Keysight Technologies M9036A PXIe User guide

Keysight M9036A PXIe
Embedded Controller
Startup Guide

iii
Notices
© Keysight Technologies, Inc. 2011-2015
No part of this manual may be repro-
duced in any form or by any means
(including electronic storage and retrieval
or translation into a foreign language)
without prior agreement and written con-
sent from Keysight Technologies, Inc. as
governed by United States and interna-
tional copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
M9036-90001
Edition
Fifth Edition, March 2015
Published in USA
Keysight Technologies, Inc.
1400 Fountaingrove Parkway
Santa Rosa, CA 95403 USA
Trademarks
AXIe is a registered trademark of the AXIe
Consortium.
PXI is a registered trademark of the PXI
Systems Alliance.
PICMG®, Compact PCI®, and
AdvancedTCA®are registered trade-
marks of the PCI Industrial Computer
Manufacturers Group.
PCI-SIG®, PCI Express®, and PCIe®are
registered trademarks of PCI-SIG.
Sales and Technical Support
To contact Keysight for sales and techni-
cal support, refer to the support links on
the following Keysight websites:
www.keysight.com/find/M9036A (prod-
uct-specific information and support,
software and documentation updates)
www.keysight.com/find/assist (world-
wide contact information for repair and
service)
Declaration of Conformity
Declarations of Conformity for this prod-
uct and for other Keysight products may
be downloaded from the Web. Go to
http://www.keysight.com/go/conformity
and click on “Declarations of Conformity.”
You can then search by product number
to find the latest Declaration of Confor-
mity.
Technology Licenses
The hardware and/or software described
in this document are furnished under a
license and may be used or copied only in
accordance with the terms of such
license.
Warranty
THE MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS
DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS,” AND
IS SUBJECT TO BEING CHANGED,
WITHOUT NOTICE, IN FUTURE EDI-
TIONS. FURTHER, TO THE MAXIMUM
EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE
LAW, KEYSIGHT DISCLAIMS ALL WAR-
RANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL AND
ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED
HEREIN, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MER-
CHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. KEYSIGHT
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ERRORS OR
FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THE
FURNISHING, USE, OR PERFORMANCE
OF THIS DOCUMENT OR OF ANY INFOR-
MATION CONTAINED HEREIN. SHOULD
KEYSIGHT AND THE USER HAVE A SEP-
ARATE WRITTEN AGREEMENT WITH
WARRANTY TERMS COVERING THE
MATERIAL IN THIS DOCUMENT THAT
CONFLICT WITH THESE TERMS, THE
WARRANTY TERMS IN THE SEPARATE
AGREEMENT SHALL CONTROL.
Keysight Technologies does not warrant
third-party system-level (combination of
chassis, controllers, modules, etc.) per-
formance, safety, or regulatory compli-
ance unless specifically stated.
DFARS/Restricted Rights
Notices
If software is for use in the performance
of a U.S. Government prime contract or
subcontract, Software is delivered and
licensed as “Commercial computer soft-
ware” as defined in DFAR 252.227-7014
(June 1995), or as a “commercial item” as
defined in FAR 2.101(a) or as “Restricted
computer software” as defined in FAR
52.227-19 (June 1987) or any equivalent
agency regulation or contract clause.
Use, duplication or disclosure of Software
is subject to Keysight Technologies’ stan-
dard commercial license terms, and non-
DOD Departments and Agencies of the
U.S. Government will receive no greater
than Restricted Rights as defined in FAR
52.227-19(c)(1-2) (June 1987). U.S. Gov-
ernment users will receive no greater
than Limited Rights as defined in FAR
52.227-14 (June 1987) or DFAR 252.227-
7015 (b)(2) (November 1995), as applica-
ble in any technical data.

