National Instruments 370551A-01, NI-VISA, NI-VXI User Manual
TM
MXI
Getting Started with Your PCI-MXI-2
and the NI-VXI
for Linux
PCI-MXI-2 for Linux
TM
/NI-VISATM Software
May 2002 Edition
Part Number 370551A-01
Support
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Important Information
Warranty
The National Instruments MXIbus boards and accessories are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year
from the date of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other documentation. National Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace equipment
that proves to be defective during the warranty period. This warranty includes parts and labor.
The media on which you receive National Instruments software are warranted not to fail to execute programming instructions, due to defects
in materials and workmanship, for a period of 90 days from date of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other documentation. National
Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace software media that do not execute programming instructions if National Instruments receives
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uninterrupted or error free.
A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained from the factory and clearly marked on the outside of the package before
any equipment will be accepted for warranty work. National Instruments will pay the shipping costs of returning to the owner parts which are
covered by warranty.
National Instruments believes that the information in this document is accurate. The document has been carefully reviewed for technical
accuracy. In the event that technical or typographical errors exist, National Instruments reserves the right to make changes to subsequent
editions of this document without prior notice to holders of this edition. The reader should consult National Instruments if errors are suspected.
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Compliance
FCC/Canada Radio Frequency Interference Compliance*
Determining FCC Class
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rules to protect wireless communications from interference. The FCC
places digital electronics into two classes. These classes are known as Class A (for use in industrial-commercial locations only)
or Class B (for use in residential or commercial locations). Depending on where it is operated, this product could be subject to
restrictions in the FCC rules. (In Canada, the Department of Communications (DOC), of Industry Canada, regulates wireless
interference in much the same way.)
Digital electronics emit weak signals during normal operation that can affect radio, television, or other wireless products. By
examining the product you purchased, you can determine the FCC Class and therefore which of the two FCC/DOC Warnings
apply in the following sections. (Some products may not be labeled at all for FCC; if so, the reader should then assume these are
Class A devices.)
FCC Class A products only display a simple warning statement of one paragraph in length regarding interference and undesired
operation. Most of our products are FCC Class A. The FCC rules have restrictions regarding the locations where FCC Class A
products can be operated.
FCC Class B products display either a FCC ID code, starting with the letters EXN,
or the FCC Class B compliance mark that appears as shown here on the right.
Consult the FCC Web site at
FCC/DOC Warnings
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in strict accordance with the instructions
in this manual and the CE Mark Declaration of Conformity**, may cause interference to radio and television reception.
Classification requirements are the same for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Department
of Communications (DOC).
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by National Instruments could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment under the FCC Rules.
http://www.fcc.gov for more information.
Class A
Federal Communications Commission
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated
in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct
the interference at his own expense.
Canadian Department of Communications
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.
Class B
Federal Communications Commission
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Canadian Department of Communications
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.
Compliance to EU Directives
Readers in the European Union (EU) must refer to the Manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for information**
pertaining to the CE Mark compliance scheme. The Manufacturer includes a DoC for most every hardware product except for
those bought for OEMs, if also available from an original manufacturer that also markets in the EU, or where compliance is not
required as for electrically benign apparatus or cables.
To obtain the DoC for this product, click Declaration of Conformity at
by product family. Select the appropriate product family, followed by your product, and a link to the DoC appears in Adobe
Acrobat format. Click the Acrobat icon to download or read the DoC.
* Certain exemptions may apply in the USA, see FCC Rules §15.103 Exempted devices, and §15.105(c). Also available in
sections of CFR 47.
** The CE Mark Declaration of Conformity will contain important supplementary information and instructions for the user or
installer.
