National Instruments Vxi Vme 600 Users Manual Getting Started With Your VXI/VMEpc™ Series For Windows 95/NT

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VXI/VME
Getting Started with Your
VXI/VMEpc™ 600 Series
for Windows 95/NT
VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

May 1998 Edition
Part Number 321882A-01

Internet Support
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National Instruments Corporate Headquarters
6504 Bridge Point Parkway Austin, Texas 78730-5039 USA Tel: 512 794 0100
© Copyright 1998 National Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved.

Important Information
Warranty
The National Instruments VXI/VMEpc 600 Series embedded computers and accessories are warranted against defects in
materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other
documentation. National Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace equipment that proves to be defective during the
warranty period. This warranty includes parts and labor.
The media on which you receive National Instruments software are warranted not to fail to execute programming
instructions, due to defects in materials and workmanship, for a period of 90 days from date of shipment, as evidenced
by receipts or other documentation. National Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace software media that do not
execute programming instructions if National Instruments receives notice of such defects during the warranty period.
National Instruments does not warrant that the operation of the software shall be uninterrupted or error free.
A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained from the factory and clearly marked on the outside
of the package before any equipment will be accepted for warranty work. National Instruments will pay the shipping costs
of returning to the owner parts which are covered by warranty.
National Instruments believes that the information in this manual is accurate. The document has been carefully reviewed
for technical accuracy. In the event that technical or typographical errors exist, National Instruments reserves the right to
make changes to subsequent editions of this document without prior notice to holders of this edition. The reader should
consult National Instruments if errors are suspected. In no event shall National Instruments be liable for any damages
arising out of or related to this document or the information contained in it.
EXCEPT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN, NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS
ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE . C USTOMER’S RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES CAUSED
BY FAULT OR NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT THERETOFORE PAID BY THE
CUSTOMER . NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM LOSS OF DATA, PROFITS, USE OF PRODUCTS ,
OR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES , EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF. This limitation of the liability of
National Instruments will apply regardless of the form of action, whether in contract or tort, including negligence.
Any action against National Instruments must be brought within one year after the cause of action accrues. National
Instruments shall not be liable for any delay in performance due to causes beyond its reasonable control. The warranty
provided herein does not cover damages, defects, malfunctions, or service failures caused by owner’s failure to follow
the National Instruments installation, operation, or maintenance instructions; owner’s modification of the product;
owner’s abuse, misuse, or negligent acts; and power failure or surges, fire, flood, accident, actions of third parties,
or other events outside reasonable control.

Copyright
Under the copyright laws, this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, recording, storing in an information retrieval system, or translating, in whole or in part, without
the prior written consent of National Instruments Corporation.

Trademarks
CVI™, LabVIEW™, NI-488.2™, NI-VISA™, NI-VXI™, and VXI/VMEpc™ are trademarks of National Instruments
Corporation.
Product and company names listed are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.

WARNING REGARDING MEDICAL AND CLINICAL USE OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS
National Instruments products are not designed with components and testing intended to ensure a level of reliability
suitable for use in treatment and diagnosis of humans. Applications of National Instruments products involving medical
or clinical treatment can create a potential for accidental injury caused by product failure, or by errors on the part of the
user or application designer. Any use or application of National Instruments products for or involving medical or clinical
treatment must be performed by properly trained and qualified medical personnel, and all traditional medical safeguards,
equipment, and procedures that are appropriate in the particular situation to prevent serious injury or death should always
continue to be used when National Instruments products are being used. National Instruments products are NOT intended
to be a substitute for any form of established process, procedure, or equipment used to monitor or safeguard human health
and safety in medical or clinical treatment.

Compliance
FCC/DOC Radio Frequency Interference
Class A Compliance
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in strict accordance
with the instructions in this manual, may cause interference to radio and television reception. Classification
requirements are the same for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Canadian
Department of Communications (DOC). This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
following two regulatory agencies:

Federal Communications Commission
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant
to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
Notices to User:

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by National Instruments could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment under the FCC Rules.
This device complies with the FCC rules only if used with shielded interface cables
of suitable quality and construction. National Instruments used such cables to test
this device and provides them for sale to the user. The use of inferior or nonshielded
interface cables could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment under the
FCC rules.

If necessary, consult National Instruments or an experienced radio/television technician for additional
suggestions. The following booklet prepared by the FCC may also be helpful: Interference to Home
Electronic Entertainment Equipment Handbook. This booklet is available from the U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.

Canadian Department of Communications
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment
Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur
du Canada.

Contents
About This Manual
Organization of This Manual .........................................................................................vii
Conventions Used in This Manual.................................................................................viii
How to Use This Documentation Set ............................................................................ix
Related Documentation..................................................................................................x
Customer Communication .............................................................................................xi

Chapter 1
Introduction
How to Use This Manual ...............................................................................................1-1
What You Need to Get Started ......................................................................................1-1
Hardware Description ....................................................................................................1-2
Software Description .....................................................................................................1-2
Software Configurations..................................................................................1-3
National Instruments Application Software ....................................................1-4
Files and Directories Installed on Your Hard Drive ......................................................1-5

Chapter 2
Setting up Your VXI/VME System
Configuring the Hardware .............................................................................................2-1
Installing the Hardware..................................................................................................2-2
Installed Software ..........................................................................................................2-3
Booting Your System for the First Time .......................................................................2-3
Verifying Your System Configuration ..........................................................................2-4

Chapter 3
Developing Your Application
Configuration .................................................................................................................3-1
Device Interaction..........................................................................................................3-3
Programming with VXI .................................................................................................3-4
Notes about VME Support ..............................................................................3-5
Compiler Symbols for NI-VXI........................................................................3-6
Debugging......................................................................................................................3-7

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

Contents

Appendix A
Default Settings
Appendix B
Common Questions
Appendix C
Reinstalling the NI-VXI/VISA Software
Appendix D
Customer Communication
Glossary
Index
Tables
Table 3-1.

NI-VXI/VISA Examples ...................................................................... 3-5

Table A-1.
Table A-2.
Table A-3.
Table A-4.
Table A-5.
Table A-6.

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series Hardware Default Settings ........................... A-1
VXIpc T&M Explorer Device Tab Default Settings ........................... A-2
VXIpc T&M Explorer Shared Memory Tab Default Settings ............. A-2
VXIpc T&M Explorer PCI Tab Default Settings ................................ A-3
VXI/VME-MXI-2 T&M Explorer Device Tab Default Settings ........ A-3
VXI/VME-MXI-2 T&M Explorer VXI/VME Bus Tab
Default Settings .................................................................................... A-4
VXI/VME-MXI-2 T&M Explorer MXI-2 Bus Tab
Default Settings .................................................................................... A-4

Table A-7.

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

About This Manual
Use this manual to get started with the VXI/VMEpc 600 Series embedded
computers and the NI-VXI/VISA software for Windows 95/NT. This
manual summarizes the setup instructions and default settings for the
hardware and software. You may find that these sections contain all the
information you need to get started.

Organization of This Manual
This manual is organized as follows:
•

Chapter 1, Introduction, describes the VXI/VMEpc 600 Series of
embedded computers along with the NI-VXI/VISA software, lists
what you need to get started, lists optional software, and gives an
overview of the directory on your hard drive.

•

Chapter 2, Setting up Your VXI/VME System, contains basic
instructions for setting up the VXI/VMEpc 600 Series and the
NI-VXI/VISA software.

•

Chapter 3, Developing Your Application, discusses the software
utilities you can use to start developing applications that use the
NI-VXI/VISA driver.

•

Appendix A, Default Settings, summarizes the default settings for the
hardware and software in your kit.

•

Appendix B, Common Questions, addresses common questions you
may have about using the NI-VXI/VISA software on the VXI/VMEpc
platform.

•

Appendix C, Reinstalling the NI-VXI/VISA Software, contains the
instructions on how to reinstall your NI-VXI/VISA software. Your
VXI/VMEpc 600 Series controller was shipped with the
NI-VXI/VISA software already installed. It is unlikely that you will
ever need to use these instructions.

•

Appendix D, Customer Communication, contains forms you can use to
request help from National Instruments or to comment on our products
and manuals.

•

The Glossary contains an alphabetical list and description of terms
used in this manual, including abbreviations, acronyms, metric
prefixes, mnemonics, and symbols.

vii

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

About This Manual

•

The Index contains an alphabetical list of key terms and topics used in
this manual, including the page where you can find each one.

Conventions Used in This Manual
The following conventions are used in this manual:
♦

The ♦ symbol indicates that the text following it applies only to a specific
product, a specific operating system, or a specific software version.
This icon to the left of bold italicized text denotes a note, which alerts you
to important information.

This icon to the left of bold italicized text denotes a caution, which advises
you of precautions to take to avoid injury, data loss, or a system crash.
This icon to the left of bold italicized text denotes a warning, which advises
you of precautions to take to avoid being electrically shocked.

bold

Bold text denotes the names of menus, menu items, or dialog box buttons
or options.

bold italic

Bold italic text denotes a note, caution, or warning.

italic

Italic text denotes emphasis, a cross reference, or an introduction to a key
concept. This font also denotes text from which you supply the appropriate
word or value.

monospace

Text in this font denotes text or characters that you should literally enter
from the keyboard, sections of code, programming examples, and syntax
examples. This font is also used for the proper names of disk drives, paths,
directories, programs, subprograms, device names, functions, variables,
filenames, and extensions.

monospace bold

Bold text in this font denotes the messages and responses that the computer
automatically prints to the screen.

monospace italic

Italic text in this font denotes that you must enter the appropriate words or
values in the place of these items.

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series

The term VXI/VMEpc 600 Series refers to a series of B-size, two-slot VXI
or VME embedded controllers. Currently, this series consists of the
VXIpc-650 and VMEpc-650. This term is used when information applies
equally to the VXI and VME models.

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

viii

About This Manual

How to Use This Documentation Set

Getting Started
Manual

Installation and
Configuration

VXI/VMEpc 600
Series User Manual

Change Hardware
Settings (Optional)

NI-VXI
User Manual

Use Online
Utilities:

NI-VISA
User Manual

NI-VXI
Reference

NI-VXI and NI-VISA
Function Help,
T&M Explorer,
NI Spy, VIC/VISAIC

NI-VISA
Reference

Begin by reading this manual, Getting Started with Your VXI/VMEpc 600
Series for Windows 95/NT, to get basic instructions for setting up the
hardware and software. This brief quick-start manual describes how to get
started with your kit using the default hardware and software settings. Refer
to the following manuals for more information about the hardware or
software.

