National Instruments Network Card PXI 8170 Series User Manual

PXI  
PXI-8170 Series  
User Manual  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
February 2000 Edition  
Part Number 322600A-01  
 
 
Important Information  
Warranty  
The PXI-8170 Series of embedded PXI computers are 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.  
The media on which you receive National Instruments software are warranted not to fail to execute programming instructions,  
due to defects in materials and workmanship, for a period of 90 days from date of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other  
documentation. National Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace software media that do not execute programming  
instructions if National Instruments receives notice of such defects during the warranty period. National Instruments does not  
warrant that the operation of the software shall be uninterrupted or error free.  
A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained from the factory and clearly marked on the outside of  
the package before any equipment will be accepted for warranty work. National Instruments will pay the shipping costs of  
returning to the owner parts which are covered by warranty.  
National Instruments believes that the information in this document is accurate. The document has been carefully reviewed  
for technical accuracy. In the event that technical or typographical errors exist, National Instruments reserves the right to  
make changes to subsequent editions of this document without prior notice to holders of this edition. The reader should consult  
National Instruments if errors are suspected. In no event shall National Instruments be liable for any damages arising out of  
or related to this document or the information contained in it.  
EXCEPT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN, NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY  
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. CUSTOMERS RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES CAUSED BY FAULT  
OR NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT THERETOFORE PAID BY THE CUSTOMER.  
NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM LOSS OF DATA, PROFITS, USE OF PRODUCTS, OR INCIDENTAL  
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF. This limitation of the liability of National Instruments  
will apply regardless of the form of action, whether in contract or tort, including negligence. Any action against National  
Instruments must be brought within one year after the cause of action accrues. National Instruments shall not be liable for  
any delay in performance due to causes beyond its reasonable control. The warranty provided herein does not cover damages,  
defects, malfunctions, or service failures caused by owner’s failure to follow the National Instruments installation, operation,  
or maintenance instructions; owner’s modification of the product; owner’s abuse, misuse, or negligent acts; and power failure  
or surges, fire, flood, accident, actions of third parties, or other events outside reasonable control.  
Copyright  
Under the copyright laws, this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical,  
including photocopying, recording, storing in an information retrieval system, or translating, in whole or in part, without  
the prior written consent of National Instruments Corporation.  
Trademarks  
CVI, LabVIEW, National Instruments, ni.com, NI-488.2, NI-488.2M, NI-DAQ, NI-VISA, PXI, and  
TNT4882Care trademarks of National Instruments Corporation.  
Product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.  
WARNING REGARDING USE OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS  
(1) NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE NOT DESIGNED WITH COMPONENTS AND TESTING  
FOR A LEVEL OF RELIABILITY SUITABLE FOR USE IN OR IN CONNECTION WITH SURGICAL IMPLANTS  
OR AS CRITICAL COMPONENTS IN ANY LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS WHOSE FAILURE TO PERFORM CAN  
REASONABLY BE EXPECTED TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT INJURY TO A HUMAN.  
(2) IN ANY APPLICATION, INCLUDING THE ABOVE, RELIABILITY OF OPERATION OF THE SOFTWARE  
PRODUCTS CAN BE IMPAIRED BY ADVERSE FACTORS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO FLUCTUATIONS  
IN ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY, COMPUTER HARDWARE MALFUNCTIONS, COMPUTER OPERATING  
SYSTEM SOFTWARE FITNESS, FITNESS OF COMPILERS AND DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE USED TO DEVELOP  
AN APPLICATION, INSTALLATION ERRORS, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS,  
MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC MONITORING OR CONTROL DEVICES, TRANSIENT  
FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS (HARDWARE AND/OR SOFTWARE), UNANTICIPATED USES OR  
MISUSES, OR ERRORS ON THE PART OF THE USER OR APPLICATIONS DESIGNER (ADVERSE FACTORS SUCH  
AS THESE ARE HEREAFTER COLLECTIVELY TERMED “SYSTEM FAILURES”). ANY APPLICATION WHERE A  
SYSTEM FAILURE WOULD CREATE A RISK OF HARM TO PROPERTY OR PERSONS (INCLUDING THE RISK OF  
BODILY INJURY AND DEATH) SHOULD NOT BE RELIANT SOLELY UPON ONE FORM OF ELECTRONIC SYSTEM  
DUE TO THE RISK OF SYSTEM FAILURE. TO AVOID DAMAGE, INJURY, OR DEATH, THE USER OR  
APPLICATION DESIGNER MUST TAKE REASONABLY PRUDENT STEPS TO PROTECT AGAINST SYSTEM  
FAILURES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO BACK-UP OR SHUT DOWN MECHANISMS. BECAUSE EACH  
END-USER SYSTEM IS CUSTOMIZED AND DIFFERS FROM NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS' TESTING PLATFORMS  
AND BECAUSE A USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER MAY USE NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS IN  
COMBINATION WITH OTHER PRODUCTS IN A MANNER NOT EVALUATED OR CONTEMPLATED BY  
NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER IS ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR  
VERIFYING AND VALIDATING THE SUITABILITY OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS WHENEVER  
NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE INCORPORATED IN A SYSTEM OR APPLICATION, INCLUDING,  
WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE APPROPRIATE DESIGN, PROCESS AND SAFETY LEVEL OF SUCH SYSTEM OR  
APPLICATION.  
 
Compliance  
FCC/Canada Radio Frequency Interference Compliance*  
Determining FCC Class  
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rules to protect wireless communications from interference.  
The FCC places digital electronics into two classes. These classes are known as Class A (for use in industrial-  
commercial locations only) or Class B (for use in residential or commercial locations). Depending on where it is  
operated, this product could be subject to restrictions in the FCC rules. (In Canada, the Department of  
Communications (DOC), of Industry Canada, regulates wireless interference in much the same way.)  
Digital electronics emit weak signals during normal operation that can affect radio, television, or other wireless  
products. By examining the product you purchased, you can determine the FCC Class and therefore which of the two  
FCC/DOC Warnings apply in the following sections. (Some products may not be labeled at all for FCC; if so, the  
reader should then assume these are Class A devices.)  
FCC Class A products only display a simple warning statement of one paragraph in length regarding interference and  
undesired operation. Most of our products are FCC Class A. The FCC rules have restrictions regarding the locations  
where FCC Class A products can be operated.  
FCC Class B products display either a FCC ID code, starting with the letters EXN,  
or the FCC Class B compliance mark that appears as shown here on the right.  
Consult the FCC web site http://www.fcc.gov for more information.  
FCC/DOC Warnings  
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in strict accordance with the  
instructions in this manual and the CE Mark Declaration of Conformity**, may cause interference to radio and  
television reception. Classification requirements are the same for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)  
and the Canadian Department of Communications (DOC).  
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by National Instruments could void the user’s authority to operate  
the equipment under the FCC Rules.  
Class A  
Federal Communications Commission  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15  
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the  
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency  
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to  
radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in  
which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.  
Canadian Department of Communications  
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.  
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du  
Canada.  
Class B  
Federal Communications Commission  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15  
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a  
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed  
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,  
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful  
 
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user  
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:  
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
Canadian Department of Communications  
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.  
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du  
Canada.  
European Union - Compliance to EEC Directives  
Readers in the EU/EEC/EEA must refer to the Manufacturer's Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for information**  
pertaining to the CE Mark compliance scheme. The Manufacturer includes a DoC for most every hardware product  
except for those bought for OEMs, if also available from an original manufacturer that also markets in the EU, or  
where compliance is not required as for electrically benign apparatus or cables.  
*
Certain exemptions may apply in the USA, see FCC Rules §15.103 Exempted devices, and §15.105(c).  
Also available in sections of CFR 47.  
** The CE Mark Declaration of Conformity will contain important supplementary information and instructions  
for the user or installer.  
 
