ADLINK-PXIe-3988-3987-3977-3937-TL Controller Deployment and Maintenance Guide

ADLINK PXIe-3988/3987/3977/3937-TL Embedded Controller Deployment and Maintenance Guide

In the PXI Express testing system, the embedded controller plays a critical role in the communication between the system's core computing and peripheral devices. ADLINK PXIe-3988/3987/3977/3937-TL series controllers are based on the 12th generation Intel ®  Xeon ®/ Core ™ The processor (Xeon W-11865MRE, Core i7-11850HE, i5-11500HE, i3-11100HE) is designed specifically for the PXIe testing platform, providing a system throughput of up to 16GB/s (PCIe 3.0) and supporting flexible link configurations (quad link x4 or dual link x8 x16). This controller is equipped with dual DDR4 SODIMM slots (up to 32GB 3200MHz), onboard 512GB NVMe SSD, and optional SATA 3.0 2.5-inch SSD expansion. It integrates dual DisplayPort, dual Gigabit Ethernet, dual USB 3.0, four USB 2.0, Micro-D GPIB, and RS-232/422/485 configurable COM ports. The front panel SMB trigger I/O supports flexible routing of PXI trigger bus.

Product Overview and Core Specifications

The PXIe-3988/3987/3977/3937-TL series is a 3U/4-slot PXI Express embedded controller that complies with the PXI-5 Rev1.1 specification and is suitable for testing systems that require high computational density and multi interface connections. The main difference between the four models lies in the processor specifications (Xeon/Core i7/i5/i3), while the rest of the I/O and functions remain consistent. Key features:

Processor: 11th generation Intel Xeon/Core embedded processor (Tiger Lake-H platform), supporting Intel virtualization technology (VT-x, VT-d), hyper threading, and Turbo Boost.

Memory: Two 260 pin DDR4 SODIMM slots, supporting 3200MHz, maximum 32GB (non ECC, no buffering). Note: Only using the memory modules provided by ADLINK can ensure specifications and stability.

Storage: Onboard 512GB NVMe SSD (pre installed on the operating system), with SATA 3.0 interface provided for 2.5-inch SSD expansion.

Video: Dual DisplayPort 1.4, supporting 4K@60Hz Passive conversion to DVI can reach 1920 × 1200.

Network: Dual Gigabit Ethernet (Intel I225/I210), supporting LAN and LXI instrument control.

GPIB: Built in IEEE488 controller (Micro-D 25 pin), compatible with NI-488.2 driver, up to 1.5MB/s, can connect 14 devices.

Serial port: D-sub 9-pin COM port, BIOS can choose RS-232/422/485 mode.

Trigger I/O: Front panel SMB jack, programmable to route external trigger signals to PXI trigger bus (8 lines) or vice versa, supports software triggering.

LED indicator lights: power (green), hard drive activity (yellow), user programmable (blue).

Environment: Operating temperature of 0-55 ° C (equipped with ADLINK SSD), storage of -40~71 ° C, shock resistance of 30G, vibration of 0.21Grms (working).

Power consumption:+3.3V/1.72A,+5V/5.69A,+12V/1.95A during typical idle time; When overloaded,+12V can reach 6A.

Hardware installation and initial configuration

2.1 Unpacking and Anti static Measures

The package contains the controller body (pre installed with memory and SSD) and a quick start guide. Check if the appearance is damaged. Due to electrostatic sensitivity, it is necessary to operate on a grounded anti-static pad and wear an anti-static wristband. Do not power on when damaged or missing components are present.

2.2 Installation to PXIe chassis (Slot 1)

Remove the four screw covers on the controller panel, release the red locking handle, and press the eject latch.

Align the upper and lower edges of the controller with the chassis rail and smoothly push it in until you feel resistance from the backplane connector.

Lift the latch upwards to fully position the controller on the backplane, and at the same time, screw the locking pin into the corresponding positioning hole on the chassis rail (ensuring optimal alignment).

Tighten the four fixing screws on the front panel to connect external devices such as the monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

Attention: This controller occupies 4 slot widths, and the system slot (Slot 1) is usually the leftmost slot to ensure sufficient space in the chassis.

