National Instruments Computer Hardware MXI Express Multisystem eXtension Interface for PCI Express Compact PCI and PXI Bus Computers User Manual

TM  
MXI  
MXI-Express Series User Manual  
MXI-Express Multisystem eXtension Interface for PCI Express, Compact PCI,  
and PXI Bus Computers  
NI PCIe-836x  
NI PXI-8360  
MXI-Express Series User Manual  
October 2006  
371452B-01  
 
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The NI PCIe-836x and NI PXI-8360 are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of  
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*
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installer.  
About This Manual  
Chapter 1  
About the MXI-Express Series......................................................................................1-1  
Description and Features.................................................................................1-1  
Larger MXI-Express Systems .........................................................................1-3  
Chapter 2  
Hardware Installation.....................................................................................................2-1  
Installing an NI PCIe-836x..............................................................................2-1  
Cabling ............................................................................................................2-4  
Chapter 3  
PCI Express x1 Card Edge Connector.............................................................3-3  
PCI Express x1 Switch....................................................................................3-3  
Cabled PCI Express Connector .......................................................................3-3  
PCI Express-to-PCI Bridge .............................................................................3-3  
LED Indicators...............................................................................................................3-3  
MXI-Express Cable Options..........................................................................................3-4  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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MXI-Express Series User Manual  
Contents  
Appendix A  
Specifications  
Appendix B  
Technical Support and Professional Services  
Glossary  
Index  
MXI-Express Series User Manual  
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ni.com  
About This Manual  
This manual describes the features, functions, and operation of the  
MXI-Express series of products. The products in this series are the  
NI PCIe-8361, NI PCIe-8362, and NI PXI-8360.  
Conventions  
The following conventions appear in this manual:  
»
The » symbol leads you through nested menu items and dialog box options  
to a final action. The sequence File»Page Setup»Options directs you to  
pull down the File menu, select the Page Setup item, and select Options  
from the last dialog box.  
This icon denotes a note, which alerts you to important information.  
This icon denotes a caution, which advises you of precautions to take to  
avoid injury, data loss, or a system crash. When this symbol is marked on a  
product, refer to the Safety section in Appendix A, Specifications, for  
information about precautions to take.  
bold  
Bold text denotes items that you must select or click in the software, such  
as menu items and dialog box options. Bold text also denotes parameter  
names.  
italic  
Italic text denotes variables, emphasis, a cross-reference, or an introduction  
to a key concept. Italic text also denotes text that is a placeholder for a word  
or value that you must supply.  
monospace  
Text in this font denotes text or characters that you should enter from the  
keyboard, sections of code, programming examples, and syntax examples.  
This font is also used for the proper names of disk drives, paths, directories,  
programs, subprograms, subroutines, device names, functions, operations,  
variables, filenames, and extensions.  
MXI-Express card  
MXI-Express card refers to any of the following cards, unless otherwise  
noted: NI PCIe-836x and NI PXI-8360.  
NI PCIe-836x  
NI PCIe-836x refers to the NI PCIe-8361 and NI PCIe-8362.  
Note In this manual, whenever a PXI chassis is referenced, a CompactPCI chassis could  
be used instead.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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MXI-Express Series User Manual  
     
About This Manual  
Related Documentation  
The following documents contain information that you might find helpful  
as you read this manual:  
Set Up Your MXI-Express System  
Your computer or chassis documentation  
PXI Hardware Specification, Revision 2.1  
PXI Software Specification, Revision 2.1  
PCI Specification, Revision 2.3  
PCI-PCI Bridge Architecture Specification, Revision 1.1  
PICMG CompactPCI 2.0 R3.0 specification  
PCI Express Specification, Revision 1.0a  
MXI-Express Series User Manual  
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ni.com  
   
1
Introduction  
This chapter describes the MXI-Express series of products, lists what you  
need to get started, and explains how to unpack and set up your hardware.  
The products in this series are the NI PCIe-836x and NI PXI-8360. For the  
remainder of this manual the term MXI-Express card refers to any product  
in the MXI-Express series.  
About the MXI-Express Series  
Description and Features  
MXI-Express functions as a cabled PCI Express link of up to 7 m and a  
PCI Express-to-PCI bridge. With MXI-Express, you can do the following:  
Control a PXI/CompactPCI backplane with a PCI Express-based PC  
Physically separate the measurement or automation system from  
a host PC  
Combine PCI Express, CompactPCI, and PXI devices in the same  
system  
© National Instruments Corporation  
1-1  
MXI-Express Series User Manual  
       
