© National Instruments Corporation 1-1 VXI-1394 User Manual for Windows
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Introduction
This chapter describes your VXI-1394 interface kit, lists what you need
toget started, and includes a brief description of the hardware and software.
The VXI-1394 interface kit links a PCI-based computer to the VXIbus
using the IEEE1394, or FireWire®, high-speed serial bus. Thi s kit makes
your computer perform as if it were plugged directly into the VXI
backplane, giving your external computer the capability of an embedded
computer. You can connect streaming devices such as digital cameras to
either the VXI-1394 interface in your VXI mainframe or the PCI-1394
interface in your computer. IEEE1394 features hot plug-in capability
under Windows, which means you can add and configure 1394 devices
without powering down your system.
Your kit contains a National Instruments VXI-1394 interface module,
which plugs into your VXI mainframe and links your computer to the
VXIbus.
Your kit also contains an industry-standard OHCI host adapter, which links
your PCI-based computer to the IEEE1394 bus.
Your kit includes the NI-VXI/NI-VISA bus interface software, whichis
fully VXIplug&play compliant. NI-VXI/NI-VISA is the National
Instruments implementation of the VISA I/O software standard on which
all VXIplug&play software components are based.

What You Need to Get Started

To set up and use the VXI-1394 interface kit, you need the following items:
❑A computer running Windows2000/XP/Me/98 Second Edition
❑An industry-standard OHCI host adapter
❑VXIbus mainframe
❑VXI-1394 interface module that plugs directly into a VXI mainframe
❑1394 cable