The NI PXIe-8398 is a high-performance MXI-Express Gen-3 x16 interface module that connects PXI Express and CompactPCI Express chassis to external hosts such as desktop PCs or rackmount controllers. Operating over a PCI Express Gen 3 x16 link, it delivers up to 16 GB/s bandwidth with four independent MXI ports supporting daisy-chaining configurations. The module requires installation in a PXI Express system slot and pairs with a PCIe-8398 host interface card in the host PC’s x16 PCI Express slot. Software-transparent operation eliminates the need for additional drivers on connected PXI Express devices.
Technical Specifications
Connectivity and Bandwidth
• MXI Communication Level: MXI-Express Gen3 x16
• MXI Bandwidth: Up to 16 GB/s
• Data Transfer Rate (per lane): 7.88 GB/s
• PCI Express Link: Gen 3 x16
• Number of MXI Ports: 4
• Daisy Chaining: Supported
Cable and Distance
• Supported Cable Types: Copper (maximum 3 m) or fiber-optic (maximum 200 m)
Host Requirements
• Host PC Slot: Open PCI Express Gen-3 x16 slot with x16 electrical capability
• Host Interface Card: PCIe-8398 (installed in host PC x16 slot)
Chassis Compatibility
• Compatible Chassis Types: PXI Express and CompactPCI Express
• Slot Requirement: One system slot (typically slot #1)
• Link Configuration: Two-link (one x8 and one x16 link) or four-link (four x4 links each)
Physical Characteristics
• Dimensions: 10.7 cm × 17.5 cm (4.4 in. × 6.9 in.)
• Weight: 0.36 kg (0.81 lb)
• Front Panel: Tri-color LED for power and link status indication
Environmental
• Operating Temperature: 0 °C to 55 °C
• Storage Temperature: -40 °C to 71 °C
• Operating Humidity: 10% to 90%, noncondensing
– Key Features
• Four independent MXI ports enable multi-chassis expansion
• Flexible link configurations optimize backplane performance
• Extended fiber-optic cable support (200 m) for distributed test systems
• Transparent software integration with existing PXI Express infrastructure
– Typical Applications
• Multi-chassis test system expansion for large-scale automated testing
• Remote chassis control from external host systems
• High-throughput data acquisition requiring multiple synchronized chassis
• Distributed measurement configurations across extended distances
– Compatibility & Integration
The PXIe-8398 integrates with PXI Express and CompactPCI Express chassis, operating in both two- and four-link configurations. Requires pairing with the PCIe-8398 host interface card and a compatible PCI Express Gen-3 x16 slot in the host system.