Chapter 1  
Introduction  
Basic MXI-Express System  
The simplest MXI-Express system consists of an NI PCIe-836x in a PC  
connected to an NI PXI-8360 in the controller slot of a PXI/CompactPCI  
chassis, as shown in Figure 1-1.  
PC to PXI/CompactPCI  
Figure 1-1. Basic MXI-Express Configuration  
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Chapter 1  
Introduction  
Larger MXI-Express Systems  
Each NI PCIe-8362 has two MXI-Express connectors. One NI PCIe-8362  
may be connected to two different NwI PXI-8360 cards in separate  
PXI/CompactPCI chassis. If multiple PCI Express slots are available in  
the host PC, additional PXI chassis can be connected by installing an  
NI PCIe-836x in any available PCI Express slot.  
Figure 1-2 shows how you can use MXI-Express cards to connect multiple  
expansion chassis to a PC in a star topology. The star topology is the only  
supported topology due to the point-to-point nature of PCI Express.  
Figure 1-2. Star Topology MXI-Express Configuration  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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Chapter 1  
Introduction  
What You Need to Get Started  
To set up and use your MXI-Express cards, you need the following:  
One NI PCIe-836x and one NI PXI-8360  
A MXI-Express cable  
A host PC with an available x1 (or wider) PCI Express slot  
An expansion chassis—the PXI/CompactPCI chassis that you control  
with MXI-Express  
Note Your PXI MXI-Express card will work in any standard CompactPCI chassis  
adhering to the PICMG CompactPCI 2.0 R3.0 specification, or in PXI chassis that are  
compatible with the PXI Hardware Specification, Revision 1.0 or later. Your PCI Express  
MXI-Express card will work in systems compliant with the PCI Express Specification,  
Revision 1.0a or later.  
Unpacking  
Your MXI-Express cards are shipped in antistatic packages to prevent  
electrostatic damage (ESD) to the devices. ESD can damage several  
components on the device.  
Caution Never touch the exposed pins of connectors. Doing so may damage the device.  
To avoid such damage in handling the device, take the following  
precautions:  
Ground yourself using a grounding strap or by holding a grounded  
object.  
Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of the computer chassis  
before removing the device from the package.  
Remove the device from the package and inspect the device for loose  
components or any sign of damage. Notify NI if the device appears  
damaged in any way. Do not install a damaged device into the computer  
or PXI/CompactPCI chassis.  
Store the device in the antistatic envelope when not in use.  
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2
Hardware Installation  
This chapter explains how to install the MXI-Express hardware.  
Hardware Installation  
The following are general instructions for installing the MXI-Express  
cards. Consult your computer user manual or technical reference manual  
for specific instructions and warnings.  
Note The software for your MXI-Express kit is included with the current NI driver CD,  
and is installed with the PXI platform software included as part of NI-VISA and other  
NI driver software products.  
Installing an NI PCIe-836x  
1. Power off your computer, but leave it plugged in while installing the  
NI PCIe-836x. The power cord grounds the chassis and protects it from  
electrical damage while you install the card.  
Caution To protect both yourself and the computer from electrical hazards, your computer  
should remain off until you finish installing the NI PCIe-836x.  
Note If you are installing a low-profile PCIe-8361 into a low-profile slot, you must  
replace the bracket with the low-profile bracket included in your kit. First, remove the  
two hexagonal jack screws on either side of the connector. Then remove the two screws  
mounting the bracket to the card. Exchange the brackets, replace the two mounting screws,  
and replace the two hexagonal jack screws.  
2. Remove the top cover or access port to the PCI Express bus.  
3. Select any available PCI Express expansion slot (x1 or wider).  
Note The BIOS or motherboard may not support the NI PCIe-836x in a slot intended for  
a graphics card.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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MXI-Express Series User Manual  
             
