National Instruments 8330 User Manual

™

PXI

PXI-PCI 8330 Series
User Manual

MXI-3 Multi-System Extension Interface for PCI,
CompactPCI, and PXI Bus Computers

PXI-PCI 8330 Series User Manual

July 2000 Edition

Part Number 370251A-01

Support

Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information

www.ni.com

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For further support information, see the Technical Support Resources appendix. To comment on the
documentation, send e-mail to [e-mail]

© Copyright 1999, 2000 National Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved.

Important Information

Warranty

The PXI-PCI 8330 Series hardware is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the
date of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other documentation. National Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace
equipment that proves to be defective during the warranty period. This warranty includes parts and labor.

The media on which you receive National Instruments software are warranted not to fail to execute 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 notice of such defects during the warranty period. National Instruments does not
warrant that the operation of the software shall be 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. In no event shall National Instruments be liable for any damages arising out of
or related to this document or the information contained in it.

E

XCEPT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN,NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS MAKES NO WAR RANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY

WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE

NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF

INSTRUMENTS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING F ROM LOSS OF DATA, PROFITS, USE OF PRODUCTS, OR INCIDENTAL OR

CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES

apply regardless of the form of action, whether in contract or tort, including negligence. Any action against National Instruments
must be brought within one year after the cause of action accrues. National Instruments shall not be liable for any delay in
performance due to causes beyond its reasonable control. The warranty provided herein does not cover damages, defects,
malfunctions, or service failures caused by owner’s failure to follow the National Instruments installation, operation, or
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surges, fire, flood, accident, actions of third parties, or other events outside reasonable control.

NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT THERETOFORE PAID BY THE CUSTOMER.NATIONAL

, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF. This limitation of the liability of National Instruments will

.CUSTOMER’S RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES CAUSED BY FAULT OR

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consent of National Instruments Corporation.

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MITE™, National Instruments™,ni.com™,andPXI™are trademarks of National Instruments Corporation.

Product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.

WARNING REGARDING USE OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS

(1) NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE NOT DESIGNED WITH COMPONENTS AND TESTING FOR A LEVEL
OF RELIABILITY SUITABLE FOR USE IN OR IN CONNECTION WITH SURGICAL IMPLANTS OR AS CRITICAL
COMPONENTS IN ANY LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS WHOSE FAILURE TO PERFORM CAN REASONABLY BE
EXPECTED TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT INJURY TO A HUMAN.

(2) IN ANY APPLICATION, INCLUDING THE ABOVE,RELIABILITY OF OPERATION OF THESOFTWARE PRODUCTS
CAN BE IMPAIRED BY ADVERSE FACTORS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO FLUCTUATIONS IN ELECTRICAL
POWER SUPPLY, COMPUTER HARDWARE MALFUNCTIONS, COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE
FITNESS, FITNESS OF COMPILERS AND DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE USED TO DEVELOP AN APPLICATION,
INSTALLATION ERRORS, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS, MALFUNCTIONS OR
FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC MONITORING OR CONTROL DEVICES, TRANSIENT FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC
SYSTEMS (HARDWARE AND/OR SOFTWARE), UNANTICIPATED USES OR MISUSES, OR ERRORS ON THE PART OF
THE USER OR APPLICATIONS DESIGNER (ADVERSE FACTORS SUCH AS THESE ARE HEREAFTER
COLLECTIVELY TERMED “SYSTEM FAILURES”). ANY APPLICATION WHERE A SYSTEM FAILURE WOULD
CREATE A RISK OF HARM TO PROPERTY OR PERSONS (INCLUDING THE RISK OF BODILY INJURY AND DEATH)
SHOULD NOT BE RELIANT SOLELY UPON ONE FORM OF ELECTRONIC SYSTEM DUE TO THE RISK OF SYSTEM
FAILURE. TO AVOID DAMAGE, INJURY, OR DEATH, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER MUST TAKE
REASONABLY PRUDENT STEPS TO PROTECT AGAINST SYSTEM FAILURES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
BACK-UP OR SHUT DOWN MECHANISMS. BECAUSE EACH END-USER SYSTEM IS CUSTOMIZED AND DIFFERS
FROM NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS' TESTING PLATFORMS AND BECAUSE A USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER
MAY USE NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER PRODUCTS IN A MANNER NOT
EVALUATED OR CONTEMPLATED BY NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER IS
ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR VERIFYING AND VALIDATING THE SUITABILITY OF NATIONAL
INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS WHENEVER NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE INCORPORATED IN A
SYSTEM OR APPLICATION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE APPROPRIATE DESIGN, PROCESS AND
SAFETY LEVEL OF SUCH SYSTEM OR APPLICATION.

