VXI VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series Getting Started

VXIpc

NI-VXI

Getting Started with Your

™

-486 Model 200 Series and the

™

Software for Microsoft Windows

bus

July 1994 Edition

Part Number 320481-01

National Instruments Corporate Headquarters

6504 Bridge Point Parkway Austin, TX 78730-5039 (512) 794-0100 Technical support fax: (800) 328-2203

(512) 794-5678

Branch Offices:

Australia (03) 879 9422, Austria (0662) 435986, Belgium 02/757.00.20, Canada (Ontario) (519) 622-9310, Canada (Québec) (514) 694-8521, Denmark 45 76 26 00, Finland (90) 527 2321, France (1) 48 14 24 24, Germany 089/741 31 30, Italy 02/48301892, Japan (03) 3788-1921, Netherlands 03480-33466, Norway 32-848400, Spain (91) 640 0085, Sweden 08-730 49 70, Switzerland 056/20 51 51, U.K. 0635 523545

Limited Warranty

The VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series embedded computers 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.

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.

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,

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®, NAT4882®, Turbo488®, NI-488.2 Instruments Corporation.

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

Trademarks

™

NI-VXI™, TIC™, and VXIpc™-486 are trademarks 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.

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’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de classe A prescrites dans le règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le ministère 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............................................................................................................xiii

How to Use This Documentation Set.............................................................................xiii

Organization of This Manual.........................................................................................xiii

Conventions Used in This Manual.................................................................................xv

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

Customer Communication.............................................................................................xv

Chapter 1 Introduction

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

Optional Equipment.......................................................................................................1-2

Optional Software..........................................................................................................1-2

Hardware Description....................................................................................................1-3

Software Description......................................................................................................1-3

Chapter 2 VXIpc-486 Configuration and Installation

Factory Configuration....................................................................................................2-1

Configuring the VXIpc-486...........................................................................................2-2

Configuration Options....................................................................................................2-4

Installing and Starting Up the VXIpc-486.....................................................................2-11

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

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

Configuration Procedure....................................................................................2-3

VXIbus Slot and External CLK10 Configuration Options................................2-4

Slot 0 Configurations.............................................................................2-5

Non-Slot 0 Configurations.....................................................................2-5

MODID Signal Termination..................................................................2-6

System Controller ..................................................................................2-6

CLK10 Generation.................................................................................2-7

VXIbus CLK10......................................................................................2-7

External CLK10.....................................................................................2-8

External CLK10 Termination................................................................2-8

External Trigger Input Configuration................................................................2-9

External Audio/Trigger Output Configuration ..................................................2-10

Installed System RAM Configuration................................................................2-10

80387SX Math Coprocessor Configuration.......................................................2-11

Chapter 3 BIOS Setup

Running Setup................................................................................................................3-1

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

Chapter 4 NI-VXI Software Installation and Configuration

Installing the Software...................................................................................................4-1

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

Contents

Modifying the AUTOEXEC.BAT File..............................................................4-2

Modifying the PROGMAN.INI File..................................................................4-3

Modifying the SYSTEM.INI File......................................................................4-3

Modifying the WIN.INI File..............................................................................4-4

Configuring the NI-VXI Software.................................................................................4-4

Running VXIEDIT from DOS or the Windows DOS Shell..............................4-5

Logical Address Configuration..........................................................................4-6

Logical Address.....................................................................................4-6

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

Address Space........................................................................................4-7

VXI Shared RAM (Byte Order).............................................................4-7

VXI Shared RAM (MBytes)..................................................................4-7

Shared Memory Pool (Windows) ..........................................................4-8

Slave Block Transfer Mode...................................................................4-8

Slave Supervisory Access Only.............................................................4-8

Resource Manager Delay.......................................................................4-9

Bus Configuration..............................................................................................4-9

Bus Request Level .................................................................................4-9

Fair Requester Timeout..........................................................................4-9

Bus Release Mechanism........................................................................4-9

Bus Arbitration.......................................................................................4-10

Local Bus Timeout.................................................................................4-10

VXIbus Timeout ....................................................................................4-10

Bus Acquisition Time in Timeout..........................................................4-10

Device Configuration.........................................................................................4-11

SYSRESET Resets PC...........................................................................4-11

Use System Sanity Timer.......................................................................4-11

Servant Area Size...................................................................................4-11

Protocol Register....................................................................................4-12

Read Protocol Response.........................................................................4-12

Number of Handlers...............................................................................4-12

Number of Interrupters...........................................................................4-12

Running VXITEDIT from Windows.................................................................4-13

Exiting VXITEDIT from Windows and Reinitializing the Hardware...............4-13

Chapter 5 Using NI-VXI with Microsoft Windows

Interactive Control of NI-VXI.......................................................................................5-1

Example Programs.........................................................................................................5-2

Memory Model ..............................................................................................................5-2

Multiple Applications Using the NI-VXI Library.........................................................5-2

Low-Level Access Functions.........................................................................................5-3

Local Resource Access Functions..................................................................................5-3

Appendix A Specifications

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

Appendix B

VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series for MS Windows viii © National Instruments Corporation

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

Contents

NI-VXI Software Overview.............................................................................................B-1

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

Additional Programs and Files.......................................................................................B-2

