The LXI Standard is an exciting communications protocol development for the testand- measurement industry. Unfortunately, members of the Consortium have been the primary writers associated with the information published regarding the LXI Standard.
Since, having participated in its development, they also possess an intimate knowledge of the standard, they have also been able to quickly develop products that leverage off this technology. Thus, it has left a gap in the published information in regards to newcomers who need to develop LXI-compliant instruments.
This article’s intent is to provide an overview of the primary elements required for developing LXI-compliant instruments, optional strategies for developing these elements, and access to valuable resources that will assist in completing that development process.
WHAT IS LXI?
The LXI specification extends the capabilities of typical Ethernet by addressing key functional areas that are necessary to ensure instrument interoperability, performance, and usability. The specification is divided into key functional areas, which enables product certification based on specific “Class” requirements.
Class A encompasses all of the benefits of LXI. It is the class of choice for systems that require instrumentation to be tightly integrated and synchronized. Synchronization is based on the IEEE-1588 Precision Time Protocol, which adds the dimension of time to the system designer’s arsenal.
LXI test-and-measurement modules are optimized for use in design validation and manufacturing test systems, with LAN connectivity enabling modules to be accessed from anywhere in the world. Unlike modular card cages that depend heavily on a host controller, LXI modules are self-contained.
Each module contains its own processor, LAN connection, power supply, and trigger inputs. These attributes allow for instrument-toinstrument communication completely independent of a host controller. When compared to legacy test-and-measurement standards, this revolutionary concept opens the door to a variety of state-of-the-art application strategies.
LXI Class A products provide built-in Web servers, a standard for triggering and synchronizing between standalone instruments, and peer-to-peer communication
Introduced in 2005, the LXI standard has been adopted by more than 50 companies. To date, more than 500 products have been certified as compliant with the LXI standard, with annual sales of LXI-equipped test-and-measurement equipment now exceeding $200 million. The LXI standard creates new capabilities that optimize test throughput, overall system performance, and cost efficiency in a way that lets engineers build powerful, Web-enabled test systems in less time.
The LXI Consortium is a non-profit corporation that comprises test-andmeasurement companies. The group’s goals are to develop, support, and promote the LXI standard. LXI’s flexible packaging, high-speed I/O, and standardized use of LAN connectivity address a broad range of commercial, industrial, aerospace, and military applications.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR LXI COMPLIANCE
Prior to developing an LXI-compliant instrument, there are three distinct factors to consider:
1. Whether or not to join the Consortium.
2. Which LXI Class, or level of compliance, will define the instrument being developed.
3. The components, both hardware and software, that will be required by the instrument.
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