Startup Guide
Keysight M9506A 5-Slot AXIe Chassis
Notices
© Keysight Technologies, 2019 - 2020
No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means
(including electronic storage and retrieval
or translation into a foreign language)
without prior agreement and written consent from Keysight Technologies, Inc. as
governed by United States and international copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
M9506-90001
Edition
Edition 2, January 2020
Published in USA
Keysight Technologies
1400 Fountaingrove Parkway
Santa Rosa, CA 95403 USA
Trademarks
AXIe is a registered trademark of the AXIe
Consortium.
PXI is a registered trademark of the PXI
Systems Alliance.
PICMG®, Compact PCI®, and
AdvancedTCA® are registered trademarks of the PCI Industrial Computer
Manufacturers Group.
PCI-SIG®, PCI Express®, and PCIe® are
registered trademarks of PCI-SIG.
Thunderbolt and the Thunderbolt logo
are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its
subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other
countries.
Sales and Technical Support
To contact Keysight for sales and technical support, refer to the support links on
the following Keysight websites:
www.keysight.com/find/M9506A (product-specific information and support,
software and documentation updates)
www.keysight.com/find/assist (world-
wide contact information for repair and
service)
Information on preventing damage to
your Keysight equipment can be found at
www.keysight.com/find/tips.
Declaration of Conformity
Declarations of Conformity for this product and for other Keysight products may
be downloaded from the Web. Go to
http://keysight.com/go/conformity click
on “Declarations of Conformity.” You can
then search by product number to find
the latest Declaration of Conformity.
Technology Licenses
The hard ware and/or software described
in this document are furnished under a
license and may be used or copied only in
accordance with the terms of such
license.
Warranty
THE MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS
DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS,” AND
IS SUBJECT TO BEING CHANGED,
WITHOUT NOTICE, IN FUTURE EDITIONS. FURTHER, TO THE MAXIMUM
EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE
LAW, KEYSIGHT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL AND
ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED
HEREIN, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. KEYSIGHT
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ERRORS OR
FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THE
FURNISHING, USE, OR PERFORMANCE
OF THIS DOCUMENT OR OF ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. SHOULD
KEYSIGHT AND THE USER HAVE A SEPARATE WRITTEN AGREEMENT WITH
WARRANTY TERMS COVERING THE
MATERIAL IN THIS DOCUMENT THAT
CONFLICT WITH THESE TERMS, THE
WARRANTY TERMS IN THE SEPARATE
AGREEMENT SHALL CONTROL.
Keysight Technologies does not warrant
third-party system-level (combination of
chassis, controllers, modules, etc.) performance, safety, or regulatory compliance unless specifically stated.
DFARS/Restricted Rights
Notices
If software is for use in the performance
of a U.S. Government prime contract or
subcontract, Software is delivered and
licensed as “Commercial computer software” as defined in DFAR 252.227-7014
(June 1995), or as a “commercial item” as
defined in FAR 2.101(a) or as “Restricted
computer software” as defined in FAR
52.227-19 (June 1987) or any equivalent
agency regulation or contract clause.
Use, duplication or disclosure of Software
is subject to Keysight Technologies’ standard commercial license terms, and nonDOD Departments and Agencies of the
U.S. Government will receive no greater
than Restricted Rights as defined in FAR
52.227-19(c)(1-2) (June 1987). U.S. Government users will receive no greater
than Limited Rights as defined in FAR
52.227-14 (June 1987) or DFAR 252.2277015 (b)(2) (November 1995), as applicable in any technical data
Safety Information
The following general safety precautions must be observed during all
phases of operation of this instrument.
Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings or operating instructions in the product
manuals violates safety standards of
design, manufacture, and intended use
of the instrument. Keysight Technologies assumes no liability for the customer's failure to comply with these
requirements.
General
Do not use this product in any manner not
specified by the manufacturer. The protective features of this product must not be
impaired if it is used in a manner specified in
the operation instructions.
Before Applying Power
Verify that all safety precautions are taken.
Make all connections to the unit before
applying power. Note the external markings
described under “Safety Symbols”.
Ground the Instrument
Keysight chassis’ are provided with a
grounding-type power plug. The
instrument chassis and cover must be
connected to an electrical ground to
minimize shock hazard. The ground pin
must be firmly connected to an electrical ground (safety ground) terminal at
the power outlet. Any interruption of
the protective (grounding) conductor
or disconnection of the protective
earth terminal will cause a potential
shock hazard that could result in personal injury.
Do Not Operate in an Explosive
Atmosphere
Do not operate the module/chassis in
the presence of flammable gases or
fumes.
Do Not Operate Near Flammable
Liquids
Do not operate the module/chassis in
the presence of flammable liquids or
near containers of such liquids.
Cleaning
Clean the outside of the Keysight module/chassis with a soft, lint-free,
slightly dampened cloth. Do not use
detergent or chemical solvents.
Do Not Remove Instrument Cover
Only qualified, service-trained personnel who are aware of the hazards
involved should remove instrument
covers. Always disconnect the power
cable and any external circuits before
removing the instrument cover.
Keep away from live circuits
Operating personnel must not remove
equipment covers or shields. Procedures involving the removal of covers
and shields are for use by servicetrained personnel only. Under certain
conditions, dangerous voltages may
exist even with the equipment
switched off. To avoid dangerous electrical shock, DO NOT perform procedures involving cover or shield removal
unless you are qualified to do so.
DO NOT operate damaged
equipment
Whenever it is possible that the safety
protection features built into this product have been impaired, either through
physical damage, excessive moisture,
or any other reason, REMOVE POWER
and do not use the product until safe
operation can be verified by servicetrained personnel. If necessary, return
the product to a Keysight Technologies
Sales and Service Office for service and
repair to ensure the safety features are
maintained.
DO NOT block the primary
disconnect
The primary disconnect device is the
appliance connector/power cord when
a chassis used by itself, but when
installed into a rack or system the disconnect may be impaired and must be
considered part of the installation.
Do Not Modify the Instrument
Do not install substitute parts or perform any unauthorized modification to
the product. Return the product to a
Keysight Sales and Service Office to
ensure that safety features are maintained.
In Case of Damage
Instruments that appear damaged or
defective should be made inoperative
and secured against unintended operation until they can be repaired by
qualified service personnel
Do NOT block vents and fan exhaust:
To ensure adequate cooling and ventilation, leave a gap of at least 50mm
(2") around vent holes on both sides of
the chassis.
Do NOT operate with empty slots: To
ensure proper cooling and avoid damaging equipment, fill each empty slot
with an AXIe filler panel module.
Do NOT stack free-standing chassis:
Stacked chassis should be rackmounted.
All modules are grounded through the
chassis: During installation, tighten
each module's retaining screws to
secure the module to the chassis and
to make the ground connection.