ni.com/hardref.nsf/. This Web site lists the DoCs
Contents
About This Manual
How To Use the Manual Set..........................................................................................xi
Conventions ...................................................................................................................xii
Related Documentation..................................................................................................xiii
Chapter 1
Introduction and Quick Start
How to Use This Manual...............................................................................................1-2
PCI-MXI-2 Kit Overview..............................................................................................1-3
What You Need to Get Started ......................................................................................1-3
MXI-2 Description.........................................................................................................1-3
Hardware Description ....................................................................................................1-4
Software Description .....................................................................................................1-5
Optional Software ..........................................................................................................1-6
Quick Start .....................................................................................................................1-6
Hardware Installation ......................................................................................1-7
Installing and Loading the NI-VXI/NI-VISA Software for Linux..................1-8
VME Users ......................................................................................................1-8
Device Interaction ...........................................................................................1-8
Default Settings..............................................................................................................1-9
PCI-MXI-2 ......................................................................................................1-9
VXI/VME-MXI-2............................................................................................1-12
Chapter 2
PCI-MXI-2 Configuration and Installation
Configure the PCI-MXI-2..............................................................................................2-1
Configuration EEPROM .................................................................................2-3
Install the PCI-MXI-2....................................................................................................2-3
Chapter 3
VXI-MXI-2 Configuration and Installation
Configure the VXI-MXI-2.............................................................................................3-1
Front Panel Features........................................................................................3-3
Removing the Metal Enclosure .......................................................................3-3
VXIbus Logical Address .................................................................................3-3
VXIbus Slot 0/Non-Slot 0 ...............................................................................3-5
VXIbus Local Bus ...........................................................................................3-7
© National Instruments Corporation vii PCI-MXI-2 for Linux
Contents
VXIbus CLK10 Routing ................................................................................. 3-8
Trigger Input Termination .............................................................................. 3-12
MXIbus Termination....................................................................................... 3-13
Configuration EEPROM................................................................................. 3-14
Onboard DRAM.............................................................................................. 3-17
Install the VXI-MXI-2................................................................................................... 3-18
Connect the MXIbus Cable ........................................................................................... 3-19
Chapter 4
VME-MXI-2 Configuration and Installation
Configure the VME-MXI-2........................................................................................... 4-1
Front Panel Features........................................................................................ 4-3
VMEbus A16 Base Address ........................................................................... 4-3
VME-MXI-2 Intermodule Signaling .............................................................. 4-4
MXIbus Termination....................................................................................... 4-5
Configuration EEPROM................................................................................. 4-6
Onboard DRAM.............................................................................................. 4-8
Install the VME-MXI-2................................................................................................. 4-10
Connect the MXIbus Cable ........................................................................................... 4-11
Chapter 5
NI-VXI/NI-VISA Software Installation
Installing the NI-VXI/NI-VISA Software for Linux..................................................... 5-1
Removing the NI-VXI Driver for Linux ....................................................................... 5-2
Using the NI-VXI/NI-VISA Software........................................................................... 5-2
Completing the Software Installation............................................................................ 5-3
Chapter 6
NI-VXI Configuration Utility
Running the VXIedit Configuration Utility .................................................................. 6-1
PCI-MXI-2 Configuration Editor.................................................................................. 6-3
Update Current Configuration ........................................................................ 6-4
Record Configuration to File .......................................................................... 6-4
Load Configuration from File......................................................................... 6-4
Revert to Current Configuration ..................................................................... 6-4
Logical Address Configuration Editor............................................................ 6-4
Device Settings ................................................................................. 6-5
Logical Address.................................................................. 6-5
Device Type ....................................................................... 6-6
Address Space .................................................................... 6-6
PCI-MXI-2 for Linux viii ni.com
Contents
VXI/VME Shared Memory...............................................................6-6
VXI/VME Shared RAM Size .............................................6-7
Shared RAM Pool...............................................................6-7
Advanced Shared RAM Settings........................................6-8
Resource Manager Delay..................................................................6-10
Resource Manager Delay....................................................6-10
Default Controller (LA –1) ...............................................................6-11
System IRQ Level.............................................................................6-12
Servant Area Size..............................................................................6-12
Number of Handlers..........................................................................6-12
Number of Interrupters......................................................................6-13
Protocol Register...............................................................................6-13
Read Protocol Response....................................................................6-13
Bus Configuration Editor ................................................................................6-14
MXI Bus............................................................................................6-14
MXI System Controller ......................................................6-14
