National Instruments PXI-8170 User Manual
™
PXI
PXI-8170 Series User Manual
PXI-8170 Series User Manual
February 2000 Edition
Part Number 322600A-01
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Important Information
Warranty
The PXI-8170 Series of embedded PXI computers are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of
one year from the date of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other documentation. National Instruments will, at its option,
repair or replace equipment that proves to be defective during the warranty period. This warranty includes parts and labor.
The media on which you receive National Instruments software are warranted not to fail to execute programming i nstructions,
due to defects in materials and workmanship, for a period of 90 days from date of shipment, as evidenced by receipt s or other
documentation. National Instruments will, at its op ti on, repai r or repl ace soft ware me dia th at do not ex ecu te prog ram mi ng
instructions if National Instruments receives notice of such defects during the warrant y period. Nati onal Inst rume nt s does not
warrant that the operation of the software shall be uninterrup 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 warrant y.
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 even t shall Nati on al Inst rum ents be l iable fo r any dama ges aris in g o ut of
or related to this document or the information contained in it.
XCEPT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN
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ATIONAL INSTRUMENTS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM LOSS OF DATA, PROFITS, USE OF PRODUCTS, OR INCIDENTAL
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ATIONAL INSTRUMENTS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY
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WARNING REGARDING USE OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS
(1) NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE NOT DESIGNED WITH COMPONENTS AND TESTING
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OR AS CRITICAL COMPONENTS IN ANY LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS WHOSE FAILURE TO PERFORM CAN
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(2) IN ANY APPLICATION, INCLUDING THE ABOVE, RELIABILITY OF OPERATION O F THE SOFTWARE
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IN ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY, COMPUTER HARDWARE MALFUNCTIONS, COMPUTER OPERATING
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AS THESE ARE HEREAFTER COLLECTIVELY TERMED “SYSTEM FAILURES”). AN Y A PPLICATION WHE RE A
SYSTEM FAILURE WOULD CREATE A RISK OF HARM TO PROPERTY OR PERSONS (INCLUDING THE RISK OF
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Compliance
FCC/Canada Radio Frequency Interference Compliance*
Determining FCC Class
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rules to protect wireless communications from interference.
The FCC places digital electronics into two classes. These classes are known as Class A (for use in 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 for more 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 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.
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
How to Use This Documentation Set ............................................................................xi
Acrobat (Online) Documentation....................................................................xi
Conventions ...................................................................................................................xii
Related Documentation........................................... .......................................................xiii
Chapter 1
Introduction
Overview........................................................................................................................1-1
What You Need to Get Started...................................................................................... 1-2
Hardware Description....................................................................................................1-3
Benefits of PXI................................................................................................1-3
PXI-8170 Series Design..................................................................................1-3
PXI-8170 Series Models..................................................................................1-4
Memory ...........................................................................................................1-4
Hard Drive..................................................... ..................................................1-4
System Slot Functionality................................................................................1-4
Front Panel Features..................................................... ...................................1-4
Peripheral Expansion.......................................................................................1-5
PXI-1020 and PXI-1025 Chassis Support.......................................................1-6
National Instruments Software ............................ ..........................................................1-7
Files and Directories Installed on Your Hard Drive......................................................1-8
PXI-1020 Chassis..............................................................................1-6
Chapter 2
Functional Overview
PXI-8170 Functional Description..................................................................................2-1
Chapter 3
PXI-8170 Series Installation
Default Settings..............................................................................................................3-1
Installing the PXI-8170 Series.......................................................................................3-4
How to Remove the Unit from the PXI Mainframe........................................3-7
Setting up the PXI-8170 Series......................................................................................3-7
© National Instruments Corporation vii PXI-8170 Series User Manual
Contents
Chapter 4
BIOS
Entering BIOS Setup.....................................................................................................4-1
Default BIOS Setup Settings.........................................................................................4-1
BIOS Setup for LCD Support........................................................................................4-1
Updating the BIOS........................................................................................................4-2
Appendix A
Configuring the PXI-8170 Series
Installed System RAM .............................. ....................................................................A-1
System CMOS...............................................................................................................A-1
LCD Resolution and Enable..........................................................................................A-2
