National Instruments MXI VXI-PCI8026, MXI VME-PCI8026 Getting Started

™

MXI

Getting Started with Your VXI/VME-PCI8026 and the NI-VXI™/NI-VISA™ Software for Linux

VXI/VME-PCI8026 for Linux

December 1999 Edition

Part Number 322651A-01

Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information

www.ni.com

National Instruments Corporate Headquarters

11500 North Mopac Expressway Austin, Texas 78759-3504 USA Tel: 512 794 0100

Worldwide Offices

Australia 03 9879 5166, Austria 0662 45 79 90 0, Belgium 02 757 00 20, Brazil 011 284 5011, Canada (Calgary) 403 274 9391, Canada (Ontario) 905 785 0085, Canada (Québec) 514 694 8521, China 0755 3904939, Denmark 45 76 26 00, Finland 09 725 725 11, France 01 48 14 24 24, Germany 089 741 31 30, Greece 30 1 42 96 427, Hong Kong 2645 3186, India 91805275406, Israel 03 6120092, Italy 02 413091, Japan 03 5472 2970, Korea 02 596 7456, Mexico (D.F.) 5 280 7625, Mexico (Monterrey) 8 357 7695, Netherlands 0348 433466, Norway 32 27 73 00, Poland 48 22 528 94 06, Portugal 351 1 726 9011, Singapore 2265886, Spain 91 640 0085, Sweden 08 587 895 00, Switzerland 056 200 51 51, Taiwan 02 2377 1200, United Kingdom 01635 523545

For further support information, see the Technical Support Resources appendix. To comment on the documentation, send e-mail to techpubs@ni.com

Important Information

Warranty

The National Instruments MXIbus boards and accessories are warranted agai nst defects in materi als and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of shipment, as evidenced by recei pt s or o th er do cum e ntat io n. Natio nal Inst rume nts wi ll , at i ts opti on, 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 o f sh ip men t, as ev id enced b y recei pt s o r other documentation. National Instruments will, at its op tion , repai r or replace s oft ware me dia th at do not ex ecute p rog ram mi ng 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 unint errup ted 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 with ou t p rio r no ti ce to h old ers o f t hi s ed itio n. The read er sh ou ld cons ul t National Instruments if errors are suspected. In no even t shal l Nation al In st rume nts be l iable fo r any dam ages aris in g out of or related to this document or the information contained in it.

XCEPT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN

WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT THERETOFORE PAID BY THE CUSTOMER

NSTRUMENTS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM LOSS OF DATA, PROFITS, USE OF PRODUCTS, OR INCIDENTAL OR

CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF

apply regardless of the form of action, whether in contract or tort, including negligence. Anyaction 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 warrant y p rovided herei n does no t cover d a mage s, defects, malfunctions, or service failures caused by owner’s failure to fo ll ow th e Nati on al Inst rume nt s in stal l ati on, op erat ion, or maintenance instructions; owner’s modification of the product; owner’s abuse, misuse, or negligent act s; and po wer failure or surges, fire, flood, accident, actions of third parties, or other events outside reasonable control.

ATIONAL INSTRUMENTS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY

, N

USTOMER’S RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES CAUSED BY FAULT OR

. C

. This limitation of the liability of National Instruments will

. N

ATIONAL

Copyright

Under the copyright laws, this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, storing in an info rmatio n ret riev al s ystem , o r tr an slati ng , in who le o r i n part, wit ho ut t he prior written consent of National Instruments Corporation.

Trademarks

LabVIEW™, National Instruments™, ni.com™, NI-VISA™, NI-VXI™, and VXIpc™ are trademarks of National Instruments Corporation.

Product and company names mentioned herein are trad em arks o r trade nam es of t hei r respect iv e com panies .

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 RE ASONA BLY BE EXPECTED TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT INJURY TO A HUMAN.

