Interface link

National Instruments has announced MXI-4, a high-speed serial interface link compatible with the latest PCI standards commonly found in high-performance servers and workstations.

With MXI-4, engineers can combine PXI-based modular instrumentation with high-performance computers in applications requiring intense data analysis or real-time numerical calculations.

The interface, an evolution of the NI MXI-3 interface, adds universal PCI compatibility to control PXI and CompactPCI systems from any PCI slot - including 32 bit, 33 MHz, 5 V PCI slots; 64 bit, 66 MHz 3.3 V PCI slots; and PCI-X slots. MXI-4 delivers remote control of PXI systems from computers by implementing a PCI-PCI bridge across a high-bandwidth link at 132 MBps peak performance and 78 MBps sustained performance.

The interface is transparent to software and operating systems, so engineers can use the MXI-4 interface to control PXI/CompactPCI modules as if they were PCI modules directly installed in their computer.

In addition, engineers can interchange software written for an embedded PXI controller to a desktop PC with an MXI-4 link with no changes.

With new reliability features such as error checking and retransmission on the high-speed serial link, engineers now can use the MXI-4 interface in harsh, electrically noisy industrial environments.

MXI-4 also delivers industrial, rugged connectivity that eliminates the possibility of loose cable connections that can interface with PXI system performance.

As with MXI-3, MXI-4 offers engineers a choice of copper or fibre optic cabling. Fibre optic cabling is suitable for systems requiring electrical isolation and long range, with the fibre optic links extending up to 200 m.

Copper cabling offers low cost with a range of up to 10 m.

The interface works with the entire PXI platform and a variety of software including NI LabVIEW 7 Express, LabWindows/CVI, TestStand and DIAdem.