PXI NI PXI-8108 User Manual NI PXI-8108 User Manual September 2008 372561B-01
Support Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information ni.
Important Information Warranty The NI PXI-8108 is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other documentation. National Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace equipment that proves to be defective during the warranty period. This warranty includes parts and labor.
Contents About This Manual How to Use the Documentation Set...............................................................................ix Conventions ...................................................................................................................ix Related Documentation..................................................................................................x Chapter 1 Introduction Benefits of PXI ................................................................................
Contents Security Menu ................................................................................................. 2-14 Save & Exit Menu........................................................................................... 2-14 System CMOS ............................................................................................................... 2-15 LabVIEW RT Installation .............................................................................................
Contents Chapter 5 Troubleshooting Appendix A Specifications Appendix B Technical Support and Professional Services Glossary Index © National Instruments Corporation vii NI PXI-8108 User Manual
About This Manual This manual contains detailed instructions for installing and configuring your National Instruments PXI-8108 embedded controller kit. How to Use the Documentation Set Begin by reading the NI PXI-8108 Installation Guide, a brief quick-start guide that describes how to install and get started with your controller. This manual, the NI PXI-8108 User Manual, contains more details about changing the installation or configuration from the defaults and using the hardware.
About This Manual 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. monospace bold Bold text in this font denotes the messages and responses that the computer automatically prints to the screen.
1 Introduction Benefits of PXI The PXI (PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation) industry standard, an open specification governed by the PXI Systems Alliance (PXISA), defines a compact modular PC platform for test, measurement, and control systems. Since PXI leverages the PCI bus, PXI users receive all the benefits of PCI within an architecture that supports mechanical, electrical, and software features tailored to industrial instrumentation, data acquisition, industrial automation, and control applications.
Chapter 1 Introduction NI PXI-8108 Description The NI PXI-8108 PXI/CompactPCI embedded computer is a high-performance PXI/CompactPCI system controller. The NI PXI-8108 controller integrates standard I/O features in a single unit by using state-of-the-art packaging. Combining an NI PXI-8108 embedded controller with a PXI-compatible chassis, such as the NI PXI-1042, results in a fully PC-compatible computer in a compact, rugged package. The NI PXI-8108 has an Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T9400 (2.
Chapter 1 Introduction Socket 479 CPU SO-DIMM DDR2 SDRAM PC2-6400 Single CH Chipset Graphics Memory Controller Hub Gigabit Ethernet PCIe PCIe-to-PCI Bridge PCI GPIB DVI-I Connector DMI Flash ROM Chipset I/O Controller Hub 4 Hi-Speed USB Connectors PXI Connector PCI Bus PXI Trigger SATA LPC Bus ExpressCard/34 Slot SMB to PXI Trigger LPT 1 Super I/O COM 1 Watchdog Timer SMB Figure 1-1.
Chapter 1 Introduction • The Mobile Intel GM45 Express Chipset (Graphics and Memory Controller Hub) connects to the CPU, DDR2 SDRAM, DVI-I video, and GPIB. • The SMB to PXI Trigger provides a routable connection of the PXI triggers to/from the SMB on the front panel. • The Watchdog Timer block consists of a watchdog timer that can reset the controller or generate a trigger. • The Chipset ICH9M (I/O Controller Hub) connects to the PCI, USB, SATA, LPC buses, and Ethernet.
Chapter 1 Introduction If you prefer to use Microsoft’s Visual Basic, Visual C++, and Visual Studio .NET for the core of your application, Measurement Studio adds tools for Measurement and Automation to each language. For more information visit ni.com/mstudio. LabWindows/CVI is an interactive ANSI C programming environment designed for building virtual instrument applications.
Chapter 1 Introduction NI-VISA is the National Instruments implementation of the VISA specification. VISA is a uniform API for communicating and controlling USB, Serial, GPIB, PXI, VXI, and various other types of instruments. This API aids in the creation of portable applications and instrument drivers. For information on writing your own PXI instrument driver with NI-VISA, refer to the NI-VISA Getting Started Manual and the readme.txt file in the NI-VISA directory. For more information visit ni.com/visa.