Keyboard and Mouse.................................................. ...................................................A-2
Serial IRQ, INTP, and INTS .........................................................................................A-3
Onboard Video ..............................................................................................................A-4
Appendix B
Specifications
Appendix C
PXI-8170 Series System Resources
PCI Interrupts ................................................................................................................C-1
Resource Tables.............................................................................................................C-1
Appendix D
LED Indicators
Interface Status and Access LEDs................................................................................. D-1
Appendix E
Front Panel and Connectors
Front Panel.....................................................................................................................E-1
Keyboard and Mouse.................................................. ...................................................E-3
VGA ..............................................................................................................................E-4
COM1........................................................................................................................... .E-5
Parallel Port...................................................................................................................E-6
Universal Serial Bus .....................................................................................................E-8
PXI Connectors .............................................................................................................E-9
PXI-8170 Series User Manual viii www.ni.com
Appendix F
Common Questions
Appendix G
Technical Support Resources
Glossary
Index
Figures
Figure 1-1. PXI-8170 Embedded Computer............................................................1-2
Figure 2-1. PXI-8170 Series Block Diagram........................................................... 2-2
Figure 3-1. PXI-8170 Series I/O Board Parts Locator Diagram..............................3-3
Figure 3-2. PXI-8170 Series CPU Board Parts Locator Diagram ...........................3-4
Figure 3-3. PXI-8170 Installed in a PXI Mainframe ...............................................3-6
Contents
Figure A-1. System CMOS.......................................................................................A-2
Figure A-2. LCD Resolution Setting ........................................................................A-2
Figure A-3. Active Keyboard Port............................................................................A-3
Figure A-4. Active Mouse Port .................................................................................A-3
Figure A-5. INTP Configuration...............................................................................A-4
Figure A-6. INTS Configuration...............................................................................A-4
Figure A-7. Onboard Video ......................................................................................A-4
Figure E-1. PXI-8170 Front Panel Layout and Dimensions ....................................E-2
Figure E-2. Keyboard and Mouse Connectors Location and Pinout........................E-3
Figure E-3. VGA Connector Location and Pinout...................................................E-4
Figure E-4. COM1 Connector Location and Pinout.................................................E-5
Figure E-5. Parallel Port Connector Location and Pinout........................................E-6
Figure E-6. USB Connector Location and Pinout....................................................E-8
Figure E-7. PXI Connectors Location and Pinout....................................................E-9
© National Instruments Corporation ix PXI-8170 Series User Manual
Contents
Tables
Table 1-1. PXI-8170 Series Peripherals Overview................................................1-5
Table 3-1. Jumpers on CPU Board.........................................................................3-1
Table 3-2. Switches on CPU Board........................................................................3-2
Table 3-3. Jumpers on I/O Board...........................................................................3-3
Table C-1. PXI-8170 Series ISA Interrupt Resource Allocations..........................C-1
Table E-1. Keyboard and Mouse Connector Signals..............................................E-3
Table E-2. VGA Connector Signals ......................................................................E-4
Table E-3. COM1 Connector Signals .....................................................................E-6
Table E-4. Parallel Port Connector Signals ............................................................E-7
Table E-5. USB Connector Signals ........................................................................E-8
Table E-6. P2 Connector Pinouts for the System Controller Slot .......................... E-10
Table E-7. P1 Connector Pinouts for the System Controller Slot .......................... E-11
PXI-8170 Series User Manual x www.ni.com
About This Manual
This manual contains detailed instructions for installing and configuring
your National Instruments PXI-8170 Series embedded computer kit.
The PXI-8170 Series includes all models of the PXI-8170 embedded PXI
computer.
How to Use This Documentation Set
Begin by reading Set Up Your PXI-8170 Series Controller, a brief
quick-start guide that describes how to install and get started with your
controller.
This manual, the PXI-8170 Series User Manual, contains more details
about changing the installation or configuration from the defaults, and
about using the hardware.
If you ordered either LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI, you received
full documentation along with a configuration disk to unlock and access
these application programming environments, which are already installed
on your hard drive.
Acrobat (Online) Documentation
To learn more about using NI-VISA, your kit includes online manuals in
the form of Adobe Acrobat version 3.0 portable document format (PDF)
files. The Acrobat manuals and their installed locations are as follows:
• The NI-VISA User Manual describes how to program using
NI-VISA: Start»Programs»VXIpnp»NI-VISA User Manual
• The NI-VISA Programmer Reference Manual describes in detail the
attributes, events, and operations you use in NI-VISA: Start»
Programs»VXIpnp»NI-VISA Programmer Reference Manual
If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader 3.0, you can download a copy
from the Adobe Web site at
© National Instruments Corporation xi PXI-8170 Series User Manual
http://www.adobe.com/
About This Manual
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 w ord
or value that you must supply.
monospace Text in this font denotes text or characters that you should enter from the
keyboard, sections of code, programming examples, and syntax examples.