Chapter 2  
Hardware Installation  
4. Locate the metal bracket that covers the cut-out in the back panel of the  
computer for the slot you have selected. Remove and save the  
bracket-retaining screw and the bracket cover.  
5. Touch the metal part of the power supply case inside the computer to  
discharge any static electricity that might be on your clothes or body.  
6. Line up the NI PCIe-836x with the slot on the back panel. Slowly push  
down on the top of the NI PCIe-836x until its card-edge connector is  
resting on the expansion slot receptacle. Using slow, evenly distributed  
pressure, press the NI PCIe-836x straight down until it seats in the  
expansion slot.  
7. Reinstall the bracket-retaining screw to secure the NI PCIe-836x to the  
back panel rail.  
8. Replace the computer cover.  
3
2
1
1
2
NI PCIe-836x  
PCI Express x1 Card-Edge Connector  
3
PCI Express Slot  
Figure 2-1. Installing the NI PCIe-836x  
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Chapter 2  
Hardware Installation  
Installing an NI PXI-8360  
Complete the following steps to install the NI PXI-8360 in your PXI or  
CompactPCI chassis.  
1. Power off your PXI or CompactPCI chassis, but leave it plugged in  
while installing the NI PXI-8360. The power cord grounds the chassis  
and protects it from electrical damage while you install the module.  
2. Select a slot for the NI PXI-8360. The NI PXI-8360 must be installed  
in the controller slot (slot 1 in PXI).  
Caution To protect both yourself and the chassis from electrical hazards, leave the chassis  
off until you finish installing the NI PXI-8360.  
3. Remove or open any doors or covers blocking access to the slot in  
which you intend to install the NI PXI-8360.  
4. Touch the metal part of the case to discharge any static electricity that  
might be on your clothes or body.  
5. Make sure the injector/ejector handle is in its downward position.  
Be sure to remove all connector packaging and protective caps from  
retaining screws on the module. Align the NI PXI-8360 with the card  
guides on the top and bottom of the system controller slot.  
Caution Do not raise the injector/ejector handle as you insert the NI PXI-8360. It will not  
insert properly unless the handle is in its downward position so that it does not interfere  
with the injector/ejector rail on the chassis, as shown in Figure 2-2.  
6. Hold the handle as you slowly slide the module into the chassis until  
the handle catches on the injector/ejector rail.  
7. Raise the injector/ejector handle until the module firmly seats into the  
backplane receptacle connectors. The front panel of the NI PXI-8360  
should be even with the front panel of the chassis.  
8. Tighten the bracket-retaining screws on the top and bottom of the front  
panel to secure the NI PXI-8360 to the chassis.  
9. Replace or close any doors or covers to the chassis.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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Chapter 2  
Hardware Installation  
Figure 2-2 shows an NI PXI-8360 just before installation in the system  
controller slot of a National Instruments chassis.  
1
2
4
3
1
2
PXI/Compact PCI Chassis  
NI PXI-8360  
3
4
Ejector Handle in Down Position  
PXI/Compact PCI Slot 1  
Figure 2-2. NI PXI-8360 Card Before Installation  
Cabling  
1. Connect the appropriate MXI-Express cable to both MXI-Express  
cards. The cables have no polarity, so either end may be connected to  
either card.  
Caution Do not remove the cable after the system is powered on. Doing so can hang  
or cause errors in applications communicating with devices behind MXI-Express. If a  
cable becomes unplugged, plug it back into the system.  
Note For more information about cables, refer to the MXI-Express Cable Options section  
of Chapter 3, Hardware Overview.  
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Chapter 2  
Hardware Installation  
Powering Up the MXI-Express System  
1. Power on all of the expansion chassis in any order you choose.  
2. Power on the host.  
Typical PCI-PCI bridges are used to add PCI devices to a PCI hierarchy in  
which all the bridges and devices are contained within a single chassis.  
Because of this, BIOSes and operating systems make the assumption that  
all PCI devices in the entire hierarchy will be available as soon as code  
execution begins at power-up time. This assumption means that all of the  
expansion chassis must be turned on before the host PC for the BIOS and  
OS to correctly configure a MXI-Express system.  
Note There are no requirements on how MXI-Express expansion chassis are powered up  
relative to each other, as long as they are all on before the computer is powered on.  
Powering Down the MXI-Express System  
Because operating systems and drivers commonly make the assumption  
that PCI devices will be present in the system from power-up to  
power-down, it is important not to power off the expansion chassis until  
after the host PC is powered off. Powering off the expansion chassis while  
the host is still on can cause crashes or hangs. The order in which expansion  
chassis are powered off, relative to each other, is not important.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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MXI-Express Series User Manual  
         
