LXI - LAN eXtensions for Instrumentation

LAN eXtensions for Instrumentation (LXI) is the architecture for test systems that's based on Ethernet technology. LXI enables fast, efficient and cost-effective creation - and reconfiguration - of test systems from R&D to manufacturing and in the aerospace/defense, automotive, industrial, medical, and consumer electronics markets.

LAN Extensions for Instrumentation (LXI) is a new test instrumentation standard that combines the functionality and PC-standard connectivity of standalone instruments with the modularity and compact size of cardcage systems, but without the size or cost of a cardcage. The LXI consortium has over 45 members today including every major test instrument vendor. Since the ratification of the LXI standard in September 2005, approximately 150 LXI-compliant product models have been introduced. Agilent is co-founder of the LXI Consortium. Visit the LXI Consortium web site at lxistandard.org for specifications.

Agilent Technologies has introduced 75 LXI-compliant models to date. LXI is the logical successor to GPIB instrumentation and is a good alternative to many VXI and PXI devices.

Brochure: Agilent Open/LXI Brochure (pdf, 1.2M)
The Agilent Open/LXI Brochure shows you how to open the door to simpler system creation

Application Note: LXI: Going Beyond GPIB, PXI and VXI: Overcoming the major challenges of testing (pdf, 337K)
This application note focuses on the key attributes of the LXI standard, the major challenges in system development, the ways in which LXI addresses the key challenges, and the new possibilities in testing enabled by LXI devices.

Application Note: 10 Good Reasons to Switch to LXI: Key advantages that enable better systems (pdf, 252K)
This application note will help you make the transition to LXI. It describes 10 key attributes that make LXI a good choice for your next test system, whether you choose to use LXI alone or within a hybrid combination of LXI and GPIB, VXI or PXI.

Application Note: Transitioning from GPIB to LXI: Examining Similarities, Differences and Best Practices (pdf, 303K)
This note compares GPIB and LXI, sketches hybrid system architectures, outlines a step-by-step approach to system set-up, and describes how to easily modify existing system software to work with LXI devices.

Agilent LXI Compliant Products - Distributed by TestEquity

	Model Number	Description
	N5700 Series System DC Power Supplies	These affordable 750W and 1500W single output programmable DC power supplies with open connectivity and LXI Class C compliance simplify system development and are ideal for simple DC power applications.
	N6700 Low-Profile Modular Power System	The N6700 Modular Power System is small, flexible and fast. Mix-and-match DC power modules optimize price and performance to fit your needs and budget.  With open connectivity, LXI Class C compliance, fast command processing time, and four outputs in 1U, the N6700 is ideal for ATE and production test systems.
	33220A Function / Arbitrary Waveform Generator, 20 MHz	Offers 11 standard waveforms plus pulse and arbitrary waveforms - the most frequency stable and lowest distortion function generator in its class.
	34410A Digital Multimeter, 6 1/2 Digit High Performance	High Performance Digital Multimeter, offering 6 1/2 digits with dual display offers improved accuracy, expanded memory, advanced triggering capabilities, extraordinary speed, and built-in connectivity via GPIB, USB, LAN and LXI Class C compliant.
	34411A Digital Multimeter, 6 1/2 Digit Enhanced Performance	Enhanced Performance Digital Multimeter, offering 6 1/2 digits with waveform capture offer improved accuracy, expanded memory, advance triggering capabilities, estraordinary speed, and built-in connectivity via GPIB, USB, and LAN and LXI Class C compliant.
	34980A Multifunction Switch/Measurement Unit	An eight-slot mainframe that supports a family of 19 plug-in modules: switching, digital I/O, D/A converters, analog outputs, and counter/totalizers. The 34980A also simplifies system connectivity with GPIB, LAN and USB interfaces and is LXI Class C compliant.
	L4400 Series LXI Switch and Control Instruments	Seven Switch and Control LXI instruments provide a broad offering of functionality in switching, digital I/O, D/A converters and counters, expanding the 34980A switch/measure family.

Defining three classes of LAN eXtensions for Instrumentation (LXI)

LXI Class C: The base class of LXI. These devices must have a standard Ethernet interface, serve a Web interface viewable from a standard web browser, provide an IVI driver for programmatic interface, and adhere to industry standard EMI, cooling, and IEC rack sizes.

LXI Class B: Class B devices must meet all the Class C requirements plus they add IEEE 1588 precision time protocol. Also included in Class B is the ability of a device to do peer-to-peer and multi-cast messaging over LAN.

LXI Class A: Class A devices must meet all the requirements of Class C and Class B and add the LXI trigger bus, a hardware trigger that connects devices in close proximity.

Physically, standalone LXI instruments may be full- or half-rack width and tall enough to accommodate the front-panel display and keypad. Modular LXI instruments (without a display or keyboard) are typically half- or fullrack width and just 1U or 2U high. All signal connections—inputs and outputs—are on the front panel; power and I/O connections are on the back.