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National Instruments VXI-1394 User Manual

National Instruments VXI-1394 User Manual

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VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows
VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows
March 2005
370533B-01

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  • Page 1 VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows March 2005 370533B-01...
  • Page 2 For further support information, refer to the Technical Support and Professional Services appendix. To comment on National Instruments documentation, refer to the National Instruments Web site at ni.com/info and enter the info code feedback. © 1998–2005 National Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved.

  • Page 3: Important Information

    Warranty The VXI-1394 is 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.
  • Page 4 These classes are known as Class A (for use in industrial-commercial locations only) or Class B (for use in residential or commercial locations). All National Instruments (NI) products are FCC Class A products. Depending on where it is operated, this Class A product could be subject to restrictions in the FCC rules. (In Canada, the Department of Communications (DOC), of Industry Canada, regulates wireless interference in much the same way.) Digital...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Completing the Software Installation...2-3 Configuring the Hardware (optional) ...2-3 Installing the Hardware...2-3 Installing Your PCI-1394 Interface Board ...2-4 Installing Your VXI-1394 Interface Board ...2-6 Connecting Cables...2-6 Powering on the System ...2-7 Software Configuration and Verification ...2-7 Running MAX and Resman ...2-7...

  • Page 6: Default Settings

    Compatibility Layer Options ... 3-9 Debugging ... 3-10 Appendix A Specifications Appendix B Default Settings Appendix C Advanced Hardware Configuration Settings Appendix D Common Questions Appendix E Technical Support and Professional Services Glossary Index VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows ni.com...

  • Page 7: About This Manual

    VXI controllers. How to Use the Manual Set This user manual contains an overview of the VXI-1394 hardware and the NI-VXI/NI-VISA software, guides you through setting up your kit, and helps you get started with application development. You can also use this manual as a reference for the hardware and software default settings and to find the answers to commonly asked questions.

  • Page 8: Conventions

    This font also denotes text that is a placeholder for a word or value that you must supply. VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows The NI-VISA User Manual describes how to program using NI-VISA and can be located at Start»Programs»VXIpnp»NI-VISA User Manual.

  • Page 9: Related Documentation

    ANSI/VITA 1-1994, VME64 IEEE Standard 1394-1995, IEEE Standard for a High Performance Serial Bus PCI Local Bus Specification, Revision 2.1, PCI Special Interest Group VXI-6, VXIbus Mainframe Extender Specification, Rev. 2.0, VXIbus Consortium About This Manual VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows...

  • Page 10: Introduction

    VXIplug&play compliant. NI-VXI/NI-VISA is the National Instruments implementation of the VISA I/O software standard on which all VXIplug&play software components are based. What You Need to Get Started To set up and use the VXI-1394 interface kit, you need the following items: ❑ ❑ ❑...

  • Page 11: Vxi-1394 Interface Kit Overview

    VXI-1394 Interface Kit Overview The interface kit described in this manual links a 1394-equipped computer directly to the VXIbus using the IEEE 1394 bus. The VXI-1394 kit uses this high-speed (up to 400 Mbits/s) serial bus to link your computer running Windows to a VXI chassis.

  • Page 12: Vxi-1394 Front Panel Features

    An improper Slot 0 setting may damage the VXI-1394 module and/or the VXI Caution chassis. The VXI-1394 links the computer to the VXIbus and converts 1394 data transfers into VXIbus data transfers and vice versa. The VXI-1394 includes additional 1394 ports you can use to connect other 1394 devices.

  • Page 13: Software Description

    VXI instrument drivers written to take full advantage of direct VXI control. LabVIEW, Measurement Studio, and LabWindows/CVI include all the tools needed for instrument control, data acquisition, analysis, and presentation. VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows ™ ™ /CVI...
  • Page 14 NI-VISA/NI-VXI software installation. LabVIEW, Measurement Studio, and LabWindows/CVI integrate the VXI and VISA libraries that are required to support your VXI-1394. You also get hundreds of complete instrument drivers, which are modular, source-code programs that handle the communication with your instrument to speed your application development.

