National Instruments NI 8310 User Manual
PXI
NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI Expansion User Manual
NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI Expansion User Manual
August 2005
371665A-01
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ni.com/certification, search by model number or product line,
Conventions
This manual provides information on the installation and use of an
NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI Expansion system. The following conventions
are used in this manual:
» The » symbol leads you through nested menu items and dialog box options
to a final action. The sequence File»Page Setup»Options directs you to
pull down the File menu, select the Page Setup item, and select Options
from the last dialog box.
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. When this symbol is marked on a
product, refer to Chapter 1, Introduction, for information about precautions
to take.
bold Bold text denotes items that you must select or click 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. Italic text also denotes text that is a placeholder for a word
or value that you must supply.
monospace Text in this font denotes text or characters that you should enter from the
keyboard, sections of code, programming examples, and syntax examples.
This font is also used for the proper names of disk drives, paths, directories,
programs, subprograms, subroutines, device names, functions, operations,
variables, filenames, and extensions.
Contents
Chapter 1
Introduction
Functional Overview......................................................................................................1-1
Functional Unit Descriptions...........................................................................1-2
CardBus Connector...........................................................................1-2
StarFabric Bridge ..............................................................................1-2
RJ-45 Connector ...............................................................................1-3
NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI Cable Options ..........................................1-3
Before Installation..........................................................................................................1-3
Parts List..........................................................................................................1-4
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge .....................................................1-4
NI PXI-8310 Overview..................................................................................................1-5
Chapter 2
Hardware and Software Installation
Installation Instructions..................................................................................................2-1
Install the Software Driver ..............................................................................2-1
Windows 2000/XP (Without XP Service Pack 2) ............................2-2
Windows XP (With Service Pack 2).................................................2-2
Install the PXI Cards .......................................................................................2-4
Attach the PXI Expansion Cables ...................................................................2-4
Install the NI CardBus-8310............................................................................2-5
Powering Up....................................................................................................2-5
Verifying the Installation.................................................................................2-8
Powering Down...............................................................................................2-9
Running the System.........................................................................................2-10
Uninstalling the NI CardBus-8310 Driver ......................................................2-10
Additional Notes ............................................................................................................2-10
System Hierarchy ............................................................................................2-10
System Boot.....................................................................................................2-11
NI Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX)..........................................2-11
Appendix A
PCIScope
Overview........................................................................................................................A-1
© National Instruments Corporation vii NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI Expansion User Manual
Contents
Appendix B
Specifications
Power Requirements...................................................................................................... B-1
Physical.......................................................................................................................... B-1
Dimensions...................................................................................................... B-2
Operating Environment...................................................................................B-2
Storage Environment.......................................................................................B-2
Appendix C
Troubleshooting NI PXI-CardBus-8310 Cards
Contacting Technical Support ....................................................................................... C-1
Troubleshooting............................................................................................................. C-2
Error Code (Yellow Exclamation Mark) in Device Manager ....................................... C-8
Appendix D
Technical Support and Professional Services
Index
NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI Expansion User Manual viii ni.com
Introduction
This chapter presents an overview of the hardware functionality of NI
CardBus-8310-to-PXI cards, and explains the operation of each functional
unit. It also contains recommended steps to be taken while preparing to
install the NI CardBus-8310 and NI PXI-8310 modules.
Functional Overview
The National Instruments CardBus-8310-to-PXI interface kit provides
laptop computers direct control of PXI systems. The CardBus-to-PXI link
is transparent to software applications and drivers, thereby providing you
the ability to use high-performance laptop computers to control PXI
systems. The NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI interface kit is ideal for use with
portable systems, and you can pair it with DC-powered chassis to provide
mobile solutions for applications such as in-vehicle testing.
The CardBus-to-PXI link consists of an NI CardBus-8310 card in the
laptop computer connected via cabling to an NI PXI-8310 module in slot 1
of a PXI chassis. For convenience, you can purchase either a complete
NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI interface kit with all necessary components or
purchase the NI CardBus-8310 card, NI PXI-8310 module, and cabling
separately.
