VXI crate
The VXI crate ‘’VME eXtension for Instrumentation’’ is an open platform for automatic test instruments based on VME buses, Eurocards standards and other IEEE-488.2 standard instruments.
The VXI architecture combines a VME bus for data transfer between modules and provides additional options for automatic tests and data acquisition applications. The VXI crate provides an excellent electrical environment for all low level ECL type electronic circuits or high precision analog circuits.
The VXI crate also meets all requirements in terms of packaging, electromagnetic compatibility, power distribution and cooling mode of the inserted modules: it creates sufficient mechanical space for the insertion of complex electronic circuits performing processing functions, signals and analog conversion. Its design provides excellent shielding of the electronics to limit the propagation of noise, it provides all the power required by electronic boards with a large number of distributed voltages (+ 5 VDC, +/- 12 VDC, – 5.2 VDC, – 2 VDC and +/- 24 VDC).
The VXI crate works with several card sizes, the most common ones are the sizes C and D, and it accommodates 13 modules. Size C corresponds to 6U / 340 mm format with 96-pin P1 and P2 connectors, size D for 9U / 340 mm format with additional P3 connectors. The latter requires a specific backplane.
The VXI crate bus is based on the VME architecture with 3 row DIN-96 P1 and P2 connectors. The ” layout ” of the pins of P1 and the central pins of P2 is identical to the VME. On the pins of columns A and C of P2 (not used in VME) are added special functions such as a 10 Mhz clock for the ECL circuits, ECL and TTL trigger lines, identification lines for modules or additional voltages. These functions are also available on the P3 connection of the size D backplane, in addition to the local bus lines, there are precision triggers and a 100 MHz clock.
The VXI standard defines ripple & noise levels of 50 mVp-p for a bandwidth of 10 Mhz and even 150 mVp-p for voltages of +/- 24 VDC. Thanks to its unique concept of bus-bar connected to elementary DC / DC conversion blocks, W-IE-NE-R guarantees a noise level of less than 10 mVp-p at any point of the backplane.
The W-IE-NE-R fan tray allows uniform ventilation over the entire depth of the electronic boards thanks to an adapted number of fans that ensure a balanced distribution of air flows with a sufficient pressure level. The fan tray is offered with a large number of interfaces to allow good supervision for any control environment.
VXI crate, 6021 series size C
The 6021 size C series VXI crate is the best-selling model from the manufacturer W-IE-NE-R. The concept of modularity, based on the assembly of the bin, the fan tray and the power supply, gives it a unique flexibility and it is suitable for a large number of applications.
The mechanical bin allows the insertion of 13 6U / 340 mm cards in the front.
The fan tray allows uniform ventilation with a standard block of 6 fans that are managed electronically by an internal microprocessor which returns information on the consumption of the currents, the stability of the distributed voltages, the powers involved in each of the branches, as well as the temperature. Numerous interfaces including RS232, Ethernet and CANbus enable the communication with the outside world.
The powers involved are very high, therefore W-IE-NE-R offers 6 kW power supplies in 6U format which slide at the rear via slides and locking bolts. Several configurations are possible with extreme currents of 230 A on the + 5 VDC and – 5.2 VDC branches.
VXI crate, 6021 series size D
The VXI crate 6021 size D series is the second VXI model from the manufacturer W-IE-NE-R. It is based on the same idea of flexibility with the mechanical bin, the fan tray and the power supply.
The bin is designed to receive 13 cards in 9U / 340 mm format.
The fan tray allows a uniform ventilation with a standard block of 6 fans managed by a processor which reports back the variations of currents, the distributed voltages, the consumed powers, as well as the temperature at different points of the crate. Numerous interfaces including RS232, Ethernet and CANbus allow remote monitoring of the system.
The powers involved are very high, therefore W-IE-NE-R offers 6 kW power supplies in 6U format which slide at the rear via slides and locking bolts. Several configurations are possible with extreme currents of 230 A on the + 5 VDC and – 5.2 VDC branches.
