National Instruments VXI-1500 User manual

National Instruments VXI-1500 Manual
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VXI-1500
User Manual
March 1997 Edition
Part Number 321510A-01
© Copyright 1997 National Instruments Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.

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Switzerland 056 200 51 51, Taiwan 02 377 1200, U.K. 01635 523545
National Instruments Corporate Headquarters
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Important Information
Warranty
The VXI-1500 mainframe is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date
of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other documentation. National Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace
equipment that proves to be defective during the warranty period. This warranty includes parts and labor.
A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained from the factory and clearly marked on the outside of
the package before any equipment will be accepted for warranty work. National Instruments will pay the shipping costs of
returning to the owner parts which are covered by warranty.
National Instruments believes that the information in this manual is accurate. The document has been carefully reviewed
for technical accuracy. In the event that technical or typographical errors exist, National Instruments reserves the right to
make changes to subsequent editions of this document without prior notice to holders of this edition. The reader should
consult National Instruments if errors are suspected. In no event shall National Instruments be liable for any damages
arising out of or related to this document or the information contained in it.
EXCEPT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN, NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. CUSTOMER’S RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES CAUSED BY FAULT OR
NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT
THERETOFORE PAID BY THE CUSTOMER. NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
DAMAGES RESULTING FROM LOSS OF DATA, PROFITS, USE OF PRODUCTS, OR INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF. This limitation of the liability
of National Instruments will apply regardless of the form of action, whether in contract or tort, including negligence. Any
action against National Instruments must be brought within one year after the cause of action accrues. National Instruments
shall not be liable for any delay in performance due to causes beyond its reasonable control. The warranty provided herein
does not cover damages, defects, malfunctions, or service failures caused by owner’s failure to follow the National
Instruments installation, operation, or maintenance instructions; owner’s modification of the product; owner’s abuse,
misuse, or negligent acts; and power failure or surges, fire, flood, accident, actions of third parties, or other events outside
reasonable control.
Copyright
Under the copyright laws, this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, recording, storing in an information retrieval system, or translating, in whole or in part, without
the prior written consent of National Instruments Corporation.
Trademarks
Product and company names listed are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.
WARNING REGARDING MEDICAL AND CLINICAL USE OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS
National Instruments products are not designed with components and testing intended to ensure a level of reliability
suitable for use in treatment and diagnosis of humans. Applications of National Instruments products involving medical or
clinical treatment can create a potential for accidental injury caused by product failure, or by errors on the part of the user
or application designer. Any use or application of National Instruments products for or involving medical or clinical
treatment must be performed by properly trained and qualified medical personnel, and all traditional medical safeguards,
equipment, and procedures that are appropriate in the particular situation to prevent serious injury or death should always
continue to be used when National Instruments products are being used. National Instruments products are NOT intended
to be a substitute for any form of established process, procedure, or equipment used to monitor or safeguard human health
and safety in medical or clinical treatment.

FCC/DOC Radio Frequency Interference
Class A Compliance
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in strict
accordance with the instructions in this manual, may cause interference to radio and television reception.
Classification requirements are the same for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the
Canadian Department of Communications (DOC). This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the following two regulatory agencies:
Federal Communications Commission
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant
to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment
in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to
correct the interference at his own expense.
Notices to User: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by National Instruments could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment under the FCC Rules.
This device complies with the FCC rules only if used with shielded interface cables of
suitable quality and construction. National Instruments used such cables to test this
device and provides them for sale to the user. The use of inferior or nonshielded
interface cables could void the user's authority to operate the equipment under the
FCC rules.
If necessary, consult National Instruments or an experienced radio/television technician for additional
suggestions. The following booklet prepared by the FCC may also be helpful: Interference to Home
Electronic Entertainment Equipment Handbook. This booklet is available from the U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
Canadian Department of Communications
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment
Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel
brouilleur du Canada.

For Your Safety
Before undertaking any troubleshooting, maintenance, or exploratory
procedure, read carefully the WARNING and CAUTION notices.
This equipment contains voltage hazardous to human life and safety, and
is capable of inflicting personal injury.
• Mainframe GroundingThe VXI-1500 mainframe requires a
connection from the premise wire safety ground to the mainframe
chassis earth stud. The earth safety ground must be connected during
use of this equipment to minimize shock hazards. Refer to the
Connecting Safety Ground section of Chapter 2, Installation and
Configuration, for instructions on connecting safety ground.
• Live CircuitsOperating personnel and service personnel must not
remove protective covers when operating or servicing the
mainframe. Adjustments and service to internal components must be
undertaken by qualified service technicians. During service of this
product, the mains connector to the premise wiring must be
disconnected. Dangerous voltages may be present under certain
conditions; use extreme caution.
• Explosive AtmosphereDo not operate the mainframe in
conditions where flammable gases are present. Under such
conditions this equipment is unsafe and may ignite the gases or gas
fumes.
• Part ReplacementOnly service this equipment with parts that are
exact replacements, both electrically and mechanically. Contact
National Instruments for replacement part information. Installation
of parts with those that are not direct replacements may cause harm
to personnel operating the mainframe. Furthermore, damage or fire
may occur if replacement parts are unsuitable.
• ModificationDo not modify any part of the mainframe from its
original condition. Unsuitable modifications may result in safety
hazards.