About This Manual  
Acrobat (Online) Documentation....................................................................xi  
Chapter 1  
Front Panel Features........................................................................................1-4  
Peripheral Expansion.......................................................................................1-5  
PXI-1020 Chassis..............................................................................1-6  
Files and Directories Installed on Your Hard Drive......................................................1-8  
Chapter 2  
Chapter 3  
PXI-8170 Series Installation  
Default Settings..............................................................................................................3-1  
Installing the PXI-8170 Series.......................................................................................3-4  
How to Remove the Unit from the PXI Mainframe........................................3-7  
Setting up the PXI-8170 Series......................................................................................3-7  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
Contents  
Chapter 4  
BIOS  
Default BIOS Setup Settings......................................................................................... 4-1  
Installed System RAM .................................................................................................. A-1  
System CMOS............................................................................................................... A-1  
Keyboard and Mouse..................................................................................................... A-2  
Serial IRQ, INTP, and INTS ......................................................................................... A-3  
Onboard Video .............................................................................................................. A-4  
PXI-8170 Series System Resources  
Resource Tables............................................................................................................. C-1  
Keyboard and Mouse..................................................................................................... E-3  
VGA .............................................................................................................................. E-4  
COM1............................................................................................................................ E-5  
Parallel Port ................................................................................................................... E-6  
Universal Serial Bus ..................................................................................................... E-8  
PXI Connectors ............................................................................................................. E-9  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
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Contents  
Appendix F  
Technical Support Resources  
Glossary  
Index  
Figures  
Figure A-2. LCD Resolution Setting ........................................................................A-2  
Figure E-2.  
Figure E-3.  
Figure E-4.  
Figure E-5.  
Figure E-6.  
Figure E-7.  
Keyboard and Mouse Connectors Location and Pinout........................E-3  
VGA Connector Location and Pinout ...................................................E-4  
COM1 Connector Location and Pinout.................................................E-5  
Parallel Port Connector Location and Pinout........................................E-6  
USB Connector Location and Pinout ....................................................E-8  
PXI Connectors Location and Pinout....................................................E-9  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
Contents  
Tables  
Table E-2.  
Table E-3.  
Table E-4.  
Table E-5.  
Table E-6.  
Table E-7.  
VGA Connector Signals ...................................................................... E-4  
COM1 Connector Signals..................................................................... E-6  
Parallel Port Connector Signals ............................................................ E-7  
USB Connector Signals ........................................................................ E-8  
P2 Connector Pinouts for the System Controller Slot .......................... E-10  
P1 Connector Pinouts for the System Controller Slot .......................... E-11  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
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About This Manual  
This manual contains detailed instructions for installing and configuring  
your National Instruments PXI-8170 Series embedded computer kit.  
The PXI-8170 Series includes all models of the PXI-8170 embedded PXI  
computer.  
Begin by reading Set Up Your PXI-8170 Series Controller, a brief  
quick-start guide that describes how to install and get started with your  
controller.  
This manual, the PXI-8170 Series User Manual, contains more details  
about changing the installation or configuration from the defaults, and  
about using the hardware.  
If you ordered either LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI, you received  
full documentation along with a configuration disk to unlock and access  
these application programming environments, which are already installed  
on your hard drive.  
Acrobat (Online) Documentation  
To learn more about using NI-VISA, your kit includes online manuals in  
the form of Adobe Acrobat version 3.0 portable document format (PDF)  
files. The Acrobat manuals and their installed locations are as follows:  
The NI-VISA User Manual describes how to program using  
NI-VISA: Start»Programs»VXIpnp»NI-VISA User Manual  
The NI-VISA Programmer Reference Manual describes in detail the  
attributes, events, and operations you use in NI-VISA: Start»  
Programs»VXIpnp»NI-VISA Programmer Reference Manual  
If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader 3.0, you can download a copy  
from the Adobe Web site at http://www.adobe.com/  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
           
About This Manual  
Conventions  
The following conventions appear in this manual:  
This icon denotes a note, which alerts you to important information.  
This icon denotes a caution, which advises you of precautions to take to  
avoid injury, data loss, or a system crash.  
This icon denotes a warning, which advises you of precautions to take to  
avoid being electrically shocked.  
bold  
Bold text denotes items that you must select or click on in the software,  
such as menu items and dialog box options. Bold text also denotes  
parameter names.  
italic  
Italic text denotes variables, emphasis, a cross reference, or an introduction  
to a key concept. This font also denotes text that is a placeholder for a word  
or value that you must supply.  
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, and code excerpts.  
monospace bold  
Bold text in this font denotes the messages and responses that the computer  
automatically prints to the screen. This font also emphasizes lines of code  
that are different from the other examples.  
PXI-8170 Series  
The terms PXI-8170 Series and PXI-8170 refer to a series of 3U PXI  
controllers. Currently, this series consists of the PXI-8170, with various  
processors and in different speeds.  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
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About This Manual  
Related Documentation  
The following documents contain information you may find helpful as you  
read this manual:  
PICMG 2.0 R2.1 CompactPCI Specification, PCI Industrial  
Computers Manufacturers Group  
IEEE Standard P1284.1-1997 (C/MM) Standard for Information  
Technology for Transport Independent Printer/System Interface  
PCI Local Bus Specification, Revision 2.1, PCI Special Interest Group  
PXI Specification, Revision 1.0, National Instruments Corporation  
Serialized IRQ Support for PCI Systems Specification, Revision 6.0,  
Compaq Computer et al.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
 
1
Introduction  
This chapter describes the PXI-8170 Series of embedded PXI computers,  
what you need to get started, optional equipment and software, and gives  
an overview of the directory structure on your hard drive.  
Overview  
The PXI-8170 Series controller is a 3U PXI/CompactPCI embedded  
computer based on the Peripheral Component Interface (PCI) bus  
high-performance, easy-to-use platform for controlling PCI systems,  
featuring complete PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation (PXI) functionality  
through interactive utilities and C function calls  
Figure 1-1 shows a PXI-8170 module. Refer to Appendix E, Front Panel  
and Connectors, to determine the purpose for each connector on the  
module.  
The PXI-8170 is a custom computer that you install directly in the system  
controller slot of your PXI mainframe. An embedded computer can take  
full advantage of the PXI high-performance backplane capabilities.  
The PXI-8170 is compatible with PC-compatible software tools, the  
National Instruments LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI application  
software, and the NI-VISA, NI-488.2M, and NI-DAQ software.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
1-1  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
           
Chapter 1  
Introduction  
Figure 1-1. PXI-8170 Embedded Computer  
What You Need to Get Started  
PXI-8170 Series embedded controller  
PXI bus mainframe  
PS/2 keyboard or USB (Windows 98 only) keyboard  
Serial, PS/2, or USB (Windows 98 only) mouse  
Monitor with VGA or better resolution  
Note For PXI-8170 installation instructions, refer to the Installing the PXI-8170 Series  
section in Chapter 3, PXI-8170 Series Installation.  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
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Chapter 1  
Introduction  
Hardware Description  
Benefits of PXI  
The PXI-8170 Series PXI/CompactPCI embedded computer is a  
high-performance CompactPCI-compatible system controller that is  
compatible with the PXI bus specification. PXI defines a compact modular  
PC platform for industrial instrumentation. PXI leverages the PCI bus,  
which is the de facto standard for today’s desktop computer software and  
hardware designs. As a result, PXI users receive all the benefits of PCI  
within an architecture that supports mechanical, electrical, and software  
features tailored to industrial instrumentation, data acquisition, and  
automation applications.  
Well-suited for industrial applications, PXI leverages from the  
CompactPCI specification, which defines a rugged form factor for PCI that  
offers superior mechanical integrity and easy installation and removal of  
hardware components. PXI products offer higher and more carefully  
defined levels of environmental performance required by the vibration,  
shock, temperature, and humidity extremes of industrial environments.  
PXI adds mandatory environmental testing and active cooling to the  
CompactPCI mechanical specification to ease system integration and  
ensure multivendor interoperability.  
Additionally, PXI meets the more specific needs of instrumentation users  
by adding an integrated trigger bus and reference clock for multiple-board  
synchronization, a star trigger bus for very precise timing, and local buses  
for side-band communication between adjacent peripherals.  
PXI-8170 Series Design  
The PXI-8170 PXI embedded computer is a high-performance PXI system  
controller with standard I/O features built in. The PXI-8170 uses  
state-of-the-art technology and packaging to create a fully PC-compatible  
controller for PXI. Due to the unique design and packaging, the computer  
has onboard AGP video and connects to the PXI bus without the need of a  
PCI-to-PCI bridge. As a result, it preserves the full 132 Mbytes/s PCI  
bandwidth for other PXI boards. In addition, the PXI-8170 supports  
masters in all seven available PXI slots.  
The PXI-8170 design includes the standard PC ports (that is, serial,  
parallel, USB, PS2 mouse and PS2 keyboard). It also has two  
user-accessible SO-DIMM sockets, so it is easy to upgrade memory.  
The unique packaging includes a built-in 1.44 MB floppy drive and 2.5 in.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
               