Installation and Configuration 2 This chapter contains information about installing and configuring your NI PXI-8108 controller. Installing the NI PXI-8108 This section contains general installation instructions for the NI PXI-8108. Consult your PXI chassis user manual for specific instructions and warnings. 1. Plug in your chassis before installing the NI PXI-8108. The power cord grounds the chassis and protects it from electrical damage while you install the module.
Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration 1 1 Protective Screw Cap (4X) Figure 2-1. Removing Protective Screw Caps 5. Make sure the injector/ejector handle is in its downward position. Align the NI PXI-8108 with the card guides on the top and bottom of the system controller slot. Caution Do not raise the injector/ejector handle as you insert the NI PXI-8108.
Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration 7. Raise the injector/ejector handle until the module firmly seats into the backplane receptacle connectors. The front panel of the NI PXI-8108 should be even with the front panel of the chassis. 8. Tighten the four bracket-retaining screws on the top and bottom of the front panel to secure the NI PXI-8108 to the chassis. 9. Check the installation. 10. Connect the keyboard and mouse to the appropriate connectors.
Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration Figure 2-2 shows an NI PXI-8108 installed in the system controller slot of a National Instruments PXI-1042 chassis. You can place PXI devices in any other slots. 1 2 NI PX I-1 04 2 3 1 PXI-1042 Chassis 2 NI PXI-8108 Controller 3 Injector/Ejector Rail Figure 2-2. NI PXI-8108 Controller Installed in a PXI Chassis How to Remove the Controller from the PXI Chassis The NI PXI-8108 controller is designed for easy handling.
Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration BIOS Setup You can change the NI PXI-8108 configuration settings in the BIOS setup program. The BIOS is the low-level interface between the hardware and operating system software that configures and tests your hardware when you boot the system. The BIOS setup program includes menus for configuring settings and enabling NI PXI-8108 controller features.
Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration • —Use this key to select time and date fields. • —Use this key to load the optimal default values for BIOS configuration settings. The optimal default values are the same as the shipping configuration default values. Main Setup Menu The most commonly accessed and modified BIOS settings are in the Main setup menu.
Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration The Advanced setup menu includes the following settings and submenus: • SATA Configuration—Use this setting to access the SATA Configuration submenu. Refer to the SATA Configuration Submenu section for more information. • CPU Configuration—Use this setting to access the CPU Configuration submenu. Refer to the CPU Configuration Submenu section for more information. • Video Configuration—Use this setting to access the Video Configuration submenu.
Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration CPU Configuration Submenu Use this submenu to apply alternate settings to the CPU. Normally, you do not need to modify these settings, as the factory default settings provide the most compatible and optimal configuration possible. • Core Multi-Processing Controller—This setting specifies whether or not the second core of the processor is enabled or disabled. The default value is Enabled.
Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration ExpressCard Configuration Submenu Use this submenu to apply alternate settings to the ExpressCard configuration. These settings determine how much memory space, I/O space, and PCI bus numbers will be pre-allocated for the ExpressCard port, allowing non-PCI Express-aware operating systems to support hot-plugging ExpressCard devices.
Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration In addition, the following option is available for each detected device if a USB mass storage device is present: • Emulation Type—This setting specifies how the BIOS will present the USB mass storage device to the system. This option can be used to present a USB mass storage device as a floppy, Zip, hard disk, or CD-ROM drive.
Chapter 2 • Installation and Configuration Change Settings—This setting changes the base address and interrupt request level (IRQ) information for the onboard parallel port. The default value is Auto. Note that the options available vary based upon the Device Mode selected for the parallel port. Trigger Router Configuration Submenu Use this submenu to program the front panel trigger router configuration.
Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration Boot Setup Menu Use this menu to configure settings related to the boot process and boot device priority. • Boot Settings Configuration—Use this setting to access the Boot Settings Configuration submenu. Refer to the Boot Settings Configuration Submenu section for more information. • SCSI Drive Boot—This setting specifies whether or not boot support is enabled for legacy mass storage devices, such as SCSI drives.
Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration • CD/DVD ROM Drive BBS Priorities—Use this setting to access the CD/DVD ROM Drive BBS Priorities submenu to re-order or disable bootable CD/DVD ROM drive devices. Refer to the CD/DVD ROM Drive BBS Priorities Submenu section for more information. • Floppy Drive BBS Priorities—Use this setting to access the Floppy Drive BBS Priorities submenu to re-order or disable bootable floppy drive devices.
Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration Floppy Drive BBS Priorities Submenu • Boot Option #1, Boot Option #2, Boot Option #3—These settings specify the boot priority of floppy drive devices. The highest priority device is displayed on the main Boot Option Priorities list. Optionally, each device can also be Disabled if the device should never be used as a boot device.
Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration • Discard Changes and Reset—Any changes made to BIOS settings during this session of the BIOS setup program are discarded. The setup program then exits and reboots the controller. The key can also be used to select this option. • Save Changes—Changes made to BIOS settings during this session are committed to NVRAM. The setup program remains active, allowing further changes.
Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration 3. Press and hold down push-button switch SW2 for 2 to 3 seconds. The switch location is shown in Figure 2-3. 4. Reinstall the controller in the chassis. 1 1 Push-Button Switch SW2 Figure 2-3. Clearing the CMOS Contents NI PXI-8108 User Manual 2-16 ni.
Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration LabVIEW RT Installation This section explains software installation and switch configuration for LabVIEW RT on your PXI controller. LabVIEW RT Software Installation The following section describes the necessary steps to get your PXI embedded controller setup to run LabVIEW Real-Time. In this section you will configure the boot mode of the controller, verify or change IP settings, and install LabVIEW Real-Time software.
Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration When any IP or identification settings are changed, you will be prompted to reboot the controller for the changes to take effect. Click Yes to automatically reboot the RT target. You may also reboot the controller by right-clicking on the target name under Remote Systems and selecting Reboot. Note After rebooting the PXI controller it will appear in the Remote Systems category with the assigned name.
Chapter 2 8. Installation and Configuration Install the LabVIEW Real-Time software and device drivers that you require on the RT target. Refer to the NI Web site at ni.com/info and enter the info code etspc for the latest information about supported software. After installation of the software the controller will automatically reboot and you will now be able to program it using LabVIEW Real-Time.
Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration Figure 2-5 shows the location of the LabVIEW RT configuration switches. The switches are shown in the OFF position. 4 3 2 1 1 2 Switch 1—Boot LabVIEW RT Switch 2—Boot Safe Mode 3 4 Switch 3—Disable Startup VI Switch 4—Reset IP Address Figure 2-5. LabVIEW RT Configuration Switches NI PXI-8108 User Manual 2-20 ni.
Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration Drivers and Software Files and Directories Installed on Your Hard Drive Your hard drive includes a directory called images in its root that contains software and soft copies of manuals for the installed devices. The directory structure under the images directory is logically organized into several levels. In the images directory, you will find a manuals directory, an os directory, and a drivers directory.
Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration Chassis Configuration Configuration of the PXI system is handled through Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX), included with the software pre-installed on your controller. MAX creates the pxisys.ini file, which defines the layout and parameters of your PXI system. The configuration steps for single or multiple-chassis systems are the same. An example of a multichassis configuration is shown in Figure 2-6. Figure 2-6.
Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration 3. If the PXI system controller has not yet been configured, it is labeled PXI System (Unidentified). Right-click this entry to display the pop-up menu, then select the appropriate controller model from the Identify As submenu. 4. Click the PXI System controller. The chassis (or multiple chassis, in a multichassis configuration) is listed below it.
Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration 1 2 1 DDR2 SO-DIMM Module 2 DDR2 SO-DIMM Socket Figure 2-7. Installing a DDR2 SO-DIMM in an NI PXI-8108 Controller Hard Drive Recovery The NI PXI-8108 controller ships with an OS Recovery CD that allows you to reinstall your operating system onto your hard drive through an external CD-ROM such as a USB CD-ROM drive. Boot the PXI controller using the OS re-installation CD to recover the OS.
Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration Installing an OS NI PXI-8108 controllers include a pre-installed OS. In some cases, you may want to install a different OS. When doing so, consider the following guidelines. Installing from a CD-ROM The NI PXI-8108 supports the installation of Windows XP and Vista from a USB CD-ROM. As an alternative to a USB CD-ROM drive, you can use an external SCSI CD-ROM with a PXI-SCSI adapter.
Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration Removing an ExpressCard To remove the ExpressCard module push in the module and then release to eject the card. Slide the card out of the slot. To avoid data loss and other potential issues, stop communication with your ExpressCard device before removing it from the PXI-8108. In Windows, use the Safely Remove Hardware tool to safely stop the ExpressCard. Caution NI PXI-8108 User Manual 2-26 ni.
3 I/O Information Front Panel Connectors Table 3-1 lists various I/O interfaces and their corresponding NI PXI-8108 external connectors, bus interfaces, and functions. Table 3-1.
Chapter 3 I/O Information Front Panel 2.847 [72.31] 2.326 [59.09] 1.992 [50.59] 2.216 [56.28] 1.657 [42.09] .342 [8.69] 1.322 [33.59] Figure 3-1 shows the front panel layout and dimensions of the NI PXI-8108. Dimensions are in inches [millimeters]. 4.393 [111.58] 3.748 [95.2] 3.494 [88.76] 3.551 [90.2] 3.022 [76.76] 2.063 [52.4] 1.804 [45.82] 1.516 [38.51] 1.069 [27.15] NI PXI-8108 Embedded Controller 2.847 [72.31] 2.295 [58.3] .723 [18.37] .000 [0] .000 [0] Figure 3-1.
Chapter 3 I/O Information DVI-I Figure 3-2 shows the location and pinouts for the DVI-I connector on the NI PXI-8108. Table 3-2 lists and describes the DVI-I connector signals. C4 C5 C3 24 C2 C1 8 1 9 17 NI PXI-8108 Embedded Controller Figure 3-2. DVI-I Connector Location and Pinout Table 3-2.
Chapter 3 I/O Information Table 3-2. DVI-I Connector Signals (Continued) Pin NI PXI-8108 User Manual Signal Name 11 TMDS Data1/3 Shield 12 Reserved 13 Reserved 14 +5 V Power 15 Ground (for +5 V) 16 Hot Plug Detect 17 TMDS Data0– 18 TMDSData0+ 19 TMDS Data0/5 Shield 20 Reserved 21 Reserved 22 TMDS Clock Shield 23 TMDS Clock+ 24 TMDS Clock– C1 Analog Red C2 Analog Green C3 Analog Blue C4 Analog Horizontal Sync C5 Analog GND Return: (analog R, G, B) 3-4 ni.
Chapter 3 I/O Information COM1 Figure 3-3 shows the location and pinouts for the COM1 connector on the NI PXI-8108. Table 3-3 lists and describes the COM1 connector signal. 5 9 COM1 6 1 NI PXI-8108 Embedded Controller Figure 3-3. COM1 Connector Location and Pinout Table 3-3.
Chapter 3 I/O Information Ethernet Figure 3-4 shows the location and pinouts for the Ethernet connector on the NI PXI-8108. Table 3-4 lists and describes the Ethernet connector signals. 1 Ethernet 8 NI PXI-8108 Embedded Controller Figure 3-4. Ethernet Connector Location and Pinout Table 3-4.
Chapter 3 I/O Information Table 3-5. 10/100/1000 LAN Connector LED States LED Top Bottom Color LED State Condition Off LAN link is not established. On (steady state) LAN link is established. On (brighter and pulsing) The controller is communicating with another computer on the LAN. Unlit Off 10 Mbit/sec data rate is selected. Green On 100 Mbit/sec data rate is selected. Orange On 1000 Mbit/sec data rate is selected.
Chapter 3 I/O Information Table 3-6.
Chapter 3 I/O Information Universal Serial Bus Figure 3-6 shows the location and pinouts for the Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors on the NI PXI-8108. Table 3-7 lists and describes the USB connector signals. Install a noise-suppression ferrite (included in your shipping kit) onto the external USB cable when using a USB mouse or keyboard to ensure that your device meets all EMC standards applicable to your country. For more information on installing the ferrite, refer to KnowledgeBase 4NEDT4P6 at ni.
Chapter 3 I/O Information Trigger The TRG connector is the software-controlled trigger connection for routing PXI triggers to or from the backplane trigger bus. Figure 3-7 shows the TRG connector location on the NI PXI-8108. Table 3-8 lists and describes the trigger connector signals. 2 1 NI PXI-8108 Embedded Controller Figure 3-7. TRG Connector Location and Pinout Table 3-8.