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

About This Manual

The VXI/VMEpc 600 Series User Manual contains more details about
changing the hardware installation or configuration from the defaults, and
using the hardware.
When you are familiar with the material in these manuals, you can begin to
use the NI-VXI User Manual. This manual presents the concepts of VXI
and prepares you for detailed explanations of the NI-VXI functions. The
NI-VXI online help describes the NI-VXI functions to help you fully
understand the purpose and syntax of each function. You can find this same
information in the NI-VXI Programmer Reference Manual. These two
manuals are available in the c:\NIVXI\Manuals directory under the
names NI-VXIUsersMan.pdf and NI-VXIProgrammerMan.pdf,
respectively. Use the Acrobat Reader program, Version 3 or later, to open
these files.
You can also access the NI-VXI online help for Windows 95/NT in the
NIVXI folder.
Refer to the NI-VXI Graphical Utilities Reference Manual and the NI-VXI
Text Utilities Reference Manual to learn more about the NI-VXI utilities.
Refer to the NI-VISA User Manual to learn about VISA and how to use it
in your system. The NI-VISA online help describes the attributes, events,
and operations you can use in NI-VISA. You can find this same information
in the NI-VISA Programmer Reference Manual. These two manuals are
available in the c:\Vxipnp\os\NIvisa\Manuals directory (where os is
either Win95 or WinNT) under the names NI-VISAUsersMan.pdf and
NI-VISAProgrammersMan.pdf, respectively. Use the Acrobat Reader
program, Version 3 or later, to open these files.

Related Documentation
The following documents contain information that you may find helpful as
you read this manual:
•

ANSI/IEEE Standard 1014-1987, IEEE Standard for a Versatile
Backplane Bus: VMEbus

•

ANSI/IEEE Standard 1155-1993, IEEE VMEbus Extensions for
Instrumentation: VXIbus

•

ANSI/VITA 1-1994, VME64

•

VXI-6, VXIbus Mainframe Extender Specification, Rev. 1.0, VXIbus
Consortium

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

About This Manual

Customer Communication
National Instruments wants to receive your comments on our products
and manuals. We are interested in the applications you develop with our
products, and we want to help if you have problems with them. To make it
easy for you to contact us, this manual contains comment and configuration
forms for you to complete. These forms are in Appendix D, Customer
Communication, at the end of this manual.

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

Introduction

This chapter describes the VXI/VMEpc 600 Series of embedded computers
along with the NI-VXI/VISA software, lists what you need to get started,
lists optional software, and gives an overview of the directory structure on
your hard drive.

How to Use This Manual
The following flowchart shows where to turn in this manual for more
details on configuring and using the hardware and software.

Gather What You Need
to Get Started

Chapter 1

Yes

Using Hardware
Defaults?

Chapter 2

Install Hardware, Verify System,
Run T&M Explorer to Configure
All Devices in System

Chapter 3

Develop Your Application

Refer to Your
VXI/VMEpc 600
Series User Manual

What You Need to Get Started
❑ VXI/VMEpc-650 embedded controller
❑ VXIbus or VMEbus mainframe
❑ Keyboard (and included adapter cable)
❑ Mouse

1-1

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

Chapter 1

Introduction

❑ Monitor with VGA or better resolution
❑ National Instruments software media for the VXI/VMEpc 600 Series
The NI-VXI/VISA software is already installed on your VXI/VMEpc-650
computer. It is also included on disk in the event that you need to reinstall
your software. For installation instructions, please refer to Appendix C,
Reinstalling the NI-VXI/VISA Software.

Hardware Description
The VXI/VMEpc 600 Series models are B-size embedded computers based
on x86 processor architecture and on the Peripheral Component Interface
(PCI) bus. These computers are high-performance, easy-to-use platforms
for controlling VXIbus or VMEbus systems, featuring complete VXI and
VME functionality through interactive utilities and C function calls.
These embedded computers can take advantage of the VXI/VME
high-performance backplane capabilities and give you direct control of
VXI/VME registers, memory, interrupts, and triggers.
All models in the VXI/VMEpc 600 Series are fully VXIplug&play
compliant and can be used with PC-compatible software tools, the
National Instruments LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI application
software, and the NI-VXI, NI-VISA, and NI-488.2 bus interface software.
For in-depth details on the VXI/VMEpc 600 Series hardware—including
a description of the differences between the various models in their
respective series—refer to the VXI/VMEpc 600 Series User Manual.

Software Description
NI-VXI is the name of the VXI/VME bus control library for your
VXI/VMEpc 600 Series. You can create applications using NI-VXI to
control your VXI and VME devices. NI-VXI gives you complete
VXI/VME functionality, including an API for performing basic VXI/VME
data transfers and handling VXI/VME interrupts as well as VXI-specific
functionality, such as doing message-based communication and handling
VXIbus triggers.
NI-VISA is the National Instruments implementation of the VISA
specification. VISA is a uniform API for communicating and controlling
Serial, GPIB, VXI, and VME instruments. This API aids in the creation of
more portable applications and instrument drivers.

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

1-2

Chapter 1

Introduction

The NI-VXI/VISA software for the VXI/VMEpc 600 Series is already
installed on your hard drive. It includes an interactive configuration and
troubleshooting program, libraries of software routines for test and
measurement (T&M) programming, interactive control programs for both
NI-VXI and NI-VISA, a logging utility you can use for debugging your
applications, and a VXI Resource Manager. You can use this software to
seamlessly program multiple-mainframe configurations and have software
compatibility across a variety of controller platforms.
National Instruments also includes the NI-488.2 software kit, which gives
you access to the industry-standard NI-488.2 software for controlling
external GPIB instruments through the GPIB port on the front panel. The
GPIB interface on your VXI/VMEpc controller is fully compatible with the
NI-488.2 driver for a variety of operating systems. Any software using
NI-488.2 will run on the VXI/VMEpc-650.
Use T&M Explorer to view your entire T&M system and configure various
components, whether they are Serial, GPIB, VXI, or VME devices. This
utility also adopts the functionality of the NI-DAQ Configuration utility so
you can configure National Instruments VXI-DAQ cards.
For VXI users, T&M Explorer also features various options of how to run
the VXI Resource Manager (Resman). You can still execute Resman
independently to configure your instruments after a power cycle, but you
can also perform resource manager operations directly from T&M Explorer
or configure it to run Resman automatically at startup.
The NI Spy utility tracks the calls your application makes to National
Instruments T&M drivers, including NI-VXI, NI-VISA, and NI-488.2.
NI Spy helps you debug your application by clearly highlighting the
functions that return errors. You can let NI Spy keep a log of your
program’s calls to these drivers so that you can check them for errors
at your convenience.

Software Configurations
There are three software configurations described in this manual:
•

NI-VXI for Windows 95—This is a fully 32-bit native Plug and Play
driver for Windows 95. You can run only 32-bit applications with this
driver. Applications developed using this driver run with NI-VXI for
Windows NT without the need to recompile.

•

NI-VXI for Windows NT—This is a 32-bit driver designed for
Windows NT. You can use this version to develop and run 32-bit
applications for Windows 95/NT.

1-3

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

Chapter 1

Introduction

•

NI-VISA for Windows 95/NT—This is a 32-bit driver designed for
Windows 95/NT. Note that for VME and VXI support, the NI-VXI
driver must be installed. You can use this driver to develop and run
32-bit applications for Windows 95/NT.

National Instruments Application Software
Your VXI/VMEpc 600 Series kit comes with the NI-VXI/VISA bus
interface software already installed for you. In addition, you can use the
National Instruments LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI application
programs and instrument drivers to ease your programming tasks. These
standardized programs match the modular virtual instrument capability of
VXI/VME and can reduce your VXI/VME software development time.
These programs are fully VXIplug&play compliant and feature extensive
libraries of VXI instrument drivers written to take full advantage of direct
VXI control. LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI include all the tools needed
for instrument control, data acquisition, analysis, and presentation.
LabVIEW is a complete programming environment that departs from the
sequential nature of traditional programming languages and features a
graphical programming environment.
LabWindows/CVI is an interactive C development environment for
building test and measurement and instrument control systems. It includes
interactive code-generation tools and a graphical editor for building custom
user interfaces.
When you boot your system for the first time, you can insert a configuration
disk to access either or both of these application programming
environments. Refer to the Booting Your System for the First Time section
in Chapter 2, Setting up Your VXI/VME System, for more information. Both
LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI integrate the VXI and VISA libraries that
are required to support your VXI/VMEpc-650. You also get hundreds of
complete instrument drivers, which are modular, source-code programs
that handle the communication with your instrument to speed your
application development.

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

1-4

Chapter 1

Introduction

Files and Directories Installed on Your Hard Drive
Your hard drive includes a directory called images in its root that contains
software and soft copies of manuals for the operating system and for the
peripherals. The directory structure under the images directory is logically
organized into several levels.
In the images directory itself, you will find a manuals directory,
an os directory, and directories for each of the peripherals of your
computer.
The manuals directory contains quick reference guides, technical
reference manuals, and National Instruments software manuals, all in
Adobe Acrobat portable document format (PDF). Use the Acrobat Reader
program, version 3 or later, to open and read these manual files on your
computer, and to print them if desired. To access any of these manuals,
change your directory to c:\images\Vxx600\manuals and list the
contents of that directory.
The os directory contains a subdirectory corresponding to the operating
system installed on your computer. That subdirectory contains an image of
the CD from which your operating system was installed. As a result you do
not have to insert the CD when you install a new peripheral. When you are
asked to insert the CD, you can simply direct the system to look in the
images\os directory instead.
For example, if your system has Windows 95 installed, you should find
an image of the Windows 95 CD in c:\images\os\win95.
The rest of the directories correspond to each of the peripherals in
your system. Within each of these directories are the drivers for the
peripherals. These files and directories are copied exactly from the
distribution disks of the manufacturers, so the naming conventions
vary from peripheral to peripheral.
Because the naming conventions may not be completely straightforward,
National Instruments provides a text file named drivers.txt in the
images directory. The drivers.txt file explains how to install support
for each peripheral. You may want to print this file for reference when you
install your peripheral device drivers.

1-5

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

Setting up Your VXI/VME System

This chapter contains basic instructions for setting up the VXI/VMEpc 600
Series and the NI-VXI/VISA software.
You can use this material as a guide to quickly configure and operate your
VXI/VME system using the VXI/VMEpc 600 Series. This chapter assumes
that you intend to perform a basic configuration as follows:
•

You have one VXI/VMEbus chassis in which you will be using the
VXI/VMEpc-650 as System Controller.