Operator is responsible to maintain
safe operating conditions. To ensure
safe operating conditions, modules
should not be operated beyond the full
temperature range specified in the
Environmental and physical specification. Exceeding safe operating conditions can result in shorter lifespan,
improper module performance and
user safety issues. When the modules
are in use and operation within the
specified full temperature range is not
maintained, module surface temperatures may exceed safe handling conditions which can cause discomfort or
burns if touched. In the event of a
module exceeding the full temperature
range, always allow the module to cool
before touching or removing modules
from the chassis.
iii
Safety Symbols
MSIP-REM-Kst
-BLM9506A
A CAUTION denotes a hazard. It
calls attention to an operating procedure or practice, that, if not correctly performed or adhered to
could result in damage to the
product or loss of important data.
Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION
notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
A WARNING denotes a hazard. It
calls attention to an operating procedure or practice, that, if not correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in personal injury or
death. Do not proceed beyond a
WARNING notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
Products display the following symbols:
Warning, risk of electric
shock
Refer to manual for additional safety information.
Earth Ground.
Chassis Ground.
Alternating Current (AC).
Standby Power. Unit is not
completely disconnected
from AC mains when
switch is in standby.
Antistatic precautions
should be taken.
The CSA mark is a registered trademark of the Canadian Standards Association and indicates compliance to
the standards laid out by them. Refer
to the product Declaration of Conformity for details.
Notice for European Community: This
product complies with the relevant
European legal Directives: EMC Directive (2004/108/EC) and Low Voltage
Directive (2006/95/EC).
The Regulatory Compliance Mark
(RCM) mark is a registered trademark.
This signifies compliance with the Australia EMC Framework regulations
under the terms of the Radio Communication Act of 1992.
ICES/NMB-001 indicates that this ISM
device complies with the Canadian
ICES-001.
This symbol represents the time period
during which no hazardous or toxic
substance elements are expected to
leak or deteriorate during normal use.
Forty years is the expected useful life
of this product.
South Korean Class A EMC Declaration. this equipment is Class A suitable
for professional use and is for use in
electromagnetic environments outside
of the home.
Waste Electrical and
Electronic
Equipment (WEEE)
Directive
2002/96/EC
This product complies with the WEEE
Directive (2002/96/EC) marking
requirement. The affixed product label
(see below) indicates that you must not
discard this electrical/electronic product in domestic household waste.
Product Category: With reference to
the equipment types in the WEEE
directive Annex 1, this product is classified as a “Monitoring and Control
instrumentation” product.
Do not dispose in domestic household
waste.
To return unwanted products, contact
your local Keysight office for more
information.
CAT I
CAT II
CAT III
CAT IV
For localized Safety Warnings, Refer
to Keysight Safety document (p/n
9320-6792).
IEC Measurement Category I, II, III, or IV
iv
v
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
M9506A 5-Slot AXIe Chassis at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
AXIe Embedded System Module (ESM) at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
What is Thunderbolt 3? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
AXIe Instrument Modules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
M9506A AXIe Chassis System Block Diagrams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Performing the Startup Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Step 1: Unpack and Inspect the Chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Inspect for Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Step 2: Verify Shipment Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Step 3: Power-Up and Power-Down. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Circuit Breaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Power Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
ON/STANDBY Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
To Power Up the Chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
To Power Down the Chassis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Step 4: Set Up the Host PC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Hardware Connections to the Host PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Step 5: Install IO Libraries Suite and Connect to the Web Interface. . . . . . . . 19
System Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Installing the Keysight IO Libraries Suite. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Turning on the Chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Using Keysight Connection Expert to Confirm Connection to the Chassis. 23
Launch the Chassis Web Interface from Keysight Connection Expert . . . . 24
Step 6: Install the Chassis Driver Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Step 7: Next Steps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Host PC/Chassis Interface Topics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Service and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Keysight on the Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Keysight by Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Product Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
If You Should Need to Return the Chassis for Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide vi
Introduction
M9506A 5-Slot AXIe Chassis
Startup Guide
The Keysight M9506A AXIe chassis is a modular instrument chassis fully
compatible with the AXIe Wide PCIe specification. It allows multiple
application-specific instrument modules to share a common chassis frame,
power supply, cooling system, PCI Express (PCIe) x16 Generation (Gen) 3
backplane, Gigabit LAN hub, local bus for module-to-module signaling, and host
PC connections. The full rack chassis provides five general purpose peripheral
slots that accept 1U AXIe instrument modules.
Additional features include:
– Up to 300 W per slot power
– Five AXIe Wide compliant slots
– PCIe x16 Gen 3 Backplane allows module to module communication
– Default PCIe configuration merges both cable ports to one Gen 3 x16 PCIe
Cable Port.
– Open AXIe Zone 3 for custom use (cable access, analog backplane, etc.)
– Thunderbolt
™ 3 Connection Port
1
– Cascaded PCIe for multiple chassis systems
– Parallel and Star Triggering
– Push-pull fan system for quieter operation
The chassis includes a half-height Embedded System Module (ESM) that
manages chassis functions. The ESM provides all ATCA (Advanced
Telecommunications Computing Architecture) shelf manager functions, plus
these AXIe extensions:
– Host PC connectivity (Gen 3 PCIe x8/x16, Thunderbolt 3, Ethernet)
– Sources timing signals (CLK100, SYNC, and FCLK)
– Routes STRIG (Star Trigger) to instruments through the backplane
– Two bi-directional trigger access ports route trigger signals through to the
backplane parallel trigger bus and star triggers (STRIG) to each slot
– Provides backplane PCIe and Ethernet communication between modules
Other than a power button/status light (on the ESM), all monitoring, control, and
communication with the chassis requires a host PC. This can be an embedded PC
specifically designed for use in an AXIe chassis (such as the Keysight M9537A) or
remote (a rackmount, desktop, or laptop) PC.
The Gen 3 PCIe Cable Interface ports provides up to a 8GB/s (theoretical) for Gen
3 x8 and 16 GB/s (theoretical) for Gen 3 x16. The Thunderbolt 3 port provides a
Gen 3 x4 link with up to 4 GB/s (theoretical) bandwidth.
1Thunderbolt ™ is the brand name of an interface standard developed by Intel (in conjunction with Apple) that
allows connection of external peripherals to a computer. Thunderbolt 3 specification provides Gen 3 PCI
Express (PCIe), DisplayPort, and DC power in one USB-C compatible cable; only PCIe is supported on the
M9506A. Charging devices such as laptop computers over Thunderbolt 3 is not supported on the M9506A.
M9506A 5-Slot AXIe Chassis at a Glance
Left Fan
Assembly
On-Standby
switch with
Status LED
The Embedded System Module (ESM) is in the bottom slot;
the other five slots are for instrument modules.
Slots
AXIe Zone 3
Right Fan
Assembly
Chassis Backplane
Provides PCIe and GbE interfaces,
clock and synchronization signals,
and power to installed modules
The M9506A is shipped with bumpers and two carry handles installed for
benchtop use (these remove for rack mounting), The front panel is shown below:
Introduction
AXIe Embedded System Module (ESM) at a Glance
The ESM is installed in a half-height slot at the base of the chassis. It performs
the following functions:
- Tracks inserted modules and manages power requirements
- Monitors chassis temperature and controls variable-speed chassis fans
- Monitors module sensors and reports component failures to a system log
- Connects an external host PC to the chassis
- Provides trigger routing between front panel trigger ports and backplane
parallel and star trigger lines to all modules.
