Pickering LXI 60-103 User manual

pickeringtest.com
Issue 2.2 January 2020
60-103 User Manual
LXI 18-Slot Modular Switching Chassis

Page (II) LXI 18-SLOT MODULAR SWITCHING CHASSIS 60-103
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Page (II) REED RELAY MODULE 40-110/115/120/125
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© COPYRIGHT (2020) PICKERING INTERFACES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, translated or stored in any form, or by
any means without the written permission of Pickering Interfaces.
Technical details contained within this publication are subject to change without notice.
ISO 9001
Reg No. FM38792

Page (III)
LXI 18-SLOT MODULAR SWITCHING CHASSIS 60-103
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Page (III)
REED RELAY MODULE 40-110/115/120/125
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TECHNICAL SUPPORT
For Technical Support please contact Pickering Interfaces either by phone, the website or via e-mail.
WARRANTY
All products manufactured by Pickering Interfaces are warranted against defective materials and workmanship for a period of
three years, excluding programmable power supplies, from the date of delivery to the original purchaser. Any product found to be
defective within this period will, at the discretion of Pickering Interfaces be repaired or replaced.
Products serviced and repaired outside of the warranty period are warranted for ninety days.
Extended warranty and service are available. Please contact Pickering Interfaces by phone, the website or via e-mail.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
Pickering Interfaces operates under an environmental management system similar to ISO 14001.
Pickering Interfaces strives to full all relevant environmental laws and regulations and reduce wastes and releases to the
environment. Pickering Interfaces aims to design and operate products in a way that protects the environment and the health and
safety of its employees, customers and the public. Pickering Interfaces endeavours to develop and manufacture products that can
be produced, distributed, used and recycled, or disposed of, in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.
Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information
pickeringtest.com
Germany
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Sweden
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
USA
Tel: (West) [phone]
Tel: (East) [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Czech Republic
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
France
Tel [phone]
E-mail [email protected]
Pickering Interfaces Headquarters
Stephenson Road Clacton-on-Sea CO15 4NL United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected]
China
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]

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Page (IV) REED RELAY MODULE 40-110/115/120/125
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MEANING / DESCRIPTION SYMBOL
PROTECTIVE EARTH (GROUND)
To identify any terminal which is intended for connection to an external conductor for
protection against electric shock in case of a fault, or the terminal of a protective earth
(ground) electrode.
DANGEROUS VOLTAGE
To indicate hazards arising from dangerous voltages.
WARNING / CAUTION
An appropriate safety instruction should be followed or caution to a potential hazard
exists.
Refer to the relevant instructions detailed within the product manual.
HEAVY
If this product is heavy reference should be made to the safety instructions for
provisions of lifting and moving.
STATIC SENSITIVE
To indicate that static sensitive devices are present and handling precautions should
be followed.
!
kg
SAFETY SYMBOLS
PRODUCT SAFETY
The following safety symbols may be used on the product and throughout the product documentation.

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LXI 18-SLOT MODULAR SWITCHING CHASSIS 60-103
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Copyright Statement ......................................................................II
Technical Support and Warranty..................................................III
Product Safety .............................................................................. IV
Contents (this page)...................................................................... V
Warnings and Cautions .............................................................. VII
Section 1
Introduction..................................................................................1.1
Section 2
Technical Specication...............................................................2.1
Section 3
General Description ....................................................................3.1
Mechanical Description...................................................3.1
Functional Description ....................................................3.2
PXI Module Support.........................................................3.3
Section 4
Installation....................................................................................4.1
Installing The LXI Chassis ..............................................4.2
Installing Individual Modules..........................................4.3
Expanding The 60-103 Chassis ......................................4.4
Section 5
Conguration And Setup ............................................................5.1
Hardware Setup................................................................5.1
Connecting the 60-103 Chassis......................................5.3
Conguring the 60-103 Chassis Settings ......................5.4
Setting The IP Address....................................................5.6
Chassis Management System ........................................5.7
Section 6
Programming ...............................................................................6.1
Programming Options for LXI Units...............................6.1
Unit Architecture ..............................................................6.2
Command Line Control of LXI Instruments...................6.4
Section 7
Trouble Shooting .........................................................................7.1
LXI Status Indicators .......................................................7.1
Unit Reset .........................................................................7.2
Appendix A
Rack Mounting The Chassis......................................................A.1
CONTENTS

