Marvin GX6384-1 User manual

GXSW
Switching Instruments
GX6384-1
GX6384-2
GX6384-3
Configurable High-Density
Switch Matrix Board
User’s Guide
Last Updated: December 15, 2016

GX6384 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 https://www.MarvinTest.com/magic/ -
the Marvin Test Solutions on-line support system.
If You Need Help
Visit our web site at https://www.MarvinTest.com 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.
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.

ii GX6384 User’s Guide
Trademarks
ATEasy, CalEasy, DIOEasy®, DtifEasy, WaveEasy
Marvin Test Solutions (prior
name is 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.

GX6384 User’s Guide iii
Table of Contents
Safety and Handling..................................................................................................................................................1
Warranty ...................................................................................................................................................................1
If You Need Help......................................................................................................................................................1
Disclaimer.................................................................................................................................................................1
Copyright ..................................................................................................................................................................1
Trademarks ...............................................................................................................................................................2
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
Architecture ..............................................................................................................................................................5
Switch Matrix Groups..........................................................................................................................................6
GX6384-1 switch Matrix Dual 2x32 configured as two groups A and B each with 32 columns .........................6
GX6384-1 switch Matrix Dual 2x32 configured as single group of 2x64:...........................................................6
GX6384-2: switch Matrix Dual 4x32 configured as two groups A and B each with 32 columns........................7
GX6384-2: switch Matrix Dual 4x32 configured as single group of 4x64: .........................................................8
GX6384-3: switch Matrix Dual 6x32 configured as two groups A and B each with 32 columns........................9
GX6384-3: switch Matrix Dual 6x32 configured as single group of 6x64: .......................................................10
Ground and Guard..............................................................................................................................................10
Specifications..........................................................................................................................................................11
Contact Specifications........................................................................................................................................11
Physical..............................................................................................................................................................11
Environmental....................................................................................................................................................11
Virtual Panel Description........................................................................................................................................12
Virtual Panel Initialize Dialog............................................................................................................................13
Virtual Panel Setup Page....................................................................................................................................14
Virtual Panel About Page...................................................................................................................................16
Chapter 3 - Installation and Connections ............................................................................................... 17
Getting Started........................................................................................................................................................17
Packing List........................................................................................................................................................17

iv GX6384 User’s Guide
Unpacking and Inspection..................................................................................................................................17
System Requirements.........................................................................................................................................17
Installation of the GXSW Software ........................................................................................................................18
Setup Maintenance Program...................................................................................................................................18
Overview of the GXSW Software...........................................................................................................................19
Installation Folders..................................................................................................................................................19
Configuring Your PXI System using the PXI/PCI Explorer...................................................................................20
Board Installation....................................................................................................................................................21
Before you Begin ...............................................................................................................................................21
Electric Static Discharge (ESD) Precautions .....................................................................................................21
Installing a Board...............................................................................................................................................21
Plug & Play Driver Installation..........................................................................................................................23
Removing a Board..............................................................................................................................................23
Connectors and Jumpers .........................................................................................................................................24
Connectors and Accessories....................................................................................................................................25
J6 Connector –Default mode (Matrix configured as two groups A and B)............................................................26
J6 Connector –Single Group mode (Matrix configured as single A with 64 columns)..........................................27
Chapter 4 - Functions Reference.............................................................................................................29
Introduction.............................................................................................................................................................29
GX6384 Functions..................................................................................................................................................30
Gx6384Close ..........................................................................................................................................................31
Gx6384GetBoardSummary.....................................................................................................................................33
Gx6384GetChannel.................................................................................................................................................34
Gx6384GetGroupRow32Columns..........................................................................................................................36
Gx6384GetGroupRow64Columns..........................................................................................................................38
Gx6384GetGroupsConfiguration............................................................................................................................40
Gx6384Initialize .....................................................................................................................................................41
Gx6384InitializeVisa..............................................................................................................................................42
Gx6384Open...........................................................................................................................................................43
Gx6384Panel...........................................................................................................................................................45
Gx6384Reset...........................................................................................................................................................46
Gx6384ResetGroup ................................................................................................................................................47
Gx6384SetGroupRow32Columns...........................................................................................................................48
Gx6384SetGroupRow64Columns...........................................................................................................................50
Gx6384SetGroupsConfiguration.............................................................................................................................52
GxSWGetErrorString..............................................................................................................................................53

GX6384 User’s Guide v
Index...........................................................................................................................................................55

vi GX6384 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 GX6384-1/,
GX6384-2/ GX6384-3 PXI Configurable High-Density Switch Matrix Board. The manual also covers the GXSW
software package that includes the GX6384 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 GX6384 manual is organized in the following manner:
Chapter
Content
Chapter 1 –Introduction
Introduces the GX6384 manual and shows warning conventions used in the
manual.
Chapter 2 –Overview
Provides the GX6384 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 GX6384 board and the GXSW
software.
Chapter 4 –Functions
Reference
Provides a list of the GXSW driver functions for the GX6384. 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.

