The VXI Technology VM6068 is a four-channel serial interface module for the VXIbus that delivers high-speed, protocol-agnostic data acquisition and communication across aerospace, defense, and telecommunications platforms. Each card provides 1 MB of dedicated buffer memory per channel—up to 4 MB total per module—enabling independent, sustained data capture regardless of VXIbus bandwidth constraints. The module supports seven interface standards (RS-232, RS-422, RS-423, RS-449, RS-485, V.35, EIA-530) via software-programmable selection, with data rates spanning 120 kbps (RS-232) to 5 Mbps (RS-449/EIA-530) and HDLC/SDLC protocols reaching 5 Mbaud. A single Motorola MC68360 QUICC microprocessor manages all four channels, while a 68-pin SCSI-compatible IDC connector provides field termination. VXIplug&play drivers and SCPI command compatibility ensure rapid integration into existing test architectures.
Technical Specifications
• Channels: 4 independent serial channels per module; up to 12 channels in a C-size VXIbus slot
• Data Rates: 120 kbps (RS-232), 625 kbps (RS-485/V.35/RS-422), 5 Mbps (RS-449/EIA-530), 5 Mbaud (HDLC/SDLC)
• Buffer Memory: 4 MB total (1 MB per channel)
• Protocols: UART, HDLC/SDLC
• Interface Standards: RS-232, RS-422, RS-423, RS-449, RS-485, V.35, EIA-530 (software-selectable)
• Microprocessor: Motorola MC68360 QUICC per four-channel group
• VXIbus: Message-based slave with word serial protocol and direct register access
• Connector: 68-pin SCSI-compatible IDC (mating connector included)
– Key Features
• RS-232 output levels: +5.0 V to +15.0 V (high), -5.0 V to -15.0 V (low)
• RS-422/RS-485 output levels: +3.6 V to +6.0 V (high), -6.0 V to -3.6 V (low)
• Differential driver output: +5.0 V to +15 V (high), -15 V to -5 V (low) with ±100 mA short-circuit current
• RS-232 input thresholds: +0.8 V to +2.4 V (programmable logic levels)
• RS-422 receiver sensitivity: ±0.2 V across -10 V to +10 V common mode range
• On-board memory enables decoupled high-speed capture
– Typical Applications
• Avionics and flight test data acquisition
• Military communications protocol testing
• Telecom standards validation and interoperability
• Multi-protocol serial monitoring in integrated test systems
– Compatibility & Integration
SCPI-compatible command set with VXIplug&play drivers simplifies software development. Message-based VXIbus architecture allows deployment in mixed-instrument test cells without custom backplane logic.
