The National Instruments PCI-MXI-2 is a half-size PCI plug-in circuit board that bridges PCI-based computers directly to the MXIbus, enabling communication with VXI and VME systems. Operating as a bus translator, it converts PCI bus signals to MXIbus signals and vice versa, allowing the host computer to function as an embedded CPU module within a VXI or VME backplane. The board integrates the MITE custom ASIC with dual-channel DMA controllers for high-performance data transfers, offloading processing demands from the host microprocessor.
Technical Specifications
• Interface: PCI to MXIbus
• Bus Compliance: PCI Specification 2.0, MXIbus Specification 2.0
• Form Factor: Half-size PCI-compatible plug-in circuit board
• Voltage Compatibility: Designed for 5 V PCI systems (PCI-MXI-2 Universal supports 5 V or 3.3 V)
• Data Path: 32-bit
• Onboard Memory: Up to 16 MB DRAM with 80 ns or faster access (PCI-MXI-2 Universal)
• Programmable Memory Space: 32 kb minimum
• PCI Master Performance: 132 MB/s maximum (16 Dwords)
• MXI Transfer Rate: 33 MB/s peak, 23 MB/s sustained
– Key Features
• Supports D64 cycles, block transfers, synchronous MXI cycles, and synchronous block transfers
• Functions as MXIbus System Controller with integrated signal termination
• Dual-channel DMA controller via MITE ASIC for efficient data and command transfers
• Shared or dedicated DRAM buffer configuration
• Interrupt handler and requester for levels 7 to 1 (MXIbus D32, D16, D08(O))
• Programmable MXIbus bus timer with automatic detection of VXI Slot 0 and System Controller status
• Optional VMEbus System Controller capability
• Optional VXIbus Slot 0 capability when used with VXI-MXI-2
– Compatibility & Integration
The board appears as a VXIbus device to other MXIbus devices due to identical communication register sets, enabling seamless integration into mixed VXI/VME/MXI environments. National Instruments has classified this product as obsolete; availability and support are maintained through third-party vendors.