1
The CardBus-8310-to-PXI interface kit, which uses a StarFabric serial
interface to implement a CardBus-to-PCI bridge, provides a transparent
link where all PXI modules appear as if they were PCI boards within the
laptop computer itself. However, you benefit from the increased number of
slots, power and cooling per slot, module selection, and synchronization
features provided by PXI.
The NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI product is based on Stargen’s StarFabric
technology. StarFabric is a 2.5 Gb/s serial technology that can extend the
capabilities of PCI based systems. It supports PCI-to-PCI bridging to
extend the PCI bus to multiple chassis.
© National Instruments Corporation 1-1 NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI Expansion User Manual
Chapter 1 Introduction
Figure 1-1 shows the basic architecture of an NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI
system. The NI CardBus-8310 consists of a CardBus connector, a
CardBus-to-PXI bridge, a StarFabric bridge and two RJ-45 connectors. The
NI PXI-8310 consists of two RJ-45 connectors, a StarFabric bridge, and a
PXI connector.
RJ-45
Starfabric
Cardbus
Bridge
Cardbus-8310 PXI-8310
Connector
RJ-45
Connector
Functional Unit Descriptions
This section describes the individual units that comprise an
NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI system.
CardBus Connector
The CardBus connector allows the NI CardBus-8310 to be used in a laptop
CardBus expansion slot. This connector is defined by the PCMCIA
Specification.
StarFabric Bridge
A PCI-to-StarFabric bridge provides an interface between PCI and
StarFabric by translating PCI traffic into serial frame format for
transmission across StarFabric. The PCI bus is a 32-bit parallel bus that
transfers data between a master and a slave at 33 MHz, while the StarFabric
link can simultaneously transmit and receive at 2.5 Gbps. A standard link
is made up of four aggregated 622 Mbps LVDS differential pairs in each
direction.
RJ-45
Connector
RJ-45
Connector
Figure 1-1. NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI Block Diagram
Starfabric
Bridge
PXI Bus
NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI Expansion User Manual 1-2 ni.com
Chapter 1 Introduction
RJ-45 Connector
This connector is a standard connector commonly used for Ethernet. The
StarFabric bridges use the RJ-45 connector with CAT5 cables for a
board-to-board interconnect.
NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI Cable Options
A pair of CAT5-e cables are required to make a complete link: One cable
to transmit data and one cable to receive data. You must install these cables
in a pair. In addition, to meet the specified electromagnetic emissions
standards, you must install the supplied ferrites on both ends of each cable,
one ferrite per cable end.
The NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI is available with cables of various lengths.
Table 1-1 shows the cables that are available from National Instruments.
Table 1-1. National Instruments CardBus-8310-to-PXI Cables
Cable Length (meters) Description
3 m 3 m StarFabric Cable Set 763640-03,
779544-03, CBL3S-NI
10 m 10 m StarFabric Cable Set 763640-10,
779544-10, CBL10S-NI
14 m 14 m StarFabric Cable Set 763640-14,
779544-14, CBL14S-NI
Before Installation
Before installing the NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI expansion system you
should perform the following steps.
• Inventory the shipping carton contents for all of the required parts.
• Gather all of the necessary tools required for installation.
• Read the rest of this manual. The installation instructions must be
followed closely.
Follow these suggested guidelines and cautions while installing.
• Use only the cables provided by National Instruments.
• Use keyed connectors (to prevent connecting a cable backwards).
• Be careful when routing signal cables to your devices.
© National Instruments Corporation 1-3 NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI Expansion User Manual
Chapter 1 Introduction
• Avoid sharp bends or folds in the cables.
• Provide enough slack to allow easy device placement.
• Avoid things that might cause scuffing and abrasion damage to the
cables.
• Secure the devices in their shelves using the appropriate hardware.
• Use the screws or brackets supplied with the device. Suitable mounting
brackets, adapters, and hardware are available from your local
computer dealer or retailer.
Parts List
Table 1-2 lists the components included with your kit.
