Two types of the VXI mainframe configuration are available:
Embedded CPU controller
External CPU controller
The Embedded controller is actually a computer plugged in the VXI backplane while the External controller is implemented as an external computer connected via an interface board to the VXI backplane. This interface board can be based on GPIB or a proprietary board such as NI-MXI (National Instruments MXI bus). RS-232 or other serial communication may be also used. While proprietary boards and Embedded controller have a better performance and flexibility over the GPIB-VXI interface, the GPIB-VXI interface is easier to use and VXI message-based instruments can be controlled using exiting application and drivers that support the popular GPIB interface.
ATEasy supports both solutions to control VXI instruments using a GPIB interface, an RS- 232 serial communication interface, an NI-MXI board, or an Embedded controller such as NI-VXIpc.