Chapter 3 I/O Information GPIB (IEEE 488.2) Figure 3-8 shows the location and pinouts for the GPIB connector on the NI PXI-8108. Table 3-9 lists and describes the GPIB connector signals. National Instruments provides a GPIB mating connector, part number 183285-0R2. 1 14 GPIB 25 13 NI PXI-8108 Embedded Controller Figure 3-8. GPIB Connector Location and Pinout Table 3-9.
Chapter 3 I/O Information Table 3-9.
Chapter 3 I/O Information Table 3-10. ExpressCard Connector Signals Pin © National Instruments Corporation Signal Name Signal Description 1 GND Ground 2 USBD– USB Data – 3 USBD+ USB Data + 4 CPUSB# USB Presence 5 RESERVED Reserved by spec for future use 6 RESERVED Reserved by spec for future use 7 SMBCLK SMBus Clock 8 SMBDATA SMBus Data 9 +1.5V Power 10 +1.5V Power 11 WAKE# PE Wake 12 +3.3VAUX Power 13 PERST# PE Reset 14 +3.3V Power 15 +3.
Chapter 3 I/O Information Front Panel Features The NI PXI-8108 controller has the following front-panel features: • A controller reset pushbutton (press the button to generate a reset to the controller) • Two front panel LEDs that show PC status – – The POWER OK LED indicates the power status of the controller.
4 Common Configuration Questions This chapter answers common configuration questions you may have when using the NI PXI-8108 embedded controller. General Questions What do the LEDs on the NI PXI-8108 front panel mean? Refer to the LED status descriptions in the Front Panel Features section of Chapter 3, I/O Information. How do I check the configuration of the memory, hard drive, time/date, and so on? You can view these parameters in the BIOS setup.
Chapter 4 Common Configuration Questions • An external USB mass storage device such as a USB hard drive or CD-ROM • An external USB floppy drive • Most PCI-based boards that provide an Option ROM Note There are some limitations when booting from a USB device. Windows XP can be installed from a USB CD-ROM, but earlier versions of Windows cannot. The NI PXI-8108 BIOS configures the USB devices so that they will work in a DOS environment.
Chapter 4 Common Configuration Questions What if I don’t have a Y-splitter cable? Can I still use a mouse and keyboard? If you do not have a Y-splitter cable, plug a USB keyboard into any USB connector. You can also plug a USB mouse into any USB connector. How do I connect a standard 25-pin LPT cable to the NI PXI-8108? The NI PXI-8108 uses a type C LPT connector. Most parallel port devices use a type A connector.
Chapter 4 Common Configuration Questions How do I install software from a CD? The compact size of the NI PXI-8108 does not allow for an integrated CD-ROM drive. You have the following options: • USB CD-ROM—You can install from a USB CD-ROM using a bootable installation CD. • SCSI CD-ROM—Other types of CD-ROM drives are available. Check with the vendor to make sure Windows XP supports the drive. • Mapped network drive—You can use the Ethernet to connect to another computer.
Chapter 4 Common Configuration Questions 1 2 1 DDR2 SO-DIMM Module 2 DDR2 SO-DIMM Socket Figure 4-2. Installing a DDR2 SO-DIMM in an NI PXI-8108 Controller How do I flash a new BIOS? You can download the new BIOS from ftp.ni.com/support/pxi/. For more information, refer to KnowledgeBase 2GIGKD0Z. Where do I get the latest software drivers? The latest National Instruments software is available from ni.com/ downloads. For peripheral drivers, refer to KnowledgeBase 3H3COSD8 at ni.com.
Chapter 4 Common Configuration Questions PXI Configuration How do I use the SMB trigger on the front panel? For details, refer to the PXI Features section of Chapter 2, Installation and Configuration. Why doesn’t the NI PXI-8108 work with the PXI-8220 or PXI-8221? A serialized IRQ conflict with the PXI-8220/8221 and the NI PXI-8108 prevents PC cards using ISA interrupts from working with the NI PXI-8108 controller. For more information, refer to KnowledgeBase 2G3ED80Z at ni.com/support.
