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Modular test platforms allow engineers to put together a system that meets just about any need by mixing and matching different technologies. There are many platforms available to choose from. Take a look at their merits and demerits
TLXI
he architecture of a test and measurement system depends upon the needs and future requirements of its intended applications. While investing in cutting-edge technology is a must to keep pace with today’s innovation, it is not always economically viable to move to an entirely new platform. Here we compare the various test platforms, helping design engineers to make an informed selection. LAN eXtensions for Instrumentation (LXI) is an Ethernet-enabled instrumentation standard, introduced in 2005, with the aim to ride on the success of the Internet. With the Internet gaining widespread popularity, the Ethernet bus interface was chosen due to its versatility and easy accessibility.
The LXI consortium is an industry consortium of 53 test and measurement companies that maintains the LXI VSHFLfiFDWLon, SUoPoWHV WhH /X, VWDnGard and ensures interoperability. It continues to keep pace with advancements in its ecosystem. For instance, it recently announced the adoption of the IPvS extended function, which ensures that LXI vendors approach IPvS in a consistent way before its use in test systems becomes widespread.
LXI-based systems are built on a backbone of small modular instruments that utilise the low-cost, open-standard local-area network (LAN) or Ethernet. Of course, there are other modular instruments available that work on com- peting platforms, but the advantage of LXI systems is that these do away with the cost and complexity of card-cage architectures. Furthermore, the integration of instruments is a breeze.
Binoy gohnson, a hardware design HnJLnHHU, VDyV, “7hH GLIfiFXOWLHV IDFHG with Ethernet-based systems also make their way here. LXI-based systems would require you to rope in your IT department for instances such as discovering the instruments and then setting them up.”
“While there have been many claims that LAN (or other buses) are ideal for all applications, the reality is that each bus has different strengths and real-world systems take advantage oI PXOWLSOH EXVVHV Ln D XnLfiHG VoIWwDUH framework. In particular, LAN is well suited for distributed applications, but not necessarily for desktop measurements or automated test”—notes the National Instruments’ whitepaper ‘Understanding LAN/LXI for Instrument Control.’
Another feature built into this platform is interoperability. LXI devices can communicate with PXI and VXI instruments by utilising the interchangeable virtual instrument (IVI) driver that the standard mandates for just this purpose.
Sadaf Arif Siddiqui, marketing pro-