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Page (VII)
LXI 18-SLOT MODULAR SWITCHING CHASSIS 60-103
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WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
Page (VII)
LXI 7-SLOT MODULAR SWITCHING CHASSIS 60-102B
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WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING - HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS SYMBOL
This product is not specically designed for use in hazardous environments, for example in explosive
atmospheres. If the product is to be used in hazardous environments we recommend that the user
ensures suitable protective measures are taken.
!
CAUTION - HANDLING OF ELECTROSTATIC-SENSITIVE DEVICES SYMBOL
Certain semiconductor devices used in this equipment are liable to damage due to static voltage.
Observe the following precautions when handling these devices in their unterminated state, or
sub-assemblies containing these devices:
1. Persons removing sub-assemblies from equipment using these devices must be earthed by a
wrist strap and a resistor at the point provided on the equipment.
2. Soldering irons used during the repair operations must be low voltage types with earthed tips and
isolated from the mains voltage by a double insulated transformer.
3. Outer clothing worn must be unable to generate static charges.
4. Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) tted with these devices must be stored and transported in
anti-static bags.
WARNING - DANGER OF ELECTRIC SHOCK SYMBOL
This chassis may be populated with modules that contain hazardous voltages. Before removing any
module from the rack remove all supplies and disconnect user I/O signals.
Unused slots in this chassis are populated with blanking panels to prevent access to user I/O signals
that may be present. Blanking panels are available to order from Pickering. If the product is not used
in this manner for example by using an extender card then additional care must be taken to avoid
contact with exposed signals.
Not to be used in safety critical circuits, refer to the Pickering Interfaces’ terms & conditions of sale.
Installed modules must not be used for the switching of Mains Circuits. For the switching of voltages
up to the module’s full specication, Secondary Circuit power supplies and the Device Under Test
must be fully isolated from the Mains Circuit and the safety earth.
This chassis must be correctly installed and be connected to mains or factory safety ground,
please refer to the Installation section of this manual.
Diagram Showing Separation Between The Mains Circuit and Secondary Circuit / DUT
For the purposes of this document, a Mains Circuit is an installation classied as Overvoltage
Category II up to 300V. Separation between the Secondary Circuit and Mains Circuit is achieved
by a transformer in which the primary windings are separated from the secondary windings by
reinforced insulation, double insulation, or a screen connected to the protective conductor terminal.
Switching
Module
Device
Under Test
Power
Supply
Power
Supply
Host Chassis
Secondary Circuit
Mains
Circuit
Mains
Circuit
Mains/Factory
Safety Ground

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Page (VIII) LXI 7-SLOT MODULAR SWITCHING CHASSIS 60-102B
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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
All cleaning and servicing requires the equipment to be isolated and disconnected from the power source and user I/O
signals (refer to the Maintenance Section).
• Appropriate manual handling procedures should be followed as dictated by the weight of the individual module or
the combined weight of the modules & chassis.
• Should a fault occur with the module or chassis, immediately isolate and disconnect the incoming power to the
chassis and the user I/O signals.
• Ensure the equipment is installed, operated and maintained by trained and authorised personnel.
• For suitably equipped products in the event of an emergency press the red “emergency stop” button situated on
the front of the unit.
CAUTION - PRODUCT DOCUMENTATION SYMBOL
Suitably qualied & trained users should ensure that the accompanying documentation is fully read
and understood before attempting to install or operate the product.
!

