Components of a MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 System

The following list defines the minimum required hardware and software for a system that includes a PCIe-8383.

Note Refer to the NI Hardware and Software Operating System Compatibility page linked below for driver, desktop operating system, and real-time operating system support for individual hardware devices.
Table 2. System Components
Component Description and Recommendations
Host PC The computer that houses the PCIe-8383.
Note Not all PCI Express expansion slots that have x8 or wider physical connectors are electrically capable of x8 PCI Express operation. Check with the motherboard manufacturer to verify that the slot is capable of x8 PCI Express operation.
Expansion PXI Express or CompactPCI Express Chassis A chassis that houses and powers the PXIe-8381.
Cables Connect the PXI Express board in the chassis to the PCIe-8383 in your computer.
PXI Remote Control Module Your PCIe-8383.
PXI Express Controller The PXIe-8381, which allows you to control PXI and CompactPCI systems from your computer using a fully transparent MXI-Express link.
PXI Platform Services Driver Provides support for NI PXI chassis and controllers, implements PXI software specifications, and supplies system services to other NI products.
Note You will need to install this driver for full PXI/PXI Express functionality such as chassis and controller identification, trigger routing, and slot detection.
NI Applications PXI Platform Services offers driver support for the following applications:
  • LabVIEW
  • LabWindows/CVI

Compatibility with Host PCs

The BIOS of some host PCs may not support the extension of the PCI-Express fabric. Since this is the primary function of MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 products, those systems may not boot or function correctly. To help address this issue, NI offers MXI-Express BIOS Compatibility software. If you need to use this software, you must toggle the BIOS DIP switch on the board to enable BIOS compatibility.

Note Unless MXI-Express BIOS Compatibility software is installed on the host PC, the BIOS DIP switch should remain in the disabled (default) position. If this mode is enabled on a MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 product in a host PC that does not have the software installed, the connected devices will not be detected by the operating system.

PXI Express Board and Chassis Compatibility

Refer to the following table for which PXI Express MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 boards are compatible with which chassis slot types.

Table 3. MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 PXI Express Board Slot Type Compatibility
PXI Express Board PXI Express Chassis
Controller Peripheral Hybrid
PXIe-8381 Yes No No
PXIe-8384 No Yes Yes

Cables

Refer to the following table for the various MXI-Express x8 copper cables available from NI.

The NI MXI-Express x8 copper cables use Molex x8 PCIe connectors. For more information about these connectors visit Molex at www.molex.com and search for x8 PCIe iPass.

Table 4. MXI-Express x8 Copper Cables
Cable Length Description Part Number
3 m MXI-Express x8 copper cable 782317-03
5 m MXI-Express x8 copper cable 782317-05