National Instruments PXIe-8384 PXI Bus Extension Module

The PXIe-8384 (Part Number: 782363-01) is an advanced PXI Bus Extension Module from National Instruments. A user can create multi-chassis PXI systems using the NI PXIe-8384 module. These PXI systems interface to a single computer. Up to eight PXI systems can be interfaced to the same system computer using the PXIe-8384. This system can be a PXI controller or a PC connected to a device. This module extends the PXI bus through a peripheral slot of a PXI chassis. It enables the configuration of multi-chassis systems. The NI PXIe-8384 also supports interfacing with non-PXI devices. Extension devices include RAID Arrays and Software Defined Radio/Reconfigurable Radio Devices.

The National Instruments PXIe-8384 PXI Bus Extension Module uses x8 Gen2 PCI Express links. It is a software-transparent link, so interconnections require no programming. It simplifies the process of creating a multi-chassis setup and allows all connected components to operate as one system. For a cabled PCI Express link, all PXI and PXIe modules appear as PCI boards within the computer itself. Different cabling and bandwidth options are available to meet varying application throughput needs. The PXIe-8384 module supports both copper and fiber optic cables. The link can transmit data in both directions simultaneously. The maximum rate of data transmission is 4 GBps. The NI PXIe-8384 module requires one PXI Express or CompactPCI Express peripheral slot for operation.

The driver for the PXIe-8384 Bus Extension Module supports the following platforms: Windows 2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/7/8/8.1/10. Also, the PXIe-8381 is compatible with the PXI Express Hardware Specifications, Revision 2.0.