National Instruments SCXI User manual

GETTING STARTED GUIDE
NI Switches
SCXI™Switch Modules
This document explains how to install, configure, and set up a National Instruments SCXI
switch module. Your NI SCXI switch module ships with the NI-SWITCH instrument driver,
which you can use to program the device.
This document contains information about the NI-DAQmx driver software, which you can
also use to program NI switch modules. Launch NI-DAQmx from the Start menu, or for
Windows 8, from NI Launcher.
Note The protection provided by your NI switch product can be impaired if used
in a manner not described in this document.
Related Information
Refer to the NI Switches Help for detailed information about features and programming
options for your NI switch product.
Contents
Electromagnetic Compatibility Guidelines...............................................................................2
Verifying the System Requirements.........................................................................................2
Verifying the Kit Contents........................................................................................................2
NI SCXI Required Items...................................................................................................2
Unpacking.................................................................................................................................3
Installing the Software..............................................................................................................3
Installing the Hardware.............................................................................................................4
Installation Procedure 1....................................................................................................6
Installation Procedure 2....................................................................................................7
Installation Procedure 3..................................................................................................12
Installation Procedure 4..................................................................................................13
Installation Procedure 5..................................................................................................14
Configuring the Hardware in MAX........................................................................................15
Connecting Signals to Switch Terminal Blocks.....................................................................16
Programming the NI Switch Product......................................................................................17
NI-SWITCH Examples...........................................................................................................17
Where to Go Next...................................................................................................................19
Appendix A: PXI Express Compatibility................................................................................19
Worldwide Support and Services............................................................................................20

Electromagnetic Compatibility Guidelines
This product was tested and complies with the regulatory requirements and limits for
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) stated in the product specifications. These requirements
and limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
product is operated in the intended operational electromagnetic environment.
This product is intended for use in industrial locations. However, harmful interference may
occur in some installations, when the product is connected to a peripheral device or test object,
or if the product is used in residential or commercial areas. To minimize interference with
radio and television reception and prevent unacceptable performance degradation, install and
use this product in strict accordance with the instructions in the product documentation.
Furthermore, any modifications to the product not expressly approved by National Instruments
could void your authority to operate it under your local regulatory rules.
Caution To ensure the specified EMC performance, operate this product only with
shielded cables and accessories.
Caution To ensure the specified EMC performance, the length of all I/O cables
must be no longer than 3 m (10 ft).
Verifying the System Requirements
To use the NI-SWITCH instrument driver, your system must meet certain requirements.
For more information about minimum system requirements, recommended system, and
supported application development environments (ADEs), refer to the product readme,
which is available on the driver software DVD or online at ni.com/updates.
Verifying the Kit Contents
• SCXI switch module
•NI -SWITCH driver software DVD
•NI Switches Getting Started Guide for your NI SCXI switch module (this document)
• Specifications document for you NI SCXI switch module
•Read Me First: Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility
NI SCXI Required Items
In addition to the items contained in the kit, you need the following items to install or operate
your device.
• NI SCXI chassis or NI PXI/SCXI combination chassis
• Switch controller
2 | NI Switches Getting Started Guide | ni.com

If cabling directly to a switch controller, you also need the following items:
•Cable adapter
• Cable
Related Information
Installing the Hardware on page 4
Unpacking
Your NI switch product ships in an antistatic package to prevent electrostatic discharge from
damaging device components. To prevent such damage when handling the device, ground
yourself using a grounding strap or by holding a grounded object, such as your computer
chassis, and complete the following steps:
1. Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of the computer chassis before removing the
device from the package.
Caution Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.
2. Remove the device from the package and inspect the device for loose components or any
other sign of damage.
Notify NI if the device appears damaged in any way. Do not install a damaged device into the
chassis.
Installing the Software
You must install the NI-SWITCH driver software before installing the NI switch product.
NI switch modules are packaged with NI-SWITCH and NI-DAQmx. Each driver has its own
API with a library of VIs and functions you can call from your ADE to program your NI
switch product.
1. Optional: If you are developing an NI-SWITCH application, install an ADE, such as
LabVIEW or LabWindows™/CVI™.
2. Install the latest service packs for your operating system.
3. Insert the NI-SWITCH DVD into the DVD drive.
The NI-SWITCH installer should open automatically. If the installation window does not
appear, navigate to the DVD drive, double-click the drive, and double-click
autorun.exe.
4. Follow the instructions in the installation prompts to install the NI-SWITCH driver
software.
5. When the installer completes, select Restart in the dialog box that asks if you want to
restart, shut down, or restart later and remove the driver software DVD.
NI Switches Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 3

