The NI PCI-8336 MXI-4 Interface Module is a half-sized PCI card that establishes high-speed serial connectivity between host computers and remote PXI chassis via MXI-4 fiber-optic link. It functions as a transparent PCI-to-PCI bridge, delivering peak transfer rates of 132 Mbytes/s and sustained throughput of 78 Mbytes/s across a 1.5 Gbit/s serial link. The module requires no custom driver development—link operations remain fully transparent to software applications. It integrates with standard CompactPCI chassis (PCI Specification Revision 2.2 or later) and must be paired with a PXI 8336 MXI-4 PXI Card to operate. Support for both 3.3 V and 5 V signaling ensures broad compatibility across legacy and modern PCI platforms.
Technical Specifications
• Interface: MXI-4 (PCI-to-PCI bridge)
• Serial Link Speed: 1.5 Gbit/s
• Peak Transfer Rate: 132 Mbytes/s
• Sustained Transfer Rate: 78 Mbytes/s
• PCI Signaling: 3.3 V and 5 V
• Power Consumption: +3.3 V @ 0.35 A, +5 V @ 1.5 A
• Fiber-Optic Cable Lengths: 10 m, 30 m, 200 m
• Operating Temperature: 0 to 55 °C
• Storage Temperature: –20 to 70 °C
• Operating Humidity: 10 to 90% RH (non-condensing)
• Operating Vibration: 0.3 grms (5 to 500 Hz)
– Key Features
• Software-transparent link operation eliminates custom driver requirements
• Integrated error checking and retransmission for enhanced data integrity
• Half-sized card form factor (4.2 × 6.9 inches) fits standard PCI slots
• Supports multi-chassis PXI system configurations in star or daisy-chain topologies
• Fiber-optic isolation provides electrical noise immunity
– Typical Applications
• Real-time data acquisition across distributed chassis
• Multi-chassis PXI system integration
• High-speed control and synchronization between remote instrumentation
– Compatibility & Integration
The module operates with any CompactPCI chassis compliant with PCI Specification Revision 2.2 or later. Windows 10 compatibility requires the PXI Platform Service driver. Copper and fiber-optic cable kits are not interchangeable.
