VXI 320222-01 User Manual

VXI-MXI

User Manual

October 1993 Edition

Part Number 320222-01

©

Copyright

1989, 1993

All Rights Reserved.

National Instruments Corporation.

National Instruments Corporate Headquarters

6504 Bridge Point Parkway
Austin, TX 78730-5039
[phone]
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Technical support fax: [phone]

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Spain 91 640 0085, Sweden 08 730 49 70, Switzerland 056 27 00 20, U.K. 0635 523545

Limited Warranty

The National Instruments MXIbus boards and accessories 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.

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.

EXCEPT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN, NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,

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

NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS 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

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.

. CUSTOMER'S RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES CAUSED BY FAULT OR NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART

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

. This limitation of the liability of National Instruments will apply regardless of the form of action,

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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.

FCC/DOC Radio Frequency Interference Compliance

This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in strict accordance with the
instructions in this manual, may cause interference to radio and television reception. This equipment has been tested
and found to comply with the following two regulatory agencies:

Federal Communications Commission

This device complies with Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules for a Class A digital
device. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference in commercial environments.

2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Canadian Department of Communications

This device complies with the limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio
Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications (DOC).

Le présent appareil numérique n'émiet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils
numériques de classe A prescrites dans le réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le ministére des
communications du Canada.

Instructions to Users

These regulations are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference from the equipment to
radio reception in commercial areas. 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.

There is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. However, the chances of
interference are much less if the equipment is installed and used according to this instruction manual.

If the equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment on and off, one or more of the following suggestions may reduce or eliminate the problem.

• Operate the equipment and the receiver on different branches of your AC electrical system.

• Move the equipment away from the receiver with which it is interfering.

• Reorient or relocate the receiver's antenna.

• Be sure that the equipment is plugged into a grounded outlet and that the grounding has not been defeated with
a cheater plug.

Notice to user: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by National Instruments could void the user's

authority to operate the equipment under the FCC Rules.

If necessary, consult National Instruments or an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions.
The following booklet prepared by the FCC may also be helpful: How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV
Interference Problems. This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC
20402, Stock Number 004-000-00345-4.

Contents

About This Manual............................................................................................................... xi

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

How to Use This Manual ................................................................................................ xii

Related Documentation................................................................................................... xii

Customer Communication .............................................................................................. xii

Chapter 1
General Information

Overview........................................................................................................................ 1-4

Front Panel Features....................................................................................................... 1-5

What Your Kit Should Contain...................................................................................... 1-6

Optional Equipment ....................................................................................................... 1-6

Unpacking ...................................................................................................................... 1-7

Chapter 2
General Description

Electrical Characteristics................................................................................................ 2-1

VMEbus Modules .......................................................................................................... 2-2

VXI-MXI Functional Description.................................................................................. 2-5

.......................................................................................................... 1-1

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

Chapter 3
Configuration and Installation

Configuring the VXI-MXI............................................................................................. 3-1

The Metal Enclosure .......................................................................................... 3-4

VXIbus Slot 0..................................................................................................... 3-4

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

VMEbus Request Level ..................................................................................... 3-7

VMEbus Timeout Value .................................................................................... 3-8

VMEbus Timeout Chain Position...................................................................... 3-10

Interlocked Arbitration Mode ............................................................................ 3-13

MXIbus System Controller ................................................................................ 3-14

MXIbus System Controller Timeout.................................................................. 3-16

MXIbus Fairness Option.................................................................................... 3-17

CLK10 Source.................................................................................................... 3-18

EXT CLK SMB Input/Output................................................................ 3-20

INTX CLK10 Mapping.......................................................................... 3-20

Trigger Input Termination ................................................................................. 3-22

Reset Signal Select............................................................................................. 3-23

Installing the VXI-MXI Hardware................................................................................. 3-23

MXIbus Termination.......................................................................................... 3-24

INTX Termination ............................................................................................. 3-25

Installation Instructions...................................................................................... 3-26

Connecting the INTX Cable .............................................................................. 3-27

Connecting the MXIbus Cable........................................................................... 3-28

System Power Cycling Requirements................................................................ 3-30

VMEbus Devices in VXIbus/MXIbus Systems............................................................. 3-31

....................................................................................... 3-1

© National Instruments Corporation v VXI-MXI User Manual

Contents

Chapter 4
Register Descriptions

Register Maps ................................................................................................................ 4-1

Register Sizes..................................................................................................... 4-1

Register Description Format .............................................................................. 4-1

Hard and Soft Reset ........................................................................................... 4-1

VXIbus Configuration Registers.................................................................................... 4-4

VXIbus ID Register ........................................................................................... 4-4

Device Type Register......................................................................................... 4-6

VXIbus Status/Control Register......................................................................... 4-7

VXIbus Extender Registers............................................................................................ 4-9

MODID Register................................................................................................ 4-9

Logical Address Window Register .................................................................... 4-10

A16 Window Map Register ............................................................................... 4-14

A24 Window Map Register ............................................................................... 4-18

A32 Window Map Register ............................................................................... 4-22

INTX Interrupt Configuration Register ............................................................. 4-26

INTX Trigger Configuration Register ............................................................... 4-27

INTX Utility Configuration Register................................................................. 4-28

Subclass Register ............................................................................................... 4-30

MXIbus Defined Registers............................................................................................. 4-31

MXIbus Status/Control Register........................................................................ 4-31