•

You will be using the NI-VXI/VISA software for initialization,
configuration, and device interaction.

•

You will use the default hardware and software settings.

Configuring the Hardware
The default hardware settings are acceptable for most typical applications.
Refer to Appendix A, Default Settings, for a complete listing of the
hardware and software default settings.
The VXI/VMEpc 600 Series User Manual fully describes the configuration
and installation of each embedded computer in the VXI/VMEpc 600
Series. Refer to this manual if you want to try a different hardware
configuration, or if you would like more information on a particular setting.
Use the T&M Explorer utility in NI-VXI/VISA to change any of the
configuration settings for the VXI/VMEpc. For information on the
software, including optional settings, use T&M Explorer and its online
help. Use the Windows Start menu to open either the NI-VXI or NI-VISA
program group and select T&M Explorer. To access the T&M Explorer
online help, open the Help menu and select Help Topics.

2-1

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

Chapter 2

Setting up Your VXI/VME System

Installing the Hardware
!

Caution

To prevent electrostatic discharge, touch the antistatic plastic package to a
metal part of your VXI/VMEbus chassis before removing the VXI/VMEpc-650
from the package.

Warning

To protect both yourself and the chassis from electrical hazards, the chassis
should remain off until you are finished installing the VXI/VMEpc module.
Plug in your chassis but leave the power turned off. Install the
VXI/VMEpc-650 in the first slot of the VXI/VME chassis—designated
as Slot 0 in VXI systems, or as Slot 1 in a VME chassis. In its default
configuration, the VXI/VMEpc 600 Series automatically detects whether it
should be the system controller. Although you can use the module in other
slots as non-system controller, this example describes the basic installation
as system controller. The system controller operates certain VXI/VMEbus
lines as required for VXI/VME systems. Verify that any other devices with
system controller capability that are located in the same chassis are not
configured as system controller.

Caution

Having more than one device configured as system controller will damage the
VXI/VME system.
For VXI systems that include VME devices, ensure that the VME devices
are not configured in the upper 16 KB (starting from 0xC000) of the A16
address space. This region is reserved for VXI device configuration
registers, which are used for initializing, configuring, and interacting with
VXI devices.
Also ensure that no VXI devices in your system are configured for logical
address 0, which is the default configuration for the VXI/VMEpc 600
Series.
Complete your installation as follows:
1.

Attach cables for your keyboard, mouse, video, and any devices you
want to connect to your system. Refer to the VXI/VMEpc 600 Series
User Manual if you are not certain about any of these connections.

Turn on power to the chassis.

Follow the prompts in the Setup program.

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

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Chapter 2

Setting up Your VXI/VME System

Installed Software
Your VXI/VMEpc 600 Series kit comes with the NI-VXI/VISA bus
interface software already installed. However, if you receive a software
update, or if you need to reinstall software in the event that your files were
accidentally erased, refer to Appendix C, Reinstalling the NI-VXI/VISA
Software. This appendix explains how to use the Setup program.
If you need to reinstall LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI, use the CD or
diskette package that came with these programs.

Booting Your System for the First Time
At Windows 95/NT startup, you are prompted to insert a disk to configure
the system for LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI. These programming
environments are already installed on your system but you must insert a
configuration disk when prompted so that you can access and use them. If
you ordered either of these programming environments, select the
appropriate checkbox and insert the configuration disk. Follow the
instructions as prompted.
Do not select either checkbox if you did not order LabVIEW or
LabWindows/CVI. Continue with the rest of the Setup program.

Caution

Do not disregard the prompt to configure the system for LabVIEW or
LabWindows/CVI. The Setup program assumes you do not need these programs
and deletes them from your hard drive unless you insert the configuration disk
during the initial setup. If you neglect to do this, you will need to install LabVIEW
or LabWindows/CVI from the CD or diskette set if you want to use either program.
If your system includes any VXI devices, you should now run T&M
Explorer. It prompts you to run Resman, which is the National Instruments
Resource Manager. You must run Resman every time the chassis power is
cycled so that your application can access devices in the VXI/VME chassis.
You can configure T&M Explorer to automatically run Resman on
power-up. T&M Explorer contains right-click help that leads you through
your configuration tasks.
Whether you are a VXI or VME user, please continue with Chapter 3,
Developing Your Application, for information about using T&M Explorer
in your system.

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VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

Chapter 2

Setting up Your VXI/VME System

Verifying Your System Configuration
After you finish configuring the system through T&M Explorer, verify the
system configuration through one of the interactive control utilities. Use
VIC under NI-VXI or VISAIC under NI-VISA.
For an example on how to use VIC, refer to the Device Interaction section
in Chapter 3, Developing Your Application.

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2-4

Developing Your Application

This chapter discusses the software utilities you can use to start developing
applications that use the NI-VXI/VISA driver.
After verifying your system configuration, you can begin to develop your
VXI/VME or VISA application software. Be sure to check the
README.txt file for the latest application development notes and changes.
Your software includes several utilities to assist you in your system
development. These include T&M Explorer, Resman, NI Spy, VISAIC, and
VIC. You can also access several examples to learn how to use NI-VISA or
NI-VXI for certain tasks. Each of these components assists you with one of
four steps of development: configuration, device interaction, programming,
and debugging.
You can access these utilities through the Windows Start menu. Open
either the NI-VXI or NI-VISA program group and select the utility you
want to use.

Configuration
The configuration utilities in your kit are T&M Explorer and Resman.
Resman is the application that performs VXI Resource Manager functions
as described in the VXIbus specification. Its most important functions
include configuring all VXI devices on the VXI/VME backplane for
operation and allocating memory for devices that request it.
Note

Because power cycling resets all devices, run Resman to reconfigure them every
time chassis power is cycled.
Resman must be run on any system that contains VXI devices (including
systems containing VXI-MXI-2 or VME-MXI-2 mainframe extender
devices). Because VME devices normally do not have configuration
registers as defined in the VXIbus specification, the Resource Manager
is unable to detect VME devices. Because of this, when using systems
containing a mixture of VME devices and VXI devices, you need to

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Chapter 3

Developing Your Application

manually add your VME devices in T&M Explorer using the Add VME
Device Wizard to reserve system resources when the Resource Manager
runs.
Systems consisting of only a VMEpc 600 Series controller, a VME chassis,
and VME boards do not need to run Resman when using NI-VXI software
even though the devices do not appear in the T&M Explorer connection
tree. However, you would not be able to use VISA without manually adding
the VME devices to the system by using T&M Explorer as described above
and then running Resman. This is because NI-VISA uses the Resource
Manager to create instrument sessions for VXI/VME device
communication. If this is not an issue for you, you can skip Resman.
T&M Explorer presents a graphical display of your entire test and
measurement system to help you configure various components. When
you launch T&M Explorer, you see all your VXI, GPIB, GPIB-VXI, and
serial devices on the screen. You can add devices that cannot be detected
dynamically by T&M Explorer through the Add Device Wizard in the
Edit menu. Such devices include VME devices, certain GPIB devices, and
serial ports. You can view the properties (such as logical address, address
space used, primary address, and so on) of each device by right-clicking
on the device in the tree. When you view the properties of most National
Instruments devices, you can configure the hardware settings directly in the
property pages.
T&M Explorer and Resman are designed to work together. You can run the
Resource Manager through T&M Explorer by either clicking on the Run
Resman button on the toolbar, or selecting VXI Resource Manager from
the Tools menu. From the Options dialog in the Tools menu, you can also
configure T&M Explorer to run Resman automatically when the computer
boots up. Resman reports all errors that it finds in your system to T&M
Explorer. When you view your system through T&M Explorer, you can
easily spot any errors in your system that Resman found.
You can find more information about T&M Explorer by using its online
help. From T&M Explorer, open the Help menu and select Help Topics.

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Chapter 3

Developing Your Application

Device Interaction
After Resman has detected and configured all VXI devices, you can view
specific information on each device in your system by using the T&M
Explorer utility. This utility includes a System View, which contains a
description for each device, including each VXI device’s logical address.
You can interact with your VXI devices by using the VIC or VISAIC utility
(VIC for NI-VXI or VISAIC for NI-VISA). You can use these utilities to
interactively control your devices without having to use a conventional
programming language, LabVIEW, or LabWindows/CVI.
Note

You can launch VIC or VISAIC from the Tools menu in T&M Explorer.
Try the following in VIC:
In the Command entry field, type help vxiin.
This help file shows you the syntax for this command, which reads VME
address space. The first argument is the access parameters for selecting the
address space, byte order, and so on. The second is the VME address to
read, and the third is the width of the data to read.
Type:
vxiin 1,0xC000,2

The History window shows the result of the command execution, such as:
Return Status (0): SUCCESS.
value = 0x9ff6

If the value ends with ff6, you have successfully read the National
Instruments manufacturer ID from the VXI/VMEpc-650 ID register.
Because this is the first configuration register present for all VXI devices,
the VXI device at Logical Address 0 has its manufacturer ID register
located at A16 address 0xC000—the beginning of the VXI configuration
space.
You may now want to read the registers from other devices in your system
using the command vxiin. Try reading a register from each of the devices
listed in the Address Map View of T&M Explorer. In this way, you can
verify that your VXI/VMEpc-650 can access each of the devices in your
system successfully.

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Chapter 3

Developing Your Application

Alternatively, you can use VISAIC to interact with your devices. VISAIC
lists the available devices, similar to what T&M Explorer displays. By
double-clicking on a given device, you can open a VISA session and access
the device through it. For more information regarding VISAIC, use the
right-click help available from all panels.

Programming with VXI
National Instruments provides two different programming interfaces
for accessing your instruments: NI-VISA and NI-VXI. NI-VISA is the
National Instruments implementation of the VISA API as defined by the
VXIplug&play standard. It is very useful when you have different types
of instruments in your system (such as VXI, VME, GPIB, and Serial
devices) because the NI-VISA functions have the same interface.
NI-VXI is the National Instruments proprietary interface for programming
VXI/VME instruments. Both NI-VXI and NI-VISA grant you
register-level access of VXI/VME instruments as well as messaging
capability to message-based devices. With either interface you can service
asynchronous events, such as triggers and interrupts, and also assert them.
The best way to learn how to program with NI-VXI or NI-VISA is by
reviewing the example programs included in your software. In the
Examples directory you will find examples for many different types of
applications. If you are just getting started, you should first learn how to
access registers with high-level calls and send messages with word serial
functions. The NI-VISA examples of these tasks are called VISAhigh.c
and VISAws.c. The NI-VXI examples are called VXIhigh.c and
VXIws.c. You should use the other examples as you try more advanced
techniques. Consult the NI-VISA User Manual or the NI-VXI User Manual
for additional information on these topics.
Note

The NI-VXI User Manual resides in the NIVXI\manuals directory, and the
NI-VISA User Manual is in the VXIpnp\os\NIvisa\manuals directory, where os
would be either Win95 or WinNT. Use the Acrobat Reader program to open and
navigate through the manuals.