Chapter 1  
Introduction  
hard drive. The mechanical assembly of the PXI-8170 mounts these devices  
to the PXI-8170 main board so you can remove the entire unit intact. This  
eases integration issues and cabling. The PXI-8170 plugs directly into the  
system controller slot and expands to the left, thus preserving all usable PXI  
slots for user-defined peripheral devices.  
PXI-8170 Series Models  
Currently, the PXI-8170 Series consists of a 450 MHz Pentium III model  
and a 700 MHz Pentium III model.  
The PXI-8170 comes complete with a 3.5 in. 1.44 MB floppy drive, Super  
VGA with 2 MB SGRAM, a serial port, an IEEE 1284 parallel port, a PS/2  
keyboard and mouse, a USB connector, and software installed.  
Memory  
The PXI-8170 and its memory sockets are easily accessible so you can  
install additional DRAM in the field. You can install up to 256 MB of  
10 ns SDRAM, using two 144-pin SO-DIMMS.  
For information on adding RAM by installing SO-DIMMs, refer to  
Appendix B, Specifications.  
Hard Drive  
The PXI-8170 contains at least a 4 GB internal, enhanced IDE hard disk.  
System Slot Functionality  
You can use the PXI-8170 computers to achieve full PXI system slot  
control of your PXI system. In the system slot, the PXI-8170 provides  
master/slave capabilities to all slots in the PXI system.  
Front Panel Features  
The PXI-8170 Series has the following front-panel features:  
Internal 3.5 in. floppy drive  
System reset push-button (hold for ~ 2 seconds for reset to assert)  
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Chapter 1  
Introduction  
Front-panel connectors:  
RS-232 Serial  
Extended Capabilities Parallel (ECP)  
VGA Controller  
Universal Serial Bus (USB)  
PS/2-style keyboard  
PS/2-style mouse  
Two front-panel LEDs that show PC status  
POWER OK LED indicates that the power is on and reset is no  
longer asserted.  
DRIVE LED indicates when an access to the internal hard disk is  
occurring.  
Peripheral Expansion  
The PXI-8170 uses Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) and PCI local bus for  
peripheral expansion. AGP is a new generation high-performance  
component level interconnect graphics interface. AGP 1x provides a bus  
speed of 266 Mbytes/s. The PCIbus is a 32-bit multimaster bus that  
achieves a top throughput of 132 Mbytes/s and can handle numerous  
peripherals.  
For information on installing and configuring these peripherals for use  
with the PXI-8170, refer to the C:\Images\Pxi8170 directory. The  
drivers.txt file explains how to install support for each peripheral. This  
directory also contains manufacturers’ documentation for the peripherals.  
Also, refer to the readme files for the most up-to-date information.  
Table 1-1 lists the various peripherals and describes the external connector,  
its bus interface, and its function.  
Table 1-1. PXI-8170 Series Peripherals Overview  
ISA,  
External  
Connector  
PCI, or  
AGP  
Peripheral  
Video  
Function  
15-pin DSUB  
(standard VGA)  
AGP  
High-resolution/color support for a  
Super VGA monitor  
IDE  
None  
PCI  
Supports internal fast ATA-3 hard drive  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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Chapter 1  
Introduction  
Table 1-1. PXI-8170 Series Peripherals Overview (Continued)  
ISA,  
External  
Connector  
PCI, or  
AGP  
Peripheral  
Function  
16550 serial ports  
Serial  
Parallel  
USB  
Serial Port  
(9-pin DSUB)  
ISA  
ISA  
PCI  
Parallel Port  
(IEEE 1284)  
Extended capabilities  
Universal Serial Bus  
4-pin Series A  
receptacle  
Keyboard/Mouse  
Watchdog Timer  
PS/2  
ISA  
ISA  
PS/2-style keyboard and mouse  
None  
Indicates when timer is not refreshed  
PXI-1020 and PXI-1025 Chassis Support  
The PXI-8170 Series controller is designed to interface directly to  
PXI-1020 and PXI-1025 chassis. This interface contains the signals  
required to control a TFT LCD, an IDE device (slave), a PS/2 keyboard,  
and a PS/2 mouse.  
Because the keyboard/mouse controller on the PXI-8170 Series supports  
only one keyboard and one mouse at a time, the controller has two switches  
you can use to control whether to enable either the keyboard and mouse  
ports on the front panel of the PXI-8170 or the built-in chassis devices.  
Refer to the Keyboard and Mouse section in Appendix A, Configuring the  
PXI-8170 Series, for switch settings.  
PXI-1020 Chassis  
The PXI-1020 chassis currently does not contain a built-in keyboard.  
When using the PXI-8170 Series controller with the PXI-1020 chassis, the  
LCD may be dimmed through software. The software is located on your  
hard drive in the C:\Images\PXI8170\LCD directory. Also, with this  
chassis you can select whether the LCD is enabled while booting or off  
until the operating system loads and software turns it on. Refer to  
Chapter 3, PXI-8170 Series Installation, for the jumper settings and  
Chapter 4, BIOS, for LCD BIOS settings.  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
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Chapter 1  
Introduction  
National Instruments Software  
National Instruments has developed several software kits that you can use  
with the PXI-8170 Series. The software is already installed on your hard  
drive.  
NI-DAQ has an extensive library of functions that you can call from your  
application programming environment. These functions include routines  
for analog input (A/D conversion), buffered data acquisition (high-speed  
A/D conversion), analog output (D/A conversion), waveform generation,  
digital I/O, counter/timer operations, SCXI, RTSI, self-calibration,  
messaging, and acquiring data to extended memory.  
NI-VISA is the National Instruments implementation of the VISA  
specification. VISA is a uniform API for communicating and controlling  
Serial, GPIB, PXI, VXI, and various other types of instruments. This API  
aids in the creation of more portable applications and instrument drivers.  
For information on writing your own PXI instrument driver with NI-VISA,  
see the NI-VISA Getting Started manual and the readme.txt file in the  
NI-VISA directory.  
You can also use the National Instruments LabVIEW and  
LabWindows/CVI application programs and instrument drivers to ease  
your programming task. These standardized programs match the modular  
virtual instrument capability of PXI and can reduce your PXI software  
development time. These programs feature extensive libraries of GPIB,  
Serial, and VXI instrument drivers written to take full advantage of direct  
PXI control. LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI include all the tools needed  
for instrument control, data acquisition, analysis, and presentation.  
LabVIEW is a complete programming environment that departs from the  
sequential nature of traditional programming languages and features a  
graphical programming environment.  
LabWindows/CVI is an interactive C development environment for  
building test and measurement and instrument control systems. It includes  
interactive code-generation tools and a graphical editor for building custom  
user interfaces.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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Chapter 1  
Introduction  
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 operating system  
and peripherals. The directory structure under the images directory is  
logically organized into several levels.  
In the images directory itself, you will find a manuals directory,  
an os directory, and directories for each of the peripherals of your  
computer.  
The manuals directory contains quick reference guides, technical  
reference manuals, and National Instruments software manuals, all in  
Adobe Acrobat format. To access any of these manuals, change your  
directory to c:\images\pxi8170\manuals and list the contents of that  
directory. You will see several files, one corresponding to each peripheral.  
The os directory contains a subdirectory corresponding to the operating  
system installed on your computer. That subdirectory contains an image  
of the CD from which your operating system was installed, so you do not  
need to insert the CD when you install a new peripheral. When the software  
prompts you to insert the CD, direct the system to look in the images\os  
directory instead.  
For example, if your system has Windows 98 installed, you should find an  
image of the Windows 98 CD in c:\images\os\win98.  
The rest of the directories correspond to each peripheral in your system.  
Within each of these directories are the drivers for the peripherals. These  
files and directories are copied exactly from the distribution disks of the  
manufacturers, so the naming conventions vary from peripheral to  
peripheral.  
Because the naming conventions may not be completely straightforward,  
National Instruments provides a text file named drivers.txt in the  
c:\images\pxi8170 directory. The drivers.txt file explains how  
to install support for each peripheral. You may want to print this file for  
reference when you install your peripheral device drivers.  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
1-8  
 
         
2
Functional Overview  
This chapter contains functional descriptions of each major logic block on  
the PXI-8170 Series embedded computers.  
PXI-8170 Functional Description  
The PXI-8170 is a modular PC in a PXI 3U-size form factor.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
2-1  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
       
Chapter 2  
Functional Overview  
Figure 2-1 is a functional block diagram of the PXI-8170 Series. Following  
the diagram is a description of each logic block shown.  
Slot 1 CPU  
VGA  
Connector  
Chip Set  
Memory  
Controller,  
AGP & PCI  
TFT LCD  
Interface  
SO-DIMM  
SDRAM  
AGP  
VIDEO  
Ultra DMA 33  
IDE Hard Drive  
Chip Set  
Ultra DMA  
33IDE,  
PXI  
Connector  
USB  
Connector  
PCI BUS  
USB, ISA  
ISA BUS  
Keyboard  
& Mouse  
Controller  
BIOS  
Real Time  
Clock  
PC  
Peripherals  
Internal  
Floppy  
Watchdog  
Timer  
LPT 1  
Keyboard  
& Mouse  
Connectors  
COM 1  
Figure 2-1. PXI-8170 Series Block Diagram  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
2-2  
 
     
Chapter 2  
Functional Overview  
The PXI-8170 consists of the following logic blocks on the CPU module  
and the I/O (daughter card) module. The CPU module has the following  
logic blocks:  
Slot 1 CPU is the socket definition for the Intel Pentium II and III  
processor families.  
The SO-DIMM block consists of two 64-bit SDRAM sockets that can  
hold up to 128 MB each.  
The Chip Set North Bridge connects to the CPU, SDRAM, AGP port,  
and PCI bus.  
The Chip Set South Bridge connects to the PCI bus USB, IDE, and ISA  
ports.  
The AGP video circuitry is a 1x AGP-based design that has 2 MB of  
video RAM. It also contains a TFT LCD Interface, which is used in the  
National Instruments PXI-1020 and PXI-1025 chassis.  
The USB connector connects the chip set to the Universal Serial Bus  
interface.  
The PXI connector connects the PXI-8170 to the PXI/CompactPCI  
backplane.  
The Keyboard/Mouse block contains the PS/2 keyboard and mouse  
interface.  
The BIOS/RTC block contains the boot Basic Input Output System  
(BIOS) and the Real Time Clock interface.  
The Watchdog Timer block is the circuitry that, once configured,  
signals if the timer is not refreshed. Refer to the drivers.txt file in  
the C:\Images\PXI8170 directory for more information on  
configuring and using the watchdog timer.  
The PC Peripherals blocks represent the other peripherals supplied by  
the PXI-8170 Series. The PXI-8170 has one serial port, an ECP/EPP  
parallel port, and a 1.44 MB, 3.5 in. floppy drive.  
The IDE block is dedicated PCI-IDE circuitry providing fast ATA-3  
transfers to the internal hard drive. The IDE feature is built into the  
chip set.  
The I/O module has the following logic blocks:  
Internal 1.44 MB floppy drive  
2.5 in. hard drive—4 GB or larger  
TFT LCD interface for PXI-1020 and PXI-1025 chassis  
© National Instruments Corporation  
2-3  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
                           