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 industrial­commercial 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

http://www.fcc.gov

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.

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.

for more information.

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.

European Union - Compliance to EEC Directives

Readers in the EU/EEC/EEA 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.

* 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.

Contents

About This Manual

Conventions ...................................................................................................................ix

Related Documentation..................................................................................................x

Chapter 1
Introduction

About the MXI-3 System...............................................................................................1-1

Description and Features .................................................................................1-1

What You Need to Get Started ......................................................................................1-2

Unpacking......................................................................................................................1-2

Chapter 2
Installation

Software Installation ......................................................................................................2-1

Hardware Installation.....................................................................................................2-2

Installing a PCI MXI-3 Card ...........................................................................2-2

Installing a PXI MXI-3 Card...........................................................................2-3

Cabling ............................................................................................................2-5

Large System Size.............................................................................1-1

Software Transparency .....................................................................1-2

High Performance .............................................................................1-2

Chapter 3
Hardware Overview

Functional Overview...................................................................................................... 3-1

MXI-3 Chassis Expansion...............................................................................3-2

Functional Unit Descriptions...........................................................................3-4

National Instruments MXI-3 ASIC...................................................3-4

Serial Transmitter..............................................................................3-5

Serial Receiver ..................................................................................3-5

High Speed Serial Data Connector (HSSDC) Receptacle ................3-5

High Speed Serial Data Connector (HSSDC) Cable ........................ 3-5

MXI-3 Cable Options......................................................................................3-5

Appendix A
Specifications

© National Instruments Corporation vii PXI-PCI 8330 Series User Manual

Contents

Appendix B
Technical Support Resources

Glossary

Index

Figures

Figure 2-1. Installing the PCI MXI-3 ...................................................................... 2-3

Figure 2-2. PXI MXI-3 Before Installation as Secondary....................................... 2-5

Figure 3-1. MXI-3 Block Diagram.......................................................................... 3-2

Figure 3-2. Basic MXI-3 Configurations................................................................. 3-3

Figure 3-3. Additional MXI-3 Configurations ........................................................ 3-4

Tables

Table 3-1. National Instruments MXI-3 Cables..................................................... 3-5

Table 3-2. Molex and Methode MXI-3 Fiber-Optic Cables .................................. 3-6

PXI-PCI 8330 Series User Manual viii www.ni.com

About This Manual

This manual describes the features, functions, and operation of the
PXI-PCI 8330 Series. The four products in this series are the PCI-8330, the
PXI-8330, the PCI-8335, and the PXI-8335. The PXI-PCI 8330 Series
incorporates MXI-3 technology, which couples two physically separate
PCI, CompactPCI, or PXI buses with a data link capable of 1.5 Gbit/s serial
data rates.

Conventions

The following conventions appear in this manual:

This icon denotes a note, which alerts you to important information.

This icon denotes a caution, which advises you of precautions to take to
avoid injury, data loss, or a system crash.

This icon denotes a warning, which advises you of precautions to take to
avoid being electrically shocked.