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Chapter 3

Developing Your Application

Table 3-1 summarizes the topics addressed by the example programs.
Table 3-1. NI-VXI/VISA Examples

NI-VISA
Example

Coverage

Note

NI-VXI Example

Message-Based Access

VISAws.c

VXIws.c

High-Level Register
Access

VISAhigh.c

VXIhigh.c

Low-Level Register Access

VISAlow.c

VXIlow.c

Sharing Memory

VISAmem.c

VXImem.c

Interrupt Handling

VISAint.c

VXIint.c

Trigger Handling

VISAtrig.c

VXItrig.c

T&M Explorer includes special settings that you must use for low-level functions
and memory sharing. Consult the T&M Explorer online help for information on
setting these up.

Notes about VME Support
To use VME devices in your system, configure NI-VXI to see these devices
by using the Add Device Wizard in T&M Explorer. VME devices with
two blocks of memory in the same address space require two entries. You
can also specify which interrupt levels the device uses. VXI and VME
devices cannot share interrupt levels. You can then access the VME device
from NI-VXI or NI-VISA just as you would a register-based VXI device,
by specifying the address space and the offset from the base at which you
have configured it. NI-VISA support for VME devices includes the register
access operations (both high-level and low-level) and the block move
operations, as well as the ability to receive interrupts.

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Chapter 3

Developing Your Application

Compiler Symbols for NI-VXI
You may need to define some symbols so that the NI-VXI library can work
properly with your program.
Note

Skip this section if you are programming with NI-VISA only. NI-VISA does not
use these symbols.
You can define the symbols using #define statements in the source code
or you can use either the /D or the -D option in your compiler (both the
Microsoft and Borland compilers support the /D and -D options). If you
use #define statements, you must define the symbols before including the
NI-VXI header file nivxi.h. If you use the makefiles to compile the
sample program, the makefile already defines the necessary symbols.
The VXINT symbol is required. You must define it when using the
Microsoft C or Borland C compiler. VXINT designates the application as a
Windows 95/NT application.

Note

LabWindows/CVI automatically defines the correct symbol. You do not need to
define VXINT when using LabWindows/CVI.
The BINARY_COMPATIBLE symbol is optional. It makes the application
binary compatible with embedded VXI controllers, such as the National
Instruments VXI/VMEpc series of embedded controllers. This option may
cause a slight performance degradation when using low-level VXIbus
access functions.
If you define these symbols in your source code, your source code should
look something like the following sample code:
#define VXINT
#define BINARY_COMPATIBLE
.
.
.
#include

If you define these symbols using the /D or -D compiler options, you
should specify the following when invoking the compiler.
For the Microsoft C compiler:
/DVXINT /DBINARY_COMPATIBLE

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Chapter 3

Developing Your Application

For the Borland C compiler:
-DVXINT; BINARY_COMPATIBLE;

You will also need to link in the appropriate import library for your code.
If you are using a Microsoft C compiler, use the nivxint.lib in the
nivxi\win32\msc\ directory. If you are using a Borland C compiler, use
the nivxint.lib in the nivxi\win32\borlandc\ directory.
Refer to the documentation that came with your compiler package for
detailed instructions about using the compiler and the various tools (linker,
debugger, and so on). Your compiler documentation is an important and
useful source of information for writing, compiling, and debugging C
programs.

Debugging
NI Spy, VISAIC, and VIC are useful utilities that can aid in identifying the
causes of problems in your application.
NI Spy tracks the calls your application makes to National Instruments
T&M drivers including NI-VXI, NI-VISA, and NI-488.2. NI-488.2 users
may notice that NI Spy is very similar to GPIB Spy. It highlights functions
that return errors, so you can quickly spot which functions failed during
your development. NI Spy can log the calls your program makes to these
drivers so you can check them for errors at your convenience.
You can also control your instruments interactively using VISAIC and VIC.
You can use VISAIC to control and communicate with your instruments
with NI-VISA without having to write a program. VIC gives you a similar
environment that uses NI-VXI. These utilities are an excellent platform for
quickly testing instruments and learning how to communicate with them.
Refer to the online help for instructions on how to use VIC or VISAIC and
to learn about their features. In VIC, click on the ? button (next to the
Go button) to get help for that page, or you can type help. You can also
right-click on a component on the screen to access What’s This help. In
VISAIC, you can right-click to reach What’s This help and function help.

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VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

Default Settings

This appendix summarizes the default settings for the hardware and
software in your kit. If you need more information about a particular
setting, or if you want to try a different configuration, please refer to the
VXI/VMEpc 600 Series User Manual for your hardware reference and the
T&M Explorer online help for your software reference.
Because you can also use T&M Explorer to configure a VXI-MXI-2 or a
VME-MXI-2, this appendix also summarizes the software default settings
for the VXI/VME-MXI-2.

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series
This section summarizes the hardware and software default settings for the
VXI/VMEpc 600 Series. Notice that some of the jumpers described in
Table A-1 are for VXI configuration only.
Table A-1. VXI/VMEpc 600 Series Hardware Default Settings

Jumper Description

Default Setting Description

W1—Power On MITE Self
Configuration

Enabled. Do not alter this setting.

W2—External Trigger Input
Termination (VXI only)

Do not terminate

W3—SCSI Bus Termination

Enabled

W4—CLK10 SMB Direction
(VXI only)

Receive CLK10

W5—CLK10 SMB Termination
(VXI only)

Do not terminate

W6—CLK10 Source
(VXI only)

Source from onboard oscillator

A-1

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

Appendix A

Default Settings

Table A-1. VXI/VMEpc 600 Series Hardware Default Settings (Continued)

Jumper Description

Default Setting Description

W7—CLK10 SMB Polarity
(VXI only)

Not inverted

W8—Ethernet EEPROM

Enabled. Do not alter this setting.

W9—MITE User Configuration
EEPROM

Load values from user side

W11—System Controller Slot
Detection Mode

Automatically detect slot

W20—Clear CMOS

Disabled. Change only when
clearing CMOS.

Table A-2. VXIpc T&M Explorer Device Tab Default Settings

Editor Field

Default Setting

Logical address

Device class

Message based

Size of Servant area

Number of handlers

Number of interrupters

Table A-3. VXIpc T&M Explorer Shared Memory Tab Default Settings

Editor Field

Default Setting

Memory sharing

Don’t share memory

Shared RAM size

64 KB (when sharing memory)

Reserved physical memory

64 KB (when sharing memory)

Lower half window byte
swapping

Disabled

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A-2

Appendix A

Default Settings

Table A-3. VXIpc T&M Explorer Shared Memory Tab Default Settings (Continued)

Editor Field

Default Setting

Upper half window byte
swapping

Disabled

Map upper and lower halves at
same PCI address

Disabled

Table A-4. VXIpc T&M Explorer PCI Tab Default Settings

Editor Field

Default Setting

Low-level register access API
support

Enabled

User window size

64 KB

VXI/VME-MXI-2
This section summarizes the software default settings for the VXI-MXI-2
and VME-MXI-2. This information is useful if you have either of these
modules in your system.
Table A-5. VXI/VME-MXI-2 T&M Explorer Device Tab Default Settings

Editor Field

Default Setting

Logical address

Use DIP switch

Address space

A24 *

Requested memory

16 KB *

A24/A32 write posting

Disabled

A16 write posting

Disabled

Interlocked mode

Disabled

* Assumes no DRAM is installed. If DRAM is installed, the Address space should be
A32, and Requested memory should match the amount of DRAM. If you install the
DRAM yourself, you must manually specify these changes.

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VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

Appendix A

Default Settings

Table A-6. VXI/VME-MXI-2 T&M Explorer VXI/VME Bus Tab
Default Settings

Editor Field

Default Setting

Bus timeout value

125 µs

Slot 0 configuration

Auto-detect

Auto retry

Disabled

Transfer limit

256

Arbiter type

Priority

Fair requester

Enabled

Arbiter timeout

Enabled

Request level

Table A-7. VXI/VME-MXI-2 T&M Explorer MXI-2 Bus Tab Default Settings

Editor Field

Default Setting

System controller

Auto-detect

Bus timeout value

1 ms

MXI-2 auto retry

Disabled

MXI transfer limit

Unlimited

MXI fair requester

Disabled

Perform parity checking

Enabled

MXI-2 CLK10 signal direction

Switch determines signal
direction (VXI-MXI-2 only)

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

A-4

Common Questions

This appendix addresses common questions you may have about using the
NI-VXI/VISA software on the VXI/VMEpc platform.
What are some of the differences between the old utilities and the new
ones?
The old utility components are as follows:
•

VXIinit—This utility initializes your National Instruments controller
hardware with settings determined in VXIedit.

•

Resman—This utility initializes and configures all the other devices in
your VXI system.

•

VXIedit—This utility configures your National Instruments hardware.

•

VXItedit—This is a console-based version of VXIedit.

•

VIC—Use this utility to interactively communicate with VXI devices
over the VXIbus using the NI-VXI API.

•

VICtext—This is a console-based version of VIC.

•

VISAconf—This utility configures settings used by NI-VISA

•

VISAIC—Use this utility to interactively communicate with VISA
devices (GPIB, VXI, Serial) using NI-VISA.

VXI/VME system integration with the old utilities typically proceeded as
follows:
1.

Install components and boot the system.

Configure your hardware with VXIedit.

Reboot and run VXIinit to initialize your National Instruments
hardware.

Run Resman to initialize the VXIbus.

Optionally run VXIedit to configure any extender devices on the
VXIbus.

Run VIC to verify device operation.

If you are using VISA, you have the option of running VISAconf to
configure NI-VISA.

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VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

Appendix B

Common Questions

Run VISAIC to verify that you can communicate with your system
using VISA.

The new utility components are as follows:
•

T&M Explorer—Use this utility to configure, view, and initialize your
system.

•

Resman—You can still use this as before. However, you can perform
resource manager operations directly from T&M Explorer or
configure it to run Resman automatically at startup. See What about
running Resman? later in this section.