MXI Bus Timeout...............................................................6-15
MXI CLK10 .......................................................................6-15
MXI Transfer Limit............................................................6-16
Synchronous MXI...............................................................6-16
MXI-2 Auto Retry ..............................................................6-16
A24/A32 Write Posting ......................................................6-17
PCI Bus .............................................................................................6-17
User Window and Driver Window.....................................6-17
Expansion ROM .................................................................6-18
VXI/VME-MXI-2 Configuration Editor .......................................................................6-19
LA Selection and Logical Address..................................................................6-20
Address Space and Requested Memory ..........................................................6-20
A16 and A24/A32 Write Posting ....................................................................6-21
Interlocked Mode.............................................................................................6-22
VXI/VME Bus Options ...................................................................................6-23
VMEbus System Controller ..............................................................6-23
VXI/VME Bus Timeout Value .........................................................6-24
Advanced VXI Settings ....................................................................6-24
VXI/VME Auto Retry ........................................................6-25
Transfer Limit.....................................................................6-25
Arbiter Type .......................................................................6-26
Request Level .....................................................................6-26
VXI/VME Fair Requester...................................................6-26
Arbiter Timeout ..................................................................6-27
MXI Bus Options ............................................................................................6-27
MXI Bus System Controller .............................................................6-27
MXI Bus Timeout Value...................................................................6-27
© National Instruments Corporation ix PCI-MXI-2 for Linux
Contents
Advanced MXI Settings ................................................................... 6-28
MXI Auto Retry ................................................................. 6-28
Transfer Limit .................................................................... 6-29
Parity Checking.................................................................. 6-29
MXI Fair Requester............................................................ 6-29
MXI CLK10 Signal............................................................ 6-29
Chapter 7
Using the NI-VXI/NI-VISA Software
Interactive Control of NI-VXI/NI-VISA....................................................................... 7-2
Example Programs......................................................................................................... 7-2
Programming Considerations........................................................................................ 7-2
Multiple Applications Using the NI-VXI and VISA Libraries....................... 7-2
Low-Level Access Functions.......................................................................... 7-3
Local Resource Access Functions................................................................... 7-3
System Configuration Functions..................................................................... 7-4
Compiling Your C Program for NI-VXI/NI-VISA ....................................................... 7-4
Symbols........................................................................................................... 7-4
Appendix A
Specifications
Appendix B
NI-VXI/NI-VISA Software Overview
Appendix C
EEPROM Configuration
Appendix D
Common Questions
Appendix E
Technical Support and Professional Services
Glossary
Index
PCI-MXI-2 for Linux x ni.com
About This Manual
This manual contains instructions for installing and configuring the
National Instruments PCI-MXI-2 kits for Linux. The VXI MXI-2 kit
includes a VXI-MXI-2 module that plugs into a VXI mainframe and links
your PCI-based computer to the VXIbus. The VME MXI-2 kit includes a
VME-MXI-2 that plugs into a VME chassis and links your PCI-based
computer to the VMEbus. Both kits include the PCI-MXI-2 interface
board, which links your computer to the MXIbus, and the NI-VXI bus
interface software. The VXI MXI-2 and VME MXI-2 kits are fully
VXIplug&play compliant.
This manual uses the term PCI-MXI-2 kit when information applies to
either kit and the term VXI/VME-MXI-2 when information applies to either
the VXI-MXI-2 or the VME-MXI-2.
How To Use the Manual Set
Getting Started
Manual
Online
NI-VXI
User Manual
NI-VXI
Reference
© National Instruments Corporation xi PCI-MXI-2 for Linux
NI-VXI and NI-VISA
Installation and
Configuration
Use Online
Utilities:
Function Help,
victext
Online
NI-VISA
User Manual
NI-VISA
Reference
About This Manual
Begin by reading this getting started manual to guide you through the
installation and configuration of the hardware and software. You should
install and configure the components of the PCI-MXI-2 kit in the order in
which this manual describes them. Be sure to review the Quick Start and
Default Settings sections in Chapter 1, Introduction and Quick Start. The
material in those sections may be all you need to get up and running with
your PCI-MXI-2 kit.
When you have successfully set up your system, you can begin to develop
applications in NI-VXI and/or NI-VISA. The NI-VXI User Manual
presents the concepts of VXI and prepares you for detailed explanations
of the NI-VXI functions. Study the descriptions of each function given in
the online help utility to fully understand the purpose and syntax of each
function. This manual is available in the
NIVXI refers to the actual location where you have installed the NI-VXI
software). Use the Acrobat Reader program, Version 3 or later, to open
this file.
We recommend the VISA API for new applications. Refer to the
NI-VISA User Manual to learn about VISA and how to use it in your
system. The NI-VISA online help describes the attributes, events, and
operations you can use in NI-VISA. The user manual is available in the
VXIpnp/linux/NIvisa/manuals directory (where VXIpnp refers to the
actual location where you have installed the NI-VISA software). Use the
Acrobat Reader program, Version 3 or later, to open this file.
NIVXI/manuals directory (where
Conventions
The following conventions are used in this manual:
♦ The ♦ symbol indicates that the following text applies only to a specific
product, a specific operating system, or a specific software version.
This icon denotes a note, which alerts you to important information.
This icon denotes a caution, which advises you of precautions to take to
avoid injury, data loss, or a system crash.
bold Bold text denotes items that you must select or click on in the software,
such as menu items and dialog box options. Bold text also denotes
parameter names.
PCI-MXI-2 for Linux xii ni.com
About This Manual
italic Italic text denotes variables, emphasis, a cross reference, an introduction to
a key concept, or text as it appears on a hardware label. This font also
denotes text that is a placeholder for a word or value that you must supply.
monospace Text in this font denotes text or characters that you should enter from the
keyboard, sections of code, programming examples, and syntax examples.
This font is also used for the proper names of disk drives, paths, directories,
programs, subprograms, subroutines, device names, functions, operations,
variables, filenames and extensions, and code excerpts.
monospace bold Bold text in this font denotes the messages and responses that the computer
automatically prints to the screen. This font also emphasizes lines of code
that are different from the other examples.
monospace italic Italic text in this font denotes text that is a placeholder for a word or value
that you must supply. Usually this is a variable in a directory path; for
example,
NI-VXI software.
