National Instruments VXIpc-871-700 User manual

VXIpc-871-700

VXI
VXIpc™870 Series
User Manual
VXIpc 870 Series User Manual
July 2000 Edition
Part Number 322116B-01

Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information
www.ni.com
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For further support information, see the Technical Support Resources appendix. To comment on the
documentation, send e-mail to [email protected]
©Copyright 1999, 2000 National Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved.

Important Information
Warranty
The VXIpc 870 Series embedded computers and accessories are 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.
The media on which you receive National Instruments software are warranted not to fail to execute programming instructions,
due to defects in materials and workmanship, for a period of 90 days from date of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other
documentation. National Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace software media that do not execute programming
instructions if National Instruments receives notice of such defects during the warranty period. National Instruments does not
warrant that the operation of the software shall be uninterrupted or error free.
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 document 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
CVI™,LabVIEW™, MANTIS™,MITE™, National Instruments™, NI-488.2™,ni.com
™, NI-VISA™, NI-VXI™, TNT4882C™,
and VXIpc™are trademarks of National Instruments Corporation.
Product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.
WARNING REGARDING USE OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS
(1) NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE NOT DESIGNED WITH COMPONENTS AND TESTING FOR A LEVEL
OF RELIABILITY SUITABLE FOR USE IN OR IN CONNECTION WITH SURGICAL IMPLANTS OR AS CRITICAL
COMPONENTS IN ANY LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS WHOSE FAILURE TO PERFORM CAN REASONABLY BE
EXPECTED TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT INJURY TO A HUMAN.
(2) IN ANY APPLICATION, INCLUDING THE ABOVE, RELIABILITY OF OPERATION OF THE SOFTWARE PRODUCTS
CAN BE IMPAIRED BY ADVERSE FACTORS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO FLUCTUATIONS IN ELECTRICAL
POWER SUPPLY, COMPUTER HARDWARE MALFUNCTIONS, COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE
FITNESS, FITNESS OF COMPILERS AND DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE USED TO DEVELOP AN APPLICATION,
INSTALLATION ERRORS, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS, MALFUNCTIONS OR
FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC MONITORING OR CONTROL DEVICES, TRANSIENT FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC
SYSTEMS (HARDWARE AND/OR SOFTWARE), UNANTICIPATED USES OR MISUSES, OR ERRORS ON THE PART OF
THE USER OR APPLICATIONS DESIGNER (ADVERSE FACTORS SUCH AS THESE ARE HEREAFTER
COLLECTIVELY TERMED “SYSTEM FAILURES”). ANY APPLICATION WHERE A SYSTEM FAILURE WOULD
CREATE A RISK OF HARM TO PROPERTY OR PERSONS (INCLUDING THE RISK OF BODILY INJURY AND DEATH)
SHOULD NOT BE RELIANT SOLELY UPON ONE FORM OF ELECTRONIC SYSTEM DUE TO THE RISK OF SYSTEM
FAILURE. TO AVOID DAMAGE, INJURY, OR DEATH, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER MUST TAKE
REASONABLY PRUDENT STEPS TO PROTECT AGAINST SYSTEM FAILURES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
BACK-UP OR SHUT DOWN MECHANISMS. BECAUSE EACH END-USER SYSTEM IS CUSTOMIZED AND DIFFERS
FROM NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS' TESTING PLATFORMS AND BECAUSE A USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER
MAY USE NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER PRODUCTS IN A MANNER NOT
EVALUATED OR CONTEMPLATED BY NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER IS
ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR VERIFYING AND VALIDATING THE SUITABILITY OF NATIONAL
INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS WHENEVER NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE INCORPORATED IN A
SYSTEM OR APPLICATION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE APPROPRIATE DESIGN, PROCESS AND
SAFETY LEVEL OF SUCH SYSTEM OR APPLICATION.