Page 1.1
LXI 18-SLOT MODULAR SWITCHING CHASSIS 60-103
pickering SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION
SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION
GENERAL
The 60-103 is fully compliant with the LXI Class C specication and supports Pickering Interfaces 3U PXI switching
modules. Each module is supported as though it is an LXI compliant device, complete with a driverless soft front
panel that provides complete control of the module functions. The 60-103 supports up to 18 off 3U modules and is
equivalent to a 19 slot PXI chassis.
The chassis allows the majority of the large number of 3U PXI modules from Pickering Interfaces to be installed and
controlled through a standardized Ethernet interface. The chassis is supplied with a built-in generic IVI driver to control
the PXI modules in accordance with the LXI specication, but can also be controlled through a kernel driver.
Modules available for installation in the 60-103 chassis cover a large variety of switching functions. They include
simple switches, matrices and multiplexers based on reed relay and electromechanical technology which can switch
from micro Amps to 40 Amps. A range of RF, microwave and optical switching functions are supported as well as
some instrument functions such as variable resistor cards. For a list of compatible PXI modules, please refer to the
LXI Short Form Catalog.
The LXI compliant Ethernet interface enables the chassis to be controlled through standard LAN interfaces found
on all controllers. It allows the remote operation of switching products with simple cabling over long distances, even
permitting a chassis to be controlled over world wide networks. The separation of the chassis from the controller’s
PCI bus simplies power-on sequencing of systems and provides a high degree of independence from the migration
of the Windows and VISA environment
The form factor of the 60-103 allows efcient use of space thanks to its compact 4U height. Four 68cfm fans insure
maximum module cooling and an efcient direct convection design allows the chassis to operate over an extended
ambient temperature range of 0ºC to +55ºC.
The low acoustic emissions make the chassis ideal for applications such as ofce or laboratory environments where
noise levels are critical. The sound pressure level varies between 49.7dB and 57.7dB dependant upon the fan speed
which is automatically controlled according to the internal chassis temperature.
The 60-103 can be simply congured over its LXI compliant interface using any industry standard web browser. The
interface can be used to open a Java based soft front panel to the user for any of the modules tted to the chassis,
permitting users to manually access modules without the need for drivers on the controller.
cPCI/PXI Backplane
3U PXI Modules
LAN Interface
and Embedded
Controller
Power Supply
60-103-001
CHASSIS 1234567
Ethernet
PC
PCI BUS
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Figure 1.1 - Basic Block Diagram for the 60-103 LXI Chassis