© National Instruments Corporation vii VXI-1500 User Manual
Table
of
Contents
About This Manual
Organization of This Manual........................................................................................ xi
Conventions Used in This Manual................................................................................ xii
Related Documentation................................................................................................. xii
Customer Communication ............................................................................................ xii
Chapter 1
Getting Started
Unpacking..................................................................................................................... 1-1
What You Need to Get Started ..................................................................................... 1-1
Optional Equipment...................................................................................................... 1-2
Key Features ................................................................................................................. 1-4
Chapter 2
Installation and Configuration
Site Considerations ....................................................................................................... 2-1
Rack Mounting ............................................................................................................. 2-3
Installing or Removing the Mainframe Front Door...................................................... 2-4
Setting Fan Speed ......................................................................................................... 2-5
Connecting Safety Ground............................................................................................ 2-5
Connecting to AC Mains Power and Testing Power Up............................................... 2-5
Installing VXI Modules ................................................................................................ 2-7
Installing Filler Panels .................................................................................................. 2-7
Routing Cables.............................................................................................................. 2-7
Remote Power Monitoring and Inhibit Interface.......................................................... 2-8
Receiver Interconnect Devices...................................................................................... 2-9

Table of Contents
VXI-1500 User Manual viii © National Instruments Corporation
Chapter 3
Maintenance
Service Interval .............................................................................................................3-1
Preparation ....................................................................................................................3-1
Cleaning ........................................................................................................................3-2
Interior Cleaning.............................................................................................3-2
Exterior Cleaning............................................................................................3-2
Cleaning the Fan Filters.................................................................................................3-3
Resetting the AC Mains Circuit Breaker.......................................................................3-4
Troubleshooting the VXI-1500.....................................................................................3-4
Appendix A
Specifications
Electrical........................................................................................................................A-1
Cooling..........................................................................................................................A-3
Safety.............................................................................................................................A-5
Environmental...............................................................................................................A-5
Backplane......................................................................................................................A-6
Mechanical....................................................................................................................A-6
Appendix B
Pinouts
Appendix C
Customer Communication
Glossary
Index

Table of Contents
© National Instruments Corporation ix VXI-1500 User Manual
Figures
Figure 1-1. Rack-Mount Slide Kit ............................................................................... 1-3
Figure 1-2. Front View of the VXI-1500 Mainframe.................................................. 1-5
Figure 1-3. Rear View of the VXI-1500 Mainframe ................................................... 1-6
Figure 2-1. VXI-1500 Mainframe Airflow Side View ................................................ 2-2
Figure 2-2. VXI-1500 Mainframe Airflow Rear View................................................ 2-3
Figure 2-3. Removable Front Door.............................................................................. 2-4
Figure 3-1. VXI-1500 Thumbscrews........................................................................... 3-3
Figure A-1. VXI Module Blocked Slot-Cooling Curve............................................... A-4
Figure A-2. VXI Module Open Slot-Cooling Curve ................................................... A-4
Tables
Table 1-1. Power Cables.............................................................................................. 1-2
Table 2-1. Power Supply Voltages at Power Monitoring ............................................ 2-6
Table 2-2. DB-25 Connector Pinout............................................................................ 2-8
Table 3-1. Troubleshooting.......................................................................................... 3-5
Table A-1. AC Input Specifications............................................................................. A-1
Table A-2. DC Output Specifications.......................................................................... A-2
Table A-3. Cooling Specifications............................................................................... A-3
Table A-4. Safety Specifications ................................................................................. A-5
Table A-5. Environmental Specifications.................................................................... A-5
Table A-6. Backplane Specifications........................................................................... A-6
Table A-7. Mechanical Specifications......................................................................... A-6
Table B-1. P1 Connector Pinouts................................................................................. B-2
Table B-2. P2 Connector Pinouts for All Non-Slot 0 Locations.................................. B-3
Table B-3. P2 Connector Pinouts for VXIbus Slot 0................................................... B-4