Appendix C Front Panel Indicators

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

Appendix D Connectors

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

VGA...............................................................................................................................D-2

COM1.............................................................................................................................D-3

COM2/GPIO..................................................................................................................D-4

LPT.................................................................................................................................D-5

Floppy Disk Drive..........................................................................................................D-6

GPIB...............................................................................................................................D-7

External CLK10.............................................................................................................D-8

External Trigger Input....................................................................................................D-9

External Audio/Trigger Output......................................................................................D-10

VXIbus P1 and P2..........................................................................................................D-11

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

Appendix E Modifying and Installing I/O Expansion Boards

Appendix F VXIpc-486 Plug-in Boards

Height of VXIpc-486 Plug-in Boards ...........................................................................F-1

Length of VXIpc-486 Plug-in Boards............................................................................F-3

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

Appendix G VXIpc-486 Hardware Configuration

...........................................................................G-1

Appendix H Common Questions

............................................................................................................H-1

Appendix I Troubleshooting

...................................................................................................................I-1

Appendix J Customer Communication

...............................................................................................J-1

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

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

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

Contents

Figures

Figure 2-1. VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series Parts Locator Diagram .....................................2-2

Figure 2-2. MODID Signal Termination Settings...............................................................2-6

Figure 2-3. System Controller Settings...............................................................................2-6

Figure 2-4. CLK10 Generation Settings..............................................................................2-7

Figure 2-5. VXIbus CLK10 Settings...................................................................................2-7

Figure 2-6. External CLK10 Settings..................................................................................2-8

Figure 2-7. External CLK10 Termination Settings.............................................................2-8

Figure 2-8. External Trigger Input Circuit..........................................................................2-9

Figure 2-9. External Trigger Input Termination Settings....................................................2-9

Figure 2-10. VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series Front Panel .......................................................2-13

Figure 4-1. VXIEDIT Main Menu (from DOS)..................................................................4-5

Figure 4-2. VXIpc-486 Logical Address Configuration Editor (from DOS)......................4-6

Figure 4-3. VXIpc-486 Bus Configuration Editor (from DOS)..........................................4-9

Figure 4-4. VXIpc-486 Device Configuration Editor (from DOS).....................................4-11

Figure D-1. KEYBOARD Connector ..................................................................................D-1

Figure D-2. VGA Connector................................................................................................D-2

Figure D-3. COM1 Connector..............................................................................................D-3

Figure D-4. COM2/GPIO Connector...................................................................................D-4

Figure D-5. LPT Connector..................................................................................................D-5

Figure D-6. DISK DRIVE Connector..................................................................................D-6

Figure D-7. GPIB Connector................................................................................................D-7

Figure D-8. EXT CLK Connector........................................................................................D-8

Figure D-9. TRG IN Connector ...........................................................................................D-9

Figure D-10. AUDIO/TRG OUT Connector .........................................................................D-10

Figure D-11. VXIbus Connector............................................................................................D-11

Figure F-1. Height Comparison of PC Boards Versus PC AT Boards................................F-1

Figure F-2. Installing PC-Height Boards in a VXIpc-486 System......................................F-2

Figure F-3. Installing PC AT-Height Boards in a VXIpc-486 System................................F-3

Figure F-4. VXIpc-486 Expansion Kit with No Boards Installed.......................................F-4

Figure F-5. Kit for Two-Board Expansion (Model 200 Series)..........................................F-4

Figure F-6. First Board 8.2 in. Long or Less.......................................................................F-5

Figure F-7. First Board between 8.2 in. and 13.4 in. Long .................................................F-5

Figure F-8. Both Boards 8.2 in. Long or Less.....................................................................F-5

Figure F-9. First Board Less than 8.2 in. Long, Second Board 8.2 in. Long or Less,

but Longer than the First Board........................................................................F-5

Figure F-10. First Board 8.2 in. Long or Less, Second Board over One Inch Shorter

than First Board................................................................................................F-6

Figure F-11. First Board 8.2 in. Long or Less, Second Board between 8.2 in. and

13.4 in. Long.....................................................................................................F-6

Figure F-12. Both Boards Between 8.2 in. and 13.4 in. Long...............................................F-6

Figure F-13. Second Board Full 13.4 in. Long......................................................................F-7

Figure F-14. First Board 8.2 in. Long or Less, Second Board Full 13.4 in. Long................F-7

Figure F-15. First Board between 8.2 in. and 13.4 in. Long, Second Board Full

13.4 in. Long.....................................................................................................F-7

VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series for MS Windows x © National Instruments Corporation

Contents

Tables

Table2-1. VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series Factory Configuration......................................2-1

Table2-2. VXIbus Slot Position and External CLK10 Configuration Options.................2-4

Table2-3. External Audio/Trigger Output Configuration Options...................................2-10

Table2-4. Installed RAM Configuration Options.............................................................2-10

Table3-1. Default BIOS Configuration Options...............................................................3-2

Table4-1. VXI Shared RAM Options...............................................................................4-7

TableC-1. Front Panel LED Indications ...........................................................................C-1

TableD-1. KEYBOARD Connector Signals......................................................................D-1

TableD-2. VGA Connector Signals...................................................................................D-2

TableD-3. COM1 Connector Signals.................................................................................D-3