Compliance
FCC/Canada Radio Frequency Interference Compliance*
Determining FCC Class
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rules to protect wireless communications from interference.
The FCC places digital electronics into two classes. These classes are known as Class A (for use in industrial-
commercial locations only) or Class B (for use in residential or commercial locations). Depending on where it is
operated, this product could be subject to restrictions in the FCC rules. (In Canada, the Department of
Communications (DOC), of Industry Canada, regulates wireless interference in much the same way.)
Digital electronics emit weak signals during normal operation that can affect radio, television, or other wireless
products. By examining the product you purchased, you can determine the FCC Class and therefore which of the two
FCC/DOC Warnings apply in the following sections. (Some products may not be labeled at all for FCC; if so, the
reader should then assume these are Class A devices.)
FCC Class A products only display a simple warning statement of one paragraph in length regarding interference and
undesired operation. Most of our products are FCC Class A. The FCC rules have restrictions regarding the locations
where FCC Class A products can be operated.
FCC Class B products display either a FCC ID code, starting with the letters EXN,
or the FCC Class B compliance mark that appears as shown here on the right.
Consult the FCC web site http://www.fcc.gov for more information.
FCC/DOC Warnings
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in strict accordance with the
instructions in this manual and the CE Mark Declaration of Conformity**, 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).
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by National Instruments could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment under the FCC Rules.
Class A
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.
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.
Class B
Federal Communications Commission
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Canadian Department of Communications
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du
Canada.
European Union - Compliance to EEC Directives
Readers in the EU/EEC/EEA must refer to the Manufacturer's Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for information**
pertaining to the CE Mark compliance scheme. The Manufacturer includes a DoC for most every hardware product
except for those bought for OEMs, if also available from an original manufacturer that also markets in the EU, or
where compliance is not required as for electrically benign apparatus or cables.
* Certain exemptions may apply in the USA, see FCC Rules §15.103 Exempted devices,and§15.105(c).
Also available in sections of CFR 47.
** The CE Mark Declaration of Conformity will contain important supplementary information and instructions
for the user or installer.

©National Instruments Corporation vii VXIpc 870 Series User Manual
Contents
About This Manual
Conventions Used in This Manual.................................................................................xiii
How to Use This Documentation Set ............................................................................xiv
Related Documentation..................................................................................................xiv
Chapter 1
Introduction
Overview........................................................................................................................1-1
Standard Equipment.......................................................................................................1-4
National Instruments Software ......................................................................................1-4
Driver Software ...............................................................................................1-4
Application Software.......................................................................................1-5
Chapter 2
Configuration and Installation
What You Need to Get Started ......................................................................................2-1
Installing the VXIpc 870 Series.....................................................................................2-1
Installing and Removing Flash Memory in the VXIpc-873 ..........................................2-3
Installing the Flash Storage Card ....................................................................2-3
Removing the Flash Storage Card...................................................................2-3
Chapter 3
Configuration and Default Settings
Hardware Default Settings.............................................................................................3-1
Software Default Settings ..............................................................................................3-3
VXI-MXI-2......................................................................................................3-4
Configuring the VXIpc 870 Series ................................................................................3-5
Accessing the Hardware Switches...................................................................3-5
VXIbus System Controller/Non-System Controller........................................3-6
VXIbus CLK10 Routing and Termination ......................................................3-7
Trigger Input Termination...............................................................................3-7
MITE EEPROM ..............................................................................................3-7
How to Fix an Invalid EEPROM Configuration...............................3-8
Configuring the PC ........................................................................................................3-9
SCSI Termination............................................................................................3-10
System CMOS.................................................................................................3-10
CPU Bus Speed ...............................................................................................3-11

Contents
VXIpc 870 Series User Manual viii www.ni.com
CPU Bus Factor .............................................................................................. 3-12
Flash Protection............................................................................................... 3-12
Ethernet Serial EEPROM................................................................................ 3-13
Voltage Monitor.............................................................................................. 3-13
NI WatchDOG ................................................................................................ 3-13
Installing Additional Memory......................................................................... 3-13
Changing the Main Power Fuse ...................................................................... 3-14
Chapter 4
Developing Your Application
Configuration................................................................................................................. 4-1
Device Interaction ......................................................................................................... 4-2
Programming with VXI................................................................................................. 4-4
Notes about VME Support .............................................................................. 4-5
Compiler Symbols for NI-VXI ....................................................................... 4-5
Debugging ..................................................................................................................... 4-6
Chapter 5
Functional Overview
VXIpc 870 Series Functional Description..................................................................... 5-1
Processor ......................................................................................................... 5-2
Chip Set and SDRAM..................................................................................... 5-2
AGP Graphics ................................................................................................. 5-3
10/100 Ethernet and SCSI-3 ........................................................................... 5-3
PC CARD Expansion...................................................................................... 5-3
PCI or ISA Expansion..................................................................................... 5-4
IEEE 488.2/HS488 Interface........................................................................... 5-4
PIIX4............................................................................................................... 5-4
Super IO .......................................................................................................... 5-4
NI WatchDOG ................................................................................................ 5-4
Real-Time Clock ............................................................................................. 5-5
BIOS................................................................................................................ 5-5
Programmable Reset Circuitry........................................................................ 5-5
VXI Voltage Monitor Circuitry ...................................................................... 5-5
Fused Power Protection .................................................................................. 5-5
VXI Bus .......................................................................................................... 5-6
VXI Addressing................................................................................ 5-6
DMA Transfers to and from VXI ..................................................... 5-6
VXI Slot 0 Functionality .................................................................. 5-6
External VXI CLK10 Synchronization ............................................ 5-7
VXI Trigger Lines ............................................................................ 5-7
VXI Interrupts................................................................................... 5-7