NIVXI refers to the actual location where you have installed the
Related Documentation
The following documents contain information that you may find helpful as
you read this manual:
• ANSI/IEEE Standard 1014-1987, IEEE Standard for a Versatile
Backplane Bus: VMEbus
• ANSI/IEEE Standard 1155-1993, IEEE VMEbus Extensions for
Instrumentation: VXIbus
• ANSI/VITA 1-1994, VME64
• Multisystem Extension Interface Bus Specification, Version 2.0,
National Instruments Corporation
• PCI Local Bus Specification, Revision 2.0, PCI Special Interest Group
• VXI-MXI-2 User Manual, National Instruments Corporation
• VME-MXI-2 User Manual, National Instruments Corporation
• VXI-6, VXIbus Mainframe Extender Specification, Rev. 2.0, VXIbus
Consortium
© National Instruments Corporation xiii PCI-MXI-2 for Linux
Introduction and Quick Start
This chapter describes the PCI-MXI-2 kits, lists what you need to get
started, introduces the concepts of MXI-2, and includes a brief description
of the hardware and software.
This chapter also contains a Quick Start section, which has the basic
information you need to install the PCI-MXI-2 kit with a simple
configuration, and a Default Settings section, which lists the hardware and
software default settings for easy reference. You may find that these
sections contain as much information as you need to get started with your
PCI-MXI-2 kit.
This manual uses the term PCI-MXI-2 kit when information applies to
either the VXI MXI-2 kit, which contains a VXI-MXI-2 module, or the
VME MXI-2 kit, which contains a VME-MXI-2 module. Similarly, the
term VXI/VME-MXI-2 means that information applies to either the
VXI-MXI-2 or the VME-MXI-2.
The following flowchart shows where to turn in this manual for more
information about configuring and using the hardware and software.
1
© National Instruments Corporation 1-1 PCI-MXI-2 for Linux
Chapter 1 Introduction and Quick Start
How to Use This Manual
Chapter 3
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Configure and Install the
VXI-MXI-2
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Configure and Install the
VXI VME
Install the NI-VXI/VISA Software
Configuration Utility (vxitedit)
Gather What You Need
to Get Started
PCI-MXI-2
Using VXI or
VME?
Chapter 4
Run the Software
Configure and Install the
VME-MXI-2
Chapter 7
Software and
Utilities Reference
PCI-MXI-2 for Linux 1-2 ni.com
Review Programming
Considerations
Write Application Program
PCI-MXI-2 Kit Overview
The PCI-MXI-2 kits link any computer with a PCI bus (hereafter referred
to as a PCI-based computer) directly to the VXIbus or VMEbus using the
high-speed Multisystem eXtension Interface bus (MXI-2).
A PCI-based computer equipped with a VXI MXI-2 kit can function as a
VXI Commander and Resource Manager. A PCI-based computer equipped
with a VME MXI-2 kit can function as a VMEbus master and/or slave
device. The PCI-MXI-2 kit makes your PCI-based computer behave as if it
were plugged directly into the VXI/VME backplane as an embedded CPU
VXI/VME module.
The software included with the kits is for Intel x86-based computers.
What You Need to Get Started
❑ A PCI-based computer running Linux kernel 2.2.x or 2.4.x
❑ VXIbus or VMEbus mainframe
Chapter 1 Introduction and Quick Start
❑ PCI-MXI-2 interface board
❑ VXI-MXI-2 or VME-MXI-2 interface module
❑ MXI-2 cable
❑ NI-VXI/NI-VISA software media for the PCI-MXI-2
MXI-2 Description
MXI-2 is the second generation of the National Instruments MXIbus
product line. The MXIbus is a general-purpose, 32-bit, multimaster system
bus on a cable. MXI-2 expands the number of signals on a standard MXI
cable by including VXI triggers, all VXI interrupts, CLK10, and all of the
utility bus signals (SYSFAIL*, SYSRESET*, and ACFAIL*).
Because MXI-2 incorporates all of these new signals into a single
connector, the triggers, interrupts, and utility signals can be extended not
only to other mainframes but also to the local CPU in all MXI-2 products
using a single cable. Thus, MXI-2 lets CPU interface boards such as the
PCI-MXI-2 perform as if they were plugged directly into the
VXI/VME backplane.
© National Instruments Corporation 1-3 PCI-MXI-2 for Linux
Chapter 1 Introduction and Quick Start
In addition, MXI-2 boosts data throughput performance past
previous-generation MXIbus products by defining new high-performance
protocols. MXI-2 is a superset of MXI. All accesses initiated by MXI
devices will work with MXI-2 devices. However, MXI-2 defines
synchronous MXI block data transfers which surpass previous block data
throughput benchmarks. The new synchronous MXI block protocol
increases MXI-2 throughput to a maximum of 33 MB/s between two
MXI-2 devices. All National Instruments MXI-2 boards can initiate and
respond to synchronous MXI block cycles.
Note In the remainder of this manual, the term MXIbus refers to MXI-2.