2GX6384 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

Overview 3
Chapter 2 - Overview
Introduction
The Marvin Test Solutions PXI GX6384 is a 384-crosspoint high-speed configurable switch matrix card that fits in a
single PXI/CompactPCI 3U bus slot. The GX6384 offers ultrahigh-density switch configurations in PXI with the
ability to create up to 6x64 switch matrix. The GX6384 is offered in tree configurations: two groups of 2x32
(GX6384-1), two groups of 4x32 (GX6384-2) or two groups of 6x32 (GX6384-3). All three board configurations
can be programmatically changed to a single group with same number of rows but double the number of columns as
single group of 2x64 (GX6384-1), single group of 4x64 (GX6384-2) or single group of 6x64 (GX6384-3). That
capability enables unprecedented flexibility for different testing requirements.
The PXI GX6384 is ideal for high-channel-count automated test configurations. Featuring compact reed relays with
high switching speeds provides maximum throughput in a test system for signals up to 170 VDC/170 VAC or 0.5 A.
combined with •user friendly 78 pin sub-D type interface connector.
Features
The GX6384 is a single slot 3U PXI high-density switch matrix instrument supporting the following features:
High-speed reed relays switch matrix.
384-crosspoint matrix switching in a single 3U PXI slot
Tree configurations: two groups of 2x32 (GX6384-1), two groups of 4x32 (GX6384-2) or two groups of 6x32
(GX6384-3).
All configurations can be programmatically combined both groups with double the columns.
Signals up to 170 VDC/170 VAC or 0.5 A max
User friendly 78 pin sub-D type interface connector.
Fits in a single PXI/CompactPCI 3U bus slot

4GX6384 User’s Guide
Board Description
The Marvin Test Solutions PXI GX6384 is a 384-crosspoint high-speed configurable switch matrix card that fits in a
single PXI/CompactPCI U bus slot. The GX6384 offers ultrahigh-density switch configurations in PXI with the
ability to create up to 6x64 switch matrix. The GX6384 is offered in tree configurations: two groups of 2x32
(GX6384-1), two groups of 4x32 (GX6384-2) or two groups of 6x32 (GX6384-3). All three board configurations
can be programmatically changed to a single group with same number of rows but double the number of columns as
single group of 2x64 (GX6384-1), single group of 4x64 (GX6384-2) or single group of 6x64 (GX6384-3). That
capability enables unprecedented flexibility for different testing requirements.
The PXI GX6384 is ideal for high-channel-count automated test configurations. Featuring compact reed relays with
high switching speeds provides maximum throughput in a test system for signals up to 100 VDC/100 VAC or 0.5 A.
combined with the user friendly 78 pin sub-D type interface connector.
Figure 2-1: GX6384-2 Matrix Switching Card (256 cross points)

Overview 5
Figure 2-2: GX6384-1 Matrix Switching Card model (128 cross points)
Architecture
The Marvin Test Solutions PXI GX6384 is a 384-crosspoint high-speed configurable switch matrix card that fits in a
single PXI/CompactPCI 3U bus slot. The GX6384 offers ultrahigh-density switch configurations in PXI with the
ability to create up to 6x64 switch matrix. The GX6384 is offered in tree configurations: two groups of 2x32
(GX6384-1), two groups of 4x32 (GX6384-2) or two groups of 6x32 (GX6384-3). All three board configurations
can be programmatically changed to a single group with same number of rows but double the number of columns as
single group of 2x64 (GX6384-1), single group of 4x64 (GX6384-2) or single group of 6x64 (GX6384-3). That
capability enables unprecedented flexibility for different testing requirements. Featuring compact reed relays with
high switching speeds provides maximum throughput in a test system for signals up to 100 VDC/100 VAC or 0.5 A.
combined with •user friendly 78 pin sub-D type interface connector.

