Page 3
National Instruments Corporate Headquarters 6504 Bridge Point Parkway Austin, TX 78730-5039 (512) 794-0100 Technical support fax: (800) 328-2203 (512) 794-5678 Branch Offices: Australia (03) 879 9422, Austria (0662) 435986, Belgium 02/757.00.20, Canada (Ontario) (519) 622-9310, Canada (Québec) (514) 694-8521, Denmark 45 76 26 00, Finland (90) 527 2321, France (1) 48 14 24 24, Germany 089/741 31 30, Italy 02/48301892, Japan (03) 3788-1921, Netherlands 03480-33466, Norway 32-848400, Spain (91) 640 0085, Sweden 08-730 49 70, Switzerland 056/20 51 51, U.K.
Page 4
Limited Warranty The VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series embedded computers and accessories are 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 5
WARNING REGARDING MEDICAL AND CLINICAL USE OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS National Instruments products are not designed with components and testing intended to ensure a level of reliability suitable for use in treatment and diagnosis of humans. Applications of National Instruments products involving medical or clinical treatment can create a potential for accidental injury caused by product failure, or by errors on the part of the user or application designer.
Page 6
FCC/DOC Radio Frequency Interference Compliance This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in strict accordance with the instructions in this manual, may cause interference to radio and television reception. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the following two regulatory agencies: Federal Communications Commission This device complies with Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules for a Class A digital...
Page 10
Installing PC AT-Height Boards in a VXIpc-486 System........F-3 Figure F-4. VXIpc-486 Expansion Kit with No Boards Installed........F-4 Figure F-5. Kit Number 776713-02 for Two-Board Expansion (Model 500 Series)..F-4 Figure F-6. First Board 8.2 in. Long or Less...............F-5 Figure F-7. First Board between 8.2 in. and 13.4 in. Long ..........F-5 Figure F-8.
Model 500 Series The term Model 500 Series is used in this manual to refer to the VXIpc-486 Models 500, 566, and 599 embedded computers. When there are any differences among the three models, this manual describes them specifically.
IEEE 488 interface that is compatible with the NI-488.2 architecture. This manual describes VXIpc-486 Models 500, 566, and 599 as the Model 500 Series. The major difference in the three models is the type and speed of the microprocessor.
National Instruments, refer to Appendix A, National Instruments Software. You can also order the Super VGA video option for your VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series. The Super VGA option is compatible with DOS and with Windows 3.1 or above. You can benefit from the improved graphic image from Super VGA if you want to edit or view an especially complex image in graphics or CAD programs.
Note: This chapter discusses the VXIpc-486 Models 500, 566, and 599 together as the Model 500 Series. The illustrations in this chapter apply to all models in the series. Factory Configuration The VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series is factory-configured to function as a VXIbus Slot 0 System Controller.
Chapter 2 Configuring the VXIpc-486 This section describes how to modify the VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series factory configuration. Unless you have special system configuration requirements, you can install and use the VXIpc-486 without altering the factory configuration. Unless you need to alter the configuration shown in Table 2-1, skip the following sections and continue with Installing and Starting Up the VXIpc-486, later in this chapter.
Chapter 2 Configuration Options Figure 2-1 shows the location of the VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series configurable components and their physical location relative to some of the major circuit components. The factory jumper settings are indicated in Figure 2-1 by the black rectangles. The jumper headers not shown in Figure 2-1 are not user configurable and should not be populated with shunt jumpers.
Non-Slot 0 Configurations If you will be installing the VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series in any slot other than Slot 0, use either configuration E or F from Table 2-2. As a Non-Slot 0 device, the VXIpc-486 accepts the CLK10 signal from the backplane.
System Controller W25 configures the System Controller for Slot 0/Non-Slot 0 operation. In the default configuration for Slot 0 operation (Figure 2-3a), W25 enables the VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series System Controller functions—SYSCLK and SYSRESET drivers, the Bus Arbiter and Bus Timer.
ID label before returning it to the factory for repairs or upgrades. Installing and Starting Up the VXIpc-486 The following installation instructions apply to the VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series. Refer to your mainframe user manual for further instructions regarding mainframe configuration and module installation.
This chapter describes how to set up the basic input/output system (BIOS) for the VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series computer. The VXIpc-486 uses the Quadtel AT Compatible Enhanced BIOS. The BIOS defines the way in which software interacts with the VXIpc-486 hardware. The BIOS has a number of setup parameters that contain the VXIpc-486 system configuration information.
NI-VXI The VXIpc-486 Series computers are compatible with numerous software packages and tools available for general-market computers. To program VXI directly, you can use the NI-VXI bus interface software available from National Instruments. The NI-VXI software for the VXIpc- 486 includes a Resource Manager, an interactive VXI resource editor program, a comprehensive library of software routines for VXI/VME programming, and an interactive control program for interacting with the VXIbus.
Appendix B Specifications This appendix lists various module specifications of the VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series computer, such as physical dimensions and power requirements. Unless otherwise indicated, the specifications apply to all models in the VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series. Microprocessor 50 MHz 80486DX2 (Model 500)
This appendix describes the functions of the seven front panel LED indicators on the VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series computer. The significance of each LED is determined by its color: red, green, or yellow. Red indicates a system failure, while green indicates an active state, and yellow indicates that a board resource is being accessed.
Page 39
The yellow DRIVE LED is the hard disk drive access light. It is lit when the internal hard drive is in use. The green TURBO light is not used and is never lit on the VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series computer.