Installing the Hardware
You must install the software before installing the hardware.
Before you install the hardware, refer to the guidelines in the Maintain Forced-Air Cooling
Note to Users included with the module to ensure that the device can cool itself effectively.
This document is also available at ni.com/manuals.
Caution NI SCXI switch modules are sensitive instruments that should be handled
carefully. To prevent damage to the device caused by ESD or contamination, handle
the device using the edges or the metal bracket.
Caution Clean the hardware with a soft, nonmetallic brush. Make sure that the
hardware is completely dry and free from contaminants before returning it to
service.
To select and install a switch controller, complete the following steps:
1. Verify that your switch controller supports the switch module you want to install. Refer
to the following table.
Table 1. NI Switch Controllers and Supported NI SCXI Switches
SCXI Rear
Connector
(10- or 50-
pin)
NI Switch
Module
NI Switch Controllers
NI 4021 or
NI PXI/PCI-4065
or NI 407x
NI USB NI E Series or M
Series
NI SCXI-1127 when used with
NI SCXI-1357
kit,
NI SCXI-1358
kit, or
NI SCXI-1359
kit
when used with
USB-1357 kit,
USB-1358 kit,
USB-1359 kit,
or NI
SCXI-1600
Indirect control1
when used with
NI SCXI-1349 and
either
SH-68-68-EPM (NI
E Series or mass-
terminated
NI USB MSeries) or
SHC68-68-EPM
(NI PXI/PCI M
Series)
NI SCXI-1128
NI SCXI-1129
NI SCXI-1130
All other Modules
1An NI E or M Series device can control these switches when cabled to any 50-pin rear connector
NI SCXI switch module in the same chassis. Alternately, you can install an NI E or M Series
device that is not PXI Express compatible in the rightmost PXI slot of
anNI PXI-1010/1011/1050/1052 chassis. Refer to Appendix A: PXI Express Compatibility for
more information about PXI Express compatible devices.
4 | NI Switches Getting Started Guide | ni.com

Table 1. NI Switch Controllers and Supported NI SCXI Switches (Continued)
SCXI Rear
Connector
(10- or 50-
pin)
NI Switch
Module
NI Switch Controllers
NI 4021 or
NI PXI/PCI-4065
or NI 407x
NI USB NI E Series or M
Series
SCXI-1160/11612when used with
SCXI-1362 kit
Indirect
control3 or
when used with
NI SCXI-1600
when used with
NI SCXI-1349 and
either
SH68-68-EPM (NI
E Series or mass-
terminated NI USB
M Series) or
SHC68-68-EPM (NI
M Series)
SCXI-1163R
SCXI-1190
Note Some switch controllers, like the NI USB-1357/1358/1359, can connect
an NI SCXI switch module directly to a computer. Alternatively, a switch
controller installed in the rightmost PXI slot of an
NI PXI-1010/1011/1050/1052 chassis does not require any additional cables or
adapters to connect to the switch module.
Note The NI 4060 device can only control the
NI SCXI-1127/1128/1129/1160/1161/1163R/1190 switch modules configured
using Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy).
2. Identify the adapter kit(s) required to cable the switch controller or the computer to the NI
SCXI switch module.
3. Determine the appropriate installation procedure for installing your NI switch module.
Refer to the following table.
Table 2. Determining the NI SCXI Switch Installation Procedure
Chassis Type NI Switch Controller Type Installation
Procedure
NI SCXI-1000 or
NI SCXI-1001
PCI or PXI or mass-terminated NI
USB M Series
2
NI USB-135x 4
NI SCXI-1600 5
2To use this module with the listed controllers, set jumpers W2, W3, and W4 on the NI switch
module to MIO. Refer to the NI SCXI-1160/1161 Jumpers Note to Users or the NI Switches Help
for more information.
3An NI USB device can control these switches when cabled to a 10-pin rear connector NI SCXI
switch module in the same chassis. NI USB switch controllers cannot be used with an
NI PXI-1011 or an NI PXI-1052 chassis.
NI Switches Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 5