Safety Information
The following general safety precau-
tions must be observed during all
phases of operation of this instrument.
Failure to comply with these precau-
tions or with specific warnings or oper-
ating instructions in the product
manuals violates safety standards of
design, manufacture, and intended use
of the instrument. Keysight Technolo-
gies assumes no liability for the cus-
tomer's failure to comply with these
requirements.
General
Do not use this product in any manner not
specified by the manufacturer. The protec-
tive features of this product must not be
impaired if it is used in a manner specified in
the operation instructions.
Before Applying Power
Verify that all safety precautions are taken.
Make all connections to the unit before
applying power. Note the external markings
described under “Safety Symbols”.
Ground the Instrument
Keysight chassis’ are provided with a
grounding-type power plug. The
instrument chassis and cover must be
connected to an electrical ground to
minimize shock hazard. The ground pin
must be firmly connected to an electri-
cal ground (safety ground) terminal at
the power outlet. Any interruption of
the protective (grounding) conductor
or disconnection of the protective
earth terminal will cause a potential
shock hazard that could result in per-
sonal injury.
Do Not Operate in an Explosive
Atmosphere
Do not operate the module/chassis in
the presence of flammable gases or
fumes.
Do Not Operate Near Flammable
Liquids
Do not operate the module/chassis in
the presence of flammable liquids or
near containers of such liquids.
Cleaning
Clean the outside of the Keysight mod-
ule/chassis with a soft, lint-free,
slightly dampened cloth. Do not use
detergent or chemical solvents.
Do Not Remove Instrument Cover
Only qualified, service-trained person-
nel who are aware of the hazards
involved should remove instrument
covers. Always disconnect the power
cable and any external circuits before
removing the instrument cover.
Keep away from live circuits
Operating personnel must not remove
equipment covers or shields. Proce-
dures involving the removal of covers
and shields are for use by service-
trained personnel only. Under certain
conditions, dangerous voltages may
exist even with the equipment
switched off. To avoid dangerous elec-
trical shock, DO NOT perform proce-
dures involving cover or shield removal
unless you are qualified to do so.
DO NOT operate damaged
equipment
Whenever it is possible that the safety
protection features built into this prod-
uct have been impaired, either through
physical damage, excessive moisture,
or any other reason, REMOVE POWER
and do not use the product until safe
operation can be verified by service-
trained personnel. If necessary, return
the product to an Keysight Technolo-
gies Sales and Service Office for ser-
vice and repair to ensure the safety
features are maintained.
DO NOT block the primary
disconnect
The primary disconnect device is the
appliance connector/power cord when
a chassis used by itself, but when
installed into a rack or system the dis-
connect may be impaired and must be
considered part of the installation.
Do Not Modify the Instrument
Do not install substitute parts or per-
form any unauthorized modification to
the product. Return the product to an
Keysight Sales and Service Office to
ensure that safety features are main-
tained.
In Case of Damage
Instruments that appear damaged or
defective should be made inoperative
and secured against unintended oper-
ation until they can be repaired by
qualified service personnel
Do NOT block vents and fan exhaust:
To ensure adequate cooling and venti-
lation, leave a gap of at least 50mm
(2") around vent holes on both sides of
the chassis.
Do NOT operate with empty slots: To
ensure proper cooling and avoid dam-
aging equipment, fill each empty slot
with an AXIe filler panel module.
Do NOT stack free-standing chassis:
Stacked chassis should be rack-
mounted.
All modules are grounded through the
chassis: During installation, tighten
each module's retaining screws to
secure the module to the chassis and
to make the ground connection.
Operator is responsible to maintain
safe operating conditions. To ensure
safe operating conditions, modules
should not be operated beyond the full
temperature range specified in the
Environmental and physical specifica-
tion. Exceeding safe operating condi-
tions can result in shorter lifespan,
improper module performance and
user safety issues. When the modules
are in use and operation within the
specified full temperature range is not
maintained, module surface tempera-
tures may exceed safe handling condi-
tions which can cause discomfort or
burns if touched. In the event of a
module exceeding the full temperature
range, always allow the module to cool
before touching or removing modules
from the chassis.
iv