  • Page 15: Installation And Configuration

    This section describes how to install the NI-VXI and NI-VISA software. Please carefully read these directions along with any messages on the screen before making your selections. You can quit the Setup program at any time by pressing the Cancel button. © National Instruments Corporation VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows...
  • Page 16 Setup is an interactive, self-guiding program that installs the NI-VXI and NI-VISA software and configures your system to use the software with the VXI-1394. Complete the following steps to perform the installation. Caution If you want to keep the manufacturer/model name tables or the VME device configuration from a previous installation, be sure to back them up before starting Setup.

  • Page 17: Completing The Software Installation

    Hardware Configuration possible settings. Use MAX to change any of the configuration settings for the VXI-1394. For information on the software, including optional settings, use MAX and its online help. Use the Windows Start menu to open the program group for National Instruments, launch MAX and select Help»Help Topics.

  • Page 18: Installing Your Pci-1394 Interface Board

    Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration External Computer Installing Your PCI-1394 Interface Board To install the PCI-1394 interface board, complete the following steps. VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows To Other IEEE 1394 Devices IEEE 1394 Cables Figure 2-1. Typical VXI-1394 System Shut down and power off the computer.
  • Page 19 Figure 2-2. Installing the PCI-1394 Host Adapter Carefully press the host adapter into the slot. Secure the host adapter bracket to the computer chassis with the screw from the removed expansion slot cover. Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration 3 Bus Contacts VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows...

  • Page 20: Installing Your Vxi-1394 Interface Board

    Do not cable devices to your 1394 system in such a way as to form a loop. Any device should have only one connection to the 1394 bus. An example of a loop would be a system containing a PCI-1394, a VXI-1394, and a device connected to both. Such a closed loop would break the 1394 system.

  • Page 21: Powering On The System

    Some 1394 devices require different cables than others. Your kit includes one 6-to-6-pin cable to link the VXI-1394 to your computer. Some other devices also require a 6-to-6-pin cable for proper connection to the 1394 system. Many other devices such as camcorders, VCRs, and so on, take a 6-to-4-pin cable.

  • Page 22: Developing Your Application

    • • © National Instruments Corporation NI-VXI is the software package that ships with National Instruments VXI and VME controllers. NI-VXI includes Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX), NI-VISA, NI Spy, Resource Manager (Resman), VXI device drivers, and other utilities for configuring and controlling your VXI or VME system.

  • Page 23: Configuration

    Each component assists you with one of four development steps: configuration, device interaction, programming, and debugging. You can access the utilities, help files, and release notes through the Windows Start menu by opening the National Instruments»VXI or National Instruments»VISA program groups. Configuration The configuration utilities in your software kit are Resman and MAX.
  • Page 24 For more information about MAX, refer to its online help by selecting the Help»Help Topics menu. © National Instruments Corporation VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows...

  • Page 25: Device Interaction

    NI-VXI API Development from the custom installation screen in the installer. You can launch VISAIC (or VIC) from the Tools menu in MAX or from the VISA or VXI subgroups in Start»Programs»National Instruments. Try the following in VISAIC: In the tree view, navigate using your mouse to the VISA resource for your controller—probably VXI0::0::INSTR,...
  • Page 26 VXI memory. For more information about VISAIC operations and commands, refer to the online help in the Help menu and the context-sensitive help (such as What’s This?), available by right-clicking in any panel. © National Instruments Corporation VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows...

  • Page 27: Programming For Vxi

    NI-VXI installer and perform a Complete install or select the appropriate option in the custom installation screen. Be sure to review the NI-VISA is the National Instruments implementation of the VISA API as the VXIplug&play standard defines. It provides a common interface to...

  • Page 28: Optimizing Large Vxibus Transfers

    Chapter 3 Developing Your Application directory, in the NI-VXI Example (Optional) VXIws.c VXIhigh.c VXIlow.c VXImem.c VXIint.c VXItrig.c viMove() VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows...

  • Page 29: Shared Memory

    You can define these symbols using code or using the appropriate option in your compiler (typically either before the line that includes the NI-VXI API header VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows returns 32-bit aligned, page-locked, VXImemAlloc() in the NI-VXI API). Use MAX to view the VXI...