Hardware Description
The PCI-MXI-2 is a half-size, PCI-compatible plug-in circuit board that
plugs into one of the expansion slots in your PCI-based computer. It links
your PCI-based computer directly to the MXIbus and vice versa. Because
the PCI-MXI-2 uses the same communication register set that other
VXIbus message-based devices use, other MXIbus devices view the
PCI-MXI-2 as a VXIbus device. The PCI-MXI-2 can also function as the
MXIbus System Controller and can terminate the MXIbus signals directly
on the PCI-MXI-2. In addition, you can have onboard DRAM on the
PCI-MXI-2 that can be shared with the MXIbus and VXI/VMEbus and
used as a dedicated data buffer.
The VXI-MXI-2 module is an extended-class, register-based VXIbus
device with optional VXIbus Slot 0 capability so that it can reside in any
slot in a C-size or D-size chassis.
Note D-size VXI mainframes have connections for a P3 connector. The VXI-MXI-2,
however, does not have this connector and, if configured as a Slot 0 controller, cannot
provide the necessary control for VXI devices that need P3 support.
The VXI-MXI-2 uses address mapping to convert MXIbus cycles into
VXIbus cycles and vice versa. By connecting to the PCI-MXI-2 board,
the VXI-MXI-2 links the PCI bus to the VXIbus. The VXI-MXI-2 can
automatically determine if it is located in VXI Slot 0 and/or if it is the
MXIbus System Controller.
The VME-MXI-2 module is a single-slot, double-height VMEbus device
with optional VMEbus System Controller functions. It uses address
mapping to convert MXIbus cycles into VMEbus cycles and vice versa, just
like the VXI-MXI-2. By connecting to the PCI-MXI-2 board, it links the
PCI-MXI-2 for Linux 1-4 ni.com
Chapter 1 Introduction and Quick Start
PCI bus to the VMEbus. The VME-MXI-2 can automatically determine if
it is located in the first slot of a VMEbus chassis and if it is the MXIbus
System Controller.
Also, the VXI-MXI-2 and VME-MXI-2 automatically terminate the
MXIbus if installed as the first or last device in the MXIbus. If installed
in the middle of the MXIbus, both the VXI-MXI-2 and VME-MXI-2
automatically disable MXIbus termination. In addition, you can have up to
64 MB of onboard DRAM on the VXI-MXI-2 and VME-MXI-2 modules
that can either be shared with the VXI/VMEbus and MXIbus or used as a
dedicated data buffer.
The PCI-MXI-2, VXI-MXI-2, and VME-MXI-2 products achieve
high-performance block transfer rates by integrating the MITE custom
ASIC, a sophisticated dual-channel DMA controller with standard
interfaces for VXI, VME, MXI, and PCI. By using MITE DMA to transfer
data and commands to and from devices, the MITE frees up a computer’s
microprocessor to perform other tasks such as data analysis and
presentation. In addition to DMA, the MITE incorporates both the new
Synchronous MXI protocol and VME64 MBLT (8-byte block transfers in
which both the address bus and data bus are used to transfer data) directly
into the ASIC to perform the fastest transfer operation to instruments.
Software Description
The NI-VXI/NI-VISA bus interface software for the PCI-MXI-2 and Linux
includes a Resource Manager, graphical and text-based interactive VXI
resource editor programs, a comprehensive library of software routines for
VXI/VME programming, and graphical and text-based interactive control
programs for interacting with VXI/VME or VISA. You can use this
software to seamlessly program multiple-mainframe configurations and
have software compatibility across a variety of VXI/VME controller
platforms.
NI-VISA has a comprehensive library of software routines not only for
VXI/VME programming, but also for GPIB, GPIB-VXI, and serial. You
can use this software to program instruments connected via different types
of interfaces.
© National Instruments Corporation 1-5 PCI-MXI-2 for Linux
Chapter 1 Introduction and Quick Start
Optional Software
Your PCI-MXI-2 kit includes the NI-VXI/NI-VISA bus interface software.
In addition, you can use National Instruments LabVIEW to ease your
programming task. This standardized program matches the modular virtual
instrument capability of VXI and can reduce your VXI/VMEbus software
development time.
LabVIEW is a complete programming environment that departs from the
sequential nature of traditional programming languages and features a
graphical programming environment.
Quick Start
You can use this section as a guide to quickly configure and operate your
VXI or VME system using the PCI-MXI-2 and the VXI-MXI-2 or
VME-MXI-2.
This section assumes that you intend to perform a basic configuration as
follows:
• You have one PCI-MXI-2 interface module, which you will install
in your PCI-based computer as the Resource Manager (logical
address 0).
• You have either one C-size VXI-MXI-2 or one 6U, B-size
VME-MXI-2, which you will install in a VXI or VME chassis,
respectively, and connect to the PCI-MXI-2.
• You will be using the NI-VXI/NI-VISA software for initialization,
configuration, and device interaction.