Safety Symbols
A CAUTION denotes a hazard. It
calls attention to an operating pro-
cedure or practice, that, if not cor-
rectly performed or adhered to
could result in damage to the
product or loss of important data.
Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION
notice until the indicated condi-
tions are fully understood and met.
A WARNING denotes a hazard. It
calls attention to an operating pro-
cedure or practice, that, if not cor-
rectly performed or adhered to,
could result in personal injury or
death. Do not proceed beyond a
WARNING notice until the indi-
cated conditions are fully under-
stood and met.
Products display the following sym-
bols:
The CSA mark is a registered trade-
mark of the Canadian Standards Asso-
ciation and indicates compliance to
the standards laid out by them. Refer
to the product Declaration of Confor-
mity for details.
Notice for European Community: This
product complies with the relevant
European legal Directives: EMC Direc-
tive (2004/108/EC) and Low Voltage
Directive (2006/95/EC).
The Regulatory Compliance Mark
(RCM) mark is a registered trademark.
This signifies compliance with the Aus-
tralia EMC Framework regulations
under the terms of the Radio Commu-
nication Act of 1992.
ICES/NMB-001 indicates that this ISM
device complies with the Canadian
ICES-001.
This symbol represents the time period
during which no hazardous or toxic
substance elements are expected to
leak or deteriorate during normal use.
Forty years is the expected useful life
of this product.
South Korean Class A EMC Declara-
tion. this equipment is Class A suitable
for professional use and is for use in
electromagnetic environments outside
of the home.
Waste Electrical and
Electronic
Equipment (WEEE)
Directive
2002/96/EC
This product complies with the WEEE
Directive (2002/96/EC) marking
requirement. The affixed product label
(see below) indicates that you must not
discard this electrical/electronic prod-
uct in domestic household waste.
Product Category: With reference to
the equipment types in the WEEE
directive Annex 1, this product is clas-
sified as a “Monitoring and Control
instrumentation” product.
Do not dispose in domestic household
waste.
To return unwanted products, contact
your local Keysight office for more
information.
Warning, risk of electric
shock
Refer to manual for addi-
tional safety information.
Earth Ground.
Chassis Ground.
Alternating Current (AC).
Standby Power. Unit is not
completely disconnected
from AC mains when
switch is in standby.
Antistatic precautions
should be taken.
CAT I
CAT II
CAT III
CAT IV
IEC Measurement Cate-
gory I, II, III, or IV
For localized Safety Warnings, Refer
to Keysight Safety document (p/n
9320-6792).
M9036A
MSIP-REM-Kst-
BLM9036A
v

vi

Keysight M9036A PXIe Embedded Controller Startup Guide vii
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Related Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
M9036A at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Front panel LED indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Step 1: Unpack and Inspect the Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
ESD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Inspect for damage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
If you need to return the module for service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Step 2: Verify Shipment Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Step 3: Install the M9036A Embedded Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Power On Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Power Off Sequence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Power Down Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Removing the M9036A from the chassis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
M9018A PCIe Link Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Microsoft Windows Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Controller and Chassis Drivers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Windows Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
User data backup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
System Backup and Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Step 4: Run Keysight IO Libraries Suite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Step 5. Verify Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Step 6: Install User Application Modules in the PXI Express Chassis . . . . . . . 24
Install application module drivers (if necessary) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Controller Operating System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Windows security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
User data backup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Chassis shutdown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Using LabVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Environmental Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

viii Keysight M9036A PXIe Embedded Controller Startup Guide

KeysightPXI M9036A Embedded Controller
Startup Guide
9
Introduction
Keysight’s M9036A is a 3U PXIe Embedded Controller providing:
-Intel CoreTM i5-520E, 2.4 GHz processor.
-4GB (or optional 8GB) 1333 MHz DDR3 Memory*.
-160GB SATA 2.5 inch solid state drive (SSD).
-Integrated IO on the front panel includes Gigabit Ethernet ports, four USB 2.0
ports, micro D-sub GPIB connector, ExpressCard 34, DVI-I Video, etc.
-Front Panel SMB Trigger Connector used to route an external trigger signal
(TTL level) to/from the PXI backplane with software trigger.
-Preloaded with Keysight IO Libraries Suite and one of these operating
systems:
–Microsoft Windows 7 32-bit or 64-bit
–Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard 7 (WES 7) 32-bit or 64-bit
–Windows XP 32-bit
-Pre-installed IVI drivers for the Keysight M9018A 18-slot PXIe chassis.
Related Documentation
A Windows 7, WES 7, or XP Operating System and all M9036A drivers were
installed at the factory, no additional drivers are required. No printed
documentation other than this Startup Guide is supplied with the controller. This
Startup Guide and User Guide are also found on the Product Information CD
supplied with the controller.
Complete M9036A documentation, as well as the M9018A chassis
documentation, is available preinstalled on the M9036A SSD. From the Windows
Start button, select All Programs > Keysight > M9036A or M9018A.
Adobe Reader is required to view the documentation supplied on the M9036A
and product CD. It is available free at: http://get.adobe.com/reader. You should
install this on your M9036A prior to attempting to open a .PDF file.
For the latest M9036A specifications, go to: www.keysight.com/find/M9036A.
* The M9036A has two 240-pin, RDIMM sockets that support DDR3-1333 REG/ECC RAM sticks. Each socket
supports memory modules up to 4GB for a total memory capacity of 8GB. The standard M9036A configuration
is a single 4GB memory module with a factory option to add a second 4GB memory module. The ability of
addressing 4GB memory is operating system dependent. A 32-bit OS system may not be able to address the
full 4GB memory space. To use the full 4GB/8GB memory, a 64-bit OS must be used.

