Overview

Learning Objectives. On completion of this chapter the reader will have a knowledge on:

• Interface bus standards and types

• Architecture of USB, need for USB, Data Formats

• USB Functions, USB descriptor, advantages of USB

• PCI, Architecture of PCI

• Features of PCI

• Types of PCI Bus

• PCI Express

• Need for PCI Express

• Types of PCI Express Architecture

• Performance of PCI Express

• PXI Architecture

• Features of PCMCIA

• Types of PC Cards

• Features of PC Card Technology

• SCXI Hardware and Software

• Analog Input Signal Connections

• SCXI Software-Configurable Settings

• Need for VXI

• Features of VXI

• Message-Based Communication and Serial Protocol

• LXI Modular Switching Chassis

• LXI/PXI Module Selection

6.1 Introduction

In computer architecture, a bus is a subsystem that transfers data or power between computer components inside a computer or between computers. Unlike a point-to-point connection, a bus can logically connect several peripherals over the same set of wires. Each bus defines its set of connectors to physically plug devices, cards or cables together. Early computer buses were literally parallel electrical buses with multiple connections, but the term is now used for any physical arrangement that provides the same logical functionality as a parallel electrical bus. Modern computer buses can use both parallel and bit-serial connections, and can be wired in either a multidrop or daisy chain topology, or connected by switched hubs, as in the case of Universal Serial Bus...