© National Instruments Corporation xi VXI-1500 User Manual
About
This
Manual
The VXI-1500 User Manual describes the features of the VXI-1500
mainframe. This manual contains information about configuring the
mainframe, installing the modules, and operating and using the
VXI-1500.
Organization of This Manual
This manual is organized as follows:
• Chapter 1, Getting Started, describes the key features of the
VXI-1500, lists the contents of your kit, and lists optional equipment
you can order from National Instruments.
• Chapter 2, Installation and Configuration, describes the necessary
procedures for correctly preparing and operating your VXI-1500
mainframe.
• Chapter 3, Maintenance, describes basic maintenance procedures
you can perform on the VXI-1500 mainframe.
• Appendix A, Specifications, contains complete specifications for the
VXI-1500 mainframe.
• Appendix B, Pinouts, describes the P1 and P2 connector pinouts for
the VXI-1500 backplane.
• Appendix C, Customer Communication, contains forms you can use
to request help from National Instruments or to comment on our
products and manuals.
• The Glossary lists abbreviations, acronyms, metric prefixes,
mnemonics, symbols, and terms.
• The Index contains an alphabetical list of key terms and topics used
in this manual, including the page where you can find each one.

About This Manual
VXI-1500 User Manual xii © National Instruments Corporation
Conventions Used in This Manual
The following conventions are used in this manual:
bold italic Bold italic text denotes a note, caution, or warning.
italic Italic text denotes emphasis, a cross reference, or an introduction to a key
concept.
Related Documentation
The following documents contain information that you may find helpful
as you read this manual:
• ANSI/EIA-310-D-1992: Cabinets, Racks, Panels, and Associated
Equipment
• ANSI/IEEE Std 1101-1987: IEEE Standard for Mechanical Core
Specifications for Microcomputers
• VXI-1, Revision 1.4 System Specification
• VXIplug&play Systems Alliance VPP-8 Revision 2.0: VXI
Module/Mainframe to Receiver Interconnection
Customer Communication
National Instruments wants to receive your comments on our products
and manuals. We are interested in the applications you develop with our
products, and we want to help if you have problems with them. To make
it easy for you to contact us, this manual contains comment and
configuration forms for you to complete. These forms are in Appendix C,
Customer Communication, at the end of this manual.

© National Instruments Corporation 1-1 VXI-1500 User Manual
Getting Started
1
Chapter
This chapter describes the key features of the VXI-1500, lists the contents
of your kit, and lists optional equipment you can order from National
Instruments.
Unpacking
Caution: Removal of the mainframe from the shipping carton requires two people.
Carefully inspect the shipping container and the mainframe for damage.
Check for visible damage to the metal work. Check and make sure all
handles, hardware, and switches are not damaged. Inspect the inner
chassis for any possible damage, debris, or detached components. If
damage appears to have been caused in shipment, file a claim with the
carrier. Retain the packing material for possible inspection and/or
reshipment.
What You Need to Get Started
The VXI-1500 kit contains the following items:
❑ VXI-1500 mainframe
❑ An assortment of filler panels
❑ Power cable (see Table 1-1)
❑ Removable front door

Chapter 1 Getting Started
VXI-1500 User Manual 1-2 © National Instruments Corporation
❑ Grommeting for cable access ways
❑ VXI-1500 User Manual
Table 1-1. Power Cables
Power Cable Reference Standards
Standard 120 V (USA) ANSI C73.11/NEMA 5-15-P/IEC83
Switzerland 220 V SEV
Australia 240 V AS C112
Universal Euro 240 V CEE (7), II, IV, VII IEC83
North America 240 V ANSI C73.20/NEMA 5-15-P/IEC83
United Kingdom 240 V BS 1363/IEC83
If you are missing any of the above items or if you have the incorrect
power cord, contact National Instruments.
Optional Equipment
An optional rack-mount slide kit is available from National Instruments.
As shown in Figure 1-1, this kit allows you to easily slide the VXI-1500
mainframe into and out of a standard 19 in. (482 mm) instrument cabinet.
The slide kit is suited for instrument racks from 24 in. (600 mm) to 32 in.
(800 mm) deep. Contact National Instruments if you want to order the
VXI-1500 rack-mount slide kit.

Chapter 1 Getting Started
© National Instruments Corporation 1-3 VXI-1500 User Manual
3
2
1
1 Removable Handles 2 Mounting Brackets 3 Adjustable Slides
Figure 1-1. Rack-Mount Slide Kit
The VXI-1500 has been designed to work with standard interlocking
receiver devices defined by the VXIplug&play Systems Alliance VPP-8
specification. Refer to the Receiver Interconnect Devices section of
Chapter 2, Installation and Configuration, for information about
preparing your mainframe for receiver installation. Contact National
Instruments for more information about suppliers of interlocking receiver
devices.