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.

italic Italic text denotes variables, emphasis, a cross reference, or an introduction

to a key concept. This font also denotes text that is a placeholder for a word
or value that you must supply.

monospace

monospace italic

MXI-3 card MXI-3 card refers to both the PCI MXI-3 and PXI MXI-3 cards, unless

© National Instruments Corporation ix PXI-PCI 8330 Series User Manual

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.

Italic text in this font denotes text that is a placeholder for a word or value
that you must supply.

otherwise noted.

About This Manual

Related Documentation

The following documents contain information that you might find helpful
as you read this manual:

• Set Up Your MXI-3 System

• Your computer or chassis documentation

• PXI Specification, revision 1.0

• PCI Specification,revision2.2

• PCI-PCI Bridge Architecture Specification,revision1.0

• PICMG CompactPCI 2.0 R2.1 specification

• PXI chassis and documentation (PXI bus systems only)

PXI-PCI 8330 Series User Manual x www.ni.com

Introduction

This chapter describes the PXI-PCI 8330 Series, lists what you need to
get started, and explains how to unpack and set up your hardware. The
four products in this series are the PCI-8330, the PXI-8330, the PCI-8335,
and the PXI-8335. The PXI-PCI 8330 Series incorporates MXI-3
technology. The terms MXI-3, MXI-3 card and MXI-3 system in this
manual refer to both the PCI MXI-3 and PXI MXI-3 cards and systems,
unless otherwise noted.

About the MXI-3 System

Description and Features

MXI-3 is a PCI master/slave system implementing the PCI-PCI bridge
register set. It couples two physically separate buses with either a copper or
fiber-optic data link capable of 1.5 Gbit/s serial data rates. With the MXI-3
system, you can do the following:

• Control a PXI/CompactPCI backplane with either a PCI or
PXI/CompactPCI host system

• Increase the available number CompactPCI or PXI slots for your
application

• Physically separate the measurement or automation system from the
host PC

• Combine PCI, CompactPCI, and PXI devices in the same system

1

Note

Your MXI-3 card will work in any standard CompactPCI chassis adhering to the

PICMG CompactPCI 2.0 R2.1 specification.

Large System Size

You can use MXI-3 to control PXI-PCI devices on up to 255 buses from
any PCI-based system, provided the BIOS supports such a configuration.
You can use either a daisy-chain or a star configuration, with maximum
bus-to-bus distances of 10 meters (copper cable) or 200 meters (fiber-optic
cable).

© National Instruments Corporation 1-1 PXI-PCI 8330 Series User Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction

Software Transparency

Because the MXI-3 system is a PCI-PCI bridge, all devices on the system
appear as local devices in a single PCI system. You do not need to rewrite
your device drivers for operation on a MXI-3 system.

High Performance

MXI-3 supports write posting and read prefetching to enhance
performance. MXI-3 buffers and retimes the signals between the buses,
maintaining the tight timing and high performance PCI requires.

What You Need to Get Started

To set up and use your MXI-3 system, you need the following:

❑

Two PXI MXI-3 cards or a PXI MXI-3 card and a PCI MXI-3 card

❑

Copper or fiber-optic MXI-3 cable

❑

Documentation—Set Up Your MXI-3 System and Getting Started with
Your MXI-3 System

❑

Primary bus—A computer with a PCI backplane, or a PXI embedded
controller in a PXI/CompactPCI chassis

❑

Secondary bus—A PXI/CompactPCI chassis

❑

Software—MXI-3 Software Installation Diskette for
Windows 2000/NT4/9x

Unpacking

Your MXI-3 cards are shipped in antistatic packages to prevent
electrostatic damage to the devices. To avoid such damage in handling the
device, take the following precautions:

1. Ground yourself with a grounding strap or by holding a grounded
object.

2. Before removing the device from the package, touch the antistatic
package to a metal part of your computer chassis.

Caution

PXI-PCI 8330 Series User Manual 1-2 www.ni.com

Never touch the exposed pins of connectors. Doing so may damage the device.

Installation

This chapter explains how to install the MXI-3 software and hardware.

