National Instruments SCXI 1346 User manual

LabVIEW™, Measure™, National Instruments™,ni.com
™, PXI™, and SCXI™are trademarks of National Instruments Corporation. Product and company
names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.
320722B-01 ©Copyright 1994, 2000 National Instruments Corp. All rights reserved. November 2000
INSTALLATION GUIDE
SCXI -1346 SHIELDED MULTI-CHASSIS
CABLE ADAPTER
This guide describes how to connect and configure a multi-chassis
SCXI system using the SCXI-1346 shielded multi-chassis cable adapter.
Introduction
Using the SCXI-1346, you can connect a multi-chassis SCXI system to
your data acquisition (DAQ) device. The SCXI-1346 connects any 68-pin
E Series DAQ device, excluding 61XXE devices, to any SCXI module,
excluding the SCXI-1127, SCXI-1128, SCXI-1190, and SCXI-1191.
The SCXI-1346 is a connector assembly with four connectors:
• A 68-pin male connector on the front panel of the adapter, labeled
TO NEXT CHASSIS
• A 68-pin male connector on the front panel of the adapter, labeled
FROM DAQ BOARD OR PREVIOUS CHASSIS
• A 50-pin, male breakout connector on the printed-circuit board of the
adapter
• A 50-pin, bracket-mounted female connector on the rear of the adapter
™

SCXI-1346 Shielded Multichassis Cable Adapter 2 ni.com
Figure 1. Front of SCXI-1346
Figure 2. Rear of SCXI-1346
Note The SCXI-1346 covers the rear connector of two modules. The module to the right
of the one directly connected to the SCXI-1346 cannot have an external cable inserted into
its rear 50-pin connector.
1 68-Pin Male Connector,
TO NEXT CHASSIS
2 68-Pin Male Connector, FROM DAQ BOARD
OR PREVIOUS CHASSIS
1 50-Pin, Bracket-Mounted
Female Connector
2 50-Pin, Male Breakout Connector
TO NEXT CHASSIS
FROM DAQ BOARD OR PREVIOUS CHASSIS
SCXI-1346
SHIELDED MULTI-CHASSIS ADAPTER
TOP
1 2
1
2

©National Instruments Corporation 3 SCXI-1346 Shielded Multichassis Cable Adapter
What You Need to Get Started
To set up and use your SCXI-1346 in a multi-chassis system, you need the
following items:
❑Computer
❑SCXI-1346 Shielded Multi-Chassis Cable Adapter Installation Guide
❑One 68-pin, E Series DAQ device
❑SCXI-1001 or SCXI-1000 (revision K or higher) chassis—nnumber
of chassis up to a maximum of eight
❑At least one SCXI module per chassis (excluding the SCXI-1127,
SCXI-1190, and SCXI-1191)
❑SCXI-1349 shielded cable assembly (cable adapter and cable)
❑SCXI-1346 shielded multi-chassis cable adapters (n-1 up to a
maximum of seven adapters)
❑68-pin shielded cables (n-1 up to a maximum of seven cables)
❑Small flathead screwdriver
Note You must not exceed 10 m of total cable length in a multi-chassis SCXI system for
reliable operation.
Testing the Data Acquisition Device
An E Series DAQ device controls the SCXI chassis. Once the device is
installed according to the DAQ Quick Start Guide shipped with the device,
you need to test the device to make sure it is functioning correctly.
1. Double-click the Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX)
icon on your desktop.
2. Expand Devices and Interfaces by left-clicking the +symbol.

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3. Right-click on the name of your device and choose Properties. This
brings up a window that displays the device number and the resources
the DAQ device is using.
Figure 3. Properties Window in MAX
4. Left-click the Test Resources button in the properties window.
The following dialog box should appear.
Figure 4. Successful Test Window
Note If the dialog box shown in Figure 4 does not appear, refer to the National Instruments
website ni.com/support for troubleshooting tips.
The device must pass the resources test before you can continue
configuring your SCXI system.
Installing Modules in Your SCXI Chassis
The following steps prepare each chassis for integration into the system:
1. Turn the power off in each chassis and unplug all of the SCXI-1000
and SCXI-1001 chassis.
2. Identify which SCXI modules to install in each chassis.

