© National Instruments Corporation 1-1 VXI-MXI User Manual
Chapter 1General Information
This chapter describes the VXI-MXI features, lists the contents of your VXI-MXI kit, and
explains how to unpack the VXI-MXI kit.
The VXI-MXI interface is a C-size extended class mainframe extender for the VXIbus (VMEbus
Extensions for Instrumentation). It extends the VXIbus architecture outside a VXIbus
mainframe via the MXIbus (Multisystem Extension Interface bus). A VXIbus mainframe
equipped with a VXI-MXI can be transparently connected to other MXIbus devices such as other
VXIbus mainframes, MXIbus instruments, or MXIbus-equipped personal computers. The
VXI-MXI interface module uses address mapping to transparently translate bus cycles on the
VXIbus system bus (VMEbus) to the MXIbus and vice versa.
The VXI-MXI is housed in a metal enclosure to improve EMI performance and to provide easy
handling. Because the enclosure includes cut-outs to facilitate changes to switch and jumper
settings, it should not be necessary to remove it under most circumstances.
The VXI-MXI is available with an Interrupt and Timing Extension (INTX) daughter card option.
If you ordered this option, the INTX card is already installed on your VXI-MXI. The INTX
daughter card is a full-length daughter card that plugs into the two daughter card connectors on
the VXI-MXI. Because this manual describes the VXI-MXI with and without this option, you
can find information on the INTX card throughout this manual. Refer also to Appendix C,
VXI-MXI Component Placement, for information on removing and reinstalling the INTX
daughter card. This appendix also contains silkscreens of the VXI-MXI and the INTX card.
Figure 1-1 shows the enclosed VXI-MXI interface module without the INTX option. Figure 1-2
shows the enclosed VXI-MXI interface module with the INTX option.