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Hardware Configuration and Installation
Step 2. Install the SB
The SB-MXI does not have any jumpers or switches for configuring the hardware. The base
address of the SB-MXI is determined by the geographic mechanism provided by the SBus. The
SB-MXI uses SBus interrupt level 3, which it can share with other SBus boards.
Before you install the SB-MXI, notice that some MXIbus cable connector hoods are slightly
wider than most standard connector hoods and might interfere with other cables installed in
adjacent SBus slots. Normally, this will only be a problem if the cable connector hoods for the
adjacent slots are also oversized. When choosing an SBus slot in which to install the SB-MXI,
verify that the MXIbus cable connector will not interfere with cables and connectors in other
SBus slots. If necessary, reposition the boards in the system to prevent cabling conflicts. It may
also help to install the SB-MXI in one of the end slots so that you will have to contend with the
cable connectors of only one other board.
If you cannot configure the SB-MXI to co-exist in an existing SBus system by repositioning the
boards, you can use one of the MXIbus cable options with a straight-point connector hood on the
cable end that attaches to the SB-MXI. The straight-point connector hood is narrower than the
MXIbus dual-connector arrangement and provides an easier fit for many system configurations.
However, this approach requires that the SB-MXI be the first device in the MXIbus daisy-chain
because a cable with a straight-point connector end cannot accept another MXIbus cable to
propagate the bus. Remember that you must configure the first device in the MXIbus daisy-
chain to be the MXIbus System Controller.
The following instructions are general installation instructions. Consult the user or technical
reference manual of your Sun workstation for specific instructions and warnings.
1. Plug in your Sun workstation before installing the SB-MXI. The plug grounds the system
unit and protects it from electrical damage while you are installing boards.
Warning:
To protect both yourself and the Sun from electrical hazards, the system
unit should remain off until you are finished installing the board.
2. Remove the cover of the system unit.
3. Select any available SBus slot and remove the sheet-metal protector plate that covers the slot.
4. Before picking up the SB-MXI, touch the metal part of the power supply case inside the
computer to discharge any static electricity that might be on your clothes or body.
5. Depending on the type of Sun workstation, you need to select one of the following methods
for installing the SB-MXI. The difference is in regard to the mounting plate on the SB-MXI.
a. For most older Sun workstations, slide the SB-MXI at an angle into the back panel of the
system unit while making sure the mounting plate on the SB-MXI hooks into the holes on
the back panel of the system unit.
b. Most newer Sun workstations cannot accept the top part of the mounting plate on the
SB-MXI. This piece has tabs on either end and is fastened to the mounting plate by two
screws. Remove this piece before attempting to install the SB-MXI.
VME-SB2020/NI-VXI/Solaris Getting Started
MXI Hardware
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2-2
© National Instruments Corporation
Chapter 2
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