TableD-4a. COM2/GPIO Connector COM2 Signals..........................................................D-4

TableD-4b. COM2/GPIO Connector GPIO Signals............................................................D-4

TableD-5. LPT Connector Signals.....................................................................................D-5

TableD-6. DISK DRIVE Connector Signals.....................................................................D-6

TableD-7. GPIB Connector Signals...................................................................................D-7

TableD-8. EXT CLK Connector Signals...........................................................................D-8

TableD-9. TRG IN Connector Signals...............................................................................D-9

TableD-10. AUDIO/TRG OUT Connector Signals.............................................................D-10

TableD-11. VXIbus P1 Connector Signals..........................................................................D-11

TableD-12. VXIbus P2 Connector Signals..........................................................................D-12

TableG-1. VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series Memory Map....................................................G-1

TableG-2. VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series I/O Address Map..............................................G-2

TableG-3. VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series Interrupt Line Use............................................G-3

TableG-4. VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series DMA Channel Use...........................................G-4

About This Manual

This manual contains instructions for installing and configuring the National Instruments VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series embedded computer and the NI-VXI bus interface software for Microsoft Windows. The Model 200 Series consists of the VXIpc-486 Models 200 and 240 computers.

How to Use This Documentation Set

We suggest that you begin by reading this manual to guide you through the installation and configuration of the hardware and software. The software configuration requires that you first complete the installation and configuration of the hardware.

When you are familiar with the material in this manual, you can begin to use the NI-VXI

Software Reference Manual for C. Chapter 1, Introduction to VXI, and Chapter 2, Introduction to the NI-VXI Functions, present the concepts of VXI and prepare you for detailed explanations

of the NI-VXI functions. Study the descriptions of each function given in Chapters 3 through 13 to fully understand the purpose and syntax of each function. Use the interactive utilities described in the NI-VXI DOS Utilities Reference Manual and the NI-VXI Text Utilities Reference Manual to learn more about the capabilities of the NI-VXI software.

Use the and using the NI-488.2 GPIB Talker/Listener/Controller software. Because the GPIB port on the VXIpc-486 is compatible with the National Instruments AT-GPIB plug-in board for ISA computers, we have included manuals entitled Getting Started with Your AT-GPIB and the NI-488.2 Software for MS-DOS and Using Your NI-488.2 Software with Microsoft Windows with your VXIpc-486 kit. Refer to the VXIpc-486 Documentation Notice: AT-GPIB and Microsoft Windows Compatibility for more information about using this documentation.

NI-488.2 Software Reference Manual for MS-DOS as a guide for installing, configuring,

Organization of This Manual

This manual is organized as follows:

• Chapter 1, Introduction, describes the VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series kit, lists what you need

to get started, and lists optional equipment and software.

• Chapter 2, VXIpc-486 Configuration and Installation, describes how to configure and install

the VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series embedded computer.

• Chapter 3, BIOS Setup, describes how to set up the basic input/output system (BIOS) for the

VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series computer.

About This Manual

• Chapter 4, NI-VXI Software Installation and Configuration, contains instructions for

installing and configuring the NI-VXI software for the VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series computer.

• Chapter 5, Using NI-VXI with Microsoft Windows, discusses programming information for

you to consider when developing applications that use the NI-VXI driver.

• Appendix A, Specifications, lists various module specifications of the VXIpc-486 Model 200

Series computer, such as physical dimensions and power requirements.

• Appendix B, NI-VXI Software Overview, lists all the programs and files located on the

NI-VXI distribution diskettes.

• Appendix C, Front Panel Indicators, describes the function of the seven front panel LED

indicators on the VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series computer.

• Appendix D, Connectors, describes the front panel and VXIbus connector pinouts on the

VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series computer.

• Appendix E, Modifying and Installing I/O Expansion Boards, explains how to modify

and install commercially available PC/XT and PC AT I/O boards in a VXIpc-486/2 Model 200 Series computer equipped with the I/O expansion kit.

• Appendix F, VXIpc-486 Plug-in Boards, discusses several considerations with regard to the

height and length of plug-in boards used in an expansion kit for the VXIpc-486.

• Appendix G, VXIpc-486 Hardware Configuration, contains hardware configuration

information about the VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series computer regarding memory map locations, I/O address map locations, interrupt lines, and DMA channels.

• Appendix H, Common Questions, answers common questions you may have when using the

NI-VXI bus interface software on the VXIpc-486 platform.

• Appendix I, Troubleshooting, addresses system-related problems you may encounter when

using the NI-VXI bus interface software on the VXIpc-486 platform.

• Appendix J, 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 acronyms, abbreviations, metric prefixes, mnemonics, 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.

VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series for MS Windows xiv © National Instruments Corporation

About This Manual

Conventions Used in This Manual

The following conventions are used in this manual: bold Bold text denotes menus, menu items, dialog box buttons or options, or

the name of a light-emitting diode (LED).

italic Italic text denotes emphasis, a cross reference, or an introduction to a key

concept.

monospace Text in monospace font is used for the proper names of programs,

subprograms, filenames, and extensions.

bold italic Bold italic text denotes a note, caution, or warning. Model 200 Series The term Model 200 Series is used in this manual to refer to both the

VXIpc-486 Models 200 and 240 embedded computers. When there are any differences between the two models, this manual describes them specifically.