• You will use the default hardware and software settings:
– The PCI-MXI-2 is the main controller, the VXI/VME Resource
– Your system contains only one VXI or VME chassis.
– There is no shared memory used on the PCI-based computer,
Manager, and a message-based device.
the PCI-MXI-2, or the VXI/VME-MXI-2.
Refer to the Default Settings section for a complete listing of the hardware
and software default settings. If you need more information or if you want
to try a different configuration, refer to the appropriate hardware or
software chapters in this manual, which describe the installation and
configuration steps in greater detail.
PCI-MXI-2 for Linux 1-6 ni.com
Hardware Installation
To guard against electrostatic discharge, touch the antistatic plastic
package to a metal part of your computer before removing the PCI-MXI-2
from the package. Install the PCI-MXI-2 in an available PCI slot in your
PCI-based computer.
By default, the PCI-MXI-2 automatically detects whether it should be the
system controller on the MXIbus. Verify that the correct cable end labeled
Connect This End To Device Closest To MXIbus Controller In This Daisy
Chain is attached securely to the PCI-MXI-2. You must connect the cable
this way so that the PCI-MXI-2 can correctly detect whether it should be
the system controller on the MXIbus. For more information, refer to
Chapter 2, PCI-MXI-2 Configuration and Installation.
You received either a VXI-MXI-2 or a VME-MXI-2 in your PCI-MXI-2
kit. To guard against electrostatic discharge, touch the antistatic plastic
package to a metal part of your computer before removing the VXI-MXI-2
or VME-MXI-2 from the package. Install the VXI-MXI-2 in the first slot
of a VXI chassis, or install the VME-MXI-2 in the first slot of a VME
chassis.
The VXI/VME-MXI-2 default configuration automatically detects whether
it should be the VXI/VMEbus system controller. The VXI/VMEbus system
controllers operate certain VXI/VMEbus lines as required for VXI/VME
systems. Verify that any other VXI/VME devices with system controller
capability that are located in the same chassis are not configured as system
controller. Having more than one device configured as system controller
will damage the VXI/VME system.
Chapter 1 Introduction and Quick Start
For VXI systems that include VME devices, ensure that the VME devices
are not configured in the upper 16 KB (starting from 0xC000) of the
A16 address space. This region is reserved for VXI device configuration
registers, which are used for initializing, configuring, and interacting with
VXI devices. The PCI-MXI-2 and VME-MXI-2 also use this region for this
purpose.
Also ensure that no VXI devices in your system are configured for either
logical addresses 0 or 1. These are the default configurations for the
PCI-MXI-2 and the VXI-MXI-2, respectively.
For more information about the VXI-MXI-2 or VME-MXI-2 hardware,
refer to either Chapter 3, VXI-MXI-2 Configuration and Installation, or
Chapter 4, VME-MXI-2 Configuration and Installation.
© National Instruments Corporation 1-7 PCI-MXI-2 for Linux
Chapter 1 Introduction and Quick Start
Installing and Loading the NI-VXI/NI-VISA Software for Linux
For information on installing, uninstalling, or using the NI-VXI/NI-VISA
software, refer to Chapter 5, NI-VXI/NI-VISA Software Installation.
VME Users
When used with a VXI-MXI-2, Resman identifies and configures the
VXI devices, including the VXI-MXI-2. When used with a VME-MXI-2,
Resman configures the VME-MXI-2 to allow the PCI-MXI-2 to access
devices in the VME chassis. Resman does not configure VME devices. The
VME specification does not specify the initialization and configuration
procedures that the VXI specification requires.
It is recommended that you enter the information about your VME devices
into the
device-specific VME address spaces and VME interrupt lines. For more
information on configuring non-VXI devices in your VXI system, refer to
Chapter 3, VXI Text Resource Editor, of the NI-VXI Text Utilities Reference
Manual. For more details about installing the NI-VXI software, refer to
Chapter 5, NI-VXI/NI-VISA Software Installation, in this manual.
vxitedit utility. Resman can then properly configure the various
Device Interaction
After Resman has detected and configured all VXI/VME devices, you can
view specific information on each device in your system by using the
vxiedit utility or its text-mode counterpart, vxitedit. These utilities
include a Resource Manager Display, which contains a description for each
device, including each VXI device’s logical address.
You can interact with your VXI/VME devices by using the
victext utilities for NI-VXI. These utilities let you interactively control
your VXI/VME devices without using a conventional programming
language, LabVIEW, or LabWindows/CVI.
Try the following in
1. Click the Bus Access tab at the top of the window and select InReg as
the Operation along the left side of the window.
2. Select the VXI-MXI-2 or VME-MXI-2 as the Device Name under
Input Parameters and the Id/Logical Address register under Input
Parameters.
3. Click Go!. If the CMPL light along the right side of the window is
green, and the output value ends in an FF6, you have successfully read
the manufacturer ID for National Instruments.
vic:
vic and
PCI-MXI-2 for Linux 1-8 ni.com
The same functionality is available in victext with the vxiinreg
command. You can use
description.
