National Instruments VXI-MIO User Manual

VXI-MIO Series

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User Manual

Multifunction I/O Modules for VXIbus



Copyright 1996 National Instruments Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

August 1996 Edition

Part Number 321246A-01

Internet Support

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LabWindows:
HiQ:
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National Instruments Corporate Headquarters

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Important Information

Warranty

Copyright

Trademarks

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

The media on which you receive National Instruments software are warranted not to fail to execute programming
instructions, due to defects in materials and workmanship, for a period of 90 days from date of shipment, as evidenced
by receipts or other documentation. National Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace software media that do
not execute programming instructions if National Instruments receives notice of such defects during the warranty
period. National Instruments does not warrant that the operation of the software shall be uninterrupted or error free.

A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained from the factory and clearly marked on the outside
of the package before any equipment will be accepted for warranty work. National Instruments will pay the shipping
costs of returning to the owner parts which are covered by warranty.

National Instruments believes that the information in this manual is accurate. The document has been carefully
reviewed for technical accuracy. In the event that technical or typographical errors exist, National Instruments
reserves the right to make changes to subsequent editions of this document without prior notice to holders of this
edition. The reader should consult National Instruments if errors are suspected. In no event shall National
Instruments be liable for any damages arising out of or related to this document or the information contained in it.

XCEPT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN

E

SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE

C

USTOMER’S RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES CAUSED BY FAULT OR NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF NATIONAL

I

NSTRUMENTS SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT THERETOFORE PAID BY THE CUSTOMER
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

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

Under the copyright laws, this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying, recording, storing in an information retrieval system, or translating, in whole or
in part, without the prior written consent of National Instruments Corporation.

LabVIEW, NI-DAQ, ComponentWorks, DAQ-STC, MANTIS, MITE, NI-PGIA, NI-VISA, NI-VXI,



, and VirtualBench are trademarks of National Instruments Corporation.

SCXI
Product and company names listed are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.

, N

ATIONAL INSTRUMENTS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND

. N

ATIONAL INSTRUMENTS

. This limitation of the liability of National

.

WARNING REGARDING MEDICAL AND CLINICAL USE OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS

National Instruments products are not designed with components and testing intended to ensure a level of reliability
suitable for use in treatment and diagnosis of humans. Applications of National Instruments products involving
medical or clinical treatment can create a potential for accidental injury caused by product failure, or by errors on the
part of the user or application designer. Any use or application of National Instruments products for or involving
medical or clinical treatment must be performed by properly trained and qualified medical personnel, and all
traditional medical safeguards, equipment, and procedures that are appropriate in the particular situation to prevent
serious injury or death should always continue to be used when National Instruments products are being used.
National Instruments products are NOT intended to be a substitute for any form of established process, procedure, or
equipment used to monitor or safeguard human health and safety in medical or clinical treatment.

About This Manual

Organization of This Manual ........................................................................................xi

Conventions Used in This Manual ................................................................................xii

National Instruments Documentation ...........................................................................xiii

Related Documentation .................................................................................................xiv

Customer Communication ............................................................................................xiv

Chapter 1
Introduction

About the VXI-MIO Series ...........................................................................................1-1

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

Software Programming Choices ...................................................................................1-2

National Instruments Application Software ...................................................1-2

NI-DAQ Driver Software ...............................................................................1-3

VXI

plug&play

Optional Equipment ......................................................................................................1-5

Custom Cabling .............................................................................................................1-6

Unpacking .....................................................................................................................1-6

Table

of

Contents

Instrument Drivers .................................................................1-4

Chapter 2
Configuration and Installation

Module Configuration ...................................................................................................2-1

VXIbus Logical Address ................................................................................2-1

SIMM Size ......................................................................................................2-5

Load USER/FACTORY Configuration ..........................................................2-7

Protect/Change Factory Configuration ...........................................................2-8

Hardware Installation ....................................................................................................2-8

Software Installation .....................................................................................................2-9

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National Instruments Corporation v VXI-MIO Series User Manual

Table of Contents

Chapter 3
Hardware Overview

Analog Input ................................................................................................................. 3-3

Input Mode ..................................................................................................... 3-3

Input Polarity and Input Range ...................................................................... 3-4

Dither .............................................................................................................. 3-7

Multichannel Scanning Considerations .......................................................... 3-8

Analog Output .............................................................................................................. 3-10

Analog Output Reference Selection ............................................................... 3-10

Analog Output Polarity Selection .................................................................. 3-10

Analog Output Reglitch Selection ................................................................. 3-11

Analog Trigger ............................................................................................................. 3-11

Digital I/O ..................................................................................................................... 3-14

Timing Signal Routing ................................................................................................. 3-15

Programmable Function Inputs ...................................................................... 3-16

Module and Timebase .................................................................................... 3-16

