The Ametek / VTI Instruments / VXI Technology CT-100B is a portable, six-slot VXIbus mainframe designed for laboratory and field test applications. This C-size mainframe conforms to VXIbus Specification Revision 1.4 and accommodates five VXIbus-compatible instrument modules plus a dedicated Resource Manager slot. A multi-layer, monolithic backplane with automatic solid-state daisy-chain jumpering enables reliable interrupt and grant signaling. The unit measures 8.2″ W × 15″ H × 21″ D and weighs 28 lbs, with a removable outer cover for straightforward module access during development and troubleshooting.
Technical Specifications
Electrical Performance
• Input voltage: 115 VAC / 220 VAC auto-select; 90–132 VAC operating range for 115 VAC nominal
• Frequency: 47 Hz to 63 Hz
• Total power output: 450 W @ 40 °C
• Per-slot allocation: 60 W/slot maximum for 10 °C rise
• 5V standby supply: Rear panel connector provides 5V STANDBY routed directly to backplane for battery backup and reference oscillators
• Power supplies: UL, CSA, and TUV approved with short-circuit, over-voltage, reverse-voltage, and thermal-shutdown protection
• Monitoring: Front-panel display of all supply line status
Architecture
• Slots: Six total—five for VXIbus modules, Slot 0 for Resource Manager
• Backplane: P1 and P2 VXIbus connectors per standard specification
• Cooling: Pressurized airflow system with rear-mounted intake, directed under card cage for even distribution
– Key Features
• Multi-layer backplane design reduces noise and crosstalk
• Pressurized cooling increases MTBF and module reliability
• Flexible deployment: bench-top, portable, or rack-mount (with optional kit)
• All power rails monitored and displayed in real time
• Removable enclosure simplifies module insertion and removal
– Typical Applications
• Portable automated test systems for field environments
• Laboratory instrument integration and measurement platforms
• Modular data acquisition and signal processing
– Compatibility & Integration
The CT-100B is fully VXIbus Revision 1.4 compliant and accepts any standard VXIbus module. The 5V standby supply supports optional battery-backed or reference oscillator circuits. Fused input selection accommodates both 115 VAC and 220 VAC mains.