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3. Within each SCXI chassis, identify the appropriate SCXI module to
connect to each cable adapter. Pair the cable adapter with the first
module that appears in the list below. Repeat this pairing for each
chassis.
a. SCXI-1140, SCXI-1520, SCXI-1530, or SCXI-1531
b. SCXI-1100 to SCXI-1123
c. SCXI-1125 to SCXI-1159 (except the SCXI-1127, SCXI-1128,
SCXI-1129, and SCXI-1140)
d. SCXI-1540
e. SCXI-1160 to SCXI-1179
f. SCXI-1124
Note It is important that you connect the adapter to modules from the list if they are
available. If your chassis has none of the modules listed, connect the adapter to any
remaining module.
4. For each module that has internal jumpers or DIP switches, set the
jumpers or DIP switches for that module according to the instructions
in the user manual provided with the module.
5. Insert the modules into the appropriate chassis and secure them.
6. Determine the order of each chassis in the multi-chassis system,
starting with the chassis that is connected directly to the DAQ device.
The chassis cabled directly to the DAQ device is referred to as
chassis ID n(where n≥1)with each successively cabled chassis
referred to as chassis ID n+1, chassis ID n+2, and so on.
Connecting the Multi-Chassis System
After matching the correct modules in each chassis with the cable adapters
in the Installing Modules in Your SCXI Chassis section, connect the
multi-chassis system.
To connect the multi-chassis system, you must use one SCXI-1346
multi-chassis adapter for every chassis in the chain except the chassis
furthest from the DAQ device. The last chassis uses the SCXI-1349 cable
adapter.
1. Install the SCXI-1346 multi-chassis adapter by mating the 50-pin
female connector on the rear of the SCXI-1346 with the 50-pin
male connector on the rear of the appropriate SCXI module.
(The appropriate module was determined in step 3 of Installing
Modules in Your SCXI Chassis, located earlier in this guide.)

SCXI-1346 Shielded Multichassis Cable Adapter 6 ni.com
2. Using the four screws provided with the SCXI-1346 multi-chassis
adapter kit and a flathead screwdriver, fasten the multi-chassis adapter
to the rear of the SCXI chassis.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for each SCXI chassis in the system, excluding
the last SCXI chassis in the chain.
Figure 5. SCXI-1346 Cable Assembly
1 SCXI-1000 or SCXI-1001 Chassis
2 SCXI-1346 Cable Adapter
3 Shielded Cable Connecting to TO NEXT CHASSIS
4 Shielded Cable Connecting to FROM DAQ BOARD
OR PREVIOUS CHASSIS
FUSE
PULL
1
3
2
4

©National Instruments Corporation 7 SCXI-1346 Shielded Multichassis Cable Adapter
4. Install the SCXI-1349 chassis adapter into the last SCXI chassis in
the chain. Mate the 50-pin female connection on the rear of the
SCXI-1349 with the 50-pin male connector on the rear of the
appropriate SCXI module. (The appropriate module was determined
instep3oftheInstalling Modules in Your SCXI Chassis section
earlier in this document.)
5. Using the two screws provided with the SCXI-1349 chassis adapter,
fasten the adapter to the rear of the SCXI chassis.
6. Connect either end of one 68-pin shielded cable to the DAQ device.
Connect the other end of the 68-pin shielded cable to the SCXI-1346
in chassis ID nlabeled FROM DAQ BOARD OR PREVIOUS
CHASSIS.
7. Connect a 68-pin shielded cable to the SCXI-1346 in chassis nlabeled
TO NEXT CHASSIS.
8. Connect the other end of the cable to the SCXI-1346 in chassis ID n+1
labeled FROM DAQ BOARD OR PREVIOUS CHASSIS.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 for the remaining chassis until you reach the last
chassis.
10. Connect the 68-pin shielded cable to the next to the last chassis in the
slot labeled TO NEXT CHASSIS.
11. Connect the other end of the cable to the SCXI-1349 in the last chassis.