VXIbus Triggers ............................................................................................. 3-17

Chapter 4
Signal Connections

I/O Connector ...............................................................................................................4-1

I/O Connector Signal Descriptions ................................................................ 4-3

Analog Input Signal Connections ................................................................................. 4-9

Types of Signal Sources ...............................................................................................4-11

Floating Signal Sources .................................................................................. 4-11

Ground-Referenced Signal Sources ............................................................... 4-11

Input Configurations ..................................................................................................... 4-12

Differential Connection Considerations (DIFF Input Configuration) ........... 4-14

Single-Ended Connection Considerations ...................................................... 4-18

Common-Mode Signal Rejection Considerations .......................................... 4-20

Analog Output Signal Connections .............................................................................. 4-20

Digital I/O Signal Connections ....................................................................................4-22

Considerations for Selecting Input Ranges ...................................... 3-6

Differential Connections for Ground-Referenced

Signal Sources ................................................................................4-15

Differential Connections for Nonreferenced or Floating

Signal Sources ................................................................................4-16

Single-Ended Connections for Floating Signal Sources

(RSE Configuration) ...................................................................... 4-19

Single-Ended Connections for Grounded Signal Sources

(NRSE Configuration) ................................................................... 4-19

VXI-MIO Series User Manual vi

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Table of Contents

Power Connections ........................................................................................................4-23

Timing Connections ......................................................................................................4-23

Programmable Function Input Connections ...................................................4-24

Data Acquisition Timing Connections ...........................................................4-25

SCANCLK Signal ............................................................................4-26

EXTSTROBE* Signal ......................................................................4-26

TRIG1 Signal ...................................................................................4-27

TRIG2 Signal ...................................................................................4-28

STARTSCAN Signal .......................................................................4-30

CONVERT* Signal ..........................................................................4-32

AIGATE Signal ................................................................................4-33

SISOURCE Signal ...........................................................................4-34

Waveform Generation Timing Connections ...................................................4-34

WFTRIG Signal ...............................................................................4-36

UPDATE* Signal .............................................................................4-36

UISOURCE Signal ...........................................................................4-37

General-Purpose Timing Signal Connections ................................................4-38

GPCTR0_SOURCE Signal ..............................................................4-38

GPCTR0_GATE Signal ...................................................................4-39

GPCTR0_OUT Signal ......................................................................4-40

GPCTR0_UP_DOWN Signal ..........................................................4-40

GPCTR1_SOURCE Signal ..............................................................4-41

GPCTR1_GATE Signal ...................................................................4-41

GPCTR1_OUT Signal ......................................................................4-42

GPCTR1_UP_DOWN Signal ..........................................................4-43

FREQ_OUT Signal ..........................................................................4-44

Field Wiring Considerations .........................................................................................4-45

Chapter 5
Calibration

Loading Calibration Constants ......................................................................................5-1

Self-Calibration .............................................................................................................5-2

External Calibration ......................................................................................................5-2

Other Considerations .....................................................................................................5-3

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National Instruments Corporation vii VXI-MIO Series User Manual

Table of Contents

Appendix A
Specifications

VXI-MIO-64E-1 ........................................................................................................... A-1

VXI-MIO-64XE-10 ...................................................................................................... A-10

Appendix B
Optional Cable Connector Descriptions

Appendix C
Common Questions

Appendix D
Customer Communication

Glossary

Index

Figures

Figure 1-1. The Relationship between the Programming Environment, Your

Instrument Driver, and Your VXI-DAQ Hardware .............................. 1-5

Figure 2-1. VXI-MIO-64E-1 Parts Locator Diagram ................................................ 2-3

Figure 2-2. VXI-MIO-64XE-10 Parts Locator Diagram ........................................... 2-4

Figure 2-3. VXI-MIO-64XE-10 Logical Address Selection ...................................... 2-5

Figure 2-4. SIMM Size Configuration ....................................................................... 2-6

Figure 2-5. Load User/Factory Configuration ........................................................... 2-8

Figure 2-6. Protect/Change Factory Configuration .................................................... 2-8

Figure 3-1. VXI-MIO Series Block Diagram ............................................................ 3-2

Figure 3-2. Dither ....................................................................................................... 3-8

Figure 3-3. Analog Trigger Block Diagram ............................................................... 3-12

Figure 3-4. Below-Low-Level Analog Triggering Mode .......................................... 3-12

Figure 3-5. Above-High-Level Analog Triggering Mode ......................................... 3-13

Figure 3-6. Inside-Region Analog Triggering Mode ................................................. 3-13

Figure 3-7. High-Hysteresis Analog Triggering Mode .............................................. 3-13

Figure 3-8. Low-Hysteresis Analog Triggering Mode .............................................. 3-14

Figure 3-9. CONVERT* Signal Routing ................................................................... 3-15