- Provides a 100 MHz clock reference to all modules, which can be locked to an
external 10 MHz clock source
- provides two Gen 3 x8 PCIe cable ports, one Thunderbolt 3, and one LAN port
for connecting to the Host PC
The M9506A chassis is not compatible with the M9502A or M9505A AXIe
chassis ESM module. Nor is the M9506A ESM compatible with the M9502A or
M9505A AXIe Chassis.
- Acts as a Gigabit Ethernet switch; forwards frames along the backplane
2 Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide
Introduction
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
PCIe Cable Ports and Status LEDs. These Upstream \
Downstream ports can be merged to form single X16 port.
LED Color Description
Chassis
(Link speed between
ESM and backplane)
Off No connection present
White Gen 1 connection
Blue Gen 2 connection
Green Gen 3 connection
Link
(left port for x8
mode or both ports
x16 mode)
Off No link present
White Gen 1 connection
Blue Gen 2 connection
Green Gen 3 connection
Link
(right port)
Off No link present in x8 mode or if in merged x16 mode
White Gen 1 connection
Blue Gen 2 connection
Green Gen 3 connection
Host or
Target Mode
(right port)
Off Right cable port is merged with left port to form X16
Green Host more (default) Right port is Downstream facing
Blue Target Mode Right port is Upstream facing
ESM Front Panel
1 Reserved for future use.
2 Power Switch Turns the chassis power on or off. The status indicator light is a bi-color LED.
Flashing green indicates the chassis is powered on and booting. Solid green
indicates normal operation. Red indicates a power-up error.
3 LAN Port RJ45 connector. Connects the host PC to the chassis, auto crossover.
Amber Link/Activity LED,
Bicolor Speed LED (Amber = 1 Gbps, Green = 100 Mbps, Off = 10 Mbps).
An embedded controller module does not use this port for direct
communication with the ESM.
Clock External clock connections. SMB connectors with ESD suppression.
410 MHz
Clock Out
510 MHz
Clock In
Trigger Bi-directional, external trigger connections. Extends the backplane parallel and
6TRIG1
TRIG2
7 Thunderbolt Thunderbolt 3 port with USB-C connector.
8 PCIe Cable Port Used to create a x16 link to a Host Adapter or to connect a cascaded chassis.
9 PCIe Cable Port Connects a remote host PC to the chassis via PCIe.
Extends the internal clock source to external instruments. 3.3 V CMOS, 50 Ω
line drive, 3-state, AC-coupled.
Accepts an external 10 MHz clock. Input range: 5 Vpk-pk, AC coupled, 50 Ω
terminated, 250 mV minimum swing
star trigger resources to external instruments. SMB connectors with ESD
suppression.
Output: 3.3 V CMOS, 50 Ω output impedance (push-pull), open-drain capable.
Input: Adjustable threshold input range –5 V to +5 V, 250 mV minimum swing.
Gen 3 compliant PCIe x8 connector.
Gen 3 compliant PCIe x8 connector.
Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide 3
For detailed feature information, refer to the M9506A User Guide.
What is Thunderbolt 3?
Introduction
Thunderbolt 3 provides PCI Express (PCIe) connectivity with data transfer rates at
up to 40 Gbps
1
. There are no Upstream or Downstream ports with Thunderbolt 3.
Thunderbolt 3 uses USB-C and requires
Thunderbolt 3 certified cables for correct
operation. To quickly check whether the port you
have on a host PC is a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3
version, look next to or just above the port for a
Thunderbolt icon (a lightning bolt).
2
Your host PC must have a Thunderbolt 3
port. Even though they use the same cables, Thunderbolt 3 is not USB-C
compatible. Thunderbolt 3 cables have no polarity and are reversible – connect
either end to the PC or chassis.
Plugging a Thunderbolt 3 device into a Thunderbolt 3 port, provides between
20 Gbps and 40 Gbps maximum throughput, depending on the type of cable
you're using:
- Passive Thunderbolt 3 cables are identical to USB-C cables and plug into
Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C ports and achieve data rates up to 20 Gbps.
- For maximum data transfer rate over Thunderbolt 3, use active cables. Active
Thunderbolt 3 cables achieve full 40 Gbps throughput. Active optical cables
can extend connection length from 6 feet up to approximately 200 feet.
Factory default is PCIe Cable Ports configured as x16 Gen 3. If you want to use
the Thunderbolt 3 port, you must set a switch on the ESM. See “SW56 Switch
Positions” in the M9506A User Guide.
Thunderbolt 3 is hot-swappable. However, avoid removing the cable after the
system is powered on. Doing so may cause error in data transmission.
Do not connect USB Type C (USB-C) devices into the Thunderbolt port on the
M9506A chassis.
1 Thunderbol t 3 provides PCIe connectivity and provides faster data transfer than a standard PCIe interface. It
requires short, <0.5 M or active Thunderbolt 3 cables for highest speed. Charging devices such as laptop
computers over Thunderbolt 3 is not supported on the M9506A.
2 The original Thunderbol t and Thunderbol t 2 interfaces use mini DisplayPort-shaped connectors that are not
compatible with Thunderbolt 3.
4 Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide
Introduction
Zone 3
(see the M9506A User’s Guide)
Module Rear connectors
to chassis backplane
Module Front Panel
Module Insertion/Extraction Handles
Retaining Screws
Typical AXIe Instrument Module
AXIe Instrument Modules
The chassis slots accept AXIe instrument modules. These may comprise one or
more instruments for signal injection, data acquisition, and measurement. They
can be installed in any available AXIe slot.
The drawing below illustrates the AXIe module’s general layout, backplane
connections and chassis fasteners, viewed from the top.
Test connections are made at the module’s front panel. The front panel and
backplane connectors will vary depending on the module.
Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide 5
M9506A AXIe Chassis System Block Diagrams
The “M9506A System Block Diagram (Graphic)” on page 8 shows a block
diagram of the M9506A 5-slot AXIe chassis system, showing the chassis and the
host PC. The key points regarding this diagram are:
- The diagram shows the host PC interfaces to the chassis: (1) The PCIe Cable
ports, (2) Thunderbolt 3 interface, and (3) the LAN interface. The PCIe Cable
ports and Thunderbolt signals route through the ESM PCIe Switch to the slot
x16 PCIe links. The LAN interface signals are routed through the LAN Switch
to the slot Gb Ethernet links. The PCIe and Thunderbolt interface signals can
also be routed to the slot Gb signals (through the network interface controller
and the LAN Switch). However, the LAN interface signals cannot be routed to
the slot x16 PCIe links.
- The network interface controller (NIC) is an Intel I210 NIC. The PCIe Switch
and the NIC provide an x1 path from the chassis PCIe interface to the LAN
Switch and, ultimately, the Shelf Manager (described further below).
If you’re using the PCIe interface to connect to the chassis, the Intel I210 NIC
will appear to Windows as a locally-installed device. Windows 7 and
Windows 10 provide the necessary Intel NIC driver.