3
PXI-8170 Series Installation  
This chapter contains basic instructions for setting up the PXI-8170  
embedded computer.  
You can use this chapter as a guide to configure and operate your PXI  
system quickly using the PXI-8170 Series. This chapter assumes that you  
intend to perform a basic configuration as follows:  
You have one PXI mainframe in which you will be using the PXI-8170.  
You will use the default settings.  
The PXI-8170 Series default settings are listed below. If you want to use  
a different configuration, refer to Appendix A, Configuring the PXI-8170  
Series, for information about changing the settings.  
Caution Electrostatic discharge can damage several components on your PXI-8170  
module. To avoid such damage in handling the module, touch the antistatic plastic package  
to a metal part of your PXI mainframe before removing the module from the package.  
Default Settings  
This section summarizes the hardware default settings for the PXI-8170  
Series for easy reference. The module is set at the factory for the most  
commonly used configuration.  
Tables 3-1, 3-2, and 3-3 list the factory-default settings (in bold type) and  
options for the onboard jumpers and switches. Two jumpers and three  
switches are on the CPU board, and three jumpers are on the I/O board.  
Table 3-1. Jumpers on CPU Board  
Function  
Pin  
(Default Setting in Bold)  
Clear CMOS  
J4: 3-5 short  
J4: 1-3 short  
J4: 2-4 short  
J4: 4-6 short  
Clear CMOS  
Normal operation  
Onboard Video Enable  
Onboard video enabled  
Onboard video disabled  
© National Instruments Corporation  
3-1  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
                   
Chapter 3  
PXI-8170 Series Installation  
Table 3-1. Jumpers on CPU Board (Continued)  
Function  
Pin  
J7: 3-5 short  
J7: 1-3 short  
J7: 3 open  
J7: 4-6 short  
J7: 2-4 short  
J7: 4 open  
(Default Setting in Bold)  
Legacy IRQ—INTP  
INTP connects to NMI  
INTP connects to IRQ14  
INTP not connected  
Legacy IRQ—INTS  
INTS connects to serialized IRQ  
INTS connects to IRQ15  
INTS not connected  
Active Keyboard Port  
Active Mouse Port  
S1: up  
Controller front panel keyboard  
port  
S1: down  
Chassis keyboard (if available)  
S2: up  
Controller front panel mouse  
port  
S2: down  
Chassis mouse (if available)  
Table 3-2. Switches on CPU Board  
Setting  
(Default Setting  
in Bold)  
Function  
Switch (X = Off, O = On)  
LCD Resolution  
Mode/LCD Enable  
S3: 1  
O
S3: 2  
O
S3: 3  
O
S3: 4  
O
No LCD  
O
X
O
X
640 × 480/  
LCD enabled  
O
X
X
X
800 × 600/  
LCD enabled  
Others  
Reserved  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
3-2  
 
   
Chapter 3  
PXI-8170 Series Installation  
Table 3-3. Jumpers on I/O Board  
Function  
Pin  
(Default Setting in Bold)  
LCD Sleep Control  
W1: 1-2 short  
W1: 2-3 short  
LCD always on  
LCD in sleep mode at power-on;  
software enables the LCD  
LCD Dimming Control  
W2: 1-2 short  
LCD software dimming control  
always enabled  
W2: 2-3 short  
LCD at full brightness at  
power-on; software can enable  
dimming control  
LCD Backlight Supply  
Voltage  
W4: 1-2 short  
W4: 2-3 short  
PXI-1020 and PXI-1025  
Reserved  
Figures 3-1 and 3-2 show the location and factory-default settings of the  
configuration switches and jumpers on the PXI-8170 Series.  
1
2
3
4
1
2
W3  
W2  
3
4
W1  
W4  
Figure 3-1. PXI-8170 Series I/O Board Parts Locator Diagram  
© National Instruments Corporation  
3-3  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
         
Chapter 3  
PXI-8170 Series Installation  
Figure 3-2 shows the CPU board.  
6
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
J4  
S1  
S2  
4
5
6
SO-DIMM Sockets  
J7  
S3  
Figure 3-2. PXI-8170 Series CPU Board Parts Locator Diagram  
Installing the PXI-8170 Series  
This section contains general installation instructions for the PXI-8170.  
Consult your PXI mainframe user manual for specific instructions and  
warnings.  
1. Plug in your mainframe before installing the PXI-8170. The power  
cord grounds the mainframe and protects it from electrical damage  
while you install the module. (Make sure the power switch is  
turned off.)  
Warning To protect both yourself and the mainframe from electrical hazards, leave the  
mainframe off until you finish installing the PXI-8170 module.  
2. Remove or open any doors or covers blocking access to the system  
controller slot (Slot 1) in the mainframe.  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
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Chapter 3  
PXI-8170 Series Installation  
3. Touch the metal part of the case to discharge any static electricity that  
might be on your clothes or body.  
4. Make sure the injector/ejector handle is in its downward position.  
Align the PXI-8170 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 PXI-8170. The module  
will not insert properly unless the handle is in its downward position so that it does not  
interfere with the injector rail on the mainframe.  
5. Hold the handle as you slowly slide the module into the mainframe  
until the handle catches on the injector/ejector rail.  
6. Raise the injector/ejector handle until the module firmly seats into the  
backplane receptacle connectors. The front panel of the PXI-8170  
should be even with the front panel of the mainframe.  
7. Tighten the four bracket-retaining screws on the top and bottom of the  
front panel to secure the PXI-8170 to the mainframe.  
8. Check the installation.  
9. Connect the keyboard and mouse to the appropriate connectors. Use a  
PS/2 to AT keyboard adapter if you need to adapt an AT-style keyboard  
to the PXI-8170 mini-DIN connector.  
10. Connect the VGA monitor video cable to the VGA connector.  
11. Connect devices to ports as required by your system configuration.  
12. Replace or close any doors or covers to the mainframe.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
3-5  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
 
Chapter 3  
PXI-8170 Series Installation  
Figure 3-3 shows a PXI-8170 installed in the system controller slot of a  
National Instruments PXI-1000 mainframe. You can place PXI devices in  
any other slot.  
1
2
5
3
4
1
2
PXI-1000B Chassis  
PXI-8170 System Controller  
3
4
PXI Board  
Injector/Ejector Handle  
5
Injector/Ejector Rail  
Figure 3-3. PXI-8170 Installed in a PXI Mainframe  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
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Chapter 3  
PXI-8170 Series Installation  
How to Remove the Unit from the PXI Mainframe  
The PXI-8170 Series is designed for easy handling. If you later decide to  
change any of the jumper settings or the amount of DRAM installed on the  
module, remove the unit from the PXI mainframe as follows:  
1. Turn off power.  
2. Remove the bracket-retaining screws in the front panel.  
3. Press the injector/ejector handle down.  
4. Slide the unit out of the mainframe.  
Setting up the PXI-8170 Series  
At Windows NT/98 startup, the software prompts you to insert a disk to  
configure the system for LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI, and to enter the  
serial number for the operating system. These programming environments  
are already installed on your system, but you must insert a configuration  
disk when prompted so that you can access and use them. If you ordered  
either of these programming environments, select the appropriate checkbox  
and insert the configuration disk. Follow the instructions as prompted.  
Do not select either checkbox if you did not order LabVIEW or  
LabWindows/CVI. Continue with the rest of the Setup program.  
The PXI-8170 Series comes with the NI-VISA software already installed.  
However, if you need to reinstall NI-VISA in the event that your files are  
accidentally erased, use the Setup program and follow the prompts to install  
these programs from the diskettes.  
Similarly, if you need to reinstall LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI, use the  
CD or diskette package that came with these programs.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
         
4
BIOS  
This chapter contains information on Basic Input Output System (BIOS),  
the low-level interface between the hardware and PC software that  
configures and tests your hardware when you start up the system. This  
BIOS is an easy-to-use graphical user interface so you can configure  
system aspects according to your needs.  
Entering BIOS Setup  
To enter the BIOS setup program, perform the following steps.  
1. Turn on or reboot the system. A screen appears with a series of  
diagnostic checks.  
2. When the message Press <DEL> to enter SETUPappears, press  
<Delete> to enter the BIOS setup program.  
3. Choose options with the keyboard. Modify the settings to reflect  
system options.  
Default BIOS Setup Settings  
To restore the default settings while inside the BIOS setup program, select  
either Load Optimal or Load Fail-Safe.  
Select the Optimal settings if you want to get maximum performance from  
the PXI-8170 Series. Fail-Safe settings are more conservative settings.  
BIOS Setup for LCD Support  
To enable the LCD Display, enter the BIOS setup program and select  
Standard CMOS Setup. Under the LCD & CRT menu item, you can  
select the following options:  
CRT—Just prior to the OS loading, only the CRT Display will be  
enabled.  
LCD—Just prior to the OS loading, only the LCD Display will be  
enabled.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
4-1  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
                 
Chapter 4  
BIOS  
Both—Both the CRT and LCD Displays are always enabled.  
enabled. If a CRT is not connected at boot, only the LCD is enabled.  
Note During the initial boot process, both the LCD and CRT displays are enabled.  
You must set the correct resolution for the LCD Display. See Appendix A,  
Configuring the PXI-8170 Series, for LCD resolution settings.  
Updating the BIOS  
Your PXI-8170 Controller contains Flash ROM that allows the BIOS to be  
updated. Contact National Instruments for BIOS updates.  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
4-2  
 