You may now want to read the configuration registers from other VXI
devices in your system using the same procedure. The
accesses only the upper 16 KB of A16 space. Try reading the registers from
one of the devices listed in the Resource Manager Display of
In this way, you can verify that your PCI-MXI-2 can access each device in
your VXI system successfully.
You can also access VXI and VME defines that are configured in A16, A24,
and A32 address spaces by using the
vxiin or vxiout commands in victext.
Default Settings
This section summarizes the hardware and software default settings for the
PCI-MXI-2 kit. If you need more information about a particular setting, or
if you want to try a different configuration, please refer to the appropriate
hardware or software chapters in this manual. The manual flowchart at the
beginning of this chapter directs you to where to find the information you
need.
Chapter 1 Introduction and Quick Start
help vxiinreg for the command’s parameter
InReg operation
vxiedit.
In and Out operations in vic or the
PCI-MXI-2
This section summarizes the hardware and software default settings for the
PCI-MXI-2.
Table 1-1. PCI-MXI-2 Hardware Default Settings
Hardware Component Default Setting
U17 Switch 1 (FOV) OFF: PCI-MXI-2 boots off the
user-configured half of the EEPROM.
U17 Switch 2 (TST) OFF: Factory configuration of the
EEPROM is protected.
U17 Switch 3 (POS) OFF: Do not alter this setting.
U17 Switch 4 (CT) ON: Do not alter this setting.
DRAM SIMM Installed Per customer order
© National Instruments Corporation 1-9 PCI-MXI-2 for Linux
Chapter 1 Introduction and Quick Start
Table 1-2. PCI-MXI-2 Logical Address Configuration Editor Default Settings
Logical Address 0
Device Type MBD
Address Space A16
VXI Shared RAM Size 0 KB
Shared RAM Pool 0 KB
Lower Half Window Byte Swapping Disabled (non-swapped)
Lower Half Window Memory Select System Memory
Upper Half Window Byte Swapping Disabled (non-swapped)
Upper Half Window Memory Select System Memory
Resource Manager Delay 5 s
Map Upper/Lower Halves to Same Address Disabled
Editor Field Default Setting
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Chapter 1 Introduction and Quick Start
Table 1-3. PCI-MXI-2 Device Configuration Editor Default Settings
Editor Field Default Setting
Default Controller (LA-1) First Remote Controller
System IRQ Level 1
Servant Area Size 0
Number of Handlers 1
Number of Interrupters 0
Protocol Register 0xFF0
Read Protocol Response 0x8448
Table 1-4. PCI-MXI-2 Bus Configuration Editor Default Settings
Editor Field Default Setting
MXI System Controller Auto
MXI Bus Timeout Value 1 ms
MXI CLK10 Receive
MXI Transfer Limit Unlimited
VXImove uses Synchronous MXI Enabled
MXI-2 Auto Retry Enabled
A24/A32 Write Posting Disabled
User Window Size 64 KB
Driver Window Size 32 KB
Expansion ROM Enabled
© National Instruments Corporation 1-11 PCI-MXI-2 for Linux
Chapter 1 Introduction and Quick Start
VXI/VME-MXI-2
This section summarizes the hardware and software default settings for the
VXI-MXI-2 and VME-MXI-2.
Logical Address (U43) 1
VXIbus Slot 0/Non-Slot 0 (W2) Automatic detection
VXIbus Local Bus (S8, S9) Both OFF: Single VXI-MXI-2
VXIbus CLK10 Routing (W3) From onboard oscillator
External Trigger Termination (S2) OFF: Unterminated
SMB CLK10 Direction (S3) OUT: Drive CLK10 signal
SMB CLK10 Termination (S4) Ignored; effective only when S3
Table 1-5. VXI-MXI-2 Hardware Default Settings
Hardware Component Default Setting
is set to IN.
Polarity of External SMB CLK10
Inverted
(S5)
MXIbus CLK10 Signal (S7) Receive CLK10 from MXIbus
MXIbus Termination
(U35 switches 1 and 2)
Automatic MXIbus termination:
switch 2 set to YES; switch 1
ignored.
Configuration EEPROM
(U35 switches 3 and 4)
User-modifiable; factory settings
protected: both switches set to
NO.
DRAM SIMMs Installed Per customer order
SIMM Size Configuration (S6) OFF if SIMMS are 4 M × 32
or larger; ON if smaller than
4M× 32.
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Chapter 1 Introduction and Quick Start
Table 1-6. VME-MXI-2 Hardware Default Settings
Hardware Component Default Setting
A16 Base Address (U20) Hex C040
VME-MXI-2 Intermodule
No user-defined pin selected
Signaling (W2)
MXIbus Termination
(U21 switches 3 and 4)
Configuration EEPROM
(U21 switches 1 and 2)
Automatic MXIbus termination:
switch 3 OFF; switch 4 ignored.
