Embedded Single-Slot VXIbus Controllers
VXIbus
VXI Interrupts – A VXIpc-77x controller can function as an
VXI Addressing – The VXIpc-77x controllers feature the MITE and interrupter and an interrupt handler for any or all of the VXIbus
MANTIS custom ASICs for access to the VXI backplane resources. To interrupt lines in a VXI mainframe. The NI-VXI/NI-VISA software
access VXI memory or VXI devices, the controllers use the multiple can notify your application when any interrupt is asserted, and can
windowing scheme of the MITE, so you can access all of the VXI assert any interrupt level with a programmable status. You can assign
address space. The MITE exports independent VXI address windows, which interrupt levels should be handled by each device in the system
providing the user with three completely user-configurable windows. with the NI-VXI configuration software.
You can use one or all three windows; you can also set each window
size and location. This multiple windowing scheme alleviates the Software
performance penalty related to the context switching of one window VXIpc-77x controllers include NI-VXI/NI-VISA software, making
that you must constantly move between the different address spaces. them completely compliant with VXIplug&play Systems Alliance
specifications. NI-VXI/NI-VISA is the combination of our popular
DMA Transfers to and from VXI – A VXIpc-77x controller can perform NI-VXI VXI bus interface software and our new-generation virtual
block-mode transfers using one of the two on-chip DMA controllers instrumentation software architecture VISA I/O software, also
on the MITE. Controlling external VXI devices often takes valuable standardized by the VXIplug&play Systems Alliance. Because
CPU time because the microprocessor typically shoulders the burden VXIpc-77x controllers are completely VXIplug&play-compliant, you can
of transferring data to and from devices. MITE-based VXI controllers, run all the latest VXIplug&play software, including executable soft front
such as those of the VXIpc-77x, move the burden of block data panels. With these panels, you can operate the instrument immediately,
transfers to one of the DMA controllers integrated in the MITE and and standardized LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, and Measurement
free CPU processing time. Instead of the computer microprocessor Studio instrument drivers simplify your programming task.
transferring the data and/or commands, the NI-VXI/NI-VISA
NI-VXI/NI-VISA comes with a VXI bus interface library that you
software executes the block data transfers with the MITE ASIC. While can use with a number of popular programming environments
the MITE transfers the data, the processor can perform application- and compilers, including LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, Measurement
specific tasks, such as data presentation and analysis.
Studio, Microsoft Visual C++, Borland C++, and Microsoft Visual
Basic. NI also offers industry-standard NI-488.2 software for
VXI Slot 0 Functionality – VXIpc-77x controllers have full VXI Slot 0 controlling external GPIB instruments through the front-panel GPIB
capability, including a MODID register and a CLK10 source, as port. Application software developed using the VXIpc-77x controllers
required by the VXIbus specification. You can also install a and the NI-VXI/NI-VISA bus interface software is compatible with
VXIpc-77x controller in another slot and use it in the non-Slot 0 many other VXI controller platforms, including computers equipped
mode. No matter what your configuration needs, VXIpc-77x with a MXI-2- or MXI-3-based interface. NI-VXI and NI-VISA I/O
controllers can automatically detect whether they are inserted into software compatibility across platforms protects your software
Slot 0 and automatically enable or disable the Slot 0 onboard investment in the future. Because the software for all these
circuitry without switches and jumpers.
configurations is compatible, you can program both general-purpose
external PCs and embedded VXIpc controllers using the same
External VXI CLK10 Synchronization – VXIpc-77x controllers have programming tools and concepts. You can easily port VXI software to
SMB connectors on the front panel for an external clock. Onboard other platforms as your controller requirements change or expand in
programmable logic can configure the controller and its 10 MHz VXI the future. The NI-VXI and NI-DAQ software for the VXIpc-77x
CLK10 signal to this connector as an output, or use this connector as controllers is not compatible with National Instruments legacy VXI
an input for the 10 MHz VXI CLK10 signal. With a VXIpc-77x data acquisition and signal conditioning devices. Please see technical
controller, you can configure multiple mainframes to operate off a support at ni.com for additional information.
single 10 MHz system clock.
Advanced Trigger/Timing – With a VXIpc-77x controller, you have full
software and hardware control of the VXI trigger lines. The VXIpc-77x
controllers have two SMB trigger I/O connectors on their front panel
for routing any TTL trigger line between the backplane and external
devices. VXIpc-77 controllers can respond to all VXI-defined protocols
on all P2 TTL and ECL trigger lines simultaneously. The hardware also
includes an internal counter, which gives sophisticated counting of
events and interrupting on trigger edges and pulses, as well as
generating pulse trains, variable length pulses, and pulse stretching.
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