Software Installation

Your MXI-3 kit includes a setup program for Microsoft Windows
operating systems. The setup program works in the same manner for
Windows 2000/NT4/9x. Users of other operating systems can ignore this
section.

Note

The software included for Microsoft Windows is provided so that the performance
of National Instruments PXI modules is optimized across a PCI-PCI bridge. The software
does not affect PXI or CompactPCI modules from other vendors.

The setup program is an interactive application that installs the MXI-3
software and configures your system for use with the MXI-3 card. Follow
these steps to perform the installation.

2

Note

You can quit the setup program at any time by choosing the Cancel option.

1. Insert the disk labeled MXI-3 Software for Windows 2000/NT4/9x.

2. Select Run from the Start menu and type the following text (where

is the drive letter of your floppy drive):

X:\setup.exe

3. Press <Enter>.

4. ClickontheNext button at the Welcome screen to start the

installation. You must accept the license agreement to enable
installation.

5. The setup program now copies the necessary files to your hard drive.
When the installation process is complete, you must reboot your
computer for the changes to take effect.

6. Review the information in the
up-to-date information on your MXI-3 interface.

© National Instruments Corporation 2-1 PXI-PCI 8330 Series User Manual

README.TXT

file for the most

X

Chapter 2 Installation

Hardware Installation

The following are general instructions for installing the PCI MXI-3 and
PXI MXI-3 cards. Consult your computer user manual or technical
reference manual for specific instructions and warnings.

Installing a PCI MXI-3 Card

1. Turn off your computer, but leave it plugged in while installing the
PCI-MXI-3 card. The power cord grounds the chassis and protects it
from electrical damage while you install the module.

Warning

computer should remain off until you finish installing the PCI MXI-3 device.

To protect both yourself and the computer from electrical hazards, your

2. Remove the top cover or access port to the PCI bus.

3. Select any available PCI expansion slot.

4. Locate the metal bracket that covers the cut-out in the back panel of the
computer for the slot you have selected. Remove and save the
bracket-retaining screw and the bracket cover.

5. 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.

6. Line up the PCI MXI-3 with the slot on the back panel. Slowly push
down on the top of the PCI MXI-3 until its card-edge connector is
resting on the expansion slot receptacle. Using slow, evenly distributed
pressure, press the PCI MXI-3 straight down until it seats in the
expansion slot.

7. Reinstall the bracket-retaining screw to secure the PCI MXI-3 to the
back panel rail.

PXI-PCI 8330 Series User Manual 2-2 www.ni.com

8. Replace the computer cover.

4

3

2

1

Chapter 2 Installation

1PCIBusSlot
2 Cut-Outs

Installing a PXI MXI-3 Card

Follow these steps to install the PXI MXI-3 in your PXI or CompactPCI
chassis.

1. Turn off your PXI or CompactPCI chassis, but leave it plugged in while
installing the PXI MXI-3 card. The power cord grounds the chassis and
protects it from electrical damage while you install the module.

2. Select a slot for the PXI MXI-3 card:

• For use in secondary PXI bus—Choose the controller slot (Slot 1)

of your chassis. This slot must support bus arbitration and bus
mastering. The secondary PXI MXI-3 can operate only in such
aslot.

• For use in primary PXI bus—Choose any unused PXI or

CompactPCI 5 V peripheral slot except Slot 1. (Slot 1 is reserved
for the system controller.)

Warning

off until you finish installing the PXI MXI-3 card.

To protect both yourself and the chassis from electrical hazards, leave the chassis

3 PCI Bus Card-Edge Connector
4 PCI MXI-3 Board

Figure 2-1. Installing the PCI MXI-3

© National Instruments Corporation 2-3 PXI-PCI 8330 Series User Manual

Chapter 2 Installation

3. Remove or open any doors or covers blocking access to the slot in
which you intend to install the PXI MXI 3.

4. Touch the metal part of the case to discharge any static electricity
that might be on your clothes or body.

5. Make sure the injector/ejector handle is in its downward position.
Align the PXI MXI-3 card with the card guides on the top and
bottom of the system controller slot.

