXIAddress()function  
allocates regions of the user window to your application. VXIpeek()and  
VXIpoke()accesses are performed through this window. NI-VXI uses the  
driver window to perform high-level functions such as VXIin()and  
VXIout(), and to access registers on the PCI-MXI-2 and  
VXI/VME-MXI-2.  
The windows are mapped to PCI base address registers and determine the  
amount of PCI memory space the PCI-MXI-2 requests from the PCI system  
during initialization.  
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Window Size  
The amount of space you can allocate for the user window is system  
dependent. You can use the Size control to select the size of the user  
window (minimum of 4 KB, maximum of 2 GB). The more you increase  
the size of the user window, the larger the window you can map in  
MapVXIAddress().  
You also can disable this option. Disabling the user window causes the  
PCI-MXI-2 to request the minimum amount of address space on the  
PCI bus. With the window disabled, you will be unable to perform any  
low-level function calls such as VXIpeek(), VXIpoke(), and  
MapVXIAddress().  
It is recommended to have a user window of at least 64 KB, and the default  
setting for the user window is set at this value. If you are going to be  
initiating transfers to a wide variety of addresses in both A24 and A32, you  
should increase the size of the user window. Any change you make to the  
size of the user window requires that you reboot your computer.  
The size of the driver window, however, is system defined and is not user  
configurable.  
Note Neither the user window nor the driver window can be placed below 1 MB with the  
Linux NI-VXI driver. Therefore, the Place below 1 MB option and the Window Base  
option will always be disabled.  
Expansion ROM  
Use the Enable expansion ROM control to enable or disable the PCI  
expansion ROM. The expansion ROM is enabled by default. It is  
recommended to retain the default setting. This option is included in  
vxieditin case future versions of the PCI-MXI-2 do not implement a PCI  
expansion ROM.  
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VXI/VME-MXI-2 Configuration Editor  
Before running the VXI/VME-MXI-2 Configuration Editor, you must run  
Resman.  
Note Throughout this section, the term VXI/VME-MXI-2 denotes that the information  
applies to both the VXI-MXI-2 and the VME-MXI-2.  
Upon entering the VXI/VME-MXI-2 Configuration Editor, the program  
displays a list of VXI/VME-MXI-2 boards that Resman detected in your  
system, as shown in Figure 6-7.  
Figure 6-7. VXI/VME-MXI-2 Selection Dialog Box  
Select the device you want to configure from the Detected Boards  
pull-down list, or you can select User LA and type in the boards logical  
address in the Logical Address field. Click OK to enter the editor or Cancel  
to return to the main menu.  
After finding a VXI/VME-MXI-2, the VXI/VME-MXI-2 Configuration  
Editor displays a panel, as shown in Figure 6-8, that you can use to modify  
its configuration settings. The panel displays the current settings of the  
module. Notice that it also shows the hardware revision and serial number  
of the VXI/VME-MXI-2.  
The title of the screen will reflect the model of the device you have.  
For instance, if you have a VXI-MXI-2, the title will read VXI-MXI-2  
Configuration Editor as shown in Figure 6-8.  
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Figure 6-8. VXI/VME-MXI-2 Configuration Editor  
LA Selection and Logical Address  
You can set or modify the logical address of the VXI/VME-MXI-2 either  
within the VXI/VME-MXI-2 Configuration Editor itself or with the  
onboard 8-position DIP switch. To select the configuration method you  
prefer, use the LA Selection controls.  
The default selection is the Switch option. Notice that the Logical Address  
control is inaccessible, because it would have no effect. In this option you  
need to change the hardware switch setting on the VXI/VME-MXI-2 itself  
if you want to change the logical address.  
If you select Software for this option, you can then use the Logical  
Address control to select a logical address within the range of 1 to 254. If  
you use this option, the hardware switch setting has no effect and you must  
use the VXI/VME-MXI-2 Configuration Editor to change the logical  
address.  
Address Space and Requested Memory  
The VXI/VME-MXI-2 requires at least 16 KB of address space in A24  
space or at least 64 KB in A32 space. Use the Address Space control  
to select whether you want to use A24 space or A32 space. Use the  
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Requested Memory control to set the amount of memory space that the  
VXI/VME-MXI-2 will request. You can select up to 8 MB in A24 space  
and up to 2 GB in A32 space. The default setting uses the minimum  
requirement of 16 KB in A24 space.  
These controls are necessary if you change the amount of DRAM installed  
on the VXI/VME-MXI-2. The amount of memory you set with the  
Requested Memory control should match the amount of DRAM installed  
on the VXI/VME-MXI-2. If no DRAM is installed, keep the default setting  
of 16 KB. Notice that the smallest valid amount in A32 space is 64 KB.  
Caution If you install DRAM into the VXI/VME-MXI-2, do not attempt to use the first  
4 KB of memory space. This 4 KB space maps to the registers on the VXI/VME-MXI-2  
and does not access onboard DRAM. Accessing this region will cause your  
VXI/VME-MXI-2 to behave incorrectly.  
If you do not want to lose 4 KB of DRAM you can get around this  
limitation by setting the Requested Memory control to double the amount  
that is installed on the VXI/VME-MXI-2, because the DRAM is aliased  
throughout the remainder of the requested memory space. The DRAM  
should then be accessed in the upper half of the requested memory space.  
A16 and A24/A32 Write Posting  
The VXI/VME-MXI-2 can increase performance with its capability to post  
write cycles from both the MXIbus and the VXI/VMEbus. Write cycles  
should be posted only to devices that cannot return a BERR signal, because  
the BERR will not be reported to the originating master.  
Click on the checkbox control(s) if you want to use either A16 or A24/A32  
write posting. By default, both options are disabled.  
The A16 write posting control affects only write cycles that map through  
the A16 window from the VXI/VMEbus to the MXIbus and vice versa. A16  
write cycles in VXI configuration space are never posted regardless of the  
setting of this control.  
The A24/A32 write posting control affects write cycles that map through  
the A24 window and A32 window from the VXI/VMEbus to the MXIbus  
and vice-versa. This control also affects write cycles to the  
VXI/VME-MXI-2 itself via its requested memory space from both the  
VXI/VMEbus and the MXIbus. For more information on the A16, A24,  
and A32 windows, refer to VXI-6, the VXIbus Mainframe Extender  
Specification.  
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Interlocked Mode  
Interlocked arbitration mode is an optional mode of operation in which  
at any given moment the system can perform as if it were one large  
VXI/VMEbus mainframe with only one master of the entire  
systemVXI/VMEbus and MXIbus. This mode of operation prevents  
deadlocks by interlocking all arbitration in the VXI/VMEbus/MXIbus  
system. By default, this option is disabled, which puts the  
VXI/VME-MXI-2 in normal operating mode.  
In normal operating mode (non-interlocked), multiple masters can operate  
simultaneously in the VXI/VMEbus/MXIbus system. A deadlock occurs  
when a MXIbus master requests use of a VXI/VMEbus resource in another  
VXI/VMEbus mainframe while a VXI/VMEbus master in that mainframe  
is in the process of requesting a resource across the MXIbus. When this  
situation occurs, the VXI/VMEbus master must give up its bus ownership  
to resolve the conflict. The RETRY signal is used to terminate the transfer  
on the VMEbus; however, devices in the VXI/VMEbus mainframe must be  
able to detect a RETRY caused by a deadlock condition so that they can  
retry the operation. Any master device that cannot detect the retry protocol  
will interpret the response as a BERR signal instead.  
The VXI/VME-MXI-2 is shipped from the factory configured for normal  
operating mode (non-interlocked). If MXIbus transfers will be occurring  
both into and out of the mainframe and the VXI/VMEbus modules in your  
system do not have the capability for handling retry conditions, you may  
want to configure the VXI/VME-MXI-2 for interlocked arbitration mode  
by clicking on the Enable checkbox. In this mode, no software provisions  
for deadlock conditions are required. However, parallel accesses in separate  
VXI/VMEbus mainframes are no longer possible, and system performance  
may be lower than in normal operating mode.  
In a VXI/VMEbus/MXIbus system, you can configure some  
VXI/VME-MXI-2 modules for normal operating mode and others for  
interlocked arbitration mode. The VXI/VMEbus mainframes configured in  
interlocked arbitration mode will be interlocked with each other and the  
mainframes configured for normal operating mode can perform transfers in  
parallel.  
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This type of system configuration is recommended if you have one of the  
following situations:  
A VXI/VMEbus mainframe with only slave devices and no masters.  
Without bus masters, there is no chance for deadlock. You can  
configure the VXI/VME-MXI-2 devices in this mainframe for normal  
operating mode.  
A VXI/VMEbus mainframe with both masters and slaves, but the  
masters communicate only with the slaves in their mainframe.  
The masters never attempt transfers across the MXIbus, so there is  
no chance for deadlock when a MXIbus master attempts a transfer  
into the VXI/VMEbus mainframe. You can configure the  
VXI/VME-MXI-2 devices in this mainframe for normal operating  
mode.  
A VXI/VMEbus mainframe in which all masters that perform cycles  
across the MXIbus support the VME64 RETRY protocol. You can  
configure the VXI/VME-MXI-2 devices in this mainframe for normal  
operating mode because all masters that could cause a deadlock will  
automatically retry the operation.  
VXI/VME Bus Options  
Use the options in this group to control features of the VXI/VMEbus  
interface on the VXI/VME-MXI-2.  
VMEbus System Controller  
You can use the System Controller control to override the jumper setting  
on the VXI-MXI-2. The VME-MXI-2 does not have an onboard jumper  
setting for this option. When the Auto setting (the default setting) is active,  
the onboard jumper setting determines if the VXI-MXI-2 is the VXI Slot 0  
device. For more information, refer to the VXIbus Slot 0/Non-Slot 0 section  
of Chapter 3, VXI-MXI-2 Configuration and Installation.  
Otherwise, choose either the Yes or No option. Notice that selecting either  
of these options overrides the onboard jumper setting on the VXI-MXI-2,  
so it will not matter how the jumper is set. You would need to run the  
VXI/VME-MXI-2 Configuration Editor again if you decide to change the  
VMEbus System Controller (VXI Slot 0) setting at a later time.  