This font is also used for the proper names of disk drives, paths, directories,
programs, subprograms, subroutines, device names, functions, operations,
variables, filenames and extensions, and code excerpts.
monospace bold Bold text in this font denotes the messages and responses that the computer
automatically prints to the screen. This font also emphasizes lines of code
that are different from the other examples.
PXI-8170 Series The terms PXI-8170 Series and PXI-8170 refer to a series of 3U PXI
controllers. Currently, this series consists of the PXI-8170, with various
processors and in different speeds.
PXI-8170 Series User Manual xii www.ni.com
Related Documentation
The following documents contain information you may find helpful as you
read this manual:
• PICMG 2.0 R2.1 CompactPCI Specification, PCI Industrial
Computers Manufacturers Group
• IEEE Standard P1284.1-1997 (C/MM) Standard for Information
Technology for Transport Independent Printer/System Interface
• PCI Local Bus Specification, Revision 2.1, PCI Special Interest Group
• PXI Specification, Revision 1.0, National Instruments Corporation
• Serialized IRQ Support for PCI Systems Specification, Revision 6.0,
Compaq Computer et al.
About This Manual
© National Instruments Corporation xiii PXI-8170 Series User Manual
Introduction
This chapter describes the PXI-8170 Series of embedded PXI computers,
what you need to get started, optional equipment and software, and gives
an overview of the directory structure on your hard drive.
Overview
The PXI-8170 Series controller is a 3U PXI/CompactPCI embedded
computer based on the Peripheral Component Interface (PCI) bus
and Industry Standard Architecture (ISA). The computer is a
high-performance, easy-to-use platform for controlling PCI systems,
featuring complete PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation (PXI) functionality
through interactive utilities and C functi on calls
Figure 1-1 shows a PXI-8170 module. Refer to Appendix E, Front Panel
and Connectors, to determine the purpose for each connector on the
module.
The PXI-8170 is a custom computer that you install directly in the system
controller slot of your PXI mainframe. An embedded computer can take
full advantage of the PXI high-performance backplane capabilities.
1
The PXI-8170 is compatible with PC-compatible software tools, the
National Instruments LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI application
software, and the NI-VISA, NI-488.2M, and NI-DAQ software.
© National Instruments Corporation 1-1 PXI-8170 Series User Manual
Chapter 1 Introduction
Figure 1-1. PXI-8170 Embedded Computer
What You Need to Get Started
❑ PXI-8170 Series embedded controller
❑ PXI bus mainframe
❑ PS/2 keyboard or USB (Windows 98 only) keyboard
❑ Serial, PS/2, or USB (Windows 98 only) mouse
❑ Monitor with VGA or better resolution
Note For PXI-8170 installation instructions, refer to the Installing the PXI-8170 Series
section in Chapter 3, PXI-8170 Series Installation.
PXI-8170 Series User Manual 1-2 www.ni.com
Hardware Description
Benefits of PXI
The PXI-8170 Series PXI/CompactPCI embedded computer is a
high-performance CompactPCI-compatible system controller that is
compatible with the PXI bus specification. PXI defines a compact modular
PC platform for industrial instrumentation. PXI leverages the PCI bus,
which is the de facto standard for today’s desktop computer software and
hardware designs. As a result, PXI users receive all the benefits of PCI
within an architecture that supports mechanical, electrical, and software
features tailored to industrial instrumentation, data acquisition, and
automation applications.
Well-suited for industrial applications, PXI leverages from the
CompactPCI specification, which defines a rugged form factor for PCI that
offers superior mechanical integrity and easy installation and removal of
hardware components. PXI products offer higher and more carefully
defined levels of environmental performance required by the vibration,
shock, temperature, and humidity extremes of industrial environments.
PXI adds mandatory environmental testing and active cooling to the
CompactPCI mechanical specification to ease system integration and
ensure multivendor interoperability.
Chapter 1 Introduction
Additionally, PXI meets the more specific needs of instrumentation users
by adding an integrated trigger b us and reference clock for multiple-board
synchronization, a star trigger bus for very precise timing, and local buses
for side-band communication between adjacent peripherals.
PXI-8170 Series Design
The PXI-8170 PXI embedded computer is a high-performance PXI system
controller with standard I/O features built in. The PXI-8170 uses
state-of-the-art technology and packaging to create a fully PC-compatible
controller for PXI. Due to the unique design and packaging, the computer
has onboard AGP video and connects to the PXI bus without the need of a
PCI-to-PCI bridge. As a result, it preserves the full 132 Mbytes/s PCI
bandwidth for other PXI boards. In addition, the PXI-8170 supports
masters in all seven available PXI slots.
