The NI VXI-MXI-2 is a C-size VXIbus extender that bridges PCI-based computers and VXI instruments through high-performance MXI-2 connectivity. Installed in any VXI mainframe slot, including Slot 0, it converts bus cycles into MXIbus cycles to link PCI, PXI, or CompactPCI buses to the VXIbus, enabling multiple VXI mainframes to operate as an integrated system. Automatic Slot 0 detection eliminates manual jumper configuration. The board meets VXIplug&play specifications and features a metal enclosure for enhanced EMI performance.
Technical Specifications
Physical & Interface
• Form Factor: C-size VXI board (233.35 × 340 mm); B-size variant (VXI-MXI-2/B) available
• Interface: MXI-2
• Bus Compatibility: VXIbus, PXI, CompactPCI, PCI
• Card Type: 32-bit 3U, 5 V only
Data Transfer Performance
• Peak MXI transfer rate: 33 Mbytes/s
• Sustained MXI transfer rate: 23 Mbytes/s
• Maximum DMA transfer rate (D64): 38 Mbytes/s
• PCI master performance (ideal maximum): 132 Mbytes/s (16 Dwords)
• PCI slave performance (ideal maximum): 33 Mbytes/s
PCI Functionality
• Initiator (master) and target (slave) capability
• 32-bit data path
• Parity generation and error reporting supported
• Target decode speed: medium (one clock); fast-back-to-back capability supported
• Resource locking as master and slave
• Base address registers: BAR 0 for local registers; BAR 1–3 configurable (256 B to 4 GB)
• Expansion ROM: 8 KB
• PCI interrupts via INTA# signal
MXIbus & VXIbus Capabilities
• Optional MXIbus System Controller with automatic detection
• MXIbus locking, termination, master and slave retry support
• Interrupt handler and requester for levels 7 to 1 (D32, D16, D08(O))
• Programmable MXIbus timer
• Optional VXIbus Slot 0 capability with automatic detection
• Extended-class, register-based VXIbus device
– Key Features
• Automatic slot detection—no manual jumper or switch configuration required
• Metal enclosure for superior EMI shielding
• Supports indivisible MXIbus transfers with locking mechanism
• Full interrupt handling across priority levels
• VXIplug&play compliance
– Typical Applications
Extending VXIbus architecture across multiple mainframes; bridging legacy PCI test systems to VXI instrument racks; distributed test and measurement configurations requiring deterministic inter-chassis communication.
– Compatibility & Integration
Compatible with PCI, PXI, and CompactPCI host systems. Operates as Slot 0 controller when installed in Slot 0 position. Supports both MXIbus and VXIbus master/slave operations for flexible system topologies.