Table 2. Determining the NI SCXI Switch Installation Procedure (Continued)
Chassis Type NI Switch Controller Type Installation
Procedure
NI PXI-1010 or NI PXI-1050 PXI4 in rightmost PXI slot 3
PXI not in rightmost PXI slot 2
PXI Express compatible5 in any
slot
2
NI USB-135x 4
NI SCXI-1600 5
NI PXI-1011 or NI PXI-1052 PXI6 in rightmost PXI slot 3
NI SCXI-1600 5
Note The NI 4060 device can only control the
NI SCXI-1127/1128/1129/1160/1161/1163R/1190 switch modules configured
using Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy).
Related Information
Refer to the NI Switches Help for more information about NI switch controllers and adapter
kits.
Installation Procedure 1
Install an NI SCXI switch module in an existing system.
Refer to the following figure and complete the following steps to install an NI SCXI switch
module in an existing system.
4PXI refers to a PXI switch controller that is not PXI Express compatible.
5PXI Express is a compatible switch controller.
6PXI refers to a PXI switch controller that is not PXI Express compatible.
6 | NI Switches Getting Started Guide | ni.com

Figure 1. Installing an NI SCXI Switch Module in an Existing System
ON
8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
12
9
10
11
ADDRESS BAUD
1
3
2
4
1. New NI SCXI Switch Module
2. Existing NI SCXI Module
3. NI SCXI Chassis
4. Existing Controller
1. Power off and unplug the chassis.
2. Remove the filler panel from an unused SCXI slot.
3. Touch any metal part of the chassis to discharge static electricity.
4. Insert the switch module into the SCXI slot.
5. Screw the switch front panel to the chassis front panel mounting rail.
Installation Procedure 2
Install an NI SCXI switch module in any of the following configurations:
• NI SCXI-1000/1001 chassis with an NI PCI or NI PXI switch controller
• NI PXI-1010/1050 chassis with a switch controller not in the rightmost PXI slot of the
chassis
• NI PXI-1010/1050 chassis with an NI PXI Express compatible switch controller in any
slot of the chassis
Refer to the following figure and complete the following steps to install an NI SCXI switch
module.
NI Switches Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 7

Figure 2. Chassis Preparation
SCXI
120Vac
~
4
RESET
ADDRESS
ON
5
4
3
2
1
Front Back
5
4
3
2
1
POWER
RESET
ADDRESS
ON
1
2
3
1. Chassis Power Switch
2. Chassis Address Switches
3. Chassis Power Settings
4. Power Cord Connector
1. Power off and unplug the chassis.
2. Install the switch controller, including any adapter kit(s), as described in the switch
controller documentation.
Note Ensure the chassis is still powered off before continuing to install your
switch module.
3. Set the chassis address switches to the OFF position. If you are using multiple SCXI
chassis, ensure each chassis has a unique binary address.
Note Earlier chassis use jumpers inside the chassis front panel instead of
chassis address switches. Earlier chassis also differ in fuses and AC power
selection. Refer to the documentation specific to your chassis for more
information.
4. Confirm the correct power settings of the chassis (100, 120, 220, or 240 VAC).
5. Remove the filler panel from an unused SCXI slot.
6. Touch any metal part of the chassis to discharge static electricity.
7. Insert the switch module into the SCXI slot.
8. Screw the switch front panel to the chassis front panel mounting rail.
8 | NI Switches Getting Started Guide | ni.com