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Caution Do not install a VXI/VME-MXI-2 configured for VMEbus System Controller  
(VXI Slot 0) into another slot without first reconfiguring it to either Non-Slot 0 or  
automatic configuration. Neglecting to do this could damage the VXI/VME-MXI-2,  
the VXI/VMEbus backplane, or both.  
This means that you should use either the No option or the Auto option of this control.  
For the VXI-MXI-2, you also have the option of changing the hardware jumper setting.  
VXI/VME Bus Timeout Value  
The VXI/VMEbus Bus Timeout (BTO) is a watchdog timer for transfers on  
the VMEbus Data Transfer bus. After the specified amount of time has  
elapsed, the BTO circuitry terminates a VMEbus cycle if no slave has  
responded. The VXI/VME-MXI-2 must provide the VXI/VMEbus BTO  
for proper operation because when a MXIbus cycle is involved, the  
VXI/VMEbus timeout must be disabled and the MXIbus BTO enabled.  
You should disable the BTO of any other BTO module residing in the  
mainframe. If this is not possible, set its VXI Bus Timeout control to its  
maximum setting to give the MXIbus cycles as much time as possible to  
complete.  
The lowest value in the allowable range is 15 µs and the highest value is  
256 ms. The default value is 125 µs.  
Advanced VXI Settings  
Click the Advanced button to reach additional configuration options  
for the VXI/VME Bus portion of this editor, as shown in Figure 6-9.  
These options are intended for more advanced users.  
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.
Figure 6-9. Advanced VXI Settings  
VXI/VME Auto Retry  
The VXI/VME-MXI-2 has an automatic retry feature for cycles that map  
from the VXI/VMEbus to the MXIbus. By default this option is disabled.  
Normally, when a cycle maps from the VXI/VMEbus to the MXIbus, any  
retry response received on the MXIbus is passed to the VXI/VMEbus.  
If you enable the Auto Retry feature, the VXI/VME-MXI-2 automatically  
retries any MXI cycle that receives a retry response instead of passing a  
retry response back to the VXI/VMEbus. The VXI/VME-MXI-2  
automatically continues to retry the MXI cycle until it receives either a  
DTACK or BERR response, which it then passes to the VXI/VMEbus.  
Notice that the VXI/VME-MXI-2 has a limit on the number of automatic  
retries it will perform on any one cycle. If the limit is exceeded and the  
VXI/VME-MXI-2 receives another retry, it will pass a retry back to the  
VXI/VMEbus even though Auto Retry is enabled.  
Transfer Limit  
You can use this feature to control how many data transfers the  
VXI/VME-MXI-2 will perform on the VXI/VMEbus before releasing it to  
another master device that is requesting use of the bus.  
The available options you can choose from are 16, 64, and 256 transfers.  
If you do not want the VXI/VME-MXI-2 to hold the VXI/VMEbus long  
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NI-VXI Configuration Utility  
enough to perform 256 transfers (the default value), you can use this control  
to select a smaller value.  
Arbiter Type  
You can use the Arbiter Type feature to configure the VXI/VME-MXI-2  
as either a Priority or Round Robin VMEbus arbiter. This control is  
applicable only if the VXI/VME-MXI-2 you are configuring is a VMEbus  
System Controller (VXI Slot 0) device. The default value is Priority.  
When configured for Priority arbitration, the VXI/VME-MXI-2 grants the  
bus to the highest pending bus request level. In Round Robin arbitration  
mode, the VXI/VME-MXI-2 grants the bus to the next highest bus request  
level after the level of the previous bus owner. This effectively gives the  
same priority to each bus request level. Refer to the VMEbus specification  
for more information on the different types of arbiters.  
Request Level  
The VXI/VME-MXI-2 uses one of the four VMEbus request levels  
(0 to 3) to request use of the VME Data Transfer Bus (DTB). The  
VXI/VME-MXI-2 requests use of the DTB whenever an external MXIbus  
device, such as a PCI-based computer with a PCI-MXI-2 interface,  
attempts a transfer that maps into the VXI/VMEbus mainframe.  
The VXI/VME-MXI-2 uses VMEbus request level 3 by default, as required  
by the VXIbus specification. This is suitable for most VXIbus systems.  
However, you can change the VXI/VME-MXI-2 to use any of the other  
three request levels (0, 1, or 2) by changing the setting of the Request  
Level control. You may want to change request levels to change the priority  
of the VXI/VME-MXI-2 request signal. For more information, refer to the  
VMEbus specification.  
VXI/VME Fair Requester  
The VXI/VME-MXI-2 is always a Release On Request requester.  
However, you can configure whether the VXI/VME-MXI-2 acts as either  
a fair or unfair requester on the VXI/VMEbus. By default, the Operate as  
Fair Requester checkbox is enabled, signifying a fair requester. For more  
information on the different types of requesters, refer to the VMEbus  
specification.  
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Arbiter Timeout  
An arbitration timeout feature is available on the VXI/VME-MXI-2 when  
it is acting as the VMEbus arbiter. This feature applies only to a VXI Slot 0  
(VMEbus System Controller) VXI/VME-MXI-2. By default, this option is  
enabled.  
The timer begins when the arbiter circuit on the VXI/VME-MXI-2 drives  
one of the BGOUT lines on the backplane. If no device takes over the bus  
within the timeout limit, the BGOUT is removed and the bus is either idle  
or granted to another requester.  
MXI Bus Options  
Use the options in this group to control features of the MXIbus interface on  
the VXI/VME-MXI-2 module.  
MXI Bus System Controller  
You can use the System Controller control to determine whether the  
VXI/VME-MXI-2 acts as the MXI Bus System Controller. When the Auto  
setting (the default setting) is active, the VXI/VME-MXI-2 automatically  
can sense from the MXIbus cable whether it should be the controller.  
You can select either Yes or No to manually determine if the  
VXI/VME-MXI-2 should be the MXI Bus System Controller. You must  
still be certain to cable the MXIbus system appropriately when you make  
either of these selections.  
MXI Bus Timeout Value  
The MXI Bus Timeout (BTO) is a watchdog timer for transfers on  
the MXIbus. The MXIbus BTO unit operates only when the  
VXI/VME-MXI-2 is acting as the MXI Bus System Controller. The  
functionality of this control is similar to that of the VXI Bus Timeout  
control described in the VXI/VME Bus Options section. The options range  
from 8 µs to 128 ms, with a default value of 1 ms.  
After the specified amount of time has elapsed, the BTO circuitry  
terminates a MXIbus cycle if no slave has responded. The BTO circuitry is  
automatically deactivated when the VXI/VME-MXI-2 is not acting as the  
MXI Bus System Controller. The BTO is also disabled when the current  
MXIbus cycle maps to the VXI/VMEbus through a VXI/VME-MXI-2.  
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Advanced MXI Settings  
Click the Advanced button to reach additional configuration options for  
the MXI Bus portion of this editor, as shown in Figure 6-10. These options  
are intended for more advanced users.  
Figure 6-10. Advanced MXI Settings  
MXI Auto Retry  
The VXI/VME-MXI-2 has an automatic retry feature for cycles that map  
from the MXIbus to the VXI/VMEbus. This feature works in the same  
manner as the Auto Retry control described in the VXI/VME Bus Options  
section. By default, this option is disabled.  
Normally, when a cycle maps from the MXIbus to the VXI/VMEbus, any  
retry response received on the VXI/VMEbus is passed to the MXIbus.  
If you enable the Auto Retry feature, the VXI/VME-MXI-2 automatically  
retries any VXI/VME cycle that receives a retry response instead of passing  
a retry response on to the MXIbus. The VXI/VME-MXI-2 automatically  
continues to retry the VXI/VME cycle until it receives either a DTACK or  
BERR response, which it then passes to the MXIbus.  
Note The VXI/VME-MXI-2 has a limit on the number of automatic retries it will perform  
on any one cycle. If the limit is exceeded and the VXI/VME-MXI-2 receives another retry,  
it will pass a retry back to the MXIbus even though Auto Retry is enabled.  
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Transfer Limit  
You can use this feature to control how many data transfers the  
VXI/VME-MXI-2 will perform on the MXIbus before releasing it to  
another master device that is requesting use of the bus. The default setting  
holds the MXIbus for an unlimited period of time.  
The other options you can choose from are 16, 64, and 256 transfers. If you  
do not want the VXI/VME-MXI-2 to hold the MXIbus for an unlimited  
period of time, you can use this control to select one of these values.  
Parity Checking  
By default, MXIbus parity checking is enabled and should not be disabled  
under normal circumstances. MXIbus parity is always generated regardless  
if checking is enabled or disabled.  
MXI Fair Requester  
You can use the Operate as Fair Requester checkbox control to configure  
the VXI/VME-MXI-2 as either a fair or unfair requester on the MXIbus. In  
its default setting (disabled), the VXI/VME-MXI-2 will request the bus at  
any time. If you enable this option, the VXI/VME-MXI-2 will request the  
MXIbus only when there are no requests pending from other MXIbus  
masters. This prevents other MXIbus masters from being starved of  
bandwidth.  
MXI CLK10 Signal  
The VXI-MXI-2 can either receive or drive the MXIbus CLK10 signal.  
In its default setting, the VXI-MXI-2 uses the switch setting of S7 to  
determine the signal direction.  
VME usersThis option is not applicable to the VME-MXI-2.  
You can use the Drive or Receive options to override the setting of S7 and  
control the direction of the MXIbus CLK10 signal. When receiving the  
MXIbus CLK10 signal, configure the W3 jumper setting to use the MXIbus  
as the source for generating the VXIbus CLK10 (applicable only if the  
VXI-MXI-2 is a Slot 0 device). When driving the MXIbus CLK10, the  
VXIbus CLK10 is used as the source. In this case, change the jumper  
setting so that it does not use the MXIbus CLK10 as the source for the  
VXIbus CLK10.  
Caution Do not configure more than one MXIbus device to drive MXI CLK10. Setting up  
a second device to drive MXI CLK10 could damage the device.  
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7
Using the NI-VXI/NI-VISA  
Software  
This chapter discusses programming information for you to consider when  
developing applications that use the NI-VXI/NI-VISA driver.  