(2) IN ANY APPLICATI ON, INCLUDI NG THE ABOVE, RE LIABILITY OF OP ERATION OF THE SOFTWARE PROD UCTS CAN BE IMPAIRED BY ADVERSE FACTORS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO FLUCTUATIONS IN ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY, COMPUTER HARDWARE MALFUNCTIONS, COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTE M SOFTWARE FITNESS, FITNESS OF COMPILERS AND DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE USED TO DE VEL OP AN APPLICATION, INSTALLATION ERRORS, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS, MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC MONITORING OR CONTROL DEVICES, TRANSIENT FAILURES OF ELECT RO NIC 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 SYST EM FAILU RE WO ULD 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 EL ECTRON IC SYSTE M DUE TO THE RISK OF SYSTEM FAILURE. TO AVOID DAMAGE, INJURY, OR DEATH, THE USER OR APPLICATIO N D ESIGNER MU ST T AKE REASONABLY PRUDENT STEPS TO PROTECT AGAINST SYSTEM FAILURES, INCLUDING BUT N OT LIM ITED TO BACK-UP OR SHUT DOWN MECHANISMS. BECAUSE EACH END-USER SYSTEM IS CUSTOM IZE D AN D DIFFE RS FROM NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS' TESTING PLATFORMS AND BECAUSE A USER OR APPL ICATION DESIGN ER MAY USE NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER PRODUCTS IN A MANNER NOT EVALUATED OR CONTEMPLATED BY NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS, TH E U SER OR A PPLICATION DE SIGNER IS ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR VERIFYING AND VALIDATING THE SUITA BILITY OF NA TION AL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS WHENEVER NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE INCORPORATED IN A SYSTEM OR APPLICATION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE APPROPRIATE DE SIGN, PROCESS AN D 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 on ly ) or Cl ass B (for use in residential or commercia l locations). Depending on where it is operated, this product could be sub je ct to restri ct io ns in t he FCC rul es. (In Canada, the Department of Communications (DOC), of Industry Canada, regulates wireless interference in much the same way.)

Digital electronics emi t weak signals during normal operat ion that can affect radio, television, or othe r wireless products. By examining the product you purchased, you can determine the FCC Class and therefore which of the two FCC/DOC Warnings app ly in the following sections. (Some product s ma y not be labe ll e d 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 ope rated.

FCC Class B products display either a FCC ID code, starting with the letters EXN, or the FCC Class B co mpliance mark that appears as shown here on the r ight.

The curious reader can consult the FCC web site information.

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 Departm e nt 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 instal le d a nd used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause ha rm ful interference to radio communication s. Ope r ation of this equipment in a residentia l ar ea is likely to cause harmful interfe r en ce in which case the user will be required to correct the i nt erference at his own expense.

http://www.fcc.gov for more

Canadian Department of Communications

This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Cet appareil numérique de la cla sse A respecte toutes les exigences du Règl em ent 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 a re designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful inte rfe rence in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses a nd can radiate radio frequency ene rgy and, if not installed and used in accorda n ce w ith the instructions , may cause harmful interfe rence 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 M anu facturer includes a DoC f or mo st ever y hardware produ ct 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.

About This Manual

How To Use the Manual Set............................................................................................xiii

Conventions .....................................................................................................................xiv

Related Documentation....................................................................................................xv

Chapter 1 Introduction and Quick Start

How to Use This Manual............................................................ .....................................1-2

VXI/VME-PCI8026 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/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

Onboard DRAM............................................................. ...................................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

Contents

VXIbus Local Bus.............................................................................................3-7

VXIbus CLK10 Routing...................................................................................3-8

Trigger Input Termination ................................................................................ 3-12

MXIbus Termination......................................................................................... 3-13

Configuration EEPROM...................................................................................3-15

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...................................................................................4-7

Onboard DRAM................................................................................................4-8

Install the VME-MXI-2...................................................................................................4-10

Connect the MXIbus Cable.............................................................................................4-11

Chapter 5 NI-VXI/VISA Software Installation

Installing the NI-VXI/VISA Software for Linux ............................................................5-1

Removing the NI-VXI Driver for Linux.........................................................................5-2

Using the NI-VXI/VISA Software................................................................................ ..5-2

Completing the Software Installation..............................................................................5-3

Chapter 6 NI-VXI Configuration Utility

Running the VXItedit Configuration Utility ...................................................................6-1

PCI-MXI-2 Configuration Editor....................................................................................6-2

Update Current Configuration ..........................................................................6-2

Record Configuration to File ............................................................................ 6-2

Load Configuration from File...........................................................................6-2

Revert to Current Configuration.......................................................................6-3

Logical Address Configuration Editor..............................................................6-3

Device Settings...................................................................................6-3

Logical Address....................................................................6-3

