The NI VXIpc-486 Model 599 is an embedded VXI controller built around a 100 MHz processor, designed to operate as a Slot 0 system controller within VXI mainframes. It integrates onboard RAM, a floppy disk drive, and a Quadtel AT Compatible BIOS to provide a complete platform for instrumentation, data acquisition, and control applications in modular test systems.
Technical Specifications
• Processor: 100 MHz
• Storage: Floppy disk drive
• Memory: Onboard RAM
• BIOS: Quadtel AT Compatible BIOS (factory configured, user-adjustable)
• Configuration Profiles: Six selectable profiles (A, B, C, D, E, F); factory default is A
• External CLK10 Connector: TTL-level signal I/O (disabled in factory configuration)
• Optional Super VGA Video: High-resolution graphics capability
– Key Features
• VXIbus system integration with Slot 0 controller capability
• Multiple communication protocols and interface connectors
• NI-VXI/VISA software stack: integrated VXI, GPIB, and serial control with VXIplug&play compliance
• Support for LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, C, C++, and BASIC development environments
• NI-488.2 for external GPIB instrument control
• MXIbus high-speed link: extends controller distance up to 20 meters from VXI mainframe; supports cascading of up to eight VXI mainframes on a single link
• Operating system support: DOS, Windows 3.1, Windows NT, Windows 95
– Typical Applications
Automated test systems, distributed instrumentation networks, modular data acquisition platforms, and mixed-protocol instrument control environments where VXI-based architecture and remote system positioning are required.
– Compatibility & Integration
The controller ships with Host-Side and Target-Side software for VxWorks environments, including NI-VXI/VISA, NI-488.2, and VxWorks boot ROM loader (bootrom.sys) pre-installed. Full documentation and configuration guidance are provided for rapid deployment in existing VXI systems.
