LXI (LAN-based eXtensions for Instrumentation) is the latest evolution of communications
for instrumentation in the Test & Measurement industry. Designed to provide consistent
interoperability and synchronization, LXI takes the benefits of Ethernet and the
experience of almost 40 years of Test & Measurement standards to create a standard
that saves time in areas like integration, programming, and supporting unique applications
Looking at the evolution
of test busses, in 1972 Hewlett-Packard engineers invented the Hewlett-Packard Interface
Bus (HP-IB) as an open standard communications bus (IEEE-488) from instruments to
the computer. For almost 40 years, GPIB instruments (also known as rack-and-stack
instruments) were the preferred architecture for test systems.
In 2005, Agilent Technologies
(formerly Hewlett-Packard) and VXI Technology, Inc. (Now VTI) introduced LXI; combining
the best of GPIB instruments and VXI and PXI modules, LXI provides the high throughput
of LAN, The global recognition that GPIB has, as well as test related features pioneered
in VXI & PXI.
LXI is the next generation of test systems combining state-of-the-art measurements
at a cost-effective price. LXI puts the power of Ethernet and the Web inside your
test systems. By standardizing and extending LAN, LXI offers you new possibilities
in system design—local, remote, distributed, time-aware. With LXI, you can create
the system you need today—and quickly move forward to the one you need next. LXI:
It’s about your time.