LAN eXtensions for Instrumentation

LAN eXtensions for Instrumentation (LXI) is a standard developed by the LXI Consortium, a consortium that maintains the LXI specification and promotes the LXI Standard. The LXI standard defines the for instrumentation and data acquisition systems using Ethernet. Ethernet is a ubiquitous communication standard providing a versatile interface, the LXI standard describes how to use the Ethernet standards for test and measurement applications in a way that promotes simple interoperability between instruments.The LXI Consortium ensures LXI compliant instrumentation developed by various vendors work together with no communication or setup issues. The LXI Consortium ensures that the LXI standard complements other test and measurement control systems, such as GPIB and PXI systems.

Proposed in 2005 by Keysight (formerly called Agilent Technologies) and VTI Instruments (formerly called VXI Technology and now part of Ametek), the LXI standard adapts the Ethernet and World Wide Web standards and applies them to test and measurement applications. The standard defines how existing standards should be used in instrumentation applications to provide a consistent feel and ensure compatibility between vendors equipment.The LXI standard does not define a mechanical format, allowing LXI solutions to take any physical form deemed suitable for products in their intended market. LXI products can be modular, rack mounted, bench mounted or take any other physical form.

LXI supports synthetic instruments and peer-to-peer networking, providing a number of unique capabilities to the test engineer.

LXI products may have no front panel or display, or they may include embedded keyboards and displays. Connections to the DUT are permitted to be on the front or the rear to suit market demand, most devices provide front panel connectivity to allow Ethernet and power connections to be provided to the rear panel.

Use of Ethernet allows the simple construction of systems requiring distributed instrumentation systems and control and monitoring systems over large distances, with suitable VPN connections it is possible to connect systems together over inter-continental distances without the use of specialised equipment.

...
Wikipedia