VXI-5526-8C&TA ICS Electronics VXIbus Serial Interface Module 'A' Version

The ICS Electronics VXI-5526-8 C&T Serial Interface Module is a single slot, C-size VXI module for generating and receiving arbitrary length serial messages with data rates up to 1 Mbs. The VXI- 5526-8 C&T has four sets of serial interfaces which are driven by a common transmit/receive logic unit. Any one of the four sets of interfaces can be enabled at a time. Data transfer between the VXI- 5526-8 C&T and the VXI controller is via a VXI Fast Data Channel to minimize VXIbus transfer time and assure continuous data flow when operating at high baud rates. The VXI-5526-8 C&T also generates six timing outputs and two clocks for synchronizing other equipment. Typical uses are sending/receiving telemetry data and commands for testing satellites or other devices with serial interfaces.

Each serial interface provides transmit data, transmit clock, gated transmit clock and transmit gate signal as its outputs. Inputs are receive data and the receive data clock signals.

Transmission starts when data is placed in the transmit buffer. The transmit clock is continuous and can be generated from the internal baud rate generator or from an external clock source. In the continuous transmit mode, fill data is automatically transmitted when there are no more messages to be sent. The transmit gate goes true at the start of the first data bit and stays true until the last data bit has been sent. In the continuous mode, the data gate stays on while fill data is being sent.

Received data can be captured upon command or when an 8, 16 or 32 bit sync pattern is detected. The received data is stored in the VXI- 5526-8 C&T’s memory until read by the Slot 0 Controller.

Transmit and receive data is transferred over the VXI bus is as 16 or 32 bit wide words at a 4 Mbyte per second rate. The Fast Data Channel memory is organized as two A/B buffer pairs in each direction. The VXI-5526-8 C&T processes one buffer of each pair while the VXI controller transfers data to or from the other buffer.

Three independent clock pulse generators with programmable output frequencies for synchronizing external devices. Two of the generators are programmable from 20 Hz to 1 Hz. The third generator is a fixed, 1 Hz output. The three generators have eight differential output drivers with individual enable controls.

The VXI-5526-8 C&T uses VXI message based commands to set the module's operating parameters and organize the FDC buffers. Settings may be stored in the C&T's nonvolatile memory. The stored values become the default values when the module is reset or powered on.