The NI PXIe-8374 is a high-performance MXI-Express x4 multisystem expansion interface module developed by National Instruments (NI) for PCI Express, CompactPCI Express, and PXI Express bus systems. It is specifically designed to enable flexible multi-chassis expansion and high-speed data transmission for PXI-based test and measurement systems, widely used in industries such as automotive electronics, aerospace, and industrial automation.
- Brand: National Instruments (NI)
- Model: PXIe-8374
- Product Series: MXI-Express (Multisystem eXtension Interface Express)
- Product Type: MXI-Express x4 Expansion Interface Module
- Starting Price: Approximately RMB 18,865 (price may vary based on additional accessories, services, or regional pricing policies)
- Warranty: 1-year standard warranty (extended warranty options available through NI)
- Form Factor: 3U single-slot PXI Express module
- Slot Compatibility: Installable in peripheral slots or hybrid slots of PXI Express chassis
- Software Compatibility: Supported by NI Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) for configuration; compatible with LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, and C/C++ development environments; no additional software programming required for interconnection.
The module supports the creation of multi-chassis PXI systems with versatile topologies, including star, tree, or daisy-chain configurations. It allows connecting up to 8 PXI chassis to a single host computer—either an NI embedded controller or a PC linked via an NI remote controller. This expands the number of available I/O channels and processing capabilities, ideal for large-scale test scenarios (e.g., multi-node automotive ECU testing).
- Leveraging MXI-Express technology, the module eliminates the need for additional software interfaces or custom programming for interconnections. This significantly simplifies the setup of multi-chassis systems, reducing deployment time.
- All PXI modules in slave chassis are recognized as "local devices" by the host chassis. This transparency means existing test programs developed for single-chassis systems can be directly reused without modification, protecting prior software investments.
Built on wired PCI Express communication technology, the module adheres to the highest industrial standards. It ensures seamless interoperability with a wide range of NI and third-party PXI Express devices (e.g., data acquisition cards, signal generators, digitizers), making it easy to expand or upgrade existing PXI Express systems without compatibility issues.
With a dedicated MXI bandwidth of 1 GB/s, the module guarantees stable and high-speed data transfer between connected chassis and the host. This is critical for real-time applications such as high-frequency signal acquisition, where latency or data loss could compromise test accuracy.
- Automotive Electronics Testing: Enables multi-chassis systems for comprehensive automotive ECU testing, where multiple PXI modules (e.g., for CAN/LIN communication, analog signal simulation, and sensor data acquisition) are distributed across chassis to test different vehicle subsystems simultaneously.
- Aerospace & Defense: Supports large-scale test setups for aircraft components (e.g., avionics systems, engine controls) by connecting geographically dispersed PXI chassis, ensuring synchronized data collection and centralized control.
- Industrial Automation: Expands PXI-based process monitoring systems to cover multiple production lines or remote facilities, allowing unified data aggregation and analysis for improved operational efficiency.
- Laboratory R&D: Facilitates flexible integration of specialized PXI modules (e.g., high-speed digitizers, arbitrary waveform generators) across multiple chassis, enabling complex experiments that require diverse test capabilities.