Contents
©National Instruments Corporation ix VXIpc 870 Series User Manual
Chapter 6
BIOS
Entering BIOS Setup .....................................................................................................6-1
Default BIOS Setup Settings .........................................................................................6-1
Appendix A
Specifications
Appendix B
LED Indicators
Appendix C
Front Panel and Connectors
Appendix D
Modifying and Installing I/O Expansion Boards
Appendix E
Common Questions
Appendix F
Technical Support Resources
Glossary
Index
Figures
Figure 1-1. VXIpc-871 Embedded Controller .........................................................1-1
Figure 1-2. VXIpc-872 Embedded Controller .........................................................1-2
Figure 1-3. VXIpc-873 Embedded Controller (Option 1 with
an Internal, Nonremovable Flash Drive)...............................................1-2
Figure 1-4. VXIpc-873 Embedded Controller (Option 2 with a
Removable Flash Drive)........................................................................1-3
Figure 2-1. Installing and Removing a Flash Storage Card .....................................2-4

Contents
VXIpc 870 Series User Manual x www.ni.com
Figure 3-1. VXIpc 870 Series Parts Locator Diagram ............................................ 3-1
Figure 3-2. System Controller Slot Configuration .................................................. 3-6
Figure 3-3. Power-on Self Configuration Status ..................................................... 3-8
Figure 3-4. EEPROM Configuration....................................................................... 3-8
Figure 3-5. SCSI Termination ................................................................................. 3-10
Figure 3-6. System CMOS ...................................................................................... 3-11
Figure 3-7. CPU Bus Speed Configuration ............................................................. 3-11
Figure 3-8. CPU Bus Factor Jumper Settings.......................................................... 3-12
Figure 3-9. Flash Protection Settings....................................................................... 3-12
Figure 3-10. Ethernet Serial EEPROM Settings........................................................ 3-13
Figure 3-11. Voltage Monitor Settings...................................................................... 3-13
Figure 3-12. Main Power Fuse Replacement ............................................................ 3-14
Figure 5-1. VXIpc 870 Series Block Diagram ........................................................ 5-2
Figure C-1. VXIpc-871 Front Panel Layout and Dimensions.................................. C-2
Figure C-2. VXIpc-872 Front Panel Layout and Dimensions.................................. C-3
Figure C-3. VXIpc-873 Front Panel Layout and Dimensions
(Option 1 with Internal, Nonremovable Flash Drive)........................... C-4
Figure C-4. VXIpc-873 Front Panel Layout and Dimensions
(Option 2 with Removable Flash Drive)............................................... C-5
Figure C-5. Keyboard and Mouse Connectors Location and Pinout ....................... C-6
Figure C-6. SVGA Connector Location and Pinout................................................. C-7
Figure C-7. Ethernet Connector Location and Pinout.............................................. C-8
Figure C-8. COM1 and COM2 Connectors Location and Pinout............................ C-9
Figure C-9. Parallel Port Connector Location and Pinout........................................ C-10
Figure C-10. USB Connectors Location and Pinout ................................................. C-12
Figure C-11. SCSI Connector Location and Pinout ................................................... C-13
Figure C-12. GPIB Connector Location and Pinout .................................................. C-15
Figure C-13. SMB Connectors Location and Pinout ................................................. C-17
Figure C-14. Speaker Connection Location ............................................................... C-18
Figure C-15. VXIbus Connectors Location and Pinout ............................................. C-19
Figure D-1. I/O Board Dimensions for VXIpc-872 Expansion Slot ........................ D-1
Figure D-2. PCI Board and ISA Board Installed in a VXIpc-872 or VXIpc-873 .... D-3
Figure D-3. Front View of PCI Board Expansion Bracket....................................... D-3
Figure D-4. Front View of ISA Board Expansion Bracket ...................................... D-4