After you install the module, determine the type of controller you want to use. For more
information about cabling the module to a controller, refer to NI E Series or M Series, 10-Pin
Rear Connector, or 50-Pin Rear Connector.
Related Information
Refer to the Read Me First: NI-DAQmx and DAQ Device Installation Guide if you are
installing an NI M Series device.
Refer to the NI Digital Multimeters Getting Started Guide if you are installing an NI 407x.
NI E Series or M Series
Refer to the following figure and complete the following steps to cable the switch controller to
the switch module. Notice that an NI E Series or M Series device can directly cable only to an
NI SCXI switch module with a 50-pin rear connector.
Figure 3. Cabling an NI E Series or M Series Device to an NI SCXI Switch Module
1
2
4
5
3
1. NI SCXI Switch Module with a 50-Pin Rear
Connector
2. NI SCXI-1000/1001 or NI PXI-1010/1050 Chassis
3. NI SCXI-1349 Cable Adapter
4. NI SH6868 Cable
5. NI E Series or M Series Device
1. Attach the NI SCXI-1349 cable adapter to the rear of the NI SCXI switch module.
2. Screw the cable adapter to the chassis mounting rail.
3. Connect one end of the NI SH6868 cable to the NI SCXI-1349 cable adapter and the
other end to the NI M Series device.
NI Switches Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 9

4. Power on the chassis.
10-Pin Rear Connector
You must determine the number of pins on the rear connector of your NI SCXI switch module
to choose the appropriate set of steps to cable the switch controller to the switch module.
Refer to the following figure and complete the following steps to cable the switch controller to
an NI SCXI switch module with a 10-pin rear connector for the NI 4021/407x or
NI PXI/PCI-4065.
Figure 4. Cabling an NI 4021/407x or an NI PXI/PCI-4065 to a 10-pin Rear Connector Switch
Module
1
7
6
or
4
5
3
2
1. NI SCXI Switch Module with a 10-Pin Rear
Connector
2. HVAB Connector
3. 10-Pin Rear Connector
4. SH9MD-AUX Cable
5. NI Switch Controller
6. NI SCXI-1359 Cable Adapter
7. NI SCXI-1000/1001 or NI PXI-1010/1050 Chassis
1. Attach the NI SCXI-1359, included with your kit, to the rear of the NI SCXI switch
module. Ensure that the 10-pin rear connector of the switch module connects to the
lower-right, 10-pin rear connector on the NI SCXI-1359.
2. Screw the backplane adapter to the chassis mounting rail.
3. Connect one end of the SH9MD-AUX cable to the AUX IN of the NI SCXI-1359 and the
other end to the NI 407x.
10 | NI Switches Getting Started Guide | ni.com

4. Power on the chassis.
Related Information
Refer to the NI Switches Help for more information about the connectors on the NI
SCXI-1359.
50-Pin Rear Connector
You must determine the number of pins on the rear connector of your NI SCXI switch module
to choose the appropriate set of steps to cable the switch controller to the switch module.
Refer to the following figure and complete the following steps to cable the switch controller to
your NI SCXI switch module with a 50-pin rear connector for the NI 4021/407x or
NI PXI/PCI-4065.
Figure 5. Cabling an NI 4021/407X or an NI PXI/PCI-4065 to a 50-Pin Rear Connector Switch
Module
1
2
4
5
3
1. NI SCXI Switch Module with a 50-Pin Rear
Connector
2. NI SCXI-1000/1001 or NI PXI-1010/1050 Chassis
3. NI SCXI-1362 Cable Adapter
4. NI Switch Controller
5. SH9MD-AUX Cable
1. Attach the NI SCXI-1362 cable adapter to the rear of your NI SCXI switch module.
2. Screw the cable adapter to the chassis mounting rail.
3. Connect one end of the SH9MD-AUX cable to the NI SCXI-1362 cable adapter and the
other end to the NI 407x.
NI Switches Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 11