Page 1.2 LXI 18-SLOT MODULAR SWITCHING CHASSIS 60-103
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SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION
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Page 2.1
LXI 18-SLOT MODULAR SWITCHING CHASSIS 60-103
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SECTION 2 - SPECIFICATION
18-Slot Modular Switching Chassis – 60-103
pickeringtest.com
Supporting Products & Software
Operating/Storage Conditions
Operating Conditions
Operating Temperature:
Humidity:
0°C to +55°C
10% to 95% non-condensing
Storage and Transport Conditions
Storage Temperature:
Humidity:
-20°C to +70°C
10% to 90% non-condensing
Safety, CE & RoHS Compliance
All products are fully CE compliant and meet applicable EU
directives: Low-voltage safety EN61010-1:2010, EMC Immunity
EN61326-1:2013, Emissions EN55011:2009+A1:2010.
The 60-103 Chassis also complies with the European Restriction of
Hazardous Substances directive (RoHS).
Specifications
Chassis Backplane: 64 bit backplane, compliant with
cPCI/PXI specication. Provides
trigger, local bus support
(subject to module support).
Chassis Capacity: 18 off 3U user slots available.
PXI Module compatibility
The chassis is supplied with drivers for Pickering PXI (System
40) switching modules and selected instrument modules.
Switching Support: All of 3U Pickering Interface’s PXI
switching modules. Includes (but
not limited to): All BRIC modules,
reed relay solutions, EMR
modules, RF and optical switches.
Instrumentation support: Programmable resistor and
potentiometer modules, RF
attenuators, battery simulators,
programmable power supplies
and digital I/O modules.
Soft Front Panel: All supported PXI modules can
be controlled through a W3C
compliant web browser (Internet
Explorer, Firefox, Netscape and
others).
For a selection guide on the range of modules capable of being
hosted by the 60-103 chassis, please see the PXI Module
Selection Guide in the LXI Product Guide. This is available as
a download from the On-Line Catalogs section of our website:
pickeringtest.com
Power Supply
Input Voltage Range:
Input Voltage Frequency:
Input Current Rating
90 - 264VAC
47 to 63Hz
12A 115VAC or 6A 230VAC
Integrated power supply with the following capacity for the user
modules:
Cooling
Airow:
Per-slot Cooling Capacity:
Fans:
Bottom intake, top exhaust
25W at 55°C ambient
40W at 40°C ambient
4 off 60cfm fans
Acoustic Noise Emissions
Sound Pressure Level(dBA):
Sound Power (dBA):
Minimum fan speed: 49.7dB
Maximum fan speed 57.7dB
Minimum fan speed: 59.8dB
Maximum fan speed 69.1dB
DC Output +3.3V +5V +12V -12V
Max Current 45A 50A 18A 4.5A
Monitoring
LXI Interface Status LEDs:
Chassis Status LEDs:
Web Page Monitoring:
Power, Ready, Error, LAN, Active
Power, Temperature, Fan Speed
Chassis air temperature,
Backplane supply voltage levels,
Fan speeds
LAN Interface
Designed to comply with the LXI Standard Version 1.3
Connector: RJ45 Connector.
Connection Speed: 100BaseT interface
Supporting Documentation
Manuals, drivers and a copy of the short form catalog are stored
internally and are accessible through any browser compliant with
W3C standards
Mechanical Specification
Dimensions: Width: 444mm (17.48”)
Height: 178mm (7.01”)
Depth: 455mm (17.91”)
For rack mounting, recommended
to be mounted in 5U to allow free
bottom intake of air.
Weight: 13.4kg (29.5 lbs) without PXI
modules
Product Order Codes
LXI Modular Switching Chassis, 18-Slot 60-103-001
Optional 19” rack mounting hardware* 63-103-001
* Please refer to the 60-103 User Manual for information on the
optional chassis mounting hardware.

Page 2.2 LXI 18-SLOT MODULAR SWITCHING CHASSIS 60-103
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SECTION 2 - TECHNICALSPECIFICATION
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Page 3.1
LXI 18-SLOT MODULAR SWITCHING CHASSIS 60-103
pickering SECTION 3 - GENERAL DESCRIPTION
SECTION 3 - GENERAL DESCRIPTION
MECHANICAL DESCRIPTION
The 60-103 LXI Chassis comprises the following:
• Full width rack mountable chassis also suitable for desk top operation.
• 18 slot PXI/cPCI compatible backplane.
• Controller module for providing the interface between the backplane and the Ethernet port.
• Power supply assembly for providing power for the Microcontroller, backplane and peripheral cards.
• Front panel mounted chassis status LEDs.
• Front panel mounted LXI interface status LEDs.
• Rear panel mounted RJ45 100baseT LAN connection for LXI control of the module over Ethernet.
• Rear panel mounted IEC plug for connection to the mains supply.