MXIbus Lock Register....................................................................................... 4-36

MXIbus IRQ Configuration Register................................................................. 4-37

Drive Triggers/Read LA Register...................................................................... 4-39

Trigger Mode Selection Register ....................................................................... 4-41

Interrupt Status/Control Register ....................................................................... 4-45

Status/ID Register .............................................................................................. 4-48

MXIbus Trigger Configuration Register............................................................ 4-49

Trigger Synchronous Acknowledge Register .................................................... 4-50

Trigger Asynchronous Acknowledge Register.................................................. 4-50

IRQ Acknowledge Registers.............................................................................. 4-51

......................................................................................................... 4-1

Chapter 5
Programming Considerations

System Configuration .................................................................................................... 5-1

Planning a VXIbus/MXIbus System Logical Address Map .............................. 5-1

Base/Size Configuration Format............................................................ 5-3

High/Low Configuration Format ........................................................... 5-5

Steps to Follow When Planning a System Logical Address Map.......... 5-5

Worksheets for Planning Your VXIbus/MXIbus Logical Address Map........... 5-13

Alternative Worksheets for Planning Your VXIbus/MXIbus Logical

Address Map ...................................................................................................... 5-18

Planning a VXIbus/MXIbus System A16 Address Map ................................... 5-21

Worksheets for Planning Your VXIbus/MXIbus A16 Address Map ................ 5-29

Multiframe RM Operation ............................................................................................. 5-35

Configuring the Logical Address Window ........................................................ 5-35

Configuring the Logical Address Window Example............................. 5-36

Configuring the A24 and A32 Addressing Windows ........................................ 5-38

System Administration and Initiation ................................................................ 5-39

VXI-MXI User Manual vi © National Instruments Corporation

........................................................................................ 5-1

Chapter 6
Theory of Operation

VMEbus Address and Address Modifier Transceivers.................................................. 6-1

VXIbus System Controller Functions............................................................................ 6-1

VMEbus Data Transceivers ........................................................................................... 6-1

VMEbus Control Signals Transceivers.......................................................................... 6-2

VMEbus Requester and Arbiter Circuitry ..................................................................... 6-2

TTL and ECL Trigger Lines and CLK10 Circuitry....................................................... 6-2

SYSFAIL, ACFAIL, and SYSRESET........................................................................... 6-3

Interrupt Circuitry .......................................................................................................... 6-3

Parity Check and Generation ......................................................................................... 6-6

A32, A24, A16, and LA Windows................................................................................. 6-6

VXI-MXI Configuration Registers ................................................................................ 6-6

MXIbus Master Mode State Machine............................................................................ 6-6

MXIbus Slave Mode State Machine .............................................................................. 6-10

MXIbus Address/Data and Address Modifier Transceivers.......................................... 6-11

MXIbus System Controller Functions ........................................................................... 6-12

MXIbus Control Signals Transceivers........................................................................... 6-12

MXIbus Requester and Arbiter Circuitry....................................................................... 6-12

Appendix A
Specifications

........................................................................................................................ A-1

Contents

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

Appendix B
Mnemonics Key

................................................................................................................... B-1

Appendix C
VXI-MXI Component Placement

Removing the Metal Enclosure from the VXI-MXI...................................................... C-1

Removing the INTX Daughter Card from the VXI-MXI.............................................. C-3

Installing the INTX Daughter Card onto the VXI-MXI ................................................ C-4

Appendix D
Connector Descriptions

MXIbus Connector......................................................................................................... D-1

INTX Connector ............................................................................................................ D-3

..................................................................................................... D-1

Appendix E
Configuring a Two-Frame System

Configuring VXI-MXIs for a Two-Frame System ........................................................ E-1

Configuration Requirements for Two-Frame System.................................................... E-6

BTO Unit............................................................................................................ E-6

Logical Addresses.............................................................................................. E-6

CLK10 Mapping ................................................................................................ E-6

Appendix F
Customer Communication

............................................................................................... F-1

.................................................................................. C-1

................................................................................ E-1

Glossary...................................................................................................................... Glossary-1

Index .................................................................................................................................. Index-1

© National Instruments Corporation vii VXI-MXI User Manual

Contents

Figures

Figure 1-1. VXI-MXI Interface Module ............................................................................. 1-2

Figure 1-2. VXI-MXI Interface Module with INTX Option............................................... 1-3

Figure 2-1. VXI-MXI Block Diagram................................................................................. 2-6

Figure 2-2. VXI-MXI INTX Daughter Card Option Block Diagram ................................. 2-8

Figure 3-1. VXI-MXI Parts Locator Diagram..................................................................... 3-2

Figure 3-2. VXI-MXI with INTX Parts Locator Diagram.................................................. 3-3

Figure 3-3. VXIbus Slot 0 Selection ................................................................................... 3-4

Figure 3-4. VXIbus Non-Slot 0 Selection ........................................................................... 3-5

Figure 3-5. Logical Address Selection ................................................................................ 3-7

Figure 3-6. VMEbus Requester Jumper Settings ................................................................ 3-8

Figure 3-7. VMEbus Timeout Value Selection................................................................... 3-9

Figure 3-8. VMEbus Timeout; One VXI-MXI in Mainframe ............................................ 3-10

Figure 3-9. VMEbus Timeout; Multiple VXI-MXIs in Mainframe.................................... 3-11

Figure 3-10. No VMEbus Timeout; Multiple VXI-MXIs in Mainframe.............................. 3-12