<> Angle brackets enclose the name of a key on the keyboard–for example,

<Esc>. <Tab> Key names are capitalized. Abbreviations, acronyms, metric prefixes, mnemonics, symbols, and terms are listed in the

Glossary.

Related Documentation

The following documents 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

• VXI-1, VXIbus System Specification, Rev. 1.4, VXIbus Consortium

• VXI-6, VXIbus Mainframe Extender Specification, Rev. 1.0, VXIbus Consortium

Customer Communication

National Instruments wants to receive your comments on our products and manuals. We are interested in the applications you develop using 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 J, Customer

Communication, at the end of this manual.

Chapter 1 Introduction

This chapter describes the VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series kit for Microsoft Windows, lists what you need to get started, and lists optional equipment and software.

The VXIpc-486, an embedded computer based on the Industry Standard Architecture (ISA), is a high-performance, easy-to-use platform for VXIbus systems, featuring complete VXI functionality through interactive utilities and C function calls. In addition, the VXIpc-486 has an IEEE 488 interface that is compatible with the NI-488.2 architecture.

This manual describes VXIpc-486 Models 200 and 240 as the Model 200 Series. The major difference in the two models is the type and speed of the microprocessor.

• The Model 200 uses the 20 MHz Cyrix 80486SLC microprocessor

• The Model 240 uses the 40 MHz Cyrix 80486SLC2 microprocessor

What You Need to Get Started

Microsoft Windows version 3.1 or higher, and MS-DOS version 5.0 or higher installed on your computer

VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series Module (one of the following):

Model 200 one-slot (with onboard video) Model 200 two-slot (with onboard video) Model 200 two-slot (without onboard video) Model 240 one-slot (with onboard video) Model 240 two-slot (with onboard video) Model 240 two-slot (without onboard video)

Keyboard adapter cable

NI-VXI distribution disks for the VXIpc-486 200/500 Series and Microsoft Windows

Introduction Chapter 1

Optional Equipment

Contact National Instruments for ordering information for any of the following optional equipment.

• VXIpc-EFD external 3.5 in. floppy drive (compatible with models without an internal floppy

drive)

• COM2 adapter cable

• I/O expansion slot panel bracket, blank

• Type X1 single-shielded GPIB cables (1 m, 2 m, or 4 m)

• Type X2 double-shielded GPIB cables (1 m, 2 m, or 4 m)

Optional Software

If you want to use LabVIEW with your VXIpc-486, you can order the LabVIEW for Windows VXI Development System. It contains the following components:

• LabVIEW for Windows Full Development System

• LabVIEW for Windows VXI Library

• LabVIEW for Windows/Sun VXI Instrument Library

If you want to use LabWindows with your VXIpc-486, you can order either the LabWindows for DOS, VXI Development System, or the LabWindows/CVI for Windows, VXI Development System.

The LabWindows for DOS, VXI Development System contains the following components.

• LabWindows for DOS Full Develoment System

• LabWindows for DOS VXI Libraries

• LabWindows for DOS VXI Instrument Library

The LabWindows/CVI for Windows, VXI Development System contains the following components.

• LabWindows/CVI for Windows Full Develoment System

• LabWindows/CVI for Windows VXI Libraries

• LabWindows/CVI for Windows VXI Instrument Library

VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series for MS Windows 1-2 © National Instruments Corporation

Chapter 1 Introduction

Hardware Description

The VXIpc-486 Series computers are custom VXI computers that you install directly in your VXI mainframe to achieve the smallest possible physical size for a VXI system. An embedded computer can take full advantage of the VXI high-performance backplane capabilities and give you direct control of VXI registers, memory, and triggers.

The VXIpc-486 computers are available in one-slot and two-slot versions. The VXIpc-486/1 requires one VXIbus slot and contains an internal hard disk drive. An optional external floppy drive is available for transferring files between the VXIpc-486 and other PCs. The VXIpc-486/2 is available in various combinations of internal hard disk drive, internal floppy disk drive, and PC-compatible I/O expansion kits. The optional external floppy drive is compatible with VXIpc-486/1 and VXIpc-486/2 models without an internal floppy drive.

All models have connectors for an external floppy drive, a VGA or Super VGA monitor, a GPIB interface, serial and parallel ports, and VXI clock and trigger signals.

Software Description

The VXIpc-486 Series computers are compatible with numerous software packages and tools available for general-market computers. To program VXI directly, you can use the NI-VXI bus interface software included with this kit. The NI-VXI software for the VXIpc-486 and Microsoft Windows includes a Resource Manager, an interactive VXI resource editor program, a comprehensive library of software routines for VXI/VME programming, and an interactive control program for interacting with the VXIbus. You can use this software to seamlessly program multiple-mainframe configurations and have software compatibility across a variety of VXI/VME controller platforms. You can use the same software with the Model 200 Series.

The NI-488.2 software kit for the VXIpc-486 and MS-DOS/Windows gives you accessibility to the industry-standard NI-488.2 software for controlling external GPIB instruments through the GPIB port on the front panel of your VXIpc-486. The VXIpc-486 Documentation Notice: AT-GPIB and Microsoft Windows Compatibility directs you to the appropriate sections of the NI-488.2 documentation for information about using the capabilities of the AT-GPIB in your system.