  • Page 30: Compatibility Layer Options

    Select Tools»NI-VXI»VXI Options. Set Prioritized Signal LA to the logical address of the device that generates the events. This prevents possible loss of events from that device. © National Instruments Corporation VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows...

  • Page 31: Debugging

    NI Spy and VISAIC are useful utilities for identifying the causes of problems in your application. NI Spy tracks the calls your application makes to National Instruments programming interfaces, including NI-VISA, NI-VXI, and NI-488. NI Spy highlights functions that return errors, so during development you can quickly spot which functions failed during a program’s execution.
  • Page 32 Chapter 3 Developing Your Application VISAIC, discussed in the Device Interaction section, is an excellent platform for quickly testing instruments and learning how to communicate with them. Figure 3-5. VISAIC © National Instruments Corporation 3-11 VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows...

  • Page 33: Power Requirement

    Specifications This appendix lists the specifications for the VXI-1394 module. VXI Requirements VXIbus configuration space... 64 B A24 or A32 space... Programmable Power Requirement +5 V –5.2 V –2 V +12 V Physical Dimensions Weight © National Instruments Corporation Default ... None Typical ...

  • Page 34: Operating Environment

    Pollution Degree ...2 For indoor or enclosed area use only. Storage Environment Ambient temperature range ...–20 to 70 °C (Tested in Relative humidity range...5% to 95% noncondensing VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows 6-pin 1394...3 SMB...3 GPIB (optional) ...1 VXI specification (Tested in accordance with IEC-60068-2-56.)

  • Page 35: Electromagnetic Compatibility

    , search by model number or product line, and click the Appendix A Specifications (Tested in accordance with IEC-60068-2-27. Test profile developed in accordance with MIL-PRF-28800F.) (with solid-state hard drive) FCC Part 15A above 1 GHz Table 1 (Class A) compliant VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows...

  • Page 36: Vmebus Capability Codes

    D64, D32, D16, D08(EO) (slave) BLT, MBLT (master) BLT, MBLT (slave) VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows , search by model number or product line, and click the VMEbus master A32, A24, and A16 addressing VMEbus slave A32, A24, and A16 addressing...
  • Page 37 Interrupt handler for levels 7–1 Interrupt requester for levels 7–1 VMEbus D32, D16, D08(O) interrupt handler VMEbus D32, D16, D08(O) interrupter Release on Acknowledge or Register Access interrupter VMEbus bus timer (programmable limit) Appendix A Specifications VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows...
  • Page 38 Appendix A Specifications LOCK Can lock the VMEbus for indivisible transfers VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows ni.com...

  • Page 39: Hardware Settings

    Default Settings This appendix summarizes the default settings for the hardware and software in the VXI-1394 kit. If you need more information about a particular setting, or if you want to try a different configuration, refer to Appendix C, hardware reference and to the MAX online help for your software reference.

  • Page 40: Software Settings

    Reserved physical memory Lower half window byte swapping Upper half window byte swapping Map upper and lower halves at same PCI address VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows Table B-2. MAX Device Tab Default Settings Editor Field Message based Disabled Table B-3. MAX Shared Memory Tab Default Settings...
  • Page 41 Bus arbitration mode Arbiter timeout © National Instruments Corporation Table B-4. MAX VXI Bus Tab Default Settings Editor Field 125 µs Enabled Disabled Disabled Release on Request Enabled Prioritized Enabled Appendix B Default Settings Default Setting VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows...