•

VIC—Use as before.

•

VISAIC—Use as before.

•

NI Spy—Use this utility to debug your NI-VXI or NI-VISA
application.

Your setup might now include the following steps:
1.

Install components and boot the system.

Execute VXI Resource Manager responsibilities (either run Resman or
click the build button in T&M Explorer.)

Run VIC or VISAIC to verify communication in your system.

What happened to VXIinit?
You no longer need to run VXIinit to initialize settings on your hardware.
The loading of hardware settings now takes place in the driver, completely
eliminating the need for VXIinit.
Where do I find the information that VXIinit used to print?
You can view information about your controller from the properties pages
and the hardware configuration pages. For example, you can view logical
address and user window size in the device-specific property pages in T&M
Explorer.
What happened to VXIedit and VISAconf?
The functionality of these two configuration utilities has been integrated
into a powerful new utility called T&M Explorer. This utility starts with a
graphical view of the VISA devices (GPIB, VXI, GPIB-VXI, and serial)
that it finds in your system. Right-click on an individual device in the tree
structure to see its properties. You can further configure National
Instruments devices by selecting the Hardware Configuration option.

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

B-2

Appendix B

Common Questions

This includes National Instruments VXI-DAQ cards, which means you can
configure these devices from T&M Explorer without having to run the
DAQ Configuration Utility.
What about running Resman?
Resman is the name of the utility that performs the duties of a VXI
Resource Manager as discussed in the VXIbus specification. When you
set a National Instruments controller to Logical Address 0, you will at some
point need to run Resman to configure your VXI instruments. If your
controller uses a different (non-zero) logical address and is a
message-based device, you need to start Resman before running it on the
Logical Address 0 computer.
So when do you need to run Resman?
Run Resman whenever you need to configure your VXI instruments. For
example, if you power-cycle your VXI/VME chassis, your instruments will
be reset, and you will need to run Resman to configure them. You can get
into trouble if you run Resman when your devices are not in a reset state.
Therefore, if you have to run Resman after running it once, you should reset
all of your VXI instruments.
Systems consisting of only a VMEpc 600 Series controller, a VME chassis,
and VME boards do not need to run Resman when using NI-VXI software
even though the devices do not appear in the T&M Explorer connection
tree. However, you would not be able to use VISA without manually adding
the VME devices to the system by using T&M Explorer as described above
and then running Resman. This is because NI-VISA uses the Resource
Manager to create instrument sessions for VXI/VME device
communication. If this is not an issue for you, you can skip Resman.
You can perform resource manager operations from within T&M Explorer.
Additionally, you can tell T&M Explorer to run Resman when the
computer first boots up. In this case you may never need to run Resman
explicitly again. You can configure the computer to run Resman at startup,
so when you power the chassis, Resman runs. If you power-cycle the
chassis, the PC reboots, forcing Resman to run again.
How do I handle VME devices?
Although there is no way to automatically detect VME devices in a system,
you can add them easily through the Add Device Wizard in T&M
Explorer. Through this procedure, you can reserve resources for each of
your VME devices and configure T&M Explorer to show VME devices
on the screen with all your other devices.

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VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

Appendix B

Common Questions

How can I determine which version of the NI-VXI/VISA software I
have installed?
Following are several ways to find this information:
•

From T&M Explorer, select About... from the Help menu. In the
About dialog box, press the Software Info button. This displays
version information on NI-VXI and NI-VISA files.

•

Under Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0, you can find version
information by right-clicking on any component and selecting the
Properties option. This displays a property sheet with a version tab.
This tab has version information about the product (NI-VXI) and the
component (NIVXINT.DLL, for example).

•

You can find version information about the NI-VXI driver by running
the VIC utility program. Type ver at the prompt, and the utility
displays the versions of VIC and NI-VXI, and the latest VXI/VMEpc
hardware revision that this NI-VXI driver supports.

•

You can find version information about the VISA driver through
VISAIC by selecting About... from the Help menu.

How can I determine the serial number and hardware revision of the
VXI/VMEpc embedded computers?
Run T&M Explorer and right-click on the name of the VXI/VMEpc. Select
Hardware Configuration, and T&M Explorer displays the dialog box for
the device. The title bar includes the serial number and hardware revision.
Which NI-VXI utility program must I use to configure the
VXI/VMEpc 600 Series?
Use the T&M Explorer program to configure the VXI/VMEpc.
T&M Explorer is located in the NIVXI program group folder.
Which NI-VXI utility program must I use to initialize the
VXI/VMEpc 600 Series?
In Windows 95/NT, the VXI/VMEpc embedded computer is automatically
initialized at system startup.
Which NI-VXI utility program must I use to perform startup Resource
Manager operations?
Use the Resman program to perform startup Resource Manager operations.
It is located in the NIVXI directory. Resman uses the settings configured in
T&M Explorer. It initializes your VXI/VMEbus system and stores the

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

B-4

Appendix B

Common Questions

information that it collects to the RESMAN.TBL file in the TBL subdirectory
of the NIVXI directory.
You can also run Resource Manager operations from T&M Explorer.
Through T&M Explorer, you can also configure Resman to run
automatically at computer startup.
What can I do to make sure that my system is up and running?
The fastest method for testing the system is to run Resman. This program
attempts to access memory in the upper A16 address space of each device
in the system. If Resman does not report any problems, the VXI/VME
communication system is operational.
To test individual devices, you can use the VIC or VISAIC program
to interactively issue NI-VXI functions or NI-VISA operations,
respectively. You can use the VXIin() and VXIout() functions or the
VXIinReg() and VXIoutReg() functions to test register-based devices by
programming their registers. If you have any message-based devices, you
can send and receive messages with the WSwrt() and WSrd() functions.
Notice that VXIinReg() and VXIoutReg() are for VXI devices only, but
you can use VXIin() and VXIout() for both VXI and VME.
Finally, if you are using LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI and you have
instrument drivers for the devices in your chassis, you can use the
interactive features of these programs to quickly test the functionality of the
devices.
What do the LEDs on the front of the VXI/VMEpc 600 Series mean?
Refer to Appendix B, LED Indicators, in your VXI/VMEpc 600 Series User
Manual, for a description of the front panel LEDs.
Is something wrong if the red SYSF and FAIL LEDs stay lit after
booting the VXI/VMEpc 600 Series?
If either the SYSF or FAIL LED remains lit, refer to Appendix B, LED
Indicators, in your VXI/VMEpc 600 Series User Manual, for
troubleshooting steps.
Can I access 32-bit registers in my VXI/VMEbus system from the
VXI/VMEpc 600 Series?
Yes. The VXI/VMEpc uses the 32-bit PCI bus to interface to the
VXI/VMEbus. In fact, its VXI/VMEbus circuitry also supports the new
VME64 standard for D64 accesses.

B-5

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

Appendix B

Common Questions

What kind of signal is CLK10 and what kind of signal do I need for an
external CLK10?
♦

VXI Only—CLK10 is a differential ECL signal on the backplane.
However, the oscillator and the EXTCLK input on the front panel use TTL
levels; therefore, you need to supply a TTL-level signal for EXTCLK. Our
voltage converters convert the signal to differential ECL.
What is the accuracy of the CLK10 signal?

♦

VXI Only—The CLK10 signal generated by the VXIpc-650 is ±100 ppm
(0.01%) as per the VXIbus specification. If you need a more accurate
CLK10 signal, you can use the external CLK connector on the front panel.
What type of video interface is onboard the VXI/VMEpc-650? What
video drivers are included? If my application requires a special type of
video display, how do I configure my VXI/VMEpc-650?
The VXI/VMEpc 600 Series uses the Cirrus Logic CL-GD5446 chip, a
64-bit graphics accelerator. The chip is compatible with the Standard VGA
video output Microsoft Windows video driver, as well as the Cirrus Logic
video driver. For more information on the video driver, refer to the
c:\images\manuals directory.
What kind of monitor can I use with the VXI/VMEpc 600 Series?
Can I use Super VGA?
VXI/VMEpc 600 Series computers use Super VGA video output. They
work only with monitors having a horizontal scan rate of at least 50 kHz
and a vertical scan rate of 60 Hz.

Caution

Make sure your monitor meets this specification. Enabling the Super VGA option
on a monitor that does not meet this specification will damage your monitor.
What should I do if my keyboard connector does not fit into the
keyboard port on the VXI/VMEpc-650?
You can plug keyboards that have a 6-pin Mini DIN PS/2 type connector
directly into the VXI/VMEpc. You can use the keyboard adapter cable that
is included with every VXI/VMEpc 600 Series kit to adapt the larger AT
keyboard connector to the 6-pin Mini DIN connector.

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

B-6

Appendix B

Common Questions

What must I do if I want to install the VXI/VMEpc-650 in a slot other
than the System Controller slot?
The VXI/VMEpc 600 Series automatically detects whether it is in the
System Controller slot (first slot) of a VXI/VMEbus mainframe. You do not
need to change jumper settings to install the VXI/VMEpc controller in a
different slot unless you have defeated the first slot detector (FSD) circuitry
by changing the appropriate jumper setting on the VXI/VMEpc.
Remember that devices in all other slots must not be manually configured
as system controller; they should be configured either for automatic
detection or manual non-System Controller.
Refer to Chapter 3, Configuration and Installation, in the VXI/VMEpc 600
Series User Manual for information on enabling and defeating the FSD
circuitry.
How do I check the configuration of the memory, floppy drive, hard
drive, time/date, and so on?
You can view these parameters in the BIOS setup. To enter the BIOS setup,
reboot the VXI/VMEpc controller and press the key during the
memory tests. Refer to Chapter 4, BIOS, in the VXI/VMEpc 600 Series
User Manual for more information.
Can I upgrade my VXI/VMEpc 600 Series?
You can upgrade the CPU to 233 MHz if you have the 166 MHz model.
Contact National Instruments for information.
Can I use the internal IDE drive and an external SCSI hard drive at
the same time?
Yes, but you can only boot from the internal IDE drive in this configuration.
My CMOS is corrupted. How do I set it back to default?
1.

Enter the BIOS setup program as described in Chapter 4, BIOS, in
your VXI/VMEpc 600 Series User Manual.

Select Auto Configuration with Optimal Settings.

Answer Y (Yes) to the verification prompt.

Select Save Settings and Exit.

B-7

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

Reinstalling the NI-VXI/VISA
Software

This appendix contains the instructions on how to reinstall your
NI-VXI/VISA software. Your VXI/VMEpc 600 Series controller was
shipped with the NI-VXI/VISA software already installed. It is unlikely
that you will ever need to use these instructions.