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Figure 6. Complete SCXI Multi-Chassis System
Setting the Chassis Address
Select a unique address for each chassis in the system. Select the addresses
in ascending order, starting with the chassis cabled directly to the DAQ
device (chassis ID n). The chassis address is determined by setting the
address switches in a specific on/off pattern. To view these switches,
remove the small plastic cover from the front of the SCXI chassis.
1 68-Pin E Series DAQ Device
2 SCXI-1000 or SCXI-1001 Chassis
3 Shielded Cable Connected to SCXI-1346 Cable Adapter
4 Shielded Cable Connected to SCXI-1349 Cable Adapter
1
2
4
3

©National Instruments Corporation 9 SCXI-1346 Shielded Multichassis Cable Adapter
Figure 7. Chassis Address Switches
SCXI-1000
POWER
RESET
SCXI
MAINFRAME
5
4
3
2
1
ADDRESS
5
4
3
2
1
ON
ADDRESS

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Table 1 indicates the value each address switch represents when it is in
either the on or off position.
For example, if switch numbers 1 and 3 are set in the on position and the
others are not, the chassis address is 5.
1+0+4+0+0=5
After you have set a unique address for each chassis, plug in and turn on all
the chassis in the system, and replace the plastic cover on the address
switches.
Configuring the Multi-Chassis SCXI System
Once the system is connected and you have assigned addresses to each
chassis, you need to configure and verify each chassis using MAX.
Note Make sure all the SCXI chassis are turned on. MAX does not recognize unpowered
SCXI chassis.
1. Double-click the Measurement & Automation Explorer icon on
your desktop.
2. Expand Devices and Interfaces by left-clicking the +symbol.
You should see your DAQ device name and number in the list.
Table 1. Address Switch Number for Each Switch Position
Address
Switch Number On Position Off Position
5 16 0
480
340
220
110

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Figure 8. Devices and Interfaces Window
Note If your device does not show up in the list, refer to the National Instruments website
ni.com/support for troubleshooting tips.
3. Insert a new SCXI chassis (SCXI-1001 or SCXI-1000) under Devices
and Interfaces by right-clicking over Devices and Interfaces and
selecting Create New from the menu. This causes a window to appear
with a list of devices and chassis types.
4. From this list, choose the SCXI chassis type that is cabled directly to
the DAQ device.

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Figure 9. Choosing the Chassis Type
5. A window appears allowing you to choose the chassis ID and chassis
address. Choose the lowest chassis ID available. The lowest chassis ID
available is 1 if no other SCXI chassis are currently configured. For
each subsequently cabled SCXI chassis, choose chassis ID values in
ascending order from n.
6. Set the chassis address to the number that you set on the address
switches on the particular SCXI chassis. Click Next.

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Figure 10. Setting the Chassis ID and Address
7. Choose Yes to allow the software to automatically detect the modules
in the chassis. Click Next.
Figure 11. Auto-Detecting Modules

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8. Choose the 68-pin E Series DAQ device you are using to communicate
with the SCXI chassis, and click Next.
Figure 12. Selecting the DAQ Device
9. The next window shows the modules that were detected in the SCXI
chassis. From the list, select the module that is cabled to the SCXI
chassis cable adapter. Selecting this module allows it to control the
SCXI chassis.
Figure 13. Selecting the Correct Module

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10. Click Finish. The SCXI chassis that was added is listed under Devices
and Interfaces.
11. Right-click the name of the SCXI chassis that was added, and choose
Test from the menu. The following dialog box should appear.
Figure 14. Successful Test Window
Note If the dialog box shown above does not appear, refer to the National Instruments
website ni.com/support for troubleshooting tips.
12. Repeat steps 3 through 11 until every SCXI chassis in the system is
shown under Devices and Interfaces.
Configuring a Multi-Chassis SCXI System
with a PXI-1010 or PXI-1011 Chassis
When you use an external SCXI chassis with a PXI-1010 or PXI-1011
combination chassis, cable the SCXI chassis directly to the 68-pin
connector located on the front of the PXI DAQ device that controls the
internal SCXI chassis as shown in Figure 15. If you are using more than one
external SCXI chassis, daisy-chain the SCXI chassis as shown in Figure 15
and configure them as outlined in Configuring the Multi-Chassis SCXI
System with the following exceptions:
•PXI-1010/SCXI systems—Set the internal and external SCXI chassis
ID and address in ascending order starting with the internal SCXI
chassis and ending with the last external SCXI chassis (contains the
SCXI-1349 cable adapter).
•PXI-1011/SCXI systems—The default setting of the internal SCXI
chassis address is 0. Set the external SCXI chassis address(es) in
ascending order starting with 1. The last external SCXI chassis
(contains the SCXI-1349 adapter) has the highest address.