10 Keysight M9036A Embedded Controller Startup Guide
M9036A at a Glance
For the IVI trigger driver, help file, program examples, etc. go to:
C:\ProgramFiles\IVI Foundation\IVI\Drivers\AgM9036 or
C:\ProgramFiles x86\IVI Foundation\IVI\Drivers\AgM9036
For the Soft Front Panel interface: from the Window’s Start menu, select:
Start > All Programs > Keysight > M9036 PXIe Embedded Controller
M9036A at a Glance
The following figure shows the front panel for the M9036A. Detailed information
about the module follows in this manual.
DVI Connector
ExpressCard 34
Connector
GPIB
USB Ports
Reset Button
SMB Trigger
LED Indicators
LAN Connectors
Connector
Lever Lock Release
Button
(press red button down
before moving black
ejector/injector handle)

Keysight M9036A Embedded Controller Startup Guide 11
M9036A at a Glance
Front panel LED indicators
The following table lists the LEDs on the front panel and a brief description of
their use and what they indicate.
Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) LEDs
LED Indicator Color Description
PWR Green If the LED is on, the power supply to the controller is good and the
system should boot.
SSD Yellow When the Solid State Drive (SSD) is active, the LED will flash.
WD Red Not Used* *
*WD stands for Watchdog Timer and is not implemented in the M9036A.
However, it is possible for this LED to turn on because of activity on the SMBus.
Reboot the M9036A to turn the LED off.
Status Blue •If the LED is on and then turns off during system boot, then the
system status is normal.
•If the LED continues blinking or stays on, it indicates the system is
not able to shut down properly. When the chassis Inhibit switch is in
the Manual position, a controller shutdown results in a Microsoft
Windows shutdown; however, the controller is not able to shut
down the chassis power supply. As a result, the LED remains on
until the chassis Inhibit pin is pulsed low (thus cycling the power
supply) OR the chassis power button is pressed again causing
Microsoft Windows to reboot.
LED Status Description
Active/Link LED
(yellow)
Off Ethernet port is disconnected
On Ethernet port is connected but
no data transmission
Flash Ethernet port is connected and
is transmitting/receiving data
Speed LED
Off 10Mbps
Green 100Mbps
Amber 1000Mbps
RJ-45
Speed and Link
10Mbps: off
100Mbps: Green
1000Mbps: Amber
Active
Blinking when accessing IO

12 Keysight M9036A Embedded Controller Startup Guide
Step 1: Unpack and Inspect the Module
Step 1: Unpack and Inspect the Module
ESD
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage or destroy electronic components. All
work on electronic assemblies should be performed at a static-safe work station.
The following figure shows an example of a static-safe work station using two
types of ESD protection. Purchase acceptable ESD accessories from your local
supplier.
-Conductive table-mat and wrist-strap combination.
-Conductive floor-mat and heel-strap combination.
Both types, when used together, provide a significant level of ESD protection. Of
the two, only the table-mat and wrist-strap combination provides adequate ESD
protection when used alone. To ensure user safety, the static-safe accessories
must provide at least 1 Mof isolation from ground.
Keysight’s PXIe Modules are shipped in materials that prevent
static electricity damage. The modules should only be removed
from the packaging in an anti-static area ensuring that correct
anti-static precautions are taken. Store all modules in anti-static
envelopes when not in use.

