The National Instruments PCI-MXI-2 is a half-size PCI interface card that bridges PCI-based computers with the MXIbus, enabling direct communication and data transfer between host systems and MXIbus devices. The card presents itself as an embedded VXI/VME module to the instrument bus and can serve as the MXIbus System Controller. It implements the same communication register set as other VXIbus message-based devices, ensuring transparent operation across heterogeneous instrument architectures.
Technical Specifications
Interfaces
• Host Interface: PCI (specification 2.0 compliant)
• System Bus: MXIbus (Multisystem Extension Interface Bus)
• MXIbus Specification 2.0 support with D64, block, and synchronous MXI cycles
• Extended VXI triggers, VXI interrupts, CLK10, and utility bus signals (SYSFAIL*, SYSRESET*, ACFAIL*)
• PCI support for 8-, 16-, and 32-bit memory read/write cycles (single and multiple)
Data Transfer Performance
• PCI Master Performance: Up to 132 MB/s (16 Dwords)
• MXIbus Peak Transfer Rate: 33 MB/s
• MXIbus Sustained Transfer Rates: 23 MB/s and 14.5 MB/s
• Data Path Width: 32 bits
• High-performance DMA transfers using MITE custom ASIC
Memory
• Onboard DRAM: Up to 16 MB (sharable with MXIbus and VXI/VMEbus or dedicated buffer)
• Programmable Memory Space: Minimum 32 kB
Physical
• Form Factor: Half-size PCI plug-in card
• Dimensions: 6.875 × 4.2 inches
• Weight: 0.4 lbs
• Connector: MXI-2
– Key Features
• MXIbus System Controller capability
• MXIbus termination support with on-board resistor networks
• VXIplug&play compliance
• No unaligned PCI bus data transfers
• Meets PCI loading, driving, and timing requirements
– Compatibility & Integration
The PCI-MXI-2 operates with NI-VXI and NI-VISA software drivers. Integration with development environments including LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, and Measurement Studio is supported. System configuration and management is performed through the Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) tool.
