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PXI-3950

3U PXI Core2 Duo Controller Hybrid PXI-based Testing 4GB
  • Manufacturer Adlink Technology Inc.
  • Category: PXIe / PXI Controller 3U
  • The ADLINK PXI‑3950 is a 3U PXI system controller designed for hybrid PXI‑based test and measurement systems. It integrates an Intel® Core™2 Duo T7500 2.2 GHz processor, 4 GB of DDR2 memory, and a 320 GB SATA hard drive, providing a high‑performance, rugged, and stable computing platform for automated testing, instrumentation control, and data acquisition applications.
- PXI™ Specification Rev. 2.2 Compliant – Ensures full interoperability with PXI and CompactPCI systems.
- High‑Performance Dual‑Core Processor: Intel® Core™2 Duo T7500 (2.2 GHz, 800 MHz FSB) for multitasking and parallel test execution.
- Memory: 4 GB DDR2 667 MHz SO‑DIMM supporting dual‑channel operation.
- Storage: Integrated 320 GB 7200 RPM SATA hard drive; CompactFlash® Type II socket for solid‑state storage or HDD replacement.
- Comprehensive I/O Connectivity:
- Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports (Marvell 88E8053 and Intel 82566 PHY)
- Four USB 2.0 ports
- Two RS‑232/422/485 serial ports
- Built‑in IEEE‑488 GPIB controller (Micro‑D 25‑pin)
- DVI‑I video output (digital and analog)
- High‑definition audio input/output
- SMB trigger I/O connector for PXI trigger bus routing
- Programmable Watchdog Timer: Hardware‑based system recovery mechanism.
- Rugged Mechanical Design: Cable‑free internal layout and aluminum‑copper composite heat sink for thermal stability.
- Rear I/O Support: Compatible with ADLINK PXI chassis featuring rear transition modules (e.g., PXIS‑2558T‑B, PXIS‑2690P‑B).
- Operating System Compatibility: Windows 2000, XP, Vista; supports 32‑bit and 64‑bit environments.

Country of origin: Taiwan R.O.C.

Customs tariff number: 8471 5000 000

Comprehensive Product Summary – ADLINK PXI‑3950 PXI System Controller




### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: PXI‑3950
Model: PXI‑3950
Series: PXI‑3900 Series Embedded Controllers
Article Number: PXI‑3950
Manufacturer: ADLINK Technology Inc.
Part Number: 50‑17030‑1000
Manual Revision: 2.00 (August 29, 2008)

The ADLINK PXI‑3950 is a 3U PXI system controller designed for hybrid PXI‑based test and measurement systems. It integrates an Intel® Core™2 Duo T7500 2.2 GHz processor, 4 GB of DDR2 memory, and a 320 GB SATA hard drive, providing a high‑performance, rugged, and stable computing platform for automated testing, instrumentation control, and data acquisition applications.




### 2. Key Features

- PXI™ Specification Rev. 2.2 Compliant – Ensures full interoperability with PXI and CompactPCI systems.
- High‑Performance Dual‑Core Processor: Intel® Core™2 Duo T7500 (2.2 GHz, 800 MHz FSB) for multitasking and parallel test execution.
- Memory: 4 GB DDR2 667 MHz SO‑DIMM supporting dual‑channel operation.
- Storage: Integrated 320 GB 7200 RPM SATA hard drive; CompactFlash® Type II socket for solid‑state storage or HDD replacement.
- Comprehensive I/O Connectivity:
- Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports (Marvell 88E8053 and Intel 82566 PHY)
- Four USB 2.0 ports
- Two RS‑232/422/485 serial ports
- Built‑in IEEE‑488 GPIB controller (Micro‑D 25‑pin)
- DVI‑I video output (digital and analog)
- High‑definition audio input/output
- SMB trigger I/O connector for PXI trigger bus routing
- Programmable Watchdog Timer: Hardware‑based system recovery mechanism.
- Rugged Mechanical Design: Cable‑free internal layout and aluminum‑copper composite heat sink for thermal stability.
- Rear I/O Support: Compatible with ADLINK PXI chassis featuring rear transition modules (e.g., PXIS‑2558T‑B, PXIS‑2690P‑B).
- Operating System Compatibility: Windows 2000, XP, Vista; supports 32‑bit and 64‑bit environments.




