Marvin GX6377 User manual

GXSW
Switching Instruments
GX6377
Multifunction Switching Card
User’s Guide
Last Updated: December 13, 2016

GX6377 User’s Guide i
Safety and Handling
Each product shipped by Marvin Test Solutions is carefully inspected and tested prior to shipping. The shipping box
provides protection during shipment, and can be used for storage of both the hardware and the software when they
are not in use.
The circuit boards are extremely delicate and require care in handling and installation. Do not remove the boards
from their protective plastic coverings or from the shipping box until you are ready to install the boards into your
computer.
If a board is removed from the computer for any reason, be sure to store it in its original shipping box. Do not store
boards on top of workbenches or other areas where they might be susceptible to damage or exposure to strong
electromagnetic or electrostatic fields. Store circuit boards in protective anti-electrostatic wrapping and away from
electromagnetic fields.
Be sure to make a single copy of the software CD for installation. Store the original CD in a safe place away from
electromagnetic or electrostatic fields. Return compact disks (CD) to their protective case or sleeve and store in the
original shipping box or other suitable location.
Warranty
Marvin Test Solutions products are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 12
months. Marvin Test Solutions shall repair or replace (at its discretion) any defective product during the stated
warranty period. The software warranty includes any revisions or new versions released during the warranty period.
Revisions and new versions may be covered by a software support agreement. If you need to return a board, please
contact Marvin Test Solutions Customer Technical Services Department via Error! Hyperlink reference not
valid./ - the Marvin Test Solutions on-line support system.
If You Need Help
Visit our web site at Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. for more information about Marvin Test Solutions
products, services and support options. Our web site contains sections describing support options and application
notes, as well as a download area for downloading patches, example, patches and new or revised instrument drivers.
To submit a support issue including suggestion, bug report or questions please use the following link:
https://www.MarvinTest.com/magic/
You can also use Marvin Test Solutions technical support phone line [phone]. This service is available
between 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM Pacific Standard Time.
Our address (check our website for latest address): Marvin Test Solutions, 1770 Kettering, Irvine, CA 92614, USA.
Disclaimer
In no event, shall Marvin Test Solutions or any of its representatives be liable for any consequential damages
whatsoever (including unlimited damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business
information, or any other losses) arising out of the use of or inability to use this product, even if Marvin Test
Solutions has been advised of the possibility for such damages.

ii GX6377 User’s Guide
Copyright
Copyright 2003-2016 by Marvin Test Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this document can be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Marvin Test Solutions.
Trademarks
ATEasy , CalEasy, DIOEasy®, DtifEasy, WaveEasy
Marvin Test Solutions, Inc.
(prior name was Geotest –
Marvin Test Systems, Inc.)
C++ Builder, Delphi
Embarcadero Technologies
Inc.
LabView, LabWindowstm/CVI
National Instruments
Microsoft Developer Studio, Microsoft Visual C++, Microsoft Visual Basic,
.NET and Windows.
Microsoft Corporation
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

GX6377 User’s Guide iii
Table of Contents
Safety and Handling...................................................................................................................................................i
Warranty ....................................................................................................................................................................i
If You Need Help.......................................................................................................................................................i
Disclaimer..................................................................................................................................................................i
Copyright ................................................................................................................................................................. ii
Trademarks .............................................................................................................................................................. ii
Chapter 1 - Introduction .............................................................................................................................1
Manual Scope and Organization...............................................................................................................................1
Manual Scope.......................................................................................................................................................1
Manual Organization............................................................................................................................................1
Conventions Used in this Manual .............................................................................................................................1
Chapter 2 - Overview ..................................................................................................................................3
Introduction...............................................................................................................................................................3
Features.....................................................................................................................................................................3
Board Description.....................................................................................................................................................4
Side view of the GX6377.....................................................................................................................................4
Architecture ..............................................................................................................................................................5
High Current Form A SPST Relays .....................................................................................................................5
Form A SPST Relays ...........................................................................................................................................5
Form C SPDT Relays...........................................................................................................................................6
Switch Matrix Groups..........................................................................................................................................6
Basic (default) configuration of two groups of 2x16:...........................................................................................6
Configuration programmed to one group of 2x32:...............................................................................................7
Configuration via jumpers to a 4x16 switch matrix..............................................................................................7
Ground and Guard................................................................................................................................................8
Specifications............................................................................................................................................................8
High Current Relays.............................................................................................................................................8
Form A & Form C Relays ....................................................................................................................................8
Switch Matrix Relays...........................................................................................................................................9
Environmental......................................................................................................................................................9
Physical................................................................................................................................................................9
Virtual Panel Description........................................................................................................................................10
Virtual Panel Initialize Dialog............................................................................................................................11
Virtual Panel Setup Page....................................................................................................................................12
Virtual Panel About Page...................................................................................................................................13