Contents
©National Instruments Corporation xi VXIpc 870 Series User Manual
Tables
Table 3-1. VXIpc 870 Series Hardware Default Settings.......................................3-2
Table 3-2. VXIpc T&M Explorer Device Tab Default Settings.............................3-3
Table 3-3. VXIpc T&M Explorer Shared Memory Tab Default Settings ..............3-3
Table 3-4. VXIpc T&M Explorer PCI Tab Default Settings..................................3-3
Table 3-5. VXI-MXI-2 T&M Explorer Device Tab Default Settings....................3-4
Table 3-6. VXI-MXI-2 T&M Explorer VXI Bus Tab Default Settings.................3-4
Table 3-7. VXI-MXI-2 T&M Explorer MXI-2 Bus Tab Default Settings.............3-5
Table 4-1. NI-VXI/VISA Examples .......................................................................4-4
Table B-1. LEDs and System Startup Status...........................................................B-2
Table C-1. Keyboard and Mouse Connector Signals ..............................................C-6
Table C-2. SVGA Connector Signals......................................................................C-7
Table C-3. Ethernet Connector Signals ...................................................................C-9
Table C-4. COM1 and COM2 Connector Signals...................................................C-10
Table C-5. Parallel Port Connector Signals.............................................................C-11
Table C-6. USB Connector Signals.........................................................................C-12
Table C-7. 16-Bit Wide SCSI-3 “P”(Primary) Connector Pinout
(Single Ended).......................................................................................C-13
Table C-8. GPIB Connector Signals .......................................................................C-16
Table C-9. SMB Connector Signals ........................................................................C-17
Table C-10. Signal Characteristics for SMB and Speaker Connections ...................C-18
Table C-11. VXIbus P1 Connector Signals...............................................................C-19
Table C-12. VXIbus P2 Connector Signals...............................................................C-20

©National Instruments Corporation xiii VXIpc 870 Series User Manual
About This Manual
This manual contains instructions for installing and configuring the
National Instruments VXIpc 870 Series embedded computer kit. The
VXIpc 870 Series includes all the models of the VXIpc 870 embedded
computers.
Conventions Used in This Manual
The following conventions are used in this manual:
This icon denotes a note, which alerts you to important information.
This icon denotes a caution, which advises you of precautions to take to
avoid injury, data loss, or a system crash.
This icon denotes a warning, which advises you of precautions to take to
avoid being electrically shocked.
bold Bold text denotes items that you must select or click on in the software,
such as menu items and dialog box options. Bold text also denotes
parameter names.
italic Italic text denotes variables, emphasis, a cross reference, or an introduction
to a key concept. This font also denotes text that is a placeholder for a word
or value that you must supply.
monospace Text in this font denotes text or characters that you should enter from the
keyboard, sections of code, programming examples, and syntax examples.
This font is also used for the proper names of disk drives, paths, directories,
programs, subprograms, subroutines, device names, functions, operations,
variables, filenames and extensions, and code excerpts.
monospace bold Bold text in this font denotes the messages and responses that the computer
automatically prints to the screen. This font also emphasizes lines of code
that are different from the other examples.
VXIpc 870 Series The term VXIpc 870 Series refers to a series of C-size, two-slot VXI
embedded controllers. Currently, this series consists of the VXIpc-871,
VXIpc-872 and the VXIpc-873.

About This Manual
VXIpc 870 Series User Manual xiv www.ni.com
How to Use This Documentation Set
BeginbyreadingtheRead Me First VXIpc 870 Series for Windows NT/98
manual.
This manual, the VXIpc 870 Series User Manual, contains more details
about changing the installation or configuration from the defaults, and
using the hardware.
When you are familiar with the material in these manuals, you can begin to
use the NI-VXI User Manual. This manual presents the concepts of VXI
and prepares you for detailed explanations of the NI-VXI functions. The
NI-VXI online help describes the NI-VXI functions to help you fully
understand the purpose and syntax of each function. You can find this same
information in the NI-VXI Programmer Reference Manual.Thesetwo
manuals are available in the c:\NIVXI\Manuals directory under the
names NI-VXIUsersMan.pdf and NI-VXIProgrammerMan.pdf,
respectively. Use the Acrobat Reader program, Version 3 or later, to open
these files.
You can also access the NI-VXI online help for Windows in the NIVXI
folder.
Refer to the NI-VISA User Manual to learn about VISA and how to use it
in your system. The NI-VISA online help describes the attributes, events,
and operations you can use in NI-VISA. You can find this same information
in the NI-VISA Programmer Reference Manual. These two manuals are
available in the c:\Vxipnp\os\NIvisa\Manuals directory (where os is
either Win95 or WinNT) under the names NI-VISAUsersMan.pdf and
NI-VISAProgrammersMan.pdf, respectively. Use the Acrobat Reader
program, Version 3 or later, to open these files.
Related Documentation
The following documents contain information that you may find helpful as
you read this manual:
•ANSI/IEEE Standard 1014-1987, IEEE Standard for a Versatile
Backplane Bus: VMEbus
•ANSI/IEEE Standard 1155-1998, IEEE VMEbus Extensions for
Instrumentation: VXIbus
•ANSI/VITA 1-1994, VME64
•VXI-6, VXIbus Mainframe Extender Specification,Rev.2.0,
VXIbus Consortium

