User`s manual

www.vxitech.com
Tektronix to VXI Technology Cross-Ref. Guide 113
VXIPLUG&PLAY COMMON FUNCTION CALLS
Background
The VX4101A MultiPaq module combines several instrument functions in a single slot. The
MultiPaq module includes a 5.5 digit DMM, 250 MHz Universal Counter Timer and an optional
SurePath switch controller card. In addition, there are options for DAC's and digital I/O. The
VMIP line of instrumentation offered by VXI Technology allows three independent instruments to
be housed in a single slot carrier. The VTI4101A emulates the VX4101A DMM and
Counter/Timer functions of the device in a single slot in addition to supporting SurePath controller
functions.
Communication Protocols
The VX4101A supported both synchronous and asynchronous protocols. The VTI4101A only
supports synchronous (IEEE 488.2 compliant) mode.
Fast Data Channels
The VX4101A supports FDC channel communication protocol. The VTI4101A does not and will
return an error if an FDC function is called.
Rehosting
To replace obsolete components typically requires a great deal of software effort because there are
often many test program sets that need to be changed. VXI Technology has greatly simplified this
task by developing a translation driver set for the MultiPaq device. The translation driver takes
Tektronix function calls, and converts them to VMIP calls. The result is that any code written to
operate with the VX4101A can be used, without modification, when an VTI4101A is installed in
its place.
The VX4101A driver set included libraries for the 4101A (global commands), DMM,
Counter/Timer and SurePath controller (instrument specific commands). Since each device has its
own logical address, most of the global commands do not apply to the VTI4101A. Supported
function calls are listed in the following tables.