NI PCIe-8398 MXI-Express Gen-3 x16 Multisystem eXtension

The NI PCIe-8398 MXI-Express Gen-3 x16 is a host interface card that enables direct control and communication between a host PC and PXI or CompactRIO systems over PCI Express. It installs in a standard x16 PCIe slot and connects to PXIe-8398 or PXIe-8399 remote control modules via Gen-3 copper cables, delivering high-bandwidth, low-latency control without requiring additional software layers for PXI Express devices.

– Technical Specifications

• Host Interface: PCI Express Gen 3 x16
• Bandwidth: 13.6 GB/s
• Signaling Rate: 8.0 Gb/s per lane per direction
• MXI-Express Connectors: Modular, configurable architecture
• Cable Type: PCI Express Gen-3 x8 copper cables
• Maximum Cable Length: 3 meters (matched length required for multiple cables per link)
• Physical Dimensions: 6.89 cm × 167.65 cm (2.71 in. × 6.60 in.)
• Low-Profile Support: Includes low-profile bracket replacement
• Temperature Monitoring: Internal temperature sensing included

– Key Features

• x16 connections require two cables connected in ascending port order (ports 1–2 to ports 1–2)
• Supports daisy-chain configurations for system expansion, connecting downstream ports 5–6 of PXIe-8399 to upstream ports of subsequent chassis
• Flexible port assignment: ports 2, 3, and 4 function as upstream or downstream depending on cable topology
• Maximum two direct connections per PCIe-8398 card
• Transparent architecture eliminates additional driver software for PXI Express device control
• Internal temperature monitoring for thermal management

– Typical Applications

• Remote PXI Express or CompactPCI Express chassis control from desktop or rackmount hosts
• Multi-chassis measurement and automation systems with single-PC coordination
• Distributed test and data acquisition architectures requiring physical separation of instrumentation from host computers
• Bandwidth-intensive or fanout-prioritized measurement topologies

– Compatibility & Integration

The PCIe-8398 connects directly to PXIe-8398 and PXIe-8399 remote control modules. It supports multiple chassis in daisy-chain configurations. Cable runs up to 3 meters enable flexible laboratory and system layouts.