Chapter 2 VXIpc-486 Configuration and Installation

This chapter describes how to configure and install the VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series embedded computer. Your VXIpc-486 is shipped with software already installed on the hard disk. Refer to Chapter 4, NI-VXI Software Installation and Configuration should you need to reinstall any of the software. Because the VXIpc-486 built-in GPIB port is compatible with the industrystandard AT-GPIB plug-in GPIB interface board for PC AT computers, please refer to Getting Started with Your AT-GPIB and the NI-488.2 Software for MS-DOS for information about using the capabilities of the AT-GPIB in your system.

Note: This chapter discusses the VXIpc-486 Models 200 and 240 together as the Model 200

Series. The illustrations in this chapter apply to all models in the series.

Factory Configuration

The VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series is factory-configured to function as a VXIbus Slot 0 System Controller. This is the most commonly used configuration. Table 2-1 shows the details of the factory configuration.

Table 2-1. VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series Factory Configuration

Item Factory Configuration

Slot 0:

System Controller CLK10

MODID Terminator

External CLK10

I/O

Termination External Trigger Input Not terminated External Audio/Trigger Out Trigger Out System RAM Per customer order Math Coprocessor Per customer order

The System Controller functions include the System Clock (SYSCLK) driver, System Reset (SYSRESET) driver, Bus Arbiter, and Bus Timer. The Bus Arbiter and Bus Timer are softconfigured, but are enabled or disabled by the Slot 0 System Controller configuration.

Enabled (Bus Arbiter and Bus Timer

Soft-Configured)

Onboard source drives backplane

16.9 kΩ pull-up

Disabled Not terminated

VXIpc-486 Configuration and Installation Chapter 2

You can alter the VXIpc-486 factory configuration, if necessary, to match your system requirements by changing the jumper settings as described in this chapter, and by running the VXIEDIT application as described in Chapter 4. The configurable features not listed in Table 2-1 are soft-configured by VXIEDIT.

Configuring the VXIpc-486

This section describes how to modify the VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series factory configuration. Unless you have special system configuration requirements, you can install and use the

VXIpc-486 without altering the factory configuration. Unless you need to alter the configuration shown in Table 2-1, skip the following sections and continue with Installing and Starting Up the VXIpc-486, later in this chapter.

Figure 2-1. VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series Parts Locator Diagram (Continues)

VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series for MS Windows 2-2 © National Instruments Corporation

Chapter 2 VXIpc-486 Configuration and Installation

Configuration Procedure

Follow these steps to modify the factory configuration:

1. Ground yourself and the VXIpc-486. The VXIpc-486 can be damaged by static discharge. You are less likely to damage the VXIpc-486 if you place it on a properly grounded antistatic mat and use a wriststrap.

2. Remove the screws that secure the right side cover. Remove the cover to expose the circuit board.

3. Alter the configuration as required, as described in the following section.

4. Replace the cover and the screws.

Figure 2-1. VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series Parts Locator Diagram (Continued)

VXIpc-486 Configuration and Installation Chapter 2

Configuration Options

Figure 2-1 shows the location of the VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series configurable components and their physical location relative to some of the major circuit components. The factory jumper settings are indicated in Figure 2-1 by the black rectangles. The jumper headers not shown in Figure 2-1 are not user configurable and should not be populated with shunt jumpers.

Shunt jumpers should always be installed on W7 and W10. You may change the position of these jumpers as required, but do not remove them completely.

Depending on the hardware changes you make to your VXIpc-486, you may need to make some corresponding changes to the software by running one of the VXI resource editor configuration programs. Refer to Chapter 4, NI-VXI Software Installation and Configuration, for instructions on using either the VXIEDIT or VXITEDIT program. These programs are described in greater detail in the NI-VXI DOS Utilities Reference Manual and the NI-VXI Text Utilities Reference Manual, respectively.

VXIbus Slot and External CLK10 Configuration Options

Because the VXIbus slot and external CLK10 configuration options are interdependent, they are discussed together in this section.

The external CLK10 interface is the SMB connector labeled CLK on the VXIpc-486 front panel. The external CLK10 signal is a TTL-level signal.

Table 2-2 presents six different configuration options of the slot position and external CLK10, including the factory default settings. Refer to the applicable configuration figures (Figures 2-2 through 2-7) that illustrate how to set up these options.

Table 2-2. VXIbus Slot Position and External CLK10 Configuration Options

Configuration

A* Slot 0 Disabled 2-2a 2-3a 2-4a 2-5a 2-6a 2-7a B Slot 0 Output 2-2a 2-3a 2-4a 2-5a 2-6b 2-7a C Slot 0 Input,

D Slot 0 Input, 50 Ω

VXIbus

Slot

External

CLK10

Unterminated

Terminated

Applicable Configuration Figures

W3 W7 W6 W1, W2, W11 J16

W4, W5

2-2a 2-3a 2-4b 2-5a 2-6c 2-7a

2-2a 2-3a 2-4b 2-5a 2-6c 2-7b

E Non-Slot 0 Disabled 2-2b 2-3b 2-4a 2-5b 2-6a 2-7a F Non-Slot 0 Output 2-2b 2-3b 2-4a 2-5b 2-6b 2-7a

* Factory Configuration

VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series for MS Windows 2-4 © National Instruments Corporation

Chapter 2 VXIpc-486 Configuration and Installation

Slot 0 Configurations

Configurations A through D are Slot 0 settings. Do not install the VXIpc-486 in any other slot if you are using any of these four configuration options.