3
Hardware Overview  
This chapter presents an overview of MXI-Express hardware functionality  
and explains the operation of each functional unit.  
Functional Overview  
MXI-Express is based on PCI Express technology. A MXI-Express kit uses  
a PCI Express switch and PCI Express-to-PCI bridge to enable control of a  
PXI or CompactPCI chassis from a PC with an available PCI Express slot.  
The PCI Express-to-PCI bridge architecture is transparent to device  
drivers, so no additional software is needed to support using PXI and  
CompactPCI devices in a chassis connected using MXI-Express.  
The link between the PC and the chassis is a x1 cabled PCI Express link.  
This link is a dual-simplex communication channel comprised of a  
low-voltage, differentially driven signal pair. The link can transmit at a rate  
of 2.5 Gbps in each direction simultaneously.  
Figure 3-1 shows the basic architecture of MXI-Express. The  
NI PCIe-8362 consists of a PCI Express x1 card edge connector, a PCI  
Express switch, and two cabled PCI Express connectors. The NI PXI-8360  
consists of one cabled PCI Express connector, a PCI Express-to-PCI  
bridge, and a PXI connector.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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MXI-Express Series User Manual  
           
Chapter 3  
Hardware Overview  
NI PCIe-8362  
PXI-8360  
Cabled  
PCI Express  
Connector  
PCI  
Express  
Switch  
Cabled  
PCI Express  
Connector  
Cabled  
PCI Express  
Connector  
PCI Express  
to PCI Bridge  
Figure 3-1. MXI-Express Block Diagram with NI PCIe-8362  
Figure 3-2 shows the architecture for the NI PCIe-8361 and MXI-Express.  
The NI PCIe-8361 consists of a PCI Express repeater and cabled PCI  
Express connector. The PXI-8360 architecture is the same as in Figure 3-1.  
NI PCIe-8361  
PXI-8360  
PCI  
Express  
Repeater  
Cabled  
PCI Express  
Connector  
Cabled  
PCI Express  
Connector  
PCI Express  
to PCI Bridge  
Figure 3-2. MXI-Express Block Diagram with NI PCIe-8361  
MXI-Express Series User Manual  
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Chapter 3  
Hardware Overview  
Functional Unit Descriptions  
PCI Express x1 Card Edge Connector  
The card edge connector allows you to use the NI PCIe-836x in a x1 or  
wider PCI Express slot in a PC. The PCI Express Card Electromechanical  
Specification defines this connector.  
PCI Express x1 Switch  
The PCI Express Base Specification defines a PCI Express switch as a  
logical collection of PCI Express-to-PCI Express bridge devices. On the  
NI PCIe-8362, the upstream port of the switch is connected to the  
PCI Express x1 card edge connector, and the two downstream ports are  
connected to the two cabled PCI Express connectors.  
Cabled PCI Express Connector  
The cabled PCI Express connector provides all necessary signals to connect  
an NI PCIe-836x and an NI PXI-8360. These signals include the  
PCI Express transmit and receive pair, the system clock, and a presence  
detect signal.  
PCI Express-to-PCI Bridge  
The PCI Express Base Specification defines a PCI Express-to-PCI bridge  
as a device that connects a PCI Express fabric and a PCI hierarchy. On the  
NI PXI-8360, the PCI Express-to-PCI bridge connects the x1 PCI Express  
link and the PCI bus in a PXI or CompactPCI chassis.  
LED Indicators  
The LEDs on MXI-Express give status information about power supplies  
and link state. The NI PCIe-8362 has two tri-color LEDs, one for each port  
on the panel. The NI PXI-8360 has two LEDs, one for power supply status  
and one for link state.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
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MXI-Express Series User Manual  
                       
Chapter 3  
Hardware Overview  
The LEDs on the NI PCIe-8362 indicate the following:  
Color  
Off  
Meaning  
Power is off  
Red  
Power is out of spec  
Amber  
Green  
Power is within spec; no link to chassis  
Power is within spec; link established  
The LEDs on the NI PXI-8360 indicate the following:  
LED  
Color  
Off  
Meaning  
No power  
PWR  
Red  
Power is out of spec  
Power is within spec  
Link not established  
Link established  
Green  
Off  
LINK  
Green  
MXI-Express Cable Options  
MXI-Express is available with cables of various lengths. Table 3-1 shows  
the cables available from National Instruments.  
Table 3-1. National Instruments MXI-Express Cables  
Cable Length (Meters)  
Description  
Part Number  
1 m  
MXI-Express  
copper cable  
779500-01  
3 m  
7 m  
MXI-Express  
copper cable  
779500-03  
779500-07  
MXI-Express  
copper cable  
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A
Specifications  
This appendix lists the system specifications for the NI PCIe-836x and  
NI PXI-8360 cards. These specifications are typical at 25 °C, unless  
otherwise stated.  
Physical  
Dimensions  
NI PXI-8360 ................................... 10.0 × 16.0 cm (3.9 × 6.3 in.)  
NI PCIe-8361.................................. 6.9 × 8.9 cm (2.7 × 3.5 in.)  
NI PCIe-8362.................................. 10.7 × 17.5 cm (4.4 × 6.9 in.)  
Maximum cable length........................... 7 m  
Slot requirements  
NI PXI-8360 ................................... One system slot  
NI PCIe-8361.................................. One slot (PCI Express, standard  
height or low profile)  
NI PCIe-8362.................................. One slot (PCI Express, standard  
height)  
Compatibility ......................................... Fully compatible with the  
PXI Hardware Specification,  
Revision 2.1 and the  
PCI Express Specification,  
Revision 1.0a  
Weight  
NI PXI-8360 ................................... 0.25 kg (0.55 lb) typical  
NI PCIe-8361.................................. 0.04 kg (0.08 lb) typical  
NI PCIe-8362.................................. 0.19 kg (0.42 lb) typical  
© National Instruments Corporation  
A-1  
MXI-Express Series User Manual  
         