After installing the driver software, you can begin to develop your  
VXI/VME application software. Be sure to check the READMEfile for the  
latest application development notes.  
You must run Resman each time the computer or chassis power is cycled so  
that your application can access devices in the VXI or VME chassis.  
The NI-VXI software was designed for use in VXI systems. Because VXI  
is a superset of VME, you can also use the NI-VXI functions as a  
comprehensive set of programming tools for VME systems. Refer to the  
NI-VXI User Manual and the NI-VXI online help for overviews of NI-VXI  
and detailed descriptions of the NI-VXI functions. The user manual is  
available in the NIVXI/manualsdirectory (where NIVXIrefers to the  
actual location where you have installed the NI-VXI software). Use the  
Acrobat Reader program to open and navigate through this manual. Notice  
that the function descriptions indicate whether they apply to VXI only or  
both VXI and VME. The following function classes apply only to VXI:  
Commander Word Serial Protocol functions  
Servant Word Serial Protocol functions  
VXI Signal functions  
VXI Trigger functions  
Refer to the NI-VISA User Manual to learn about VISA and how to use  
it in your system. The NI-VISA online help describes the attributes,  
events, and operations you can use in NI-VISA. The user manual is  
available in the VXIpnp/linux/NIvisa/Manualsdirectory. Use the  
Acrobat Reader program to open and navigate through this manual.  
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Using the NI-VXI/NI-VISA Software  
Interactive Control of NI-VXI/NI-VISA  
The easiest way to learn how to communicate with your instruments is by  
controlling them interactively. Use the VXI/VME interactive control utility  
(vicor its text mode counterpart, victext) to write to and read from your  
instruments. This utility displays the status of your VXI/VME transactions  
and informs you of any errors that occur.  
Refer to the online help for instructions on how to use victextand to learn  
about the features of each.  
Example Programs  
The NIVXI/examplessubdirectory contains various example programs  
along with a makefile that show how to use various functions in the NI-VXI  
software and how to develop application programs using these functions.  
Make certain that the environment variable NIVXIPATHis set correctly as  
described in Chapter 5, NI-VXI/NI-VISA Software Installation. Also refer  
to your software utilities reference manual for additional examples.  
For NI-VISA programming examples, look in VXIpnp/linux/  
NIvisa/Examples.  
Programming Considerations  
The following sections contain information for you to consider when  
developing Linux applications that use the NI-VXI/VISA bus interface  
software.  
Multiple Applications Using the NI-VXI and VISA Libraries  
Multiple-application support is another feature in the NI-VXI/NI-VISA  
libraries. You can have several applications that use the NI-VXI and/or  
NI-VISA libraries running simultaneously. In addition, you can have  
The NI-VXI/NI-VISA functions perform in the same manner whether you  
have only one application or several applications (or several instances of  
a single application) all using the NI-VXI/VISA libraries.  
However, you do need to be careful in certain cases as described in the  
Low-Level Access Functions section.  
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Low-Level Access Functions  
The memory windows used to access the VXI/VMEbus are a limited  
resource. You should follow the protocol of calling the viMapAddress()  
or MapVXIAddress()function with Access Only mode first before  
attempting to perform low-level VXI/VMEbus access with  
viPeekX()/viPokeX()or VXIpeek()/VXIpoke(). Your application  
should always call the viUnmapAddress()or UnMapVXIAddress()  
function immediately after the accesses are complete so that you free up the  
memory window for other applications.  
The functions viMapAddress()and MapVXIAddress()return a pointer  
for use with low-level access functions. It is strongly recommended that  
you use the functions to access the memory instead of directly  
dereferencing the pointer. Using these functions makes the NI-VXI/VISA  
software more portable between platforms. Refer to the Compiling Your C  
Program for NI-VXI/NI-VISA section for more information on portability  
issues, and to your NI-VXI or NI-VISA software reference manual for  
more information on low-level VXIbus or VMEbus access functions.  
Local Resource Access Functions  
By using vxiedit, you can set up the PCI-MXI-2 to share either the  
system memory on the motherboard or the onboard memory on the  
PCI-MXI-2 with the VXI/VME system. Refer to the NI-VXI Graphical  
Utilities Reference Manual for more information on setting these  
parameters.  
Notice that sharing the system memory with the VXI/VME system does not  
mean that the entire range of shared system memory is available to be used  
for VXI/VME transfers. You need to be cautious in specifying the portion  
of memory you want to share, as some areas are already used for other  
purposes.  
Caution Use viMemAlloc()or VXImemAlloc()to allocate a buffer in the system  
memory that is reserved for your use only. Using any range of addresses that was not  
returned from viMemAlloc()or VXImemAlloc()to receive data may cause your  
computer to crash or behave incorrectly.  
The onboard memory on your PCI-MXI-2, on the other hand, is entirely  
available to you. You can obtain the VXI address of your onboard memory  
using the GetDevInfo()function. When you have the VXI/VME address,  
you can access that memory using high-level or low-level VXI/VMEbus  
access functions.  
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System Configuration Functions  
The System Configuration functions provide the lowest-level initialization  
of your VXI controller. For NI-VXI, use the InitVXIlibrary()function  
at the start of each application and the CloseVXIlibrary()function at  
the end of each application. For NI-VISA, use viOpenDefaultRM()  
at the start of each application and the viClose()function at the end of  
each application.  
Compiling Your C Program for NI-VXI/NI-VISA  
You can use the sample programs included with the NI-VXI software as a  
starting point to develop your own C program that uses NI-VXI functions.  
First, look over and compile the sample programs using the makefile  
provided to get familiar with how the functions operate. The example  
programs are broken into multiple files, and each one shows how to use  
different groups of functions. You can then modify the sample programs to  
try out different aspects of the NI-VXI software.  
The sample programs for the Linux C compiler are in the  
/usr/local/nivxi/examplesdirectory for NI-VXI and  
/usr/local/vxipnp/linux/NIvisa/Examplesdirectory for  
NI-VISA.  
The easiest way to compile the sample programs is to use the makefile  
included with the NI-VXI/NI-VISA software. For example, go to the  
examplesdirectory and type make.  
Symbols  
You may need to define a symbol so that the NI-VXI library can work  
properly with your program. The VXILINUXsymbol is required for NI-VXI  
applications, but not NI-VISA applications. VXILINUXdesignates the  
application as a Linux NI-VXI application. You can define this symbol  
using a #definestatements in the source code or you can use  
the -Doption in your compiler. If you use a #definestatement, you must  
define the symbol before including the NI-VXI header file nivxi.h. If you  
use the makefiles to compile the sample program, the makefile already  
defined the necessary symbol.  
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If you define this symbol in your source code, your source code should look  
something like the following sample code:  
#define VXILINUX  
.
.
.
#include <nivxi.h>  
Refer to the documentation that came with your compiler package for  
detailed instructions about using the compiler and the various tools (linker,  
debugger, and so on). Your compiler documentation is an important and  
useful source of information for writing, compiling, and debugging  
C programs.  
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A
Specifications  
This appendix lists various module specifications of the PCI-MXI-2,  
VXI-MXI-2, and VME-MXI-2, such as physical dimensions and power  
requirements.  
PCI-MXI-2  
The following sections list the specifications for the PCI-MXI-2 module.  
MXIbus Capability Descriptions  
Master-mode A32, A24, and A16 addressing  
Master-mode block transfers and synchronous block transfers  
Slave-mode A32, A24, and A16 addressing  
Slave-mode block transfers and synchronous block transfers  
Master-mode D32, D16, and D08 data sizes  
Slave-mode D32, D16, and D08 data sizes  
Optional MXIbus System Controller  
Can be a fair MXIbus requester  
Can lock the MXIbus for indivisible transfers  
Can terminate the MXIbus  
MXIbus master retry support  
MXIbus slave retry support  
Interrupt handler for levels 7 to 1  
Interrupt requester for levels 7 to 1  
MXIbus D32, D16, D08(O) interrupt handler  
MXIbus D32, D16, D08(O) interrupter  
Release on Acknowledge or Register Access interrupter  
MXIbus bus timer (programmable limit)  
Automatic MXIbus System Controller detection  
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Appendix A  
Specifications for PCI-MXI-2  
PCI Functionality  
PCI Initiator (master) capability.............Supported  
PCI Target (slave) capability..................Supported  
Data path.................................................32 bits  
Card voltage/type....................................5 V only; 32-bit half-size card  
Parity generation/checking,  
error reporting.........................................Supported  
Target decode speed ...............................Medium (1 clock)  
Target fast-back-to-back capability ........Supported  
Resource locking ....................................Supported as a master and slave  
PCI interrupts..........................................Interrupts passed on  
INTA# signal  
Base Address Registers  
BAR 0..............................................dedicated to local registers  
BAR 13..........................................size configurable  
from 256 B to 4 GB  
Expansion ROM .....................................8 KB  
PCI master performance  
(ideal maximum).....................................132 MB/s (16 Dwords max)  
PCI slave performance  
(ideal maximum).....................................33 MB/s (to local registers)  
Requirements  
Environmental  
Memory space.........................................32 KB minimum, programmable  
Temperature  
Operating .........................................0 to 55 °C  
Storage.............................................40 to 85 °C  
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Appendix A  
Specifications for PCI-MXI-2  
Relative humidity  
Noncondensing, operating .............. 0 to 95%  
Noncondensing, storage.................. 0 to 95%  
EMI ........................................................ FCC Class A verified  
Physical  
Board dimensions................................... 174.63 by 106.68 mm  
(6.875 by 4.2 in.)  
Connectors ............................................. Single fully implemented  
MXI-2 connector  
Slot requirements ................................... Single PCI slot  
MTBF..................................................... Contact factory  
Weight.................................................... 0.18 kg (0.4 lb) typical  
(no DRAM installed)  
Electrical  
+5 VDC  
Typical ............................................ 2.2 A  
Direct Current (Max) ...................... 3.5 A  
Performance  
Peak........................................................ 33 MB/s  
Sustained ................................................ 23 MB/s  
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Appendix A  
Specifications for VXI-MXI-2  
VXI-MXI-2  
The following sections list the specifications for the VXI-MXI-2 module.  