iv GX6377 User’s Guide
Chapter 3 - Installation and Connections...............................................................................................15
Getting Started........................................................................................................................................................15
Packing List........................................................................................................................................................15
Unpacking and Inspection..................................................................................................................................15
System Requirements.........................................................................................................................................15
Installation of the GXSW Software ........................................................................................................................16
Setup Maintenance Program...................................................................................................................................16
Overview of the GXSW Software...........................................................................................................................17
Installation Folders..................................................................................................................................................17
Configuring Your PXI System using the PXI/PCI Explorer...................................................................................18
Board Installation....................................................................................................................................................19
Before you Begin ...............................................................................................................................................19
Electric Static Discharge (ESD) Precautions .....................................................................................................19
Installing a Board...............................................................................................................................................19
Plug & Play Driver Installation..........................................................................................................................21
Removing a Board..............................................................................................................................................21
Connectors and Jumpers .........................................................................................................................................22
Connectors and Accessories....................................................................................................................................23
J6 Connector...........................................................................................................................................................24
Header JP2 –Group A Columns to Group B Columns...........................................................................................25
Chapter 4 - Functions Reference............................................................................................................. 27
Introduction.............................................................................................................................................................27
GX6377 Functions..................................................................................................................................................28
Gx6377GetBoardSummary.....................................................................................................................................29
Gx6377Initialize .....................................................................................................................................................30
Gx6377InitializeVisa..............................................................................................................................................31
Gx6377MatrixClose................................................................................................................................................32
Gx6377MatrixGetChannel......................................................................................................................................33
Gx6377MatrixGetConfiguration.............................................................................................................................34
Gx6377MatrixGetRow............................................................................................................................................35
Gx6377MatrixOpen................................................................................................................................................36
Gx6377MatrixSetConfiguration .............................................................................................................................37
Gx6377MatrixSetRow............................................................................................................................................38
Gx6377Panel...........................................................................................................................................................39
Gx6377RelayClose .................................................................................................................................................40
Gx6377RelayGetChannel .......................................................................................................................................41

GX6377 User’s Guide v
Gx6377RelayGetChannels......................................................................................................................................42
Gx6377RelayOpen..................................................................................................................................................43
Gx6377RelaySetChannels.......................................................................................................................................44
Gx6377Reset...........................................................................................................................................................45
GxSWGetErrorString..............................................................................................................................................46
Index...........................................................................................................................................................49

vi GX6377 User’s Guide

Introduction 1
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Manual Scope and Organization
Manual Scope
This manual provides all the information necessary for installation, operation, and maintenance of the GX6377 PXI
Switch Matrix Board. The manual also covers the GXSW software package that includes the GX6377 driver. This
manual assumes the reader has a general knowledge of PC based computers, Windows operating systems, and a
general knowledge of modular test equipment.
Manual Organization
The GX6377 manual is organized in the following manner:
Chapter
Content
Chapter 1 –Introduction
Introduces the GX6377 manual and shows warning conventions used in the
manual.
Chapter 2 –Overview
Provides the GX6377 list of features, description of the board, architecture,
specifications and the virtual panel description and operation.
Chapter 3 –Installation and
Connections
Provides instructions about how to install a GX6377 board and the GXSW
software.
Chapter 4 –Functions
Reference
Provides a list of the GXSW driver functions for the GX6377. Each function
description provides syntax, parameters, and any special programming
comments.
Conventions Used in this Manual
Symbol Convention
Meaning
Static Sensitive Electronic Devices. Handle Carefully.
Warnings that may pose a personal danger to your health. For example, shock
hazard.
Cautions where computer components may be damaged if not handled carefully.
Tips that aid you in your work.

2GX6377 User’s Guide
Formatting
Convention
Meaning
Monospaced Text
Examples of field syntax and programming samples.
Bold type
Words or characters you type as the manual instructs. For example: function or panel
names.
Italic type
Specialized terms. Titles of other references and information sources. Placeholders for
items you must supply, such as function parameters