4. Power on the chassis.
Installation Procedure 3
Install an NI PXI-1010/1011/1050/1052 chassis with a PXI switch controller in the rightmost
PXI slot of the chassis.
Note No cables are required to connect the switch module to the switch controller.
Refer to the following figure and complete the following steps to install an NI SCXI switch
module.
Figure 6. NI Switch Controller in the Rightmost PXI Slot
PXI-1011
1
2
3
1. NI PXI-1010/1050 Chassis
2. NI PXI-1011/1052 Chassis
3. Controller
1. Power off and unplug the chassis.
2. Install the switch controller, including any adapter kit(s), as described in the switch
controller documentation.
3. (NI PXI-1010 only) Set the chassis address switches to the OFF position as shown in the
following figure.
4. Confirm the correct power settings of the chassis (100 VAC, 120 VAC, 220 VAC, or 240
VAC).
Note Refer to the documentation specific to your chassis for the correct
voltage for your region.
5. Remove the filler panel from an unused SCXI slot.
6. Touch any metal part of the chassis to discharge static electricity.
7. Insert the switch module into the SCXI slot.
12 | NI Switches Getting Started Guide | ni.com

8. Screw the switch front panel to the chassis front panel mounting rail.
9. Power on the chassis.
Related Information
Refer to the Read Me First: NI-DAQmx and DAQ Device Installation Guide if you are
installing an NI PXI/PCI M Series device.
Refer to the NI Digital Multimeters Getting Started Guide if you are installing an NI 407x.
Installation Procedure 4
Connect an NI USB switch controller/adapter directly to an NI SCXI switch module with a 10-
pin rear connector.
Refer to the following figure and complete the following steps to install an NI SCXI switch
module and cable it to an NI USB switch controller
Figure 7. Cabling an NI USB Switch Controller to a 10-Pin Rear Connector Switch Module
or
1
3
2
7
6
4
5
1. NI SCXI Switch Module
2. HVAB Connector
3. 10-Pin Rear Connector
4. USB Cable
5. NI Switch Controller
6. NI 1359 Cable Adapter
7. NI SCXI-1000/1001 or NI PXI-1010/1050 Chassis
1. Power off and unplug the chassis.
NI Switches Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 13

2. Set the chassis address switches to the OFF position.
Note Earlier chassis use jumpers inside the chassis front panel instead of
chassis address switches. Earlier chassis also differ in fuses and AC power
selection. Refer to the documentation specific to your chassis for more
information.
3. Confirm the correct power settings of the chassis (100 VAC, 120 VAC, 220 VAC, or 240
VAC).
Note Refer to the documentation specific to your chassis for the correct
voltage for your region.
4. Remove the filler panel in an unused SCXI slot.
5. Touch any metal part of the chassis to discharge static electricity.
6. Insert the switch module into the SCXI slot.
7. Screw the switch front panel to the chassis front panel mounting rail.
8. Attach the NI USB-1359, included with the kit, to the rear of the NI SCXI switch module.
Ensure that the 10-pin rear connector of the switch module connects to the black lower-
right 10-pin rear connector of the NI USB-1359.
9. Screw the backplane adapter to the chassis mounting rail.
10. Power on the chassis. You must power on the chassis before you connect the
NI USB-1359 to the computer to auto-detect the NI USB-1359 and auto-create the
chassis in MAX.
Note If you are using an NI PXI-1010/1050 the chassis appears in MAX as an
NI SCXI-1000 chassis.
11. Connect one end of the USB cable to the NI USB-1359 and the other end to a USB hub
or a USB port on a computer.
Related Information
Refer to the NI Switches Help for more information about the connectors on the NI USB-1359.
Refer to the NI 1357/1358/1359 SCXI Controller/Adapter Kit Installation Guide for more
information about USB switch control.
Installation Procedure 5
Install a switch module in any SCXI chassis with an NI SCXI-1600 switch module controller
installed in any slot in the chassis.
Refer to the following figure and complete the following steps to install an NI SCXI switch
module.
14 | NI Switches Getting Started Guide | ni.com

