NI PCIe-8383 User manual

PCIe-8383
Manual
2023-11-21

Contents
PCIe-8383 Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Components of a MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
PCIe-8383 Theory of Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
PCIe-8383 LED Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
DIP Switch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Installing the PCIe-8383. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Unpacking the Kit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Installing the Soware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Installing the PCIe-8383 in a Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Installing the Low-Profile Bracket on the PCIe-8383 (Optional). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Connecting the PCIe-8383 to the Chassis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Powering On the MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Powering O the MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Configuring Your System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
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PCIe-8383 Overview
The PCIe-8383 is an MXI‑Express remote controller for devices or systems cabled
over PCI from a computer with a PCI Express slot. The remote controller provides a
x8 PCI Express link over a copper cable to the PXIe-8381 PXI Remote Control Module
when used for remote PXI system control. This link is transparent to soware
applications and drivers, helping you use industry‐standard desktop computers
and servers to control connected devices with no additional programming. With the
PCIe-8383, compatible PXI modules can be used as if they are PCI devices directly
installed in the computer.
© National Instruments 3
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MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 Overview
The PCIe-8383 is part of the MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 series pf products. MXI-Express
Gen 2 x8 extends PCI Express communication over a cable of up to 5 m. With
MXI-Express Gen 2 x8, you can do the following:
■Control a PXI Express or CompactPCI Express backplane with a PCI Express-
based PC.
■Physically separate the measurement or automation system from a host PC.
■Control multiple PXI Express or CompactPCI Express chassis with a single
PCI Express-based PC or PXI Express embedded controller.
MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 incorporates the latest technology to include:
■Support for PCI Express slots.
■Support for PXI Express and CompactPCI Express chassis.
■Improved error correction and handling for noisy or harsh environments.
■Improved mechanical connectivity.
■Improved performance.
MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 Products
The following table lists the products and their features for comparison.
Table 1. Feature Comparison of Available MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 Interfaces
Model Slot Type Number of Ports
PCIe-8381, PCIe-8382,
PCIe-8383
PCI Express Gen 2 x8 or wider 1
PXIe-8381 PXI Express Controller 1
PXIe-8384 PXI Express Peripheral 1
You will need one PXIe-8381 for basic systems. To connect additional expansion
chassis, you will need one PXIe-8381 and one PXIe-8384.
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Basic MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 Systems
The simplest MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 system consists of a PCIe-8383 in a PC connected
to a PXIe-8381 in the controller slot of a PXI Express chassis, as shown in the
following figure.
Note A CompactPCI Express chassis could be used instead of a PXI
Express chassis.
Figure 1. Example of a Basic MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 Link Topology
1. Host PC
2. PCIe-8383
3. PXIe-8381
4. PXI Express Chassis
Larger MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 Systems
If multiple PCI Express slots are available in the host PC, additional PXI Express
chassis can be connected by installing an additional PCIe-8383 in any available Gen
2 x8 or wider PCI Express slot.
You can also daisy-chain from a PXI Express chassis that is already controlled by an
embedded controller, host PC, or laptop to additional PXI Express chassis using MXI-
Express Gen 2 x8 products. The figures below show how you can use MXI-Express
Gen 2 x8 cards to connect multiple PXI Express expansion chassis to a PC in a star or
daisy-chain topology.
© National Instruments 5
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The PCI specification allows up to 256 bus segments. MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 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 Gen 2 x8 link also has multiple PCI buses
internally. Every PCI Express device has at least one bus segment, though it will have
more if it includes a bridge or switch.
Figure 2. Example of MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 System Expansion Star Topology
1. Host PC
2. PCIe-8383
3. PXIe-8381
4. PXI Express Expansion Chassis
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Figure 3. Example of MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 System Expansion Daisy-Chain Topology
1. Host PC
2. PCIe-8383
3. PXIe-8381
4. PXIe-8384
5. PXI Express Expansion Chassis
© National Instruments 7
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Components of a MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 System
The following list defines the minimum required hardware and soware for a system
that includes a PCIe-8383.
Note Refer to the NI Hardware and Soware Operating System
Compatibility page linked below for driver, desktop operating system, and
real-time operating system support for individual hardware devices.
Table 2. System Components
Component Description and Recommendations
Host PC The computer that houses the PCIe-8383.
Note Not all PCI Express expansion
slots that have x8 or wider physical
connectors are electrically capable
of x8 PCI Express operation. Check
with the motherboard manufacturer
to verify that the slot is capable of x8
PCI Express operation.
Expansion PXI Express or CompactPCI Express
Chassis
A chassis that houses and powers the
PXIe-8381.