Page 3.2 LXI 18-SLOT MODULAR SWITCHING CHASSIS 60-103
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SECTION 3 - GENERAL DESCRIPTION
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
The 60-103 LXI Chassis is capable of supporting a wide range of PXI switching cards in a self-contained unit, the
only connections required are power and an Ethernet lead. The chassis consists of a 18-slot PXI/compactPCI
compatible backplane and a controller card with power being supplied from an internal mains power unit. Control
and programming information for the PXI modules installed in the chassis is sent to the backplane via a PCI bridge
device on the controller card. Programming information for the controller is sent to the chassis via the LAN interface
from a remote computer using the chassis unique Ethernet address. Programming documentation for the chassis as
well as data for Pickering’s LXI compatible switching products is stored in the embedded processor on the controller
card and can be downloaded over the LAN interface. LXI Status LEDs on the front of the chassis indicate condition
of the LAN interface. A chassis management system monitors the status of the backplane power rails, the chassis
temperature and the speed of the cooling fans. The status of the chassis is indicated on three front panel LEDs and
is monitored by the controller card where it can be accessed over the LXI interface.
POWER
SUPPLY
PCI
BRIDGE
LAN
INTERFACE
POWER
READY
ERROR
LAN
ACTIVE
LXI STATUS LEDs
RJ45
SOCKET
EMBEDDED
PROCESSOR
PXI/cPCI BACKPLANE
3U PXI MODULE SLOTS
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18109
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
CONTROLLER CARD
CHASSIS MANAGEMENT
(voltage & temperature monitoring
and fan speed control)
CHASSIS STATUS LEDs
POWERFANTEMP
Figure 3.1 - Block Diagram for the 60-103 Eighteen Slot LXI Chassis

Page 3.3
LXI 18-SLOT MODULAR SWITCHING CHASSIS 60-103
pickering SECTION 3 - GENERAL DESCRIPTION
PXI MODULE SUPPORT
The 60-103 supports a wide variety of Pickering Interfaces 3U PXI modules, the backplane of the chassis is
conformant to the PXI standard. The chassis LXI interface is conformant with the stated version of the LXI standard.
All Pickering Interfaces 3U switching modules and resistor modules are supported, support for some instrument
modules is not provided where the product is sourced from a third party. PXI data sheets identify which modules are
supported in the bullet points on the front page and the LXI Catalog lists the supported modules.
No third party PXI modules are supported.
The PXI modules are provided with a variety of drivers and this includes an IVI driver as required by the LXI
standard, the drivers supported are described in the software section of this manual. Where PXI modules state an
operating speed the specication refers to the speed when supported in a PXI chassis which is lightly loaded and
not subject to operating system delays, the latency in an Ethernet connected system will increase the operate time
under the same conditions (for more information consult Pickering Interfaces sales ofce).
Where speed is important to an application we generally recommend that the IVI driver is not used since IVI imposes
additional delays and prevents more efcient operation of the switches by bulk changes (adding more than one path
connection in a single operation) – the IVI software model has no feature for this.

Page 3.4 LXI 18-SLOT MODULAR SWITCHING CHASSIS 60-103
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SECTION 3 - GENERAL DESCRIPTION
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Page 4.1
LXI 18-SLOT MODULAR SWITCHING CHASSIS 60-103
pickering SECTION 4 - INSTALLATION
SECTION 4 - INSTALLATION
Refer to the Warnings and Cautions at the front of this manual
The chassis is designed for indoor use only.
!
Connecting Safety Ground
WARNING
THE 60-102 CHASSIS IS DESIGNED WITH A THREE-POSITION IEC CONNECTOR THAT CONNECTS
THE GROUND LINE TO THE CHASSIS GROUND. TO MINIMIZE SHOCK HAZARD, MAKE SURE YOUR
ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLET HAS AN APPROPRIATE EARTH SAFETY GROUND THAT IS CONNECTED
WHENEVER YOU POWER UP THE CHASSIS.
IF YOUR POWER OUTLET DOES NOT HAVE AN APPROPRIATE GROUND CONNECTION, YOU MUST
CONNECT THE FACTORY WIRE SAFETY GROUND TO THE CHASSIS. TO CONNECT THE SAFETY
GROUND, COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING STEPS:
1. Connect a 16 AWG (1.3 mm) wire to a chassis grounding screw using a toothed grounding lug. The wire must
have green insulation with a yellow stripe or must be non-insulated (bare).
2. Attach the opposite end of the wire to permanent earth ground using toothed washers or a toothed lug.
!
INSTALLING THE LXI CHASSIS
Site Considerations
The 60-103 is designed to operate on a bench or in an instrument rack. It is supplied tted with feet tted for bench
top operation but if you want to use your 60-103 in a rack, mounting anges will need to be tted and the feet will
have to be removed. Also it should be noted that there is an air intake in the underside of the chassis therefore it is
important to t the chassis in a 5U gap to provide sufcient cooling.
Figure 4.1 - Front of the 60-103 LXI Chassis congured for bench-top operation