Preparing for Installation
Use the Setup program that came with your NI-VXI/VISA software to
install the entire software package or a software update, or to reinstall
software in the event that your files were accidentally erased. The Setup
program works in the same manner for either Windows 95 or
Windows NT. You can install NI-VXI with or without NI-VISA.
Note

Some of the utilities rely on the LabWindows/CVI Run-Time Engine. This
software is installed, if necessary, during the NI-VXI/VISA installation.
Depending on the type of installation you choose, you may need up
to 20 MB of free space available to accommodate the NI-VXI/VISA
software. If you choose the Custom installation method, Setup displays
the amount of memory required for the options you select.
To be compliant with VXIplug&play specifications, a VXI controller
must provide the VISA I/O driver library standardized by
VXIplug&play. VISA ensures that your controller can run all
VXIplug&play-compatible software now and in the future.
The NI-VISA software in this kit is compatible with the
WIN95/GWIN95 and WINNT/GWINNT frameworks. With NI-VISA
installed on your computer, you can run any VXIplug&play software
that is compatible with these frameworks. This includes instrument
drivers and executable soft front panels that are included with
VXIplug&play-compatible instruments from a variety of vendors.

C-1

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

Appendix C

Reinstalling the NI-VXI/VISA Software

Installing the Software
This section describes how to install the 32-bit NI-VXI/VISA software
for the VXI/VMEpc 600 Series. The Setup program works the same
whether you are using Windows 95 or Windows NT. Please carefully
read these directions along with any messages on the screen before
making your selections.
You can quit the Setup program at any time by pressing the Cancel
button.
Setup is an interactive, self-guiding program that installs the
NI-VXI/VISA software and configures your system to use the software
with the VXI/VMEpc-650. Follow these steps to perform the
installation:
1.

Insert disk 1 of your set of disks labeled NI-VXI/VISA for
VXI/VMEpc 600 Series and Windows 95/NT.

Select Run... from the Start menu and enter the following text,
where X is your floppy drive (usually A)
X:\setup.exe

and press .
3.

Click on the Next button at the Welcome screen to start the
installation and accept the license agreement.

Note

If Setup detects a 16-bit (DOS or Windows 3.x) version of the NI-VXI software,
it prompts you to remove it. Setup will quit so you can uninstall the old software.
If you have a previous 32-bit (Windows 95 or Windows NT) version of the
NI-VXI software installed, Setup installs the new version over the previous
version.

Caution

If you want to keep the manufacturer/model name tables or the VME device
configuration from a previous installation, be sure to back them up before starting
Setup, by copying the TBL directory into another folder.
4.

Select the type of installation from the Choose Setup screen:
•

Express setup is the fastest and simplest installation option.
This option installs all the NI-VXI/VISA software in default
directories without prompting you to make any further choices.

•

Typical setup prompts you to make high-level choices of which
drivers to install and the destination directories.

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

C-2

Appendix C

•

Reinstalling the NI-VXI/VISA Software

Custom setup gives you complete control over which files and
utilities you want installed on your system. This option is
recommended for advanced users.

The Express setup completes without further questions. Follow
the prompts if you select either the Typical or the Custom setup
options. The final prompt displays the choices you made
concerning applications, support, and destination directories.
Click on the Next button to begin the installation.

Setup now copies the necessary files to your hard drive and creates
program icons.

Completing the Software Installation
After Setup completes, please review the information in any README
files that Setup prompts you to read. Complete your software
installation as follows:
1.

When the installation process completes, you must reboot your
computer for the changes to take effect. The NI-VXI driver is
loaded at this time.

If you backed up the manufacturer and model name files, restore
them to the TBL subdirectory of your NI-VXI directory before
running T&M Explorer.

After you install the NI-VXI/VISA software, run the T&M
Explorer program. It will prompt you to run Resman, the National
Instruments Resource Manager. You must run Resman every time
the chassis power is cycled so that your application can access
devices in the VXI mainframe. You can also configure T&M
Explorer to run Resman automatically at every computer startup.

After you run Resman, you are ready to use T&M Explorer to
interactively configure the National Instruments hardware in your
system. Use the right-click help for information about the various
configuration options.

C-3

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

Customer Communication

For your convenience, this appendix contains forms to help you gather the information necessary
to help us solve your technical problems and a form you can use to comment on the product
documentation. When you contact us, we need the information on the Technical Support Form and
the configuration form, if your manual contains one, about your system configuration to answer your
questions as quickly as possible.
National Instruments has technical assistance through electronic, fax, and telephone systems to quickly
provide the information you need. Our electronic services include a bulletin board service, an FTP site,
a fax-on-demand system, and e-mail support. If you have a hardware or software problem, first try the
electronic support systems. If the information available on these systems does not answer your
questions, we offer fax and telephone support through our technical support centers, which are staffed
by applications engineers.

Electronic Services
Bulletin Board Support
National Instruments has BBS and FTP sites dedicated for 24-hour support with a collection of files
and documents to answer most common customer questions. From these sites, you can also download
the latest instrument drivers, updates, and example programs. For recorded instructions on how to use
the bulletin board and FTP services and for BBS automated information, call 512 795 6990. You can
access these services at:
United States: 512 794 5422
Up to 14,400 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity
United Kingdom: 01635 551422
Up to 9,600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity
France: 01 48 65 15 59
Up to 9,600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity

FTP Support
To access our FTP site, log on to our Internet host, ftp.natinst.com, as anonymous and use
your Internet address, such as joesmith@anywhere.com, as your password. The support files and
documents are located in the /support directories.

D-1

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

Fax-on-Demand Support
Fax-on-Demand is a 24-hour information retrieval system containing a library of documents on a wide
range of technical information. You can access Fax-on-Demand from a touch-tone telephone at
512 418 1111.

E-Mail Support (Currently USA Only)
You can submit technical support questions to the applications engineering team through e-mail at the
Internet address listed below. Remember to include your name, address, and phone number so we can
contact you with solutions and suggestions.
support@natinst.com

Telephone and Fax Support
National Instruments has branch offices all over the world. Use the list below to find the technical
support number for your country. If there is no National Instruments office in your country, contact
the source from which you purchased your software to obtain support.

Country

Telephone

Fax

Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Canada (Ontario)
Canada (Quebec)
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Hong Kong
Israel
Italy
Japan
Korea
Mexico
Netherlands
Norway
Singapore
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
United Kingdom
United States

03 9879 5166
0662 45 79 90 0
02 757 00 20
011 288 3336
905 785 0085
514 694 8521
45 76 26 00
09 725 725 11
01 48 14 24 24
089 741 31 30
2645 3186
03 6120092
02 413091
03 5472 2970
02 596 7456
5 520 2635
0348 433466
32 84 84 00
2265886
91 640 0085
08 730 49 70
056 200 51 51
02 377 1200
01635 523545
512 795 8248

03 9879 6277
0662 45 79 90 19
02 757 03 11
011 288 8528
905 785 0086
514 694 4399
45 76 26 02
09 725 725 55
01 48 14 24 14
089 714 60 35
2686 8505
03 6120095
02 41309215
03 5472 2977
02 596 7455
5 520 3282
0348 430673
32 84 86 00
2265887
91 640 0533
08 730 43 70
056 200 51 55
02 737 4644
01635 523154
512 794 5678

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

D-2

Technical Support Form
Photocopy this form and update it each time you make changes to your software or hardware, and use
the completed copy of this form as a reference for your current configuration. Completing this form
accurately before contacting National Instruments for technical support helps our applications
engineers answer your questions more efficiently.
If you are using any National Instruments hardware or software products related to this problem,
include the configuration forms from their user manuals. Include additional pages if necessary.
Name __________________________________________________________________________
Company _______________________________________________________________________
Address ________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Fax ( ___ ) ________________Phone ( ___ ) __________________________________________
Computer brand____________ Model ___________________ Processor_____________________
Operating system (include version number) ____________________________________________
Clock speed ______MHz RAM _____MB
Mouse ___yes ___no

Display adapter __________________________

Other adapters installed _______________________________________

Hard disk capacity _____MB Brand_________________________________________________
Instruments used _________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
National Instruments hardware product model _____________ Revision ____________________
Configuration ___________________________________________________________________
National Instruments software product ___________________ Version _____________________
Configuration ___________________________________________________________________
The problem is: __________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
List any error messages: ___________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
The following steps reproduce the problem: ___________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series Hardware and Software
Configuration Form
Record the settings and revisions of your hardware and software on the line to the right of each item.
Complete a new copy of this form each time you revise your software or hardware configuration, and
use this form as a reference for your current configuration. Completing this form accurately before
contacting National Instruments for technical support helps our applications engineers answer your
questions more efficiently.

National Instruments Products
NI-VXI/VISA Software Version Number ___________________________________________
Using Both NI-VXI and NI-VISA? _______________________________________________
Using LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI? ____________________________________________

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series Hardware Settings
VXIpc 600 Series Model Number _________________________________________________
Part Number __________________________________________________________________
Serial Number ________________________________________________________________
Hard Drive Size ______________________ Video Memory ___________________________
Processor Speed _______________________________________________________________
Slot Location _________________________________________________________________
W1 Setting: MITE Self-Configuration _____________________________________________
W2 Setting: External Trigger SMB Termination _____________________________________
W3 Setting: SCSI Termination ___________________________________________________
W4 Setting: CLK10 SMB Direction _______________________________________________
W5 Setting: CLK10 SMB Termination ____________________________________________
W6 Setting: CLK10 Source _____________________________________________________
W7 Setting: CLK10 SMB Polarity ________________________________________________
W8 Setting: Ethernet EEPROM __________________________________________________
W9 Setting: MITE Configuration EEPROM ________________________________________
W11 Setting: System Controller Slot Detection ______________________________________
W20 Setting: CMOS Clear ______________________________________________________

VXI/VMEpc Configuration Editor Settings (T&M Explorer)
Logical Address ______________________________________________________________
Device Class _________________________________________________________________
Size of Servant Area ___________________________________________________________
Number of Handlers ___________________________________________________________
Number of Interrupters _________________________________________________________
Memory Sharing ______________________________________________________________
Shared RAM Size _____________________________________________________________
Reserved Physical Memory _____________________________________________________
Lower Half Window Byte Swapping ______________________________________________
Upper Half Window Byte Swapping ______________________________________________
Low-level Register Access API Support ___________________________________________
User Window Size ____________________________________________________________