   
A
Configuring the PXI-8170 Series  
This appendix describes how to configure the following options:  
System RAM  
System CMOS  
LCD output  
LCD resolution  
Keyboard and mouse ports  
Serial IRQ, INTP, and INTS connection  
Onboard video  
Installed System RAM  
You can change the amount of installed RAM on the PXI-8170 Series by  
installing DRAM SO-DIMMs. Refer to Appendix B, Specifications, for  
more information on SO-DIMMs.  
System CMOS  
The PXI-8170 contains a backed-up memory used to store BIOS defaults  
and configuration information.  
To clear the CMOS contents, short pins 3–5 of J4 as shown in Figure A-1b.  
Plug the unit back into the mainframe and apply power momentarily. Turn  
the power off again and remove the unit. Place the jumper back in the  
default state (short pins 1–3).  
Note Pins 2, 4, and 6 are for the onboard video. See the Onboard Video section for the  
proper configuration.  
Caution Do not keep these two pins short-circuited. The computer cannot sustain the  
CMOS memory when the power is turned off if you leave these two pins shorted.  
ni© National Instruments Corporation  
A-1  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
               
Appendix A  
Configuring the PXI-8170 Series  
W1  
W1  
1
3
5
2
4
6
1
3
5
2
4
6
a. Normal Operation (default)  
b. Clear CMOS Contents  
Figure A-1. System CMOS  
LCD Resolution and Enable  
The LCD output resolution can be switched between 640 × 480 and  
800 × 600 or no LCD. Figure 3-6 shows the LCD resolution options.  
See Chapter 4, BIOS, for information about updating the BIOS to enable  
LCD support.  
S3  
S3  
S3  
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
on  
off  
on  
off  
on  
off  
No LCD (default)  
800 × 600  
640 × 480  
Figure A-2. LCD Resolution Setting  
Keyboard and Mouse  
Two switches—S1 and S2—control whether to enable the PS/2 keyboard  
and mouse ports on the front panel of the PXI-8170 controller or the  
built-in chassis devices, if available. By default, both front panel ports are  
enabled. Change S1 to use a chassis keyboard port and S2 to use a chassis  
mouse port.  
Note Only the PXI-1020 and PXI-1025 chassis currently have built-in PS/2 devices that  
you can select in this manner.  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
A-2  
 
               
Appendix A  
Configuring the PXI-8170 Series  
Figures A-3 and A-4 show the keyboard and mouse options, respectively.  
a. PXI-8170 Front Panel (Default)  
b. Chassis  
Figure A-3. Active Keyboard Port  
a. PXI-8170 Front Panel (Default)  
b. Chassis  
Figure A-4. Active Mouse Port  
Serial IRQ, INTP, and INTS  
You can use jumper settings on the PXI-8170 Series to connect INTP on the  
PXI backplane to IRQ14 or NMI, as well as INTS to either IRQ15 or to  
serial IRQ. Refer to the documentation that comes with your PXI peripheral  
device to see if you need to make any changes from the default settings.  
For more information on Serial IRQ, refer to the Serialized IRQ Support for  
PCI Systems Specification.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
A-3  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
             
Appendix A  
Configuring the PXI-8170 Series  
Figure A-5 shows the INTP configuration options and Figure A-6 shows  
the INTS configuration options.  
J7  
J7  
J7  
1
3
5
2
4
6
1
3
5
2
4
6
1
3
5
2
4
6
a. No Connection  
(Default)  
b. IRQ14  
Short Pins 1,3  
c. NMI  
Short Pins 3,5  
Figure A-5. INTP Configuration  
J7  
J7  
J7  
1
3
5
2
1
3
5
2
4
6
1
2
4
6
4
6
3
5
a. Serial IRQ (Default)  
Short Pins 4,6  
b. No Connection  
c. IRQ15  
Short Pins 4,2  
Figure A-6. INTS Configuration  
Onboard Video  
The onboard video can be disabled to allow the use of a CPCI or PXI video  
card. Figure A-7 shows the onboard video configuration options.  
J4  
J4  
1
3
5
2
4
6
1
3
5
2
4
6
a. Onboard Video  
Enabled (Default)  
b. Onboard Video  
Disabled  
Figure A-7. Onboard Video  
Note Pins 1, 3, and 5 are for system CMOS. See the System CMOS section for the proper  
operation.  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
A-4  
 
               
B
Specifications  
This appendix lists the electrical, mechanical, and environmental  
specifications of the PXI-8170 Series embedded computer, and describes  
how to add RAM.  
Electrical  
PXI-8170 450 MHz PIII Processor  
Current (A)  
Voltage (V)  
+3.3  
Typical  
3 A  
Maximum  
10 A  
+5  
3.5 A  
7 A  
+12  
0.05 A  
0.01 A  
1.0 A  
–12  
0.1 A  
PXI-8170 700 MHz PIII Processor  
Current (A)  
Voltage (V)  
+3.3  
Typical  
Maximum  
10 A  
2.5 A  
3 A  
+5  
6 A  
+12  
0.05 A  
0.01 A  
1.0 A  
–12  
0.1 A  
Physical  
Board dimensions................................... PXI 3U-size module  
8.1 by 13 by 21.6 cm  
(3.2 by 5.1 by 8.5 in.)  
Slot requirements ................................... One system slot plus three  
controller expansion slots  
© National Instruments Corporation  
B-1  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
           
Appendix B  
Specifications  
Compatibility..........................................Fully compatible with  
PXI specification  
MTBF .....................................................Contact National Instruments  
Weight ....................................................1.1 Kg (2.4 lb) typical  
Environmental  
Adding RAM  
Temperature............................................0° to 50° C operating  
–20° to 70° C storage  
Relative humidity ...................................10% to 85% noncondensing,  
operating  
5% to 95% noncondensing,  
storage  
EMI.........................................................FCC Class A verified, EC verified  
To add RAM to the PXI-8170 Series, remove the unit from the PXI  
mainframe and add SO-DIMM modules to the empty SO-DIMM sockets.  
National Instruments recommends the following types of SO-DIMMs for  
use with the PXI-8170 Series controller (SDRAM):  
32 MB:  
64 MB:  
4 MB × 64 SO-DIMMs—10 ns, 1.05 in. max.  
8 MB × 64 SO-DIMMs—10 ns, 1.05 in. max.  
16 MB × 64 SO-DIMMs—10 ns, 1.05 in. max.  
128 MB:  
Note National Instruments has tested and verified that the SO-DIMMs we sell work with  
the PXI-8170 Series. We recommend you purchase your SO-DIMM modules from  
National Instruments. Other off-the-shelf SO-DIMM modules are not guaranteed to work  
properly.  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
B-2  
 
     
C
PXI-8170 Series  
System Resources  
This appendix describes the system resources available on the PXI-8170  
Series embedded computer and where they are allocated. Because PCI is a  
relatively new addition to PCs, this appendix describes how PCI interrupts  
fit into a PC architecture before listing the devices that use them.  
PCI Interrupts  
PCI interrupts are more flexible than ISA interrupts because multiple  
devices can share these interrupts. PCI interrupts do not actually connect to  
the processor directly; they map through ISA interrupts in the system I/O  
module. The interrupt handler for a particular ISA interrupt must know if it  
will be acknowledging a PCI device.  
Resource Tables  
The following tables describe where system resources are assigned.  
Table C-1 lists how the ISA interrupts are allocated on the PXI-8170 Series  
and whether a PCI interrupt drives them.  
Table C-1. PXI-8170 Series ISA Interrupt Resource Allocations  
ISA Interrupt  
NMI  
PCI Interrupt  
None  
Device  
Parity  
0
1
2
3
4
None  
None  
None  
PCI  
Timer  
Keyboard  
IRQ Expansion (8–15)  
Plug and Play PXI Modules  
COM1  
None  
© National Instruments Corporation  
C-1  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
                     
Appendix C  
PXI-8170 Series System Resources  
Table C-1. PXI-8170 Series ISA Interrupt Resource Allocations (Continued)  
ISA Interrupt  
PCI Interrupt  
Device  
5
PCI/None  
Plug and Play PXI  
Modules/Watchdog timer  
if enabled  
6
7
None  
None  
None  
PCI  
Floppy Drive  
LPT1  
8
RTC  
9
Plug and Play PXI Modules  
Plug and Play PXI Modules  
Plug and Play PXI Modules  
Mouse  
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
PCI  
PCI  
None  
None  
None  
PCI  
FPERR  
IDE  
Plug and Play PXI Modules  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
C-2  
 
D
LED Indicators  
This appendix describes how to interpret the status of the PXI-8170 Series  
computer by reading the LEDs on the front panel.  
Interface Status and Access LEDs  
POWER OK  
When lit, the POWER OK LED indicates that the power is on and the  
PXI-8170 is out of reset.  
DRIVE LED  
The DRIVE LED indicates when an access to the internal hard disk drive  
is occurring.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
D-1  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
           
E
Front Panel and Connectors  
This appendix describes the front panel and connectors on the PXI-8170  
Series embedded computer.  
The PXI-8170 Series has the following front panel connectors:  
VGA Controller  
Extended Capabilities Parallel (ECP)  
PS/2-Style Keyboard  
PS/2-Style Mouse  
Universal Serial Bus (USB)  
RS-232 Serial  
Note The illustrations in this appendix show the mating face of the connectors.  
An asterisk suffix (*) on a signal name indicates that the signal is active low.  
Front Panel  
Figure E-1 shows the front panel layout of the PXI-8170. The drawing  
shows dimensions relevant to key elements on the front panel. Dimensions  
are shown in inches and millimeters, with millimeter dimensions in square  
brackets. The front panel thickness for all models in the PXI-8170 Series is  
2.49 mm (0.098 in.)  
ni© National Instruments Corporation  
E-1  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
                       
