Summary

The VXIbus standard incorporates a number of powerful features that can facilitate the development and on-going operation of data acquisition and ATE systems. Some of these can be particularly critical for larger systems. Features include:

Chassis-wide Clocking & Timing:

Use of chassis-wide clocking and timing insures synchronous sampling between modules and facilitates comparison of data between different channels. Timing signals can be used to simultaneously start and stop data collection across multiple modules.

Manufacturer/module ID and Revision Numbers:

The ability of software to read and track these parameters can be extremely useful in large systems both for maintenance purposes and validating system integrity. By recording these parameters when data is acquired it is possible to track possible causes of error when data discrepancies occur during data analysis.

Geographic Addressing:

Permits validation that the correct module type is installed in the correct slot at system startup.

Dynamic Addressing:

Simplifies module swapping and system configuration. This works in conjunction with geographical addressing and allows the software to dynamically assign module addresses at system startup rather than the user having to set individual module base address switches.

Document Revision Date: 13-Nov-2000