VXI/VME-MXI-2 Configuration Editor Settings (T&M Explorer)
Logical Address ______________________________________________________________
Address Space _______________________________________________________________
Requested Memory ____________________________________________________________
A24/A32 Write Posting ________________________________________________________
A16 Write Posting ____________________________________________________________
Interlocked or Normal Mode ____________________________________________________
VXI/VME Bus Timeout Value ___________________________________________________
Slot 0 Configuration ___________________________________________________________
Auto Retry for Cycles from VXI/VMEbus to MXIbus ________________________________
Transfer Limit on VXI/VMEbus _________________________________________________
VXI/VME Arbiter Type ________________________________________________________
VXI/VME Fair Requester ______________________________________________________
VXI/VME Arbiter Timeout _____________________________________________________
VXI/VME Request Level _______________________________________________________
MXI System Controller ________________________________________________________
MXI Bus Timeout Value _______________________________________________________
Auto Retry for Cycles from MXIbus to VXI/VMEbus ________________________________

Transfer Limit on MXIbus ______________________________________________________
MXI Fair Requester ___________________________________________________________
Parity Checking _______________________________________________________________
MXI-2 CLK10 Direction (VXI-MXI-2 only) ________________________________________

Other Products
Computer make and model ________________________________________________________
Microprocessor __________________________________________________________________
Clock frequency or speed __________________________________________________________
Type of video board installed _______________________________________________________
Operating system version __________________________________________________________
Operating system mode ___________________________________________________________
Programming language ___________________________________________________________
Programming language version _____________________________________________________
Other boards in system ____________________________________________________________
Base I/O address of other boards ____________________________________________________
DMA channels of other boards _____________________________________________________
Interrupt level of other boards ______________________________________________________

Documentation Comment Form
National Instruments encourages you to comment on the documentation supplied with our products.
This information helps us provide quality products to meet your needs.

Title:

Getting Started with Your VXI/VMEpc™ 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

Edition Date:

May 1998

Part Number:

321882A-01

Please comment on the completeness, clarity, and organization of the manual.
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
If you find errors in the manual, please record the page numbers and describe the errors.
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Thank you for your help.
Name _________________________________________________________________________
Title __________________________________________________________________________
Company _______________________________________________________________________
Address ________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
E-Mail Address __________________________________________________________________
Phone ( ___ ) __________________________ Fax ( ___ ) _______________________________

Mail to: Technical Publications
National Instruments Corporation
6504 Bridge Point Parkway
Austin, Texas 78730-5039

Fax to:

Technical Publications
National Instruments Corporation
512 794 5678

Glossary
Prefix

Meanings

Value

pico

10 –12

nano-

10 –9

µ-

micro-

10 – 6

milli-

10 –3

kilo-

10 3

M-

mega-

10 6

G-

giga-

10 9

tera-

10 12

A
A16 space

VXIbus address space equivalent to the VME 64 KB short address space.
In VXI, the upper 16 KB of A16 space is allocated for use by VXI devices
configuration registers. This 16 KB region is referred to as VXI
configuration space.

A24 space

VXIbus address space equivalent to the VME 16 MB standard address
space

A32 space

VXIbus address space equivalent to the VME 4 GB extended address space

address

Character code that identifies a specific location (or series of locations) in
memory. In VISA, it identifies a resource.

address space

A set of 2n memory locations differentiated from other such sets in
VXI/VMEbus systems by six addressing lines known as address modifiers.
n is the number of address lines required to uniquely specify a byte location
in a given space. Valid numbers for n are 16, 24, and 32. In VME/VXI,
because there are six address modifiers, there are 64 possible address
spaces.

address window

A portion of address space that can be accessed from the application
program

G-1

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

Glossary

ANSI

American National Standards Institute

API

Application Programming Interface; the direct interface that an end user
sees when creating an application

ASIC

application-specific integrated circuit

B
B

bytes

backplane

An assembly, typically a printed circuit board, with 96-pin connectors and
signal paths that bus the connector pins. A C-size VXIbus system will have
two sets of bused connectors called J1 and J2. A D-size VXIbus system will
have three sets of bused connectors called J1, J2, and J3.

BERR*

Bus error signal

BIOS

Basic Input/Output System. BIOS functions are the fundamental level of
any PC or compatible computer. BIOS functions embody the basic
operations needed for successful use of the computer’s hardware resources.

BTO

See Bus Timeout Unit.

bus error

An error that signals failed access to an address. Bus errors occur with
low-level accesses to memory and usually involve hardware with bus
mapping capabilities. For example, nonexistent memory, a nonexistent
register, or an incorrect device access can cause a bus error.

Bus Timeout Unit

A functional module that times the duration of each data transfer
and terminates the cycle if the duration is excessive. Without the
termination capability of this module, a bus master attempt to access a
nonexistent slave could result in an indefinitely long wait for a slave
response.

byte order

How bytes are arranged within a word or how words are arranged within a
longword. Motorola ordering stores the most significant (MSB) byte or
word first, followed by the least significant byte (LSB) or word. Intel
ordering stores the LSB or word first, followed by the MSB or word.

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

G-2

Glossary

C
CLK10

A 10 MHz, ±100 ppm, individually buffered (to each module slot),
differential ECL system clock that is sourced from Slot 0 of a VXIbus
mainframe and distributed to Slots 1 through 12 on P2. It is distributed to
each slot as a single-source, single-destination signal with a matched delay
of under 8 ns.

CMOS

Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor; a process used in making
chips

Commander

A message-based device that is also a bus master and can control one or
more Servants

configuration registers

A set of registers through which the system can identify a module device
type, model, manufacturer, address space, and memory requirements. In
order to support automatic system and memory configuration, the VXIbus
specification requires that all VXIbus devices have a set of such registers.

D
Data Transfer Bus

DTB; one of four buses on the VMEbus backplane. The DTB is used by a
bus master to transfer binary data between itself and a slave device.

DMA

Direct Memory Access; a method by which data is transferred between
devices and internal memory without intervention of the central processing
unit

DRAM

Dynamic RAM (Random Access Memory); storage that the computer must
refresh at frequent intervals

driver window

A region of address space that is decoded by the VXI/VMEpc for use by the
NI-VXI software

DTB

See Data Transfer Bus.

E
ECL

Emitter-Coupled Logic

EEPROM

Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory

G-3

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

Glossary

embedded controller

An intelligent CPU (controller) interface plugged directly into the VXI
backplane, giving it direct access to the VXIbus. It must have all of its
required VXI interface capabilities built in.

F
fair requester

A VXIbus device that will not arbitrate for the VXIbus after releasing it
until it detects the bus request signal inactive. This ensures that all
requesting devices will be granted use of the bus.

G
GPIB

General Purpose Interface Bus (IEEE 488)

H
hex

hexadecimal; the numbering system with base 16, using the digits 0 to 9
and letters A to F

hertz; cycles per second

I
IEEE

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

I/O

input/output; the techniques, media, and devices used to achieve
communication between machines and users

instrument driver

A set of routines designed to control a specific instrument or family of
instruments, and any necessary related files for LabWindows/CVI or
LabVIEW

interrupt

A means for a device to request service from another device

interrupt handler

A VMEbus functional module that detects interrupt requests generated by
interrupters and responds to those requests by requesting status and identify
information

interrupt level

The relative priority at which a device can interrupt

IRQ*

Interrupt signal

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

G-4

Glossary

K
KB

kilobytes of memory

L
LED

light-emitting diode

logical address

An 8-bit number that uniquely identifies each VXIbus device in a system.
It defines the A16 register address of a device, and indicates Commander
and Servant relationships.

M
master

A functional part of a VME/VXIbus device that initiates data transfers on
the backplane. A transfer can be either a read or a write.

megabytes of memory

MBD

Message-Based Device

message-based device

An intelligent device that implements the defined VXIbus registers and
communication protocols. These devices are able to use Word Serial
Protocol to communicate with one another through communication
registers.

MITE

A National Instruments custom ASIC, a sophisticated dual-channel DMA
controller that incorporates the Synchronous MXI and VME64 protocols to
achieve high-performance block transfer rates

N
NI-488 or NI-488.2

The National Instruments software for GPIB systems

NI-DAQ

The National Instruments software for data acquisition instruments

NI-VISA

The National Instruments implementation of the VISA standard; an
interface-independent software that provides a unified programming
interface for VXI, GPIB, and serial instruments

NI-VXI

The National Instruments bus interface software for VME/VXIbus systems

G-5

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

Glossary

Non-Slot 0 device

A device configured for installation in any slot in a VXIbus mainframe
other than Slot 0. Installing such a device into Slot 0 can damage the device,
the VXIbus backplane, or both.

P
PCI

Peripheral Component Interconnect. The PCI bus is a high-performance
32-bit or 64-bit bus with multiplexed address and data lines.

PCMCIA

Personal Computer Memory Card International Association

POSC

Power On Self Configuration

R
RBD

A Servant-only device that supports VXIbus configuration registers.
Register-based devices are typically controlled by message-based devices
via device-dependent register reads and writes.

Resman

The name of the National Instruments Resource Manager in NI-VXI bus
interface software. See Resource Manager.

Resource Manager

A message-based Commander located at Logical Address 0, which
provides configuration management services such as address map
configuration, Commander and Servant mappings, and self-test and
diagnostic management

retry

An acknowledge by a destination that signifies that the cycle did not
complete and should be repeated

S
s

seconds

Servant

A device controlled by a Commander; there are message-based and
register-based Servants

Shared Memory Protocol A communication protocol that uses a block of memory accessible to both
a client and a server. The memory block operates as a message buffer for
communications. This is unique to register-based interfaces such as VXI.

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

G-6

Glossary

SIMM

Single In-line Memory Module

slave

A functional part of a VME/VXIbus device that detects data transfer cycles
initiated by a VMEbus master and responds to the transfers when the
address specifies one of the device’s registers

SMB

Sub Miniature Type B connector that features a snap coupling for fast
connection

System Controller

a device configured for installation in Slot 0 of a VXIbus mainframe or
Slot 1 of a VMEbus chassis. This device is unique in the VXI/VMEbus
system in that it performs the VXI/VMEbus System Controller functions,
including clock sourcing and arbitration for data transfers across the
backplane. Installing such a device into any other slot can damage the
device, the VXI/VMEbus backplane, or both.

T
trigger

Either TTL or ECL lines used for intermodule communication

TTL

Transistor-Transistor Logic

U
user window

A region of address space reserved by the VXI/VMEpc for use via the
NI-VXI low-level function calls. MapVXIAddress() uses this address
space to allocate regions for use by the VXIpeek() and VXIpoke()
macros.