Appendix A  
Specifications  
Power requirements  
NI PXI-8360  
Power Rail  
+3.3 V  
+5 V  
Typical Current  
1.500 A  
5 mA  
Maximum Current  
1.750 A  
20 mA  
+12 V  
5 mA  
20 mA  
–12 V  
0 mA  
0 mA  
NI PCIe-8361  
Power Rail  
+3.3 V  
Typical Current  
200 mA  
Maximum Current  
400 mA  
50 mA  
0 A  
+3.3 V Aux  
+12 V  
10 mA  
0 A  
NI PCIe-8362  
Power Rail  
+3.3 V  
Typical Current  
Maximum Current  
1.800 A  
0 A  
2.000 A  
0 A  
+3.3 V Aux  
+12 V  
0 A  
0 A  
Environment  
NI PXI-8360  
Maximum altitude...................................2,000 m  
Pollution Degree.....................................2  
Indoor use only  
MXI-Express Series User Manual  
A-2  
ni.com  
   
Appendix A  
Specifications  
Operating Environment  
Ambient temperature range.................... 0 to 55 °C (tested in accordance  
with IEC-60068-2-1 and  
IEC-60068-2-2)  
Operating relative humidity ................... 10 to 90%, noncondensing  
(tested in accordance with  
IEC-60068-2-56)  
Storage Environment  
Ambient temperature range.................... –20 to 70 °C (tested in accordance  
with IEC-60068-2-1 and  
IEC-60068-2-2)  
Storage relative humidity....................... 5 to 95%, noncondensing  
(tested in accordance with  
IEC-60068-2-56)  
Shock and Vibration  
Operational shock .................................. 30 g peak, half-sine, 11 ms pulse  
(Tested in accordance with  
IEC-60068-2-27. Test profile  
developed in accordance with  
MIL-PRF-28800F.)  
Random Vibration  
Operating................................................ 5 to 500 Hz, 0.3 grms  
Nonoperating.......................................... 5 to 500 Hz, 2.4 grms  
(Tested in accordance  
with IEC-60068-2-64.  
Nonoperating test profile  
exceeds the requirements of  
MIL-PRF-28800F, Class 3.)  
NI PCIe-836x  
Maximum altitude.................................. 2,000 m  
Pollution Degree .................................... 2  
Indoor use only  
© National Instruments Corporation  
A-3  
MXI-Express Series User Manual  
         
Appendix A  
Specifications  
Operating Environment  
Ambient temperature range ....................0 to 40 °C (tested in accordance  
with IEC-60068-2-1 and  
IEC-60068-2-2)  
Operating relative humidity....................10 to 90%, noncondensing  
(tested in accordance with  
IEC-60068-2-56)  
Storage Environment  
Ambient temperature range ....................–20 to 70 °C (tested in accordance  
with IEC-60068-2-1 and  
IEC-60068-2-2)  
Storage relative humidity........................5 to 95%, noncondensing  
(tested in accordance with  
IEC-60068-2-56)  
Note Clean the NI PXI-8360 and NI PCIe-836x with a soft nonmetallic brush. Make sure  
that the device is completely dry and free from contaminants before returning it to service.  
Caution For full EMC compliance, operate this device with shielded cabling. In addition,  
all covers and filler panels must be installed.  
Safety  
This product is designed to meet the requirements of the following  
standards of safety for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and  
laboratory use:  
IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1  
UL 61010-1, CSA 61010-1  
Note For UL and other safety certifications, refer to the product label or visit ni.com/  
certification, search by model number or product line, and click the appropriate link  
in the Certification column.  
MXI-Express Series User Manual  
A-4  
ni.com  
       