Figure 3-11. Interlocked Arbitration Mode Selection ........................................................... 3-14

Figure 3-12. MXIbus System Controller Selection............................................................... 3-15

Figure 3-13. MXIbus System Controller Timeout Value Selection...................................... 3-16

Figure 3-14. MXIbus Fair Requester Selection..................................................................... 3-17

Figure 3-15. CLK10 Source Signal Options ......................................................................... 3-19

Figure 3-16. EXT CLK SMB Input/Output Setting .............................................................. 3-20

Figure 3-17. INTX CLK10 Mapping Switches..................................................................... 3-21

Figure 3-18. Trigger Input Termination Option Settings ...................................................... 3-22

Figure 3-19. Reset Signal Selection Settings ........................................................................ 3-23

Figure 3-20. MXIbus System ................................................................................................ 3-24

Figure 3-21. MXIbus Terminating Networks........................................................................ 3-25

Figure 3-22. INTX Terminator Example............................................................................... 3-26

Figure 3-23. MXIbus Single-Ended Cable Configuration .................................................... 3-28

Figure 3-24. MXIbus Dual-Ended Cable Configuration....................................................... 3-29

Figure 4-1. VXI-MXI Register Map ................................................................................... 4-3

Figure 5-1. VXIbus/MXIbus System with Multiframe RM on a PC .................................. 5-2

Figure 5-2. VXIbus/MXIbus System with Multiframe RM in a VXIbus Mainframe......... 5-2

Figure 5-3. Base and Size Combinations ............................................................................ 5-4

Figure 5-4. Address Range Allocation for Different Size Values....................................... 5-4

Figure 5-5. Example VXIbus/MXIbus System ................................................................... 5-8

Figure 5-6. Logical Address Map Diagram for Example VXIbus/MXIbus System........... 5-9

Figure 5-7. Worksheet 1 for Example VXIbus/MXIbus System ........................................ 5-10

Figure 5-8. Worksheet 2 for Example VXIbus/MXIbus System ........................................ 5-11

Figure 5-9. Worksheet 3 for Example VXIbus/MXIbus System ........................................ 5-12

Figure 5-10. Worksheet 4 for Example VXIbus/MXIbus System ........................................ 5-12

Figure 5-11. Logical Address Map Example with Alternative Worksheet ........................... 5-20

Figure 5-12. A16 Space Allocations for all Size Values....................................................... 5-22

Figure 5-13. Example VXIbus/MXIbus System ................................................................... 5-24

Figure 5-14. Example A16 Space Address Map ................................................................... 5-25

Figure 5-15. Worksheet 1 for A16 Address Map Example................................................... 5-26

Figure 5-16. Worksheet 2 for A16 Map Example ................................................................. 5-27

Figure 5-17. Worksheet 3 for A16 Map Example ................................................................. 5-28

VXI-MXI User Manual viii © National Instruments Corporation

Contents

Figure 6-1. Master to Slave VMEbus/MXIbus Transfers ................................................... 6-7

Figure 6-2. Deadlock Situation............................................................................................ 6-10

Figure C-1. VXI-MXI Parts Locator Diagram..................................................................... C-2

Figure C-2. VXI-MXI INTX Parts Locator Diagram (Rear View) ..................................... C-3

Figure C-3. VXI-MXI INTX Parts Locator Diagram (Front View) .................................... C-4

Figure D-1. MXIbus Connector ........................................................................................... D-1

Figure D-2. INTX Connector............................................................................................... D-3

Figure E-1. A Two-Frame VXI System............................................................................... E-1

Figure E-2. VXI-MXI in Frame A without INTX ............................................................... E-2

Figure E-3. VXI-MXI in Frame B without INTX ............................................................... E-3

Figure E-4. VXI-MXI in Frame A with INTX .................................................................... E-4

Figure E-5. VXI-MXI in Frame B with INTX .................................................................... E-5

Tables

Table 2-1. VXI-MXI VMEbus Signals.............................................................................. 2-1

Table 2-2. MXIbus Transceiver Requirements.................................................................. 2-2

Table 2-3. VXI-MXI VMEbus Compliance Levels........................................................... 2-3

Table 3-1. MXIbus System Power Cycling Requirements ................................................ 3-30

Table 4-1. VXI-MXI Register Map ................................................................................... 4-2

Table 5-1. Base and Size Combinations ............................................................................ 5-3

Table 5-2. Example VXIbus/MXIbus System Required Logical Addresses..................... 5-8

Table 5-3. Amount of A16 Space Allocated for all Size Values ....................................... 5-21

Table 5-4. Example VXIbus/MXIbus System Required A16 Space ................................. 5-25

Table 5-5. Logical Address Assignments for Example VXIbus/MXIbus System............. 5-36

Table 6-1. VXI-MXI Addresses for VMEbus Interrupt Levels......................................... 6-5

Table 6-2. VMEbus to MXIbus Address Modifier Line Map ........................................... 6-7

Table 6-3. Transfer Responses for VMEbus Address Modifiers....................................... 6-8

Table 6-4. VMEbus/MXIbus Transfer Size Comparison .................................................. 6-9

Table D-1. MXIbus Connector Signal Assignments .......................................................... D-1

Table D-2. MXIbus Signal Groupings................................................................................ D-2

Table D-3. INTX Connector Signal Assignments.............................................................. D-3

Table D-4. INTX Signal Groupings.................................................................................... D-4

© National Instruments Corporation ix VXI-MXI User Manual

About This Manual

The VXI-MXI User Manual describes the functional, physical, and electrical aspects of the
VXI-MXI and contains information concerning its operation and programming.

