10
XAPP168 (v1.1) February 8, 2000
1-800-255-7778
Getting Started With the MultiLINX™ Cable
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The new MultiLINX TM cable takes advantage of the USB port found on newer PCs. MultiLINX
delivers the ultimate in download performance: Up to 12 Mbits/second throughput.MultiLINX
features an adjustable voltage interface that enables it to talk to systems and I/Os operating at
5V, 3.3V, or 2.5V.
Software support for the MultiLINX cable is provided in version 2.1i of the Alliance Series and
Foundation Series software products.
The MultiLINX Cable is "CE" compliant as specified by the EMC Directives EN 55022 and EN
50082-1.
The MulitiLINX Cable consists of electronics housed in a 3.33" x 5.06"” x 1.03" plastic case.
This assembly weighs 5.8 oz. (160 gm.) At one end of the case are the RS232 and USB
connectors. Four "flying wire" sets are supplied to attach to headers on the top of the unit to the
customer’s Xilinx device. There is a red status LED. Either the USB or RS232 cable can be
used to attach MultiLINX to the host computer (but not both). The shipping weight is 1.5 lbs.
(690 gm.).
MultiLINX can communicate with the host computer via an RS232 compatible serial port. A
DB9F connector is used for the RS232 port on the MultiLINX Cable. A DB9F to DB9M cable is
supplied. Two DB9 to DB25 adapters (M & F) are also supplied for connecting to workstation
platforms.
MultiLINX can also communicate with the host computer via a USB (Universal Serial Bus)
compatible serial port. The supplied shielded USB cable has a Type "“A" style plug to connect
to the host computer port. At the other end of the USB cable is a Type "B" style plug which
connects to the MultiLINX Cable’s connector.
Table 2: RS232 Maximum Baud Rate Support
Computer Platform
Maximum Baud Rate
PC Compatible
57,600 baud
SPARC
38,400 baud
HP
38,400 baud
Table 3: USB Platform Support
Computer Platform/OS
USB Support (12 Mbits/s)
PC Compatible/Windows 98
Yes
SPARC
N/A
HP
N/A
Note: The MultiLINX Cable does not get its power from the USB
port.
