-- Details of a new identify schema that provides more detailed
information about an instrument. Delivered in a structured XML file, the
information can be easily processed by software programs and tools.
-- New requirements for event logging to help test system designers take
full advantage of the variety of ways that LXI instruments interact with
one another and with system controllers. The event log requirement has been
in the LXI Standard from the beginning, but additional rules and details
are being added to standardize the log format, making it easier to use and
allowing software vendors to include enhanced tools for viewing the log
during debugging.
-- An enhanced discovery mechanism that makes it easier to identify LXI
devices over the Ethernet. The discovery protocol in the LXI Standard
enables a user to identify the dynamic IP address of an instrument in order
to communicate with it. The new discovery mechanism will correct some
inherent limitations in the present method.
-- Adoption of IEEE 1588 Version 2.0 when it is introduced later this
year. Version 2.0 provides much finer resolution of synchronization, with
less network traffic. The improvements also make IEEE 1588 applicable for a
broader range of applications.
At the PlugFest, 35 attendees represented equipment manufacturers, software
vendors, system integrators and U.S. military agencies. A primary goal of
each PlugFest is to help member companies verify compliance with the LXI
specification. To date, more than 312 LXI-compliant products have been
introduced. Visit the LXI website for a complete listing of compliant
products.
A capacity crowd attended a half-day tutorial session to learn more about
the features, capabilities and benefits of LXI. The presentations used in
the tutorial sessions can be downloaded from the LXI website at
http://www.lxistandard.org/papers/presentationOverview/.
The Technical Committee held meetings to plan progress on the Multi-Vendor
System Demonstration (MVSD), which was created to show the versatility of
LXI in connecting instruments from many different vendors in a single test
system. When completed, the MVSD will be used at trade shows and will be
available for download on the LXI website. The Technical Committee also
issued clarifications to the present standards that became necessary as
more suppliers develop Class A and B compliant instruments.
C&H Technologies hosted the LXI meeting and the January 30 dinner event.
"PlugFests help vendors accelerate their LXI designs by giving them access
to the engineers who wrote the specification," said Bob Rennard, president
of the LXI Consortium. "The working groups appreciate the opportunity to
work side-by-side with their counterparts from around the globe."
The next PlugFest is scheduled for June 19-21, 2007 in Beijing, China, the
first PlugFest to be held in Asia. LXI member company Agilent Technologies
will serve as host. "During the last week of September, I addressed two
industry groups in China," said Bob Rennard. "Both showed a great deal of
interest in the benefits of LXI, and this interest was the driving force
behind the Consortium's decision to hold the next PlugFest in China." Look
for meeting information on the LXI website.
Introduced in 2005, the LXI Standard has been rapidly adopted by 50
companies, representing a who's who of the test-and-measurement industry.
They recognize LXI as the natural successor to GPIB, and that it was time
for instruments to go beyond GPIB to make it easier for test system
designers and integrators to create faster, more efficient systems.
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 at
http://www.lxistandard.org.
Contact Information: EDITORIAL CONTACTS: Joel Goldstein Goldstein Group Communications, for LXI Consortium +1-216-573-2300 Email Contact or Bob Helsel LXI Consortium +1-303-652-2571 Email Contact