National Instruments MXI-Express Gen-3 x16 User Manual

USER MANUAL
MXI-Express Gen-3 x16
MXI-Express Gen-3 x16 Multisystem eXtension Interface for PCI
Express, CompactPCI Express, and PXI Express Bus Systems
This document provides installation, configuration, and reference information for MXI-
Express Gen-3 x16 controllers.
Caution This icon denotes a caution, which advises you of precautions to take to
avoid injury, loss of data, or a system crash.
Caution Using the MXI-Express Gen-3 x16 controllers in a manner not described
in this document may impair the protection the controllers provide.
Contents
Overview...................................................................................................................................2
Description and Features...........................................................................................................3
Functional Block Diagram........................................................................................................ 4
Basic MXI-Express Gen-3 x16 Systems...................................................................................6
Larger MXI-Express Gen-3 x16 Systems.................................................................................7
Connection Options...................................................................................................................8
Compatibility with Host PCs.................................................................................................. 10
Installation and Configuration.................................................................................................11
Equipment Needed.......................................................................................................... 11
Unpacking............................................................................................................................... 11
Hardware Installation..............................................................................................................12
Installing a PCIe-8398.................................................................................................... 12
Installing the Low-Profile Bracket on the PCIe-8398 (Optional)...................................13
Installing a PXIe-8398, PXIe-8399, or PXIe-8394.........................................................14
Cabling............................................................................................................................ 16
Powering On the MXI-Express Gen-3 x16 System........................................................ 17
Powering Off the MXI-Express Gen-3 x16 System....................................................... 17
LED Indicators........................................................................................................................18
PXI Express Onboard LEDs........................................................................................... 19
PCIe-8398 Onboard LEDs.............................................................................................. 21
Software Installation and Configuration................................................................................. 22

National Instruments MXI-Express Gen-3 x16 Specifications

General

Brand	National Instruments
Model	MXI-Express Gen-3 x16
Category	Controller
Language	English

Summary

Overview

Description and Features

Detailed features and capabilities of the MXI-Express Gen-3 x16 interface.

Functional Block Diagram

System Architecture

Visual representation of the MXI-Express Gen-3 x16 board's internal components and connections.

MXI-Express System Configurations

Basic System Topology

Explanation of the simplest MXI-Express Gen-3 x16 system setup with a PC and chassis.

Larger System Topologies

Describes methods for connecting multiple chassis to a host system, including star and daisy-chain.

Connection Options

Connection Options Details

Details on modular and flexible cabling configurations for MXI-Express Gen-3 x16.

Compatibility with Host PCs

Host System Compatibility

Information on host computer BIOS support and potential compatibility issues with MXI-Express Gen-3 x16.

Installation and Configuration

Equipment and Unpacking

Lists necessary equipment and provides instructions for safely unpacking MXI-Express Gen-3 x16 products.

PCIe-8398 Installation

Step-by-step guide for installing the PCIe-8398 card into a computer's PCI Express slot.

PCIe-8398 Bracket Installation

Guide to replace the standard bracket with a low-profile one for specific PC cases.

PXIe Board Installation

Information on compatibility of PXI Express boards with chassis slot types.

Cabling

Information on available MXI-Express x8 copper cables and their part numbers for system connectivity.

System Powering Procedures

Correct procedures for powering on and off the MXI-Express Gen-3 x16 system to prevent crashes.

LED Indicators

PXI Express Onboard LEDs

Details on LEDs indicating status of PCI Express links on PXIe boards and their blink patterns.

PCIe-8398 Onboard LEDs

Explains onboard LEDs on the PCIe-8398 card for PCI Express link status and port status.

Software Installation and Configuration

Software Requirements and Setup

Guide for installing and configuring MXI-Express Gen-3 x16 hardware and software, including PXI Platform Services.

Product Specifications

PCIe-8398 Specifications

Detailed physical, power, environment, and safety specs for the PCIe-8398 model.

PXIe-8398 Specifications

Details physical, power, environment, and shock/vibration specs for the PXIe-8398.

PXIe-8399 Specifications

Details physical, power, environment, and shock/vibration specs for the PXIe-8399.

PXIe-8394 Specifications

Details physical, power, environment, and shock/vibration specs for the PXIe-8394.

Common Questions

General Hardware Questions

Answers common questions about MXI-Express Gen-3 x16 connectors, cable lengths, and PC compatibility.

MXI-Express Gen-3 x16 Upgrade Questions

Discusses improvements and features of the MXI-Express Gen-3 x16 over older kits.

General Software Questions

Information on operating systems and software requirements for MXI-Express Gen-3 x16.