Warning: Installing a VXIpc-486 configured for Slot 0 operation into any slot other than

Slot 0 can damage the VXIpc-486, the backplane, and the Slot 0 device.

• Configuration A is the factory default mode of the VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series. Use this mode when the VXIpc-486 is the Slot 0 device and does not need to use the external CLK10 SMB connector on the front panel to receive or send the CLK10 signal. In this configuration, the onboard CLK10 reference (derived from an oscillator) source drives the differential ECL CLK10 backplane signals, and the CLK10 is disabled. Use configurations B, C, or D if the VXIpc-486 is the Slot 0 device and does need to use the external CLK10 connector.

• Configuration B is similar to A, except that the CLK10 SMB is driven with a TTL level CLK10 derived from the ECL CLK10 driven on the backplane.

• In configuration C, the CLK10 SMB can be connected to a TTL CLK10 source to generate the ECL CLK10 on the backplane.

• Configuration D is similar to C, except that the external CLK10 reference is terminated with a 50 Ω resistor to ground.

The four Slot 0 settings are useful in multiple-mainframe configurations. For example, to synchronize multiple mainframes together, you can use a VXIpc-486 as the clock source and configure it to configuration B. Configure other Slot 0 controllers in other mainframes to configuration C and connect the CLK10 SMBs together. The frames now have synchronized CLK10 signals, which can be used in conjunction with the external trigger lines to synchronize devices in multiple mainframes.

Non-Slot 0 Configurations

If you will be installing the VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series in any slot other than Slot 0, use either configuration E or F. As a Non-Slot 0 device, the VXIpc-486 accepts the CLK10 signal from the backplane.

• In configuration E, the VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series accepts the CLK10 signal from the backplane, and terminates the differential ECL CLK10 signals with 50 Ω resistors to -2V.

• Configuration F is similar to E, except that the VXIpc-486 also drives the external CLK10 connector with a TTL CLK10 reference signal.

As mentioned earlier, some hardware configurations require that you make a corresponding change in the software. For example, when you configure the VXIpc-486 as a Non-Slot 0 device, you need to use the Bus Configuration Editor in the VXIEDIT or VXITEDIT program to change both the Local Bus Timeout and VXI Bus Timeout values to DISABLED. (The default values are 32 µs for the Local Bus Timeout and 128 µs for the VXI Bus Timeout because the VXIpc-486 is factory configured to be a Slot 0 device.)

VXIpc-486 Configuration and Installation Chapter 2

Additionally, if you do not want the VXIpc-486 to be the system Resource Manager, use the Logical Address Configuration Editor to change the Logical Address field to a non-zero, unused logical address. (The default logical address of the VXIpc-486 is 0.)

MODID Signal Termination

W3 configures the MODID signal termination for Slot 0/Non-Slot 0 operation. When configured for Slot 0 operation (Figure 2-2a), W3 causes the MODID signal to be terminated with a 16.9 kΩ pull-up resistor. When configured for Non-Slot 0 operation (Figure 2-2b), W3 causes the MODID signal to be terminated with a 825 Ω pull-down resistor.

J14J13

J15

W11

J16

W1 W4 W5

P2P1

J12

J17

W3 W3 a. Slot 0*

b. Non-Slot 0

* Factory Configuration

Figure 2-2. MODID Signal Termination Settings

System Controller

W7 configures the System Controller for Slot 0/Non-Slot 0 operation. When configured for Slot 0 operation (Figure 2-3a), W7 enables the VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series System Controller functions (SYSCLK and SYSRESET drivers, the Bus Arbiter and Bus Timer). When configured for Non-Slot 0 operation (Figure 2-3b), W7 disables the System Controller functions.

J14J13

J15

W11

J16

W1 W4 W5

P2P1

J12

J17

W7 W7 a. Slot 0*

b. Non-Slot 0

* Factory Configuration

Figure 2-3. System Controller Settings

Chapter 2 VXIpc-486 Configuration and Installation

CLK10 Generation

W6 configures the receiving source for the CLK10 reference. For internal clock generation, set the jumper as shown in Figure 2-4a. When the source is from the CLK10 input on the front panel of the VXIpc-486, set the jumper as shown in Figure 2-4b. Notice that when configured for Non-Slot 0, CLK10 will always be received from the backplane.

J14J13

J15

W11

J16

W1 W4 W5

P2P1

J12

J17

W6 W6 a. Slot 0*

b. Non-Slot 0

* Factory Configuration

Figure 2-4. CLK10 Generation Settings

VXIbus CLK10

This jumper block configures the CLK10 transceivers. Figure 2-5(a) shows the default Slot 0 configuration in which the VXIpc-486 sources the CLK10 signal. If you want to configure the VXIpc-486 as a Non-Slot 0 device, you should choose the setting in Figure 2-5(b). In this configuration, the VXIpc-486 does not drive the CLK10 signal onto the bus.

Warning: Do not set the W1, W2, W4, W5 jumper block to any setting other than those

shown in Figure 2-5. Any other settings could result in damage to the VXIpc-486 and any other devices installed on the backplane.