Figure 3-10. VXIbus Trigger Utilization .....................................................................3-17

VXI-MIO Series User Manual viii

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National Instruments Corporation

Table of Contents

Figure 4-1. I/O Connector Pin Assignment for the VXI-MIO-64E-1 and

VXI-MIO-64XE-10 ................................................................................4-2

Figure 4-2. VXI-MIO Series PGIA ............................................................................4-10

Figure 4-3. Summary of Analog Input Connections ..................................................4-13

Figure 4-4. Differential Input Connections for Ground-Referenced Signals .............4-15

Figure 4-5. Differential Input Connections for Nonreferenced Signals .....................4-16

Figure 4-6. Single-Ended Input Connections for Nonreferenced or Floating

Signals.....................................................................................................4-19

Figure 4-7. Single-Ended Input Connections for Ground-Referenced Signal ............4-20

Figure 4-8. Analog Output Connections .....................................................................4-21

Figure 4-9. Digital I/O Connections ...........................................................................4-22

Figure 4-10. Timing I/O Connections ..........................................................................4-24

Figure 4-11. Typical Posttriggered Acquisition ...........................................................4-25

Figure 4-12. Typical Pretriggered Acquisition .............................................................4-26

Figure 4-13. SCANCLK Signal Timing .......................................................................4-26

Figure 4-14. EXTSTROBE* Signal Timing ................................................................4-27

Figure 4-15. TRIG1 Input Signal Timing .....................................................................4-28

Figure 4-16. TRIG1 Output Signal Timing ..................................................................4-28

Figure 4-17. TRIG2 Input Signal Timing .....................................................................4-29

Figure 4-18. TRIG2 Output Signal Timing ..................................................................4-29

Figure 4-19. STARTSCAN Input Signal Timing .........................................................4-30

Figure 4-20. STARTSCAN Output Signal Timing ......................................................4-31

Figure 4-21. CONVERT* Input Signal Timing ...........................................................4-32

Figure 4-22. CONVERT* Output Signal Timing .........................................................4-33

Figure 4-23. SISOURCE Signal Timing ......................................................................4-34

Figure 4-24. WFTRIG Input Signal Timing .................................................................4-35

Figure 4-25. WFTRIG Output Signal Timing ..............................................................4-35

Figure 4-26. UPDATE* Input Signal Timing ..............................................................4-37

Figure 4-27. UPDATE* Output Signal Timing ............................................................4-37

Figure 4-28. UISOURCE Signal Timing ......................................................................4-38

Figure 4-29. GPCTR0_SOURCE Signal Timing .........................................................4-39

Figure 4-30. GPCTR0_GATE Signal Timing in Edge-Detection Mode .....................4-40

Figure 4-31. GPCTR0_OUT Signal Timing ................................................................4-40

Figure 4-32. GPCTR1_SOURCE Signal Timing .........................................................4-41

Figure 4-33. GPCTR1_GATE Signal Timing in Edge-Detection Mode .....................4-42

Figure 4-34. GPCTR1_OUT Signal Timing ................................................................4-43

Figure 4-35. GPCTR Timing Summary .......................................................................4-43

Figure B-1. 68-Pin MIO Connector Pin Assignments ................................................B-2

Figure B-2. 68-Pin Extended Analog Input Connector Pin Assignments ...................B-3

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National Instruments Corporation ix VXI-MIO Series User Manual

Table of Contents

Tables

Table 2-1. VXI-MIO Series DRAM Configuration .................................................. 2-6

Table 3-1. Available Input Configurations for the VXI-MIO Series ....................... 3-3

Table 3-2. Actual Range and Measurement Precision .............................................. 3-4

Table 3-3. Actual Range and Measurement Precision, VXI-MIO-64XE-10 ........... 3-6

Table 4-1. VXI-MIO-64E-1 I/O Signal Summary .................................................... 4-6

Table 4-2. VXI-MIO-64XE-10 I/O Signal Summary ............................................... 4-8

VXI-MIO Series User Manual x

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National Instruments Corporation

This manual describes the electrical and mechanical aspects of each
module in the VXI-MIO Series product line and contains information
concerning their installation, operation, and programming. Unless
otherwise noted, text applies to all modules in the VXI-MIO Series.

The VXI-MIO Series includes the following modules:

• VXI-MIO-64E-1

• VXI-MIO-64XE-10
The VXI-MIO Series modules are high-performance multifunction

analog, digital, and timing I/O modules for VXIbus.

Organization of This Manual

The

VXI-MIO Series User Manual

• Chapter 1,
lists what you need to get started, describes the optional software
and optional equipment, and explains how to unpack your
VXI-MIO Series module.

• Chapter 2,
configure and install your VXI-MIO Series module.

• Chapter 3,
hardware functions on your VXI-MIO Series module.

