PCI embedded is introducing LXI system controllers based on Intel Pentium M XTX modules or PowerPC XMC modules. These modules connect to PMC add-on modules inside the box for fast integration of instrumentation channels allowing very compact units with high integration. They may be configured as stand alone instruments or as master controllers for a LXI instrument rack.

PCIexpress® lanes connect to Gigabit Ethernet Transceivers. The full width enclosure has a 8 channel 1Gigabit Ethernet switch integrated as well as a timing module for synchronizing several LXI instruments.

LXI uses Ethernet connectivity as its backbone, allowing it to avoid the power and heat constraints of card cages while providing high-speed peer-to-peer communications among the instruments. The Ethernet backbone also allows the creation of test systems that span a large area. With the use of a switch, router, or hub, a test setup could cover a radius of nearly 200 meters, allowing an entire production line to be covered by an integrated test system.

1U LXI Chassis half rack

The new standard also uses Ethernet for its low cost and future potential. .It is not limited by bandwidth, software, or computer architectures, and it provides a basis for long life-cycle instrumentation.

The use of Ethernet to connect test instruments is not new, of course, but the current command structure for instruments and the data-communications formats are different for each instrument family.

1U LXI Chassis full rack

LXI standard has both mechanical and functional elements. On the mechanical side, the standard calls for instrument modules to be rack-mounted and self-contained, with their own power supply, processor, and LAN connections. Modules can be either one- or two-rack units in full- or half-width sizes in order to make them easy to mix-and-match within the rack. Because the modules are controlled by a computer and are linked to the user through the network, they do not require displays, buttons, or dials. Instead, the user interacts with the modules through standard Web browsers and COM drivers to simplify system control and integration. The mechanical standard also calls for modules to have signal I/O ports on the front panel and have LAN and AC power connections on the rear.
More info at http://www.lxistandard.org/home

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