Chapter 1
Introduction
VXIpc-850 Series User Manual
1 - 2
© National Instruments Corporation
The VXIpc-850, a Pentium-based, C-size, embedded computer based
on the Peripheral Component Interface (PCI) bus, is a high-
performance, easy-to-use platform for controlling VXIbus systems,
featuring complete VXI functionality through interactive utilities and
C function calls. In addition, the VXIpc -850 has an IEEE 488.2
interface that is compatible with the NI -488.2 architecture.
The VXIpc-850 is a custom computer that you install directly in two
C-size slots of your VXIbus mainframe. An embedded computer can
take full advantage of the VXI high-performance backplane capabilities
and give you direct control of VXI registers, memory, interrupts, and
triggers.
All models in the VXIpc -850 Series are fully VXIplug&play compliant
and are compatible with PC-compatible software tools, the National
Instruments LabVIEW and LabWindows
®
/CVI application software,
and the NI-VXI, NI-VISA, and NI -488.2 bus interface software.
Optional Equipment
You can contact National Instruments to order any of the following
optional equipment.
•
COM1/2 adapter cable
•
Enhanced parallel port adapter cable
•
Single-shielded 2 m GPIB cable
•
Upgrades for the VXIpc -850 modular CPU card
Optional Software
National Instruments has developed several software kits that you can
use with the VXIpc-850. The NI-VXI bus interface software for the
VXIpc-850 includes a Resource Manager, graphical and text-based
versions of an interactive VXI resource editor program, a
comprehensive library of software routines for VXI/VME
programming, and an interactive control program for interacting with
VXI/VME. You can use this software to seamlessly program multiple-
mainframe configurations and have software compatibility across a
variety of VXI/VME controller platforms.
The NI-488.2 software kit for the VXIpc -850 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