Appendix E  
Front Panel and Connectors  
3.753 [95.33]  
2.965 [75.3]  
2.504 [63.59]  
1.856 [47.13]  
2.004 [50.90]  
1.448 [36.78]  
.980 [24.88]  
0
Figure E-1. PXI-8170 Front Panel Layout and Dimensions  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
E-2  
 
     
Appendix E  
Front Panel and Connectors  
Keyboard and Mouse  
Figure E-2 shows the location and pinouts for the keyboard and mouse  
connectors on the PXI-8170 Series. Table E-1 lists and describes the  
keyboard and mouse connector signals.  
AMP manufactures a mating connector with part numbers 212437-4  
(housing), 212435-7 (ferrule), and 66735-4 (pin contact).  
4
6
2
Keyboard  
1
5
6
3
4
2
1
Mouse  
5
3
Figure E-2. Keyboard and Mouse Connectors Location and Pinout  
Table E-1. Keyboard and Mouse Connector Signals  
Pin  
1
Signal Name  
DATA  
Signal Description  
Data  
2
NC  
Not Connected  
Ground  
3
GND  
+5V  
CLK  
NC  
4
+5 V  
5
Clock  
6
Not Connected  
© National Instruments Corporation  
E-3  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
               
Appendix E  
Front Panel and Connectors  
VGA  
Figure E-3 shows the location and pinouts for the VGA connector on the  
PXI-8170 Series. Table E-2 lists and describes the VGA connector signals.  
AMP manufactures a mating connector with part numbers 748364-1  
(housing) and 748333-2 (pin contact).  
5
10 15  
VGA  
1
11  
6
Figure E-3. VGA Connector Location and Pinout  
Table E-2. VGA Connector Signals  
Pin  
1
Signal Name  
Signal Description  
R
Red  
2
G
Green  
3
B
Blue  
4
NC  
Not Connected  
Ground  
Ground  
Ground  
Ground  
Not Connected  
Ground  
5
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
NC  
6
7
9
10  
GND  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
E-4  
 
               
Appendix E  
Front Panel and Connectors  
Table E-2. VGA Connector Signals (Continued)  
Signal Name Signal Description  
Pin  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
NC  
SD  
Not Connected  
Serial Data  
HSync  
SC  
Horizontal Sync  
Vertical Sync  
COM1  
Figure E-4 shows the location and pinouts for the COM1 connector on all  
models in the PXI-8170 Series. Table E-3 lists and describes the COM1  
connector signal.  
AMP manufactures a serial port mating connector, part number 745491-5,  
for the COM1 connector on the PXI-8170.  
1
6
COM1  
9
5
Figure E-4. COM1 Connector Location and Pinout  
© National Instruments Corporation  
E-5  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
           
Appendix E  
Front Panel and Connectors  
Table E-3. COM1 Connector Signals  
Pin  
1
Signal Name  
DCD*  
Signal Description  
Data Carrier Detect  
Receive Data  
2
RXD*  
TXD*  
DTR*  
GND  
DSR*  
RTS*  
RI*  
3
Transmit Data  
Data Terminal Ready  
Ground  
4
5
6
Data Set Ready  
Ready to Send  
Clear to Send  
Ring Indicator  
7
8
9
Parallel Port  
Figure E-5 shows the location and pinouts for the IEEE-1284 connector on  
the PXI-8170. Table E-4 lists and describes the IEEE-1284 connector  
signals.  
AMP manufactures a parallel port compatible connector, part  
number 747052-2.  
13  
25  
Parallel Port  
14  
1
Figure E-5. Parallel Port Connector Location and Pinout  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
E-6  
 
             
Appendix E  
Front Panel and Connectors  
Table E-4. Parallel Port Connector Signals  
Pin  
11  
17  
10  
12  
15  
2
Signal Name  
BUSY*  
Signal Description  
Device Busy  
Select Input  
Acknowledge  
Fault  
SLCTIN*  
ACK*  
FAULT*  
ERROR  
PD0  
Error  
Data Bit 0  
Data Bit 1  
Data Bit 2  
Data Bit 3  
Data Bit 4  
Data Bit 5  
Data Bit 6  
Data Bit 7  
Initialize Printer  
Strobe  
3
PD1  
4
PD 2  
5
PD3  
6
PD4  
7
PD5  
8
PD6  
9
PD7  
16  
1
INIT*  
STROBE*  
SLCT  
AUTOFD  
GND  
13  
14  
18–25  
36  
Select  
Auto Line Feed  
Ground  
NC  
Not Connected  
© National Instruments Corporation  
E-7  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
     
Appendix E  
Front Panel and Connectors  
Universal Serial Bus  
Figure E-6 shows the location and pinouts for the Universal Serial Bus  
(USB) connector. Table E-5 lists and describes the USB connector signals.  
AMP manufactures a USB mating connector, part number 787633.  
USB  
1
4
Figure E-6. USB Connector Location and Pinout  
Table E-5. USB Connector Signals  
Pin  
1
Signal Name  
VCC  
Signal Description  
Cable Power (+5 V)  
USB Data–  
2
–Data  
+Data  
GND  
3
USB Data+  
Ground  
4
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
E-8  
 
             
Front Panel and Connectors  
PXI Connectors  
Figure E-7 shows the location and pinouts for the PXI connector on the  
PXI-8170 Series. Table E-6 shows the P2 connector pinouts for the PXI  
connector as it applies to the system controller slot (Slot 1). Table E-7  
shows the P1 connector pinouts.  
A
E
22  
P2 Connector  
1
25  
P1 Connector  
1
A
E
Figure E-7. PXI Connectors Location and Pinout  
© National Instruments Corporation  
E-9  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
         
Appendix E  
Front Panel and Connectors  
Table E-6. P2 Connector Pinouts for the System Controller Slot  
Pin  
Z
A
B
PXI_RSVB22  
GND  
C
PXI_RSVC22  
RSV  
D
PXI_RSVD22  
RSV  
E
PXI_RSVE22  
RSV  
F
22  
21  
20  
19  
18  
17  
16  
15  
14  
13  
12  
11  
10  
9
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
PXI_RSVA22  
CLK6  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
CLK5  
GND  
RSV  
GND  
RSV  
GND  
GND  
RSV  
RSV  
RSV  
PXI_TRIG3  
PXI_TRIG2  
PXI_TRIG1  
PXI_TRIG4  
GND  
PXI_TRIG5  
PRST#  
DEG#  
GND  
PXI_TRIG6  
GNT6#  
PXI_TRIG7  
GNT5#  
AD[32]  
AD[36]  
AD[39]  
AD[43]  
AD[46]  
AD[50]  
AD[53]  
AD[57]  
AD[60]  
PAR64  
REQ6#  
GND  
PXI_TRIG0  
PXI_BRSVA15 GND  
AD[34]  
FAL#  
REQ5#  
GND  
AD[35]  
AD[38]  
AD[42]  
AD[45]  
AD[49]  
AD[52]  
AD[56]  
AD[59]  
AD[63]  
C/BE[5]#  
V(I/O)  
AD[33]  
V(I/O)  
GND  
AD[37]  
GND  
AD[41]  
GND  
AD[40]  
V(I/O)  
AD[44]  
GND  
AD[48]  
GND  
AD[47]  
V(I/O)  
AD[51]  
GND  
8
AD[55]  
GND  
AD[54]  
V(I/O)  
7
AD[58]  
GND  
6
AD[62]  
GND  
AD[61]  
V(I/O)  
5
C/BE[4]#  
GND  
4
PXI_BRSVB4  
GND  
C/BE[7]#  
GNT3#  
SYSEN#  
REQ1#  
C/BE[6]#  
GNT4#  
REQ3#  
REQ2#  
3
CLK4  
REQ4#  
GNT2#  
GNT1#  
2
CLK2  
CLK3  
1
CLK1  
GND  
Note: PXI signals are shown in bold  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
E-10  
 
     
Appendix E  
Front Panel and Connectors  
Table E-7. P1 Connector Pinouts for the System Controller Slot  
Pin  
25  
24  
23  
22  
21  
20  
19  
18  
17  
16  
15  
12–14  
11  
10  
9
Z
A
B
REQ64#  
5V  
C
ENUM#  
V(I/O)  
AD[3]  
3.3V  
D
E
F
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
5V  
3.3V  
5V  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
AD[1]  
3.3V  
AD[7]  
3.3V  
AD[0]  
5V  
ACK64#  
AD[2]  
AD[4]  
GND  
AD[6]  
M66EN  
AD[11]  
GND  
AD[5]  
AD[9]  
GND  
AD[8]  
V(I/O)  
AD[14]  
3.3V  
C/BE[0]#  
AD[10]  
AD[13]  
C/BE[1]#  
PERR#  
LOCK#  
TRDY#  
AD[12]  
3.3V  
AD[15]  
GND  
SERR#  
3.3V  
PAR  
SDONE  
GND  
SBO#  
GND  
DEVSEL#  
3.3V  
V(I/O)  
IRDY#  
Key Area  
AD[16]  
3.3V  
STOP#  
GND  
FRAME#  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
AD[18]  
AD[21]  
C/BE[3]#  
AD[26]  
AD[30]  
REQ#  
AD[17]  
GND  
GND  
AD[20]  
GND  
AD[25]  
GND  
CLK  
C/BE[2]#  
AD[19]  
AD[22]  
AD[24]  
AD[27]  
AD[31]AD[31]  
GNT#  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
GND  
IDSEL  
GND  
AD[23]  
V(I/O)  
AD[28]  
3.3V  
8
7
AD[29]  
GND  
6
5
BRSVP1A5  
BRSVP1A4  
INTA#  
BRSVP1B5  
GND  
RST#  
GND  
INTP  
5V  
4
V(I/O)  
INTC#  
TMS  
INTS  
3
INTB#  
5V  
INTD#  
TDI  
2
TCK  
TDO  
+12V  
1
5V  
–12V  
TRST#  
5V  
© National Instruments Corporation  
E-11  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
     
