Finding the correct device for CMOS control and LVDS Input

[AcumenBob]

I am trying to help configure a test setup for an unconventional set of devices. I need to generate a total of 13 control signals (10-20ns minimum times)  at 0-3.3V (nominal) conditions (including a master clock) and gather data from between 1 and 10 LVDS outputs (which have available clocks to sync with) at 250ks/sec each. It doesnt look like the normal digital IO boards have LVDS capability, am I missing something? Any suggestions on how to configure such a control/DA system?

[AvatarAang]

Dear A-Bob,

Are you trying to spec out this system from scratch? What is your existing hardware that generates the LVDS output signals?

What software will you be using to code the data acquisition program?

[AcumenBob]

Pretty much from scratch - there is no existing hardware at this facility. The output is from some number (1 to 10) of Analog Devices amplifier/mux chip (AD71124). 16 bit output with a clock frequency range of 50-200MHz (which is input to the device on a separate set of LVDS lines).

[AvatarAang]

Do you have the URL of the spec sheet for that part, can't seem to find it on the web.

There are some NI devices that support LVDS natively, the 656x series.

NI 656x Acquisition Termination
http://zone.ni.com/reference/en-XX/help/370520J-01/hsdio/iacq_term_656x/

Do you think PXI-6561, PCI-6561, or PCI-6562 would be suitable?

NI PXI/PCI-6561/6562 Specifications
http://www.ni.com/pdf/manuals/373772c.pdf

[AcumenBob]

The AD chip is a new part and the spec sheet i have is marked proprietary so I cant send it. I suspect its very similar to any of their chips used to interface to x-ray panels (ADAS1256). I looked at something like the 656X series but I don't think is has enough control lines -I need a total of 13. These are to send control bits to a the AD chip as well as a Himax gate driver (HX8651-A) and to control the timing of some stuff in the AD device.

[AvatarAang]

How about the NI 6585R 200 MHz LVDS Digital Instrument?

Many more lines.

NI 6585R
http://sine.ni.com/nips/cds/view/p/lang/en/nid/207297

NI 6585/6585B Specifications
http://www.ni.com/pdf/manuals/375858b.pdf

[AcumenBob]

Maybe. I used the help software on the website and came up with the system in the table below. I think that will do what I need. I am confused about the PFI I/O lines...how are they different from the LVDS I/O?

Modules
781206-01	NI PXIe-7962R NI FlexRIO FPGA Module	NI PXIe-7962R NI FlexRIO FPGA Module (Virtex-5 SX50T, 512MB RAM)
		STANDARD REPAIR COVERAGE
781071-01	NI 6585 Digital I/O (200MHz, 32Ch, LVDS)	NI 6585 200MHz DIO (32ch, LVDS) FlexRIO Adapter Module
		STANDARD REPAIR COVERAGE
Chassis
781368-01	NI PXIe-1071	NI PXIe-1071, 4-Slot 3U PXI Express Chassis
		STANDARD REPAIR COVERAGE
763000-01	United States 120VAC	Power Cord, AC, U.S., 120 VAC, 2.3 meters

[AvatarAang]

Hi, Bob,

PFI (Programmable Function Interface) lines can usually be configured for several purposes. So a PFI line could be capable of reading LVDS signal, but it depends on the device. Not all LVDS I/O will be through PFI lines, also depends on device.

It might be good at this point to get in touch with an engineer in the NI Sales department so that you can have a more active discussion about your options: (888) 280-7645.