Introduction
- Install either the M9048B or the M9049A PCIe Desktop Adapter in the host PC
to provide a PCIe interface. The PCIe Desktop Adapter is used in desktop or
rack-mount computers. A PCIe cable (Y1202A, 2.0 m cable) connects the
adapter to the AXIe chassis. For Thunderbolt access, a standard Thunderbolt
cable connects the ESM to the host PC. For LAN access, a standard Ethernet
cable connects the ESM to the host PC.
- The chassis contains a processor called the Shelf Manager that monitors the
status of the chassis sensors and the module sensors over the Intelligent
Platform Management Bus (IPMB). The Shelf Manager also controls the fan
speeds and provides the chassis Web Interface. The Web Interface allows you
to use your browser to monitor the status of the chassis and configure certain
aspects of chassis operation, such as the trigger subsystem.
- The chassis supports a Soft Front Panel (SFP). The SFP runs on the host PC
and provide the same monitor and control functionality as the Web Interface.
- Keysight provides a host PC driver for the chassis. This driver provides
programmable control and monitoring of the chassis trigger bus and sensors.
For further information on these drivers, please see the M9506A User’s Guide.
- The chassis contains customer upgradeable firmware. To check if a later
version is available, go to the website below for your product, then click the
tabs/links indicated: www.keysight.com/find/M9506A
then select Technical Support > Drivers & Software > Firmware Update
6 Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide
Introduction
Some AXIe test system software applications, such as the Keysight logic and
protocol analyzer software and modules, sets and uses specific trigger lines in
the AXIe chassis. Do not use the AXIe Chassis SFP software or the AXIe Chassis
Web Interface to set or reroute any of the AXIe chassis trigger lines. Rerouting
any of the trigger lines may cause the application software to not function
correctly.
In order for a computer to serve as host PC, its BIOS must support enumeration
of PCIe slots in the AXIe chassis; many computers are not capable of
enumerating a sufficient number of PCIe slots to ensure that slots in an external
chassis are enumerated. Keysight maintains a document listing the integrated,
rack mount, desktop and laptop computers that have been verified to properly
enumerate PCIe devices in the AXIe chassis, at
www.keysight.com/find/M9506A.
Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide 7
M9506A System Block Diagram (Graphic)
NOTES:
PCIe and LAN connectivity:
$ If the chassis PCIe interface is connected and the chassis LAN interface isn’t connected, the Intel NIC provides a means for thePC to access the LAN Switch –this provides
PC access to the Shelf Manager as well as access to the Gb Ethernet connections to each slot.
% While the Intel NIC allows the host PC to use the PCIe interface to access the LAN Switch (and the devices connected to the LAN Switch), the reverse does not apply --the
PC cannot use the LAN interface and the Intel NIC to access the slot PCIe x16 interfaces.
PCIe Generation (Gen) 1 peak speed is 2.5 GE/s per lane. PCIe Gen 2 peak speed is 5.0 GE/s per lane. PCIe Gen 3 peak speed is 8.0 GE/s per lane. Taking into accountencoding
and other overhead, typical Gen 3 performances in GE/s are as follows for x8 and x16:
PCIe
Switch
Site LAN hub,
router, or
switch
PCIe
Adapter
Host PC
PCIe cable (Gen 3, x8)
Chassis LAN
interface
ESM PCIe
interface
IMPORTANT: PCIe is logically an extension of the host PC backplane. If the PCIe interface is
used to connect to the chassis, the chassis Intel I210 NIC will appear to Windows as if it is
installed directly in the PC. Windows 7 and Windows 10 provide the necessary Intel NIC
driver.
If you’re connected to the chassis using only the LAN interface, the NIC will not be visible to
the Host Controller PC and the above dialog won’t be displayed.
Keysight Connection Expert
Keysight Connection Expert
displays connection
information separately for the
chassis and for each module
installed in the chassis.
Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis System
LAN
Switch
Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis
Monitors/controls fan
speeds
Monitors temperature
sensors
Monitors module sensors
Provides Web Interface
Shelf Manager
IPMB – Intelligent
Platform Management Bus
PCIe x16 (Gen 3)
to each slot
Gb Ethernet
to each slot
Synchronization
and Triggering
^ůŽƚϭ
^ůŽƚϮ
^ůŽƚϯ
^ůŽƚϰ
^ůŽƚϱ
Parallel and star
trigger lines
AXIe Chassis Soft Front Panel (SFP)
The SFPs use PCIe, LAN, or Thunderbolt 3
M9047, M9048, M9049 PCIe
Desktop Adapter (x8)
The PCIe x16 connections to each slot can only be accessed from
the chassis PCIe interface. However, the Gb Ethernet
connections to each slot can be accessed from both the PCIe
interface (through the Intel NIC and LAN Switch) and through
the chassis LAN interface.
Intel I210
Network
Interface Card
The slot PCIe interfaces
cannot be accessed
from the chassis LAN
interface.
In performing the Initialize() call for either driver, the application
program specifies a VISA resource name. If only PCIe is connected,
the resource name may appear like:
“TCPIP0::169.254.1.0::5025::SOCKET”
where 169.254.1.0 is an example private IP address. If only LAN is
connected, the resource name may appear like:
“TCPIP0::192.168.5.2::5025::SOCKET”
where 192.168.5.2 is an example DHCP-assigned IP address. If both
LAN and PCIe are connected, the LAN VISA resource name is used.
Application program
IVI-C
driver
IVI .NET
driver
LAN
CAUTION: Do not attach a LAN cable after
communications has been established over the PCIe
cable. Doing this will disrupt PCIe communications,
and will not provide LAN
communications – the chassis will become
inaccessible and rebooting of the PC will be required
to restore communications.
If you need both LAN and PCIe communications,
connect both cables prior to powering-up the chassis.
Chassis
Firmware
Modules may connect to the PCIe
x16 interface and/or the Gb
Ethernet interface. Refer to your
module documentation for
information on the interface(s) it
uses.
ESM Thunderbolt
Interface
Chassis Web Interface
The Web Interface uses PCIe,
LAN, or Thunderbolt 3.
Thunderbolt Interface
AXIe Chassis Monitor SFP AXIe Chassis Trigger SFP
x8: 8 GE/s
x16: 16 GE/s
3. The PCIe Switch internal buffering allows the chassis to communicate to the host PC at 16 GE/s and distributes this bandwidth across all 5 slots.
Introduction
8 Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide
Performing the Startup Steps
Performing the Startup Steps
The remainder of this Startup Guide describes how to unpack and inspect the
chassis, connect it to a host PC, power-up the chassis and verify basic operation.
It is not necessary to install modules or device drivers to do this.
Exception: If you decide to use an embedded controller module, such as
Keysight’s M9537A, as your Host PC, you will need to install it before proceeding
to Step 3. Module installation instructions are in the M9506A User’s Guide.
Keysight recommends you follow these steps in preparing and turning on the
chassis:
Step 1: Unpack and Inspect the Chassis
Step 2: Verify Shipment Contents
Step 3: Power-Up and Power-Down
Step 4: Set Up the Host PC
Step 5: Install IO Libraries Suite and Connect to the Web Interface
Step 6: Install the Chassis Software
Step 7: Next Steps
In Step 7, you will download the M9506A User’s Guide. Continue with the User
Guide to complete installation, learn the chassis’s features and operation, and
access service information.