Caution

Do not raise the injector/ejector handle as you insert the PXI MXI-3 card. It will
not insert properly unless the handle is in its downward position so that it does not interfere
with the injector rail on the mainframe, as shown in Figure 2-2.

6. Hold the handle as you slowly slide the module into the chassis
until the handle catches on the injector/ejector rail.

7. Raise the injector/ejector handle until the module firmly seats into
the backplane receptacle connectors. The front panel of the
PXI MXI-3 card should be even with the front panel of the chassis.

8. Tighten the bracket-retaining screws on the top and bottom of the
front panel to secure the PXI MXI-3 card to the chassis.

9. Replace or close any doors or covers to the chassis.

PXI-PCI 8330 Series User Manual 2-4 www.ni.com

Chapter 2 Installation

Figure 2-2 shows a PXI MXI-3 card just before installation in the system
controller slot of a National Instruments PXI-1000 mainframe.

PXI/CompactPCI Chassis

ON

PXI MXI-3

Ejector Handle

in Down Position

1

2

3

4

PXI/CompactPCI Slot 1

5

STANDBY

6

7

8

Figure 2-2. PXI MXI-3 Before Installation as Secondary

Cabling

1. Connect the appropriate serial cable to both primary and secondary
MXI-3 cards. If you are using a fiber-optic cable, be sure to remove the
protective caps from the connectors.

Caution

the system.

© National Instruments Corporation 2-5 PXI-PCI 8330 Series User Manual

Do not remove the cable after the system is powered on. Doing so may crash

2. Turn on the system containing your secondary MXI-3 card.

3. Turn on the system containing your primary MXI-3 card.

For more information on cables, see the MXI-3 Cable Options section in
Chapter 3, Hardware Overview.

Hardware Overview

This chapter presents an overview of the hardware functions of your MXI-3
system, and explains the operation of each functional unit.

Functional Overview

The MXI-3 system is a PCI-PCI bridge that needs no software for normal
operation. When the desktop PC or the CompactPCI/PXI controller
powers on, the system BIOS scans its local PCI bus for devices. When it
finds the primary interface of the MXI-3 card, it initiates configuration
cycles and searches for PCI devices on the secondary side.

Figure 3-1 shows the basic architecture of the MXI-3 system. The MXI-3
card interfaces to the PCI bus with the National Instruments MXI-3 ASIC.
The ASIC converts PCI transactions into a 20-bit wide parallel bus.
A parallel to serial converter transmits the 20-bit data as serial data at

1.5 Gbits/s. If you are using copper cable, the system sends the serial data

through the cable as a differential electrical signal. If you are using
fiber-optic cable, the system converts the serial data to light using a
VCSEL module.

3

On the other side of the system, the MXI-3 card receives the data, using
high-speed photodetectors to convert light signals back to digital data in the
case where a fiber-optic MXI-3 is used. A serial to parallel converter then
converts the digital serial data to the original 20-bit wide packets of data for
the MXI-3 ASIC. MXI-3 then recreates the PCI transaction with
appropriate modifications.

© National Instruments Corporation 3-1 PXI-PCI 8330 Series User Manual

Chapter 3 Hardware Overview

P

P

C

C

X

P

I

I

C

I

B
u

s

PCI/PXI

Interface

Por t

MXI-3 Chassis Expansion

By plugging a PXI MXI-3 module into any slot other than Slot 1 of a
PXI/CompactPCI chassis and a PXI MXI-3 module into Slot 1 of an
additional PXI/CompactPCI chassis and connecting them with a cable,
one PXI/CompactPCI chassis can be expanded to two. The PXI MXI-3
modules detect the slot in which they reside and automatically configure
themselves as the primary or secondary bus interface.

