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HP E8491A IEEE 1394 PC Link to VXI Configuration and User’s Guide
All Editions and Updates of t his manu al and th eir creati on da te are list ed belo w. The first Edition of the m anual is Ed ition 1. The Edition
number increments by 1 whenever the manual is revised. Updates, which are issued between Editions, contain replacement pages to
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Update information for the previous E dition. Each new Edition or Update also inc ludes a revised c opy of this do cumentation history page.
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the manual for specific WARNING or
the manual for specific WARNING or
CAUTION information to av oid personal
CAUTION information to av oid personal
injury or damage to the product.
injury or damage to the product.
Indicates the field wiring te rminal that must
be connected to earth ground be fore
operating the equipment—protects against
electrical shock in case of fault.
WARNING
Alternating current (AC)
Direct current (DC).
Indicates hazardous voltages.
Calls attention to a procedure, practice, or
condition that could cause bodily injury or
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or
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Ground the equipment: For Safety Class 1 equipment (equipment having a protective earth terminal), an uninterruptible safety earth
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For continued protection against fire, replace the line fuse(s) only with fuse(s) of the same voltage and current rating and type. DO NOT
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Product Name:IEEE 1394 PC Link to VXI
Model Number:HP E8491A
Product Options:All
conforms to the following Product Specifications:
Safety:IEC 1010-1 (1990) Incl. Amend 1 (1992)/EN61010-1 (1993)
CSA C22.2 #1010.1 (1992)
UL 3111-1 (1994)
EMC: CISPR 11:1990/EN55011 (1991): Group1 Class A
IEC 801-2:1991/EN50082-1 (1992): 4kVCD, 8kVAD
IEC 801-3:1984/EN50082-1 (1992): 3 V/m
IEC 801-4:1988/EN50082-1 (1992): 1kV Power Line
.5kV Signal Lines
Supplementary Information: The product herewith complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive
73/23/EEC and the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC (inclusive 93/68/EEC) and carries the "CE" mark accordingly.
Tested in a typical configuration in an HP C-Size VXI mainframe.
June, 1998
Jim White, QA Manager
European contact: Your local Hewlett-Packard Sales and Service Office or Hewlett-Packard GmbH, Depart-
ment HQ-TRE, Herrenberger Straße 130, D-71034 Böblingen, Germany (FAX +49-7031-14-3143)
HP E8491A IEEE 1394 PC Link to VXI Configuration and User’s Guide
Edition 1
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The IEEE 1394 Serial Bus (FireWire) is a high-speed bus that has been
implemented as an I/O in terface between exter nal PCs and HP VXI systems.
The bus links the PC backplane to the VXI mainframe backplane. This
manual describes the implementation, configuration, and use of this
interface.
Chapter 1
Component
Overview
Implementation of t he IEEE 139 4 seri al bus a s an I/ O inter face for HP VXI
systems is provided through three components:
•HP E8491A PC Link to VXI Interconnect
•Adaptec
®
AHA-8940 1394-to-PCI Host Adapter
•HP I_O Libraries
The HP E8491A PC Link
to VXI Interconnect
The Adaptec® AHA-8940
1394-to-PCI Host Adapter
The HP I_O LibrariesThe HP I_O Libraries provide the HP VISA and HP SICL drivers required
Using this ManualThis manual is organize d to hel p you ins tall , confi gure, an d begin u sing th e
The HP E8491A is the VXI hardware that links the VXI mainframe
backplane to the IEEE 1394 serial bus. The E8491A is a 1-slot, C-size,
message-based device that is installed in mainframe slot 0.
The Adaptec® AHA-8940 1394-to-PCI Ho st Adapter card is install ed in the
PC and links the computer’s (PCI) backplane to the IEEE 1394 bus. The
AHA-8940 has one internal and two external IEEE 1394 ports and can
support up to 16 HP E8491As.
to use the HP E8491A. Included with the libraries are the drivers for the
Adaptec
IEEE 1394 serial bus as quickly and efficiently as possible. The following
information outlines the contents of the other chapters, and identifies the
areas of programming a VXI system that are NOT covered in this manual.