Figure 8. Installing an NI SCXI Switch Module in an SCXI Chassis with an NI SCXI-1600 Controller
ON
8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
12
9
10
11
ADDRESS BAUD
3
2
1
1. New NI SCXI Switch Module
2. NI SCXI-1600 Switch Module Controller
3. NI SCXI Chassis
1. Power off and unplug the chassis.
2. Install and configure the NI SCXI-1600 switch module controller.
Note Ensure the chassis is still powered off before continuing to install your
switch module.
3. Remove the filler panel from an unused SCXI slot.
4. Touch any metal part of the chassis to discharge static electricity.
5. Insert the switch module into the SCXI slot.
6. Screw the switch front panel to the chassis front panel mounting rail.
7. Connect one end of the USB cable to the NI SCXI-1600 and the other end to a USB hub
or a USB port on a computer.
Related Information
Refer to the SCXI Quick Start Guide for more information about installing and configuring the
NI SCXI-1600.
Configuring the Hardware in MAX
Your SCXI switch and your switch controller determine your MAX configuration options.
Refer to the following table to determine your MAX configuration options.
NI Switches Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 15

Table 3. MAX Configuration Options
NI Controller NI SCXI-1127/1128/1129/ 1160/1161/1163R/
1190/1191/1192 Switches
All Other NI SCXI
Switches
NI 407x, NI 4065,
M Series, NI 4021
NI-DAQmx/Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy) NI-DAQmx
NI 4060 Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy) -
NI USB NI-DAQmx
Note The NI 4060 device can only control
NI SCXI-1127/1128/1129/1160/1161/1163R/1190 switch modules configured using
Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy). For software support information, refer to the
preceding table.
1. Launch MAX by navigating to Start»All Programs»National Instruments»NI MAX or
by clicking the NI MAX desktop icon.
2. Right-click Devices and Interfaces. Select Create New.
3. In the Create New window, go to NI-DAQmx SCXI Chassis. Select the SCXI chassis
you want to add. Configure the following settings:
• Select the switch controller (NI USB-1359 or NI 407x) cabled to the communicating
SCXI switch module from the Chassis Communicator drop-down listbox. If MAX
detects only one communicating device, this device is selected as the chassis
communicator by default and the listbox is dimmed.
• (NI SCXI kits only) Select the module slot connected to the chassis communicator
from the Communicating SCXI Module Slot drop-down list.
• In the Chassis Address text box, enter the appropriate chassis address setting. The
correct chassis address jumper settings are shown in the interactive DIP switch
graphic in the configuration window. Make sure the software setting matches the
actual chassis address setting on the SCXI chassis.
• If you want NI-DAQ to automatically detect the SCXI modules in the chassis, check
Auto-Detect All Modules.
4. Click Save when you are finished.
5. Right-click the SCXI chassis you just added. Select Configure.
6. In the SCXI Chassis Configuration window, click the Modules tab. Select the module
you want to add from the Modules drop-down listbox.
7. Click Details to configure the module settings.
Connecting Signals to Switch Terminal Blocks
Refer to the documentation for your terminal block to install the terminal block and connect
signals to the NI switch product.
16 | NI Switches Getting Started Guide | ni.com

Programming the NI Switch Product
You can acquire data interactively using the NI-SWITCH Soft Front Panel (SFP), or you can
control the device programmatically using the NI-SWITCH instrument driver. You can then
use NI-SWITCH to program the device in the application development environment (ADE) of
your choice.
Table 4. NI Switch Product Programming Options
Application
Programming
Interface (API)
Location Description
NI-SWITCH SFP Available from the Start menu or
NI Launcher in Windows 8.
Provides a graphical interface for
controlling and viewing the state
of your NI switch product.
NI-SWITCH
Instrument Driver
LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI—
Available on the LabVIEW
Functions palette at Measurement
I/O»NI-SWITCH.
Features a set of operations and
attributes that exercise all the
functionality of the NI switch
product, including configuration,
control, and other device-specific
functions.
C or LabWindows/CVI—
Available at Program Files
\IVI Foundation\IVI
\Drivers\niSWITCH.
Installed examples for Visual
C/C++ are in the
NI-SWITCH Readme.
Refer to the Creating an
Application with Microsoft Visual
C/C++ topic in the NI Switches
Help for information about
developing an NI-SWITCH
application.
NI-DAQmx
Instrument Driver
Available from the Start menu or
NI Launcher in Windows 8. To
locate examples, go to ni.com/info
and enter the Info Code
daqmxexp. For additional
examples, refer to zone.ni.com.
You can operate NI switch
products with the NI-DAQmx
API. NI-DAQmx is useful when
using hardware scanning with
multiple NI switch products. The
NI-DAQmx API supports all NI
switch products and is not IVI
compliant.
NI-SWITCH Examples
Examples demonstrate the functionality of the device and serve as programming models and
building blocks for your own applications. The NI Example Finder is a utility available for
some software applications that organizes examples into categories and allows you to easily
NI Switches Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 17