Keysight M9036A Embedded Controller Startup Guide 13
Step 1: Unpack and Inspect the Module
Inspect for damage
After unpacking the embedded controller, carefully inspect it for any shipping
damage. Report any damage to the shipping agent immediately, as such
damage is not covered by the warranty.
If you need to return the module for service
Should it become necessary to return a Keysight module for repair or service,
follow the steps below:
1Review the warranty information shipped with your product.
2Contact Keysight to obtain a return authorization and return address. If you
need assistance finding Keysight contact information go to
www.keysight.com/find/assist (worldwide contact information for repair and
service) or refer to the Support information on the product web page at:
www.keysight.com/find/M9036A.
3Write the following information on a tag and attach it to the malfunctioning
equipment.
–Name and address of owner. A Post Office box is not acceptable as a return
address.
–Product model number (for example, M9036A)
–Product serial number (for example, TWXXXXXXXX). The serial number
label is located on the side of the module.
–A description of failure or service required.
4For memory declassification or sanitization purposes, you may want to
remove the SSD and RAM modules prior to returning the M9036A for service.
Refer to the M9036A User Guide for detailed instructions.
5Carefully pack the module in its original ESD bag and carton. If the original
carton is not available, use bubble wrap or packing peanuts, place the
instrument in a sealed container and mark the container “FRAGILE”.
6On the shipping label, write ATTENTION REPAIR DEPARTMENT and the
service order number (if known).
To avoid damage when handling a module; do not touch exposed
connector pins.
If any correspondence is required, refer to the product by model
number and serial number.

14 Keysight M9036A Embedded Controller Startup Guide
Step 2: Verify Shipment Contents
Step 2: Verify Shipment Contents
Your shipment should have included the following:
-The Keysight M9036A Embedded Controller module that you ordered.
-This printed manual (M9036A PXIe Embedded Controller Startup Guide).
-An Automation-Ready CD with Keysight IO Libraries Suite (version 16.3 or
later). (IO Libraries was installed at the factory)
-An M9036A Product Information CD with User Guide and specifications.
Adobe Reader is required (http://get.adobe.com/reader)
-An ExpressCard latch kit. Refer to the User Guide for instructions.
-A GPIB cable and a DVI-to-VGA adapter were also supplied with the
controller (see photo below):
The operating system of your choice (Windows 7 32-bit or 64-bit, WES 7 32-bit
or 64-bit, or Windows XP 32-bit), the latest version of the Keysight IO Libraries
Suite, and all necessary driver software were installed for you at the factory.
No other drivers are required to operate the controller module. However, your
application modules may require drivers. If possible, you should connect the
M9036A to the internet and download drivers from the original source.
Alternately, you can transfer the drivers on a USB memory stick and install them
accordingly.
DVI-to-VGA
Adapter
GPIB Cable
Because there is no industry standard for the front micro D-sub
25P GPIB connector, interoperability cannot be guaranteed with
other similar cables. A replacement adapter cable may be ordered
from Keysight with the part number: M9036-31301.
The most current version of Keysight IO Libraries is required prior
to installing and running any other software. The latest version
can be downloaded from: www.keysight.com/find/iosuite.

Keysight M9036A Embedded Controller Startup Guide 15
Step 3: Install the M9036A Embedded Controller
Step 3: Install the M9036A Embedded Controller
The Keysight M9036A has been designed for easy installation. However, the
following standard precautions, installation procedures, and general information
must be observed to ensure proper installation and to prevent damage to the
board, other system components, or injury to personnel.
Keysight’s M9036A can operate with all of the PCIe fabric configurations found
on the M9018A chassis as well as the standard 4x4 fabric used on non-Keysight
chassis.
The following safety precautions must be observed when installing or
operating the Keysight M9036A. Exercise care when handling the module
as the heat sink can get very hot. Do not touch the heat sink when
installing or removing the module. The board should not be placed on any
surface or in any form of storage container until the board and heat sink
have cooled to room temperature.
Embedded controllers, such as the M9036A, must be installed in
System Controller slot (Slot 1) of the chassis.
M9018A PXIe Chassis Backplane Switch:
The default position of the chassis backplane switch is to the left.
However, if a Keysight M9021A Cable Interface module was
previously installed in the M9018A chassis, then the backplane
switch was moved to the right. To use the M9036A Embedded
Controller in the M9018A chassis, the slide switch should be in
the left position before installing the controller. Refer to the
M9018A chassis documentation for more information.
Ensure the M9018A
backplane switch is
in the left position