Cables Connect the PXI Express board in the chassis to
the PCIe-8383 in your computer.
PXI Remote Control Module Your PCIe-8383.
PXI Express Controller The PXIe-8381, which allows you to control PXI
and CompactPCI systems from your computer
using a fully transparent MXI-Express link.
PXI Platform Services Driver Provides support for NI PXI chassis and
controllers, implements PXI soware
specifications, and supplies system services to
other NI products.
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Component Description and Recommendations
Note You will need to install this
driver for full PXI/PXI Express
functionality such as chassis and
controller identification, trigger
routing, and slot detection.
NI Applications PXI Platform Services oers driver support for
the following applications:
■LabVIEW
■LabWindows/CVI
Related information:
■PXI Platform Services Download
■NI Hardware and Soware Operating System Compatibility
Compatibility with Host PCs
The BIOS of some host PCs may not support the extension of the PCI-Express fabric.
Since this is the primary function of MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 products, those systems
may not boot or function correctly. To help address this issue, NI oers MXI-Express
BIOS Compatibility soware. If you need to use this soware, you must toggle the
BIOS DIP switch on the board to enable BIOS compatibility.
Note Unless MXI-Express BIOS Compatibility soware is installed on the
host PC, the BIOS DIP switch should remain in the disabled (default)
position. If this mode is enabled on a MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 product in a
host PC that does not have the soware installed, the connected devices
will not be detected by the operating system.
Related concepts:
■BIOS Switch
Related information:
© National Instruments 9
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■MXI-Express BIOS Compatibility Soware Download
■MXI-Express Products and MXI-Express BIOS Compatibility Soware
Compatibility
PXI Express Board and Chassis Compatibility
Refer to the following table for which PXI Express MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 boards are
compatible with which chassis slot types.
Table 3. MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 PXI Express Board Slot Type Compatibility
PXI Express Board PXI Express Chassis
Controller Peripheral Hybrid
PXIe-8381 Yes No No
PXIe-8384 No Yes Yes
Cables
Refer to the following table for the various MXI-Express x8 copper cables available
from NI.
The NI MXI-Express x8 copper cables use Molex x8 PCIe connectors. For more
information about these connectors visit Molex at www.molex.com and search for
x8 PCIe iPass.
Table 4. MXI-Express x8 Copper Cables
Cable Length Description Part Number
3 m MXI-Express x8 copper cable 782317-03
5 m MXI-Express x8 copper cable 782317-05
Related tasks:
■Connecting the PCIe-8383 to the Chassis
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PCIe-8383 Theory of Operation
MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 is based on PCI Express technology. A MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 kit
uses PCI Express switches to enable control of a PXI Express or CompactPCI Express
chassis from a PC with an available PCI Express slot, or from a PXI Express chassis
with an available PXI Express slot. The switch architecture is transparent to device
drivers, so no additional soware is needed for CompactPCI Express level support
for PXI Express devices in connected chassis.
Note For full PXI/PXI Express functionality such as chassis and controller
identification, trigger routing, and slot detection, download and install the
PXI Platform Services driver from ni.com/downloads.
The link between the PC and the chassis is a Gen 2 x8 cabled PCI Express link. This
link is a dual-simplex communication channel comprised of eight low-voltage,
dierentially driven signal pairs. The link can transmit at a rate of 40 Gb/s in each
direction simultaneously.
Note This link is compatible with the cabled PCI Express specification
developed by the PCI-SIG.
Figure 4. PCIe-8383 Block Diagram
Related concepts:
© National Instruments 11
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■DIP Switch
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PCIe-8383 LED Indicators
The PCIe-8383 has one LED on the panel that indicates link status.
Table 5. LED Status Descriptions
Color Meaning
Solid Amber No link to chassis
Solid Green Link to chassis established
Related tasks:
■Powering On the MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 System
© National Instruments 13
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DIP Switch
The PCIe-8383 has a DIP switch with four switches, which can be found on the top-
le corner of the board as shown in the PCIe-8383 block diagram. Refer to the
PCIe-8383 Theory of Operation page linked below to view the block diagram.
Figure 5. PCIe-8383 DIP Switch
Related concepts:
■PCIe-8383 Theory of Operation
BIOS Switch
The BIOS switch enables the BIOS compatibility feature. The BIOS switch is disabled
by default.
Enabling BIOS compatibility requires the installation of MXI-Express BIOS
Compatibility soware on the host PC. Refer to the Compatibility with Host PCs
page linked below for more information on BIOS compatibility.
