National Instruments NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI Expansion - Manual (Page 8)

© National Instruments Corporation 1-1 NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI Expansion User Manual
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Introduction
This chapter presents an overview of the hardware functionality of NI
CardBus-8310-to-PXI cards, and explains the operation of each functional
unit. It also contains recommended steps to be taken while preparing to
install the NI CardBus-8310 and NI PXI-8310 modules.
Functional Overview
The National Instruments CardBus-8310-to-PXI interface kit provides
laptop computers direct control of PXI systems. The CardBus-to-PXI link
is transparent to software applications and drivers, thereby providing you
the ability to use high-performance laptop computers to control PXI
systems. The NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI interface kit is ideal for use with
portable systems, and you can pair it with DC-powered chassis to provide
mobile solutions for applications such as in-vehicle testing.
The CardBus-to-PXI link consists of an NI CardBus-8310 card in the
laptop computer connected via cabling to an NI PXI-8310 module in slot 1
of a PXI chassis. For convenience, you can purchase either a complete
NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI interface kit with all necessary components or
purchase the NI CardBus-8310 card, NI PXI-8310 module, and cabling
separately.
The CardBus-8310-to-PXI interface kit, which uses a StarFabric serial
interface to implement a CardBus-to-PCI bridge, provides a transparent
link where all PXI modules appear as if they were PCI boards within the
laptop computer itself. However, you benefit from the increased number of
slots, power and cooling per slot, module selection, and synchronization
features provided by PXI.
The NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI product is based on Stargen’s StarFabric
technology. StarFabric is a 2.5 Gb/s serial technology that can extend the
capabilities of PCI based systems. It supports PCI-to-PCI bridging to
extend the PCI bus to multiple chassis.