Serial Link Speeds PC Control Of PXI/CompactPCI Instruments

With data transfers approaching 100 Mbytes/s, the MXI-3 serial link uses standard PCI-to-PCI bridging and 1.5-Gbit/s serial technology to establish a transparent software and hardware link between PCI computers and PXI/CompactPCI systems. The link enables users to employ a PC instead of an embedded computer to control their PXI/CompactPCI modules, resulting in lower overall system costs. The link not only frees up PC slots, but also makes it possible to interconnect multiple PXI/CompactPCI chassis in star or daisy-chained configurations. Connections are made with flexible copper or fiber-optic cables in lengths from 2 meters to 200 meters. The MXI-3 interface delivers complete hardware and software transparency and complies fully with the PCI-to-PCI bridging specification. Once the link is installed, the host computer automatically initiates communication with all connectedchassis- the entire multi-chassis system operates as if it were a single PC. The product is offered in a kit configuration. Delivery is in the fourth quarter of 1999.