User-modifiable; factory settings
protected: both switches OFF.
DRAM SIMMs Installed Per customer order
SIMM Size Configuration (S2) OFF if SIMMS are 4 M × 32 or
larger; ON if smaller than 4 M × 32.
Table 1-7. VXI/VME-MXI-2 Configuration Editor Default Settings
Editor Field Default Setting
Logical Address 1 (set by hardware switch)
LA Selection Set by hardware switch
Address Space A24*
Requested Memory 16 KB*
A16 Write Posting Disabled
A24/A32 Write Posting Disabled
Interlocked Mode Disabled
VXI/VME System Controller Auto
VXI/VME Bus Timeout Value 125 µ s
VXI/VME Auto Retry Disabled
VXI/VME Transfer Limit 256
VXI/VME Arbiter Type Priority
VXI/VME Request Level 3
VXI/VME Fair Request Enabled
© National Instruments Corporation 1-13 PCI-MXI-2 for Linux
Chapter 1 Introduction and Quick Start
Table 1-7. VXI/VME-MXI-2 Configuration Editor Default Settings (Continued)
VXI/VME Arbiter Timeout Enabled
MXI System Controller Auto
MXI Bus Timeout Value 1 ms
MXI Auto Retry Disabled
MXI Transfer Limit Unlimited
MXI Parity Checking Enabled
MXI Fair Requester Disabled
MXI CLK10 Set by hardware
*Assumes no DRAM is installed. If DRAM is installed, the Address Space would be A32,
and Requested Memory would match the amount of DRAM.
Editor Field Default Setting
switch (VXI-MXI-2 only)
PCI-MXI-2 for Linux 1-14 ni.com
PCI-MXI-2 Configuration
and Installation
This chapter contains the instructions to configure and install the
PCI-MXI-2 module.
Caution Electrostatic discharge can damage several components on your PCI-MXI-2
module. To avoid such damage in handling the module, touch the antistatic plastic package
to a metal part of your computer chassis before removing the PCI-MXI-2 from the
package.
Configure the PCI-MXI-2
This section describes how to configure the configuration EEPROM on the
PCI-MXI-2.
Figure 2-1 shows the PCI-MXI-2. The drawing shows the location and
factory-default settings on the module. Your PCI-MXI-2 may look slightly
different.
2
© National Instruments Corporation 2-1 PCI-MXI-2 for Linux
Chapter 2 PCI-MXI-2 Configuration and Installation
2
1
1U17 2DRAM
Figure 2-1. PCI-MXI-2 Parts Locator Diagram
PCI-MXI-2 for Linux 2-2 ni.com
Configuration EEPROM
The PCI-MXI-2 has an onboard EEPROM, which stores default register
values that are loaded at power-on. The EEPROM is divided into two
halves—a factory-configuration half, and a user-configuration half—so
you can modify the user-configurable half, while the factory-configured
half stores a back-up of the default user settings. The factory configuration
is a minimal configuration that allows you to boot your PCI-MXI-2
regardless of the changes made to the user configuration.
For information on configuring the onboard EEPROM, refer to
Appendix C, EEPROM Configuration.
Install the PCI-MXI-2
This section contains general installation instructions for the PCI-MXI-2.
Consult your computer user manual or technical reference manual for
specific instructions and warnings.
1. Plug in your PCI-based computer before installing the PCI-MXI-2.
The power cord grounds the computer and protects it from electrical
damage while you are installing the module.
Chapter 2 PCI-MXI-2 Configuration and Installation
Caution To protect both yourself and the computer from electrical hazards, the computer
should remain off until you are finished installing the PCI-MXI-2 module.
2. Remove the top cover or access port to the PCI bus.
3. Select any available PCI expansion slot.
4. Touch the metal part of the power supply case inside the computer to
discharge any static electricity that might be on your clothes or body.
5. Line up the PCI-MXI-2 with the MXI-2 connector near the cut-out on
the back panel. Slowly push down on the top of the PCI-MXI-2 until
its card-edge connector is resting on the expansion slot receptacle.
Using slow, evenly distributed pressure, press the PCI-MXI-2 straight
down until it seats in the expansion slot.
6. Check the installation. Ensure that the PCI-MXI-2 is secure in its slot.
7. Replace the computer cover.
© National Instruments Corporation 2-3 PCI-MXI-2 for Linux
Chapter 2 PCI-MXI-2 Configuration and Installation
Figure 2-2 shows how to install the PCI-MXI-2.
3
2
1
5
4
1 PCI Bus Slot
2 Cutouts
3 PCI Bus Card-Edge Connector
Figure 2-2. PCI-MXI-2 Installed in a Computer
4 MXI-2 Connector
5 PCI-MXI-2 Board
PCI-MXI-2 for Linux 2-4 ni.com
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