IMPORTANT: The installation and setup information in this manual is generic.
Some AXIe modules and systems require a different installation and setup
procedure than described in this manual. Refer to the installation
documentation supplied with your AXIe module and or system for detailed
installation information.
For example, installation of the Keysight IO Libraries (“Step 5: Install IO Libraries
Suite and Connect to the Web Interface” in this manual) is not required for all
AXIe systems.
Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide 9
Step 1: Unpack and Inspect the Chassis
Keysight’s AXIe chassis and instrument modules are shipped in materials which
prevent static electricity damage. These instruments should only be removed
from the packaging in an anti-static area ensuring that correct anti-static
precautions are taken. Store all modules in anti-static envelopes when not
installed.
ESD
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage or destroy electronic components. All
work on electronic assemblies should be performed at a static-safe work station.
The following figure shows an example of a static-safe work station using two
types of ESD protection. Purchase acceptable ESD accessories from your local
supplier.
- Conductive table-mat and wrist-strap
combination.
Step 1: Unpack and Inspect the Chassis
- Conductive floor-mat and heel-strap
combination.
Both types, when used together, provide a
significant level of ESD protection. Of the
two, only the table-mat and wrist-strap
combination provides adequate ESD
protection when used alone. To ensure
user safety, the static-safe accessories
must provide at least 1 MΩ of isolation
from ground.
Inspect for Damage
After unpacking the chassis, carefully inspect it for any shipping damage. Report
any damage to the shipping agent immediately, as such damage is not covered
by the warranty.
To find warranty information on your M9506A AXIe chassis, go to
www.keysight.com/find/warranty and enter your model number (
Product Number field, and enter the serial number from the chassis rear panel in
the Serial No. field.
M9506A) in the
To avoid damage when handling the AXIe chassis and modules, do not touch
exposed connector pins.
10 Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide
Step 2: Verify Shipment Contents
Step 2: Verify Shipment Contents
Your shipment should include the following:
Chassis The Keysight chassis that you ordered. The ESM comes pre-installed
in the chassis. Any additional AXIe modules you may have ordered from Keysight
do not come pre-installed; they will be in separate shipments.
Chassis Power Cord For country of destination.
Startup Guide This document, Keysight M9506A 5-Slot AXIe Chassis Startup
Guide.
Product specifications, available accessories, firmware and software may change
over time.
Please check the Keysight website at: www.keysight.com/find/M9506A for the
latest updates to the product software, guides, data sheet, and help files.
Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide 11
Step 3: Power-Up and Power-Down
Circuit Breaker Open (OFF)
Circuit Breaker Closed (ON)
Circuit Breaker
The chassis circuit breaker is a toggle switch, marked OFF (O) when open and
ON (I) when closed:
Step 3: Power-Up and Power-Down
Power Modes
The chassis has three power modes:
OFF With the power cord removed or the circuit breaker in the open position,
the chassis is OFF.
STANDBY With the power cord connected, the circuit breaker closed, and the
STATUS light is turned off, the chassis is in STANDBY mode. Although no power is
supplied to the ESM and installed modules when in Standby, the chassis is
energized and consumes power. The internal power supply unit fans may
operate.
ON With the power cord attached, circuit breaker closed, and the STATUS light
is turned on (either blinking green, solid green, or red), the chassis is
supplied to the ESM and installed modules. Fans will operate as dictated by
chassis thermal load.
FAULT Chassis main power will be off, but the STATUS light will be blinking red.
Refer to the table on the next page for more information.
ON/STANDBY Switch
ON. Power is
12 Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide
The chassis ON/STANDBY switch is located on the ESM module. It is lit when the
chassis is ON. The
described on the next page.
STATUS light in the ESM’s ON/STANDBY switch cycles as
Step 3: Power-Up and Power-Down
To Power Up the Chassis
1. Plug-In Chassis Using the supplied cord, connect the chassis to an
appropriate AC power main. Use with a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is
not recommended.
2. Close Circuit Breaker Close the rear panel circuit breaker (ON position).
Press On/Standby Button Press the ESM’s ON/STANDBY switch. It should
light when depressed
The
STATUS light in the ESM’s ON/STANDBY switch cycles as follows:
Status Color Flash Rate Chassis Power
State
Off Off Chassis is powered off
1 flash every 5 seconds Off Fault - PSU Over Temperature
RED
GREEN
2 flashes every 5 seconds Off Other PSU fault
3 flashes every 5 seconds Off ESM/Chassis Power Fault
4 flashes every 5 seconds Off ESM/Chassis Over Temperature Fault
Solid (no flashes) On Unrecoverable alert
1 second on, 1 second off On Chassis is powered on but not ready for enumeration
0.5 second on, 0.5 second off On Power button has been pushed and chassis is
Solid (no flashes) On Chassis is powered on and ready for enumeration
Description
or self test error
shutting down
The chassis and host PC must be powered up and down in the following
sequence. The chassis should be powered up first, which will initiate its built-in
Self-Test. During Self-Test, the chassis STATUS LED will be blinking green
(1 s on, 1 s off). The STATUS LED will blink green and then stay green
continuously when the ESM is ready. The ESM then powers up each module
slot. The remote host PC should be turned on only after all installed modules
have performed their initialization—see your module documentation for
initialization information. An embedded controller such as the M9537A handles
this sequence automatically.
The method of powering up the chassis depends on the position of the INHIBIT
switch on the chassis rear panel, which can be set to the DEF (DEFault) position
or to the MAN (MANual) position. Refer to the M9506A User’s Guide for more
information.
Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide 13
To Power Down the Chassis
For routine power-down or to cycle power to the chassis, momentarily
(< 5 seconds) press the chassis ON/STANDBY switch. The main chassis fans
gradually drop in speed to off, and the power supply unit (PSU) fans gradually
return to idle speed as the PSU cools. This is normal.
For routine power-down, do not use the circuit breaker to turn the chassis off.
Doing so interrupts power to the power supply fans, which may shorten the life
of the PSU. Use the front panel On/Standby switch to power down the unit, and
allow the PSU fans to return to idle before removing power from the chassis.
Once the chassis has cooled, you may isolate the chassis from AC power as
needed. This is usually done by opening the circuit breaker.
Pressing and holding the power ON/STANDBY switch for greater than five (5)
seconds shuts down the power supply immediately. If the chassis is in a fault
condition, the fault resets and the chassis goes to the OFF state.
Step 3: Power-Up and Power-Down
14 Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide
Step 4: Set Up the Host PC
Step 4: Set Up the Host PC
Communication with the Embedded System Module (ESM) and installed
instrument modules requires a host PC, a Windows based computer that may be:
An Embedded Controller (takes up slot one in the chassis).
An AXIe embedded PC (also commonly called an embedded controller module)
allows for mainframe portability and stand-alone test system operation. PCIe
and LAN connections from PC to ESM are made directly at the chassis
backplane.
If you decide to use an embedded controller module as your host PC, install at
least that module in the chassis before proceeding with this section. See the
M9506A User’s Guide for complete module installation instructions.
