Introduction - National Instruments VXI-1394 Getting Started

Introduction

Note Windows 98 includes native support for the IEEE-1394 bus, but Windows NT 4 does
not. National Instruments has developed a driver that works with the Adaptec AHA-8940
PCI-1394 host adapter and various OHCI boards. If you are using Windows NT 4, you
must use this driver, which may not be compatible with other 1394 host adapters or built-in
1394 circuitry.
© National Instruments Corporation
This chapter describes your VXI-1394 interface kit, lists what you need
to get started, and includes a brief description of the hardware and software.
The VXI-1394 interface kit links a PCI-based computer to the VXIbus
using the IEEE 1394, or FireWire, high-speed serial bus. This kit makes
your computer perform as though it were plugged directly into the VXI
backplane, giving your external computer the capability of an embedded
computer. You can connect streaming devices such as digital cameras to
either the VXI-1394 interface in your VXI mainframe or the PCI-1394
interface in your computer. IEEE 1394 features
under Windows 98, which means you can add and configure 1394 devices
without having to power down your system.
Your kit contains a National Instruments VXI-1394 interface module,
which plugs into your VXI mainframe and links your computer to the
VXIbus. The VXI-1394/G option adds a front panel connector for
IEEE 488.2 devices so you can control a test system including both GPIB
and VXI devices.
Your kit also contains an industry-standard OHCI host adapter, which links
your PCI-based computer to the IEEE 1394 bus.
Your kit includes the NI-VXI/VISA bus interface software, which is fully
VXIplug&play compliant. NI-VXI/VISA is the National Instruments
implementation of the VISA I/O software standard on which all
VXIplug&play software components are based.
If you ordered the VXI-1394/G, your kit also includes the
industry-standard NI-488.2 software for GPIB communication.
1-1 VXI-1394 Interface for Windows NT/98
1
hot plug-in capability