• Chapter 4, Signal Connections
output signal connections to your VXI-MIO Series module via the
module I/O connector.

• Chapter 5,
your VXI-MIO Series module.

• Appendix A,
module in the VXI-MIO Series.

• Appendix B,
connectors on the optional cables for the VXI-MIO Series modules.

Introduction

Configuration and Installation

Hardware Overview

Calibration,

Specifications

Optional Cable Connector Descriptions

About

About

This

This

Manual

Manual

is organized as follows:

, describes the VXI-MIO Series modules,

, explains how to

, presents an overview of the

, describes how to make input and

discusses the calibration procedures for

, lists the specifications for each

, describes the



National Instruments Corporation xi VXI-MIO Series User Manual

About This Manual

• Appendix C,
questions and their answers relating to usage and special features
of your VXI-MIO Series module.

• Appendix D,
to request help from National Instruments or to comment on our
products.

• The

• The

Glossary

used in this manual, including acronyms, abbreviations, metric
prefixes, mnemonics, and symbols.

Index

including the page where you can find the topic.

Common Questions

Customer Communication

contains an alphabetical list and description of terms

alphabetically lists topics covered in this manual,

Conventions Used in This Manual

The following conventions are used in this manual.

♦

< > Angle brackets containing numbers separated by an ellipsis represent a

bold

bold italic

italic

NI-DAQ NI-DAQ refers to the NI-DAQ software for PC compatibles unless

SCXI SCXI stands for Signal Conditioning eXtensions for Instrumentation

The ♦ indicates that the text following it applies only to specific

VXI-MIO Series modules.

range of values associated with a bit, port, or signal name (for example,
ACH<0..7> stands for ACH0 through ACH7).

Bold text denotes parameters.
Bold italic text denotes a note, caution, or warning.

Italic text denotes emphasis on a specific module in the
VXI-MIO Series or on other important information, a cross reference,
or an introduction to a key concept.

otherwise noted.

and is a National Instruments product line designed to perform
front-end signal conditioning for National Instruments plug-in DAQ
boards.

, contains a list of commonly asked

, contains forms you can use

The

Glossary

mnemonics, symbols, and terms.

VXI-MIO Series User Manual xii

lists abbreviations, acronyms, metric prefixes,



National Instruments Corporation

National Instruments Documentation

The

VXI-MIO Series User Manual

for your VXI-DAQ system. You could have any of several types of
manuals depending on the hardware and software in your system. Use
the manuals you have as follows:

•

Getting Started with SCXI

manual you should read. It gives an overview of the SCXI system
and contains the most commonly needed information for the
modules, chassis, and software.

• Your SCXI hardware user manuals—If you are using SCXI, read
these manuals next for detailed information about signal
connections and module configuration. They also explain in greater
detail how the module works and contain application hints.

• Your VXI-DAQ hardware user manuals—These manuals have
detailed information about the VXI-DAQ hardware that plugs into
or is connected to your system. Use these manuals for hardware
installation and configuration instructions, specification
information about your VXI-DAQ hardware, and application hints.

• Software documentation—You may have both application software
and driver software documentation. National Instruments
application software includes ComponentWorks, LabVIEW,
LabWindows/CVI, Measure, and VirtualBench. National
Instruments driver software includes NI-DAQ and VXI
instrument drivers. After you set up your hardware system, use
either your application or driver software documentation to help
you write your application. If you have a large and complicated
system, it is worthwhile to look through the software
documentation before you configure your hardware.

• Accessory installation guides or manuals—If you are using
accessory products, read the terminal block and cable assembly
installation guides. They explain how to physically connect the
relevant pieces of the system. Consult these guides when you are
making your connections.

• SCXI chassis manuals—If you are using SCXI, read these manuals
for maintenance information on the chassis and installation
instructions.

is one piece of the documentation set

—If you are using SCXI, this is the first

About This Manual

plug&play



National Instruments Corporation xiii VXI-MIO Series User Manual

About This Manual

Related Documentation

The following National Instruments document contains information
you may find helpful:

• Application Note 025,

Analog Signals

Customer Communication

National Instruments wants to receive your comments on our products
and manuals. We are interested in the applications you develop with our
products, and we want to help if you have problems with them. To make
it easy for you to contact us, this manual contains comment and
configuration forms for you to complete. These forms are in
Appendix D,

Customer Communication

Field Wiring and Noise Considerations for

, at the end of this manual.

VXI-MIO Series User Manual xiv

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National Instruments Corporation

Chapter

Introduction

This chapter describes the VXI-MIO Series modules, lists what you
need to get started, describes the optional software and optional
equipment, and explains how to unpack your VXI-MIO Series module.