J14J13

J15

W11

J16

W1 W4 W5

P2P1

J12

J17

a. Slot 0, Onboard CLK10 Source*

W4 W5

b. Non-Slot 0

* Factory Configuration

Figure 2-5. VXIbus CLK10 Settings

VXIpc-486 Configuration and Installation Chapter 2

External CLK10

The W11 jumper configures the CLK SMB connector on the front panel. Keep the default configuration shown in Figure 2-6(a) if the CLK connector is disconnected and used as neither an input nor an output for the CLK10 signal. Figure 2-6(b) shows the configuration to use if you want the CLK10 signal that appears on the backplane to also appear on the CLK SMB connector. The configuration in Figure 2-6(c) is useful only if you have configured the W24 jumper to use the external CLK10 input. In this setting, the signal supplied to the CLK SBM connector is driven onto the VXIbus backplane as CLK10.

J14J13

J15

W11

J16

W4 W5

P2P1

J12

J17

W11 W11 a. Disabled*

* Factory Configuration

b. External CLK10 Input

W11 c. External

CLK10 Output

Figure 2-6. External CLK10 Settings

External CLK10 Termination

The J16 jumper configures whether the CLK10 signal is terminated. This is important only if you are daisy-chaining the CLK10 signal among multiple chassis. The source of the CLK10 and the last chassis in the daisy-chain should be terminated to prevent electrical reflections. Notice that this option is useful only if you have selected the external CLK by jumpers W11 and W6.

J14J13

J15

W11

J16

W1 W4 W5

P2P1

J12

J17

J16 J16 a. External CLK10 Unterminated*

b. External CLK10 Terminated*

Figure 2-7. External CLK10 Termination Settings

* Factory Configuration

Chapter 2 VXIpc-486 Configuration and Installation

External Trigger Input Configuration

The external TTL trigger input interface is the SMB connector labeled TRG IN on the VXIpc-486 front panel. Figure 2-8 shows the external trigger input circuit.

TRG IN

External Trigger Input Signal

Connector

50Ω

Figure 2-8. External Trigger Input Circuit

The W8 jumper configures whether the external TTL trigger input is terminated with a 50 Ω resistor to ground. This is important only if you are daisy-chaining the external trigger input among multiple chassis. The source of the trigger input and the last chassis in the daisy-chain should be terminated to prevent electrical reflections. Figure 2-9 shows the external trigger input termination settings.

J16

Figure 2-9. External Trigger Input Termination Settings

J14J13

J15

W11

W1 W4 W5

P2P1

J12

J17

W8 W8 a. External Trigger Input Unterminated*

b. External Trigger Input Terminated

* Factory Configuration

VXIpc-486 Configuration and Installation Chapter 2

External Audio/Trigger Output Configuration

The external audio/trigger output interface is the SMB connector labeled AUDIO/TRG OUT on the VXIpc-486 front panel.

You can configure the external audio/trigger output as either an audio output or a TTL trigger output. The audio/trigger output is connected to the circuit card by a twisted-pair cable. You can configure the audio/trigger output by connecting the cable to either J13 or J17. Table 2-3 shows the configuration options.

Table 2-3. External Audio/Trigger Output Configuration Options

External Audio/

Trigger Output Connected to

Trigger Out* J17 Audio Out J13 * Factory configuration

Installed System RAM Configuration

The amount of installed RAM is factory configured per customer order. You can change the amount of installed RAM on VXIpc-486/1 models by installing dynamic RAM single in-line memory modules (DRAM SIMMs) in positions A1 and A2, as shown in Table 2-4 and Figure 2-1.

Warning: Do not attempt to change the factory RAM configuration of the VXIpc-486/2.

Disassembling the internal brackets in an attempt to expose the DRAM SIMM sockets will void your warranty.

Table 2-4. Installed RAM Configuration Options

Installed RAM A2 A1

2 MB 1 MB x 18 Not Installed 4 MB 1 MB x 18 1 MB x 18

8 MB 4 MB x 18 Not Installed 10 MB 4 MB x 18 1 MB x 18 16 MB 4 MB x 18 4 MB x 18

Chapter 2 VXIpc-486 Configuration and Installation

National Instruments recommends the following DRAM SIMMs for use with the VXIpc-486/1:

• Toshiba part number THM181000ASG-10L or equivalent 1 MB x 18 SIMMs

• Toshiba part number THM184080SG-10L or equivalent 4 MB x 18 SIMMs.

Note: Always reconfigure the VXIpc-486/1 to the factory DRAM configuration shown on

the ID label before returning it to the factory for repairs or upgrades.

80387SX Math Coprocessor Configuration

An 80387SX math coprocessor is installed in your VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series at the factory, if ordered as an option.

Warning: Do not attempt to install or remove a math coprocessor in the VXIpc-486/2.

Disassembling the internal brackets in an attempt to expose the 80387SX socket will void your warranty.

You can install an Intel 387SX or equivalent math coprocessor in a VXIpc-486/1 yourself, by following these steps:

1. Place the 80387SX (in its shipping package) on the anti-static mat with the VXIpc-486.

2. Locate the 80387SX socket (U65) on the VXIpc-486 (See Figure 2-1).

Warning: Be sure to orient the 80387SX correctly before inserting it in the socket. If you

insert the chip the wrong way, the 80387SX and the VXIpc-486/1 will be damaged.