Appendix A  
Specifications  
Electromagnetic Compatibility  
This product is designed to meet the requirements of the following  
standards of EMC for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and  
laboratory use:  
EN 61326 EMC requirements; Minimum Immunity  
EN 55011 Emissions; Group 1, Class A  
CE, C-Tick, ICES, and FCC Part 15 Emissions; Class A  
Note For EMC compliance, operate this device according to product documentation.  
CE Compliance  
This product meets the essential requirements of applicable European  
Directives, as amended for CE marking, as follows:  
73/23/EEC; Low-Voltage Directive (safety)  
89/336/EEC; Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)  
Note Refer to the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for this product for any additional  
regulatory compliance information. To obtain the DoC for this product, visit  
ni.com/certification, search by model number or product line, and click the  
appropriate link in the Certification column.  
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)  
EU Customers At the end of their life cycle, all products must be sent to a WEEE recycling  
center. For more information about WEEE recycling centers and National Instruments  
WEEE initiatives, visit ni.com/environment/weee.htm.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
A-5  
MXI-Express Series User Manual  
     
B
Common Questions  
This appendix lists common questions related to the use of the  
MXI-Express controllers.  
General Hardware  
What are the board names of the MXI-Express remote controllers?  
NI PCIe-836x: PCI Express MXI-Express board  
NI PXI-8360: PXI MXI-Express module  
How many PXI bus segments can I connect together with  
MXI-Express?  
The PCI specification allows up to 255 bus segments. MXI-Express does  
not limit this number, but the maximum number of bus segments allowed  
can be BIOS or operating system dependent. Also, a computer may already  
have several PCI bus segments internally, and the MXI-Express link also  
has multiple PCI buses internally.  
Note Due to the point-to-point nature of PCI Express, MXI-Express supports only the star  
configuration. You must use traditional MXI for the daisy chain configuration.  
General Cabling  
What is the maximum length of a MXI-Express copper cable?  
The maximum length for a MXI-Express copper cable is 7 m. National  
Instruments offers 1 m, 3 m, and 7 m copper cables.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
B-1  
MXI-Express Series User Manual  
       
Appendix B  
Common Questions  
General Software  
Under which operating systems will MXI-Express work?  
MXI-Express is a PCI Express-to-PCI bridge that is recognized by the  
majority of operating systems. It should automatically work with most  
systems like Windows, Macintosh OS X, Linux, and Solaris, but only  
Windows XP has been verified in the initial release of MXI-Express.  
What software is required to use my MXI-Express kit?  
For Windows and LabVIEW RT, the required software is included as part  
of the latest version of NI-VISA included with your kit. The software for  
your MXI-Express controller enhances the product, allowing you to  
view information about the organization of your PXI system and  
programmatically retrieve data about the chassis and modules you have  
installed.  
If the MXI-Express software does not support your operating system,  
you can still use MXI-Express and the operating system will provide a  
mechanism for you to ignore the MXI-Express configuration device that is  
built into the MXI-Express hardware.  
MXI-3 required optimization software. Does MXI-Express require  
the same?  
No. The necessary optimization is now done automatically by the  
MXI-Express hardware.  
How does my MXI-Express board show up in the Windows Device  
Manager?  
MXI-Express boards contain two types of PCI devices onboard and will  
have several listings in the Windows Device Manager (WDM). The first  
devices show up in the WDM listed under System devices as PCI standard  
PCI-to-PCI bridges. The second device type shows up in the WDM as an  
NI PXI-8360 when the correct MXI-Express driver is installed. This  
second device provides configuration information for the software.  
The NI PCIe-8362 includes three PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridges. The  
NI PXI-8360 includes additional bridges and one NI PXI-8360 device.  
When using the NI PCIe-8361 Low Profile, no additional bridges are  
MXI-Express Series User Manual  
B-2  
ni.com  
 