About the VXI-MIO Series

Thank you for buying a National Instruments VXI-MIO Series module.
The VXI-MIO Series modules are completely VXI
compatible multifunction analog, digital, and timing I/O modules for
VXIbus. This family of modules features 12-bit and 16-bit ADCs with
64 analog inputs, 12-bit and 16-bit DACs with voltage outputs, eight
lines of TTL-compatible digital I/O, and two 24-bit counter/timers for
timing I/O.

The VXI-MIO Series modules use the National Instruments DAQ-STC
system timing controller for timer-related functions. The DAQ-STC
consists of three timing groups that control analog input, analog output,
and general-purpose counter/timer functions. These groups include a
total of seven 24-bit and three 16-bit counters and a maximum timing
resolution of 50 ns.

1

plug&play

-

A common problem with other VXI modules is that you cannot easily
synchronize several measurement functions to a common trigger or
timing event. The VXI-MIO Series modules solve this problem by
using VXIbus triggers to synchronize measurements on several
VXI-MIO Series modules.

You can interface the VXI-MIO Series modules to an SCXI signal
conditioning and multiplexing system to acquire over 3,000 analog
signals from thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, voltage sources, and
current sources. You can also acquire or generate digital signals for
communication and control.

Detailed specifications of the VXI-MIO Series modules are in
Appendix A,



National Instruments Corporation 1-1 VXI-MIO Series User Manual

Specifications

.

Chapter 1 Introduction

What You Need to Get Started

To set up and use your VXI-MIO Series module, you will need the
following:

❑

One of the following modules:

VXI-MIO-64E-1
VXI-MIO-64XE-10

❑

VXI-MIO Series User Manual

❑

One or more of the following software packages and documentation:

ComponentWorks
LabVIEW for Windows
LabWindows/CVI
Measure
NI-DAQ for PC Compatibles
VirtualBench
VXI

plug&play

instrument driver

❑

Your VXIbus system

Software Programming Choices

There are several options to choose from when programming your
National Instruments VXI-DAQ hardware. You can use LabVIEW,
LabWindows/CVI, Measure, ComponentWorks, VirtualBench, or other
application development environments with either NI-DAQ or the
VXI

plug&play

instrument drivers access the VXI-DAQ hardware through the VISA
driver software.

National Instruments Application Software

ComponentWorks contains tools for data acquisition and instrument
control built on NI-DAQ driver software. ComponentWorks provides a
higher-level programming interface for building virtual instruments
through standard OLE controls and DLLs. With ComponentWorks, you
can use all of the configuration tools, resource management utilities,
and interactive control utilities included with NI-DAQ.

VXI-MIO Series User Manual 1-2

instrument driver. Both NI-DAQ and the VXI

plug&play



National Instruments Corporation

Chapter 1 Introduction

LabVIEW features interactive graphics, a state-of-the-art user
interface, and a powerful graphical programming language. The
LabVIEW Data Acquisition VI Library, a series of VIs for using
LabVIEW with National Instruments DAQ hardware, is included with
LabVIEW. The LabVIEW Data Acquisition VI Library is functionally
equivalent to the NI-DAQ software.

LabWindows/CVI features interactive graphics, a state-of-the-art user
interface, and uses the ANSI standard C programming language. The
LabWindows/CVI Data Acquisition Library, a series of functions for
using LabWindows/CVI with National Instruments DAQ hardware, is
included with the NI-DAQ software kit. The LabWindows/CVI Data
Acquisition Library is functionally equivalent to the NI-DAQ software.

VirtualBench features VIs that combine DAQ products, software, and
your computer to create a standalone instrument with the added benefit
of the processing, display, and storage capabilities of your computer.
VirtualBench instruments load and save waveform data to disk in the
same forms that can be used in popular spreadsheet programs and word
processors. VirtualBench features report generation and printing
capabilities.

Using ComponentWorks, LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, or
VirtualBench software will greatly reduce the development time for
your data acquisition and control application.

NI-DAQ Driver Software

The NI-DAQ driver software is included at no charge with all National
Instruments DAQ hardware. NI-DAQ is not packaged with signal
conditioning or accessory products. 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 (timed D/A
conversion), digital I/O, counter/timer operations, SCXI, triggering,
calibration, messaging, and acquiring data to extended memory.

NI-DAQ has both high-level DAQ I/O functions for maximum ease of
use and low-level DAQ I/O functions for maximum flexibility and
performance. Examples of high-level functions are streaming data to
disk or acquiring a certain number of data points. An example of a
low-level function is writing directly to registers on the DAQ device.
NI-DAQ does not sacrifice the performance of National Instruments



National Instruments Corporation 1-3 VXI-MIO Series User Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction

VXI

plug&play

DAQ devices because it lets multiple devices operate at their peak
performance.

NI-DAQ also internally addresses many of the complex issues between
the computer and the DAQ hardware such as programming interrupts
and DMA controllers. NI-DAQ maintains a consistent software
interface between its different versions so that you can change
platforms with minimal modifications to your code.