BIOS Settings and System Optimization

3.1 Entering BIOS and Navigation

Press the Delete key when booting up to enter the BIOS settings main menu. The main menu includes tags such as Main, Advanced, Boot, Security, Save&Exit. Navigation keys: Use the directional keys to select, enter to enter the submenu,+/- to modify values, F9 to load the best default value, F10 to save and exit.

3.2 Key BIOS Configuration Items

Main: View BIOS version, CPU information, and memory capacity. Set the system date/time.

Advanced：

CPU Configuration: Enable/disable Intel virtualization technology (VT-x), hyper threading, and number of active processor cores. If you need to run multiple virtual machines, please enable VT-x.

Memory Configuration: View memory frequency and timing without adjustment.

Graphics Configuration: Adjustable DVMT pre allocated memory (default 60MB), can be appropriately increased if using 4K multi screen display.

Onboard Devices Configuration：

COM Control: Select RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 mode according to the external device settings.

LAN1/LAN2 Controller: Enable or disable network ports.

SATA Controller: Enable SATA interface to recognize 2.5-inch SSDs.

USB Configuration: It is recommended to keep Legacy USB Support enabled for system installation using a USB keyboard/mouse.

Hardware Health Configuration: Real time monitoring of CPU temperature, voltage, and power consumption, which can assist in diagnosing overheating issues.

PXle Links Control Configuration: Configure PCIe link mode, optional four link x4 (default) or dual link x8 x16. After modification, it needs to be restarted to take effect and must match the backplane link configuration of the PXIe chassis.

Boot：

Boot Configuration: Set the boot sequence (such as USB CD-ROM, USB HDD, built-in SSD). Quiet Boot can turn off the startup logo to accelerate startup.

CSM Configuration: To be compatible with traditional Legacy devices, CSM can be enabled and Option ROM execution policy (UEFI or Legacy) can be set. Suggest using UEFI mode for the new system.

Security: Administrator password (restrict BIOS access) and user password (power on password) can be set. Note: When only setting a user password, entering BIOS still has administrator privileges.

Save&Exit: Save changes and exit, or restore default values (F9).

Operating System and Driver Installation

The controller comes pre installed with Windows 10/11 64 bit (requires user activation). If you need to reinstall the system, please follow:

Prepare USB installation media (USB flash drive or external optical drive) and set the corresponding device as the first boot option in BIOS Boot.

During the installation process, when the system recognizes the NVMe SSD, it is necessary to load the Intel RST driver (if not built-in), which can be downloaded from the ADLINK product page.

After completing the system installation, install the following drivers in sequence (all downloaded from the ADLINK product page):

Intel chipset driver

Intel graphics driver

Intel Ethernet driver (I225/I210)

Intel RST driver (storage)

Intel ME driver

GPIB driver (compatible with NI-488.2)

PXI Trigger I/O driver (used to trigger routing)

PXI Platform Service (for chassis monitoring and resource management)

The driver installation package is usually Setup. exe, follow the prompts to complete it.

Note: The USB 3.0 interface may not be supported in the OS installation environment. Please use the USB 2.0 port to connect the installation media.

Trigger I/O programming and routing configuration

The front panel SMB trigger connector (TRIG I/O) can be programmed to achieve bidirectional routing between external trigger signals and PXI trigger buses, while supporting software trigger signal output. The driver provides an API function library (included in the PXI Trigger I/O driver), which can be found in the file X: ADLINK PXI Trigger IO Include pixtrigio. h.

5.1 Initialization and Shutdown

TRIG_Init(): It must be called first to initialize and trigger the I/O function.

TRIG_Close(): Called before exiting the application to release resources.

5.2 Software triggered generation

TRIG_SETSoftTrg (U8 status): Set the logic level (0 low/1 high) of the SMB pin or trigger bus to generate software trigger pulses.

5.3 Triggering Routing Settings

TRIG_Trigger_Route(U32 source, U32 dest, U32 halfway)：

Source: Trigger source, optional PXI_TRIG_VAL_SMB (SMB), PXI_TRIG_VAL_SOFT (software), PXI_TRIG_VAL_TRIG0~7 (bus lines 0~7).