MXIbus Capability Descriptions  
Master-mode A32, A24, and A16 addressing  
Master-mode block transfers and synchronous block transfers  
Slave-mode A32, A24, and A16 addressing  
Slave-mode block transfers and synchronous block transfers  
Master-mode D32, D16, and D08 data sizes  
Slave-mode D32, D16, and D08 data sizes  
Optional MXIbus System Controller  
Can be a fair MXIbus requester  
Can lock the MXIbus for indivisible transfers  
Can terminate the MXIbus  
MXIbus master retry support  
MXIbus slave retry support  
Interrupt handler for levels 7 to 1  
Interrupt requester for levels 7 to 1  
MXIbus D32, D16, D08(O) interrupt handler  
MXIbus D32, D16, D08(O) interrupter  
Release on Acknowledge or Register Access interrupter  
MXIbus bus timer (programmable limit)  
Automatic MXIbus System Controller detection  
Automatic MXIbus termination detection  
VMEbus Capability Codes  
A32, A24, A16 (master) .........................VMEbus master A32, A24, and  
A16 addressing  
A32, A24, A16 (slave)............................VMEbus slave A32, A24, and  
A16 addressing  
D32, D16, D08(EO) (master) .................VMEbus master D32, D16, and  
D08 data sizes  
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Specifications for VXI-MXI-2  
D32, D16, D08(EO) (slave)................... VMEbus slave D32, D16, and  
D08 data sizes  
BLT, MBLT (master)............................. VMEbus master block and  
D64 transfers  
BLT, MBLT (slave) ............................... VMEbus slave block and  
D64 transfers  
RMW (master) ....................................... VMEbus master  
read/modify/write transfers  
RMW (slave).......................................... VMEbus slave read/modify/write  
transfers  
RETRY (master) .................................... VMEbus master retry support  
RETRY (slave)....................................... VMEbus slave retry support  
FSD ........................................................ First slot detector  
SCON..................................................... VMEbus System Controller  
PRI, RRS................................................ Prioritized or Round-Robin  
Select arbiter  
ROR, FAIR ............................................ Release on Request and  
FAIR bus requester  
IH(71)................................................... Interrupt handler for levels 71  
I(71)...................................................... Interrupt requester for levels 71  
D32, D16, D08(O)  
(Interrupt Handler) ................................. VMEbus D32, D16, D08(O)  
interrupt handler  
D32, D16, D08(O) (Interrupter)............. VMEbus D32, D16, D08(O)  
interrupter  
ROAK, RORA ....................................... Release on Acknowledge or  
Register Access interrupter  
BTO(x) ................................................... VMEbus bus timer  
(programmable limit)  
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Appendix A  
Specifications for VXI-MXI-2  
Requirements  
Environmental  
VXIbus Configuration Space..................64 B  
A24 or A32 Space...................................16 KB minimum (programmable)  
Temperature  
Operating .........................................0 to 55 °C  
Storage.............................................40 to 85 °C  
Relative humidity  
Noncondensing, operating...............0 to 95%  
Noncondensing, storage ..................0 to 95%  
EMI.........................................................FCC Class A verified  
Physical  
Board dimensions ...................................Fully enclosed, shielded VXI  
C-size board 233.35 by 340 mm  
(9.187 by 13.386 in.)  
Connectors..............................................Single fully implemented  
MXI-2 bus connector and  
three SMB connectors  
Slot requirements....................................Single VXI C-size slot  
Compatibility..........................................Fully compatible with  
VXI specification  
VXI keying class ....................................Class 1 TTL  
MTBF .....................................................Contact factory  
Weight ....................................................1.027 kg (2.26 lb) typical  
(no DRAM installed)  
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Appendix A  
Specifications for VXI-MXI-2  
Electrical  
+5 VDC  
Typical DC current rating............... 2.5 A  
Maximum DC current rating........... 3.5 A  
5.2 VDC  
Typical DC current rating............... 180 mA  
Maximum DC current rating........... 225 mA  
2 VDC  
Typical DC current rating............... 80 mA  
Maximum DC current rating........... 100 mA  
Performance  
Peak........................................................ 33 MB/s  
Sustained ................................................ 23 MB/s  
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Appendix A  
Specifications for VME-MXI-2  
VME-MXI-2  
The following sections list the specifications for the VME-MXI-2 module.  
MXIbus Capability Descriptions  
Master-mode A32, A24 and A16 addressing  
Master-mode block transfers and synchronous block transfers  
Slave-mode A32, A24, and A16 addressing  
Slave-mode block transfers and synchronous block transfers  
Master-mode D32, D16, and D08 data sizes  
Slave-mode D32, D16, and D08 data sizes  
Optional MXIbus System Controller  
Can be a fair MXIbus requester  
Can lock the MXIbus for indivisible transfers  
Can terminate the MXIbus  
MXIbus master retry support  
MXIbus slave retry support  
Interrupt handler for levels 7 to 1  
Interrupt requester for levels 7 to 1  
MXIbus D32, D16, D08(O) interrupt handler  
MXIbus D32, D16, D08(O) interrupter  
Release on Acknowledge or Register Access interrupter  
MXIbus bus timer (programmable limit)  
Automatic MXIbus System Controller detection  
Automatic MXIbus termination detection  
VMEbus Capability Codes  
A32, A24, A16 (master) .........................VMEbus master A32, A24, and  
A16 addressing  
A32, A24, A16 (slave)............................VMEbus slave A32, A24, and  
A16 addressing  
D32, D16, D08(EO) (master) .................VMEbus master D32, D16, and  
D08 data sizes  
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Specifications for VME-MXI-2  
D32, D16, D08(EO) (slave)................... VMEbus slave D32, D16, and  
D08 data sizes  
BLT, MBLT (master)............................. VMEbus master block and  
D64 transfers  
BLT, MBLT (slave) ............................... VMEbus slave block and  
D64 transfers  
RMW (master) ....................................... VMEbus master  
read/modify/write transfers  
RMW (slave).......................................... VMEbus slave read/modify/write  
transfers  
RETRY (master) .................................... VMEbus master retry support  
RETRY (slave)....................................... VMEbus slave retry support  
FSD ........................................................ First slot detector  
SCON..................................................... VMEbus System Controller  
PRI, RRS................................................ Prioritized or Round-Robin  
Select arbiter  
ROR, FAIR ............................................ Release on Request and  
FAIR bus requester  
IH(71)................................................... Interrupt handler for levels 71  
I(71)...................................................... Interrupt requester for levels 71  
D32, D16, D08(O)  
(Interrupt Handler) ................................. VMEbus D32, D16, D08(O)  
interrupt handler  
D32, D16, D08(O) (Interrupter)............. VMEbus D32, D16, D08(O)  
interrupter  
ROAK, RORA ....................................... Release on Acknowledge or  
Register Access interrupter  
BTO(x) ................................................... VMEbus bus timer  
(programmable limit)  
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Appendix A  
Specifications for VME-MXI-2  
Requirements  
Environmental  
A16 Space...............................................64 B  
A24 or A32 Space...................................16 KB minimum (programmable)  
Temperature  
Operating .........................................0 to 55 °C  
Storage.............................................40 to 85 °C  
Relative humidity  
Noncondensing, operating...............0 to 95%  
Noncondensing, storage ..................0 to 95%  
EMI.........................................................FCC Class A verified  
Physical  
Board dimensions ...................................VMEbus double-height board  
233.36 by 160 mm  
(9.187 by 6.2999 in.)  
Connectors..............................................Single fully implemented  
MXI-2 bus connector  
Slot requirements....................................Single VMEbus  
double-height slot  
Compatibility..........................................Fully compatible with  
VMEbus specification  
MTBF .....................................................Contact factory  
Weight ....................................................0.33 kg (0.73 lb) typical  
(no DRAM installed)  
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Appendix A  
Specifications for VME-MXI-2  
Electrical  
+5 VDC  
Typical DC current rating............... 2.2 A  
Maximum DC current rating........... 3.2 A  
Performance  
Peak........................................................ 33 MB/s  
Sustained ................................................ 23 MB/s  
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B
NI-VXI/NI-VISA Software  
Overview  
This appendix lists and describes the main programs and files that make up  
the NI-VXI/NI-VISA software.  
Main Programs and Files  
This section lists the main programs and files that you can use for  
controlling your VXI/VME interface.  
Note Any executable not listed in this section is used by the driver and should not be  
executed by the user directly.  
Resman is the National Instruments multiple-mainframe Resource  
Manager.  
vicis a graphical interactive control program. This program is  
described in detail in the NI-VXI Graphical Utilities Reference  
Manual.  
victextis a text-based interactive control program with all the power  
of vic. This program is described in detail in the NI-VXI Text Utilities  
Reference Manual.  
vxieditis a graphical VXI resource editor program. This program is  
described in detail in the NI-VXI Graphical Utilities Reference  
Manual.  
vxiteditis the text-based VXI resource editor program. This  
program is described in detail in the NI-VXI Text Utilities Reference  
Manual.  
vxiinitis the driver initialization program. Depending on the  
version of the driver installed on your system, it may or may not be  
present.  
The READMEfile contains the latest updates and corrections to the  
manual when appropriate.  
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Appendix B  
NI-VXI/NI-VISA Software Overview  
Header Files for NI-VXI  
The NIVXI/includedirectory (where NIVXIis the actual location where  
you installed the NI-VXI software package) contains the following  
includefiles for the C language interface:  
nivxi.his the main header file containing the C prototypes for the  
NI-VXI functions.  
datasize.hcontains data size specifications.  
busacc.hcontains parameter and return values for the bus access  
functions.  
devinfo.hcontains parameter and return values for the device  
information and system configuration functions.  
vxiint.hcontains parameter and return values for the interrupt and  
signal functions.  
sysint.hcontains parameter and return values for the system  
interrupt functions.  
trig.hcontains parameter and return values for the trigger functions.  
This file is useful in VXI systems but is not applicable for VME  
systems.  
ws.hcontains parameter and return values for the Commander and  
Servant Word Serial functions. This file is useful in VXI systems but  
is not applicable for VME systems.  