V
VIC

VXI Interactive Control Program, a part of the NI-VXI bus interface
software. Used to program VXI devices, and develop and debug VXI
application programs.

VISA

Virtual Instrument Software Architecture. This is the general name given to
VISA and its associated architecture. The architecture consists of two main
VISA components: the VISA Resource Manager and the VISA Instrument
Control Resources.

G-7

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

Glossary

VISAIC

VISA Interactive Control Program, a part of the NI-VISA software. Used
to program devices, and develop and debug application programs

VME

Versa Module Eurocard or IEEE 1014

VMEbus System
Controller

a device configured for installation in Slot 1 of a VMEbus chassis. This
device is unique in the VMEbus system in that it performs the VMEbus
System Controller functions, including clock sourcing and arbitration for
data transfers across the backplane. Installing such a device into any other
slot can damage the device, the VMEbus backplane, or both.

VXIbus

VMEbus Extensions for Instrumentation

W
Word Serial Protocol

The simplest required communication protocol supported by
message-based devices in a VXIbus system. It utilizes the A16
communication registers to transfer data using a simple polling handshake
method.

write posting

A mechanism that signifies that a device will immediately give a successful
acknowledge to a write transfer and place the transfer in a local buffer. The
device can then independently complete the write cycle to the destination.

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

G-8

Index
Numbers

32-bit registers, accessing, B-5

debugging applications, 3-7
default settings
VXI/VME-MXI-2
T&M Explorer Device Tab default
settings (table), A-3
T&M Explorer MXI-2 Bus Tab default
settings (table), A-4
T&M Explorer VXI/VME Bus Tab
default settings (table), A-4
VXI/VMEpc 600 Series
hardware default settings (table),
A-1 to A-2
VXIpc T&M Explorer Device Tab
default settings (table), A-2
VXIpc T&M Explorer PCI Tab default
settings (table), A-2
VXIpc T&M Explorer Shared Memory
Tab default settings (table), A-2
developing applications, 3-1 to 3-7
configuration, 3-1 to 3-2
debugging, 3-7
device interaction, 3-3 to 3-4
programming with VXI, 3-4 to 3-7
compiler symbols for NI-VXI,
3-6 to 3-7
example programs, 3-4 to 3-5
VME support, 3-5
device interaction, 3-3 to 3-4
directories and files installed on hard drive, 1-5
documentation
conventions used in manual, viii
flow chart for using manual, 1-1
how to use documentation set, ix-x
organization of manual, vii-viii
related documentation, x
drivers.txt file, 1-5

A
Add Device Wizard, 3-2
Add VME Device Wizard, 3-2
application development. See developing
applications.

B
BINARY_COMPATIBLE compiler symbol,
3-6 to 3-7
BIOS setup, B-7
booting system for first time, 2-3
bulletin board support, D-1

C
CLK 10 signal, B-6
CMOS corruption, B-7
common questions. See questions about
NI-VXI/VISA software.
compiler symbols for NI-VXI, 3-6 to 3-7
configuration
booting system for first time, 2-3
configuration utilities, 3-1 to 3-2,
B-1 to B-2
configuring system for LabVIEW or
LabWindows/CVI, 2-3
device interaction, 3-3 to 3-4
hardware configuration, 2-1
more than one device configured as system
controller (caution), 2-2
verifying system configuration, 2-4
customer communication, xi, D-1 to D-2

I-1

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

Index

VXIpc T&M Explorer Shared
Memory Tab default settings
(table), A-2

electronic support services, D-1 to D-2
e-mail support, D-2
example programs for NI-VXI/VISA
software, 3-4 to 3-5
Examples directory, 3-4
topics addressed (table), 3-5

I
IDE drives, B-7
images directory, 1-5
installation
booting system for first time, 2-3
hardware, 2-2
installed software, 2-3
reinstalling NI-VXI/VISA software,
C-1 to C-3
VXI/VMEpc 600 Series in slot other than
system controller slot, B-6 to B-7
instrument drivers available with LabVIEW
and LabWindows/CVI software, 1-4
interacting with devices, 3-3 to 3-4

F
fax and telephone support numbers, D-2
Fax-on-Demand support, D-2
files and directories installed on hard drive, 1-5
FTP support, D-1

H
hard drives, B-7
hardware
configuration, 2-1
description, 1-2
installation, 2-2
more than one device configured as
system controller (caution), 2-2
questions about, B-4 to B-7
hardware default settings
VXI/VME-MXI-2
T&M Explorer Device Tab default
settings (table), A-3
T&M Explorer MXI-2 Bus Tab
default settings (table), A-4
T&M Explorer VXI/VME Bus Tab
default settings (table), A-4
VXI/VMEpc 600 Series
hardware default settings (table),
A-1 to A-2
VXIpc T&M Explorer Device Tab
default settings (table), A-2
VXIpc T&M Explorer PCI Tab
default settings (table), A-2

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

K
keyboard connectors, B-6

L
LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI software,
1-4
configuring system for, 2-3
LEDs on front of VXI/VMEpc 600 Series, B-5

M
manual. See documentation.
manuals directory, 1-5
monitor for VXI/VMEpc 600 Series, B-6

N
National Instruments application software, 1-4
NI Spy utility, 1-3, 3-7

I-2

Index

NI-488.2 software kit, 1-3
NI-VXI/VISA software
common questions, B-1 to B-7
determining version of
NI-VXI/VISA software, B-4
differences between old and new
utilities, B-1 to B-2
handling VME devices, B-3
hardware questions, B-5 to B-7
Resman, B-3
startup Resman operation, B-4
VISAconf, B-2 to B-3
VXIedit, B-2 to B-3
VXIinit, B-2
library of NI-VISA routines, 1-3
pre-installed on VXI/VMEpc 600 Series,
1-4, 2-3
programming considerations, 3-4 to 3-7
compiler symbols for NI-VXI,
3-6 to 3-7
example programs, 3-4 to 3-5
overview, 3-4
user manuals (note), 3-4
VME support, 3-5
reinstalling, C-1 to C-3
completing, C-3
installation procedure, C-2 to C-3
preparing for, C-1

questions about NI-VXI/VISA software,
B-1 to B-7
determining version of NI-VXI/VISA
software, B-4
differences between old and new utilities,
B-1 to B-2
handling VME devices, B-3
hardware questions, B-4 to B-7
Resman, B-3
startup Resman operation, B-4
VISAconf, B-2 to B-3
VXIedit, B-2 to B-3
VXIinit, B-2

os directory, 1-5

reinstalling NI-VXI/VISA software,
C-1 to C-3
completing, C-3
installation procedure, C-2 to C-3
preparing for, C-1
requirements for getting started, 1-1 to 1-2
Resman utility
purpose and use, 3-1 to 3-2, B-3
reconfiguration after power cycling
(note), 3-1
startup Resource Manager operations,
B-4
testing the system, B-5
using with T&M Explorer, 3-2
when to run, 3-1, B-3

power cycling, running Resman after
(note), 3-1
programming. See developing applications.

SCSI drives, B-7
setting up VXI/VME system. See
configuration; installation.
System Controller, installing VXI/VMEpc 600
Series in alternative slot, B-6 to B-7

I-3

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

Index

software, 1-2 to 1-4. See also specific utilities,
e.g., Resman utility.
configurations, 1-3 to 1-4
installed software, 2-3
National Instruments application
software, 1-4
overview, 1-2 to 1-3
reinstalling NI-VXI/VISA software,
C-1 to C-3
system controller, more than one device
configured as (caution), 2-2

verifying system configuration, 2-4
VIC utility
debugging applications, 3-7
interacting with devices, 3-3
VISA API, 3-4
VISAconf utility, B-2 to B-3
VISAIC utility
debugging applications, 3-7
interacting with devices, 3-3, 3-4
VME devices
adding manually with T&M Explorer,
3-1 to 3-2
programming considerations, 3-5
questions about, B-3
VXIedit utility, B-2 to B-3
VXIinit utility, B-2
vxiinreg command, 3-3
VXINT compiler symbol, 3-6
VXIplug&play compliance, 1-2, C-1
VXI/VME-MXI-2 default settings
T&M Explorer Device Tab default
settings (table), A-3
T&M Explorer MXI-2 Bus Tab default
settings (table), A-4
T&M Explorer VXI/VME Bus Tab
default settings (table), A-4
VXI/VMEpc 600 Series
accessing 32-bit registers, B-5
default settings
hardware default settings (table),
A-1 to A-2
VXIpc T&M Explorer Device Tab
default settings (table), A-2
VXIpc T&M Explorer PCI Tab
default settings (table), A-2
VXIpc T&M Explorer Shared
Memory Tab default settings
(table), A-2

T
technical support, D-1 to D-2
telephone and fax support numbers, D-2
T&M Explorer software
adding VME devices manually, 3-1 to 3-2
application development, 3-2
hardware configuration, 2-1
overview, 1-3
using with Resman, 3-2
viewing device information, 3-3
VXI/VME-MXI-2
Device Tab default settings
(table), A-3
MXI-2 Bus Tab default settings
(table), A-4
VXI/VME Bus Tab default settings
(table), A-4
VXI/VMEpc 600 Series
VXIpc Device Tab default settings
(table), A-2
VXIpc PCI Tab default settings
(table), A-2
VXIpc Shared Memory Tab default
settings (table), A-2

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

I-4

Index

VXI/VMEpc embedded computers,
determining serial number and hardware
revision, B-4

files and directories installed on hard
drive, 1-5
hardware description, 1-2
installing in slot other than system
controller slot, B-7
LEDs on front, B-5
requirements for getting started,
1-1 to 1-2
software description. See software.
upgrading, B-7

W
writing applications. See developing
applications.

I-5

VXI/VMEpc 600 Series for Windows 95/NT

Source Exif Data:

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User Access                     : Print, Copy, Annotate, Fill forms, Extract, Assemble, Print high-res
Create Date                     : 1998:05:20 15:35:32
Producer                        : Acrobat Distiller 3.0 for Windows
Author                          : Technical Publications
Title                           : Getting Started with Your VXI/VMEpc™ 600 Series for Windows 95/NT
Creator                         : FrameMaker 5.5P4f
Modify Date                     : 1999:06:29 09:12:48-05:00
Subject                         : 321882A-01, May 1998
Page Count                      : 61
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National Instruments Vxi Vme 600 Users Manual Getting Started With Your VXI/VMEpc™ Series For Windows 95/NT

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