Organization of This Manual

The VXI-MXI User Manual is organized as follows:

• Chapter 1, General Information, describes the VXI-MXI features, lists the contents of your
VXI-MXI kit, and explains how to unpack the VXI-MXI kit.

• Chapter 2, General Description, contains the physical and electrical specifications for the
VXI-MXI and describes the characteristics of key components.

• Chapter 3, Configuration and Installation, describes the configuration and installation of the
VXI-MXI hardware.

• Chapter 4, Register Descriptions, contains detailed descriptions of the VXI-MXI registers,
which are used to configure and control the module's operation.

• Chapter 5, Programming Considerations, explains important considerations for programming
the VXI-MXI and configuring a system using VXI-MXIs.

• Chapter 6, Theory of Operation, contains a functional overview of the VXI-MXI board and
explains the operation of each functional block making up the VXI-MXI.

• Appendix A, Specifications, lists the specifications of the VXI-MXI.

• Appendix B, Mnemonics Key, contains an alphabetical listing of all mnemonics used in this
manual.

• Appendix C, VXI-MXI Component Placement, contains information on the component
placement and describes how to remove the metal enclosure and INTX daughter card.

• Appendix D, Connector Descriptions, describes the connector pin assignments for the
MXIbus connector.

• Appendix E, Configuring a Two-Frame System, describes how to configure a system
containing two mainframes linked by VXI-MXI modules.

• Appendix F, Customer Communication, contains forms you can use to request help from
National Instruments or to comment on our products and manuals.

• The Glossary contains an alphabetical list and description of terms used in this manual,
including abbreviations, acronyms, metric prefixes, and symbols.

• The Index contains an alphabetical list of key terms and topics in this manual, including the
page where you can find each one.

© National Instruments Corporation xi VXI-MXI User Manual

About This Manual

How to Use This Manual

If you will be installing your VXI-MXI into a system with a VXIbus Resource Manager, you
only need to read Chapters 1 through 3 of this manual. If you have more than two VXI-MXIs
extending your system, you will find useful system configuration information in Chapter 5.
Appendix E is a quick reference for users who have a system containing two mainframes linked
by VXI-MXI modules. If you are writing your own VXIbus Resource Manager routines, you
can find programming information and descriptions of the VXI-MXI hardware in Chapters 4
through 6.

Related Documentation

The following manuals contain information that you may find helpful as you read this manual:

• IEEE Standard for a Versatile Backplane Bus: VMEbus, ANSI/IEEE Standard 1014-1987

• Multisystem Extension Interface Bus Specification, Version 1.2 (part number 340007-01)

• VXIbus System Specification, Revision 1.4, VXIbus Consortium (available from National
Instruments, part number 350083-01)

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 F, Customer

Communication, at the end of this manual.

VXI-MXI User Manual xii © National Instruments Corporation

Chapter 1 General Information

This chapter describes the VXI-MXI features, lists the contents of your VXI-MXI kit, and
explains how to unpack the VXI-MXI kit.

The VXI-MXI interface is a C-size extended class mainframe extender for the VXIbus (VMEbus
Extensions for Instrumentation). It extends the VXIbus architecture outside a VXIbus
mainframe via the MXIbus (Multisystem Extension Interface bus). A VXIbus mainframe
equipped with a VXI-MXI can be transparently connected to other MXIbus devices such as other
VXIbus mainframes, MXIbus instruments, or MXIbus-equipped personal computers. The
VXI-MXI interface module uses address mapping to transparently translate bus cycles on the
VXIbus system bus (VMEbus) to the MXIbus and vice versa.

The VXI-MXI is housed in a metal enclosure to improve EMI performance and to provide easy
handling. Because the enclosure includes cut-outs to facilitate changes to switch and jumper
settings, it should not be necessary to remove it under most circumstances.

The VXI-MXI is available with an Interrupt and Timing Extension (INTX) daughter card option.
If you ordered this option, the INTX card is already installed on your VXI-MXI. The INTX
daughter card is a full-length daughter card that plugs into the two daughter card connectors on
the VXI-MXI. Because this manual describes the VXI-MXI with and without this option, you
can find information on the INTX card throughout this manual. Refer also to Appendix C,
VXI-MXI Component Placement, for information on removing and reinstalling the INTX
daughter card. This appendix also contains silkscreens of the VXI-MXI and the INTX card.

Figure 1-1 shows the enclosed VXI-MXI interface module without the INTX option. Figure 1-2
shows the enclosed VXI-MXI interface module with the INTX option.

© National Instruments Corporation 1-1 VXI-MXI User Manual

General Information Chapter 1

Figure 1-1. VXI-MXI Interface Module

VXI-MXI User Manual 1-2 © National Instruments Corporation

Chapter 1 General Information

Figure 1-2. VXI-MXI Interface Module with INTX Option

© National Instruments Corporation 1-3 VXI-MXI User Manual

General Information Chapter 1

Overview

The VXI-MXI is an extended class Register-Based VXIbus device with optional Slot 0 capability
so that it can reside in any slot in a C-size or D-size VXIbus chassis. The VXI-MXI converts
A32, A24, A16, D32, D16, and D08(EO) VXIbus bus cycles into MXIbus bus cycles and vice
versa. The VXI-MXI has four address windows that map into and out of the VXIbus mainframe.
These four windows represent the three VMEbus address spaces (A32, A24, and A16) plus a
dedicated window for mapping the VXIbus configuration space (the upper 16 kilobytes of A16
space).