Header Files for NI-VISA  
The VXIpnp/linux/includedirectory (where VXIpnpis the actual  
location where you installed the NI-VISA software package) contains the  
following include files for the C language interface:  
visa.his the main header file containing the C prototypes for the  
NI-VISA functions.  
visatype.hcontains VXIplug&play data type specifications.  
vpptype.hcontains useful definitions for instrument drivers.  
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C
EEPROM Configuration  
This appendix describes how to control the operation of the PCI-MXI-2  
onboard EEPROM and how to fix an invalid EEPROM setting.  
The EEPROM stores default registers values that are loaded at power-on.  
The EEPROM is divided into two halves so that you can modify one half,  
while the factory-configured half retains a back-up of the default user  
settings.  
Controlling the EEPROM Operation  
Use switch 1 (FOV) of the four-position switch at location U17 to control  
the operation of the EEPROM. Switch 1 determines whether the  
PCI-MXI-2 boots off the factory-configured half or the user-configurable  
half. In its default setting, the PCI-MXI-2 boots off the user-configurable  
half. This switch is useful in the event that the configuration becomes  
corrupted in such a way that the PCI-MXI-2 boots to an unusable state.  
The TST switch (switch 2 of U17) lets you change the factory-default  
configuration settings by permitting writes to the factory settings section of  
the EEPROM. This switch serves as a safety measure and should not be  
needed under normal circumstances. When this switch is off (its default  
setting) the factory configuration of the EEPROM is protected so any writes  
to the factory area will be ignored. The factory area is protected regardless  
of the setting of switch 1 of U17.  
Figure C-1 shows the default settings for EEPROM operation.  
Caution Do not alter the settings of switches 3 and 4 of U17. Leave these switches as  
shown in Figure C-1 unless specifically directed by National Instruments.  
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Appendix C  
EEPROM Configuration  
U17  
FOV  
TST  
POS  
CT  
Figure C-1. EEPROM Operation Default Settings  
Fixing an Invalid EEPROM Configuration  
Certain EEPROM configurations can cause your PCI computer to lock up  
while in its boot process. Generally, only the size and location of the  
memory windows can cause problems with the PCI-MXI-2 locking up your  
system. For example, many PCI-based computers will not boot if a board  
in its system requests more memory space than the computer can allocate.  
If you encounter this situation you should reduce the size of the PCI-MXI-2  
user window.  
If this situation occurs after changing the configuration on the PCI-MXI-2,  
follow these steps to reconfigure the PCI-MXI-2.  
1. Turn your computer off.  
Caution To protect both yourself and the computer from electrical hazards, the computer  
should remain off while changing the settings on the PCI-MXI-2 module.  
2. Remove the top cover or access port to the PCI bus.  
3. Change switch 1 (FOV) on U17 to the ON position as shown in  
Figure C-2 to restore the factory configuration.  
U17  
FOV  
TST  
POS  
CT  
Figure C-2. Restoring the Factory Configuration  
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Appendix C  
EEPROM Configuration  
Note If you have to remove the PCI-MXI-2 module to access switch 1, follow the  
installation instructions given in Chapter 2, PCI-MXI-2 Configuration and Installation,  
to reinstall the PCI-MXI-2 module.  
4. Replace the computer cover.  
5. Turn on the computer. The computer should boot this time because the  
factory-default configuration is being used to initialize the PCI-MXI-2  
module.  
6. Run vxieditto readjust the PCI-MXI-2 configuration. Refer to  
Chapter 6, NI-VXI Configuration Utility, for instructions on using this  
utility.  
7. After saving the configuration, reboot the computer.  
8. Remove the top cover or access port to the PCI bus.  
9. Change switch 1 (FOV) on U17 to the OFF position.  
10. Replace the computer cover.  
11. Turn on the computer. If the computer does not boot with this  
configuration, you will have to repeat these steps, modifying your  
configuration until a final configuration is reached.  
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D
Common Questions  
This appendix addresses common questions you may have about using the  
NI-VXI bus interface software on the PCI-MXI-2 platform.  
How can I determine which version of the NI-VXI software I have  
installed?  
Run the NI-VXI utility program vic. Under the Text tab, type verin the  
command field, and the utility will display the versions of vicand NI-VXI,  
and the latest PCI-MXI-2 board revision that this NI-VXI driver supports.  
How can I determine the revision of the PCI-MXI-2 board that my  
NI-VXI software supports?  
Running the NI-VXI utility program vicas described above will display  
the versions of vicand NI-VXI, and the hardware revision of the  
PCI-MXI-2 that the NI-VXI software supports.  
How can I determine the serial number and hardware revision of the  
PCI-MXI-2 board?  
Run the NI-VXI utility program vxiedit. Choose the PCI-MXI-2  
Configuration Editor. The editor window displays the serial number and  
hardware revision of the PCI-MXI-2 board.  
How can I determine the serial number and hardware revision of the  
VXI-MXI-2 or VME-MXI-2?  
Run the NI-VXI utility program vxiedit. Choose the VXI/VME-MXI-2  
Configuration Editor. The opening screen displays the serial number and  
hardware revision of the VXI-MXI-2 or VME-MXI-2.  
Which NI-VXI utility program must I use to configure the  
PCI-MXI-2?  
Use the VXI Resource Editor program vxieditor its text-mode  
counterpart, vxitedit, to configure the PCI-MXI-2. The Resource Editor  
program is located in the NIVXI/bindirectory (/usr/local/nivxi/  
binby default).  
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Appendix D  
Common Questions  
Which NI-VXI utility program must I use to perform startup Resource  
Manager operations?  
Use the Resman program to perform startup Resource Manager operations.  
It is located in the NIVXI/bindirectory (/usr/local/nivxi/binby  
default). Resman uses the settings in the Configuration Editor of  
vxitedit. It initializes your VXI/VMEbus system and stores the  
information that it collects to the resman.tblfile in the tblsubdirectory  
of the NIVXIdirectory.  
What can I do to make sure that my system is up and running?  
The fastest method for testing the system is to run Resman. This program  
attempts to access memory in the upper A16 address space of each device  
in the system. If resmandoes not report any problems, the VXI/MXI  
communication system is operational.  
To test individual devices, you can use the vicprogram or it text-mode  
counterpart, victext, to interactively issue NI-VXI functions. You can  
use the VXIin()and VXIout()functions or the VXIinReg()and  
VXIoutReg()functions to test register-based devices by programming  
their registers. If you have any message-based devices, you can send and  
receive messages with the WSwrt()and WSrd()functions. Notice that  
VXIinReg()and VXIoutReg()are for VXI devices only.  
Finally, if you are using LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI and you have  
instrument drivers for the devices in your chassis, you can use the  
interactive features of these programs to quickly test the functionality of the  
devices.  
What do the LEDs on the front of the VXI-MXI-2 or VME-MXI-2  
mean?  
The SYSFAIL LED shows the state of the VXIbus/VMEbus SYSFAIL  
line. This line is asserted whenever any device in the chassis has not yet  
passed its self test, if it has failed its self test, or if it has detected a failure  
after originally passing its self test. The MXI LED indicates that the  
VXI-MXI-2 or VME-MXI-2 is acting as a slave to another device on the  
MXIbus, such as when the PCI-MXI-2 communicates with either the  
VXI-MXI-2 or VME-MXI-2 or with another device in the chassis. The  
VXI (VME) LED, when lit, indicates that the VXI-MXI-2 or VME-MXI-2  
is acting as a slave to another device in the VXI (VME) chassis, such as  
when a bus master inside the chassis wants to talk to either the VXI-MXI-2  
or VME-MXI-2 or another device outside the chassis.  
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Appendix D  
Common Questions  
Are the PCI-MXI-2 and the VXI-MXI-2 two devices or one with  
respect to the VXIbus?  
Both the PCI-MXI-2 and the VXI-MXI-2 are unique VXIbus devices with  
their own logical addresses. However, the MXIbus allows the computer to  
behave as if it is inside the chassis with the VXI-MXI-2 by transparently  
converting PCI bus cycles to MXIbus cycles to VXIbus cycles, and  
vice versa.  
I have a system that requires rugged chassis and bulkhead cables.  
Can I still use MXIbus?  
Yes, National Instruments sells MXIbus bulkhead cables. Contact National  
Instruments for further information.  
What kind of signal is CLK10 and what kind of signal do I need for an  
external CLK10?  
CLK10 is a differential ECL signal on the VXIbus backplane. However, the  
oscillator for the VXI-MXI-2 and the EXTCLK input from the front panel  
use TTL. Therefore, you need to supply a TTL level signal for EXTCLK  
and our voltage converters will convert the signal to differential ECL.  
CLK10 is not applicable to VME.  
What is the accuracy of the CLK10 signal?  
The CLK10 generated by the VXI-MXI-2 is 100 ppm (0.01%) as per the  
VXIbus specification. If you need a more accurate CLK10 signal, you can  
use the EXTCLK input at the front of the VXI-MXI-2.  
CLK10 is not applicable to VME.  
Whenever I try to execute any of the NI-VXI utilities, I receive a  
message similar to this one:  
error in loading shared libraries: libnivxi.so: cannot  
open shared object file: no such file or directory  
What does this error message mean?  
This usually means that the application could not load the NI-VXI library.  
Check the environment variable NIVXIPATHand your /etc/  
ld.so.conffile. NIVXIPATHshould be set only to the directory where  
you installed NI-VXI (/usr/local/nivxiby default).  
/etc/ld.so.confshould include the directory where you installed the  
NI-VXI library (/usr/local/nivxi/libby default). Run ldconfigto  
reread this file.  
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Appendix D  
Common Questions  
Whenever I try to execute any of the NI-VXI utilities, I receive a  
message that it could not find a particular file even though the file does  
exist. What is wrong?  
When a NI-VXI utility cannot find a file that it needs, it usually means that  
one of the environment variables is set incorrectly. Check the environment  
variable NIVXIPATHand your /etc/ld.so.conffile. NIVXIPATH  
should be set only to the directory where you installed NI-VXI  
(/usr/local/nivxiby default). /etc/ld.so.confshould  
include the directory where you installed the NI-VXI library  
(/usr/local/nivxi/libby default). Run ldconfigto reread this file.  
You can also receive this error message if you do not have full permissions  
to some of the NI-VXI files and directories. Users who will be using  
NI-VXI should have full permissions to the tbland examplesdirectories.  
