-- IEEE 1588 Version 2.0 will be released during 2007 to address the need
for greater accuracy, variable update rates, alternative topologies, rapid
reconfiguration after network changes, and fault tolerance. Over the next
few months, the Technical Committee and the Timing and Synchronization
Working Group will address the question of when to adopt IEEE-1588, version
2.0.
-- A Resource Management Working Group was formed to develop a strategy
for controlling access to LXI devices from multiple clients and over
multiple interfaces. Such a strategy is needed because the Ethernet
interface and built-in web capability of LXI devices increase the
possibility of conflicts among multiple clients trying to access an
instrument at the same time. The working group discussed use cases and
scenarios as well as the strengths and weaknesses of potential strategies.
-- The LXI LAN/Web Working Group worked on an improved discovery and
identification protocol that will enable an LXI device to provide more
detailed information about itself upon request. This work will continue
during in the group's regular meetings.
The MathWorks, a member of both consortia, hosted the LXI and ATML meetings
simultaneously. LXI member Pickering Interfaces co-hosted the October 17
dinner event. "The informative and productive discussions with the ATML
group are another strong example of the expanding interest in LXI as the
successor to GPIB in commercial and military test systems," said Bob
Rennard, president of the LXI Consortium. "Our members acknowledge and
thank The MathWorks for enabling and coordinating the LXI and ATML events
and the joint sessions."
The ATML organization is an open, independent focus group supported by
equipment vendors and government agencies. The group has defined a
framework that allows the exchange of ATE and test information in a common
format that uses the eXtended Markup Language (XML) standard. More
information about ATML and its work with the IEEE is available at
http://grouper.ieee.org/groups/scc20/tii/.
The Consortium also elected new officers for its 2007 fiscal year: Bob
Rennard, president; Jon Semancik, treasurer and secretary; Paul Franklin,
technical committee chair; and Bob Stasonis and Jon Semancik, marketing
committee co-chairs.
The next PlugFest is scheduled for January 31-February 2, 2007, in Austin,
Texas. LXI member company C&H Technologies Inc. will serve as host. Look
for meeting information on the LXI
Web site in December.
Introduced in 2005, the LXI Standard has been rapidly adopted by 48
companies, representing a who's who of the test-and-measurement industry.
They recognize LXI as the natural successor to GPIB, and that it was time
for instruments to go beyond GPIB to make it easier for test system
designers and integrators to create faster, more efficient systems.
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.
Contact Information: EDITORIAL CONTACTS Joel Goldstein Goldstein Group Communications, for LXI Consortium +1 (216) 573 2300 Email Contact Bob Helsel LXI Consortium +1 (303) 652-2571 Email Contact