Figure 3-2 shows the most basic MXI-3 configurations and Figure 3-3
shows other possible configurations.

Transmitter

Por t

Receiver

Por t

Parallel­to-Serial

Converter

Copper/
Fiber-Optic
Transceiver

Serial­to-Parallel
Converter

Figure 3-1. MXI-3 Block Diagram

Serial

Data

Serial

Data

PXI-PCI 8330 Series User Manual 3-2 www.ni.com

PC to PXI/CompactPCI

Chapter 3 Hardware Overview

PXI/CompactPCI to PXI/CompactPCI

Figure 3-2. Basic MXI-3 Configurations

Because MXI-3 complies with the standard PCI-to-PCI bridging
specification, it can take advantage of a variety of other extension
configurations. Figure 3-3 shows how MXI-3 can be used to daisy-chain
multiple systems in row, all under the control of the primary system, in this
case a PC.

© National Instruments Corporation 3-3 PXI-PCI 8330 Series User Manual

Chapter 3 Hardware Overview

Star configurations are also possible using MXI-3 interfaces in the primary
system to fine tune performance.

Daisy-Chain Configuration

Star Configuration

Figure 3-3. Additional MXI-3 Configurations

Functional Unit Descriptions

National Instruments MXI-3 ASIC

The MXI-3 ASIC, which contains most of the logic in the two-board
system, is a PCI master/slave device using the PCI-PCI bridge register set.
MXI-3 uses data queues to store data for transmission, and also uses data
queues to store received data waiting for access to the target PCI bus.
MXI-3 ASIC transmits data to the parallel-to-serial converters, and
receives data from the serial-to-parallel converters.

PXI-PCI 8330 Series User Manual 3-4 www.ni.com

Chapter 3 Hardware Overview

Serial Transmitter

The serial transmitter is a parallel-to-serial data converter. The
parallel-to-serial converter serializes the 20-bit wide parallel data
from the MXI-3 ASIC and sends it to the transceiver.

Serial Receiver

The serial receiver is a serial-to-parallel data converter. The
serial-to-parallel converter deserializes the data from the receiver and
supplies the 20-bit wide parallel data to the MXI-3 ASIC.

High Speed Serial Data Connector (HSSDC) Receptacle

The HSSDC 8-position right-angle receptacle assembly interfaces the
electrical data to the copper serial cable.

High Speed Serial Data Connector (HSSDC) Cable

The HSSDC 8-position cable assembly is the copper medium through
which the serial data is transferred.

MXI-3 Cable Options

Cables are available for both the copper and fiber-optic versions of MXI-3.
Copper links are the least expensive interconnect and can span up to
10 meters between systems. Fiber optic links offer connections
between systems separated by up to 200 meters without repeaters.
National Instruments offers 2 meter, 5 meter, and 10 meter copper
cables and a 30 meter fiber optic cable as described in Table 3-1.

Table 3-1. National Instruments MXI-3 Cables

Cable Length (meters) Description

2m MXI-3 copper cable

5m MXI-3 fiber optic cable

10 m MXI-3 copper cable

30 m MXI-3 fiber optic cable

© National Instruments Corporation 3-5 PXI-PCI 8330 Series User Manual

Chapter 3 Hardware Overview

If you require lengths greater than 30 meters in fiber optic cable, contact
Molex Inc. or Methode Electronics, Inc., cable vendors for National
Instruments. The fiber-optic cables offered by Molex are multimode,

62.5/125 µm cables with a duplex, zipcord, 3.0 × 6.5 mm, OFNR cable
construction. The connector style is SC Duplex with a multimode, ceramic
ferrule.AstandardPCfinishisusedonbothends.

Table 3-2. Molex and Methode MXI-3 Fiber-Optic Cables

Cable Length (meters) Molex Part Number Methode Part Number

60 m MXBBA-FGA-FGA-M060-A000-A000 C4-D45-060m-auni

xxx m

MXBBA-FGA-FGA-Mxxx-A000-A000 C4-D45-xxxm-auni

Contact Molex through its Web site at

http://www.molex.com

,orat
Molex Incorporated, 2222 Wellington Court, Lisle IL 60532-1682, USA,
1-800-786-6539.