Instrument Drivers

National Instruments distributes VXI
of charge. VXI
NI-DAQ device driver and contain high-level software functions whose
architecture is specified by the VXI
VXI

plug&play

and ensure that drivers are designed and presented in a consistent
fashion that facilitates ease of use. Refer to Figure 1-1 to see the
relationship between your software components.

plug&play

standards increase interoperability with other vendors,

instrument drivers are one level above the

plug&play

plug&play

instrument drivers free

Systems Alliance. The

VXI-MIO Series User Manual 1-4



National Instruments Corporation

Chapter 1 Introduction

Figure 1-1.

Optional Equipment

National Instruments offers a variety of products to use with your
VXI-MIO Series module, including cables, connector blocks, and other
accessories, as follows:

• Cables and cable assemblies, shielded and ribbon

• Connector blocks

• SCXI modules and accessories for isolating, amplifying, exciting,
and multiplexing signals for relays and analog output. With SCXI
you can condition and acquire up to 3072 channels.

• Low channel count signal conditioning modules, boards, and
accessories, including conditioning for strain gauges and RTDs,
simultaneous sample and hold, and relays

LabVIEW or

LabWindows/CVI

VXI

plug&play

Instrument Driver

NI-DAQ Driver Software

VISA

VXI-DAQ Hardware

The Relationship between the Programming Environment, Your

Instrument Driver, and Your VXI-DAQ Hardware

Other Application

Development Environments

For more specific information about these products, refer to your
National Instruments catalogue or call the office nearest you.

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National Instruments Corporation 1-5 VXI-MIO Series User Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction

Custom Cabling

Mating connectors and a backshell kit for making custom 96-pin cables
for your VXI-MIO Series module are available from National
Instruments.

If you want to develop your own cable, however, the following
guidelines may be useful:

• For the analog input signals, shielded twisted-pair wires for each

• You should route the analog lines separately from the digital lines.

• When using a cable shield, use separate shields for the analog and

Unpacking

Your VXI-MIO Series module is shipped in an antistatic package to
prevent electrostatic damage to the module. Electrostatic discharge can
damage several components on the module. To avoid such damage in
handling the module, take the following precautions:

• Ground yourself via a grounding strap or by holding a grounded

• Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of your VXIbus chassis

• Remove the module from the package and inspect the module for

•

signal yields the best results, assuming that you use differential
inputs. Tie the shield for each signal pair to the ground reference at
the source.

digital halves of the cable. Failure to do so results in noise coupling
into the analog signals from transient digital signals.

object.

before removing the module from the package.

loose components or any other sign of damage. Notify National
Instruments if the module appears damaged in any way.
install a damaged module into your VXIbus chassis.

Never

touch the exposed pins of connectors.

Do not

VXI-MIO Series User Manual 1-6

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National Instruments Corporation

Configuration and

Chapter

Installation

This chapter explains how to configure and install your
VXI-MIO Series module.

Module Configuration

The VXI-MIO Series modules are software-configurable, except for the
VXIbus logical address. You must perform two types of configuration
on the VXI-MIO Series modules—bus-related configuration and data
acquisition-related configuration. Bus-related configuration includes
setting the VXIbus logical address, VXIbus address space (

A32

), VXIbus interrupt levels, and amount of VXIbus address space
required. Data acquisition-related configuration, explained in
Chapter 3,
polarity and range, analog output reference source, and other settings.

VXIbus Logical Address

Each module in a VXIbus system is assigned a unique number between
0 and 254. This 8-bit number, called the logical address, defines the
base address for the VXIbus configuration registers located on the
module. With unique logical addresses, each VXIbus module in the
system is assigned 64 bytes of configuration space in the upper 16 KB
of the A16 address space.

Hardware Overview

2

A24

versus

, includes such settings as analog input

Logical address 0 is reserved for the Resource Manager in the VXIbus
system. Because the VXI-MIO Series modules cannot act as a Resource
Manager, do not configure the VXI-MIO Series modules with a logical
address of 0. The factory-default logical address for the
VXI-MIO-64E-1 is 3 and for the VXI-MIO-64XE-10 is 2.

Some VXIbus modules have dynamically configurable logical
addresses. These modules have an initial logical address of hex FF or
decimal 255, which indicates that they can be dynamically configured.

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National Instruments Corporation 2-1 VXI-MIO Series User Manual

Chapter 2 Configuration and Installation

Your VXI-MIO Series module does not support dynamic configuration
of its logical address.

Ensure that no other statically configurable VXIbus modules have the
same logical address as the VXI-MIO Series module. If they do, change
the logical address setting of either the VXI-MIO Series module or the
other module so that every module in the system has a different
associated logical address.