Chapter 1 Getting Started
VXI-1500 User Manual 1-4 © National Instruments Corporation
Key Features
The VXI-1500 combines a high-performance 13-slot backplane with a
high-output power supply and a structural design that has been optimized
for maximum usability in a wide range of applications. The mainframe’s
modular design ensures the highest level of maintainability resulting in a
very low mean time to repair (MTTR). The VXI-1500 fully complies
with the VXIbus Specification Revision 1.4 and is
VXIplug&play-compatible.
The key features of the VXI-1500 include:
• Thirteen C-sized VXIbus slots (can accommodate A-sized and
B-sized modules with appropriate adapters)
• Auto bus grant daisy-chaining (no backplane jumpers required)
• 1100 W (115 VAC input) or 1420 W (230 VAC input) of available
power
• 1100 W of heat dissipation by filtered forced-air cooling
• Universal AC input: auto-voltage and auto-frequency ranging
• Over-current protection via push-reset circuit breaker (no loose fuses
to replace)
• Removable modular power supply with a MTBF of 50,000 hours
• Remote power monitoring and inhibit via a rear panel connector
• On/Off switch located on the front panel for easy access and recessed
to prevent accidental switching
• Removable positive pressure modular cooling unit with a MTBF of
30,000 hours
• Selectable fan speed for maximum cooling or quiet operation
• Full compliance with the VXIplug&play Systems Alliance VPP-8
specification (requires rack-mount slide kit option)
• Recessed module mounting surface for concealing cable backshells,
terminal block carriers, and other accessories
• Integrated lower cable management channel
• Rack-mount or bench-top installation
• Removable front door

Chapter 1 Getting Started
© National Instruments Corporation 1-5 VXI-1500 User Manual
Figures 1-2 and 1-3 show some of these key features and components of
the VXI-1500 mainframe. Figure 1-2 shows the front view of the
VXI-1500 mainframe and Figure 1-3 shows the rear view.
76
1
5
4
2
3
2
1
1 Removable Rubber Feet 4 Recessed On/Off Switch 6 Removable Cable Access Panel
2 Hinges for Removable Door 5 Cable Access Way 7 Slot 0
3 Jumperless Backplane
Figure 1-2. Front View of the VXI-1500 Mainframe

Chapter 1 Getting Started
VXI-1500 User Manual 1-6 © National Instruments Corporation
3 4 5
6
7
8
1
2
1 Circuit Breaker 5 Remote Power Monitoring and Inhibit Connector
2 Universal AC Input 6 Fan Speed Selector
3 Chassis Ground Stud 7 Removable Cooling Module
4 Removable Power Supply Module 8 Removable Cable Access Panel
Figure 1-3. Rear View of the VXI-1500 Mainframe

© National Instruments Corporation 2-1 VXI-1500 User Manual
Installation and
Configuration
2
Chapter
This chapter describes the necessary procedures for correctly preparing
and operating your VXI-1500 mainframe.
Before connecting the mainframe to a power source, read this chapter and
the For Your Safety section located at the beginning of this manual.
Site Considerations
The VXI-1500 is designed to operate on a bench or in an instrument rack.
Determine how you want to use your VXI-1500 and follow the
appropriate installation instructions.
The mainframe weighs 62 lb (28.2 kg) with no modules installed. The
maximum module weight is 4 lb (1.8 kg) per slot. This results in a
possible loaded mainframe weight of 114 lb (51.8 kg). Make sure your
bench or instrument rack can accommodate this load.
Power supply and module cooling is facilitated through apertures in the
rear and along both sides of the mainframe. Module cooling air enters
through filters and fan inlets located in the lower rear of the mainframe
and exits through the upper sections on both sides, as shown in
Figures 2-1 and 2-2. Power supply cooling air enters in one side of the
mainframe and exits out the other side, as shown in Figures 2-1 and 2-2.
Place your VXI-1500 on a bench top or in an instrument rack in such a
way as to allow adequate ventilation near the fan tray (air inlets) and near
the air outlet apertures along both sides of the mainframe. Keep other
equipment a minimum of 3.0 in. (76.2 mm) away from the air inlets.

Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration
VXI-1500 User Manual 2-2 © National Instruments Corporation
2
1
Module Cooling
Air Intake
1 Module Cooling Air Outlets 2 Power Supply Air Inlet
Figure 2-1. VXI-1500 Mainframe Airflow Side View

Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration
© National Instruments Corporation 2-3 VXI-1500 User Manual
Module Cooling
Air Exhaust Module Cooling Air Exhaust
Power Supply
Air Intake Power Supply
Air Exhaust
Module Cooling
Air Intake
Figure 2-2. VXI-1500 Mainframe Airflow Rear View
Install your mainframe so that you can easily access the rear panel. This
simplifies the replacement of the air filter, fan tray module, or power
supply if necessary.
Rack Mounting
Rack-mount applications require the optional rack-mount slide kit
available from National Instruments. Refer to the instructions supplied
with the rack-mount slide kit for properly installing your VXI-1500 in an
instrument rack.
Note: You may wish to remove the rubber feet from your VXI-1500 for rack
mounting. To do so, unscrew the rubber feet counterclockwise.