Table 1-2. CardBus-8310 Kit Components
Quantity Item
1 NI CardBus-8310
2 3 meter CAT5-e cables with 4 ferrites (two ferrites for each cable). 10-meter
and 14-meter cables may be purchased separately.
1 NI PXI-8310
1 Software Installation CD (will contain the software driver, full user manual, and
Documents of Conformity)
1 Installation Guide
Caution In order to complete the installation of the CardBus-to-PXI expansion system you
will need perform the installation in a suitable electrostatic discharge (ESD) protective
environment.
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
You can take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic
discharge (ESD):
• When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping
carton, do not remove the anti-static packaging material until you are
ready to install the component in a computer. Just before unwrapping
the anti-static packaging, be sure you are at an ESD workstation, or
that you are electrically grounded.
• When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an anti-static
container or package.
NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI Expansion User Manual 1-4 ni.com
• Handle all sensitive components at an ESD workstation. If possible,
use anti-static floor pads and workbench pads.
• Handle components and boards with care. Don’t touch the components
or contacts on a board. Hold a board by its edges or by its metal
mounting bracket.
NI PXI-8310 Overview
The NI PXI-8310 expansion card is connected to the NI CardBus-8310
through the CAT5-e cables. You must install the PXI card in slot 1 (the
system controller slot) of the PXI chassis. The NI PXI-8310 card has two
ports for communication (L0 and L1), each utilizing four twisted pair
connections. Each twisted pair is represented on the PXI card front panel
by a separate LED. If a twisted pair connection is functioning, the
corresponding LED will be lit on the front panel.
Each port requires two CAT5-e cables. You must connect the RX jack of
the CardBus-8310 to the TX jack of the PXI-8310, and the TX jack of the
CardBus-8310 to the RX jack of the PXI-8310.
Note You must use the RX and TX connector for the same port to establish
communication. For instance, use the L1 RX and TX connectors to establish
communication on the L1 port. If you only use one port, it is recommended that you use
the L0 port, as the status LEDs will be easier to see.
Chapter 1 Introduction
The top 4 LEDs provide connection status of the top two RJ-45 jacks
(labeled L0) while the bottom 4 LEDs provide the status of the bottom two
jacks (L1). Each pair of RJ-45 jacks constitutes a link capable of
throughput of up to 2.5 Gbps at full duplex, one jack being used as
transmitter (TX) and the other as receiver (RX). The LED control register
within the StarGen chip can operate them in one of three modes.
• All LEDs off—No Link. The differential receiver and transmitter are
not synchronized, meaning that the RJ45 cables are either not
connected or they are crossed.
• All LEDs on—Link is active. The differential transmitter and receiver
are synchronized and data can flow across the link.
• All LEDs blinking—Communication has been lost. At some point the
transmitter and receiver were linked, however now they are longer
synchronized. The link needs to be re-established before data can be
transmitted again.
© National Instruments Corporation 1-5 NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI Expansion User Manual
Chapter 1 Introduction
Note A faulty cable may link some differential pairs while disabling others and the LEDs
can be used to isolate the faulty cable. If replacing the cable does not resolve the issue, there
may be a problem with the StarGen bridge. In that case, contact National Instruments with
the information described in the Contacting Technical Support section of Appendix C,
Troubleshooting NI PXI-CardBus-8310 Cards.
If one or more LEDs for a given port (L0 or L1) are not lit, it indicates that
the twisted pair represented by that LED is not properly connected.
Table 1-3 describes the status indicated by each unlit LED. The same
descriptions apply for the L0 LEDs and the L1 LEDs.
Table 1-3. Unlit LED Status Descriptions
LED Description
0 The PXI card senses no link on its differential pair 0.
1 The PXI card senses no link on its differential pair 1.
2 The PXI card senses no link on its differential pair 2.
3 The PXI card senses no link on its differential pair 3.
Link problems may involve one or more LEDs turning off, depending on
the affected differential pair. It is recommended that you re-seat the cable
to see if that resolves the issue. It is also possible that one of the port cables
may need to be replaced.
NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI Expansion User Manual 1-6 ni.com
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