©National Instruments Corporation 1-1 VXIpc 870 Series User Manual
1
Introduction
This chapter describes the VXIpc 870 Series of embedded VXI computers,
lists standard equipment, and describes driver and application software.
Overview
The VXIpc 870 Series consists of the VXIpc-871, VXIpc-872, and
VXIpc-873 models, which are functionally equivalent in many ways.
These three models differ in that the VXIpc-871 has an internal
CD-ROM drive, while the VXIpc-872 has one AT/PCI expansion slot.
The VXIpc-873 has either an internal, nonremovable flash drive and one
AT/PCI expansion slot or a removable flash drive.
The following four figures show the models with their covers removed.
Refer to Appendix C, Front Panel and Connectors, for information about
the location and pinout assignment of each connector on the modules.
Figure 1-1. VXIpc-871 Embedded Controller

Chapter 1 Introduction
VXIpc 870 Series User Manual 1-2 www.ni.com
Figure 1-2. VXIpc-872 Embedded Controller
Figure 1-3. VXIpc-873 Embedded Controller (Option 1 with
an Internal, Nonremovable Flash Drive)

Chapter 1 Introduction
©National Instruments Corporation 1-3 VXIpc 870 Series User Manual
Figure 1-4. VXIpc-873 Embedded Controller (Option 2 with a Removable Flash Drive)
The VXIpc 870 Series controllers are C-size, embedded computers based
on the x86 Processor architecture, the Peripheral Component Interface
(PCI) bus, and the Advanced Graphics Port (AGP). These computers
are high-performance, easy-to-use platforms for controlling VXIbus
systems, featuring complete VXI functionality through interactive
utilities and C function calls. In addition, the VXIpc 870 Series has
Ethernet capability plus an IEEE 488.2 interface that is compatible
with the NI-488.2 architecture.
The VXIpc 870 Series is a custom computer that you install directly in two
C-size slots of your VXI mainframe. An embedded computer can take full
advantage of the VXI high-performance backplane capabilities and give
you direct control of VXI registers, memory, interrupts, and triggers.
All models in the VXIpc 870 Series are fully VXIplug&play compliant
and are compatible with PC-compatible software tools, the National
Instruments LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI application software, and
the NI-VXI, NI-VISA, and NI-488.2 bus interface software.

Chapter 1 Introduction
VXIpc 870 Series User Manual 1-4 www.ni.com
Standard Equipment
Your hardware includes the VXIpc 870 Series controller, which you install
in your VXI mainframe. You also receive the following accessories:
•COM1/2 adapter cable
•Enhanced parallel port adapter cable
•Single-shielded 2 m GPIB cable
•AT-PS/2 cable
National Instruments Software
National Instruments has developed several software kits you can use
with the VXIpc 870 Series.
Driver Software
NI-VXI is the name of the National Instruments VXI bus control library.
You can create applications using NI-VXI to control both VXI and VME
devices. NI-VXI gives you complete VXI/VME functionality, including
an API for performing basic VXI/VME data transfers and handling
VXI/VME interrupts as well as VXI-specific functionality, such as
doing message-based communication and handling VXIbus triggers.
NI-VISA is the National Instruments implementation of the VISA
specification. VISA is a uniform API for communicating and controlling
Serial, GPIB, VXI, and VME instruments. This API aids in the creation of
more portable applications and instrument drivers.
The NI-VXI/VISA software includes an interactive configuration and
troubleshooting program, libraries of software routines for test and
measurement (T&M) programming, interactive control programs for both
NI-VXI and NI-VISA, a logging utility you can use for debugging your
applications, and a VXI Resource Manager. You can use this software to
seamlessly program multiple-mainframe configurations and have software
compatibility across a variety of controller platforms.
The NI-488.2M software kit gives you access to the industry-standard
NI-488.2M software for controlling external GPIB instruments through the
GPIB port on the front panel of your VXIpc 870 Series. The GPIB interface
on your VXIpc controller is fully compatible with the NI-488.2M driver for
a variety of operating systems. Any software using NI-488.2M will run on
the VXIpc 870 Series.