A separate rack-mounted or desktop PC.
To use the chassis PCIe data transfer capabilities, this host PC must have an
available PCIe x8 slot and BIOS support for proper enumeration of devices on the
PCIe bus. PCIe connection from host PC to ESM requires a PCIe adapter card and
cable. Keysight recommends use of a PC, card and cable tested with the AXIe
mainframe; a current list can be found at: PC Tested Configurations with
PXIe/AXIe Chassis - Technical Overview.
To ensure proper system operation, you should use an approved (embedded,
rackmount, or desktop) host computer along with an approved PCIe adapter
and cable. While you may use other controllers, the approved computers have
verified hardware support for PCIe x8 and their BIOS can properly enumerate
multiple instruments on the shared PCIe bus.
Keysight provides a list of tested host PCs at PC Tested Configurations with
PXIe/AXIe Chassis - Technical Overview. For the recommended PCIe host
adapter cards and cables, see page 17.
General controller requirements (such as operating system and RAM) are listed
in “System Requirements” on page 19.
You should not enable the Microsoft Windows sleep or hibernate modes on the
host PC. The controller may not have proper chassis enumeration when it wakes
up and unpredictable operation may result.
Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide 15
Hardware Connections to the Host PC
Except where noted, connections between the host PC and the chassis
Embedded System Mod ule (ESM) should be made with both the PC and chassis
powered off.
Physical connections to the host PC may include monitor, mouse, and keyboard;
LAN and/or PCIe (to the AXIe chassis); and corporate LAN. Make the following
connections as needed.
For Local Control
If you need local access to the host PC, connect a monitor, mouse, and keyboard.
From M9506A AXIe Chassis to the Host PC
The connection between the chassis and the host PC may vary depending on
whether you’re performing chassis turn-on or using the chassis in production:
- Initial Turn-on and Verification: Keysight recommends that you make a
LAN-only connection to the chassis for initial turn-on — this is the simplest
connection and doesn’t require installation of a PCIe Host Adapter card in the
host PC. The host PC can either be connected directly to the ESM with a
crossover Gigabit Ethernet cable, or can be connected through your network
with a straight Ethernet cable.
Step 4: Set Up the Host PC
- Continuous Run for Production: If you’re using PCIe modules in the chassis,
use the chassis PCIe interface. This requires installing a PCIe adapter card in
the host PC. As described in section “M9506A AXIe Chassis System Block
Diagrams” on page 6, the PCIe interface may be used to access both the slot
PCIe interfaces and the slot Gb interfaces. However, the chassis LAN interface
cannot access the slot PCIe interfaces.
For PCIe cable recommendations, see “Specific PCIe Adapter and Cable
Recommendations” on page 17. The PCIe adapter card may require that you
load its device driver for your Windows environment, perhaps before installing
the adapter card. Follow the adapter vendor’s installation instructions.
Alternately, use a Thunderbolt 3 cable to connect the host PC to the chassis.
Using the Thunderbolt 3 connection disables the ESM PCIe cable ports.
As shown on the M9506A System Block Diagram (Graphic) on page 8, an Intel
network interface controller (NIC) connects to the PCIe switch in the chassis.
The NIC appears to the PC as if it is installed in the PC itsel f. Therefore, an Intel
network driver must be installed on the PC in order for PCIe interface
communications through the NIC to work.
16 Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide
Step 4: Set Up the Host PC
Desktop or
Rackmount PC
Keysight M9048B
Single Port, x8, Gen 3
Keysight Y1202A
(2 meters)
ESM PCIe In Port
Laptop or
Desktop PC
Thunderbolt 3 cable ESM Thunderbolt 3 Port
Specific PCIe Adapter and Cable Recommendations
If Using an Embedded Controller: This PC (such as the Keysight M9537A)
communicates with the ESM through the backplane; external PCIe and Ethernet
connections from embedded controller to chassis are not required.
If Using a Desktop or Rackmount PC: Install a compatible PCIe Host Adapter
in the PC. Connect the adapter to the ESM PCIe port.
The default PCIe Cable Port Configuration is x16. To change the configuration
to two x8 ports, you must set a switch on the ESM. Refer to “SW56 Switch
Positions” in the M9506A User’s Guide.
If Using Thunderbolt 3 with Laptop or Desktop PC: Thunderbolt 3 provides
PCIe connectivity and
provides up to 4 GB/s data transfer at most
(PCIe Gen 3 x4) with a standard, short, <0.5 M cable or active
Thunderbolt 3 cable.
The default configuration for the ESM is to use the cable PCIe ports. To use the
Thunderbolt port, you must set a switch on the ESM. Refer to “SW56 Switch
Positions” in the M9506A User’s Guide.
Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide 17
Step 4: Set Up the Host PC
Connecting the Thunderbolt 3 port disables the PCIe ports on the M9506A ESM.
Charging devices such as laptop computers over Thunderbolt 3 is not supported
on the M9506A.
For examples of connecting multiple chassis to a host controller, refer to the
M9506A User’s Guide for more information.
18 Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide
Step 5: Install IO Libraries Suite and Connect to the Web Interface
Step 5: Install IO Libraries Suite and Connect to the Web Interface
This step describes how to install the Keysight IO Libraries Suite and verify that
the chassis can be found by Keysight Connection Expert, which is part of IO
Libraries Suite.
IMPORTANT: The installation and setup information in this manual is generic.
Some AXIe modules and systems require a different installation and setup
procedure than described in this manual. Refer to the installation
documentation supplied with your AXIe module and or system for detailed
installation information.
For example, installation of the Keysight IO Libraries is not required for all AXIe
systems.
As described in section M9506A AXIe Chassis System Block Diagrams on page 6,
you can use either the Web Interface or the SFP to monitor and control the
chassis. In this step, the Web Interface is used to verify that the host PC can
communicate to the chassis. Using the SFP to monitor and control the chassis is
described in the M9506A User’s Guide.
System Requirements
To install and run the required software (Microsoft .NET, Keysight IO Libraries,
and chassis device drivers), the host PC requires the following:
Operating System Win 7 SP1 32/64bit
Minimum RAM 4 GB
Graphics Support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128MB graphics memory recommended
Win 8.1 32/64bit
Windows 10 32/64 bit
Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide 19
Step 5: Install IO Libraries Suite and Connect to the Web Interface
Installing the Keysight IO Libraries Suite
Note that IO Libraries Suite is required to access the chassis features. We
recommend that you always use the latest version of Keysight IO Libraries.
The latest version can be downloaded from: www.keysight.com/find/iosuite.
Only one installation of the Keysight IO Libraries Suite is required on the host
PC. This installation is used by the M9506A driver software that is installed in
the next section as well as the drivers associated with each module that you
install in the chassis.
Two libraries, IVI Shared Components and VISA Shared Components, are required by
the IO Libraries Suite. If these libraries are not already installed on your
controller, the IO Libraries Suite installer will install them. If IVI Shared
Components and VISA Shared Components are already installed, the IO Libraries
Suite installer will upgrade these libraries to the latest version, if necessary,
using the same installation location used by the previous version.
