Chapter 1 Introduction and Quick Start
© National Instruments Corporation 1-3 PCI-MXI-2 for Linux
PCI-MXI-2 Kit Overview
The PCI-MXI-2 kits link any computer with a PCIbus (hereafter referred
to as a PCI-based computer) directly to the VXIbus or VMEbus using the
high-speed Multisystem eXtension Interface bus (MXI-2).
A PCI-based computer equipped with a VXI MXI-2 kit can function as a
VXI Commander and Resource Manager. A PCI-based computer equipped
with a VME MXI-2 kit can function as a VMEbus master and/or slave
device. The PCI-MXI-2 kit makes your PCI-based computer behave as if it
were plugged directly into the VXI/VME backplane as an embedded CPU
VXI/VME module.
The software included with the kits is for Intel x86-based computers.
What You Need to Get Started
❑A PCI-based computer running Linux kernel 2.2.x or 2.4.x
❑VXIbus or VMEbus mainframe
❑PCI-MXI-2 interface board
❑VXI-MXI-2 or VME-MXI-2 interface module
❑MXI-2 cable
❑NI-VXI/NI-VISA software media for the PCI-MXI-2
MXI-2 Description
MXI-2 is the second generation of the National Instruments MXIbus
product line. The MXIbus is a general-purpose, 32-bit, multimaster system
bus on a cable. MXI-2 expands the number of signals on a standard MXI
cable by including VXI triggers, all VXI interrupts, CLK10, and all of the
utility bus signals (SYSFAIL*, SYSRESET*, and ACFAIL*).
Because MXI-2 incorporates all of these new signals into a single
connector, the triggers, interrupts, and utility signals can be extended not
only to other mainframes but also to the local CPU in all MXI-2 products
using a single cable. Thus, MXI-2 lets CPU interface boards such as the
PCI-MXI-2 perform as if they were plugged directly into the
VXI/VMEbackplane.