The PXI-8170 design includes the standard PC ports (that is, serial,
parallel, USB, PS2 mouse and PS2 keyboard). It also has two
user-accessible SO-DIMM sockets, so it is easy to upgrade memory.
The unique packaging includes a built-in 1.44 MB floppy drive and 2.5 in.
© National Instruments Corporation 1-3 PXI-8170 Series User Manual
Chapter 1 Introduction
hard drive. The mechanical assembly of the PXI-8170 mounts these devices
to the PXI-8170 main board so you can remove the entire unit intact. This
eases integration issues and cabling. The PXI-8170 plugs directly into the
system controller slot and expands to the left, thus preserving all usable PXI
slots for user-defined peripheral devices.
PXI-8170 Series Models
Currently, the PXI-8170 Series consists of a 450 MHz Pentium III model
and a 700 MHz Pentium III model.
The PXI-8170 comes complete with a 3.5 in. 1.44 MB floppy drive, Super
VGA with 2 MB SGRAM, a serial port, an IEEE 1284 parallel port, a PS/2
keyboard and mouse, a USB connector, and software installed.
Memory
The PXI-8170 and its memory sockets are easily accessible so you can
install additional DRAM in the field. You can install up to 256 MB of
10 ns SDRAM, using tw o 144-pin SO-DIMMS.
For information on adding RAM by installing SO-DIMMs, refer to
Appendix B, Specifications.
Hard Drive
The PXI-8170 contains at least a 4 GB internal, enhanced IDE hard disk.
System Slot Functionality
You can use the PXI-8170 computers to achieve full PXI system slot
control of your PXI system. In the system slot, the PXI-8170 provides
master/slave capabilities to all slots in the PXI system.
Front Panel Features
The PXI-8170 Series has the following front-panel features:
• Internal 3.5 in. floppy drive
• System reset push-button (hold for ~ 2 seconds for reset to assert)
PXI-8170 Series User Manual 1-4 www.ni.com
• Front-panel connectors:
• Two front-panel LEDs that show PC status
Peripheral Expansion
The PXI-8170 uses Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) and PCI local bus for
peripheral expansion. AGP is a new generation high-performance
component level interconnect graphics interface. AGP 1x provides a bus
speed of 266 Mbytes/s. The PCIbus is a 32-bit multimaster bus that
achieves a top throughput of 132 Mbytes/s and can handle numerous
peripherals.
Chapter 1 Introduction
– RS-232 Serial
– Extended Capabilities Parallel (ECP)
– VGA Controller
– Universal Serial Bus (USB)
– PS/2-style keyboard
– PS/2-style mouse
– POWEROK LED indicates that the power is on and reset is no
longer asserted.
– DRIVE LED indicates when an access to the internal hard disk is
occurring.
For information on installing and configuring these peripherals for use
with the PXI-8170, refer to the
drivers.txt file explains ho w to install support for each peripheral. This
C:\Images\Pxi8170 directory. The
directory also contains manufacturers’ documentation for the peripherals.
Also, refer to the
readme files for the most up-to-date information.
T able 1-1 lists the various peripherals and describes the external connector,
its bus interface, and its function.
Table 1-1.
PXI-8170 Series Peripherals Overview
ISA,
External
Peripheral
Connector
Video 15-pin DSUB
(standard VGA)
PCI, or
AGP
Function
AGP High-resolution/color support for a
Super VGA monitor
IDE None PCI Supports internal fast ATA-3 hard drive
© National Instruments Corporation 1-5 PXI-8170 Series User Manual
Chapter 1 Introduction
Table 1-1.
Peripheral
Serial Serial Port
(9-pin DSUB)
Parallel Parallel Port
(IEEE 1284)
USB 4-pin Series A
receptacle
Keyboard/Mouse PS/2 ISA PS/2-style keyboard and mouse
Watchdog Timer None ISA Indicates when timer is not refreshed
PXI-8170 Series Peripherals Overview (Continued)
ISA,
External
Connector
PCI, or
AGP
ISA 16550 serial ports
ISA Extended capabilities
PCI Universal Serial Bus
Function
PXI-1020 and PXI-1025 Chassis Support
The PXI-8170 Series controller is designed to interface directly to
PXI-1020 and PXI-1025 chassis. This interface contains the signals
required to control a TFT LCD, an IDE device (slave), a PS/2 keyboard,
and a PS/2 mouse.