browse and search installed examples. You can see descriptions and compatible hardware
models for each example or see all the examples compatible with one particular hardware
model.
Table 5. Locating NI-SWITCH Examples
Software Application How to Locate Examples
LabVIEW or
LabWindows/CVI
Locate examples with the NI Example Finder. Within LabVIEW
or LabWindows/CVI, select Help»Find Examples and navigate
to Hardware Input and Output»Modular Instruments.
ANSI C or Microsoft
Visual C/C++
Locate examples in the <NIDocDir>\NI-SWITCH\examples
directory, where <NIDocDir> is one of the following
directories:
•Windows XP—Documents and Settings\All
Users\Documents\National Instruments
• Windows 7/8/Vista—Users\Public\Documents
\National Instruments
18 | NI Switches Getting Started Guide | ni.com

Where to Go Next
Refer to the following figure for information about other product tasks and associated
resources for those tasks.
custom applications within an
application programming
interface (API).
NI-SWITCH Examples
NI Switches Help
NI-SWITCH Soft Front Panel
NI-SWITCH Instrument Driver
about the capabilities of
your hardware with device
specifications.
more about your products through ni.com.
NI switch device
specifications
NI Switches Help
the application development
environment (ADE)
appropriate for your application.
Getting Started with
LabVIEW
Getting Started with
LabWindows/CVI
2 3
NI Switches
ni.com/switches
Services
ni.com/services
Updates
ni.com/updates
NI Develop er Zone
ni.com/zone
1
Located in the hardware kit Located online at ni.com/manuals Located using the NI Example Finder
Appendix A: PXI Express Compatibility
A modified PXI module is a hybrid slot compatible PXI module where the top rear connector
is replaced with a small connector. Refer to the following figure to determine if your NI switch
product is hybrid-slot compatible.
NI Switches Getting Started Guide | © National Instruments | 19

Figure 9. PXI Module and PXI Express Compatible Module
21
1. Standard PXI Switch Module
2. PXI Express Compatible Switch Module
A hybrid slot compatible PXI module can operate in the following slots:
• A Standard PXI slot or an NI PXI/PXI Express chassis
• A Hybrid slot compatible PXI module
Note Unlike hybrid slot compatible modules, PXI cards can only operate in
standard PXI slots.
Hybrid slot compatible PXI modules preserve the following features:
Table 6. Hybrid Slot Compatibility PXI Module Features
Software compatibility Hybrid slot compatibility requires no changes to existing
applications and/or driver software.
Specifications Hybrid slot compatibility does not alter module specifications.
PXI communication Hybrid slot compatibility supports existing PXI timing and PXI
triggering capabilities.
Refer to your NI PXI/PXI Express chassis documentation to determine which slots are PXI
slots, PXI Express slots, or PXI Express Hybrid slots.
Related Information
Refer to the PXI Systems Alliances for the defined modifications to incorporate PCI Express
signaling into PXI.
Worldwide Support and Services
The National Instruments website is your complete resource for technical support. At ni.com/
support you have access to everything from troubleshooting and application development self-
help resources to email and phone assistance from NI Application Engineers.
Visit ni.com/services for NI Factory Installation Services, repairs, extended warranty, and
other services.
20 | NI Switches Getting Started Guide | ni.com