PlugFest Features In-System Testing of Class A and B Devices

August 23rd, 2006

The LXI Consortium’s recent PlugFest, held July 25-27 in Cleveland, Ohio, had 56 registered attendees representing manufacturers, system integrators, customers, universities and the press. Products were tested for compliance to Class A and Class B requirements in a simulated real-world environment. Class A devices are the most advanced LXI instruments that include time synchronization via the IEEE 1588 precision time protocol as well as a hardware trigger bus.

All of the tested products are expected to receive certification prior to AUTOTESTCON. With these additions, the total number of LXI-certified products will soon exceed 150.

A key goal of each PlugFest is to help member companies verify compliance with the LXI specification. In Cleveland, products from Agilent Technologies, C&H Technologies, Keithley, Kepco and VXI Technology were tested for compliance in key areas of the specification, including LAN implementation, Web interface and programming API.

The testing process also included interface bridges that enable integrators to create “hybrid” systems that utilize non-LXI equipment alongside LXI-compliant devices. This capability will help system creators leverage their existing investments – and expertise – in other architectures such as GPIB, VXI and PXI.

The next PlugFest is scheduled for October 17-19, 2006, in Boston, Mass. LXI member company MathWorks will host the event. Look for a detailed agenda on the LXI Web site in late September.

About LXI and the LXI Consortium
LXI is the LAN-based successor to GPIB. The LXI standard goes beyond GPIB to provide additional capabilities that reduce the time it takes to set up, configure and debug test systems. LXI also helps integrators leverage the time and effort already invested in system software and architecture. The standard is managed by the LXI Consortium, a not-for-profit corporation comprised of leading test and measurement companies. The group’s goals are to develop, support and promote the LXI standard. LXI’s flexible packaging, high-speed I/O, and prolific use of LAN address a broad range of commercial, industrial, aerospace and military applications.

Additional information about LXI-compliant products as well as licensing, specifications and consortium membership is available on the consortium’s website.

Entry Filed under: Data Acquisition