Device Type ......................................................... ................6-3

Address Space............................................. .........................6-4

VXI/VME-PCI8026 for Linux viii © National Instruments Corporation

Contents

VXI/VME Shared Memory................................................................. 6-4

Resource Manager....................................... ........................................6-4

Resource Manager Delay................................................ ......6-4

Device Configuration Editor ........................................................... ..................6-5

Default Controller (LA –1) .................................................................6-5

System IRQ Level...............................................................................6-5

Servant Area Size............................... .................................................6-5

Number of Handlers............................................................................6-6

Number of Interrupters........................................... .............................6-6

Protocol Register ................................................................................. 6-6

Read Protocol Response......................................................................6-6

Bus Configuration Editor ..................................................................................6-7

MXI Bus.......................................................................................... ....6-7

MXI System Controller ....................................................... .6-7

MXI Bus Timeout........................................................ .........6-7

MXI CLK10 .........................................................................6-8

MXI Transfer Limit..............................................................6-8

MXI-2 Auto Retry ................................................................6-8

A24/A32 Write Posting ........................................................6-9

PCI Bus...............................................................................................6-9

User Window and Driver Window.......................................6-9

Expansion ROM ...................................................................6-10

VXI/VME-MXI-2 Configuration Editor .........................................................................6-10

LA Selection and Logical Address....................................................................6-11

Address Space and Requested Memory............................................................6-11

A16 and A24/A32 Write Posting ................................... ...................................6-12

Interlocked Mode...............................................................................................6-12

VXI/VME Bus Options.....................................................................................6-14

VMEbus System Controller................................................................ 6-14

VXI/VME Bus Timeout Value...........................................................6-14

VXI/VME Auto Retry ..........................................................6-15

Transfer Limit.......................................................................6-15

Arbiter Type .........................................................................6-15

Request Level .......................................................................6-16

VXI/VME Fair Requester.....................................................6-16

Arbiter Timeout....................................................................6-16

MXI Bus Options ............................... ...............................................................6-16

MXI Bus System Controller ...............................................................6-17

MXI Bus Timeout Value.....................................................................6-17

Advanced MXI Settings......................................................................6-17

MXI Auto Retry.......................................... ..........................6-17

Transfer Limit.......................................................................6-18

Parity Checking ....................................................................6-18

Contents

MXI Fair Requester..............................................................6-18

MXI CLK10 Signal........................................... ...................6-19

Chapter 7 Using the NI-VXI/VISA Software

Interactive Control of NI-VXI/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/VISA......................................... ......................7-4

Symbols.............................................................................................................7-4

Appendix A Specifications

PCI-MXI-2 ......................................................................................................................A-1

MXIbus Capability Descriptions ......................................................................A-1

PCI Functionality..............................................................................................A-2

Requirements ....................................................................................................A-2

Environmental...................................................................................................A-2

Physical.............................................................................................................A-3

Electrical ........................................................................................................... A-3

Performance ......................................................................................................A-3

VXI-MXI-2...................................................................................................................... A-4

MXIbus Capability Descriptions ......................................................................A-4

VMEbus Capability Codes................................................................................A-4

Requirements ....................................................................................................A-6

Environmental...................................................................................................A-6

Physical.............................................................................................................A-6

Electrical ........................................................................................................... A-6

Performance ......................................................................................................A-7

VME-MXI-2 ....................................................................................................................A-8

MXIbus Capability Descriptions ......................................................................A-8

VMEbus Capability Codes................................................................................A-8

Requirements ....................................................................................................A-10

Environmental...................................................................................................A-10

Physical.............................................................................................................A-10

Electrical ........................................................................................................... A-10

Performance ...................................................................................................... A-11

VXI/VME-PCI8026 for Linux x © National Instruments Corporation

Appendix B NI-VXI/VISA Software Overview

Main Programs and Files.................................................................................................B-1

Header Files for NI-VXI ..................................................................................................B-1

Header Files for NI-VISA................................................................................................B-2

Appendix C EEPROM Configuration

Controlling the EEPROM Operation...............................................................................C-1

Fixing an Invalid EEPROM Configuration.....................................................................C-2

Appendix D Common Questions

Appendix E Technical Support Resources

Glossary

Contents

Index

Figures

Figure 2-1. PCI-MXI-2 Parts Locator Diagram.........................................................2-2