They should also have read-write permissions for all the files contained in  
those directories.  
Whenever I try to run resmanwithout the MXI-2 cable plugged into  
my PCI-MXI-2, it hangs. This also happens if I have the wrong end of  
my cable plugged into the PCI-MXI-2. Why?  
The PCI-MXI-2 uses the MXI-2 cable to find out if it is the MXIbus System  
Controller. If the correct end of the cable is not securely attached to the  
PCI-MXI-2, Resman and other NI-VXI applications can hang. The MXI-2  
cable has a label indicating which end should be plugged into the system  
controller. If you need to run Resman with the MXI-2 cable unattached, you  
can force the PCI-MXI-2 to be system controller by setting the MXI  
System Controller field to yes in vxitedit.  
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E
Technical Support and  
Professional Services  
Visit the following sections of the National Instruments Web site at  
ni.comfor technical support and professional services:  
SupportOnline technical support resources include the following:  
Self-Help ResourcesFor immediate answers and solutions,  
visit our extensive library of technical support resources available  
in English, Japanese, and Spanish at ni.com/support. These  
resources are available for most products at no cost to registered  
users and include software drivers and updates, a KnowledgeBase,  
product manuals, step-by-step troubleshooting wizards, hardware  
schematics and conformity documentation, example code,  
tutorials and application notes, instrument drivers, discussion  
forums, a measurement glossary, and so on.  
Assisted Support OptionsContact NI engineers and other  
measurement and automation professionals by visiting  
ni.com/ask. Our online system helps you define your question  
and connects you to the experts by phone, discussion forum,  
or email.  
TrainingVisit ni.com/custedfor self-paced tutorials, videos, and  
interactive CDs. You also can register for instructor-led, hands-on  
courses at locations around the world.  
System IntegrationIf you have time constraints, limited in-house  
technical resources, or other project challenges, NI Alliance Program  
members can help. To learn more, call your local NI office or visit  
ni.com/alliance.  
If you searched ni.comand could not find the answers you need, contact  
your local office or NI corporate headquarters. Phone numbers for our  
worldwide offices are listed at the front of this manual. You also can visit  
the Worldwide Offices section of ni.com/niglobalto access the branch  
office Web sites, which provide up-to-date contact information, support  
phone numbers, email addresses, and current events.  
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Glossary  
Prefix  
p-  
Meanings  
pico-  
Value  
1012  
109  
106  
103  
103  
n-  
nano-  
micro-  
milli-  
kilo-  
µ-  
m-  
k-  
M-  
G-  
t-  
mega-  
giga-  
106  
109  
tera-  
1012  
Symbols  
°
Degrees.  
Ohms.  
%
Percent.  
A
A
Amperes.  
A16 space  
VXIbus address space equivalent to the VME 64 KB short address space.  
In VXI, the upper 16 KB of A16 space is allocated for use by VXI devices  
configuration registers. This 16 KB region is referred to as VXI  
configuration space.  
A24 space  
A32 space  
VXIbus address space equivalent to the VME 16 MB standard address  
space.  
VXIbus address space equivalent to the VME 4 GB extended address space.  
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Glossary  
ACFAIL  
A VMEbus backplane signal that is asserted when a power failure has  
occurred (either AC line source or power supply malfunction), or if it is  
necessary to disable the power supply (such as for a high temperature  
condition).  
address  
Character code that identifies a specific location (or series of locations)  
in memory.  
address modifier  
address space  
One of six signals in the VMEbus specification used by VMEbus masters  
to indicate the address space in which a data transfer is to take place.  
A set of 2n memory locations differentiated from other such sets in  
VXI/VMEbus systems by six addressing lines known as address modifiers.  
n is the number of address lines required to uniquely specify a byte location  
in a given space. Valid numbers for n are 16, 24, and 32. In VME/VXI,  
because there are six address modifiers, there are 64 possible address  
spaces.  
address window  
A portion of address space that can be accessed from the application  
program.  
ANSI  
American National Standards Institute.  
arbitration  
A process in which a potential bus master gains control over a  
particular bus.  
asynchronous  
Not synchronized; not controlled by time signals.  
B
B
Bytes.  
backplane  
An assembly, typically a printed circuit board, with 96-pin connectors and  
signal paths that bus the connector pins. A C-size VXIbus system will have  
two sets of bused connectors called J1 and J2. A D-size VXIbus system will  
have three sets of bused connectors called J1, J2, and J3.  
BERR*  
binary  
BIOS  
Bus error signal.  
A numbering system with a base of 2.  
Basic Input/Output System. BIOS functions are the fundamental level  
of any PC or compatible computer. BIOS functions embody the basic  
operations needed for successful use of the computers hardware resources.  
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Glossary  
block-mode transfer  
An uninterrupted transfer of data elements in which the master sources only  
the first address at the beginning of the cycle. The slave is then responsible  
for incrementing the address on subsequent transfers so that the next  
element is transferred to or from the proper storage location. In VME, the  
data transfer may have no more than 256 elements; MXI does not have this  
restriction.  
BTO unit  
Bus Timeout Unit; a functional module that times the duration of each data  
transfer and terminates the cycle if the duration is excessive. Without the  
termination capability of this module, a bus master attempt to access a  
nonexistent slave could result in an indefinitely long wait for a slave  
response.  
bus master  
A device that is capable of requesting the Data Transfer Bus (DTB) for the  
purpose of accessing a slave device.  
C
C
Celsius.  
CLK10  
A 10 MHz, 100 ppm, individually buffered (to each module slot),  
differential ECL system clock that is sourced from Slot 0 of a VXIbus  
mainframe and distributed to Slots 1 through 12 on P2. It is distributed to  
each slot as a single-source, single-destination signal with a matched delay  
of under 8 ns.  
CMOS  
Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor; a process used in making  
chips.  
Commander  
A message-based device which is also a bus master and can control one or  
more Servants.  
configuration registers  
A set of registers through which the system can identify a module device  
type, model, manufacturer, address space, and memory requirements. In  
order to support automatic system and memory configuration, the VXIbus  
specification requires that all VXIbus devices have a set of such registers.  
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Glossary  
D
daisy-chain  
A method of propagating signals along a bus, in which the devices are  
prioritized on the basis of their position on the bus.  
Data Transfer Bus  
DTB; one of four buses on the VMEbus backplane. The DTB is used by  
a bus master to transfer binary data between itself and a slave device.  
DIP  
Dual Inline Package.  
DMA  
Direct Memory Access; a method by which data is transferred between  
devices and internal memory without intervention of the central processing  
unit.  
DRAM  
Dynamic RAM.  
driver window  
A region of PCI address space that is decoded by the PCI-MXI-2 for use by  
the NI-VXI software.  
DTACK*  
DTB  
Data Acknowledge signal.  
See Data Transfer Bus.  
dynamically configured A device that has its logical address assigned by the Resource Manager.  
device  
AVXI device initially responds at Logical Address 255 when its MODID  
line is asserted. A MXIbus device responds at Logical Address 255 during  
a priority select cycle. The Resource Manager subsequently assigns it a new  
logical address, which the device responds to until powered down.  
dynamic configuration  
A method of automatically assigning logical addresses to VXIbus devices  
at system startup or other configuration times.  
E
ECL  
Emitter-Coupled Logic.  
EEPROM  
Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory.  
embedded controller  
An intelligent CPU (controller) interface plugged directly into the VXI  
backplane, giving it direct access to the VXIbus. It must have all of its  
required VXI interface capabilities built in.  
EMC  
Electromechanical Compliance.  
PCI-MXI-2 for Linux  
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Glossary  
EMI  
Electromagnetic Interference.  
expansion ROM  
An onboard EEPROM that may contain device-specific initialization and  
system boot functionality.  
external controller  
In this configuration, a plug-in interface board in a computer is connected  
to the VXI mainframe via one or more VXIbus extended controllers. The  
computer then exerts overall control over VXIbus system operations.  
F
fair requester  
A MXIbus master that will not arbitrate for the MXIbus after releasing  
it until it detects the bus request signal inactive. This ensures that all  
requesting devices will be granted use of the bus.  
H
hex  
Hexadecimal; the numbering system with base 16, using the digits 0 to 9  
and letters A to F.  
Hz  
Hertz; cycles per second.  
I
I/O  
Input/output; the techniques, media, and devices used to achieve  
communication between machines and users.  
IC  
Integrated Circuit.  
IEEE  
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.  
Inches.  
in.  
interrupt  
interrupt handler  
A means for a device to request service from another device.  
A VMEbus functional module that detects interrupt requests generated by  
Interrupters and responds to those requests by requesting status and identify  
information.  
interrupt level  
IRQ*  
The relative priority at which a device can interrupt.  
Interrupt signal.  
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Glossary  
K
KB  
Kilobytes of memory.  
Light Emitting Diode.  
L
LED  
logical address  
An 8-bit number that uniquely identifies each VXIbus device in a system.  
It defines the A16 register address of a device, and indicates Commander  
and Servant relationships.  
M
m
Meters.  
master  
A functional part of a MXI/VME/VXIbus device that initiates data transfers  
on the backplane. A transfer can be either a read or a write.  
master-mode operation  
A device is in master mode if it is performing a bus cycle which it initiated.  
Megabytes of memory.  
MB  
MBLT  
Eight-byte block transfers in which both the Address bus and the Data bus  
are used to transfer data.  
message-based device  
MITE  
An intelligent device that implements the defined VXIbus registers and  
communication protocols. These devices are able to use Word Serial  
Protocol to communicate with one another through communication  
registers.  
A National Instruments custom ASIC, a sophisticated dual-channel DMA  
controller that incorporates the Synchronous MXI and VME64 protocols to  
achieve high-performance block transfer rates.  
MODID  
MTBF  
MXI-2  
Module Identification lines.  
Mean Time Between Failure.  
The second generation of the National Instruments MXIbus product line.  
MXI-2 expands the number of signals on a standard MXIbus cable by  
including VXI triggers, all VXI interrupts, CLK10, SYSFAIL*,  
SYSRESET*, and ACFAIL*.  
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Glossary  
MXIbus  
Multisystem eXtension Interface Bus; a high-performance communication  
link that interconnects devices using round, flexible cables.  