To change the logical address of the VXI-MIO Series modules, modify
the setting of the 8-bit DIP switch labeled LOGICAL ADDRESS
SWITCH (U3 for the VXI-MIO-64E-1 and U73 for the
VXI-MIO-64XE-10). The down position of the DIP switch corresponds
to a logic value of 0 and the up position corresponds to a logic value
of 1.

See Figures 2-1 and 2-2 for the VXI-MIO Series parts locator diagrams.

VXI-MIO Series User Manual 2-2

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National Instruments Corporation

Chapter 2 Configuration and Installation

4

3
2

5

1
1

6
7
8

9

1011

1 DRAM
2 Product Name
3 Assembly Number

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National Instruments Corporation 2-3 VXI-MIO Series User Manual

4P3

5 Serial Number

6S1

Figure 2-1.

7S2
8S3
9 Logical Address Switch

VXI-MIO-64E-1 Parts Locator Diagram

10 P1
11 P2

Chapter 2 Configuration and Installation

3
2

1
1

4

5
6

7
8

1 DRAM
2 Product Name
3 Assembly Number

4P3

5S1

6S2

Figure 2-2.

Figure 2-3 shows the VXI-MIO-64XE-10 switch settings for logical
address 2 and 192.

VXI-MIO Series User Manual 2-4

10 911

7S3
8 Logical Address Switch (U73)
9 Serial Number

VXI-MIO-64XE-10 Block Diagram

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National Instruments Corporation

10 P1
11 P2

Chapter 2 Configuration and Installation

Logical Address

Switch

Push up for logic 1

Push down for logic 0

P1 Connector U73 VXI-MIO-64XE-10 Module

a. Switch Set to Logical Address 2 (Default)

Push up for logic 1

Push down for logic 0

12345678

LSB MSB

Logical Address

Switch

12345678

MSBLSB

P1 Connector U73 VXI-MIO-64XE-10 Module

b. Switch Set to Logical Address 192

Figure 2-3.

VXI-MIO-64XE-10 Logical Address Selection

SIMM Size

Each VXI-MIO module can accommodate up to two 1.35 in. DRAM
SIMMs. Table 2-1 lists the SIMMS you can use. You can use 32-bit or
36-bit SIMMS since DRAM parity is not required. Because the
VXI-MIO module supports only one organization at a time, all SIMMs
installed must be of the same type. Use bank 0 first when installing the
SIMMs, so that you can install up to 64 MB. The VXI-MIO module
supports DRAM speeds of 80 ns or faster.

Use switch S3 to select the size of each SIMM. The SIMM sockets are
accessible only by removing the component right side cover, but S3 is

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National Instruments Corporation 2-5 VXI-MIO Series User Manual

Chapter 2 Configuration and Installation

accessible with the cover on. To access the SIMM sockets, perform the
following steps:

1. Remove the four screws on the top, the four screws on the bottom,

and the three screws on the right-side cover of the metal enclosure.

2. If the SIMMs are 4 MB x 32 bit or larger, set S3 as shown in

Figure 2-4a.

3. For SIMMs smaller than 4 MB x 32 bit, set S3 as shown in

Figure 2-4b.

SIMM Size

(Factory Default)

SIMM Size

(Factory Default)

S3 S3

Bank 0

—

256 KB x 32 bit or
256 KB x 36 bit

256 KB x 32 bit or
256 KB x 36 bit

512 KB x 32 bit or
512 KB x 36 bit

512 KB x 32 bit or
512 KB x 36 bit

a. 4 MB X 32 bit or larger

Figure 2-4.

b. Smaller than 4 MB X 32 bit

SIMM Size Configuration

Refer to Table 2-1 to properly adjust the switch (ON or OFF) for all
supported DRAM configurations. Many of the DRAM options are
available from National Instruments.

Table 2-1.

Bank 1 Total

VXI-MIO Series DRAM Configuration

National

DRAM

Instruments Option

Switch Setting

of S3

— 0 — —
— 1 MB — ON

256 KB x 32 bit or

2 MB — ON

256 KB x 36 bit

— 2 MB — ON

512 KB x 32 bit or

4 MB — ON

512 KB x 36 bit

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National Instruments Corporation

Chapter 2 Configuration and Installation

Bank 0

1 MB x 32 bit or
1 MB x 36 bit

1 MB x 32 bit or
1 MB x 36 bit

2 MB x 32 bit or
2 MB x 36 bit

2 MB x 32 bit or
2 MB x 36 bit

4 MB x 32 bit or
4 MB x 36 bit

4 MB x 32 bit or
4 MB x 36 bit

8 MB x 32 bit or
8 MB x 36 bit

Table 2-1.

