Clarifying LXI

Having just read the article “Test Modules Offer Measurement Versatility” (January 2012), you describe LXI as being a modular instrument standard. This is misleading. LXI is standardized around the Ethernet interface but has very little constraint on its mechanical form factor, a prerequisite for modular standards. It is a factor that allows vendors to implement product designs not constrained by centralized power supplies and backplane interfaces. That sets it apart from the modular standards . There are some modular chassis which have LXI interfaces, but the vast majority of LXI products are designed for rack mounting in the same way as GPIB instruments.

David Owen
TC Chair
LXI Consortium