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Consortium Releases Revision 1.1 of the LXI Standard

DENVER, CO, Nov. 6, 2006

The LXI Consortium announced today that it has approved and released Revision 1.1 of the LXI Standard. LAN eXtensions for Instrumentation (LXI) is the LAN-based successor to GPIB, providing additional capabilities that simplify system creation. In addition to clarification of language, the standard now includes a section on the use of non-LXI devices within LXI-based systems.

 “Section 15, Hybrid Systems, is a significant addition to the LXI Standard because it makes life easier for system integrators,” said Bob Rennard, LXI Consortium president. "The consortium recognizes that real-world systems often include many types of instruments—GPIB, PXI, VXI and now LXI—and this will remain true, even as the number of LXI-compliant instruments grows."

Specifically, Section 15 describes interface bridges, adapters, and adapter toolkits that enable integrators to use non-LXI devices within systems that use both Ethernet and LXI devices. Examples include LAN-to-VXI and LAN-to-PXI bridges supplied by VXI Tech and Pickering that can provide a transparent connection between the LAN port in a PC and VXI- or PXI-based test equipment. Bridges, adapters, and adapter toolkits that pass conformance testing are eligible to carry the LXI logo.

The full text of the updated specification is available on the Web as a free download at www.lxistandard.org/home/lxi_standards_and_clarifications/.

The updated specification also is available on a new informational CD produced by the LXI Consortium. Other materials on the disk include the LXI Trigger Bus Specification, an LXI capabilities brochure, an LXI fact sheet, an LXI backgrounder presentation, and application notes that describe aircraft structural testing and satellite testing. Copies of the CD can be requested by sending an e-mail to inquiry@lxistandard.org.

Introduced in 2005, the LXI standard has been adopted by 48 companies. They recognize LXI as the natural successor to GPIB and that it is time for instruments to go beyond GPIB to make it easier for test system designers and integrators to create faster, more efficient systems. In less than a year since the standard was introduced, nearly 150 LXI-compliant products have been introduced.

About LXI and the LXI Consortium
LXI is the LAN-based successor to GPIB. The LXI standard goes beyond GPIB to provide additional capabilities that reduce the time it takes to set up, configure, and debug test systems. LXI also helps integrators leverage the time and effort already invested in system software and architecture. The standard is managed by the LXI Consortium, a not-for-profit corporation comprised of leading test and measurement companies. The group’s goals are to develop, support, and promote the LXI standard. LXI’s flexible packaging, high-speed I/O, and prolific use of LAN address a broad range of commercial, industrial, aerospace, and military applications.

Additional information about LXI-compliant products as well as licensing, specifications, and consortium membership is available at www.lxistandard.org.


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