The MXIbus is a multidrop system bus that connects multiple devices at the hardware bus level
in a software-transparent manner. Multiple VXIbus mainframes with VXI-MXI interfaces can
be connected to form a single multiframe VXIbus system. An external PC with a MXIbus
interface can also be connected to a VXIbus mainframe with a VXI-MXI. This configuration
makes the PC appear to be embedded on a VXIbus module that is plugged into the VXIbus
mainframe.

Multiple MXIbus devices are tightly coupled by mapping together portions of each device's
address space and locking the internal hardware bus cycles to the MXIbus. The window address
circuitry on each MXIbus device monitors internal local bus cycles to detect bus cycles that map
across the MXIbus. Similarly, external MXIbus cycles are monitored to detect MXIbus cycles
that map into the VXIbus system. MXIbus devices can operate in parallel at full speed over their
local system bus and need to synchronize operation with another device only when addressing or
being addressed by a resource located on another MXIbus device. The MXIbus device
originating the transaction must gain ownership of both the MXIbus and the local bus in the
target MXIbus device. All hardware bus cycles are then coupled across the MXIbus and local
buses before the transfer completes.

The VXI-MXI has the following features:

• Interfaces the VXIbus to the MXIbus (32-bit Multisystem eXtension Interface bus)

• Extends VXIbus to multiple mainframes, external MXIbus-equipped instruments, and
external MXIbus-equipped personal computers (PCs)

• Allows multiple VXIbus mainframes to appear as a single VXIbus system

• Provides integrated block mode for high-performance data transfers

• Supports dynamic configuration of VXIbus devices

• Provides optional interlocked bus operation for prevention of deadlock conditions

• Includes daughter card connector scheme giving additional functionality for optional
daughter cards

• Is fully compatible with VXIbus and MXIbus specifications

• Has no restrictions on Commander/Servant hierarchy or physical location of devices

The VXI-MXI generates all the support signals required by the VMEbus:

• VMEbus System Controller functions:
– 16 MHz system clock driver

– VME bus timeout (BTO)

VXI-MXI User Manual 1-4 © National Instruments Corporation

Chapter 1 General Information

– Data transfer bus arbiter (PRI ARBITER)
– Interrupt acknowledge daisy-chain driver
– Pushbutton system reset switch

• VMEbus master capabilities:
– Access to A16, A24, and A32 address space

– D08(EO), D16, and D32 accesses
– Release-on-Request bus requester (jumper-selectable arbitration level)

• VMEbus slave accesses:
– A16, A24, and A32 address space

– D08(EO), D16, and D32 accesses

• VXIbus Slot 0 functions:
– 10 MHz clock

– MODID register
– TTL and ECL Trigger line support

All integrated circuit drivers and receivers used on the VXI-MXI meet the requirements of both
the VMEbus specification and the MXIbus specification.

Front Panel Features

The VXI-MXI has the following front panel features:

• Three front panel LEDs
– FAILED LED indicates that the VMEbus SYSFAIL line is asserted.

– VXI ACCESS LED indicates when the VXI-MXI is accessed from the VXIbus.
– MXI ACCESS LED indicates when the VXI-MXI is accessed from the MXIbus.

• MXIbus connector

• Three SMB connectors
– Trigger input

– Trigger output
– External clock input or output (configurable)

• System reset pushbutton

• INTX connector (if your VXI-MXI includes the INTX daughter card option)

© National Instruments Corporation 1-5 VXI-MXI User Manual

General Information Chapter 1

What Your Kit Should Contain

Your VXI-MXI kit should contain the following components:

Component Part Number

Standard VXI-MXI Interface Module 181045-01
or
Enhanced VXI-MXI Interface Module with INTX option 181045-02

VXI-MXI User Manual 320222-01

Optional Equipment

Equipment Part Number

Type M1 MXIbus Cables
Straight-point connector to straight-point connector:

– 1 m 180758-01
– 2 m 180758-02
– 4 m 180758-04
– 8 m 180758-08
– 20 m 180758-20

Type M2 MXIbus Cables
Straight-point connector to right-angle daisy-chain connector:

– 1 m 180760-01
– 2 m 180760-02
– 4 m 180760-04
– 8 m 180760-08
– 20 m 180760-20

Type M3 MXIbus Cables
Right-angle point connector to right-angle daisy-chain connector:

– 1 m 180761-01
– 2 m 180761-02
– 4 m 180761-04
– 8 m 180761-08
– 20 m 180761-20

MXIbus Terminating Pac (External) 180780-01

VXI-MXI User Manual 1-6 © National Instruments Corporation

Chapter 1 General Information

The following optional equipment is also available and may be necessary if your VXI-MXI
includes the INTX daughter card.

Equipment Part Number

Type INTX1 Cables
Straight-point connector to straight-point connector:

– 1 m 180980-01
– 2 m 180980-02
– 4 m 180980-04
– 8 m 180980-08
– 20 m 180980-20

Type INTX2 Cables
Right-angle point connector to right-angle daisy-chain connector:

– 1 m 180982-01
– 2 m 180982-02
– 4 m 180982-04
– 8 m 180982-08
– 20 m 180982-20

Unpacking

Follow these steps when unpacking your VXI-MXI:

1. Before attempting to configure or install the VXI-MXI, inspect the shipping container and its
contents for damage. If damage appears to have been caused in shipment, file a claim with
the carrier. Retain the packing material for possible inspection and/or for reshipment.