Figure 2-2. PCI-MXI-2 Installed in a Computer........................................................2-4

Figure 3-1. VXI-MXI-2 Right-Side Cover ............................. ...................................3-2

Figure 3-2. Logical Address Selection................................................................. ......3-5

Figure 3-3. VXIbus Slot Configuration .....................................................................3-6

Figure 3-4. VXIbus Local Bus Configuration............................................................ 3-8

Figure 3-5. VXIbus CLK10 Routing .........................................................................3-9

Figure 3-6. SMB CLK10 Settings..............................................................................3-11

Figure 3-7. Receiving or Driving MXIbus CLK10....................................................3-12

Figure 3-8. SMB Trigger Input Termination .............................................................3-13

Figure 3-9. MXIbus Termination.......................................... .. ...................................3-14

Figure 3-10. EEPROM Operation.......................................................................... ......3-16

Figure 3-11. SIMM Size Configuration.......................................................................3-18

Figure 3-12. MXI-2 Cable Configuration Using

a PCI-MXI-2 and a VXI-MXI-2 ......................................... ....................3-20

Contents

Tables

Figure 4-1. VME-MXI-2 Parts Locator Diagram......................................................4-2

Figure 4-2. Base Address Selection...........................................................................4-4

Figure 4-3. VME-MXI-2 Intermodule Signaling Settings ........................................ 4-5

Figure 4-4. MXIbus Termination ..............................................................................4-6

Figure 4-5. EEPROM Operation .................................. ... ..........................................4-8

Figure 4-6. SIMM Size Configuration................................................. ......................4-9

Figure 4-7. MXI-2 Cable Configuration Using

a PCI-MXI-2 and a VME-MXI-2 ...........................................................4-12

Figure C-1. EEPROM Operation Default Settings .................................................. ..C-1

Figure C-2. Restoring the Factory Configuration ......................................................C-2

Table 1-1. PCI-MXI-2 Hardware Default Settings .................................................1-9

Table 1-2. PCI-MXI-2 Logical Address Configuration Editor

Default Settings ......................................................................................1-10

Table 1-3. PCI-MXI-2 Device Configuration Editor Default Settings ................... 1-11

Table 1-4. PCI-MXI-2 Bus Configuration Editor Default Settings ........................1-11

Table 1-5. VXI-MXI-2 Hardware Default Settings ................................................1-12

Table 1-6. VME-MXI-2 Hardware Default Settings ...............................................1-13

Table 1-7. VXI/VME-MXI-2 Configuration Editor Default Settings ..................... 1-13

Table 2-1. PCI-MXI-2 DRAM Configurations........................................................ 2-3

Table 3-1. VXI-MXI-2 DRAM Configurations ...................................................... 3-17

Table 4-1. VME-MXI-2 DRAM Configurations ....................................................4-9

VXI/VME-PCI8026 for Linux xii © National Instruments Corporation

About This Manual

This manual contains instructions for installing and configuring the National Instruments VXI-PCI8026 or VME-PCI8026 Series interface kit for Linux. The VXI-PCI8026 kit includes a VXI-MXI-2 module that plugs into a VXI mainframe and links your PCI-based computer to the VXIbus. The VME-PCI8026 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-PCI8026 and VME-PCI8026 kits are fully VXIplug&play compliant.

This manual uses the term VXI/VME-PCI8026 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

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 VXI/VME-PCI8026 kit in the order in which this manual describes them. Be sure to review the Quick

Start and Default Settings sections in Chapter 1, Introduct ion and Quick

Start. The material in those sections may be all you need to get up and

running with your VXI/VME-PCI8026 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 av ailable in the

refers to the actual location where you have installed the NI-VXI

NIVXI

software). Use the Acrobat Reader program, V ersion 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

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

VXIpnp

refers to the

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. 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.

VXI/VME-PCI8026 for Linux xiv www.ni.com

About This Manual

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 w ord or value that you must supply.

monospace

monospace bold

monospace italic

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.

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.