### 3. Technical Specifications

Processor: Intel® Core™2 Duo T7500, 2.2 GHz, 800 MHz FSB
Chipset: Intel® GME965 GMCH + ICH8‑M I/O Controller Hub
Graphics: Intel® GMA X3100 Media Accelerator
- DVI output up to 1600 × 1200 @ 60 Hz
- Analog CRT output up to 2048 × 1536 @ 60 Hz
- LVDS (rear I/O) 18/24‑bit channel with backlight control

Memory: 4 GB DDR2 667 MHz SO‑DIMM (dual‑channel)
Storage: 320 GB SATA HDD (7200 RPM); CompactFlash Type II socket (PIO/DMA)

I/O Interfaces:
- Ethernet: Dual Gigabit Ethernet (2 × RJ‑45 with LEDs)
- USB: 4 × USB 2.0 (Type A)
- Serial: 2 × COM ports (RS‑232/422/485, jumper‑selectable)
- GPIB: IEEE‑488 Micro‑D 25‑pin connector
- Audio: Line‑in/Mic‑in and Speaker‑out (HD Audio, 24‑bit/192 kHz)
- Video: DVI‑I connector (digital + analog)
- Trigger I/O: SMB connector for PXI trigger bus routing

Mechanical:
- Form Factor: 3U PXI module
- Dimensions: 60.5 mm (W) × 128.7 mm (H) × 213.2 mm (D)
- Slot Requirement: 1 system slot + 2 controller expansion slots
- Weight: 0.9 kg

Environmental:
- Operating Temperature: 0 – 55 °C
- Storage Temperature: –20 – 80 °C
- Relative Humidity: 5 – 95 % (non‑condensing)
- Shock: 30 G, half‑sine, 11 ms pulse
- Vibration: Operating 0.5 G RMS (5–500 Hz); Non‑operating 2.46 G RMS

Power Requirements:
- 3.3 V @ 650 mA idle / 820 mA max
- 5 V @ 4.2 A idle / 13.5 A max

Compliance:
- CE (EN 61326‑1)
- FCC Class A EMI/EMC
- PXI Systems Alliance (PXISA) compliant




### 4. Functionality

The PXI‑3950 functions as the embedded system controller in a PXI chassis, managing communication between the host system and modular instruments. It provides deterministic control, data acquisition, and signal routing for hybrid PXI/LXI/GPIB test environments.

Typical Use Cases:
- Automated test equipment (ATE) for electronics manufacturing
- Mixed‑signal and RF test systems
- Data acquisition and signal analysis
- Instrument control via GPIB, USB, or Ethernet
- Portable or rack‑mounted PXI test platforms

Compatibility:
- Fully compliant with PXI Rev. 2.2 and CompactPCI standards
- Compatible with ADLINK PXIS‑2506, 2508, 2558T‑B, 2630, 2670, 2700, 2719, 2690P‑B, and National Instruments PXI chassis
- Rear I/O operation requires matching transition modules

Operation:
The controller boots from its internal SATA drive, CompactFlash, or external USB device. BIOS configuration allows flexible boot sequencing. Dual Ethernet ports enable simultaneous LAN and LXI instrument control.




### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- PXI‑3950 Controller (CPU, RAM, HDD pre‑installed)
- USB‑to‑PS/2 keyboard/mouse cable
- DVI‑to‑VGA adapter
- User’s Manual
- ADLINK All‑in‑One Driver CD

Optional Accessories:
- ACL‑IEEE488‑MD1‑A: 1 m Micro‑D 25‑pin to GPIB cable
- CompactFlash cards (Type II)
- Replacement SATA HDD or SSD

Connectors on Faceplate:
- SMB (trigger I/O)
- DVI‑I (video)
- Micro‑D 25 (GPIB)
- 2 × DB‑9 (COM1/COM2)
- 4 × USB 2.0 (Type A)
- 2 × RJ‑45 (GbE)
- 2 × Audio jacks (line‑in/mic‑in, speaker‑out)
- Reset button and status LEDs




### 6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Compatible PXI chassis with system controller slot (3U form factor)
- Anti‑static workstation and grounded wrist strap
- Phillips screwdriver for mounting

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the PXI chassis.
2. Insert the PXI‑3950 into the system controller slot (Slot 1).
3. Engage the ejector/injector handle to seat the controller.
4. Secure the faceplate screws.
5. Connect peripherals (video, LAN, USB, GPIB, etc.).
6. Power on the chassis and configure BIOS boot devices (SATA, CF, USB).

