VXIbus--A Modular Standard for Test & Measurement

Advantages of VXIbus Based-Systems

The greatest advantage is that the VXIbus is closely tied with the VMEbus. VXI bus does not exclude VMEbus, in fact it contains specific provisions to ensure that standard VMEbus cards will operate properly with VXI bus systems.
The VXIbus can accommodate almost any system structure. This means thaļ: a user is not locked into any particular type of microprocessor, operating systern or interface to the host computer. The specification defines a hierarchy of device types with specific configuration protocols. The concept of shared resources such as power supplies, cooling and the common mainframe means the instrument manufacturers no longer need to include certain facilities within the modules. This resuits in fewer components being required in an instrument.
One of the most significant advantages of having a number of instruments in a common, closely coupled environment is tighter time coordination. This has lead to higher levels of systerri performance than ever before possible. Traditional rack-and-stack instruments connected via cables do not match the tight controi over signal characteristics and propagation delay that is possible in a defined and controlled backplane environment- This design enables TTL triggering at rates in excess of 1OMHz while ECL trigger rates may exceed 5OMHz. Using the Local Sus on P2 will allow data transfer rates approaching 10OMB/second. Data rates between VXIbus modules can exceed 5OMHz via the backplarie's VXI Local Bus.