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

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

VXI/VME-PCI8026 for Linux 1-2 www.ni.com

Review Programming

Considerations

Write Application Program

VXI/VME-PCI8026 Kit Overview

The VXI/VME-PCI8026 interface 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-PCI8026 interface can function as a VXI Commander and Resource Manager. A PCI-based computer equipped with a VME-PCI8026 can function as a VMEbus master and/or slave device. The VXI/VME-PCI8026 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

Chapter 1 Introduction and Quick Start

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑

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

VXIbus or VMEbus mainframe PCI-MXI-2 interface board VXI-MXI-2 or VME-MXI-2 interface module MXI-2 cable NI-VXI/VISA software media for the PCI-MXI-2

Chapter 1 Introduction and Quick Start

PCI-MXI-2 perform as if they were plugged directly into the VXI/VME backplane.

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 up to 16 MB of 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 whether it is located in VXI Slot 0 and/or if it is the MXIbus System Controller.

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Chapter 1 Introduction and Quick Start

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 MXIb us cycles into VMEbus cycles and vice v ersa, just like the VXI-MXI-2. By connecting to the PCI-MXI-2 board, it links the 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 f irst 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/VISA bus interface software for the PCI-MXI-2 and Linux includes a Resource Manager, a text-based interactive VXI resource editor program, a comprehensive library of software routines for VXI/VME programming, and a text-based interactive control program 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.

Chapter 1 Introduction and Quick Start

Optional Software

Your VXI/VME-PCI8026 kit includes the NI-VXI/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 Quick Start 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.

The Quick Start summary 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 5 V 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/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 chassi s. – 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 end of this chapter 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.

VXI/VME-PCI8026 for Linux 1-6 www.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 VXI/VME-PCI8026 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 details on 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.

Chapter 1 Introduction and Quick Start

Installing and Loading the NI-VXI/VISA Software for Linux

For information on installing, uninstalling, or using the NI-VXI/VISA software, refer to Chapter 5, NI-VXI/VISA Software Installation.

VME Users

When used with a VXI-MXI-2,

resman

devices, including the VXI-MXI-2. When used with a VME-MXI-2,

resman

devices in the VME chassis.

configures the VME-MXI-2 to allow the PCI-MXI-2 to access

resman

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

vxitedit

utility.

resman

device-specific VME address spaces and VME interrupt lines. For more information on configuring non-VXI devices in your VXI system, refer to the description of the Non-VXI Device Configuration Editor in Chapter 3, VXI Text Resource Editor, in the NI-VXI Text Utilities Reference Manual. For more details about installing the NI-VXI software, refer to Chapter 5,

NI-VXI/VISA Software Installation, in this manual.

identifies and configures the VXI

does not configure VME devices. The

can then properly configure the various

Device Interaction

After

resman

view specific information on each device in your system by using the

vxitedit

which contains a description for each device, including each VXI device’s logical address.

Y ou can interact with your VXI/VME devices by using the for NI-VXI. These utilities let you interactively control your VXI/VME devices without having to use a conventional programming language, LabVIEW, or LabWindows/CVI.

Try the following in At the prompt, type This help file shows you the syntax for this command, which reads VXI

device configuration registers. The first argument is a logical address, and the second is the offset of the VXI device conf iguration register to be read.

Now type

VXI/VME-PCI8026 for Linux 1-8 www.ni.com

has detected and configured all VXI/VME devices, you can

utility. These utilities include a Resource Manager Display,

utility

victext

help vxiinreg

vxiinreg 1,0

victext

This should return a value, such as:

Return Status (0): SUCCESS. value = 0x4ff6

Chapter 1 Introduction and Quick Start

If the value ends with Instruments manufacturer ID from the ID register for the VXI/VME-MXI-2.

You may now want to read the configuration registers from other VXI devices in your system using the command 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 of the devices in your VXI system successfully.

You can also access VXI and VME devices that are configured in A16, A24, and A32 address space by using the For more information regarding to the online help.

Default Settings

This section summarizes the hardware and software default settings for the VXI/VME-PCI8026 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.

, you have successfully read the National

ff6

. This command

vxiout

victext

vxiinreg

vxiin

operation and commands, refer

vxitedit

commands.

PCI-MXI-2

This section summarizes the hardware and software default settings for the PCI-MXI-2.

Table 1-1.

Hardware Component Default Setting

U17 Switch 1 (FOV) OFF: PCI-MXI-2 boots off the

U17 Switch 2 (TST) OFF: Factory configuration of the

U17 Switch 3 (POS) OFF: Do not alter this setting.

PCI-MXI-2 Hardware Default Settings

user-configured half of the EEPROM.