2. Verify that the pieces contained in the package you received match the kit parts list. Do not
remove the board from its bag at this point.

3. Your VXI-MXI module is shipped packaged in an antistatic plastic bag to prevent
electrostatic damage to the module. Several components on the module can be damaged by
electrostatic discharge. To avoid such damage while handling the module, touch the plastic
bag to a metal part of your grounded VXIbus mainframe chassis before removing the module
from the bag.

4. As you remove the VXI-MXI module from its bag, be sure to handle it only by its edges.
Avoid touching any of the IC components or connectors. Inspect the module for loose
components or any other sign of damage. Notify National Instruments if the module appears
damaged in any way. Do not install a damaged module into your VXIbus mainframe.

© National Instruments Corporation 1-7 VXI-MXI User Manual

Chapter 2 General Description

This chapter contains the physical and electrical specifications for the VXI-MXI and describes
the characteristics of key interface board components.

Electrical Characteristics

All integrated circuit drivers and receivers used on the VXI-MXI meet the requirements of the
VMEbus specification. Table 2-1 contains a list of the VMEbus signals used by the VXI-MXI
and the electrical loading presented by the circuitry on the interface board (in terms of device
types and their part numbers).

Note: Throughout this manual, an asterisk (*) following a bus signal mnemonic indicates

that the signal is active low.

Table 2-1. VXI-MXI VMEbus Signals

Driver Device Receiver Device

Bus Signals Part Number Part Number

D[31–0], A[31–1], ALS645–1 ALS645–1
AM[5–0], LWORD ALS646–1 ALS646–1
DS0*, DS1*, WRITE* F125 ALS244
AS* F125 ALS240
SYSCLK F125 –
BG[3-0]IN* – HCT273,

GAL16V8
BG[3-0]OUT* LS32 –
BBSY*, SYSFAIL*, ACFAIL* F38 ALS240
BR[3-0]*, DTACK*, BERR* F38 ALS244
SYSRESET* AS760 ALS244
IACK* F38 –

(continues)

© National Instruments Corporation 2-1 VXI-MXI User Manual

General Description Chapter 2

Table 2-1. VXI-MXI VMEbus Signals (Continued)

Driver Device Receiver Device

Bus Signals Part Number Part Number

IACKIN* – LS540
IACKOUT* GAL20V8 –
IRQ[7-1]* AS760,

LS145 LS540

All MXIbus transceivers meet the requirements of the MXIbus specification. Table 2-2 lists the
components used.

Table 2-2. MXIbus Transceiver Requirements

Transceivers Component Designation

Data Transceivers DS3862

Control Transceivers DS3662

VMEbus Modules

The VXI-MXI has the following VMEbus modules:

• VMEbus Requester

• VMEbus Master

• VMEbus Slave

• Interrupter

• IACK Daisy-Chain Driver
When the VXI-MXI is configured as a VXIbus Slot 0 device, it also has the following VMEbus

modules:

• VMEbus Timer

• Arbiter

• System Clock Driver

VXI-MXI User Manual 2-2 © National Instruments Corporation

Chapter 2 General Description

The VXI-MXI does not support the following VMEbus modules:

• Serial Clock Driver

• Power Monitor
Table 2-3 indicates the VXI-MXI VMEbus compliance levels.

Table 2-3. VXI-MXI VMEbus Compliance Levels

Compliance Notation Description

Bus Slave Compliance Levels

D08(O) 8-bit data path to configuration registers and

MXIbus

D16 & D08(EO) 8-bit or 16-bit data path to configuration registers or

MXIbus
D32 32-bit data path to MXIbus
A16 Responds to 16-bit short I/O addresses when

A24 Responds to 24-bit memory addresses when

A32 Responds to 32-bit memory addresses when

ADO Accommodates address-only cycles
BLT Responds to block mode transfers

RMW Can accept Read-Modify-Write cycles

DTB Arbiter Compliance Level

PRI Monitors BR3* through BR0* and drives

DTB Requester Compliance Level

ROR Release-on-Request

specified on the address modifier lines

specified on the address modifier lines

specified on the address modifier lines

BG3OUT* through BG0OUT* and BCLR*

(continues)

© National Instruments Corporation 2-3 VXI-MXI User Manual

General Description Chapter 2

Table 2-3. VXI-MXI VMEbus Compliance Levels (Continued)

Compliance Notation Description

Bus Master Compliance Levels

D08(EO) 8-bit data path from MXIbus
D16 & D08(EO) 8-bit or 16-bit data path from MXIbus
D32 32-bit data path from MXIbus
A16 Generates 16-bit short I/O addresses when specified

by the MXIbus address modifier lines
A24 Generates 24-bit memory addresses when specified

by the MXIbus address modifier lines
A32 Generates 32-bit memory addresses when specified

by the MXIbus address modifier lines
BLT Generates block mode transfers when specified