5 Troubleshooting This chapter answers common troubleshooting questions you may have when using the NI PXI-8108 embedded computer. What if the NI PXI-8108 does not boot? Several problems can cause a controller not to boot. Here are some things to look for and possible solutions. Things to Notice: • Which LEDs come on? The Power OK LED should stay lit. The Drive LED should blink during boot as the disk is accessed.
Chapter 5 Troubleshooting My controller boots fine until I get to Windows, at which point I cannot read the screen. This may include garbled output, white screen, black screen, or an out of synch message from the monitor. This problem usually results from having the video card output set past the limits of the monitor. You will need to boot Windows in Safe Mode. To do this, reboot the controller. As Windows begins to boot, hold down . You should now be able to reset the video driver to lower settings.
Chapter 5 Troubleshooting As an alternative method, complete the following steps: 1. Power off the chassis. 2. Remove the controller from the chassis. 3. Press and hold down push-button switch SW2 for 2 to 3 seconds. The switch location is shown in Figure 5-1. 4. Reinstall the controller in the chassis. 1 1 Push-Button Switch SW2 Figure 5-1.
A Specifications This appendix lists the electrical, mechanical, and environmental specifications of the NI PXI-8108 embedded computer. Features NI PXI-8108 © National Instruments Corporation CPU Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T9400 (2.
Appendix A Specifications Electrical Current (A) Voltage (V) Typical Maximum +3.3 2A 3A +5 (+5 VDC and +5 VIO)* 6A 8A +12 .1 A .3 A –12 0A 0A * Does not include any attached USB devices or ExpressCard. Physical Board dimensions ...................................PXI 3U-size module 8.1 cm × 13 cm × 21.6 cm (3.2 in. × 5.1 in. × 8.5 in.) Slot requirements ....................................One system slot plus three controller expansion slots Compatibility ...................................
Appendix A Specifications Operating Environment Ambient temperature1 Base................................................. 5 to 50 °C 2 (Tested in accordance with IEC-60068-2-1 and IEC-60068-2-2) Extended temperature ..................... 0 to 55 °C (Tested in accordance with IEC-60068-2-1 and IEC-60068-2-2) Relative humidity............................ 10% to 90%, noncondensing (Tested in accordance with IEC-60068-2-56.) Clean the NI PXI-8108 with a soft nonmetallic brush.
Appendix A Specifications Shock and Vibration Operational shock ...................................30 g peak, half-sine, 11 ms pulse (Tested in accordance with IEC-60068-2-27. Test profile developed in accordance with MIL-PRF-28800F.) Random vibration Operating .........................................5 to 500 Hz, 0.3 grms (with solid-state hard drive) Nonoperating ...................................5 to 500 Hz, 2.4 grms (Tested in accordance with IEC-60068-2-64.
Appendix A Specifications For the standards applied to assess the EMC of this product, refer to the Online Product Certification section. Note Note For EMC compliance, operate this device with shielded cabling.
Technical Support and Professional Services B Visit the following sections of the award-winning National Instruments Web site at ni.com for technical support and professional services: • Support—Technical support at ni.com/support includes the following resources: – Self-Help Technical Resources—For answers and solutions, visit ni.
Appendix B Technical Support and Professional Services • Declaration of Conformity (DoC)—A DoC is our claim of compliance with the Council of the European Communities using the manufacturer’s declaration of conformity. This system affords the user protection for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and product safety. You can obtain the DoC for your product by visiting ni.com/certification. If you searched ni.
Glossary Symbol Prefix Value n nano 10 –9 μ micro 10 – 6 m milli 10 –3 k kilo 10 3 M mega 10 6 G giga 10 9 T tera 10 12 Symbols ° Degrees. Ω Ohms. % Percent. A A Amperes. AC Alternating Current. ASIC Application-specific integrated circuit.
Glossary B B Bytes. backplane An assembly, typically a printed circuit board, with connectors and signal paths that bus the connector pins. BIOS Basic Input/Output System—BIOS functions are the fundamental level of any PC or compatible computer. BIOS functions embody the basic operations needed for successful use of the computer’s hardware resources. C C Celsius. cache Small portion of high-speed memory used for temporary storage of frequently used data.