F
Common Questions  
This appendix answers common questions you may have when using the  
PXI-8170 Series embedded computer.  
What do the LEDs on the front of the PXI-8170 mean?  
Refer to Appendix C, PXI-8170 Series System Resources, for a description  
of the front panel LEDs.  
What kind of monitor can I use with the PXI-8170?  
PXI-8170 computers that use Super VGA video output work only with  
monitors having a horizontal scan rate of at least 50 kHz and a vertical scan  
rate of 60 Hz.  
Caution Make sure that your monitor meets this specification. Enabling the Super VGA  
option on a monitor that does not meet this specification will damage your monitor.  
What if my keyboard connector does not fit into the keyboard port on  
the PXI-8170?  
You can plug keyboards that have a 6-pin Mini DIN PS/2 type connector  
directly into the PXI-8170. You can use a PS/2 to AT keyboard adapter  
cable to adapt the larger AT keyboard connector to the 6-pin Mini DIN  
How do I add RAM to the PXI-8170? What is the maximum amount of  
RAM that I can install?  
For information about adding RAM to the PXI-8170, refer to Appendix B,  
Specifications.  
Which interrupt levels are free for use by PXI bus boards? Which area  
of upper memory (adapter space) is free for use by PXI bus boards or  
expanded memory manager software programs?  
See Appendix B, Specifications, for information on the available port I/O  
register space, upper memory area, interrupts, and DMA channels.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
F-1  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
           
Appendix F  
Common Questions  
How do I check the configuration of the memory, floppy drive, hard  
drive, time/date, and so on?  
You can view these parameters in the BIOS setup. To enter the BIOS setup,  
reboot the PXI-8170 and press <Delete> during the memory tests. Refer to  
Chapter 4, BIOS, for more information.  
How can I boot from an external SCSI hard drive?  
1. Enter the BIOS setup program as described in Chapter 4, BIOS.  
2. Select BIOS Features.  
3. Change Boot Sequence Setup so that SCSI is listed fist.  
4. Press <Esc> to exit from this screen.  
5. Select Save and Exit Setup.  
Can I use the internal IDE drive and an external SCSI hard drive at  
the same time?  
Yes.  
My CMOS is corrupted. How do I set it back to default?  
1. Enter the BIOS setup program as described in Chapter 4, BIOS.  
2. Select Load BIOS Defaults.  
3. Answer Y (Yes) to the verification prompt.  
4. Select Save and Exit Setup.  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
F-2  
 
       
G
Technical Support Resources  
This appendix describes the comprehensive resources available to you in  
the Technical Support section of the National Instruments Web site and  
provides technical support telephone numbers for you to use if you have  
trouble connecting to our Web site or if you do not have internet access.  
NI Web Support  
To provide you with immediate answers and solutions 24 hours a day,  
365 days a year, National Instruments maintains extensive online technical  
support resources. They are available to you at no cost, are updated daily,  
and can be found in the Technical Support section of our Web site at  
Online Problem-Solving and Diagnostic Resources  
KnowledgeBase—A searchable database containing thousands of  
frequently asked questions (FAQs) and their corresponding answers or  
solutions, including special sections devoted to our newest products.  
The database is updated daily in response to new customer experiences  
and feedback.  
Troubleshooting Wizards—Step-by-step guides lead you through  
common problems and answer questions about our entire product line.  
Wizards include screen shots that illustrate the steps being described  
and provide detailed information ranging from simple getting started  
instructions to advanced topics.  
Product Manuals—A comprehensive, searchable library of the latest  
editions of National Instruments hardware and software product  
manuals.  
Hardware Reference Database—A searchable database containing  
brief hardware descriptions, mechanical drawings, and helpful images  
of jumper settings and connector pinouts.  
Application Notes—A library with more than 100 short papers  
addressing specific topics such as creating and calling DLLs,  
developing your own instrument driver software, and porting  
applications between platforms and operating systems.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
G-1  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
         
Appendix G  
Technical Support Resources  
Software-Related Resources  
Instrument Driver Network—A library with hundreds of instrument  
drivers for control of standalone instruments via GPIB, VXI, or serial  
interfaces. You also can submit a request for a particular instrument  
driver if it does not already appear in the library.  
Example Programs Database—A database with numerous,  
non-shipping example programs for National Instruments  
programming environments. You can use them to complement the  
example programs that are already included with National Instruments  
products.  
Software Library—A library with updates and patches to application  
software, links to the latest versions of driver software for National  
Instruments hardware products, and utility routines.  
Worldwide Support  
National Instruments has offices located around the globe. Many branch  
offices maintain a Web site to provide information on local services. You  
can access these Web sites from www.ni.com/worldwide  
If you have trouble connecting to our Web site, please contact your local  
National Instruments office or the source from which you purchased your  
National Instruments product(s) to obtain support.  
For telephone support in the United States, dial 512 795 8248. For  
telephone support outside the United States, contact your local branch  
office:  
Australia 03 9879 5166, Austria 0662 45 79 90 0, Belgium 02 757 00 20,  
Brazil 011 284 5011, Canada (Calgary) 403 274 9391,  
Canada (Ontario) 905 785 0085, Canada (Québec) 514 694 8521,  
China 0755 3904939, Denmark 45 76 26 00, Finland 09 725 725 11,  
France 01 48 14 24 24, Germany 089 741 31 30, Greece 30 1 42 96 427,  
Hong Kong 2645 3186, India 91805275406, Israel 03 6120092,  
Italy 02 413091, Japan 03 5472 2970, Korea 02 596 7456,  
Mexico (D.F.) 5 280 7625, Mexico (Monterrey) 8 357 7695,  
Netherlands 0348 433466, New Zealand 09 914 0488,  
Norway 32 27 73 00, Poland 0 22 528 94 06, Portugal 351 1 726 9011,  
Singapore 2265886, Spain 91 640 0085, Sweden 08 587 895 00,  
Switzerland 056 200 51 51, Taiwan 02 2528 7227,  
United Kingdom 01635 523545  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
G-2  
 
   
Glossary  
Prefix  
n-  
Meaning  
nano-  
micro-  
milli-  
kilo-  
Value  
10–9  
10– 6  
10–3  
103  
µ-  
m-  
k-  
M-  
G-  
t-  
mega-  
giga-  
106  
109  
tera-  
1012  
Symbols  
°
degrees  
ohms  
%
percent  
A
A
amperes  
AC  
ASIC  
Alternating Current  
application-specific integrated circuit  
B
B
bytes  
backplane  
An assembly, typically a printed circuit board, with connectors and signal  
paths that bus the connector pins.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
Glossary-1  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
 
Glossary  
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  
CMOS  
Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor; a process used in making  
chips  
CompactPCI  
An adaptation of the PCI specification for industrial and/or embedded  
applications that require a more robust mechanical form factor than desktop  
PCI. CompactPCI provides a standard form factor for those applications  
requiring the high performance of PCI as well as the small size and  
ruggedness of a rack-mount system.  
D
DC  
Direct Current  
DIMM  
DMA  
Dual In-line Memory Module  
Direct Memory Access; a method by which data is transferred between  
devices and internal memory without intervention of the central processing  
unit  
DRAM  
Dynamic RAM (Random Access Memory); storage that the computer must  
refresh at frequent intervals  
E
ECP  
Extended Capabilities Parallel  
EDO  
EEPROM  
Extended Data Out  
Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
Glossary-2  
 
Glossary  
embedded controller  
An intelligent CPU (controller) interface plugged directly into the PXI  
backplane, giving it direct access to the PXI bus. It must have all of its  
required PXI interface capabilities built in.  
EMC  
Electromagnetic Compatibility  
electromagnetic interference  
Enhanced Parallel Port  
EMI  
EPP  
expansion ROM  
An onboard EEPROM that may contain device-specific initialization and  
system boot functionality  
F
FCC  
Federal Communications Commission  
G
g
1. grams  
2. A measure of acceleration equal to 9.8 m/s2.  
GPIB  
gRMS  
General Purpose Interface Bus (IEEE 488)  
A measure of random vibration. The root mean square of acceleration  
levels in a random vibration test profile.  
H
Hz  
hertz; cycles per second  
I
IDE  
IEEE  
in.  
Integrated Drive Electronics; hard disk and built-in controller  
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers  
inches  
© National Instruments Corporation  
Glossary-3  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
Glossary  
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  
interrupt level  
I/O  
A means for a device to request service from another device  
The relative priority at which a device can interrupt  
input/output; the techniques, media, and devices used to achieve  
communication between machines and users  
IRQ*  
ISA  
Interrupt signal  
Industry Standard Architecture; the original PC bus architecture,  
specifically the 16-bit AT bus  
K
KB  
kilobytes of memory  
L
LAN  
Local Area Network; communications network that serves users within a  
confined geographical area. It is made up of servers, workstations, a  
network operating system, and a communications link.  
LED  
light-emitting diode  
M
m
meters  
master  
A functional part of a PXI device that initiates data transfers on the PXI  
backplane. A transfer can be either a read or a write.  
MB  
megabytes of memory  
Mean time between failure  
Mean time to repair  
MTBF  
MTTR  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
Glossary-4  
 