by the MXIbus address modifier lines
RMW Can generate Read-Modify-Write cycles

Interrupter Compliance Levels

I(7-1) Can generate an interrupt request on interrupt lines

D16 & D32 Responds to 16-bit and 32-bit interrupt acknowledge

ROAK Releases its interrupt request line when its Status/ID

Interrupt Handler Compliance Levels

IH(7-1) Can generate interrupt acknowledge cycles in

D16 Generates a 16-bit interrupt acknowledge cycle in

IRQ7 through IRQ1

cycles by providing a 16-bit Status/ID byte on D00

through D15

is read during an interrupt acknowledge cycle

response to interrupt requests on IRQ7 through IRQ1

response to a VMEbus interrupt request

VXI-MXI User Manual 2-4 © National Instruments Corporation

Chapter 2 General Description

VXI-MXI Functional Description

In simplest terms, the VXI-MXI can be thought of as a bus translator that converts VXIbus
signals into appropriate MXIbus signals. From the perspective of the MXIbus, the VXI-MXI
implements a MXIbus interface to communicate with other MXIbus devices. From the
perspective of the VMEbus, the VXI-MXI is an interface to the outside world.

Figure 2-1 is a functional block diagram of the VXI-MXI. Refer to Chapter 6, Theory of
Operation for more details about the major components of the VXI-MXI.

• VMEbus Address and Address Modifiers These transceivers control the direction of the
Transceivers VMEbus address lines and latch the status of the

address lines on the falling edge of the VMEbus
address strobe.

• VXIbus System Controller Functions If the VXI-MXI is selected as the VMEbus

System Controller, this circuitry generates the
16 MHz system clock, provides the VMEbus
arbiter and the VMEbus Bus Timer Unit, and
drives the VXIbus CLK10 signal.

• VMEbus Data Transceivers These transceivers control the direction of the

VMEbus data lines and meet VMEbus
specifications for timing and signal loading.

• VMEbus Control Signals Transceivers These transceivers control the direction of the

VMEbus control signals and meet VMEbus
specifications for timing and signal loading.

• VMEbus Requester and Arbiter Circuitry This circuitry is used to request the VMEbus and

to provide the VMEbus arbiter function if the
VXI-MXI is the VMEbus System Controller.

• TTL and ECL Trigger Lines and This circuitry controls the sending and receiving
CLK10 Circuitry of the TTL and ECL Trigger lines to and from the

SMB connectors on the front panel and from
onboard registers. This logic also controls
whether the VXI-MXI receives the CLK10 signal
from another VXIbus device, or drives the signal
from an onboard 10 MHz oscillator or from an
external signal connected to the EXT CLK SMB
connector on the front panel.

• SYSFAIL, ACFAIL, and SYSRESET Through this circuitry, the VMEbus signals

SYSFAIL, ACFAIL and SYSRESET connect to
the corresponding signals on the daughter card
connections. These three signals can also be
individually enabled to generate a VMEbus
interrupt. With control bits in onboard registers,
SYSFAIL and SYSRESET can also be driven on
the VMEbus backplane.

© National Instruments Corporation 2-5 VXI-MXI User Manual

General Description Chapter 2

Daughter Card Connection

IRQ7-1

AM5-0

A31-1

VXIbus

D31-0

SYSFAIL*

SYSRESET*

ACFAIL*

VMEbus IRQ7-1

VMEbus

Address and

Address

Modifiers

Transceivers

VXIbus

System

Controller
Functions

VMEbus

Data

Transceivers

SYSFAIL, ACFAIL,

SYSRESET Logic

Parity

Check and

Generation

A32

Window

A24

Window

A16

Window

LA

Window

VXI-MXI

Configuration

Registers

Interrupt

Circuitry

IRQ*

PAR

MXIbus

Address/Dat

a and

Address

Modifiers

Transceivers

MXIbus

System

Controller
Functions

AM4-0

AD31-0

MXIbus

VMEbus

Control Signals

Transceivers

VMEbus

Requester and

Arbiter Circuitry

TTL Trigger Lines 7-0

ECL Trigger Lines 1-0

CLK10

MXIbus

Master Mode

State

Machine

MXIbus

Slave Mode

State

Machine

TTL and ECL
Trigger Lines

and

CLK10 Circuitry

Figure 2-1. VXI-MXI Block Diagram

MXIbus

Control Signals

Transceivers

MXIbus

Requester and

Arbiter Circuitry

TRG OUT
TRG IN
EXT CLK

Front

Panel

SMBs

VXI-MXI User Manual 2-6 © National Instruments Corporation

Chapter 2 General Description

• Interrupt Circuitry This circuitry generates and receives interrupt

requests on the VMEbus, the MXIbus, and on
boards plugged into the daughter card connectors.
Interrupt requests routed between VXIbus
mainframes can be transparently serviced by
interrupt handlers in VXIbus mainframes other
than the requester's own mainframe.

• Parity Check and Generation This circuitry checks and generates MXIbus

parity.

• A32, A24, A16 and LA Windows These address windows assign portions of the

MXIbus address space to the VXIbus mainframe
and vice versa.

• VXI-MXI Configuration Registers These registers provide all the configuration

information required by the VXI-MXI and are
accessible from both the VXIbus and the MXIbus.

• MXIbus Master Mode State Machine This state machine converts VXIbus cycles

mapped out of a MXIbus window to the MXIbus
into MXIbus cycles.

• MXIbus Slave Mode State Machine This state machine converts MXIbus cycles

mapped through a MXIbus window into the
VXIbus mainframe into VXIbus cycles.