Glossary DRAM Dynamic RAM (Random Access Memory)—Storage that the computer must refresh at frequent intervals. DVI-I Direct Video Interface, Integrated—A video technology enabling the use of both analog and digital video signals. E ECP Extended Capabilities Parallel. EEPROM Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory. EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility. EMI Electromagnetic interference. EPP Enhanced Parallel Port.
Glossary I I/O Input/output—The techniques, media, and devices used to achieve communication between machines and users. IDE Integrated Drive Electronics—Hard disk and built-in controller. IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. in. Inches. instrument driver A set of routines designed to control a specific instrument or family of instruments, and any necessary related files for LabWindows/CVI or LabVIEW. interrupt A means for a device to request service from another device.
Glossary MB Megabytes of memory. MTBF Mean time between failure. MTTR Mean time to repair. N NI-488 or NI-488.2 The National Instruments software for GPIB systems. NI-DAQ The National Instruments software for data acquisition instruments. NI-VISA The National Instruments implementation of the VISA standard—An interface-independent software that provides a unified programming interface for VXI, GPIB, and serial instruments.
Glossary R RAM Random Access Memory—the computer’s primary workspace. RAMDAC Random Access Memory Digital to Analog Converter—the VGA controller chip that maintains the color palette and converts data from memory into analog signals for the monitor. resource Hardware settings used by devices in a computer system, including ISA interrupt level, DMA channel, and I/O address. RMS Root mean squared. See also grms.
Glossary V V Volts. VGA Video Graphics Array—The minimum video display standard for all PCs. W W Watts.
Index A USB configuration menu, 2-9 Video Configuration menu, 2-8 boot options, configuring controller, 4-2 Boot Settings Configuration menu, 2-13 Boot Setup menu, 2-12 Advanced Setup menu, 2-6 B basic PXI system configuration, 2-22 BIOS checking settings, 4-1 flashing new BIOS, 4-5 setup Advanced Setup menu, 2-6 Boot Settings Configuration menu, 2-13 Boot Setup menu, 2-12 CD/DVD ROM Drive BBS Priorities Configuration menu, 2-13 CPU configuration menu, 2-8 entering, 2-5 ExpressCard Configuration menu, 2-
Index NI resources, B-1 obtaining latest drivers, 4-5 DVI-I connector signals (table), 3-3 location and pinout (figure), 3-3 overview (table), 3-1 driver installation, 4-3 general questions, 4-1 PXI configuration, 4-6 upgrade information, 4-4 connectors COM1 connector and signals, 3-5 DVI-I connector and signals, 3-3 Ethernet connector and signals, 3-6 ExpressCard connector and signals, 3-12 GPIB connector and signals, 3-11 parallel port connector and signals, 3-7 peripheral expansion overview (table), 3-
Index G K Gigabit Ethernet, 1-4 GPIB (IEEE 488.
Index NI support and services, B-1 NI-DAQmx, 1-5 NI-VISA, 1-6 NI PXI-8108 benefits of PXI, 1-1 BIOS setup, 2-5 block diagram, 1-3 connectors, 3-1 COM1 connector and signals, 3-5 DVI-I connector and signals (table), 3-3 ExpressCard connector and signals, 3-12 GPIB (IEEE 488.
Index R environmental management, A-5 WEEE information, A-5 features, A-1 online product certification, A-5 operating environment, A-2, A-3 physical, A-2 safety, A-4 shock and vibration, A-4 storage environment, A-3 storage environment specifications, A-3 super I/O logic block, 1-4 support, technical, B-1 system CMOS, 2-15 system reset pushbutton, 3-14 RAM DDR2 SO-DIMMs from National Instruments (note), 2-23, 4-4 upgrading, 2-23, 4-4 recycling hardware, A-5 related documentation, x S safety, specificati
Index V Y video, 3-1 driver installation, 4-3 Video Configuration menu, 2-8 Y-splitter cable figure, 4-2 using mouse and keyboard without, 4-3 using with PS/2 mouse and keyboard, 2-3 W watchdog timer, 1-4 Web resources, B-1 WEEE information, A-5 NI PXI-8108 User Manual I-6 ni.
