National Instruments PCIe-8372 MXI-Express Interface Board

The NI PCIe-8372 (Part Number: 779724-01) can be used with an MXI-Express x4 copper cable of 7 meters maximum linked to the user’s PC. The PCIe-8372 has two ports, allowing for two cabled PCI Express links. The links have x4 lane widths, which means they contain four x1 PCI Express lanes.  In addition, the links can send at a rate of 10 Gbps in every direction at the same time. This MXI-Express x4 Series Board requires one PCI Express slot x4 or higher and is compatible with the PCI Express Specification, Revision 1.0a.

If there are numerous PCI Express slots open, then the user can link more PXI Express chassis by installing another PCIe-8372 in an open PCI Express slot. The user also has the option to daisy-chain from a PXI Express chassis that is already controlled by one of the following: a host PC, an embedded controller, or a laptop, to more PXI Express chassis with MXI-Express x4 models. It is important to remember that utilizing a PCI Express slot larger than x4 can result in negotiation down to x1. This can lower the throughput performance, but is uncommon in newer systems. In addition, the BIOS or motherboard may not support the National Instruments PCIe-8372 MXI-Express Interface Board in a slot meant for a graphics card.

The NI PCIe-8372 also has a PWR/LINK LED, which has several status indications. Off means the power is off. Solid red indicates the power is out of the specifications. Solid Amber means the power is within the specifications, but is not linked to the chassis. Lastly, Solid Green indicates the power is within the specifications and a link is established.