Appendix B  
Common Questions  
added, and the device does not show up in the Windows Device Manager.  
The NI PXI-8360 will be present, along with its two bridges.  
If the MXI-Express software is not installed, the PCI-to-PCI function will  
still be detected and work correctly, but the MXI-Express configuration  
device will be detected as an unknown device.  
MXI-3 and MXI-4 to MXI-Express Upgrade Questions  
What are some of the improvements from MXI-3 and MXI-4 to  
MXI-Express?  
MXI-Express incorporates the latest technology to include:  
Support for PCI Express slots.  
Improved error correction and handling for noisy or harsh  
environments.  
Improved mechanical connectivity.  
Improved performance.  
Support for two chassis from a single card in the host PC.  
Lower cost.  
Can a MXI-3, MXI-4, and MXI-Express board be used together  
directly?  
No. MXI-3, MXI-4, and MXI-Express boards use different cable  
connectors and cannot be connected together. Additionally, the  
board-to-board communication protocols differ.  
Can I use a MXI-3, MXI-4, and MXI-Express kit in the same  
multichassis PXI system?  
Yes. Different MXI kits can be intermixed to connect multiple PXI chassis  
together. As mentioned previously, an individual MXI-3 or MXI-4 board  
will not cable directly to a MXI-Express board.  
MXI-3 and MXI-4 systems required the use of a specific boot ordering.  
Is this a requirement with MXI-Express?  
Yes. The requirements of the PCI bus still mandate that you must power on  
secondary PXI chassis before powering on the host PC when using  
MXI-Express.  
With MXI-3 and several chassis connected in series (daisy chain  
configuration), you were required to power on the chassis in order starting  
© National Instruments Corporation  
B-3  
MXI-Express Series User Manual  
 
Appendix B  
Common Questions  
with the chassis at the end of the chain and move towards the host  
controller. Now with MXI-Express, multiple chassis are connected in  
parallel and can be powered on in any order, except that you need to ensure  
that the last component powered on is the host PC.  
For more details, refer to the Powering Up the MXI-Express System section  
of Chapter 2, Hardware Installation.  
MXI-Express Series User Manual  
B-4  
ni.com  
C
Technical Support and  
Professional Services  
Visit the following sections of the National Instruments Web site at  
ni.com for technical support and professional services:  
Support—Online technical support resources at ni.com/support  
include the following:  
Self-Help Resources—For answers and solutions, visit the  
award-winning National Instruments Web site for software drivers  
and updates, a searchable KnowledgeBase, product manuals,  
step-by-step troubleshooting wizards, thousands of example  
programs, tutorials, application notes, instrument drivers, and  
so on.  
Free Technical Support—All registered users receive free Basic  
Service, which includes access to hundreds of Application  
Engineers worldwide in the NI Discussion Forums at  
ni.com/forums. National Instruments Application Engineers  
make sure every question receives an answer.  
For information about other technical support options in your  
area, visit ni.com/services or contact your local office at  
ni.com/contact.  
Training and Certification—Visit ni.com/training for  
self-paced training, eLearning virtual classrooms, interactive CDs,  
and Certification program information. You also can register for  
instructor-led, hands-on courses at locations around the world.  
System Integration—If you have time constraints, limited in-house  
technical resources, or other project challenges, National Instruments  
Alliance Partner members can help. To learn more, call your local  
NI office or visit ni.com/alliance.  
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)—A DoC is our claim of  
compliance with the Council of the European Communities using  
the manufacturer’s declaration of conformity. This system affords  
the user protection for electronic compatibility (EMC) and product  
safety. You can obtain the DoC for your product by visiting  
ni.com/certification.  
© National Instruments Corporation  
C-1  
MXI-Express Series User Manual  
                     
Appendix C  
Technical Support and Professional Services  
Calibration Certificate—If your product supports calibration,  
you can obtain the calibration certificate for your product at  
ni.com/calibration.  
If you searched ni.com and could not find the answers you need, contact  
your local office or NI corporate headquarters. Phone numbers for our  
worldwide offices are listed at the front of this manual. You also can visit  
the Worldwide Offices section of ni.com/niglobal to access the branch  
office Web sites, which provide up-to-date contact information, support  
phone numbers, email addresses, and current events.  
MXI-Express Series User Manual  
C-2  
ni.com  
 
Glossary  
Symbol  
Prefix  
nano  
micro  
milli  
kilo  
Value  
10–9  
10– 6  
10–3  
103  
n
μ
m
k
M
mega  
106  
Symbols  
°
Degrees  
%
Equal or greater than  
Equal or less than  
Percent  
B
bus  
the group of conductors that interconnect individual circuitry in a computer.  
Typically, a bus is the expansion vehicle to which I/O or other devices are  
connected. Examples of PC buses are the AT bus, NuBus, Micro Channel,  
and EISA bus.  
bus master  
a type of a plug-in board or controller with the ability to read and write  
devices on the computer bus  
C
C
Celsius  
clock  
hardware component that controls timing for reading from or writing to  
groups  
counter/timer  
a circuit that counts external pulses or clock pulses (timing)  
© National Instruments Corporation  
G-1  
MXI-Express Series User Manual  
 