3. Orient the 80387SX so that the corner notch on the 80387SX matches the position of the corner notch in Figure 2-1 and the reference dot (locating pin 1) matches the socket reference.

Warning: Avoid excessive pressure while inserting the 80387SX. Bending the circuit card

could damage the VXIpc-486.

4. Insert the 80387SX into the socket, pressing firmly and evenly to fully seat the pins.

Note: Always reconfigure the VXIpc-486/1 to the factory math coprocessor configuration

shown on the ID label before returning it to the factory for repairs or upgrades.

If you have finished configuring the VXIpc-486, you are now ready to install it in your mainframe.

VXIpc-486 Configuration and Installation Chapter 2

Installing and Starting Up the VXIpc-486

The following installation instructions apply to the VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series. Refer to your mainframe user manual for further instructions regarding mainframe configuration and module installation. Figure 2-10 shows the location of the VXIpc-486 front panel connectors. Refer to Appendix C, Connectors, for pinout details about each connector.

1. Turn off the mainframe power.

Warning: Installing a VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series configured for Slot 0 operation into

any slot other than Slot 0 can result in damage to the VXIpc-486, the backplane, and the Slot 0 device.

2. If the VXIpc-486 is configured for Slot 0 operation, install it in Slot 0. If the VXIpc-486 is configured as a Non-Slot 0 device, install it in any slot other than Slot 0. The VXIbus Slot and External CLK10 Configuration Options section, earlier in this chapter, describes the different configuration options for Slot 0 and non-Slot 0 applications. Refer also to your mainframe user manual for instructions regarding slot configuration.

3. Tighten the retaining screws at the top and bottom of the front panel.

4. Connect the keyboard to the KEYBOARD connector. Use the keyboard adapter cable that you received with your kit to adapt AT-style keyboards to the VXIpc-486 mini-DIN connector.

5. Connect the VGA monitor video cable to the VGA connector and tighten the screws.

6. On VXIpc-486 models without an internal floppy drive, connect the optional external floppy drive (EFD) to the DISK DRIVE connector. The EFD is not compatible with models that have an internal floppy drive.

7. Connect serial devices to the COM1 or COM2 connectors, if required by your system configuration. Use the COM2 adapter cable (available as an accessory) to attach serial devices to COM2.

8. Connect parallel devices to the LPT connector, if required by your system configuration.

9. Connect the external CLK10 signal to the CLK connector, if required by your system configuration.

10. Connect the external trigger input signal to the TRG IN connector, if required by your system configuration.

11. Connect the external audio or trigger output signal to the AUDIO/TRG OUT connector, if required by your system configuration.

Chapter 2 VXIpc-486 Configuration and Installation

12. To start up the VXIpc-486, turn on the mainframe power. Also apply power to any peripherals, such as the monitor. The basic input/output system (BIOS) boot sequence should now begin to display startup messages on the monitor. Chapter 3, BIOS Setup, contains information on BIOS that you may need in case you either have special BIOS configuration requirements or you encounter a BIOS-related error message.

The front panel LED indicators also provide information about the VXIpc-486 and VXIbus system status. The SYSFAIL and FAILED LEDs remain lit until the VXIpc-486 initialization program VXIINIT.EXE is run. See Appendix B, NI-VXI Software Overview, for more information about VXIINIT. See Appendix C, Front Panel Indicators, for more information about the front panel LED operation.

Figure 2-10. VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series Front Panel

Chapter 3 BIOS Setup

This chapter describes how to set up the basic input/output system (BIOS) for the VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series computer. The VXIpc-486 uses the Quadtel AT Compatible Enhanced BIOS. The BIOS defines the way in which software interacts with the VXIpc-486 hardware. The BIOS has a number of setup parameters that contain the VXIpc-486 system configuration information.

The BIOS setup parameters are stored in the CMOS RAM, which is backed up by battery. You use the BIOS utility Setup (part of the Quadtel Extended BIOS Software System) to modify the time-of-day, date, floppy and hard disk types, processor speed, and shadow RAM operation.

The BIOS parameters are factory configured for proper operation. Unless you have special BIOS configuration requirements, you can proceed to Chapter 4, NI-VXI Software Installation

and Configuration.

Running Setup

Occasionally, you may encounter a BIOS-related error message that requires you to run Setup. You may also need to change one or more of the BIOS parameters for compatibility with a software application. If you need to run Setup, follow these steps:

1. Press <F2> after power-on to display the Extended BIOS Software main window. This window also appears if you press <F2> after a power-on self-test error is displayed.

2. Select Setup, using the Up/Down Arrow and <Enter> keys, to display the Extended BIOS Setup window.

3. Use the Up/Down Arrow or <Tab> keys to select the item you want to change. Press <F5> to select the previous (smaller) value, <F6> to select the next (larger) value, or <F9> to automatically configure the selected item.

4. Press <F10> to save the configuration parameters you edited.

5. Press <Esc> to exit Setup. If you have not saved your changes, you can do so at this time.

6. Press <Esc> to exit the Extended BIOS Software main window. The VXIpc-486 will restart.

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VXI VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series Getting Started

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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