The NI VXIpc-850 is a 2-slot, C-size VXI embedded controller built around a Pentium processor running at 200 MHz. It provides direct command and control of VXIbus instrumentation systems through a PCI local bus controlled VXIbus interface, making it suitable for complex data acquisition and test automation in laboratory and production environments.
Technical Specifications
Processor & Memory
• Pentium CPU at 200 MHz
• RAM: 16 MB expandable to 128 MB maximum
• Storage: 810 MB to 6 GB hard drive; optional 4 GB Compact Flash alternative
VXI Interface Architecture
• PCI local bus controlled VXIbus interface
• MANTIS ASIC for VXIbus arbitration and trigger management
• Direct control of VXI registers, memory, interrupts, and triggers
Expansion
• 1× ISA Expansion Slot (XT-height cards supported)
• 1× PCI Expansion Slot, 5 V, 32-bit (cards up to 4.2 inches high; maximum I/O board length 13.415 inches with 0.85-inch high SIMMs)
• 2× Type II PCMCIA slots
Clock & Trigger
• Internal oscillator for CLK10 signal generation
• External CLK input via SMB connector
• SMB connectors for CLK10 signal routing
– Key Features
Connectivity
• Ethernet (ISA-based, RJ-45 connector for LAN/WAN)
• IEEE 488.2 GPIB with programmable ISA interrupts (5 or 11)
• SCSI interface
• Parallel port
• Floppy drive interface
• PS/2 keyboard and mouse connectors
• Monitor interface
• Speaker interface
Operating System & Software
• DOS, Windows 3.1, Windows NT, Windows 95 compatible
• VXIplug&play certified
• Full support for National Instruments software: LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, NI-VXI, NI-VISA, NI-488.2
– Typical Applications
Automated test systems, VXI instrument control, modular data acquisition platforms, and distributed measurement architectures requiring embedded processing and real-time trigger synchronization.
– Compatibility & Integration
The VXIpc-850 integrates into VXIbus chassis with mixed instrumentation modules. MITE-based PCI-VXIbus interface circuitry enables efficient processor-to-instrument data transfers. Standard connector layouts support legacy and modern PC-compatible peripherals.
