NI-9469 Getting Started

The NI-9469 has three RJ45 connectors on the front panel labeled Port 0, 1, and 2. These connectors use standard straight through CAT 5e Ethernet cabling to provide connection to other NI-9469 modules only . Each port is software configurable to drive or receive four differential signals through the cable, which are referred to as Line 0 to 3. Each port can carry either four triggers, or three triggers and one clock, in which Line 3 is dedicated to carry the clock.

The NI-9469 features a configurable crosspoint switch. You can control the routing of signals and the onboard clock generator between each front port and the trigger lines in the backplane. However, the crosspoint switch is not a full routing matrix. You can connect only the same Line or Trig number. For example, Line 0 to Trig 0, but not Line 0 to Trig 2. However, you can route clock signals on only Line 3 or Trig 3. The following figure details the crosspoint switch's routing capabilities.

In a basic application, a single NI-9469 module is inserted into each host C Series chassis. One module is set as master, the remainder as slaves, and all modules are connected with a tree topology. Figure 2 shows a tree topology example. More advanced and customizable options create a flexible topological network of NI-9469 modules. Refer to the Topologies section for examples of various topological networks.

Based on user needs, you may desire certain topologies over others due to application or timing requirements. Because signals are physically propagated over cabling, the module cannot compensate for inherent cable delays and skew. For example, if all slave modules must receive triggers at the same time with minimal skew and delay, a star topology with short length-matched cables is preferred. Refer to Figure 3 for a star topology configuration example.

If maximum separation distance is required, connect the modules using a daisy chain topology with maximum cable length per hop, as shown in Figure 4. Refer to the Cable section for information about maximum cable length.

The NI-9469 has four front panel LEDs labeled Trig 0, Trig 1, Trig 2, and Trig 3/Clk. The LEDs blink when activity is detected on the corresponding line to or from the carrier.

This module supports a low-power sleep mode. Support for sleep mode at the system level depends on the chassis the module is plugged into. Refer to the chassis manual for information about support for sleep mode. If the chassis supports sleep mode, refer to the software help for information about enabling sleep mode. Visit ni.com/info and enter cseriesdoc for information about C Series documentation.

Typically, when a system is in sleep mode, you cannot communicate with the modules. In sleep mode, the system consumes minimal power and may dissipate less heat than it does in normal mode. Refer to the NI-9469 Specifications section for more information about power consumption and thermal dissipation.

Notice that when the NI-9469 is in sleep mode, the clock generation settings (if used) must be reconfigured when the module exits sleep mode and power is restored.