I am trying to spec up a system with three or four PXI chassis, with a single RT controller connected together by MXI daisy-chains. I'm aware that the MXI connection doesn't distribute the clocks and triggers.
The system is a sort of HIL test, so there are various injection points and signals from the HIL that I need to read back. What I'm trying to work out is what I need to do, if anything, about synchronisation. My current options seems to be:
- Try to synchronise everything up at the start of a test (tests are order of minutes) and then assume the clocks don't drift too much
- Use synchronisation cards to sync across all the chassis - this looks preferable, if more expensive.
The problem is, I can't find much information on how this all hangs together in practice - what cables do I need to run around the test rig? Is it a daisy-chain or a star from a master card? Do I need equal length cables?
I've found some very old descriptions with very old, unavailable cards (dating back to 2002) but wondered if there is more up-to-date guidance relevant for current kit?
