The NI PXI-8331 MXI-4 Interface Module provides direct remote control of PXI systems from a host computer through a transparent PCI-to-PCI bridge. By presenting the PXI chassis modules as native PCI devices, this module eliminates the need for custom drivers or software modifications. It supports copper cable interconnection with serial data rates to 1.5 Gbit/s and sustained throughput of 78 Mbytes/s, making it suitable for bandwidth-critical test and measurement applications requiring multiple chassis configurations.
Technical Specifications
• Interface Technology: MXI-4
• Serial Data Rate: 1.5 Gbit/s
• Peak Data Transfer Rate: 132 Mbytes/s
• Sustained Data Transfer Rate: 78 Mbytes/s
• PCI Signaling Support: 3.3 V and 5 V
• Dimensions: 3.9 × 6.3 inches (9.9 × 16.0 cm)
• Weight: 0.55 lb (0.25 kg)
• Operating Temperature: 0 to 55 °C
• Storage Temperature: –20 to 70 °C
• Power Requirements: No additional power supply required
– Key Features
• Transparent operation—requires no driver programming or application modification
• Supports both daisy-chain and star topology configurations for multi-chassis systems
• Error checking and retransmission for enhanced reliability
• Host PCI interface connects to PXI/CompactPCI chassis controller or peripheral slots
• MXI-4 copper cable connections (sold separately for 778955-01; integrated in 778955-02)
• Not compatible with MXI-3 boards due to differing connectors
– Compatibility & Integration
Supports Windows, Linux, macOS, and Solaris operating systems. Windows 10 64-bit requires PXI Platform Services 15.0 or higher. Compatible with PCI Specification Revision 2.2 or later, PICMG CompactPCI 2.0 Rev. 2.1, and PXI Hardware Specification Revision 1.0 or later. Compatibility depends significantly on host motherboard selection. Power sequencing is critical: activate the expansion chassis before the host PC or embedded controller; power off only after host shutdown to prevent system crashes.