  • Page 42: Hardware Default Settings

    Configuration Settings This appendix describes the factory-default and alternate hardware configuration settings of the VXI-1394. The board is set at the factory for the most commonly used configuration. Use this appendix if you want to try a different hardware configuration or if you would like more information on a particular setting.
  • Page 43 Appendix C Advanced Hardware Configuration Settings VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows TERMINATE TRIG TERM CLK10 SOURCE ONBRD SLOT0 AUTO NON- SLOT0 LOAD FACTORY FACTORY USER Figure C-1. VXI-1394 Default Configuration Settings CLK10 ni.com...
  • Page 44 VXIbus Slot 0/Non-Slot 0 The VXI-1394 is configured at the factory to automatically detect if it is installed in Slot 0 of a VXIbus mainframe. With automatic Slot 0 detection, you can install the VXI-1394 into any VXIbus slot. You can manually configure the VXI-1394 for either Slot 0 or Non-Slot 0 operation by defeating the automatic-detection circuitry.
  • Page 45 Appendix C Advanced Hardware Configuration Settings When the VXI-1394 is installed in Slot 0, it becomes the VXIbus System Controller. In this role, it has VXIbus Data Transfer Bus Arbiter circuitry that accepts bus requests on all four VXIbus request levels, prioritizes the requests, and grants the bus to the highest priority requester.

  • Page 46: Configuration Eeprom

    The Load Factory switch (switch S6) causes the VXI-1394 to boot off the factory-configured half instead of the user-modified settings. This is useful in the event that the user-configured half of the EEPROM becomes corrupted in such a way that the VXI-1394 boots to an unusable state.

  • Page 47: Vxibus Clk10 Routing

    Notice that the configuration of one switch may make the setting of another switch irrelevant. For example, only switches S2 and S3 are relevant if you install the VXI-1394 in a slot other than Slot 0. The drawings use the pattern to depict switches that are either irrelevant or disabled for a particular CLK10 configuration.
  • Page 48 The CLK10 signal is not terminated (S1). The VXI-1394 receives the external CLK10 signal (S2). The polarity of the CLK10 signal (S3) is irrelevant when the VXI-1394 receives the external CLK10 signal. However, it is configured to be inverted when the CLK10 SMB is used as output.
  • Page 49 In Figures C-5 and C-6, switch S5 uses the alternate configuration to generate the VXIbus CLK10 signal. Instead of the onboard oscillator, the VXI-1394 generates from the external CLK SMB connector and drives to the backplane. You can choose whether to terminate the signal using S1.
  • Page 50 Appendix C TERMINATE TRIG TERM CLK10 SOURCE ONBRD TERMINATE TRIG TERM CLK10 SOURCE ONBRD Figure C-6. Receive External CLK SMB with 50 and Drive to the Backplane Advanced Hardware Configuration Settings CLK10 CLK10 Ω Termination VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows...
  • Page 51 Signal termination is not an issue when driving the signal, so the position of S1 does not matter. The difference between these two configurations is whether to use inverted or noninverted polarity when driving the signal. VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows TERMINATE CLK10...
  • Page 52 © National Instruments Corporation Appendix C Advanced Hardware Configuration Settings TERMINATE CLK10 TRIG TERM CLK10 SOURCE ONBRD Figure C-8. Drive Noninverted External CLK SMB C-11 VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows...

  • Page 53: Trigger Input Termination

    50 Ω termination on the external trigger input SMB. Figure C-9A shows the default setting for a nonterminated trigger input SMB. Use the setting of Figure C-9B to terminate the trigger input SMB. VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows TERMINATE CLK10...

  • Page 54: Common Questions

    The only difference is the topology of the system. If your system consists of a PC connected to a VXI-1394 which is in turn connected to a digital camera, you can get the best performance by connecting a third peripheral to the VXI-1394 rather than to the PC or the digital camera.
  • Page 55 I need more devices than can fit in one chassis. How can I expand my VXI-1394 system? You can add another VXI-1394 to the system, but the additional chassis will not share the same VXI bus. The recommended strategy is to use a VXI-MXI-2, which follows the VXI-6 specification for mainframe extension.
  • Page 56 The fastest method for testing the system is to run Resman. This program attempts to access memory in the upper A16 address space of each device in the system. If Resman does not report any problems, the VXI-1394 communication system is operational.
  • Page 57 ECL. What is the accuracy of the CLK10 signal? The CLK10 generated by the VXI-1394 is 1% accurate. If you need a more accurate CLK10 signal, you can use the EXTCLK input at the front of the VXI-1394.
  • Page 58 These terms refer to a block of memory that is accessible to both a client and a server. The memory block operates as a message buffer for communications. Shared memory is applicable only if you are using either A24 or A32 address space. © National Instruments Corporation VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows...

