The PXI Systems Alliance has released the PXI MultiComputing (PXImc) Specification, which supports a high performance, communication architecture for multi-controller PXI and automated test systems. The new hardware and software specifications, PXI-7 and PXI-8 respectively, continue the innovation of the PXI standard while ensuring backwards compatibility with the more than 1,500 PXI products available today.
Based on PCI Express and its cabled derivative, PXImc provides vendor interoperable communication between multiple controllers or systems via a high throughput and low latency communications link. In addition to connecting multiple chassis or controllers within a PXI-based system, the standard also supports communication between laptops, high performance computers, and standalone instruments. Unlike some communication protocols, PXImc preserves the high bandwidth and low latency performance associated with the PXI architecture.
PXImc also supports the use of multiple processing modules inside a single PXI chassis. Located within the peripheral slots of a PXI chassis, PXImc processor modules will offer scalable processing power inside a single PXI system as well as paving the way for additional PXI features, including enhanced system redundancy and distributed computing.
Utilizing non-transparent bridges, the PXImc specification creates a vendor interoperable standard to connect and communicate between separate PCI domains.
These latest technical developments continue to enhance the PXI standard's capabilities and further its application reach. This year, PXI has reached the milestone of more than 100,000 deployed systems since its introduction which includes an estimated 600,000 PXI modular instruments and related devices. The open, software-defined architecture of PXI based on high performance PC technology is a key industry standard for automated test.
PXI Systems Alliance
