National Instruments VXI-MXI-2

The National Instruments VXI-MXI-2 is a VXIbus Mainframe Extender that bridges PCI-based computers with VXIbus systems, enabling high-speed communication and control of multiple VXI instruments. This device extends VXIbus architecture beyond a single mainframe, allowing multiple VXIbus mainframes to operate as one integrated system through the MXI-2 interface.

– Technical Specifications

Data Transfer Performance
• Maximum data transfer rate: 38 MB/s with D64
• Peak VME transfer rate: 33 Mbytes/s
• Sustained VME transfer rate: 23 Mbytes/s
• Burst rate using MITE ASIC: 33 MB/s

Addressing & Data Modes
• Master-mode: A32, A24, A16 addressing; D32, D16, D08 data sizes; block and synchronous block transfers
• Slave-mode: A32, A24, A16 addressing; D32, D16, D08 data sizes; block and synchronous block transfers

Memory
Optional dual-ported DRAM expansion up to 64 MB.

Power Consumption
• +5 VDC: 2.5 A typical, 3.5 A maximum
• −5.2 VDC: 180 mA typical, 225 mA maximum
• −2 VDC: 80 mA typical, 100 mA maximum

Physical Characteristics
Available in C-size (233.35 × 340 mm, 1.027 kg typical) and B-size (233.35 × 160 mm, 0.36 kg typical) configurations. Metal enclosure provides improved EMI performance.

– Key Features

• Conforms to VXIbus Mainframe Extender Specification (VXI-6)
• Fully implemented MXI-2 bus connector
• Three SMB connectors: trigger output, trigger input, external clock I/O
• Optional Slot 0 capability with automatic detection, configurable without jumpers
• VXIplug&play compliant
• Compatible with Windows 10 using NI-VXI driver version 16

– Compatibility & Integration

• C-size and D-size VXIbus mainframes
• PCI-based computer systems
• VMEbus systems via VME-MXI-2 extension
• Embedded VXIbus controllers
• NI LabVIEW, NI Measurement Studio, NI-VISA software environments