NI VME-MXI VMEbus Extender

The NI VME-MXI-2 is a single-slot, 6U VME module that extends VMEbus architecture beyond the mainframe using high-performance MXI-2 cable technology. It translates VMEbus cycles to MXIbus cycles bidirectionally, enabling seamless communication between VMEbus systems, personal computers, instruments, and other mainframes as a unified system. The module functions as a VMEbus system controller, master, slave, or interrupter, supporting full address space coverage and multiple data transfer widths.

– Technical Specifications

• Form Factor: Single-slot, 6U VME module
• Peak Transfer Rate: 33 MB/s
• Sustained Transfer Rate: 23 MB/s
• VMEbus Address Spaces: A16, A24, A32
• Data Transfer Widths: D64 (VME64), D32, D16, D08
• Address Windows: Four configurable windows; dedicated window for upper 16 KB A16 space (VXIbus configuration)
• MXI-2 Connectors: One fully implemented MXI-2 bus connector
• Operational Modes: Interlocked and Parallel
• Power (Typical): +5 VDC, 2.2 A
• Power (Maximum): +5 VDC, 3.2 A
• Operating Temperature: 0° to 55° C
• Storage Temperature: -40° to 85° C
• Operating Humidity: 0% to 95% (non-condensing)
• Physical Dimensions: 9.187 × 6.2999 inches (23.3 × 16.0 cm)
• Weight: 0.73 lb (332 g)

– Key Features

• Supports synchronous MXI, D64, and block-cycle transfers
• Automatic block-mode translation: MXIbus block transfers convert to VMEbus block transfers and vice versa
• Automatic fallback to non-block-mode cycles on VMEbus if slave device lacks block-mode support
• Automatic MXI-2 cable termination for multi-mainframe expansion
• Installable in leftmost slot as system controller or any slot as secondary module
• Multiple boards can be installed in one mainframe to add additional MXI links

– System Expansion

• Interconnects up to 8 VXI or VME chassis as a single VME system
• Compatible with B-size VXI systems
• Enables distributed I/O and instrumentation architectures across isolated mechanical environments

– Compatibility & Integration

• VMEbus Master and Slave capabilities
• VMEbus Interrupter functionality
• VMEbus Miscellaneous Services support
• Part Numbers: 777243-01, 183107A-01