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Figure 15. Multi-Chassis System with a PXI-1011 and Two External SCXI Chassis
Addressing specific channels in a system with both SCXI chassis, and
PXI-1010 or PXI-1011 combination chassis is slightly different than
systems with only SCXI chassis and is covered in the SCXI Chassis with
PXI-1010 or PXI-1011 Chassis Systems section.
Reading Channels from Multi-Chassis Systems
The following sections explain how to read channels from multi-chassis
systems that use SCXI chassis exclusively and systems that use external
SCXI chassis in conjunction with PXI-1010 or PXI-1011 combination
chassis.
SCXI Chassis Systems
For LabVIEW, Measure, Visual Basic, and the MAX Test Panel, the
channel string determines the sequence in which SCXI channels are
scanned. In LabVIEW, an array of these channel strings configures
multiple modules in the scan list. When the application program runs,
the channel string is used for programming the channel information
into the SCXI system. The format of the channel string is
obx!scy!mdz!channels.
1 SCXI Module
2 Shielded Cable Connected to SCXI-1346 Cable
Adapter
3 SCXI-1000 or SCXI-1001 Chassis
4 Shielded Cable Connected to SCXI-1349 Cable
Adapter
5 PXI-1010 Combination Chassis
6 68-Pin PXI DAQ Device
3
4
2
5
6
1

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obxis the onboard analog input channel on the DAQ device, with x
representing a particular channel where the multiplexed channels are
sent. Analog input channel 0 is used in a single-chassis system. In a
multi-chassis or remote chassis system, however, the DAQ device channel
x
corresponds to chassis number n–1, where DAQ device channel xis used
for scanning the nth chassis in the system.
scyis the SCXI chassis ID, where yis the number you chose when
configuring your chassis.
mdzis the slot position where the module is located, with zbeing the
particular slot number. The slots in a chassis are numbered from left to
right, starting with 1.
Note The obx ! specifier is optional and causes the module and DAQ device gains to be
set automatically to fit the input limits parameter. When this specifier is omitted, the default
gain on the DAQ device, usually the lowest gain, is used.
The last parameter, channels, is the list of channels that are scanned for
module z. It can have several formats:
•obx ! scy ! mdz ! n,wherenis a single channel.
•obx ! scy ! mdz ! n1:n2,wheren1 and n2 represent a sequential
list of input channels, inclusive.
•obx ! scy ! mdz ! (n1, n2, n3:n4, n1, n5, n2),where
n1,n2,andn5 represent single channels, not necessarily sequential,
and n3 and n4 represent the endpoints of a sequential list of channels,
inclusive. In this case, channels n1 and n2 are explicitly repeated in the
channel list.
Note Repeating channels out of sequence in a scan list (random scanning) is not supported
in all SCXI modules. Please refer to your module user manual for information on this
feature.
You have now connected and configured your multi-chassis SCXI system.
SCXI Chassis with PXI-1010 or PXI-1011 Chassis Systems
To address specific SCXI channels in an SCXI system that uses PXI-1010
or PXI-1011 combination chassis refer to the addresses shown in Figure 16
while doing the following:
1. Address the internal chassis as ob0 ! scy!mdz!channels.
2. Address the external chassis that is cabled directly to the PXI DAQ
device front connector as ob0 ! scy+1 ! mdz!channels.

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3. Address each subsequent chassis in ascending order as obn-1 !
scy+n!mdz!channels where nis the number of external
SCXI chassis.
Figure 16. Multi-Chassis PXI-1010/1011 with External SCXI System Addressing
Note The internal SCXI chassis and the external SCXI chassis that is cabled directly to
the PXI DAQ device front connector both use ob0. In this case, scy, uniquely specifies the
SCXI chassis with which communication takes place.
PXI-1010 or
PXI-1011 Chassis
Chassis
First External
SCXI Chassis
ob0 ! scy ! mdz ! channels
Address
ob0 ! scy+1 ! mdz ! channels
Second External
SCXI Chassis ob1 ! scy+2 ! mdz ! channels
Last External
SCXI Chassis obn-1 ! scy+n ! mdz ! channels