16 Keysight M9036A Embedded Controller Startup Guide
Step 3: Install the M9036A Embedded Controller
Follow these steps to install the M9036A Embedded Controller in a PXIe chassis.
1Ensure the PXIe chassis is turned off. The chassis should be plugged into an
AC power source. The AC power cord grounds the chassis and protects it from
electrical damage while modules are installed.
2On the M9018A chassis, set the rear panel INHIBIT switch to DEF.
3Remove the screw protection caps from the four M9036A retaining screws.
4Push down on the controller’s ejector/injector handle. The red button on the
handle must be depressed to release it.
5Carefully align the M9036A board edges with the chassis guide rails for slot 1
(red guide rails) and insert the controller into the guide rails.
6Push inward on the module until it is firmly seated in the chassis. (Do not force
the handle if there is resistance; this may damage the connectors and/or
backplane.)
7Pull up on the ejector/injector handle to firmly seat the controller.
8Tighten the module’s four (4) captive retaining screws.
9A slot blocker should be installed immediately to the left of the M9036A to
ensure proper airflow.
10 Connect other peripherals (such as the keyboard, mouse, monitor, LAN cable
for remote access, etc.) to the Embedded Controller.
Some non-Keysight PXIe chassis manufacturers install small
chassis stops just to the left of the slot 1 guide rails (both top and
bottom). Refer to the photo below. These must be removed prior
to installing the M9036A Embedded Controller. They snap in and
are easily pulled out.
Remove these
chassis stops

Keysight M9036A Embedded Controller Startup Guide 17
Step 3: Install the M9036A Embedded Controller
11 Power up the PXIe chassis. Verify that the chassis fans are operating and free
of obstructions that may restrict air flow.
Power On Sequence
The M9036A controller, like any PC, will boot with the operating system that you
specified. Refer to the M9036A User Guide on the M9036A Product Information
CD for detailed power on and configuration sequence information.
The first time the M9036A is powered up, it will prompt you to create a user
password.
Power Off Sequence
As with any PC, Windows-based instruments should not be shutdown by either
turning off the power via an external power source or by pulling the power plug
out from the rear panel. This could corrupt the operating system. The approved
way to shut down the controller is to execute the Windows shutdown process
which shuts down the M9036A controller then turns off the M9018A chassis. If
the M9018A chassis rear panel INHIBIT switch is set to DEF then momentarily
pressing the front panel button shuts down the M9036A safely.
Possible Operating System Damage: DO NOT interrupt or
power-down the controller during the FIRST boot of the operating
system. Interrupting this FIRST boot will damage the operating
system image. Be sure to wait until the boot is complete and the
Windows operating system start window is displayed, and then
perform one orderly Restart of Windows (this will ensure all
configuration files have been saved). Subsequent boots will then
be ready for normal operation.
Depending on the system configuration, the BIOS may take up to
90 second (or longer) to boot. During this time, the Keysight
splash screen (the Keysight logo) is present and it may appear
that nothing is happening. This is generally caused by the
inclusion of certain devices in the switch fabric (such as RAID
controller) that require a longer time for PCI enumeration.

18 Keysight M9036A Embedded Controller Startup Guide
Step 3: Install the M9036A Embedded Controller
Power Down Modes
Keysight’s M9036A defaults to the Windows High Performance Power Plan. This
plan does not allow the controller display to shut off or the controller to enter a
sleep mode.
Removing the M9036A from the chassis
To remove the M9036A controller, reverse the previous procedure. Execute the
Windows shut down process on the controller first. Then power down the
chassis. Loosen the four captive screws, press down on the ejector/injector
handle and pull outwards to release the module from the backplane. Pull the
module towards you until it is free of the chassis.
M9018A PCIe Link Configuration
PCIe link configuration refers to how the PXIe chassis (such as the M9018A) PCIe
Switch Fabric is configured to connect PCI Express signals between slot 1, the
system controller slot, and the other chassis slots. For a review of the supported
PCIe link configurations, please refer to the M9018A User Guide (available from
the Windows Start button, select All Programs > Keysight > M9018A).
Keysight’s M9036A can operate with all of the PCIe fabric configurations found
on the M9018A chassis. Although the default M9018A PCIe chassis fabric is
“2-Link Configuration: 1x8” (this configuration, referred to as 1x8, provides one
x8 PCIe link from the system controller slot to the PCIe Switch Fabric) you should
reconfigure it to either 2x8 or 4x4 fabric.
The other supported PCIe link configurations are:
You should not enable the Microsoft Windows sleep mode. It is
possible that the M9036A controller could go into sleep mode
while it is running a user test program. The controller may not
have proper chassis enumeration when it wakes up.
If you have a USB keyboard with a Sleep button (sometimes this is
a key with a moon logo), do not use it.
Do not use the Sleep or Hibernate modes from the Startup Button
as shown in the following graphic.