Contact Methode Electronics, Inc. through its Web site at

http://www.methode.com

, or at Methode Electronics Inc., 7444 West
Wilson Avenue, Chicago IL 60706, USA, 1-800-323-6858, 708-867-9600,
FAX [phone].

PXI-PCI 8330 Series User Manual 3-6 www.ni.com

Specifications

This appendix lists the system specifications for PCI MXI-3 and
PXI MXI-3 cards. These specifications are typical at 25 °C, unless
otherwise stated.

Physical

Dimensions

PCI .................................................. 10.7 by 17.5 cm (4.2 by 6.9 in.)

PXI .................................................. 10.0 by 16.0 cm (3.9 by 6.3 in.)

Maximum cable lengths

Copper............................................. 10 m

Fiber-optic....................................... 200 m

Environment

Operating temperature............................ 0 to 50 °C

A

Storage temperature ............................... –20 to 70 °C

Operating relative humidity ................... 10 to 90%, noncondensing

Storage relative humidity ....................... 5 to 95%, noncondensing

Emissions ............................................... EN 55011:1991 Group 1

Class A at 10 m
FCC Class A at 10 m

© National Instruments Corporation A-1 PXI-PCI 8330 Series User Manual

Technical Support Resources

Web Support

National Instruments Web support is your first stop for help in solving
installation, configuration, and application problems and questions. Online
problem-solving and diagnostic resources include frequently asked
questions, knowledge bases, product-specific troubleshooting wizards,
manuals, drivers, software updates, and more. Web support is available
through the Technical Support section of

NI Developer Zone

www.ni.com

B

The NI Developer Zone at
building measurement and automation systems. At the NI Developer Zone,
you can easily access the latest example programs, system configurators,
tutorials, technical news, as well as a community of developers ready to
share their own techniques.

Customer Education

National Instruments provides a number of alternatives to satisfy your
training needs, from self-paced tutorials, videos, and interactive CDs to
instructor-led hands-on courses at locations around the world. Visit the
Customer Education section of
syllabi, training centers, and class registration.

System Integration

If you have time constraints, limited in-house technical resources, or other
dilemmas, you may prefer to employ consulting or system integration
services. You can rely on the expertise available through our worldwide
network of Alliance Program members. To find out more about our
Alliance system integration solutions, visit the System Integration section
of

www.ni.com

zone.ni.com

www.ni.com

is the essential resource for

for online course schedules,

© National Instruments Corporation B-1 PXI-PCI 8330 Series User Manual

Appendix B Technical Support Resources

Worldwide Support

National Instruments has offices located around the world to help address
your support needs. You can access our branch office Web sites from the
Worldwide Offices section of
provide up-to-date contact information, support phone numbers, e-mail
addresses, and current events.

If you have searched the technical support resources on our Web site and
still cannot find the answers you need, contact your local office or National
Instruments corporate. Phone numbers for our worldwide offices are listed
at the front of this manual.

www.ni.com

. Branch office web sites

PXI-PCI 8330 Series User Manual B-2 www.ni.com

Glossary

Prefix Meaning Value

n- nano- 10

µ- micro- 10

m- milli- 10

c- centi- 10

k- kilo- 10

M- mega- 10

Symbols

° Degrees

≥ Equal or greater than

≤ Equal or less than

–9

– 6

–3

–2

3

6

% Percent

A

ASIC Application-Specific Integrated Circuit—a proprietary semiconductor

component designed and manufactured to perform a set of specific
functions for a specific customer

B

bus The group of conductors that interconnect individual circuitry in a

computer. Typically, a bus is the expansion vehicle to which I/O or other
devices are connected. Examples of PC buses are the AT bus, NuBus,
Micro Channel, and EISA bus.