MXIbus System  
Controller  
A functional module that has arbiter, daisy-chain driver, and MXIbus cycle  
timeout responsibility. Always the first device in the MXIbus daisy-chain.  
N
NI-VXI  
The National Instruments bus interface software for VME/VXIbus  
systems.  
Non-Slot 0 device  
A device configured for installation in any slot in a VXIbus mainframe  
other than Slot 0. Installing such a device into Slot 0 can damage the device,  
the VXIbus backplane, or both.  
O
Onboard RAM  
The optional RAM installed into the SIMM slots of the PCI-MXI-2 board  
or VXI/VME-MXI-2 module.  
P
PCI  
Peripheral Component Interconnect. The PCI bus is a high-performance  
32-bit or 64-bit bus with multiplexed address and data lines.  
propagation  
The transmission of signal through a computer system.  
R
register-based device  
A Servant-only device that supports VXIbus configuration registers.  
Register-based devices are typically controlled by message-based devices  
via device-dependent register reads and writes.  
Resman  
The name of the National Instruments Resource Manager in NI-VXI bus  
interface software. See Resource Manager.  
Resource Manager  
A message-based Commander located at Logical Address 0, which  
provides configuration management services such as address map  
configuration, Commander and Servant mappings, and self-test and  
diagnostic management.  
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Glossary  
retry  
An acknowledge by a destination that signifies that the cycle did not  
complete and should be repeated.  
RPM  
RPM Package Manager, a widely-used software distribution tool that you  
can use to install, upgrade, or remove software from your system.  
S
s
Seconds.  
Servant  
A device controlled by a Commander; there are message-based and  
register-based Servants.  
Shared Memory  
Protocol  
A communication protocol that uses a block of memory that is accessible  
to both a client and a server. The memory block operates as a message  
buffer for communications.  
SIMM  
slave  
Single In-line Memory Module.  
A functional part of a MXI/VME/VXIbus device that detects data transfer  
cycles initiated by a VMEbus master and responds to the transfers when the  
address specifies one of the devices registers.  
slave-mode operation  
Slot 0 device  
A device is in slave mode it if is responding to a bus cycle.  
A device configured for installation in Slot 0 of a VXIbus mainframe.  
This device is unique in the VXIbus system in that it performs the VMEbus  
System Controller functions, including clock sourcing and arbitration for  
data transfers across the backplane. Installing such a device into any other  
slot can damage the device, the VXIbus backplane, or both.  
statically configured  
device  
A device whose logical address cannot be set through software; that is, it is  
not dynamically configurable.  
SYSFAIL  
A VMEbus signal that is used by a device to indicate an internal failure.  
A failed device asserts this line. In VXI, a device that fails also clears its  
PASSed bit in its Status register.  
SYSRESET  
A VMEbus signal that is used by a device to indicate a system reset or  
power-up condition.  
System RAM  
RAM installed on your personal computer and used by the operating  
system, as contrasted with onboard RAM, which is installed on the  
PCI-MXI-2 or VXI/VME-MXI-2.  
PCI-MXI-2 for Linux  
G-8  
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Glossary  
T
trigger  
Either TTL or ECL lines used for intermodule communication.  
Transistor-Transistor Logic.  
TTL  
U
user window  
A region of PCI address space reserved by the PCI-MXI-2 for use via the  
NI-VXI low-level function calls. MapVXIAddress()uses this address  
space to allocate regions for use by the VXIpeek()and VXIpoke()  
macros.  
V
V
Volts.  
VDC  
VICtext  
Volts direct current.  
VXI Interactive Control Program, a part of the NI-VXI bus interface  
software package. Used to program VXI devices, and develop and debug  
VXI application programs.  
VME  
Versa Module Eurocard or IEEE 1014.  
VMEbus System  
Controller  
A device configured for installation in Slot 0 of a VXIbus mainframe or  
Slot 1 of a VMEbus chassis. This device is unique in the VMEbus system  
in that it performs the VMEbus System Controller functions, including  
clock sourcing and arbitration for data transfers across the backplane.  
Installing such a device into any other slot can damage the device, the  
VMEbus/VXIbus backplane, or both.  
VXIbus  
VXIinit  
VMEbus Extensions for Instrumentation.  
A program in the NI-VXI bus interface software package that initializes the  
board interrupts, shared RAM, VXI register configurations, and bus  
configurations.  
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VXItedit  
VXI Resource Editor program, a part of the NI-VXI bus interface software  
package. Used to configure the system, edit the manufacturer name and ID  
numbers, edit the model names of VXI and non-VXI devices in the system,  
as well as the system interrupt configuration information, and display the  
system configuration information generated by the Resource Manager.  
W
Word Serial Protocol  
The simplest required communication protocol supported by  
message-based devices in a VXIbus system. It utilizes the A16  
communication registers to transfer data using a simple polling handshake  
method.  
write posting  
A mechanism that signifies that a device will immediately give a successful  
acknowledge to a write transfer and place the transfer in a local buffer. The  
device can then independently complete the write cycle to the destination.  
PCI-MXI-2 for Linux  
G-10  
ni.com  
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Index  
VXIbus CLK10 routing (figure), 3-9  
CLK10 signal, MXIbus  
setting, 6-15  
Close VXIlibrary function, 7-4  
common questions about NI-VXI/NI-VISA  
A
A16 base address, VMEbus, 4-3  
A16 write posting, VXI/VME-MXI-2, 6-21  
A24/A32 write posting  
PCI-MXI-2, 6-17  
VXI/VME-MXI-2, 6-21  
address space configuration  
PCI-MXI-2, 6-18  
VXI/VME-MXI-2, 6-20  
arbiter type, setting, 6-26  
arbitration mode, interlocked, 6-22  
automatic retry feature, setting  
MXI-2, 6-16  
symbols, 7-4  
See also PCI-MXI-2 Configuration Editor;  
default settings, 1-9  
default settings  
limit on (note), 6-17  
MXIbus, 6-28  
VXI/VME, 6-25  
hardware settings (table), 1-9  
Logical Address Configuration  
B
BTO. See Bus Time Out (BTO) value, setting  
bulkhead cables, D-3  
Bus Time Out (BTO) value, setting  
C
C programs  
(table), 1-13  
front panel features, 4-3  
MXIbus termination, 4-5  
onboard DRAM, 4-8  
compiling, 7-4  
sample programs, 7-4  
symbols, 7-4  
cables  
connecting MXIbus cable  
VME-MXI-2 module, 4-11  
VXI-MXI-2 module, 3-19  
CLK10 routing, VXIbus, 3-8  
SMB CLK10 settings (figure), 3-11  
DRAM configurations (table), 4-9  
SIMM size configuration  
(figure), 4-9  
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Index  
signaling, 4-4  
PCI-MXI-2 board  
(table), 1-11  
VXI-MXI-2 module  
Device Configuration Editor  
Editor (table), 1-10  
configuration EEPROM, 3-14  
front panel features, 3-3  
MXIbus termination, 3-13  
onboard DRAM, 3-17  
removing metal enclosure, 3-3  
right-side cover (figure), 3-2  
(table), 1-13  
Configuration Editor settings  
(table), 1-13  
controlling EEPROM operation, C-1  
configuration, C-2  
Device Configuration Editor. See PCI-MXI-2  
Device Configuration Editor  
device type for PCI-MXI-2, setting, 6-6  
diagnostic resources, E-1  
documentation  
PCI-MXI-2 board, 2-3  
VME-MXI-2 module, 4-6  
VXI-MXI-2 module, 3-14  
configuration settings, PCI-MXI-2  
loading from file, 6-4  
reverting to current settings, 6-4  
saving to file, 6-4  
updating current configuration, 6-4  
contacting National Instruments, E-1  
controller  
default controller (LA-1), 6-11  
MXI system controller, 6-14  
MXIbus system controller, 6-27  
VMEbus system controller, 6-23  
customer  
conventions used in manual, xii  
how to use documentation set (figure), xi  
how to use this manual (figure), 1-2  
online library, E-1  
VME-MXI-2 module, 4-8  
(figure), 4-9  
VXI-MXI-2 module, 3-17  
(figure), 3-18  
technical support, E-1  
driver window. See user and driver window  
configuration  
drivers  
instrument, E-1  
software, E-1  
D
Default Controller (LA-1), 6-11  
default settings, 1-9  
PCI-MXI-2 for Linux  
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PCI-MXI-2 board, 1-9  
VME-MXI-2 module, 1-13  
VXI-MXI-2 module, 1-12  
E
electrical specifications  
description, 1-4  
quick start installation, 1-6  
settings (table), 1-13  
shared RAM, 6-9  
environmental specifications  
PCI-MXI-2, A-2  
header files, B-2  
professional services, E-1  
technical support, E-1  
VME-MXI-2 module, A-10  
VXI-MXI-2 module, A-6  
example code, E-1  
example programs, 7-4  
I
InitVXIlibrary function, 7-4  
1-8, 5-1  
F
fair requester  
completing installation, 5-3  
procedure, 5-1  
removing, 5-2  
MXI, 6-29  
VXI/VME, 6-26  
files for NI-VXI  
using, 5-2  
header files, B-2  
PCI-MXI-2 board, 2-3  
main programs and files, B-1  
frequently asked questions, D-1, E-1  
functions  
VME-MXI-2 module, 4-10  
connecting MXIbus cable, 4-11  
VXI-MXI-2 module, 3-18  
connecting MXIbus cable, 3-19  
instrument drivers, E-1  
low-level access functions, 7-3  
system configuration functions, 7-4  