Page 4.2 LXI 18-SLOT MODULAR SWITCHING CHASSIS 60-103
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SECTION 4 - INSTALLATION
Figure 4.3 - Rear of the 60-103 LXI Chassis showing air outlet in the upper half of the panel.
Cooling Considerations
The chassis draws cooling air through an intake in the underside of the chassis directly below the PXI module
slots (see Figure 4.2). It is important not to block the passage of air into the intake on the chassis underside. When
mounting in a rack, a 1U gap should be provided between the bottom of the chassis and any other instruments to
provide an unrestricted air ow into the 60-103.
Figure 4.2 - Underside of the 60-103 LXI Chassis Showing Air Intake.
The 60-103 expels cooling air through an exhaust vent in the upper half of the rear panel (see Figure 4.4 below).
During installation make sure that this outlet is not restricted in any way, and items such as loose cabling are
secured out of the way.
To maintain the correct internal air ow, ensure that all unused PXI module slots in the chassis have blank front
panels tted.

Page 4.3
LXI 18-SLOT MODULAR SWITCHING CHASSIS 60-103
pickering SECTION 4 - INSTALLATION
Selecting the 10MHz Reference Clock Source
The PXI reference clock can be used to synchronize the modules hosted by the chassis. The 60-103 can source
the PXI clock from an internal high accuracy oscillator or from an external clock reference via a BNC connector on
the rear panel. The source of the 10MHz clock is selected with DIP switches on the PXI backplane. To access these
switches the controller module tted in the far left chassis slot must be removed and the switches set as shown in
the gure below.
Figure 4.4 - Location of the DIP switches used
for setting the source of the Reference Clock.
Table 4.1 - DIP switch settings for the
Reference Clock.
P1 P2 P3
Built-in 10MHz
Oscillator (default) OFF OFF ON
External 10MHz
Clock Input OFF OFF OFF
INSTALLATION OF INDIVIDUAL MODULES
Please refer to the module user manual for the correct installation procedure of individual PXI modules.

Page 4.4 LXI 18-SLOT MODULAR SWITCHING CHASSIS 60-103
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SECTION 4 - INSTALLATION
EXPANDING THE 60-103 CHASSIS
It is possible to expand a single 60-103 to include an external PXI chassis, such as 40-914. This allows the number
of available to modules supported by 60-103 to be increased from 18.
To expand the 60-103 the user should add a 41-921 PXI interface into the 60-103 and connect it to a PXI chassis
with a second 41-921 installed in Slot 1. The set up requires no installation of additional software. The modules in
the PXI chassis appear as an extension to the modules tted into the 60-103 – the fact that they are in a separate
chassis is transparent to the user.
The following should be noted with this set up:
• As with the 60-103 only Pickering Interfaces modules can be supported in this way, third party modules are
not supported because of the need for suitable drivers.
• National Instruments MXI-4 interface cards can be used for expansion instead of the 40-921 but the use of
MXI-3 cards is strongly discouraged. There are known documented issues with MXI-3 when operated with
fast PCI interfaces which have been corrected on MXI-4.
• The number of modules supported can be increased by adding further slave PXI Chassis.
• If the LXI chassis is extended in this manner, it is important to make sure that the PXI chassis powers up
prior to the LXI chassis.
Figure 4.5 - Diagram Showing the Expansion of the 60-103 LXI Chassis
40-914 PXI CHASSIS
PC
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
ETHERNET
41-921
60-103 LXI CHASSIS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
41-921
15 16 17 18