  • Page 59: Technical Support And Professional Services

    Technical Support and Professional Services Visit the following sections of the National Instruments Web site at ni.com • • • • © National Instruments Corporation for technical support and professional services: Support—Online technical support resources at include the following: –...
  • Page 60 Worldwide Offices section of office Web sites, which provide up-to-date contact information, support phone numbers, email addresses, and current events. VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows Calibration Certificate—If your product supports calibration, you can obtain the calibration certificate for your product at ni.com/calibration...
  • Page 61 VXIbus address space equivalent to the VME 4 GB extended address space. address Character code that identifies a specific location (or series of locations) in memory. In VISA, it identifies a resource. © National Instruments Corporation Value –12 –9 – 6 –3 tera VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows...
  • Page 62 Basic Input/Output System. BIOS functions are the fundamental level of any PC or compatible computer. BIOS functions embody the basic operations needed for successful use of the computer’s hardware resources. VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows memory locations differentiated from other such sets in ni.com...
  • Page 63 Slots 1 through 12 on P2. It is distributed to each slot as a single-source, single-destination signal with a matched delay of under 8 ns. CMOS Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor—a process used in making chips. © National Instruments Corporation VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows Glossary...
  • Page 64 An intelligent CPU (controller) interface plugged directly into the VXI backplane, giving it direct access to the VXIbus. It must have all of its required VXI interface capabilities built in. Electromagnetic compliance. VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows ni.com...
  • Page 65 A brand name initiated by Sony for digital consumer products using IEEE 1394. See Input/output—the techniques, media, and devices used to achieve communication between machines and users. © National Instruments Corporation IEEE 1394. IEEE 1394. VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows Glossary...
  • Page 66 In IEEE 1394, this protocol is used for purposes such as feeding digital image data from a peripheral device (such as a video camera) to a display mechanism within a computer. VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows ni.com...
  • Page 67 NI-DAQ The National Instruments industry-standard software for data acquisition instruments. NI-VISA The National Instruments implementation of the VISA standard; an interface-independent software that provides a unified programming interface for VXI, GPIB, and serial instruments. © National Instruments Corporation VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows...
  • Page 68 Register-based devices are typically controlled by message-based devices via device-dependent register reads and writes. Resman The name of the National Instruments Resource Manager in NI-VXI bus interface software. See Resource Manager. Resource Manager A message-based Commander located at Logical Address 0, which...
  • Page 69 PASSed bit in its Status register. trigger Either TTL or ECL lines used for intermodule communication. Transistor-Transistor Logic Volts. Video Graphics Array; the minimum video display standard for all PCs. © National Instruments Corporation VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows Glossary...
  • Page 70 A mechanism that signifies that a device will immediately give a successful acknowledge to a write transfer and place the transfer in a local buffer. The device can then independently complete the write cycle to the destination. VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows G-10 ni.com...
  • Page 71 B-1 hardware, 2-3, B-1 software, B-2 developing applications, 3-1 device interaction, 3-4 device tab default settings (table), B-2 diagnostic tools (NI resources), E-1 documentation conventions used in manual, viii how to use manual set, vii VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows...
  • Page 72 E-1 hot plug-in and IEEE 1394, D-1 definition of, 1-1 how to use manual set, vii VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows IEEE 1394, capability descriptions, A-4 installation, 2-1 instrument drivers (NI resources), E-1 KnowledgeBase, E-1 LabVIEW, 1-5...
  • Page 73 A-2 VXI requirements, A-1 storage environment specifications, A-2 support, technical, E-1 SYSFAIL LED, 1-3 system controller, 2-6 technical support, E-1 training and certification (NI resources), E-1 troubleshooting (NI resources), E-1 user-configurable settings, C-1 VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows Index...
  • Page 74 (figure), C-2 front panel features, 1-3 hardware default settings (table), B-1 interface board, installing, 2-6 VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows interface kit overview, 1-2 module description, 1-2 specifications, A-1 system expansion, D-2 typical system setup (figure), 2-4...

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