This section answers common configuration questions you may have when using a PXIe-8881 embedded controller.

General Questions

What do the LEDs on the front panel mean?

Refer to the LED status descriptions in the Front Panel Features section.

How do I check which CPU is installed?

Use any of the following methods to identify the CPU model installed in your PXIe-8881:

  • Check the physical unit front panel overlay.
  • Reboot the PXIe-8881 and enter the BIOS setup.
  • Use the Windows system information to review the processor data.
  • Use NI MAX and review the controller properties. Select the controller in the left pane and refer to the CPU Model and CPU Cores properties in the System Settings tab in the right pane.

How do I check the configuration of the memory, storage drive, time/date, and so on?

You can view these parameters in the BIOS setup utility. Complete the following steps to enter the BIOS setup:
  1. Reboot the PXIe-8881.
  2. Press <Delete> during the system boot up.

Can I use the internal storage drive and an external storage drive at the same time?

Yes.

Boot Options

What devices can I boot from?

The PXIe-8881 can boot from the following devices:
  • The internal drive.
  • A network PXE or iSCSI server on the same subnet.
  • An external USB mass storage device such as a USB hard drive, USB CD/DVD-ROM, or USB flash drive.
  • Most PCI or PCI Express-based devices that provide an Option ROM.

How do I configure the controller to boot from these devices?

You can configure the controller to permanently or temporarily change the boot order.

There are three methods.

  • Enter Setup and select the Boot menu. You will see a list of all bootable devices, ordered by device type. You can set the boot order using <+> and <->. Set the order by device type and set the order for the devices listed within the device type.
  • To boot from a different device without changing the boot order in the BIOS, enter Setup and select the Save & Exit menu. In the Boot Override section, select your desired boot entry.
  • To boot from a different device without changing the boot order in the BIOS, press <F10> continuously while booting. After the BIOS completes the POST and just before the controller boots the OS, the Boot menu is displayed. You can select the device type you want to boot from.

Cables and Connections

How do I connect a VGA monitor to the PXIe-8881?

You can use a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter available from NI to connect a VGA monitor to a DisplayPort connector.

Software Driver Installation

How do I install or reinstall the video driver?

To download updated peripheral drivers, search for your product model on the software download page at ni.com.

How do I install or reinstall the Ethernet driver?

To download updated peripheral drivers, search for your product model on the software download page at ni.com.

How do I install software from a CD?

The compact size of the PXIe-8881 does not allow for an integrated USB CD/DVD-ROM drive. You have the following options:
  • USB CD/DVD-ROM—You can install from a USB CD/DVD-ROM using a bootable installation CD.
  • Mapped network drive—You can use the Ethernet to connect to another computer. If you share the USB CD/DVD-ROM drive on the other computer, you can map the shared USB CD/DVD-ROM drive to a drive letter on the PXIe-8881.

    • A USB CD/DVD-ROM drive is available from NI, part number 778492-01.

    Upgrade Information

    How do I upgrade system memory?

    You can change the amount of installed RAM on the PXIe-8881 by augmenting or replacing the preinstalled SO-DIMM. Complete the following steps to replace the RAM.
    1. Remove the PXIe-8881 from the PXI chassis.
    2. Locate the SO-DIMM sockets on the side of the controller, as shown in the following figure.
    3. Install the new SO-DIMM module into the slot.

    PXIe-8881 System Memory Information

    NI offers the following types of SO-DIMMs for use with the PXIe-8881 controller.

    • 16 GB, DDR4-2666 MHz PC4-21300 compatible (NI part number 787659-01)
    Note NI has tested and verified that the DDR4 SO-DIMMs listed above work with the PXIe-8881 controller. We recommend you purchase your SO-DIMM modules from NI. Other off-the-shelf modules are not guaranteed to work properly.
    Figure 4. Installing a SO-DIMM in a PXIe-8881 Controller

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    1. DDR4 SO-DIMM Module
    2. DDR4 SO-DIMM Socket

    Where do I get the latest software drivers?

    The latest NI software is available by searching for your model number at ni.com/downloads.