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vxi: Definition and Recommended Links

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The VXI bus architecture is an open standard platform for automated test based upon VMEbus. VXI stands for VME eXtensions for Instrumentation, defining additional bus lines for timing and triggering as well as mechanical requirements and standard protocols for configuration, message-based communication, multi-chassis extension, and other features. In 2004, the 2eVME extension was added to the VXI bus specification, giving it a maximum data rate of 160 MB/s.

The basic building block of a VXI system is the mainframe or chassis. This contains up to 13 slots into which various modules (instruments) can be added. The mainframe also contains all the power supply requirements for the rack and the instruments it contains. Instruments in the form of VXI Modules then fit the slots in the rack. VXI bus modules are typically 6U in height (see Eurocard) and C-size (unlike VME bus modules which are more commonly B-size). It is therefore possible to configure a system to meet a particular requirement by selecting the required instruments.

The VXIbus grew from the VME bus specification, it was established in 1987 by Hewlett Packard (now Agilent Technologies), Racal Instruments (now EADS North America Test and Services), Colorado Data Systems, Wavetek and Tektronix. VXI is promoted by the VXIbus Consortium, whose sponsor members are currently (in alphabetical order) Agilent Technologies, Bustec, EADS North America Test and Services (formerly Racal Instruments), National Instruments, Teradyne, and VXI Technology. ZTEC Instruments is a participating Executive Member. VXI's core market is in Military and Avionics Automatic Test Systems.

Source: Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VXI)

other great electronics sites:ee toolbox site

• • vxi
    • The VXI bus architecture is an open standard platform for automated test based upon VMEbus. VXI stands for VME eXtensions for Instrumentation, defining additional bus lines for timing and triggering as well as mechanical requirements and standard protocols for configuration, message-based communication, multi-chassis extension, and other features. In 2004, the 2eVME extension was added to the VXI bus specification, giving it a maximum data rate of 160 MB/s.

      The basic building block of a VXI system is the mainframe or chassis. This contains up to 13 slots into which various modules (instruments) can be added. The mainframe also contains all the power supply requirements for the rack and the instruments it contains. Instruments in the form of VXI Modules then fit the slots in the rack. VXI bus modules are typically 6U in height (see Eurocard) and C-size (unlike VME bus modules which are more commonly B-size). It is therefore possible to configure a system to meet a particular requirement by selecting the required instruments.

      The VXIbus grew from the VME bus specification, it was established in 1987 by Hewlett Packard (now Agilent Technologies), Racal Instruments (now EADS North America Test and Services), Colorado Data Systems, Wavetek and Tektronix. VXI is promoted by the VXIbus Consortium, whose sponsor members are currently (in alphabetical order) Agilent Technologies, Bustec, EADS North America Test and Services (formerly Racal Instruments), National Instruments, Teradyne, and VXI Technology. ZTEC Instruments is a participating Executive Member. VXI's core market is in Military and Avionics Automatic Test Systems.

      Source: Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VXI)

      (Note: The Electronic Engineers Toolbox provides an alternative set of featured links for this word at http://www.cera2.com/vxi.htm)

      Featured Links:

      A Review of the Latest VXI Literature

      With the continuing availability of new VXI-based products, the test- system designer needs to stay abreast of changes through the latest catalogs, application notes, and other literature on this technology. To help you keep up to date, we have compiled brief reviews on information of potential interest.
      http://www.evaluationengineering.com/archive/articles/1199review.htm

      ZTEC Instruments Introduces the new ZT4620 Oscilloscope Series

      ZTEC Instruments (http://www.ztecinstruments.com), the leader in modular oscilloscopes and waveform generators, introduced today the newest addition to their product line, the ZT4620 series of digital storage oscilloscopes. Available in VXI, CompactPCI/PXI, LXI and PCI, the ZT4620 series is designed to meet the unique system requirements of the defense industry, such as maintaining functionality and interoperability for legacy equipment,...
      http://www.ztecinstruments.com/news/view/zt4620_series.html

      VXI @ Wikipedia

      The VXI bus architecture is an open standard platform for automated test based upon VMEbus. VXI stands for VME eXtensions for Instrumentation, defining additional bus lines for timing and triggering as well as mechanical requirements and standard protocols for configuration, message-based communication, multi-chassis extension, and other features. In 2004, the 2eVME extension was added to the VXI bus specification, giving it a maximum data...
      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VXI

      GPIB, Serial, and VXI Application Notes

      ICS Electronics offers application notes for GPIB, VXIBus, and Serial interfaces. Documents are in PDF format.
      http://www.icselect.com/ab_note.html

      Introduction to VXIbus Modular products conforming to IEEE Standard 1155

      Increasingly, customers are demanding that the instru-mentation they purchase conforms to one or more sys-tem- level standards that are supported by a number of suppliers. In fact, they often specify which standards are required. Large companies and the U.S. Government are leading this charge.
      http://www.kscorp.com/Products/vxi/vintro.pdf

      A VXIBus Based Bluetooth Radio Test Set For IC Validation & Debug

      This paper describes the design of a prototype Bluetooth RF test instrument based on VXIBus technology. It is intended to extend the capabilities of the University of Durham’s IMS Mixed Signal Test Station to encompass analysis of the performance of single chip Bluetooth ICs. An ability to offset the RF frequency presented to a DUT’s air interface is married to fast, deep signal capture capabilities and a powerful DSP resource.
      http://www.ztec-inc.com/downloads/news/050105.pdf

      VXIbus Overview

      Prior to 1987 there existed only one major architecture standard for instruments...the General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB). Although the GPIB was widely used, it did not address the need for portable test stations, nor for the market demand for faster, more cost-effective test solutions.
      http://www.vxitech.com/files/articles/vxibus.pdf

      VXI Technology Tutorial

      A summary or tutorial giving information about the technology for the VXI bus, VXIbus, vme extension for instrumentation, used as a standard for test equipment in the production, repair, and maintenance industries
      http://www.radio-electronics.com/info/t_and_m/vxi/vxi.php

      Short Tutorial on VXI/MXI

      The purpose of this application note is to help you gain an understanding of VXI and MXI concepts. This application note is divided into two tutorial sections. The first section discusses VXI and the second section discusses MXI. This section contains an overall introduction to VXI (VMEbus eXtensions for Instrumentation).
      http://zone.ni.com/devzone/conceptd.nsf/webmain/4492B6CCEBD2F2B486256865005F73F0

      VXIbus Consortium

      The VXIbus Consortium was formed in 1987 by five leading companies in the Test and Measurement community. VXI stands for VME eXtensions for Instrumentation, and adds additional extensions for triggering, local bus, and additional power to the VME standard definition. It has been widely accepted as a standard for Automated Test with over 80 companies making commercial VXI products, and had yearly sales of over $800 Million U.S. in 1999.
      http://www.vxi.org/

      Explanation: these links are provided as part of our EE glossary project, which seeks to identify the most prominent keywords in embedded systems, embedded software, realtime and rtos, dsp (digital signal processing), system-on-a-chip, microprocessors and microcontrollers, and other constituent elements for embedded systems. While we seek to keep most of the links up-to-date, the user is refered to other primary electronic-based search sites such as: cera2.com, embedded.com, or EDN Magazine. If you have any suggestions of links or definitions, please email!

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