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National Instruments PCI-8336 Interface Board

The National Instruments PCI-8336 (Part Number: 778958-01) is one of the four products from the MXI-4 Series. The MXI-4 is an extension interface for PXI Bus Computers, PCI, and CompactPCI based systems. To achieve high performance and excellent hardware transparency, the MXI-4 operates in the form of a PCI-to-PCI bridge. It builds on the standard PCI-to-PCI architecture by splitting the PCI-to-PCI Bridge into two separate halves interconnected through a 1.5 GB per second serial link. In addition, the user can utilize multiple PCI 8336 kits to end up with a multiple-chassis PXI system.

This Interface Board is similar to the PCI 8331 in specifications, but the PCI 8336 is designed to operate with a fiber optic cable. The device is equipped with 1 PCI slot. The cable lengths available for the MXI-4 fiber-optic cables are 10 m, 30 m, and 200 m. Thus, it is a more suitable choice for long distances. It is important to note that the copper and fiber-optic kits and cables cannot be interchanged, so the NI PCI 8336 cannot be used with a copper board or a copper cable. This card is compatible with any standard CompactPCI chassis designed to comply with the PCI Specification, Revision 2.2 or later.

The PCI 8336 is a unique solution available for physically separating a measurement system from a host PC. Since it is an MXI-4 technology-based device, the PCI 8336 supports both 3.3 V and 5 V PCI signaling environments, retransmission, and error checking for higher reliability on the serial link to perform well in harsh and electrically noisy environments. This MXI-4 Interface Board only requires one PCI slot for operation. The device operates using LabVIEW Real-Time, and the NI-VISA software package which is provided on the MXI-4 software CD which is made available with the device kit.

The NI PCI 8336 must always be installed with the PXI 8336 MXI-4 PXI Card, since it cannot be operated as a standalone device in any configuration. The user can install this board in any compatible chassis or a PC with a spare PCI slot. The NI device weighs 42 lbs., and measures 4.2 x 6.9 in. in physical dimensions.