Glossary  
N
NI-488 or NI-488.2  
The National Instruments software for GPIB systems  
NI-DAQ  
The National Instruments software for data acquisition instruments  
The National Instruments implementation of the VISA standard; an  
NI-VISA  
interface-independent software that provides a unified programming  
interface for VXI, GPIB, and serial instruments  
NMI  
Non-maskable interrupt; high-priority interrupt that cannot be disabled by  
another interrupt. It is used to report malfunctions such as parity, bus and  
math coprocessor errors.  
P
PCI  
Peripheral Component Interconnect. The PCI bus is a high-performance  
32-bit or 64-bit bus with multiplexed address and data lines.  
PCMCIA  
peripheral  
Personal Computer Memory Card International Association  
any hardware device connected to a computer, such as a monitor, keyboard,  
printer, plotter, disk or tape drive, graphics tablet, scanner, mouse, and so on  
POSC  
PXI  
Power On Self Configuration  
PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation; an open implementation of  
CompactPCI that adds electrical features that meet the high-performance  
requirements of instrumentation applications by providing triggering, local  
buses, and system clock capabilities. PXI also offers two-way  
interoperability with CompactPCI products.  
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  
© National Instruments Corporation  
Glossary-5  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
Glossary  
RMS  
RTC  
Root mean squared. See gRMS.  
Real Time Clock; an electronic circuit that maintains the time of day, and  
can also provide timing signals for timesharing operations  
S
s
seconds  
slave  
A functional part of a PXI device that detects data transfer cycles initiated  
by a PXI bus master and responds to the transfers when the address  
specifies one of the device’s registers  
SO-DIMM  
SRAM  
Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module  
Static RAM; a memory chip that requires power to hold its content. It does  
not require refresh circuitry as a dynamic RAM chip, but it does take up  
more space and uses more power.  
ST  
Start Trigger  
Star Trigger Slot  
This slot is located at Slot 2 in a PXI mainframe and has a dedicated trigger  
line between each peripheral slot. This slot would be used for a module  
with ST functionality that can provide individual triggers to all other  
peripherals.  
U
USB  
Universal Serial Bus  
V
V
Volts  
VGA  
Video Graphics Array; the minimum video display standard for all PCs  
W
W
Watts  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
Glossary-6  
 
Index  
(caution), 3-1  
installed system RAM, A-1  
keyboard and mouse, A-2  
A
Acrobat (online) documentation, xi  
active keyboard port (figure), A-3  
adding RAM, B-2  
onboard video, A-4  
serial IRQ, INTP, and INTS, A-3  
software, 3-7  
B
BIOS, 4-1  
See also CMOS  
checking settings, F-2  
default settings, 4-1  
entering setup, 4-1  
updating, 4-2  
connectors  
keyboard and mouse connector and  
signals, E-3  
parallel port connector and signals, E-6, E-7  
peripheral expansion overview (table), 1-5  
P1 connector pinouts (table), E-11  
P2 connector pinouts (table), E-10  
Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector and  
C
chassis support, 1-6  
chip set north bridge, 2-3  
chip set south bridge, 2-3  
CMOS, F-2  
See also BIOS  
configuration, A-1  
setting back to default, F-2  
switch settings (figure), A-2  
COM1, E-5  
connector signals (table), E-6  
connectors location and pinout (figure), E-5  
common questions and answers, F-1  
CompactPCI specification, 1-3  
configuration  
jumpers on CPU board (table), 3-1  
jumpers on I/O board (table), 3-3  
switches on CPU board (table), 3-2  
directories and files installed on hard drive, 1-8  
checking BIOS settings, F-2  
CMOS, A-1  
common questions, F-1  
CPU board parts locator diagram, 3-4  
© National Instruments Corporation  
Index-1  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
 
Index  
documentation  
I
IDE controller  
overview (table), 1-5  
IDE logic block, 2-3  
installation, 3-4  
E
ECP (extended capabilities parallel), E-1  
electrical specifications, B-1  
See also configuration  
electrostatic discharge damage (caution), 3-1  
(figure), 3-6  
F
drive, 1-8  
removing unit from PXI mainframe, 3-7  
interface status and access LEDs, D-1  
INTP configuration (figure), A-4  
introduction, 1-1  
front panel, E-1  
See also connectors  
features, 1-4  
layout and dimensions (figure), E-2  
thickness of, E-1  
functional overview of PXI-8170 Series, 2-1  
J
jumpers and switches  
G
CMOS operation (figure), A-2  
jumpers on CPU board (table), 3-1  
jumpers on I/O board (table), 3-3  
keyboard and mouse, A-2  
LCD resolution, A-2  
H
hard drive, 1-4  
files and directories installed on, 1-8  
hardware default settings, 3-1  
jumpers on CPU board (table), 3-1  
jumpers on I/O board (table), 3-3  
switches on CPU board (table), 3-2  
hardware description, 1-3  
K
keyboard, E-1  
adapter cable, F-1  
if connector doesn’t fit, F-1  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
Index-2  
 
keyboard and mouse, E-3  
configuring, A-2  
onboard video, A-4  
connector location and pinout  
(figure), E-3  
connector signals (table), E-3  
online problem-solving and diagnostic  
os directory, 1-8  
P
parallel port, 1-6, E-6  
L
software, 1-7, 3-7  
(figure), E-6  
connector signals (table), E-7  
LCD resolution, A-2  
LEDs  
Ethernet LEDs, D-1  
front panel LEDs, 1-4  
basis of PXI-8170 Series, 1-1  
interrupts, C-1  
designs, 1-3  
PCI video circuitry logic block, 2-3  
peripheral expansion overview (table), 1-5  
peripherals  
M
manuals directory, 1-8  
master/slave capabilities, 1-4  
mating connector, E-3, E-4, E-5, E-8  
memory, 1-4  
See also connectors  
See also RAM  
expansion capabilities (table), 1-5  
installing and configuring, 1-5  
physical specifications, B-1  
POWER OK LED, 1-5, D-1  
monitor, F-1  
See also video  
mouse, E-1  
PS/2-style mouse, E-1  
location and pinout (figure), E-9  
P1 connector pinouts for the system  
controller slot (table), E-11  
P2 connector pinouts for the system  
controller slot (table), E-10  
PXI-1020 and PXI-1025 chassis support, 1-6  
N
National Instruments software, 1-7  
National Instruments Web support, F-1  
NI-DAQ function library, 1-7  
NI-VISA high-level programming API, 1-7  
© National Instruments Corporation  
Index-3  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 
Index  
PXI-8170 Series  
benefits of PXI, 1-3  
block diagram, 2-2  
configuring, A-1  
(table), 1-5  
RAM, recommendations for adding, B-2  
removing from the PXI mainframe, 3-7  
serial IRQ, INTP, and INTS, A-3  
setting up, 3-7  
COM1 connector and signals, E-5  
signals, E-3  
software, 1-7  
specifications, B-1  
VGA connector and signals  
(table), E-4  
electrical, B-1  
environmental, B-2  
system resources, C-1  
system slot functionality, 1-4  
controllers, 1-1  
CPU parts locator diagram, 3-4  
design, 1-3  
front panel  
RAM  
See also memory  
(figure), E-2  
functional description, 2-1  
hard drive, 1-4  
SO-DIMMs from National Instruments  
(note), B-2  
hardware default settings, 3-1  
jumpers on CPU board (table), 3-1  
installing, 3-4  
type of memory in PXI-8170 Series, 1-4  
RS-232 serial, E-1  
ISA interrupt resource allocation  
LEDs, D-1  
S
SCSI drive, booting from, F-2  
serial IRQ, INTP, and INTS, A-3  
logic blocks, 2-3  
memory, 1-4  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
Index-4  
 
Index  
serial ports, 1-6  
(note), B-2  
VGA, E-4  
connector signals (table), E-4  
controller, E-1  
location and pinout (figure), E-4  
overview (table), 1-5  
See also monitor  
See also VGA  
software, 1-7  
National Instruments software, 1-7  
NI-DAQ, 1-7  
NI-VISA, 1-7  
software-related resources, F-2  
specifications, B-1  
watchdog timer, 1-6  
adding RAM, B-2  
electrical, B-1  
logic block, 2-3  
using and configuring, 2-3  
Web support from National Instruments  
online problem-solving and diagnostic  
resources, F-1  
system CMOS. See CMOS.  
system resources, C-1  
ISA interrupt resource allocation  
software-related resources, F-2  
worldwide technical support, F-2  
T
type of hard drive in PXI-8170 Series, 1-4  
U
Universal Serial Bus (USB), 1-6, E-1, E-8  
connector function, 2-3  
connector location and pinout  
(figure), E-8  
overview (table), 1-5  
© National Instruments Corporation  
Index-5  
PXI-8170 Series User Manual  
 

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