VTI Instruments Corp.
12
EX2500A Introduction
Familiar Software Interfaces
The EX2500A is fully compliant with the VXI
plug&play
specifications and implements VISA as
the API communication layer. A standard VISA I/O library is included and integrates seamlessly
with either Agilent Technologies™ or National Instruments™ versions of VISA. This greatly
simplifies installation of the EX2500A into legacy systems using the VISA protocol and preserves
any investment in existing TPS (
T
est
P
rogram
S
et) and driver development by eliminating the
need for costly code modifications.
The VXI Resource Manager is resident on the module and executed automatically at power up, all
system resources are allocated without the need to run a separate utility. The EX2500A runs an
embedded web interface and system status including installed VXI hardware, memory allocation,
IP configuration, and logical address information can be viewed through an LXI-compliant web
page. Direct communication to installed devices through message or register-based commands can
be achieved through this interface. This interface allows firmware updates to be accomplished
quickly and easily.
Embedded Resource Manager
A resource manager (RESMAN), as defined by the VXIbus specification, primarily performs the
task of identifying all VXI devices in a mainframe and ensures that these devices have passed their
self-tests. RESMAN also configures the system’s A24 and A32 address maps, allocates the
VMEbus interrupt lines, and initiates normal system operation. Furthermore, RESMAN
establishes a system wide control hierarchy described by Commander and Servant relationships.
Unlike other Slot 0 interfaces, the EX2500A has an embedded resource manager that runs on
every power up. Because RESMAN is integrated into the EX2500A, there is no need for this
utility to be available in any other location, such as a PC. Since RESMAN runs on every power
cycle of the EX2500A, user’s free themselves form the need to run this application manually as
well as the need to remember to run the application after device changes have been made to the
mainframe.
Additional Features
The following features are also available on the EX2500A:
•
Dual media gigabit Ethernet interface (Cat 5e UTP or SFP-1000BASE SX or LX fiber optic).
•
Auto-MDIX (
Medium Dependent Interface Crossover
) operation, eliminating the need for
crossover cables.
•
Detailed link status indicators for Ethernet interface.
•
Sophisticated trigger routing capabilities between the front panel input connectors (clock and
trigger), LXI triggers, VXI triggers, and LXI LAN Events.
•
Integrated web interface to provide status, test, and software/firmware update capability.
•
Options for TCXO or OCXO Clock 10 generation.
•
256 MB of 333 MHz DDR system memory, upgradeable to 2 GB.
•
Capable of VXI-3.0 2eVME backplane cycles.
•
LXI 1588 operation.
•
A16, A24, and A32 address space access.
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