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TM
MXI
MXI-4 Series User Manual
MXI-4 Multi-System Extension Interface for PCI, CompactPCI,
and PXI Bus Computers
PCI-8331
PXI-8331
PCI-8336
PXI-8336
MXI-4 Series User Manual
December 2003 Edition
Part Number 370840A-01
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Support Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information ni.com National Instruments Corporate Headquarters 11500 North Mopac Expressway Austin, Texas 78759-3504 USA Tel: 512 683 0100 Worldwide Offices Australia 1800 300 800, Austria 43 0 662 45 79 90 0, Belgium 32 0 2 757 00 20, Brazil 55 11 3262 3599, Canada (Calgary) 403 274 9391, Canada (Ottawa) 613 233 5949, Canada (Québec) 450 510 3055, Canada (Toronto) 905 785 0085, Canada (Vancouver) 514 685 7530, China 86 21 6555 7838, Czech Repub
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Important Information Warranty The PXI-PCI 8331 and 8336 hardware is 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 progra
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Compliance Compliance with FCC/Canada Radio Frequency Interference Regulations 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). All National Instruments (NI) products are FCC Class A products. Depending on where it
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Contents About This Manual Conventions ...................................................................................................................vii Related Documentation..................................................................................................viii Chapter 1 Introduction About the MXI-4 Series.................................................................................................1-1 Description and Features ...............................................
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Contents Appendix A Specifications Appendix B Common Questions Appendix C Technical Support and Professional Services Glossary Index MXI-4 Series User Manual vi ni.com
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About This Manual This manual describes the features, functions, and operation of the MXI-4 series of products. The four products in this series are the PCI-8331, PXI-8331, PCI-8336, and PXI-8336. The PXI-PCI 8331 and 8336 incorporate MXI-4 technology, which couples two physically separate PCI, CompactPCI, or PXI buses with a data link capable of 1.5 Gbit/s serial data rates. Conventions The following conventions appear in this manual: This icon denotes a note, which alerts you to important
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About This Manual Note In this manual, whenever a PXI chassis is referenced, a CompactPCI chassis could be used instead. Related Documentation The following documents contain information that you might find helpful as you read this manual: Set Up Your MXI-4 System Your computer or chassis documentation PXI Hardware Specification, Revision 2.1 PXI Software Specification, Revision 2.1 PCI Specification, Revision 2.2 PCI-PCI Bridge Architecture Specification, Revision 1.0 PICMG Comp
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1 Introduction This chapter describes the MXI-4 series of products, lists what you need to get started, and explains how to unpack and set up your hardware. The four products in this series are the PCI-8331, PXI-8331, PCI-8336, and PXI-8336. For the remainder of this manual the term MXI-4 card will refer to any of the products in the MXI-4 series. MXI-4 cards must always be installed as either a pair of PXI cards or as a PCI card and a PXI card. The term MXI-4 dyad will refer to one of the f
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Chapter 1 Introduction Basic MXI-4 Systems MXI-4 cards are used in two basic configurations, both of which are shown in Figure 1-1: A PCI MXI-4 in a PC, connected to a PXI MXI-4 in the controller slot of a PXI/CompactPCI chassis. A PXI MXI-4 in a non-controller slot of a PXI/CompactPCI chassis with an embedded controller, connected to a PXI MXI-4 in the controller slot of another PXI/CompactPCI chassis. Note The PXI MXI-4 is capable of automatically detecting whether it is in a controlle
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Chapter 1 Introduction Larger MXI-4 Systems Using multiple MXI-4 dyads, large PCI/PXI/CompactPCI systems can be created. The PCI specification makes provisions for up to 255 bus segments to simultaneously exist in a PCI hierarchy and MXI-4 hardware provides everything needed to support those provisions. Notes Keep in mind that some chassis and PCs have more than one PCI bus segment. The host configuration software (BIOS and OS) and device drivers must support the number of bus segments and P