Table 6. BIOS Switch Functions
Position Function
Le (default) Disabled
Right Enabled
Related concepts:
■Compatibility with Host PCs
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RESERVED Switch
The RESERVED DIP switch has no function and should be kept in its default position
(le).
CLK Switch
The CLK sets the clocking mode. The PCIe-8383 supports two clocking modes:
spread spectrum clocking (SSC) and constant frequency clocking (CFC). SSC can
reduce radiated emissions and some types of electrical noise in the system. The CLK
switch is set to SSC mode by default.
Table 7. CLK Switch Functions
Position Function
Le (default) SSC mode
Right CFC mode
WAKE Switch
The WAKE DIP switch enables the target PXI chassis to wake up the host PC when
you press the chassis power button. The WAKE switch is enabled by default.
Table 8. WAKE Switch Functions
Position Function
Le Disabled
Right (default) Enabled
© National Instruments 15
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Installing the PCIe-8383
Complete the following steps to install the PCIe-8383 and prepare it for use.
1. Unpacking the Kit
2. Installing the Soware
3. Installing the PCIe-8383 in a Computer
4. Installing the Low-Profile Bracket on the PCIe-8383 (Optional)
5. Connecting the PCIe-8383 to the Chassis
6. Powering On the MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 System
7. Powering O the MXI-Express Gen 2 x8 System
8. Configuring Your System
Unpacking the Kit
Notice To prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) from damaging the
device, ground yourself using a grounding strap or by holding a grounded
object, such as your computer chassis.
1. Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of the computer chassis.
2. Remove the device from the package and inspect the device for loose
components or any other sign of damage.
Notice Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.
Note Do not install a device if it appears damaged in any way.
3. Unpack any other items and documentation from the kit.
Store the device in the antistatic package when the device is not in use.
Installing the Soware
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1. Install an ADE, such as LabVIEW or LabWindows™/CVI™.
2. Download the PXI Platform Services installer from ni.com/downloads.
Note Refer to the NI Hardware and Soware Operating System
Compatibility page linked below to confirm which version you
need.
3. Follow the instructions in the installation prompts.
Note Windows users may see access and security messages during
installation. Accept the prompts to complete the installation.
4. When the installer completes, select Restart in the dialog box that prompts
you to restart, shut down, or restart later.
Related information:
■PXI Platform Services Download
■NI Hardware and Soware Operating System Compatibility
Installing the PCIe-8383 in a Computer
© National Instruments 17
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Figure 6. Installing a PCIe-8383 in a Computer
1. PCIe-8383
2. PCI Express x8 Card-Edge Connector
3. PCI Express Slot (x8 or wider)
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Note Using a PCI Express slot wider than x8 may result in negotiation
down to x1 width, and therefore limiting bandwidth. This is uncommon in
newer PCs.
Note The BIOS or motherboard may not support the PCIe-8383 in a slot
intended for a graphics card.
1. Power o your computer
Caution To protect yourself and the computer from electrical
hazards, your computer should remain o until you finish installing
all hardware as instructed.
2. Remove the top cover or access port to the PCI Express expansion slots.
3. 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.
4. Unplug the computer and wait 30 seconds to allow the energy stored in the
computer’s power supply to fully dissipate.
5. Select any available PCI Express expansion slot (Gen 2 x8 or wider).
6. 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.
7. Line up the PCIe card with the slot on the back panel. Slowly lower the PCIe
card until its card-edge connector is resting on the expansion slot receptacle.
Using slow, evenly distributed pressure, press the PCIe card straight down
until it seats in the expansion slot, as shown below.
8. Secure the PCIe card to the back panel rail using a bracket retaining screw.
9. Replace the computer cover.
10. Plug the computer back in.
Installing the Low-Profile Bracket on the PCIe-8383
(Optional)
© National Instruments 19
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Figure 7. Removing the Standard Bracket from the PCIe-8383
1. Standard Height Bracket
2. EMI Gasket
3. 4-40 × 3/16 in. Phillips Head Screws (x2)
4. Front Side of Card
5. Connector Shield
6. LEDs
7. Bracket Holes for LEDs
8. Bracket Hole for Connector Shield
To install the PCIe-8383 in a host computer that requires a low-profile height card,
the front bracket must be replaced with the low-profile bracket included with your
kit.
1. Remove the standard height front bracket already installed on the PCIe-8383
card by removing the two 4-40 × 3/16 in. Phillips head screws that attach the
bracket to the card.
The two mounting tabs for the standard height bracket rest against the back
side of the card. Set the two screws aside to re-use when installing the low-
profile bracket. When removing the bracket, be careful not to remove or lose
the EMI gasket on the cable receptacle connector housing.
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