VXI-MIO Series DRAM Configuration (Continued)

Bank 1 Total

— 4 MB Yes ON

1 MB x 32 bit or
1 MB x 36 bit

— 8 MB Yes ON

2 MB x 32 bit or
2 MB x 36 bit

— 16 MB Yes OFF

4 MB x 32 bit or
4 MB x 36 bit

— 32 MB Yes OFF

DRAM

National

Instruments Option

Switch Setting

of S3

8 MB — ON

16 MB — ON

32 MB — OFF

8 MB x 32 bit or
8 MB x 36 bit

8 MB x 32 bit or
8 MB x 36 bit

64 MB Yes OFF

Load USER/FACTORY Configuration

The VXI-MIO module has an onboard EEPROM, which stores default
register values that are loaded at power-on. The EEPROM is divided
into two halves—a factory-configuration half, and a user-configuration
half. Both halves were factory configured with the same configuration
values so you can modify the user-configurable half, while the factory­configured half stores a back-up of the factory settings.

Use switch S2 to control the operation of the EEPROM. The switch
causes the VXI-MIO module to boot off the factory-configured half
instead of the user-modified settings. This is useful in the event that the
user-configured half of the EEPROM becomes corrupted in such a way
that the VXI-MIO module boots to an unusable state. Refer to
Figure 2-5 for configuration settings.

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National Instruments Corporation 2-7 VXI-MIO Series User Manual

Chapter 2 Configuration and Installation

Load User

Configuration

Figure 2-5.

Protect/Change Factory Configuration

Use switch S1 to change the factory-default configuration settings by
permitting writes to the factory settings section of the EEPROM. This
switch serves as a safety measure and should not be needed under
normal circumstances. When this switch is off (its default setting) the
factory configuration of the EEPROM is protected, so any writes to the
factory area will be ignored. Refer to Figure 2-6 for configuration
settings.

Protect Factory

Configuration

Load Factory

Configuration

S2 S2

Load User/Factory Configuration

Change Factory

Configuration

S1 S1

Figure 2-6.

Hardware Installation

This section contains general installation instructions for the VXI-MIO
Series modules. Consult your VXIbus mainframe user manual or
technical reference manual for specific instructions and warnings.

1. Plug in your mainframe before installing your VXI module. The

power cord grounds the mainframe and protects it from electrical
damage while you install the module.
mainframe.

Warning:

VXI-MIO Series User Manual 2-8

To protect yourself and your mainframe from electrical hazards, DO
turn the mainframe on until you are finished installing your VXI-MIO
Series module.

Protect/Change Factory Configuration

Do not

turn on the

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National Instruments Corporation

NOT

Chapter 2 Configuration and Installation

2. Remove or open any doors or covers blocking access to the

mainframe slots.

3. If you are installing your VXI-DAQ module into a D-size

mainframe, first install an appropriate support for C-size modules
in D-size mainframes.

4. Insert the VXI-DAQ module in the slot you have selected:

a. Align the top and bottom of the module with the card-edge

guides inside the mainframe.

b. Slowly push the VXI-DAQ module straight into the slot until

its plug connectors are resting on the backplane receptacle
connectors.

c. Using evenly distributed pressure, slowly press the VXI-DAQ

module straight in until it seats in the expansion slot.

d. Make sure the front panel of the VXI-DAQ module is even

with the front panel of the mainframe.

5. Tighten the retaining screws on the top and bottom edges of the

front panel.

6. Replace or close any doors or covers to the mainframe.

Software Installation

Regardless of your programming methodology, proper operation of

your VXI-MIO module depends on the correct installation of VISA on
your VXIbus controller.

If VISA is not installed, you must get this information from your

VXIbus controller manufacturer. If you have a National Instruments
VXIbus controller, contact our sales department for information on
obtaining the NI-VISA software at no charge.

If you are using NI-DAQ, refer to your release notes. Find the

installation section for your operating system and follow the
instructions given there.

If you are using LabVIEW, refer to your LabVIEW release notes to

install your application software. After you have installed LabVIEW,
refer to the NI-DAQ release notes and follow the instructions given
there for your operating system and LabVIEW.

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National Instruments Corporation 2-9 VXI-MIO Series User Manual

Chapter 2 Configuration and Installation

If you are using LabWindows/CVI, refer to your LabWindows/CVI

release notes to install your application software. After you have
installed LabWindows/CVI, refer to the NI-DAQ release notes and
follow the instructions given there for your operating system and
LabWindows/CVI.

If you are using ComponentWorks, Measure, or VirtualBench

application software, refer to your documentation for installation
instructions.

VXI-MIO Series User Manual 2-10

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National Instruments Corporation

Chapter

Hardware Overview

This chapter presents an overview of the hardware functions on your

VXI-MIO Series module.

Figure 3-1 shows the block diagram for the VXI-MIO Series modules.

3

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National Instruments Corporation 3-1 VXI-MIO Series User Manual