bus master a type of a plug-in board or controller with the ability to read and write

devices on the computer bus

© National Instruments Corporation G-1 PXI-PCI 8330 Series User Manual

Glossary

C

CCelsius

clock hardware component that controls timing for reading from or writing to

groups

counter/timer a circuit that counts external pulses or clock pulses (timing)

D

device A plug-in instrument card or pad that can contain multiple channels and

conversion devices. Plug-in boards and PCMCIA cards, which connects to
your computer parallel port, are examples of devices.

digital trigger a TTL level signal having two discrete levels—a high and a low level

DMA direct memory access—a method by which data can be transferred to/from

computer memory from/to a device or memory on the bus while the
processor does something else. DMA is the fastest method of transferring
data to/from computer memory.

I

IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

M

MITE MXI Interfaces To Everything—a custom ASIC designed by National

Instruments that implements the PCI bus interface. The MITE supports bus
mastering for high speed data transfers over the PCI bus.

P

PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect—a high-performance expansion bus

architecture originally developed by Intel to replace ISA and EISA. It is
achieving widespread acceptance as a standard for PCs and workstations;
it offers a theoretical maximum transfer rate of 132 Mbytes/s.

PXI-PCI 8330 Series User Manual G-2 www.ni.com

Glossary

PCI-MITE A custom ASIC designed by National Instruments that implements the PCI

bus interface. The PCI-MITE supports bus mastering for high speed data
transfersoverthePCIbus.ItisalsousedinPXIcards.

PCI-PCI bridge A device that transparently expands the PCI bus on a computer

motherboard to another bus segment in the same machine. The bridge
expands the number of PCI expansion slots, but remains transparent to the
end user.

PXI Stands forPCI eXtensions for Instrumentation. PXI is an open specification

that builds off the CompactPCI specification by adding
instrumentation-specific features.

V

VCSEL Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser

© National Instruments Corporation G-3 PXI-PCI 8330 Series User Manual

Index

A

additional MXI-3 configurations (figure), 3-4
ASIC, 3-4

B

basic MXI-3 configurations (figure), 3-3
block diagram, 3-2

C

cable options, 3-5
chassis expansion, 3-2
configuration, basic (figure), 3-3
configurations, additional

daisy chain (figure), 3-4

star (figure), 3-4
conventions used in this manual, ix
Customer Education, B-1

D

documentation

conventions used in this manual, ix

related, x

F

functional unit descriptions, 3-4

I

installation

cable options, 3-5
cabling, 2-5
hardware, 2-2
of a PCI MXI-3 card, 2-2
of a PXI MXI-3 card, 2-3
software, 2-1

M

MXI-3

block diagram, 3-2
cable options, 3-5
chassis expansion, 3-2
definition, 1-1

overview, 3-1
MXI-3 ASIC, 3-4
MXI-3 system

definition, 1-1

description, 1-1

getting started, 1-2

N

National Instruments MXI-3 ASIC, 3-4
National Instruments Web support, B-1
NI Developer Zone, B-1

H

HSSDC (High Speed Serial Data Connector

Cable), 3-5

HSSDC (High Speed Serial Data Connector

Receptacle), 3-5

© National Instruments Corporation I-1 PXI-PCI 8330 Series User Manual

overview

functional unit descriptions, 3-4

hardware, 3-1

MXI-3 block diagram, 3-2

O

Index

P

PCI MXI-3 card

installation, 2-2

installation (figure), 2-3
PCI-PCI bridge, 1-2
PXI MXI-3 card

installation, 2-3

installation (figure), 2-5

R

related documentation, x

S

serial receiver, 3-5
serial transmitter, 3-5
software, 2-1

software transparency, 1-2
specifications, A-1
system integration, B-1

T

technical support resources, B-1

W

Web support, B-1
worldwide technical support, B-2

PXI-PCI 8330 Series User Manual I-2 www.ni.com