This chapter contains information on installing the HP E8491A hardware
and its drivers (the HP I_O Libraries). Also included is information on
installing VXI instruments, installing HP VXIplug&play drivers, and on
verifying the system.
Introduction 11Chapter 1
Chapter 3: VXI
Programming Using the
IEEE 1394 Serial Bus
This chapter contains the information necessary to begin communicating
with VXI instruments through the HP E8491A and IEEE 1394 serial bus.
The chapter contains information on optimizing system performance using
block data transfers , and also covers triggering and using HP E8491A shared
memory.
Chapter 4: IEEE 1394
Fundamentals and
Interface Overview
Appendix A:
Specifications
Appendix B: Editing the
HP E8491A Resource
Manager Configuration
Additional
Information
This chapter descr ibes th e IEEE 1 394 ser ial bus an d how i t is implemen ted
in HP VXI systems. It defines the bus terminology and data transfer
protocol.
Appendix A contains the operating and performance specifications of the
HP E8491A.
Appendix B contains in formation on edi ting your VXI sy stem configuration
as set by the resource manager . It desc ribes select ed confi gurat ion fi les and
utility functions used to view and modify your configuration.
Programming the HP E8491A i s through HP VISA and HP SICL functi ons.
Although this manual identi fies the specif ic functions used, you wil l need to
refer to the HP VISA and HP SICL manuals for detailed information.
Also, included with the HP I_O Libraries is the utility ‘I_O Config’. This
utility is used to conf igure the HP E8491A and has a help file associated with
it.
This chapter contains information necessary to install and configure the
IEEE 1394 host adapter (if req uired) and the HP E849 1A interconnect. The
installation sequ ence and other top ics covered in th is chapte r are as follows :
Figure 2-1. Layout of the Adaptec® AHA-8940 1394-to-PCI Host Adapter.
12 VDC power connector
Internal IEEE 1394 connector
WARNINGTurn off and disco nnect the power to your computer and to any
peripheral devices before installing the host adapter.
A. Remove the computer chassis cove r to expose th e expansi on slots and
external access covers.
B. Locate an unused, unobstructed PCI bus expansion slot (Figure 2-2)
that supports bus mastering. (PCI bus slots are usually white or
ivory.) See your computer documentation to det ermine if the PCI slot
supports bus mastering.
14Interface Installation and Configuration Chapter 2
D. Align the bus contacts on the bottom of the host adapter with the PCI
bus slot. Carefully, but firmly, press the adapter into the slot.
host adapter
Figure 2-4. Installing the Host Adapter.
E. Secure the host adapter bracket to the computer chassis with the
screw from the expansion slot cover removed in step C.
Connecting the Power Cable
F. Con nect the power cable between the adapter and the PC as shown in
Figure 2-5. This provid es power from the ad apter to devi ces alon g the
interface via the interface cable. This allows you to cycle power on
any VXI mainframe in multi-frame systems without affecting other
frames. The power is also available to other IEEE 1394 devices that
may be part of the interface network. The Adaptec
®
host adapter is
capable of supplying 12V with a maximum current draw of 1.5 amps.
16Interface Installation and Configuration Chapter 2
Figure 2-5. Connecting the Power Cable Between the PC and the Host Adapter.
G. Replace the computer cover. Connec t one en d of the interf ace cable to
either of the adapter’s external connectors. You can now turn on the
PC.
NoteWhen power is applied, Windows 95 operating systems may detect the
Adaptec
Ignore this message as the .inf file is installed when the HP I_O Libraries
are installed (Step 4).
®
card and indicate that it cannot locate an associated .inf file.
NoteRefer to Chapter 4: IEEE 1394 Fundamentals and Interface Overview for
more informati on on the Adaptec® host adapter.
Where to go NextIf you are installing the IEEE 13 94 interface for the first time, continue with
“Step 2: Installing the HP E8491A Interconnect.” If the E8491A and your
VXI instruments are already installed, proceed to “Step 4: Installing the
HP I_O Libraries.” Notice that the HP I_O Libraries contain the Adaptec
host adapter drivers.
Step 2: Installing
the HP E8491A
The HP E8491A interconnect links the IEEE 1394 bus to the backplane of
the VXI mainframe. The E8491A is a C-size device with VXI Resource
Manager and Slot 0 capability.