6GX6384 User’s Guide
Switch Matrix Groups
The GX6384 all configurations have two switching groups A and B. The two switching groups can be combined to
create a single group with double the number of columns.
GX6384-1 switch Matrix Dual 2x32 configured as two groups A and B each with 32 columns
Figure 2-3 demonstrates the GX6384-1 model in its default configuration settings.
Group B Columns 0 through 31
31
Row B0
Row B1
30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Group A Columns 0 through 31
31
Row A0
Row A1
30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Figure 2-3: GX6384-1 - A and B Switching Groups
GX6384-1 switch Matrix Dual 2x32 configured as single group of 2x64:
Figure 2-4 demonstrates the GX6384-1 model when configured programmatically to as a single group A with 64
columns.
3130 29 28 27 26 25 24 2322 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 063
Row A0
Row A1
62 61 60 59 58 57 56 55 54 53 52 51 50 49 48 47 46 45 44 43 4241 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32
Figure 2-4: GX6384-1 Switching Groups A and B configured as a single group A with 64 columns

Overview 7
GX6384-2: switch Matrix Dual 4x32 configured as two groups A and B each with 32 columns
Figure 2-5 demonstrates the GX6384-2 model in its default configuration settings.
Group A Columns 0 through 31
31
Row A0
Row A1
30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Row A2
Row A3
Group B Columns 0 through 31
31
Row B0
Row B1
30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Row B2
Row B3
Figure 2-5: GX6384-2 - A and B Switching Groups

8GX6384 User’s Guide
GX6384-2: switch Matrix Dual 4x32 configured as single group of 4x64:
Figure 2-6 demonstrates the GX6384-2 model when configured programmatically to as a single group A with 64
columns.
Row A0
Row A1
Row A2
3130 29282726 2524 23222120 1918 171615 1413 121110 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 06362 616059 58 5756 55545352 515049 4847 464544 43424140 3938 3736 3534 3332
Row A3
Figure 2-6: GX6384-2 Switching Groups A and B configured as a single group A with 64 columns

Overview 9
GX6384-3: switch Matrix Dual 6x32 configured as two groups A and B each with 32 columns
Figure 2-7 demonstrates the GX6384-3 model in its default configuration settings.
Group A Columns 0 through 31
Row A0
Row A1
Row A2
Row A3
31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Row A4
Row A5
Group B Columns 0 through 31
Row B0
Row B1
Row B2
Row B3
31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Row B4
Row B5
Figure 2-7: GX6384-3 - A and B Switching Groups

10 GX6384 User’s Guide
GX6384-3: switch Matrix Dual 6x32 configured as single group of 6x64:
Figure 2-8 demonstrates the GX6384-3 model when configured programmatically to as a single group A with 64
columns.
Row A0
Row A1
Row A2
3130 29 28 27 26 25 24 2322 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 063 62 61 60 59 58 57 56 55 54 53 52 51 50 49 48 47 46 45 44 43 4241 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32
Row A3
Row A4
Row A5
Figure 2-8: GX6384-3 - Switching Groups A and B configured as a single group A with 64 columns
Ground and Guard
All the shielding on the GX6384 board is connected to a chassis signal. JP1 can be installed to connect the chassis
and Ground.

Overview 11
Specifications
The following table outlines the specifications of the GX6384:
Contact Specifications
Matrix Configuration
Programmatically:
GX6384-1: two groups of 2x32 or single group of 2x64
GX6384-2: two groups of 4x32 or single group of 4x64
GX6384-3: two groups of 6x32 or single group of 6x64
Relay Contact Resistance
<0.1
Contact Life
1 x10e9 cycles (Rating At 5 VDC @ 10mA)
Maximum Switchable Voltage
170 VDC or 170 peak VAC
Maximum Switchable Current
500 mA
Contact Carry Current
1 Maximum
Operate Time
100uS (including bounce)
Release Time
20 S
Max number of relays closed at any
given time
128
Physical
Relay type
Reed
Relay contact material
Rhodium
Size
3U PXI
Weight
10.6 oz.
Power Requirements
3.3V Power
0.5A Max
5V Power
0.6A Typical
Environmental
Environmental
Temperature:
0 to +40 C Operating
-10 to +70 C Storage
Vibration
5g at 500Hz
Shock
5g for 6mS ½ Sine

12 GX6384 User’s Guide
Virtual Panel Description
The GXSW software includes a virtual panel program, which provides full access to the various configuration
settings and operating modes. To fully understand the front panel operation, it is best to become familiar with the
functionality of the board.
To open the virtual panel application, select GX6384 Panel from the Marvin Test Solutions, GXSW menu under
the Start menu. The GX6384 virtual panel opens as shown here:
Figure 2-9: GX6384 Virtual Panel
Initialize –Opens the Initialize Dialog (see Initialize Dialog paragraph) in order to initialize the board driver. The
current settings of the selected board will not change after calling initialize. The panel will reflect the current
settings of the board after the Initialize dialog closes.
Reset –Resets the PXI board settings to their default state and clears the reading.
Apply –Applies changed settings to the board.
Close –Closes the panel. Closing the panel does not affect the board settings.
Help –Opens the on-line help window. In addition to the help menu, the caption shows a What’s This Help button
(?) button. This button can be used to obtain help on any control that is displayed in the panel window. To displays
the What’s This Help information click on the (?) button and then click on the control – a small window will display
the information regarding this control.