To configure your NI hardware, use Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX).

MAX informs other programs about the NI hardware products in the system and their hardware configuration. MAX is automatically installed with the driver.

Note MAX is not available on Linux.
  1. Launch MAX.
  2. In the configuration tree, expand Devices and Interfaces to see the list of installed NI hardware.
    Installed modules appear under the name of their associated chassis.
  3. Expand your Chassis tree item.
    MAX lists all modules installed in the chassis. Your default names might vary.
    Note If you do not see your module in the list, press <F5> to refresh the list of installed modules. If the module is still not listed, power off the system, ensure that the module is correctly installed, and restart.
  4. Record the name MAX assigns to the hardware. Use this identifier when programming the PXIe-5108.
  5. Self-test the hardware by selecting the item in the configuration tree and clicking Self-Test in the MAX toolbar.
    The MAX self-test performs a basic verification of hardware resources.

What Should I Do If the PXIe-5108 Does Not Appear in MAX?

Check if you must refresh the connection between the hardware and the software in MAX.

  1. In the MAX configuration tree, expand Devices and Interfaces.
  2. To see the list of installed hardware, expand the Chassis tree and press <F5> to refresh the list.
  3. If the PXIe-5108 is still not listed, complete the following steps.
    1. Power off the system.
    2. Ensure that all hardware is correctly installed.
    3. Restart the system.
  4. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  5. Depending on your controller type, verify the Device Manager settings.
    Controller typeDescription
    PXI controller
    1. Verify that a National Instruments entry appears in the system device list.
    2. If error conditions appear in the list, right-click the module you are using in the Device Manager and select Update Driver.
    MXI controller
    1. Right-click PCI-to-PCI Bridge and select Properties.
    2. Verify that you enabled the bridge.
    3. Verify that no error conditions appear.
    If error conditions persist, reinstall the driver.
  6. Restart your computer.

What Should I Do If the PXIe-5108 Fails the Self-Test in MAX?

  1. Reset the PXIe-5108 through MAX and then perform the self-test again.
  2. Restart the system, and then perform the self-test again.
  3. Power off the chassis.
  4. Reinstall the failed module in a different slot.
  5. Power on the chassis.
  6. Perform the self-test again.
    Note If the module fails the self-test again, contact NI or visit ni.com/support for further troubleshooting information.