Interconnect
There are no configuration switches on the E8491A. The device’s logical
address is 0 and it provide s the syste m’s resourc e manager functi onality vi a
software that is part of the HP I_O Libraries. Its VXI servant area is 255,
therefore; it is the interface to all VXI devices with logical addresses
between 1 and 255. The E8491A is normally, but not required to be,
installed in mainframe slot 0.
®
Interface Installation and Configuration 17Chapter 2
NoteRefer to “Alternate Configurations” for information on using the E8491A
with the HP E1406 Command Module and using it in VXI-MXI systems.
A. If turned on, turn off the VXI mainframe and disconnect all power
sources that may be applied to any instruments.
B. Insert the E8491A into mainframe slot 0 by aligning the module with
the guides inside th e mainframe (Fi gure 2-6). Slo wly push the module
into the slot until it seats in the backplane connectors. It may be
necessary to pull out (not remove) the retaining screws in order to
seat the device securely in the connectors.
seat the module by
pushing in the
extraction levers
extraction
levers
retaining
screws
slide the module
into the mainframe
until it plugs into the
backplane connectors
Figure 2-6. Installing the HP E8491A in the VXI Mainframe.
18Interface Installation and Configuration Chapter 2
C. Tighten the retaining screws on the top and bottom of the module.
Connecting the HP E8491A to the Host Adapter
D. Connect the interface cable from the host adapter to E8491A port A,
B, or C. The ports are identical and unused ports are available to
connect additional E8491As and other IEEE 1394 devices in a
daisy-chain or tree configuration (Figure 2-7). Notice that there can
be no closed loops.
DAISY-CHAIN CONFIGURATION
PC
VXI
VXI
TREE CONFIGURATION
PC
VXI
VXIVXI
*
VXI
A second connection creates a closed loop and is not a llowed
*
Figure 2-7. IEEE 1394 Interface Configurations.
I/O performance is impacted slightly by the hardware configuration.The
VXI mainframe with the fewest number of hops (cable links) to the PC has
the highest priority. However, each mainframe has equal access to the bus
during each data transfer interval.
VXI
NoteRefer to Chapter 4: IEEE 1394 Fundamentals and Interface Overview for
information on the topology and terms associated with the IEEE 1394 bus.
Alternate ConfigurationsCertain applications may include the HP E1406A Command Module as an
HP-IB interface to selected instruments. In this configuration, the E8491A
must be the resource manager since its logical address is always 0. It is
generally installed in mainframe slot 0 so that it also provides the system’s
slot 0 functionality.
Interface Installation and Configuration 19Chapter 2
If you want the E1406 to pr ovide slot 0 functiona lity in addition t o providing
an HP-IB interface, set its configuration as follows:
1. Set the E1406 logical address to a value other than 0.
2. Set the Slot 0 and System Controller switches to “Enable” (default).
3. Set the CLK 10 source to “Internal” (default).
4. Set the VM E BTO Disable switch to 0 - Enable (default). Set VME
Bus Timeout (BTO) on the E8491A to ‘Off’ (see “Editing the
HP E8491A Configuration” later in this chapter).
5. Set the E1406 servant area to include the logical addresses of those
instruments it is to control. Note:
E1406 servant area = (E1406 logical address + 1) through
(E1406 logical address + servant area switch setting)
6. Install the E1406 in slot 0.
If the E1406 is not the slot 0 device , its slot 0 function ality must be disabled.
From step 2 above, set the E1406A Slot 0 and System Controller switches
to “Disable”. From step 4, set its VME BTO Disable switch 1 and ens ure that
VME Bus Timeout (BTO) on the E8491A is set to ‘On’.
If you are using the E8491A in a configuration with multiple mainframes
linked with MXI extend er cards, the E849 1A must be the resource manager;
however, VME Bus Timeout (BTO) must be disabled (off - Step 4 above).
Again, the E8491A is generally installed in mainframe slot 0 so that it also
provides the system’s slo t 0 funct ionali ty. Refe r to the MXI docu mentati on
for configuration guidelines based on where the E8491A is installed.
