National Instruments SCXI-1163

Chapter 2 Configuration and Installation

The SCXI-1163 can accept data in two forms–serial and parallel. Serial data is transferred across

the SCXIbus using the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) protocol. Using serial communication,

one data acquisition board that is cabled to one SCXI module in an SCXI system can control the

digital communication for all the boards in the system. Parallel data is read from the rear

connector and transferred directly to the outputs at the front connector. No extra communication

through the rear connector is needed or permitted with parallel communication; thus you can

transfer parallel data to the outputs more rapidly than serial data. However, each module that is

utilizing parallel data transfers requires a separate data source, such as a data acquisition board.

You can configure the SCXI-1163 to primarily accept either parallel or serial data. In one

configuration, the rear connector accepts parallel data; in the other configuration, the rear

connector creates a serial communication link with the SCXIbus. Configure the module for

parallel data transfers when you want to send data directly from the rear connector to the outputs.

Configure the module for serial communication whenever you want to send only serial data to

the module. You must configure the module for serial communication if you want a data

acquisition board that is cabled to the module rear connector to control the SCXIbus.

When you cable the SCXI-1163 to a data acquisition board, you must also configure the

SCXI-1163 to recognize the board either as a DIO-type or an MIO-type board. DIO-type boards

are National Instruments boards that have only digital inputs and outputs. These boards include

the DIO-24, DIO-32F, and DIO-96. MIO-type boards are National Instruments boards that have

both analog and digital inputs and digital outputs. These boards consist of MIO boards; Lab-NB,

Lab-PC, Lab-PC+, and Lab-LC boards; and PC-LPM-16 boards. You can use either type for

serial communication; for parallel communication, you can use only the DIO-type boards.

However, when you use the DIO-24 for parallel communication, only channels 0 through 23 can

be controlled on the SCXI-1163.

To configure the SCXI-1163 module, use the five user-configurable jumpers shown in the parts

locator diagram, Figure 2-1. There is also one reserved jumper that should remain empty. To

change the configuration of the module, use the following procedure:

1. Remove the grounding screw of the top cover.

2. Snap out the top cover of the shield by placing a screwdriver in the groove at the bottom of

the module.

3. Remove the jumpers to be changed and replace them on the appropriate pins.

4. Record the new jumper settings on the SCXI-1163 Hardware Configuration Form in

Appendix F, Customer Communication.

5. Snap the top cover back in place.

6. Replace the grounding screw to ensure proper shielding.

The following warnings contain important safety information concerning hazardous voltages.

Warnings: Keep away from live circuits. Do not remove equipment covers or shields unless

you are trained to do so. If signal wires are connected to the module or terminal

block, dangerous voltages may exist even when the equipment is turned off. To

avoid dangerous electrical shock, do not perform procedures involving cover or

shield removal unless you are qualified to do so.