Storage Replacement:
- 2.5″ SATA HDD is mounted on rear bracket; replace with SSD for enhanced shock resistance.
- CompactFlash card can serve as bootable drive or data storage.

BIOS Configuration:
- Access via DEL key at boot.
- Adjustable boot order, display output (CRT/LVDS), and power management.
- “CRT + LVDS” mode enables built‑in LCD panels on PXIS‑2558T‑B and PXIS‑2690P‑B chassis.




### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Processing Power: Dual‑core architecture enables parallel task execution for multi‑threaded test applications.
- Memory Bandwidth: Dual‑channel DDR2 667 MHz supports high‑speed data transfer between CPU and memory.
- Storage Throughput: SATA 3 Gb/s interface with 7200 RPM drive ensures fast data logging.
- Networking: Dual GbE ports support LXI instrument control and LAN connectivity with TCP offload and Wake‑on‑LAN.
- I/O Flexibility: Multiple interfaces allow integration with legacy and modern instruments.
- Trigger Control: Programmable trigger routing between external SMB connector and PXI trigger bus lines (TRIG0–TRIG7).
- Watchdog Timer: Programmable timeout (1 s to minutes) for automatic system reset on software failure.
- Limitations: 32‑bit OS may not address full 4 GB memory; 64‑bit OS recommended for maximum utilization.




### 8. Standards & Compliance

- PXI Specification Rev. 2.2 – Full compliance with PXI Systems Alliance standards.
- Electrical Safety & EMC: EN 61326‑1 (CE Mark), FCC Class A for industrial environments.
- Environmental Testing: Shock and vibration qualified for industrial applications.
- RoHS Compliance: Lead‑free manufacturing process.
- Industry Compatibility: Supports LXI, GPIB, and USB instrument control standards.




### 9. Additional Information

Warranty & Support:
- Standard ADLINK limited warranty (coverage varies by region).
- Global technical support offices in Taiwan, USA, China (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen), Europe (Germany), India, Japan, Korea, and Singapore.
- Online resources: [www.adlinktech.com](http://www.adlinktech.com)
- Email support: service@adlinktech.com

Maintenance:
- Keep ventilation openings clear; avoid exposure to moisture or dust.
- Replace CMOS battery with identical type only to avoid explosion risk.
- Use anti‑static precautions when handling internal components.

Software & Drivers:
- Chipset Driver: Intel GME965 package for Windows 2000/XP/Vista.
- Graphics Driver: Intel GMA X3100 driver for dual display support.
- Ethernet Drivers: Intel and Marvell GbE drivers for dual LAN ports.
- Audio Driver: Realtek ALC260/262 HD Audio.
- GPIB Driver: ADLINK IEEE‑488 library with NI‑488.2 API compatibility.
- PXI Trigger Driver: Software library for trigger routing control.
- Watchdog Timer Driver: API for system reset management.

Programming Support:
- C/C++, Visual Basic, and Delphi libraries for trigger and watchdog functions.
- Example functions: `TRIG_Init()`, `TRIG_Trigger_Route()`, `InitWDT()`, `SetWDT()`, `ResetWDT()`.

Safety Precautions:
- Disconnect power before installation or maintenance.
- Operate within specified temperature and humidity ranges.
- Service only by qualified technicians.
- Dispose of batteries according to local regulations.




### Summary

The ADLINK PXI‑3950 is a high‑performance, dual‑core PXI system controller engineered for demanding hybrid PXI‑based test environments. Its combination of Intel® Core™2 Duo processing, extensive I/O connectivity, and robust mechanical design makes it ideal for automated test, measurement, and instrumentation control applications. With compliance to PXI Rev. 2.2, CE, and FCC Class A standards, and support for multiple operating systems, the PXI‑3950 delivers reliability, scalability, and long‑term platform stability for industrial and laboratory test systems.




Ordering Information:
- PXI‑3950: Core™2 Duo T7500 2.2 GHz, 4 GB RAM, 320 GB HDD
- PXI‑3950/M2G: Core™2 Duo T7500 2.2 GHz, 2 GB RAM, 320 GB HDD
- ACL‑IEEE488‑MD1‑A: 1 m Micro‑D to GPIB Cable




Manufacturer Contact:
ADLINK Technology Inc.
9F, No. 166 Jian Yi Road, Chungho City, Taipei 235, Taiwan
Tel: +886‑2‑8226‑5877 Fax: +886‑2‑8226‑5717
Email: service@adlinktech.com Web: [www.adlinktech.com](http://www.adlinktech.com)




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