Where to go NextIf you are installing the IEEE 1394 interface and your VXI system for the
first time, continue with “Step 3: Installing VXI Instruments.” If your VXI
instruments are already installed, proceed to “St ep 4: Ins ta ll in g the HP I_O
Libraries.”
Step 3: Installing
VXI Instruments
Installing C-size
Generally, any VXI instr ument can be in stalled in any s lot other t han slot 0.
When installing instru ments, notice that th e E8491A and the IEEE 1394 bus
do not extend the (VXI) backplane between frames in multi-f rame VXI
systems (MXI cards are required). This means that the multimeter and
multiplexers in a VXI scanning multimeter for example, must be installed in
the same mainframe ( in adj ac ent sl ot s). Devices sharing the VXI Loc al bus
must also be installed in the same mainframe.
Figure 2-8 shows the installation of C-size instruments.
Instruments
20Interface Installation and Configuration Chapter 2
slide the module
into the mainframe
until it plugs into the
backplane co nnectors
Figure 2-8. Installing C-size Instruments.
CautionTo prevent damage to the VXI instruments, install the
instruments when the mainframe is turned off.
A. Insert the instrument into the mainframe by aligning the instrument
with the card guides inside the mainframe. Slowly push the
instrument into t he slot unti l it sea ts in the backplane connector s. The
front panel of the instrument should be even with the front edges of
the mainfram e.
B. Tighten the retaining screws on the top and bottom of the module.
Interface Installation and Configuration 21Chapter 2
WARNINGAll instruments within the VXI mainframe are gr ounded thro ugh
the mainframe chassis. During insta llation, tighten the
instruments’ retaining screws to secure the instrument to the
mainframe and to make the ground connection.
Installing A- and B-size
Instruments
A- and B-size instruments can also be installed in the mainframe. These
instruments are installed using a module carrier:
•HP E1403C A/B-size Module Carrier extends the P1 connector on
the VXIbus backplane and mounts the (A/B-size) modules flush with
C-size modules. This carrier is recommended for Hewlett-Packard
B-size, slave-only devices which have the P1 connector.
•HP E1407A A/B Module Carrier extends the P1and P2 connectors
on the VXIbus backplane. This carrier is recommended for B-size,
slave-only devices which have the P1/P2 connectors.
Figure 2-9 shows the installation of A- and B-size instruments.
22Interface Installation and Configuration Chapter 2
CautionTo prevent damage to the VXI instruments, install the
instruments when the mainframe is turned off.
A. Install the HP E1403 A/B-size Module Carrier or the HP E1407
A/B-size Module Carrier into the mainframe. This is done by
aligning the top and bottom of the carrier with the card guides and
slowly pushing the carrier into the m ainframe. The front of the
carrier should be even with the front edges of the mainframe.
B. Slide the A- or B-size instrument into the carrier until it connects.
C. Tighten the retaining screws on the top and bottom of the instrument.
WARNINGAll instruments within the VXI mainframe are gr ounded thro ugh
the mainframe chassis. During insta llation, tighten the
instruments’ retaining screws to secure the instrument to the
mainframe and to make the ground connection.
Step 4: Installing
the HP I_O Libraries
NoteRefer to Chapter 4: IEEE 1394 Fundamentals and Interface Overview for
NoteIf your PC indicates that new hardware has been found, select “do not
The software required to use the IEEE 1394 interface in a VXI system,
including the Adaptec
Libraries CD.
more information on the HP I_O Libraries and related software.
A. Turn on the PC if you have not already done so. Close all open
applications and insert the I_O libraries CD into your PC CD-ROM
drive. Inserting the CD automatically activates the installer. If the
installer is not activated, select Start / Run and type
<drive>:SETUP.EXE. Do not turn on the VXI mainframe.
install a driver.” The Adaptec
I_O libraries installer program.
B. Review the information and license agreements presented at the
beginning of the installation process.
®
host adapter drivers, is contained on the HP I_O
®
host adapter drivers are installed with the
C. Continue through the installation process as directed by the installer.
Be sure to indicate that you want HP I_O Libraries support for the
E8491A interface installed by clicking on the box next to “Install
HP E8491 VXI Components.” Do not configur e the interfac e at this time.
24Interface Installation and Configuration Chapter 2