20 Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide
Step 5: Install IO Libraries Suite and Connect to the Web Interface
Host PC
(High = turned on)
Chassis power
(High = powered up)
The chassis must be
powered up before the
PC is turned on to
ensure that the PC
BIOS will enumerate
the chassis slots as
the PC boots.
It is recommended that the
PC be shut down before the
chassis is powered down
because many PCs don’t have
the capability to safely
remove (eject) PCIeconnected devices. Therefore,
powering-down the chassis
first can disrupt operation of
the PC.
Chassis
STATUS LED
The STATUS LED flashes green at power-on while the chassis
performs self test. It will stay green continuously when the
ESM is ready. The ESM then powers up each module slot.
Turn on the host PC only after all installed
modules have performed their initialization.
See your module documentation for
initialization information.
module
initialization
Turning on the Chassis
In powering the chassis up or down, please follow the steps listed in “Step 3:
Power-Up and Power-Down” on page 12 and the sequences shown below.
The chassis and host PC must be powered up and down in the following
sequence. The chassis should be powered up first, which will initiate its built-in
self test. During self test, the chassis STATUS LED (in the power switch) flashes
green. The STATUS LED blinks green and then stays green continuously when the
ESM is ready. The ESM then powers up each module in the chassis. The PC
should be turned on only after all the installed modules have performed their
initialization—see your module documentation for initialization information.
Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide 21
In brief, the host PC must be off whenever the chassis is powered up or down.
Note the need to restart the host PC (after Windows starts) if the chassis
configuration has been changed in any way while the PC was turned off.
While the power sequencing shown above doesn’t apply to an embedded
controller (because an embedded controller and chassis are powered
simultaneously), an embedded controller must also be restarted (after Windows
starts) if the chassis configuration was changed in any way while the chassis and
embedded controller were turned off.
Step 5: Install IO Libraries Suite and Connect to the Web Interface
Host PC
(High = turned on)
Chassis power
(High = powered up)
To add or remove a module, shut
down the PC before powering down
the chassis.
After completing the reconfiguration, power up the chassis
before turning on the PC. The delay
described in the previous figure
should be observed prior to turning
on the PC.
In the figure below, the previous diagram is applied to the situation where the
chassis configuration has changed. Because modules are not hot-swappable,
the chassis must be powered down before modules are added or removed. As
you can see, the host PC is shut down before the chassis is powered down, and
then the PC is turned on after the chassis is powered up.
There are situations where a host controller restart may need to be performed,
including:
- When Windows detects the presence of a new module (that is a new module
was added to the chassis without powering down the PC)
- When Keysight Connection Expert fails to detect the presence of the chassis
- Whenever you detect or suspect that the host PC has an incorrect view of how
the chassis is configured
22 Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide
Step 5: Install IO Libraries Suite and Connect to the Web Interface
Using Keysight Connection Expert to Confirm Connection to the Chassis
This section describes use of Keysight Connection Expert to confirm that the host
PC can connect to the chassis. Keysight Connection Expert is installed during the
installation of Keysight IO Libraries Suite.
This section assumes Keysight IO Libraries Suite is installed. Always use the
latest version of Keysight IO Libraries Suite.
Keysight Connection Expert uses either the LAN interface or the PCIe interface
to connect to the chassis, whichever interface is cabled between the host PC
and the chassis. Both of these interfaces will appear under the LAN category in
Keysight Connection Expert. The listing of the PCIe interface under the LAN
category is due to the presence of the Intel I210 NIC as a chassis PCIe endpoint.
The section “Host PC/Chassis Interface Topics” on page 28 includes a number
of interface topics that may be of assistance in establishing a connection
between the host PC and the chassis.
1 Launch Keysight Connection Expert using one of these methods:
– From the Windows Start menu, select All Programs\Keysight IO Libraries
Suite\Keysight Connection Expert to launch the program.
– From a Command Prompt window, type:
<c>:\Program Files\Keysight\IO Libraries Suite\KeysightConnectionExpert.exe
to launch the program.
Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide 23
Step 5: Install IO Libraries Suite and Connect to the Web Interface
The Keysight Connection Expert window displays:
2 The Instruments tab shows the instrument connections on your PC.
If connected through PCIe or Thunderbolt 3, the chassis appears under the
PXI0 interface. If connected through LAN, both the chassis and ESM appear
under the LAN interface.
Launch the Chassis Web Interface from Keysight Connection Expert
This section describes how to launch and use the Chassis Web Interface. Note
that the Chassis Web Interface can be accessed over PCIe, Thunderbolt 3, or
LAN, whichever interface is connected. Note also that the chassis SFP provides
many of the same capabilities as the Web Interface. However, using the Web
Interface requires only a browser on the host PC, whereas using the SFP requires
installing the AXIe chassis software (which includes the SFP) on the host PC.
1 To launch the Chassis Web Interface, select the M9506A chassis in
Connection Expert. Then, click the Web UI button. The Web Interface will be
displayed in a new window:
If IO Libraries Suite is not installed, access to the Web interface is through your
Host PC’s browser using the default local address: 169.254.1.0
24 Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide
Step 5: Install IO Libraries Suite and Connect to the Web Interface
Chassis
Firmware
Version
If you have problems launching the Chassis Web Interface, check your browser’s
proxy settings. When Keysight Connection Expert launches a Web interface for
a chassis, it hands off the http://<address> to the browser or dedicated Web
application. Therefore, it should not use a proxy.
The home page displays information about your chassis and the connection to
the chassis.
Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide 25
Step 5: Install IO Libraries Suite and Connect to the Web Interface
The six tabs on top are the Web Interface’s menu: Below is a brief description
of what you can do on each page.
Home Page General Information about the chassis, such as product
identification, firmware version, and LAN parameters.
Module Configuration Page View basic product and model information for
instrument modules loaded in the chassis.
Fan Control Page Displays the fan operating level for module cooling.
E-Keying Page Shows the connection protocols each module has with other
modules in the chassis over the backplane (read-only). E-keying permission
occurs as modules activate during power on.
Configure LAN Page View/change IP address, domain, and subnet. Display
service discovery information and LAN status.
Health Page Shows read-only diagnostic information for chassis fan speed,
voltage rails, and temperature sensors. It also shows voltage rails and
temperature sensors on AXIe modules if they are so equipped.
Help Button The Help button ( ) provides general help for the current page.
The M9506A User’s Guide has a chapter covering the Web Interface, with
examples showing all parameters you can view or configure.
26 Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide
Step 6: Install the Chassis Driver Software
Step 6: Install the Chassis Driver Software
You can monitor and control the chassis entirely from the Web Interface. To use
the chassis SFP to monitor and control the chassis, and to develop programs to
control the chassis, you will need to install the chassis driver software (IVI or
LabVIEW) appropriate for your programming environment. To do so:
1 Open your PC’s web browser and go to www.keysight.com/find/M9506A.
2 Click on .
3 Click on the Drivers, Firmware & Software tab.
4 Click the M9506A AXIe Chassis Drivers button.
5 Ensure that you are downloading the current version of the chassis driver
software, and click Download then download the executable file.
6 Double-click on the executable file and follow the steps shown in the installer
to install the chassis driver software.