EEPROM is protected.

Chapter 1 Introduction and Quick Start

Hardware Component Default Setting

U17 Switch 4 (CT) ON: Do not alter this setting. DRAM SIMM Installed Per customer order

Table 1-2. PCI-MXI-2 Logical Address Configuration Editor Default Settings

Table 1-1. PCI-MXI-2 Hardware Default Settings (Continued)

Editor Field Default Setting Logical Address Device Type Address Space VXI Shared RAM Size Shared RAM Pool Lower Half Window Byte Swapping Lower Half Window Memory Select Upper Half Window Byte Swapping Upper Half Window Memory Select Resource Manager Delay Map Upper/Lower Halves to

Same Address

0 MBD A16 0 KB 0 KB Disabled (non-swapped) System Memory Disabled (non-swapped) System Memory 5 s Disabled

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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) System IRQ Level Servant Area Size Number of Handlers Number of Interrupters Protocol Register Read Protocol Response

Table 1-4.

PCI-MXI-2 Bus Configuration Editor Default Settings

Editor Field Default Setting MXI System Controller MXI Bus Timeout Value MXI CLK10 MXI Transfer Limit

First Remote Controller 1 0 1 0 0xFF0 0x8448

Auto 1 ms Receive Unlimited

VXImove uses Synchronous MXI MXI-2 Auto Retry A24/A32 Write Posting User Window Size Driver Window Size Expansion ROM

Enabled Enabled Disabled 64 KB 32 KB Enabled

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.

Table 1-5.

VXI-MXI-2 Hardware Default Settings

Hardware Component Default Setting

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

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 LA Selection

1 (set by hardware switch) Set by hardware switch

Address Space Requested Memory A16 Write Posting A24/A32 Write Posting Interlocked Mode VXI/VME System Controller VXI/VME Bus Timeout Value VXI/VME Auto Retry VXI/VME Transfer Limit VXI/VME Arbiter Type VXI/VME Request Level VXI/VME Fair Request

A24 * 16 KB * Disabled Disabled Disabled Auto 125 µs Disabled 256 Priority 3 Enabled

Chapter 1 Introduction and Quick Start

Table 1-7. VXI/VME-MXI-2 Configuration Editor Default Settings (Continued)

Editor Field Default Setting VXI/VME Arbiter Timeout MXI System Controller MXI Bus Timeout Value MXI Auto Retry MXI Transfer Limit MXI Parity Checking MXI Fair Requester MXI CLK10

Enabled Auto 1 ms Disabled Unlimited Enabled Disabled Set by hardware

switch (VXI-MXI-2 only)

*Assumes no DRAM is installed. If DRAM is installed, the

Requested Memory

and

would match the amount of DRAM.

Address Space

would be A32,

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PCI-MXI-2 Configuration and Installation

This chapter contains the instructions to configure and install the PCI-MXI-2 module.

Caution

module. T o 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.

Electrostatic discharge can damage several components on your PCI-MXI-2

Configure the PCI-MXI-2

This section describes how to configure the following options on the PCI-MXI-2:

• Configuration EEPROM

• On board DRAM

Figure 2-1 shows the PCI-MXI-2. The drawing shows the location and factory-default settings on the module.

Chapter 2 PCI-MXI-2 Configuration and Installation

1U17 2DRAM

Figure 2-1. PCI-MXI-2 Parts Locator Diagram

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+ 102 hidden pages

National Instruments MXI VXI-PCI8026, MXI VME-PCI8026 Getting Started

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information

National Instruments Corporate Headquarters

Worldwide Offices

Important Information

Warranty

Copyright

Trademarks

WARNING REGARDING USE OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS

Compliance

Contents

Figures

Tables

About This Manual

How To Use the Manual Set

Conventions

Related Documentation

How to Use This Manual

VXI/VME-PCI8026 Kit Overview

What You Need to Get Started

MXI-2 Description

Hardware Description

Software Description

Optional Software

Quick Start

Hardware Installation

Installing and Loading the NI-VXI/VISA Software for Linux

VME Users

Device Interaction

Default Settings

PCI-MXI-2

Table 1-2. PCI-MXI-2 Logical Address Configuration Editor Default Settings

VXI/VME-MXI-2

Configure the PCI-MXI-2

Figure 2-1. PCI-MXI-2 Parts Locator Diagram