Microsoft Selects Open PXI Platform and National Instruments LabVIEW 6i to Test Xbox Game Controllers
AUSTIN, Texas - Dec. 19, 2000 - National Instruments Corporation today announced that Microsoft Corp. has chosen the company's unique computer-based test solution for its Xbox video game system controllers, part of the future-generation game console coming from Microsoft next year. The test solution, based on the open PXI hardware platform and NI LabVIEW 6i software, tests the trigger buttons, push buttons, and cable connections of the Xbox game controller.
"The open, commercial technology of the NI PXI and LabVIEW solution gives us the performance and flexibility that is critical in meeting our time-to-market demands for the Xbox game system," said Todd Holmdahl, General Manager of Xbox Hardware. "The combination of the Microsoft Windows platform, NI software, and the open PXI platform gives us a high-performance, compact test solution at a lower cost."
The NI-based test system demonstrates the seamless integration of PXI and LabVIEW. By choosing NI PXI, Microsoft has a low-cost, high-performance, efficient platform it can customize for its needs. The NI 5112 100 MHz computer-based digitizer embedded in the PXI system is critical to successfully testing the game controllers at a fast enough rate to meet the demands of Microsoft's production schedule. NI LabVIEW 6i provides the user interface, reporting, data storage, and instrument control for the NI-based test system. With the multithreading capability of LabVIEW, the operator can run the signal integrity test while simultaneously performing other manufacturing tests.
"With the flexible triggering features of the new NI 5112 100 MHz digitizer and the multithreading features of LabVIEW, Microsoft can perform quality assessment tests of the Xbox game controllers in addition to performing standard manufacturing tests," said Keith Winkeler, Director for Measurement Marketing at NI. "NI PXI and LabVIEW-based test solutions not only save users money, they also give customers like Microsoft a solution they customize to meet specific application needs."
VI Engineering, an NI Alliance Program Select Integrator, will integrate, install, and support the NI-based game controller test system. As a Select Integrator, VI Engineering integrates open software and hardware tools from NI to meet specific application requirements for its customers.
About the Microsoft Xbox
Scheduled for release in fall 2001, the Microsoft Xbox (xbox.com) is a
future-generation video game console that delivers superior graphics,
better audio, and intense, action-packed gaming experiences. The Microsoft
Xbox has at least three times the graphics performance of the newest
generation of game consoles, featuring a 733 Mhz CPU; a custom-designed
graphics processing unit capable of processing more than 1 trillion
operations per second; an 8 GB hard disk; 64 MB of total memory; 3D audio
processor with 256 audio channels and 64 3D audio channels; and broadband
connectivity for online game play. Xbox uses familiar architecture and
Microsoft DirectX so game developers can create better games, faster.
About VI Engineering
VI Engineering provides solutions built on integrated software and hardware
that satisfy the testing and automation needs of numerous industries. VI
Engineering has been at the forefront of the system integration business
since 1992. Capable of handling projects of any size, VI Engineering offers
flexible and scalable services designed to meet specific budget
requirements. VI Engineering provides services for every stage of the
product cycle - from research and development to the manufacturing process.
About NI
NI leverages commercial technologies, such as industry-standard computers
and the Internet, to deliver customer-defined measurement and automation
solutions. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, NI has more than 2,400 employees
and direct sales offices in more than 30 countries. NI is increasing the
productivity of engineers and scientists worldwide by delivering
easy-to-integrate software and modular hardware. In fiscal year 1999, NI
recorded its 23rd consecutive year of double-digit growth with net revenue
totaling $330 million.
NI and Microsoft share a long-term business relationship. As a Microsoft Certified Solution Provider, NI works in cooperation with Microsoft to help solve business challenges for customers worldwide using Microsoft technology. Through the Microsoft Visual Studio Integrator Program (VSIP), NI tightly integrates its products with Microsoft development programs.
NI investment information may be obtained from the Company's Investor Relations Department at (512) 683-5090, by sending e-mail to nati@ni.com, or on the Web at ni.com/nati
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