Chapter 1
Introduction
1-2
ni.com
❑
Copper or fiber-optic MXI-3 cable (not included in VXI-8340 series
module-only kits)
❑
National Instruments
NI-VXI v. 3.1 for Windows
CD
VXI-8340 Series Interface Kit Overview
The interface kits described in this manual link a PCI bus-based computer
to the VXIbus using MXI-3.
All VXI-8340 series kits include the NI-VISA/NI-VXI software for
Windows and a VXI-8340 series module. The kits may also contain a
PCI-8330 series module and a MXI-3 cable.
A PCI bus computer connected to a VXI-8340 series interface can function
as a VXI Commander and Resource Manager. The VXI-8340 series
interface kit allows your computer to function as if it were plugged directly
into the VXI backplane as an embedded CPU module.
The software included with the kits is for
x
86-based computers only.
Hardware Description
The VXI-8340 series module is a C-size VXIbus device with VXIbus
Slot 0 capability so that it can reside in any slot of a C-size or D-size
chassis. If you enable this capability, the VXI-8340 series can
automatically determine whether it is in VXI Slot 0.
Note
D-size VXI mainframes have connections for a P3 connector. The VXI-8340 series,
however, does not have this connector and, if configured as a Slot 0 controller, cannot
provide the necessary control for VXI devices that need P3 support.
Caution
An improper Slot 0 setting may damage the VXI-8340 series module and/or the
VXI chassis.
The VXI-8340 series links the computer to the VXIbus and converts
PCI data transfers into VXIbus data transfers and vice versa.
The PCI-8330 is a PCI bus extender, bridging your PCI bus across a
serial link.