04-18-2008 06:04 PM
04-21-2008 01:23 PM
04-23-2008 09:15 AM
04-23-2008 07:03 PM
04-24-2008 01:08 AM
Hi Ken,
I think in the previous replies there was some confusion between the SMBus controller on the 8106 and the SMB connector which is found on the front panel and can be used as a digital trigger for watch dog purposes. If I understand correctly you are interested in the SMBus controller (2 wire serial interface). While the 8106 does have such a controller I do not believe that the signals are routed to any connectors on the front or rear panels. This controller is used to communicate with the PXIe chassis so that the chassis type can be identified by MAX. The SMBus signals also route to the PXIexpress and Hybrid PXIe/PXI slots in the chassis so tha the controller could be used for sideband control and monitoring of a peripheral card in these slots.
It would be potentially possible for you to design a PXI module that breaks these signals out to a connector but there are many reasons not to do so. I do not believe that there is currently a public software interface to access the SMBus controller. Additionally there would be no protection for these signals from harmful voltages they may be exposed to outside of the chassis, and th signals may no even match the voltage levels you want to use.
I think your best bet might be to consider a board like the USB-8451 which offers SMBus capabilities and a fully supported programming API.
Hope this helps!
-Matt
04-24-2008 07:52 AM - edited 04-24-2008 07:55 AM