Chapter 1 Introduction
©National Instruments Corporation 1-5 VXIpc 870 Series User Manual
Application Software
You can also use the National Instruments LabVIEW and
LabWindows/CVI application programs and instrument drivers to
ease your programming task. These standardized programs match the
modular virtual instrument capability of VXI and can reduce your VXI
software development time. These programs are fully VXIplug&play
compliant and feature extensive libraries of GPIB, Serial, and VXI
instrument drivers written to take full advantage of direct VXI control.
LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI include all the tools needed for
instrument control, data acquisition, analysis, and presentation.
LabVIEW is a complete programming environment that departs from the
sequential nature of traditional programming languages and features a
graphical programming environment.
LabWindows/CVI is an interactive C development environment for
building test and measurement and instrument control systems. It includes
interactive code-generation tools and a graphical editor for building custom
user interfaces.

©National Instruments Corporation 2-1 VXIpc 870 Series User Manual
2
Configuration and Installation
This chapter contains the instructions to configure and install the
VXIpc 870 Series. Unless otherwise noted, these instructions apply to
all models in the VXIpc 870 Series, which currently consists of the
VXIpc-871, VXIpc-872, and VXIpc-873.
Caution Electrostatic discharge can damage several components on your VXIpc 870
Series module. To avoid such damage in handling the module, touch the antistatic plastic
package to a metal part of your VXI mainframe before removing the module from the
package.
What You Need to Get Started
❑VXIpc 870 Series embedded controller
❑VXIbus mainframe
❑Keyboard
❑Mouse
❑Monitor with VGA or better resolution
❑National Instruments software media for the VXIpc 870 Series
The NI-VXI/VISA software is already installed on your VXIpc 870 Series
computer. It is also included on CD-ROM in the event that you need to
reinstall your software. The CD-ROM includes disk images if you need to
make floppies for reinstallation.
Installing the VXIpc 870 Series
This section contains general installation instructions for the VXIpc 870
Series. Consult your VXIbus mainframe user manual or technical reference
manual for specific instructions and warnings.
1. Plug in your mainframe before installing the VXIpc 870 Series. The
power cord grounds the mainframe and protects it from electrical
damage while you are installing the module.

Chapter 2 Configuration and Installation
VXIpc 870 Series User Manual 2-2 www.ni.com
Warning To protect both yourself and the mainframe from electrical hazards,
the mainframe should remain off until you are finished installing the VXIpc 870 Series
module.
2. Remove or open any doors or covers blocking access to the mainframe
slots.
Caution If the VXIpc 870 Series is not configured for automatic System Controller
detection, be certain that the slot you select in your VXIbus mainframe matches the
VXIpc 870 Series configuration as either a System Controller device or a Non-System
Controller device. Installing the VXIpc 870 Series into a slot that does not correspond
with the jumper setting can damage the VXIpc 870 Series, the VXIbus backplane, or both.
3. Insert the VXIpc 870 Series in the slot you have selected by aligning
the top and bottom of the module with the card-edge guides inside the
mainframe. Slowly push the VXIpc 870 Series straight into the slot
until its plug connectors are resting on the backplane receptacle
connectors. Using slow, evenly distributed pressure, press the module
straight in until it seats in the expansion slot. The front panel of the
VXIpc 870 Series should be even with the front panel of the
mainframe.
4. Tighten the retaining screws on the top and bottom edges of the front
panel.
5. Check the installation.
6. Connect the keyboard and mouse to the appropriate connectors.
Use the keyboard adapter cable that you received with your kit to adapt
AT-style keyboards to the VXIpc 870 Series mini-DIN connector.
7. Connect the VGA monitor video cable to the VGA connector.
8. Connect devices to ports as required by your system configuration.
Some ports, such as the COM and LPT ports, have adapter cables that
came in your kit.
9. Replace or close any doors or covers to the mainframe.
10. Turn on the VXI mainframe.
11. The VXIpc 870 Series should now boot into either Windows 98 or NT.
12. On the first boot of the VXIpc 870 Series, a setup program
automatically runs.
13. Follow the prompts in the setup program to fully configure your
VXIpc 870 Series.
14. When prompted for the NT/98 serial number, enter the serial number
of the operating system from the included certificate.