Keysight M9036A Embedded Controller Startup Guide 19
Step 3: Install the M9036A Embedded Controller
-2-Link Configuration: 1x8 [Limited to PCIe Gen1 speed] — This fabric is
specifically for use in subordinate chassis in multi-chassis configurations. For
details, refer to Keysight's Multiple PXIe and AXIe Chassis Configuration tool.
This tool is available on the M9018A Product information CD as well as on line
at: www.keysight.com/find/pxie-multichassis.
-2-Link Configuration: 2x8 — Referred to as 2x8, this configuration provides
two x8 links from the system controller slot to the PCIe Switch Fabric. Link 1
can be routed by the PCIe Switch Fabric to slots 2-9, while Link 2 can be
routed to slots 10-18. This fabric provides a pair of x8 links for high data IO
performance.
-4-Link Configuration: 4x4 — Referred to as 4x4, this configuration provides
four x4 links from the system controller slot to the PCIe Switch Fabric. Link 1
can be routed by the PCIe Switch Fabric to slots 10-14, Link 2 can be routed
to slots 15-18, Link 3 can be routed to slots 2-5, and Link 4 can be routed to
slots 6-9. This fabric is more compatible with other non-Keysight system
modules.
If your system design requires another PCIe link configuration, such as 2x8, use
the chassis Configurator utility to change the PCIe Switch Fabric.
The Configurator utility program is available from the Windows Start button; select
All Programs > Keysight > M9018A. Instructions for using the Configurator program
are provided in the M9018A Chassis User Guide.
Microsoft Windows Activation
Keysight ensures that your copy of Windows 7 or XP is activated at the time it
ships from the factory. However, the first time you install and turn on the
M9036A and the Windows OS starts, you must accept the End User License
Agreement (EULA). For information about Windows EULA, go to
www.microsoft.com.
How to verify Windows Activation
To verify Windows 7 activation, do the following:
1Open the System by clicking the Windows Start button. Click Control Panel,
then System and Security, and then click System.
2Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Under Windows Activation, you can
view the activation status.
For more detailed information, refer to the M9036A User Guide
and the M9018A chassis User Guide.

20 Keysight M9036A Embedded Controller Startup Guide
Step 3: Install the M9036A Embedded Controller
To verify Windows XP activation, do the following:
1From the Windows Start button, select All Programs > Accessories > System Tools
> Activate Windows.
2If the Activate Windows option does not appear in System Tools, then Windows is
already activated.
Controller and Chassis Drivers
All of the M9036A Controller and M9018A Chassis drivers were installed on your
controller at the factory. You should not need to reinstall them. The M9036A
Product Information CD you received as part of the initial shipment (see “Step 2:
Verify Shipment Contents” on page 14) provides a backup for the drivers.
However, you should periodically check the M9036A web page
(www.keysight.com/find/M9036A) for the most current drivers. Instructions for
updating the drivers are on the web.
By Keysight’s agreement with Microsoft, Windows Automatic
Update is turned off at installation. You may choose to turn
Windows Automatic Update on after starting the operating
system. However, Keysight cannot be held responsible for
changes to the system caused by the automatic update process.
Enabling automatic Windows updates exposes the controller to
periodic OS changes and possible new system behaviors.
Make certain the Caps Lock and Num Lock keys are off when
entering passwords (especially for the first time). It is possible for
these keys to be on when the controller powers on.