• MXIbus Address/Data and Address These transceivers and associated circuitry control
Modifiers Transceivers the direction of the MXIbus address and data

lines. When a VXIbus transfer is mapped out to
the MXIbus, the VXIbus address/data lines are
multiplexed into the MXIbus address/data lines.
When a MXIbus transfer is mapped into the
VXIbus, the MXIbus address/data lines are
demultiplexed into separate VXIbus address and
data lines.

• MXIbus System Controller Functions If the VXI-MXI is the MXIbus System Controller,

this circuitry provides the MXIbus arbiter,
interrupt daisy-chain generation, and the MXIbus
System Controller timeout logic.

• MXIbus Control Signals Transceivers These transceivers control the direction of the

MXIbus control signals.

• MXIbus Requester and Arbiter Circuitry This circuitry is used to request the MXIbus when

a VXIbus transfer is mapped into a MXIbus
window.

• Daughter Card Connection The two daughter card connectors can be used to

add additional functionality to the VXI-MXI in
the form of plug-in daughter cards.

© National Instruments Corporation 2-7 VXI-MXI User Manual

General Description Chapter 2

The following information applies only to VXI-MXI kits that include the INTX daughter card
option. Figure 2-2 is a block diagram of the circuitry of the INTX daughter card.

INTX

Registers

Interrupt Control

Trigger
Control

I N T X

System Resets

Control

V X I - M X I C O N N E C T I O N

CLK10 Control

Figure 2-2. VXI-MXI INTX Daughter Card Option Block Diagram

• INTX Registers The INTX card has three onboard registers that

reside in the VXI-MXI configuration space: the
INTX Interrupt Configuration Register, the INTX
Trigger Configuration Register, and the INTX
Utility Configuration Register. These registers
configure the mapping of the VMEbus interrupt
lines, the VXIbus trigger lines and the
SYSRESET, SYSFAIL, and ACFAIL lines to and
from the INTX connector. The INTX card also
drives the Extended Device Type Class field in
the VXIbus Status/Control Register when that
register is accessed on the VXI-MXI.

VXI-MXI User Manual 2-8 © National Instruments Corporation

Chapter 2 General Description

• Interrupt Control The interrupt control logic maps the VMEbus

interrupt lines to and from the corresponding
INTX interrupt lines. In conjunction with the
VXI-MXI circuitry, the interrupt requests routed
between VXIbus mainframes through the INTX
connector can be transparently serviced by
interrupt handlers in VXIbus mainframes other
than the mainframe from which the request was
generated. This process takes advantage of
transparent MXIbus interrupt acknowledge cycles.

When an interrupt request received from across
the INTX is driven on the corresponding VMEbus
interrupt line, an interrupt handler in the receiving
VXIbus mainframe generates an interrupt
acknowledge cycle for that interrupt request. This
interrupt acknowledge cycle is transparently
converted into a MXIbus interrupt acknowledge
cycle for that interrupt request level. Similarly,
when a VMEbus interrupt line is driven out of the
VXIbus mainframe across the INTX connection,
an interrupt handler in another VXIbus mainframe
can generate an interrupt acknowledge cycle to
handle that interrupt. The VXI-MXI in the
requesting mainframe recognizes that the MXIbus
interrupt acknowledge cycle is for the request it is
driving and converts the cycle into a VMEbus
interrupt acknowledge cycle that can service the
VMEbus interrupt requester.

• Trigger Control The trigger control logic maps the VXIbus TTL

trigger lines to and from the corresponding INTX
trigger lines.

• System Resets Control The system resets control circuitry maps the

VMEbus signals SYSRESET, SYSFAIL, and
ACFAIL to the corresponding signals on the
INTX connection.

• CLK10 Control The CLK10 control circuitry routes the VMEbus

10 MHz signal to and from the INTX connection.
The configuration of the CLK10 mapping is
controlled by three switches on the INTX
daughter card. Refer to the INTX CLK10

Mapping section of Chapter 3, Configuration and
Installation, for instructions on configuring these

switches.

© National Instruments Corporation 2-9 VXI-MXI User Manual

Chapter 3 Configuration and Installation

This chapter describes the configuration and installation of the VXI-MXI.

Configuring the VXI-MXI

Before installing the VXI-MXI in the VXIbus mainframe, configure the VXI-MXI to suit the
needs for your VXIbus system. The VXI-MXI module contains jumpers, switches, and slide
switches that you can use to configure the following options:

• VXIbus Slot 0

• VXIbus Logical Address

• VMEbus Request Level

• VMEbus Timeout Value

• VMEbus Timeout Chain Position

• Interlocked Arbitration Mode

• MXIbus System Controller

• MXIbus System Controller Timeout

• MXIbus Fairness Option

• CLK10 Source

• EXT CLK SMB Input/Output

• Trigger Input Termination

• Reset Signal Select

If your VXI-MXI module includes the INTX daughter card option, you can also configure the
following option:

• CLK10 Mapping

© National Instruments Corporation 3-1 VXI-MXI User Manual

Configuration and Installation Chapter 3

Figure 3-1 shows the locations and factory default settings of the VXI-MXI configuration
jumpers and switches for a VXI-MXI without the INTX option.

Figure 3-1. VXI-MXI Parts Locator Diagram

VXI-MXI User Manual 3-2 © National Instruments Corporation

Chapter 3 Configuration and Installation

Figure 3-2 shows the locations and factory default settings of the VXI-MXI configuration
jumpers and switches for a VXI-MXI with the INTX option.

Figure 3-2. VXI-MXI with INTX Parts Locator Diagram

© National Instruments Corporation 3-3 VXI-MXI User Manual