interlocked arbitration mode, 6-22  
intermodule signaling, VME-MXI-2, 4-4  
interrupters, selecting number of, 6-13  
IRQ level, selecting, 6-12  
G
GetDevInfo function, 7-3  
H
K
handlers, selecting number of, 6-12  
hardware  
KnowledgeBase, E-1  
See also PCI-MXI-2 board; VME-MXI-2  
module; VXI-MXI-2 module  
default settings (table)  
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Index  
MXIbus cable connections  
VME-MXI-2 module, 4-11  
VXI-MXI-2 module, 3-19  
MXIbus capability descriptions  
PCI-MXI-2 board, A-1  
L
LA selection and logical address option, 6-20  
LabVIEW software, 1-6  
LEDs on VXI/VME-MXI-2, D-2  
local bus, VXIbus, 3-7  
local resource access functions, 7-3  
logical address  
configuration  
PCI-MXI-2 board, 6-5  
N
VXI-MXI-2 module, 3-3  
definition, 3-3  
National Instruments  
customer education, E-1  
professional services, E-1  
system integration services, E-1  
technical support, E-1  
Logical Address Configuration Editor. See  
PCI-MXI-2 Logical Address Configuration  
Editor  
worldwide offices, E-1  
low-level access functions, 7-3  
NI-VXI/NI-VISA software  
common questions, D-1  
compiling C programs, 7-4  
symbols, 7-4  
M
manual. See documentation  
MapVXIAddress function, 7-3  
memory  
description, 1-5  
example programs, 7-2  
installing, 5-1  
for Linux, 1-8, 5-1  
interactive control, 7-2  
overview, 7-1  
configuration, 6-17  
programming considerations, 7-2  
local resource access functions, 7-3  
low-level access functions, 7-3  
multiple applications support, 7-2  
system configuration functions, 7-4  
programs and files  
VISA libraries, 7-2  
header files, B-2  
MXI CLK 10 signal, controlling, 6-15  
MXI transfer limit, setting, 6-16  
MXI-2, 1-3  
main programs and files, B-1  
setting up for use, 5-2  
NIVXIPATH environment variable, 5-2  
MXI-2 automatic retry feature, 6-16  
limit on (note), 6-17  
MXIbus Bus Timeout (BTO) value,  
setting, 6-15  
O
online technical support, E-1  
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MXI bus  
A24/A32 write posting, 6-17  
P
parity checking  
MXI Bus Time Out (BTO), 6-15  
MXI CLK10 signal, 6-15  
MXI system controller, 6-14  
MXI transfer limit, 6-16  
MXI-2 auto retry, 6-16  
MXIbus, 6-29  
PCI Bus  
options, 6-17  
expansion ROM, 6-18  
user window and driver window,  
6-17  
limit on (note), 6-17  
synchronous MXI, 6-16  
user window and driver window, 6-17  
window size, 6-18  
PCI-MXI-2 Configuration Editor  
default settings (table), 1-11  
illustration, 6-3  
PCI-MXI-2 board  
common questions, D-1  
configuration  
See also PCI-MXI-2 Configuration  
default settings  
load configuration from file, 6-4  
record configuration to file, 6-4  
revert to current configuration, 6-4  
saving changes, 6-3  
hardware settings (table), 1-9  
Editor (table), 1-10  
update current configuration, 6-4  
PCI-MXI-2 Device Configuration Editor  
default controller (LA-1), 6-11  
default settings (table), 1-11  
illustration, 6-11  
number of handlers, 6-12  
number of interrupters, 6-13  
hardware description, 1-4  
installation, 2-3  
quick start installation, 1-6  
specifications  
electrical, A-3  
environmental, A-2  
functionality, A-2  
PCI-MXI-2 Logical Address Configuration  
Editor  
address space, 6-6  
MXIbus capability descriptions, A-1  
performance, A-3  
controls, 6-6  
default settings (table), 1-10  
device settings group, 6-5  
device type  
classification, setting, 6-6  
illustration, 6-5  
logical address parameter  
range, default value, 6-5  
resource manager delay, 6-10  
physical, A-3  
requirements, A-2  
PCI-MXI-2 Bus Configuration Editor  
default settings (table), 1-11  
expansion ROM, 6-18  
illustration, 6-14  
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Index  
VXI shared RAM options, 6-6  
setting, 6-26  
resman utility  
memory select, 6-9  
overview, B-1  
performing startup Resource Manager  
operations, D-2  
half window, 6-7  
VXI/VME shared RAM size, 6-7  
window mapping, 6-9  
testing your system, D-2  
performance specifications  
PCI-MXI-2 board, A-3  
VME-MXI-2 module, A-11  
VXI-MXI-2 module, A-7  
phone technical support, E-1  
physical specifications  
servant area size, setting, 6-12  
Slot 0/non-Slot 0 configuration, 3-5  
software  
PCI-MXI-2 board, A-3  
problems and solutions, D-1  
professional services, E-1  
programming considerations. See  
NI-VXI/NI-VISA software  
protocol register contents, specifying, 6-13  
software, optional, 1-6  
specifications  
PCI-MXI-2  
electrical, A-3  
environmental, A-2  
MXIbus capability descriptions, A-1  
PCI functionality, A-2  
performance, A-3  
Q
software, D-1  
physical, A-3  
quick start  
requirements, A-2  
configuration, 1-6  
VME-MXI-2  
default settings, 1-9  
VME users, 1-8  
electrical, A-11  
environmental, A-10  
MXIbus capability descriptions, A-8  
performance, A-11  
physical, A-10  
requirements, A-10  
VMEbus capability codes, A-8  
R
read protocol response, 6-13  
removing NI-VXI driver for Linux, 5-2  
PCI-MXI-2 for Linux  
I-6  
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Index  
VXI-MXI-2  
electrical, A-7  
uninstalling NI-VXI driver for Linux, 5-2  
environmental, A-6  
MXIbus capability descriptions, A-4  
performance, A-7  
user and driver window configuration, 6-17  
window size, 6-18  
physical, A-6  
requirements, A-6  
VMEbus capability codes, A-4  
support  
technical, E-1  
victext utility  
symbols in C programs, 7-4  
synchronous MXI protocol, 6-16  
system configuration functions, 7-4  
system controller  
MXI system controller, 6-14  
MXIbus system controller, 6-27  
system IRQ level, 6-12  
NI-VXI/NI-VISA, 7-2  
overview, B-1  
viMapAddress function, 7-3  
viMemAlloc function (caution), 7-3  
viOpenDefaultRM function, 7-4  
viPeekX function, 7-3  
viPokeX function, 7-3  
viUnmapAddress function, 7-3  
VME devices, configuring, 1-8  
VMEbus  
T
system controller  
technical support, E-1  
termination  
VXI/VME-MXI-2 Configuration Editor  
VME-MXI-2 module, 1-13  
common questions, D-1  
VME-MXI-2 module, 4-5  
module, 3-12  
training  
transfer limit, setting  
MXIbus, 6-16, 6-29  
VXI/VME-MXI-2, 6-25  
trigger input termination, VXI-MXI-2  
module, 3-12  
configuration EEPROM, 4-6  
MXIbus termination, 4-5  
onboard DRAM, 4-8  
DRAM configurations  
(table), 4-9  
SIMM size configuration  
(figure), 4-9  
troubleshooting resources, E-1  
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Index  
parts locator diagram (figure), 4-2  
memory, 6-20  
and RESMAN, 6-19  
default settings (table), 1-13  
illustration, 6-20  
interlocked mode, 6-22  
default settings  
(table), 1-13  
hardware description, 1-4  
installation, 4-10  
LA selection and logical address, 6-20  
MXI bus configuration options  
advanced MXI settings, 6-28  
illustration, 6-28  
quick start installation, 1-7  
specifications  
MXI auto retry, 6-28  
MXI bus system controller, 6-27  
MXI bus timeout value (BTO, 6-27  
MXI CLK10 signal, 6-29  
caution statement, 6-29  
MXI fair requester, 6-29  
electrical, A-11  
environmental, A-10  
MXIbus capability descriptions, A-8  
performance, A-11  
physical, A-10  
requirements, A-10  
VMEbus capability codes, A-8  
(BTO), 6-24  
caution, 6-10  
window, 6-7  
arbiter timeout, 6-27  
arbiter type, 6-26  
request level, 6-26  
memory select, 6-9  
transfer limit, 6-25  
shared RAM pool, 6-7  
VXI/VME shared RAM size, 6-7  
window mapping, 6-9  
VXI/VME auto retry, 6-25  
VXI/VME fair requester, 6-26  
VXI/VME-MXI-2  
VXI/VME automatic retry feature, 6-25  
VXI/VME extender kit  
hardware description, 1-4  
introduction, 1-1  
selection dialog box (figure), 6-19  
VXI/VME-MXI-2 (note), 6-19  
CLK10 generation (figure), 3-9  
SMB CLK10 settings (figure), 3-9, 3-11  
VXIbus local bus, 3-7  
overview, 1-3  
requirements for getting started, 1-3  
VXI/VME-MXI-2 Configuration Editor  
A16 write post and A24/A32 write  
post, 6-21  
VXIbus logical address, 3-3  
See also logical address  
VXIbus logical address. See logical address  
VXIbus Slot 0/non-Slot 0, 3-5  
PCI-MXI-2 for Linux  
I-8  
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ni.com  
information, 1-8  
VXIEDIT software utility  
illustration, 6-2  
hardware description, 1-4  
installation, 3-18  
quick start installation, 1-6  
onboard DRAM, 3-17  
specifications  
running, 6-1  
electrical, A-7  
text-based equivalent utility (note), 6-1  
VXILINUX symbol, defining, 7-4  
VXImemAlloc function (caution), 7-3  
VXI-MXI-2 module, 3-1  
common questions, D-1  
configuration, 3-1  
environmental, A-6  
MXIbus capability descriptions, A-4  
performance, A-7  
physical, A-6  
requirements, A-6  
VMEbus capability codes, A-4  
VXIbus local bus, 3-7  
configuration EEPROM, 3-14  
VXIpeek function, 7-3  
VXIpoke function, 7-3  
vxitedit utility  
(table), 3-17  
(figure), 3-18  
interacting with VXI/VME devices, 1-8  
W
professional services, E-1  
technical support, E-1  
RAM, 6-9  
(figure), 3-11  
VXIbus local bus, 3-7  
window size, 6-18  
worldwide technical support, E-1  
write posting  
VXIbus Slot 0/non-Slot 0, 3-5  
connecting MXIbus cable, 3-19  
default settings  
A16 write posting,  
VME/VXI-MXI-2, 6-21  
A24/32 write posting  
PXI-MXI-2, 6-17  
Configuration Editor settings  
(table), 1-13  
VME/VXI-MXI-2, 6-21  
hardware settings (table), 1-12  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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