Dest: Target, as above (excluding SOFT).

Halfway: Only when the source is SOFT and the dest is SMB, it is necessary to specify which trigger bus to pass through as the intermediate path (such as PXI_TRIG_VAL_TRIG0), and set it as PXI_TRIG_VALSinoNE in other cases.

For example, routing SMB input triggers to PXI trigger bus 5:

TRIG_Trigger_Route(PXI_TRIG_VAL_SMB, PXI_TRIG_VAL_TRIG5, PXI_TRIG_VAL_NONE);

For example, software triggers output to SMB via bus 3:

TRIG_Trigger_Route(PXI_TRIG_VAL_SOFT, PXI_TRIG_VAL_SMB, PXI_TRIG_VAL_TRIG3);

5.4 Querying and Clearing

TRIG_Trigger_Soute_Query(): Get the current routing settings.

TRIG_Trigger_Clear(): Clears all routing paths.

5.5 Obtain Driver Version

TRIG_dDriverRevision(): Returns the major version number and two minor version numbers.

Common maintenance and troubleshooting

6.1 Replacing Solid State Drives (SSDs)

The controller reserves a SATA 3.0 interface for 2.5-inch SSD expansion. Installation steps:

Shut down and remove the controller, observe the anti-static measures.

Unscrew the five screws that secure the hard drive bracket and remove the bracket.

Remove the four fixing screws on both sides of the SSD, take out the old disk, and replace it with a new one.

Reverse the installation back to the bracket and reinstall the controller.

6.2 Replacing CMOS batteries

When the system time is lost or BIOS settings cannot be saved, the CR2032 lithium button battery needs to be replaced:

Shut down and remove the controller.

Find the battery holder on the front of the board (see "Onboard Connections" diagram), and carefully pry up the battery with a small flat head screwdriver (from the negative buckle side).

Insert the new battery with the positive pole (+) facing upwards, first clip it into the positive side, then press down on the negative side, and hear a click to place it in place.

Reinstall the controller and reset the BIOS time.

6.3 Clear CMOS (Restore BIOS Default)

If the system fails to start or BIOS settings cause a malfunction, the CMOS can be cleared:

Shut down and remove the controller.

Find the clear CMOS switch (SW1) on the board, turn it from the Normal position to the Clear position, wait for 5 seconds, and then turn it back to Normal.

Reinstall the controller, press Delete to enter BIOS upon startup, press F9 to load optimized default values, and press F10 to save and exit.

6.4 Dual BIOS Automatic Recovery

The controller is equipped with dual BIOS (main BIOS+backup BIOS) and an independent monitoring chip. If the main BIOS fails to update or is damaged, causing abnormal startup, the monitoring chip will automatically activate the backup BIOS to complete the startup and prompt that the backup BIOS has been enabled when booting up. At this point, it is necessary to contact technical support to restore the main BIOS function (usually requiring re burning).

6.5 Common startup troubleshooting

System no display: Confirm that the DisplayPort cable is securely connected and whether the monitor supports the current resolution; Try switching to DVI/HDMI.

Unable to recognize peripheral: Check if USB Legacy Support is turned on. If you need to boot from USB, ensure that the USB device boot option in CSM is correct.

Network connection failure: Check the status of the dual port LED - Active/Link yellow light constantly on indicates connection, flashing indicates transmission; Speed green light is 100M/1G, orange light is 2.5G (3988TL). If it is not lit, check the network cable and switch configuration.

GPIB communication exception: Confirm the use of a dedicated GPIB cable (such as ACL-IEEE488-MD1-A), install NI-488.2 compatible drivers, and check the GPIB address settings.

Maintenance suggestions and environmental requirements

Cooling: The controller adopts passive cooling (relying on the chassis fan) to ensure smooth airflow near the chassis system slot and unobstructed air inlet.

Cleaning: Regularly clean the front panel interface and ventilation holes with an anti-static soft brush.

Power supply: The controller has high power consumption (up to 6A under+12V overload). Please confirm that the PXIe chassis has sufficient power supply, especially when multiple high-power peripheral modules are installed simultaneously.