National Instruments 778955-01 Interface Module

The National Instruments 778955-01, also known as the PXI-8331, is a highly advanced interface module that uses MXI-4 technology to give PCs direct control over PXI systems. High-end desktop PCs or servers may easily manage PXI systems because to this high-bandwidth link's transparency to software programs and drivers. The MXI-4 link is made up of two 778955-01 modules: one put in the PC and the other in slot 1 of a PXI chassis. These modules are connected by the necessary connection. Although the module does not come with the requisite cable, you may either buy the PCI board, PXI module, and cable individually or buy an entire MXI-4 kit that does.

The 778955-01's MXI-4 technology enables numerous PXI chassis to be connected within a single system, enabling flexible configurations such as daisy-chain or star arrangements. Installing this type of module in any peripheral slot of the master chassis and connecting it to a second 778955-01 module in slot 1 of the slave chassis using the proper cable is how two PXI chassis are connected using MXI-4. Users can increase the number of CompactPCI or PXI slots available for their applications with this configuration, which significantly improves the scalability and versatility of PXI systems.

Using the PCI-PCI bridge register set, an MXI-4 dyad—implemented with the 778955-01—functions as a PCI master/slave pair. It connects two physically isolated buses via a fiber-optic or copper data link that can transfer serial data at 1.5 Gbit/s. Many important features are made possible by this cutting-edge technology, including the ability to physically separate the measurement or automation system from a host PC, combine PCI, CompactPCI, and PXI devices within a single system, increase the number of CompactPCI or PXI slots that are available, and control a PXI/CompactPCI backplane with a PCI-based PC or another PXI/CompactPCI system.