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Chapter 1 Introduction Daisy-Chain Configuration Star Configuration Figure 1-2. Star and Daisy Chain MXI-4 Configurations Note Adding PCI bridges, such as MXI-4, to a system can create a slight decrease in performance when communicating with devices behind the bridges. Although the distance between individual chassis is confined to a maximum of 10 meters for copper cables and 200 meters for fiber-optic cables, there is no limit to the total amount of cable in the system. MXI-4 Series User Ma
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Chapter 1 Introduction What You Need to Get Started To set up and use your MXI-4 cards, you need the following: ❑ Two MXI-4 cards of the allowable pairings that comprise a MXI-4 dyad. The allowable pairings are: PCI-8331 and PXI-8331 PCI-8336 and PXI-8336 PXI-8331 and PXI-8331 PXI-8336 and PXI-8336 ❑ A MXI-4 cable A copper cable for 8331 dyads A fiber optic cable for 8336 dyads ❑ A host—This can be a PC with PCI slots, or a PXI/CompactPCI chassis that already has a controller ❑ An
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Chapter 1 Introduction To avoid such damage in handling the device, take the following precautions: Ground yourself using a grounding strap or by holding a grounded object. Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of the computer chassis before removing the device from the package. Remove the device from the package and inspect the device for loose components or any sign of damage. Notify NI if the device appears damaged in any way. Do not install a damaged device into the computer.
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2 Hardware and Software Installation This chapter explains how to install the MXI-4 software and hardware. Software Installation The software for your MXI-4 controller enables use of the MXI-4 Connection Monitor which is built into the MXI-4 hardware. This software enhances the product, allowing you to monitor your MXI-4 link, view information about the organization of your PXI system, and programmatically retrieve data about the link, chassis, and modules you have installed. The MXI-4 sof
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Chapter 2 Hardware and Software Installation Hardware Installation The following are general instructions for installing the MXI-4 cards. Consult your computer user manual or technical reference manual for specific instructions and warnings. Installing a PCI MXI-4 Card 1. Power off your computer, but leave it plugged in while installing the PCI MXI-4 card. The power cord grounds the chassis and protects it from electrical damage while you install the module. Caution To protect both yourself
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Chapter 2 Hardware and Software Installation 2 1 3 1 PCI MXI-4 Card 3 PCI Bus Slot 2 PCI Bus Card-Edge Connector Figure 2-1. Installing the PCI MXI-4 Installing a PXI MXI-4 Card Complete the following steps to install the PXI MXI-4 in your PXI or CompactPCI chassis. 1. Power off your PXI or CompactPCI chassis, but leave it plugged in while installing the PXI MXI-4 card. The power cord grounds the chassis and protects it from electrical damage while you install the module. 2. Select a slot f
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Chapter 2 Hardware and Software Installation 3. Remove or open any doors or covers blocking access to the slot in which you intend to install the PXI MXI-4. 4. Touch the metal part of the case to discharge any static electricity that might be on your clothes or body. 5. Make sure the injector/ejector handle is in its downward position. Be sure to remove all connector packaging and protective caps from retaining screws on the module. Align the PXI MXI-4 card with the card guides on the top a
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NI PXI-1042 Chapter 2 Hardware and Software Installation 1 2 4 3 1 PXI/Compact PCI Chassis 3 Ejector Handle in Down Position 2 PXI MXI-4 Card 4 PXI/Compact PCI Slot 1 Figure 2-2. PXI MXI-4 Before Installation as Secondary Cabling 1. Connect the appropriate MXI-4 cable to both MXI-4 cards. If you are using a fiber-optic MXI-4 cable, be sure to remove the protective caps from the connectors. The cables have no polarity, so either end may be connected to either card. Caution Do not remove the c
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Chapter 2 Hardware and Software Installation Powering Up the MXI-4 System 1. Power on all of the expansion chassis in any order you choose. 2. Power on the host, which could either be a PC or a CompactPCI/PXI chassis with an embedded controller. Typical PCI-PCI bridges are used to add PCI devices to a PCI hierarchy in which all the bridges and devices are contained within a single chassis. Because of this, BIOSes and operating systems make the assumption that all PCI devices in the entire hi