Glossary  
D
device  
a plug-in instrument card or pad that can contain multiple channels and  
conversion devices. Plug-in boards and PCMCIA cards, which connect to  
your computer parallel port, are examples of devices.  
digital trigger  
DMA  
a TTL level signal having two discrete levels—a high and a low level  
direct memory access—a method by which data can be transferred to/from  
computer memory from/to a device or memory on the bus while the  
processor does something else. DMA is the fastest method of transferring  
data to/from computer memory.  
F
FPGA  
Field Programmable Gate Array—a logic device that has its functionality  
defined after it is manufactured.  
I
IEEE  
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers  
P
PCI  
Peripheral Component Interconnect—a high-performance expansion bus  
architecture originally developed by Intel to replace ISA and EISA. It is  
achieving widespread acceptance as a standard for PCs and workstations;  
it offers a theoretical maximum transfer rate of 132 Mbytes/s.  
PCI Express  
a scalable full-simplex serial bus standard that operates at 2.5 Gbps and  
offers both asynchronous and isochronous data transfers  
PCI-PCI bridge  
a device that transparently expands the PCI bus on a computer motherboard  
to another bus segment in the same machine. The bridge expands the  
number of PCI expansion slots, but remains transparent to the end user.  
PXI  
PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation. PXI is an open specification  
that builds off the CompactPCI specification by adding  
instrumentation-specific features.  
MXI-Express Series User Manual  
G-2  
ni.com  
Glossary  
X
x1  
a link or port with one physical lane  
© National Instruments Corporation  
G-3  
MXI-Express Series User Manual  
Index  
A
(figure), 1-3  
Declaration of Conformity (NI resources), C-1  
diagnostic tools (NI resources), C-1  
documentation  
conventions used in manual, ix  
B
basic MXI-Express configuration (figure), 1-2  
basic MXI-Express system, 1-2  
electromagnetic compatibility, A-5  
environmental specifications, A-2  
C
cable options (table), 3-4  
NI PXI-8360, A-2  
cabled PCI Express connector, 3-3  
cabling common questions, B-1  
calibration certificate (NI resources), C-2  
card edge connector, 3-3  
CE compliance specifications, A-5  
common questions, B-1  
examples (NI resources), C-1  
functional unit descriptions, 3-3  
general cabling, B-1  
general hardware, B-1  
general software, B-2  
getting started, 1-4  
MXI-3 to MXI-Express, B-3  
configuration, additional  
H
star (figure), 1-3  
hardware common questions, B-1  
help, technical support, C-1  
configuration, basic (figure), 1-2  
conventions used in the manual, ix  
© National Instruments Corporation  
I-1  
MXI-Express Series User Manual  
 
Index  
I
Installation  
services, C-1  
cabling, 2-4  
NI PCIe-836x  
installation, 2-1  
figure, 2-2  
NI PXI-8360  
installation, 2-3  
of an NI PXI-8360, 2-3  
powering down the MXI-Express  
system, 2-5  
system, 2-5  
instrument drivers (NI resources), C-1  
K
operating environment specifications  
NI PCIe-836x, A-4  
NI PXI-8360, A-3  
KnowledgeBase, C-1  
overview  
L
functional, 3-1  
LED indicators, 3-3  
M
questions, B-3  
card edge connector, 3-3  
switch, 3-3  
MXI-Express  
basic system, 1-2  
block diagram  
with NI PCIe-8361 (figure), 3-2  
with NI PCIe-8362 (figure), 3-2  
cable options (table), 3-4  
hardware overview, 3-1  
larger systems, 1-3  
random vibration specifications  
NI PXI-8360, A-3  
specifications, A-1  
MXI-Express system  
description, 1-1  
related documentation, x  
getting started, 1-4  
MXI-Express Series User Manual  
I-2  
ni.com  
Index  
S
safety specifications, A-4  
shock and vibration specifications  
NI PXI-8360, A-3  
training and certification (NI resources), C-1  
troubleshooting (NI resources), C-1  
software  
common questions, B-2  
installation, 2-1  
NI resources, C-1  
specifications, A-1  
CE compliance, A-5  
electromagnetic compatibility, A-5  
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment  
compliance specifications, A-5  
Web resources, C-1  
NI PCIe-836x, A-3  
safety, A-4  
Waste Electrical and Electronic  
Equipment compliance, A-5  
storage environment specifications  
NI PCIe-836x, A-4  
NI PXI-8360, A-3  
© National Instruments Corporation  
I-3  
MXI-Express Series User Manual  

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