The User Guide describes how to bring up the SFP and how to get started with
programming the chassis. Two SFP drivers are included with the M9506A – a
Monitor SFP and a Trigger SFP.
There are eight drivers for the M9506A chassis with ESM.
- Two Monitor IVI drivers (IVI-C and IVI.net) for monitoring the chassis
temperature sensors, setting the fan speed, and utility functions
- Two Trigger IVI drivers (IVI-C and IVI.net) for triggering
- Two SFP drivers (Monitor SFP and Trigger SFP)
Ensure that you have the proper driver(s) installed on your host controller prior
to programming the M9506A chassis and ESM.
Step 7: Next Steps
Now that you have completed basic chassis startup, Keysight recommends you
to access and read the Keysight M9506A User’s Guide. To do so:
1 Open your PC’s web browser and go to www.keysight.com/find/M9506A.
2 Click on .
3 From the list of documents in the Document Library, select the “Keysight
M9506A 5-Slot AXIe Chassis - User Guide”.
Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide 27
Host PC/Chassis Interface Topics
This section lists a number of host PC/chassis interface topics that may be of
assistance in establishing a connection between the host PC and the chassis.
Unless otherwise noted, these topics relate to interfacing to the chassis
components themselves, such as the ESM, not to modules in the chassis slots.
The LAN connection to the ESM provides communication to the chassis only -chassis firmware updates, using the Web Interface to monitor and control the
chassis, etc. It does not provide communication with individual AXIe modules.
Use the PCIe connection to control individual AXIe modules.
1 Chassis communications over PCIe uses the TCP/IP network protocol because
the chassis PCIe endpoint is an Intel I210 NIC. Therefore, when accessed over
PCIe, the AXIe chassis appears as a LAN device in Keysight Connection
Expert. When accessed over LAN, the AXIe chassis will, as expected, also
appear as a LAN device in Keysight Connection Expert.
Host PC/Chassis Interface Topics
2 Modules installed in the chassis slots that use the PCIe interface will be
displayed by Keysight Connection Expert under the PXI0 label, not under the
LAN label.
3 For a PCIe or Thunderbolt 3 connection to the chassis, a private IP address
beginning with 169.254 will be assigned. If a direct LAN connection is made
from the host PC to the chassis, a private IP address beginning with 169.254
will likewise be assigned.
4 The LAN port is used for controlling and monitoring the chassis (i.e.,
monitoring chassis temperatures, monitoring/setting chassis fan speeds, and
setting chassis routing). It is not intended for controlling AXIe modules. The
PCIe port is provided for module data transfer and control.
28 Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide
Host PC/Chassis Interface Topics
5 If you have established a direct LAN connection to the chassis (establishing,
for example, a private IP address of 169.254.1.0) and if your browser is
configured to use a proxy server, your browser may not be able to display the
chassis Web Interface. The example figure below shows how to bring up the
LAN Settings dialog that is used to configure proxy server settings.
6 PCIe is logically an extension of the host PC backplane. If the PCIe interface is
used to connect to the chassis, the chassis Intel I210 NIC will appear to
Windows as if it is installed directly in the PC. Windows 7 provides the
necessary Intel NIC driver.
Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide 29
Host PC/Chassis Interface Topics
7 The example window below shows the Device Manager view of the PCI bus for
an M9506A chassis that contains one recognized PCIe module (the Keysight
module), one unrecognized PCIe module (“PCI Device”), plus the Intel NIC.
This window was displayed by selecting Devices by connection under the
Device Manager View drop down menu. This information can be useful in
both verifying connection to the chassis (the Intel NIC) and verifying
connection to the modules installed in the chassis.
8 If the chassis is connected only to LAN, the chassis will attempt to obtain an
IP address using DHCP.
9 If both PCIe and LAN are connected to the chassis, the LAN VISA resource
name is used to connect to the chassis.
10 Do not attach a LAN cable after communications has been established over
the PCIe cable. Doing this will disrupt PCIe communications, and will not
provide LAN communications — the chassis will become inaccessible and
rebooting of the PC will be required to restore communications.
If you need both LAN and PCIe communications, connect both cables prior to
powering-up the chassis.
30 Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide
Host PC/Chassis Interface Topics
11 If you have connected to the chassis using PCIe and/or LAN, and want to
visually confirm that you are, in fact, interfacing to the chassis that you
believe you are interfacing to, you can click the Turn on Front Panel
Identification Indicator link on the Web Interface home page as highlighted
below. This will flash the STATUS LED on the ESM power switch on the chassis
you are interfacing to.
Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide 31
Service and Support
Any adjustment, maintenance, or repair of this product must be performed by
qualified personnel. Contact your Keysight customer engineer through your local
Keysight Technologies Service Center.
Keysight on the Web
You can find information about technical and professional services, product
support, and equipment repair and service on the Web: www.keysight.com
Select your country from the drop-down menu at the top. Under Electronic Test
and Measurement, click on Services. The Web page that appears next has
contact information specific for your country.
Keysight by Phone
If you do not have access to the Internet, call one of the numbers in the table
below:
s
Keysight Call Centers and Regional Headquarters
Service and Support
United States and Canada: (800) 452 4844 (toll-free in US)
Europe: (41 22) 780 8111
Japan: Measurement Assistance Center
Latin America: 305 269 7548
Asia-Pacific: (85 22) 599 7777
Product Warranty
To find warranty information on your M9506A AXIe chassis, go to
www.keysight.com/find/warranty and enter your model number in the
Product Number field, and enter the serial number from the chassis rear panel in
the Serial No. field.
(81) 0426 56 7832
32 Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide
Service and Support
If You Should Need to Return the Chassis for Service
Should you need to return the chassis for service, follow these steps:
1 Review the warranty information for your product.
2 Contact Keysight to obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) and return
address. If you need assistance finding Keysight contact information go to
www.keysight.com/find/assist (worldwide contact information for repair and
service) or refer to the Support information on the product Web page at:
PC Tested Configurations with PXIe/AXIe Chassis - Technical Overview.
3 Write the following information on a tag and attach it to the malfunctioning
equipment.
– Name and return address of owner. A Post Office box is not acceptable as a
return address.
– Product model number (for example, M9506A)
– Product serial number (for example, TWxxxxxxxx). The serial number label
is located on the chassis back panel. The serial number can also be read
via LAN interface, but only after the software is installed.
– Completely describe the failure and service required. Provide as much
detail as possible about your chassis and host PC configuration, the nature
of the problem and the conditions under which it occurred.
4 Carefully pack the chassis in its original ESD bag and packing carton. If the
original carton is not available, use bubble wrap or packing peanuts and place
the instrument in a sealed container and mark the container “FRAGILE”.
5 On the shipping label, write ATTENTION REPAIR DEPARTMENT and the RMA
number.
If any correspondence is required, refer to the product by serial number and
model number.
Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide 33
Service and Support
34 Keysight M9506A AXIe Chassis Startup Guide
This information is subject to change
without notice.
© Keysight Technologies, 2019 - 2020
Published in USA
Edition 2, January 2020
*M9506-90001*
M9506-90001
www.keysight.com
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