Because the keyboard/mouse controller on the PXI-8170 Series supports
only one keyboard and one mouse at a time, the controller has two switches
you can use to control whether to enable either the keyboard and mouse
ports on the front panel of the PXI-8170 or the built-in chassis devices.
Refer to the Keyboard and Mouse section in Appendix A, Configuring the
PXI-8170 Series, for switch settings.
PXI-1020 Chassis
The PXI-1020 chassis currently does not contain a built-in keyboard.
When using the PXI-8170 Series controller with the PXI-1020 chassis, the
LCD may be dimmed through software. The software is located on your
hard drive in the
chassis you can select whether the LCD is enabled while booting or off
until the operating system loads and software turns it on. Refer to
Chapter 3, PXI-8170 Series Installation, for the jumper settings and
Chapter 4, BIOS, for LCD BIOS settings.
PXI-8170 Series User Manual 1-6 www.ni.com
C:\Images\PXI8170\LCD directory. Also, with this
National Instruments Software
National Instruments has developed several software kits that you can use
with the PXI-8170 Series. The software is already installed on your hard
drive.
NI-DAQ has an extensive library of functions that you can call from your
application programming environment. These functions include routines
for analog input (A/D conversion), buffered data acquisition (high-speed
A/D conversion), analog output (D/A conversion), waveform generation,
digital I/O, counter/timer operations, SCXI, RTSI, self-calibration,
messaging, and acquiring data to extended memory.
NI-VISA is the National Instruments implementation of the VISA
specification. VISA is a uniform API for communicating and controlling
Serial, GPIB, PXI, VXI, and various other types of instruments. This API
aids in the creation of more portable applications and instrument drivers.
For information on writing your own PXI instrument driver with NI-VISA,
see the NI-VISA Getting Started manual and the
NI-VISA directory.
You can also use the National Instruments LabVIEW and
LabWindows/CVI application programs and instrument drivers to ease
your programming task. These standardized programs match the modular
virtual instrument capability of PXI and can reduce your PXI software
development time. These programs feature extensive libraries of GPIB,
Serial, and VXI instrument drivers written to take full advantage of direct
PXI control. LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI include all the tools needed
for instrument control, data acquisition, analysis, and presentation.
Chapter 1 Introduction
readme.txt file in the
LabVIEW is a complete programming environment that departs from the
sequential nature of traditional programming languages and features a
graphical programming environment.
LabWindows/CVI is an interactive C development environment for
building test and measurement and instrument control systems. It includes
interactive code-generation tools and a graphical editor for b uilding custom
user interfaces.
© National Instruments Corporation 1-7 PXI-8170 Series User Manual
Chapter 1 Introduction
Files and Directories Installed on Your Hard Drive
Your hard drive includes a directory called images in its root that
contains software and soft copies of manuals for the operating system
and peripherals. The directory structure under the
logically organized into several levels.
In the
images directory itself, you will find a manuals directory,
an
os directory, and directories for each of the peripherals of your
computer.
The
manuals directory contains quick reference guides, technical
reference manuals, and National Instruments software manuals, all in
Adobe Acrobat format. To access any of these manuals, change your
directory to
c:\images\pxi8170\manuals and list the contents of that
directory. You will see several files, one corresponding to each peripheral.
The
os directory contains a subdirectory corresponding to the operating
system installed on your computer. That subdirectory contains an image
of the CD from which your operating system was installed, so you do not
need to insert the CD when you install a new peripheral. When the software
prompts you to insert the CD, direct the system to look in the
directory instead.
images directory is
images\os
For example, if your system has Windows 98 installed, you should find an
image of the Windows 98 CD in
c:\images\os\win98.
The rest of the directories correspond to each peripheral in your system.
Within each of these directories are the drivers for the peripherals. These
files and directories are copied exactly from the distribution disks of the
manufacturers, so the naming conventions vary from peripheral to
peripheral.
Because the naming conventions may not be completely straightforward,
National Instruments provides a text file named
c:\images\pxi8170 directory. The drivers.txt file explains how
drivers.txt in the
to install support for each peripheral. You may want to print this file for
reference when you install your peripheral device drivers.
PXI-8170 Series User Manual 1-8 www.ni.com
Functional Overview
This chapter contains functional descriptions of each major logic block on
the PXI-8170 Series embedded computers.
PXI-8170 Functional Description
The PXI-8170 is a modular PC in a PXI 3U-size form factor.
2
© National Instruments Corporation 2-1 PXI-8170 Series User Manual
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