VXI 320222-01 Connecting the INTX Cable

Chapter 3 Configuration and Installation

• If interlocked mode is used, the VXI-MXIs must be the highest priority VMEbus requesters

in their mainframe. However, one, and only one, mainframe in the MXIbus link can have a

higher priority VMEbus requester than its VXI-MXIs.

• The first and last MXIbus devices in the MXIbus link must be terminated.

• No two devices in your VXIbus/MXIbus system can have the same logical address.

After you verify the termination networks, switches, and jumpers, record all settings on the

VXI-MXI Hardware and Software Configuration Form in Appendix F, Customer

Communication. You are now ready to install the VXI-MXI. Following are general instructions

for installing your VXI-MXI in your VXIbus mainframe. Consult the user manual or technical

reference manual of your VXIbus mainframe for specific instructions and warnings.

1. Remove power from the mainframe.

2. Remove or open any doors or covers blocking access to the mainframe slots.

3. If the VXI-MXI will be installed in a D-size mainframe, install a support designed for

installing C-size cards in D-size mainframes.

4. Insert the VXI-MXI into the slot of the mainframe by aligning the top and bottom of the card

with the card guides inside the mainframe. Slowly push the VXI-MXI straight into the slot

until it seats in the backplane receptacles. The front panel of the VXI-MXI should be even

with the front panel of the mainframe.

5. Tighten the retaining screws on the top and bottom edges of the front panel.

6. Check installation.

7. Connect MXIbus and SMB cables as required.

8. Replace or close any doors or covers to the mainframe.

9. Restore power to the mainframe.

Connecting the INTX Cable

For VXI-MXIs with the INTX daughter card option, you must use special INTX cables for

routing the additional VMEbus and VXIbus signals to other frames. The INTX cable provides

either a straight point to point link (National Instruments part number 180980-XX where XX is

the length in meters) or a single connector to dual connector link (National Instruments part

number 180982-XX, where XX is the length in meters), which gives you the ability to connect

more than two devices together.

Notice that while the MXIbus is a prioritized daisy-chain, INTX signals are bused to every

device and no priority exists. Like the MXIbus, however, INTX cables must be connected in a

daisy-chain fashion to prevent impedance discontinuities from stubs that are created in a star-

type configuration.

Secure the INTX cable(s) on the back of the INTX connector using the captive screw elements to

ensure that the cable(s) will not accidentally become disconnected.