National Instruments PCIe-8371 Device for PXI Remote Control

The PCIe-8371 (part number: 779723-01) from National Instruments is an MXI-Express Device specifically for PXI Remote Control. This versatile device is designed to control systems and devices that are connected from a PCI that has a PCIe slot of x4 or higher. The PCIe-8371 uses a copper wire in order to establish an x4 PCI Express link. This remote control device is invisible to device drivers, making it easy to link chassis and other devices without using additional software. In short, the PCIe-8371 allows the user to utilize PXI modules as if they were PCI devices that have been placed directly in the PC.

The power requirements for the PCIe-8371 vary depending on the power rail used. A power rail of 3.3 V draws a typical current of 150 mA and a maximum current of 200 mA. A power rail of 12 V typically draws in 170 mA of current, and caps at a maximum of 320 mA. The single x4 PCIe link of the PCIe-8371 sustains a maximum throughput of 798 MB/s while connected to a chassis. Easily inserted into a variety of test setups, the maximum cable length of the device is 7 m.

Built for indoor use only, the PCIe-8371 should be operated within a temperature range of 0 °C to 55 °C. When in storage, it can be safely kept in temperatures ranging from -40 °C to 70 °C. This compact device measures dimensions of 6.89 cm × 8.95 cm (2.71 in. × 3.55 in.), and it weighs in at a mere 0.06 kg (0.14 lb).