LAN-based measurement triggering using LXI instrumentation

The LAN Extensions for Instrumentation (LXI) standard introduces new concepts in signal triggering that have the potential to enable new measurement systems and simplify older ones. This paper presents an overview of the LXI triggering model. LXI triggering includes both hardware and LAN-based signals that can be used together to optimize a measurement application. Like VXI and MMS systems before it, LXI systems utilize a standard backplane; but unlike the older systems, LXI uses the ubiquitous Ethernet LAN standard. Triggers can be broadcast over the LAN to multiple devices simultaneously. In addition, the LXI standard includes an optional LXI trigger bus. From the API level, the triggering model for both LAN and the trigger bus are identical. This paper briefly compares the performance specs of LXI triggering with VXI (VME bus) and MMS (MSIB bus) systems. It explains the different types of triggering that can be obtained using the LAN and the LXI trigger bus. A brief description of the triggering API is given, along with a description of the LXI triggering system architecture. Since the characteristics of LAN triggers differ from traditional hardware triggers, tradeoffs between the two types of triggers are discussed