This appendix explains how to modify and install commercially available PC/XT and PC AT I/O boards in a VXIpc-486/2 Model 500 Series computer equipped with the I/O expansion kit. Some VXIpc-486/2 models are equipped with an expansion kit that accommodates installation of either two PC/XT-height boards, or one PC/XT-height and one PC AT-height board.
This appendix discusses several considerations with regard to the height and length of plug-in boards used in an expansion kit for the VXIpc-486. The VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series computer has several configurations that include an expansion kit for installing plug-in boards. There are considerations for these plug-in boards that may be a bit confusing.
As Figure F-1 shows, a PC board is less than or equal to 4.2 in. in height, while a PC AT board is 4.2 in. or 4.8 in. in height. Figure F-2 shows how PC-height boards are installed in the VXIpc-486 expansion kit for the Model 500 Series. Front...
This section discusses the restrictions on the length of the boards that can be installed into the expansion kit on a VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series computer. When you install a plug-in board, the front end of the board (the end that sticks out of the VXIpc-486 front panel) is firmly supported because it is screwed to the front panel of the VXIpc-486.
Two M/F 4-40 X .563 Standoffs Six 4-40 Washers Figure F-5. Kit Number 776713-02 for Two-Board Expansion (Model 500 Series) The first board you install into a VXIpc-486 expansion kit can be less than or equal to 8.2 in. and can be supported using a moveable bracket, as shown in Figure F-6.
Appendix F VXIpc-486 Plug-in Boards Finally, you can install a full-length (13.4 in.) board and utilize the fixed supports at the back of the VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series computer, as shown in Figures F-13 through F-15. No Moveable Brackets Used Figure F-13.
When installing plug-in PC AT boards into a VXIpc-486 expansion slot, be careful to avoid conflicts with the VXIpc-486 hardware setting. All other VXIpc-486 motherboard I/O devices are mapped according to industry-standard PC AT conventions. Table G-1. VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series Memory Map Start-End Address Size VXIbus Access A0000–BFFFF...
Appendix G VXIpc-486 Hardware Configuration Table G-3. VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series Interrupt Line Use PC AT Interrupt Functionality Line Number System Timer Keyboard Cascade COM2 COM1 Free for Plug-In PC Boards (Used if Option 920100-xx Installed) Floppy Disk Printer Clock...
VXIpc-486 Hardware Configuration Appendix G Table G-4. VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series DMA Channel Use PC AT DMA Functionality Channel Number Free for Plug-In PC Boards Free for Plug-In PC Boards Floppy Disk Drive Free for Plug-In PC Boards Reserved GPIB...
Introduction This appendix describes the Super VGA (video graphics adapter) driver option you can use with your VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series computer and contains instructions for configuring your computer to use this option. The Super VGA option is compatible with DOS and with Windows 3.1 and above. The standard VGA graphics format is 640 by 480 pixels, with 16 available colors.
Appendix I Common Questions This appendix answers common questions you may have when using the NI-VXI bus interface software on the VXIpc-486 platform. This material does not cover problems that you may have with the system. Please see Appendix J, Troubleshooting, if you have system-related problems.
Page 67
Why is the TURBO light never lit on the VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series? The TURBO light is never lit on the VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series because models in this series do not have a TURBO or enhanced CPU speed. The Model 500 Series computers are always running the CPU at the fastest possible speed.
Page 69
Are there any limitations on the types of monitors that can be connected to the VXIpc-486? VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series computers that use Super VGA video output will work only with monitors having a horizontal scan rate of at least 50 kHz and a vertical scan rate of 60 Hz.
Page 70
To add more RAM to the VXIpc-486, you need have to change the SIMMs that reside in slots A1 and A2 of the VXIpc-486. The SIMMs used for the VXIpc-486 Model 200 Series differ from those used for the Model 500 Series. The maximum amount of RAM on a VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series is 32 MB.
Questions, may also contain the solution to your problem. When you call National Instruments, make sure you have filled out the VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series Hardware and Software Configuration Form in Appendix K. If you are using NI-VXI software with your VXI-pc486, use the configuration form in your software manual to describe your software settings.
Page 78
Technical Support Form ___________________________________________________ Photocopy this form and update it each time you make changes to your software or hardware, and use the completed copy of this form as a reference for your current configuration. Completing this form accurately before contacting National Instruments for technical support helps our applications engineers answer your questions more efficiently.
Page 79
Revision Number ____________________________________________ – Fixed Disk Type (See ID label on module cover) ____________________________________________ • VXIpc-486 Model 500 Series Configuration Information (see Chapter 2) – Factory Configuration If no, give the following information. VXIbus Slot/External CLK10 Configuration (Table 2-2) –...
Page 80
If installed, give the following information. System Settings Modified for Super VGA? __________________________________________ Super VGA Option Selected __________________________________________ • NI-VXI Version __________________________________________ Use the configuration form in your software manual to describe your NI-VXI software settings. Other Products • Operating System __________________________________________ • Application __________________________________________ •...
Page 81
• Interrupt Level(s) of Other VXI Devices __________________________________________ (Handler/Interrupter) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ • IEEE 488 Devices (Manufacturer, Model, GPIB Address) __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ • Any Other Software in System __________________________________________ Please describe your software configuration settings below. _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________...
Page 82
National Instruments encourages you to comment on the documentation supplied with our products. This information helps us provide quality products to meet your needs. ™ Title: Getting Started with Your VXIpc -486 Model 500 Series September 1994 Edition Date: Part Number: 320867A-01 Please comment on the completeness, clarity, and organization of the manual.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the 500 Series and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers