National Instruments CardBus-8310-to-PXI Interface Kit

The National Instruments CardBus-8310-to-PXI Interface Kit (Part Number: 779542-01) is a perfect choice for portable systems since it gives laptop computers direct control over PXI systems. This interface kit allows for easy integration by providing a transparent connection for software applications and drivers by connecting a high-performance laptop to PXI devices. When combined with DC-powered chassis, the kit is especially well-suited for mobility applications like in-vehicle testing.

The CardBus-to-PXI link consists of an NI PXI-8310 module mounted in slot 1 of a PXI chassis and an NI CardBus-8310 card in the laptop connected by cable. The NI CardBus-8310 card, NI PXI-8310 module, and cabling are available for separate purchase, however the complete interface kit comes with all the parts you need.

The CardBus-8310-to-PXI interface kit creates a transparent link where PXI modules appear as PCI boards within the laptop by using a StarFabric serial interface to establish a CardBus-to-PCI bridge. The additional slots, power and cooling per slot, module selection, and synchronization features offered by PXI systems are advantageous to this configuration.

Utilizing StarFabric, a 2.5 Gb/s serial technology from Stargen, the NI CardBus-8310-to-PXI interface increases the possibilities of PCI-based computers. The PCI bus can be extended to many chassis with StarFabric's support for PCI-to-PCI bridging. According to the PCMCIA Specification, a laptop's CardBus expansion slot can accommodate the NI CardBus-8310 when it has a CardBus connector. Two CAT5-e cables—one for data transmission and the other for data reception—are needed for the connection. Each cable must have the provided ferrites placed on both ends in order to guarantee compliance with the necessary electromagnetic emission regulations.

A smooth extension of the PCI bus into the PXI system is made possible by the CAT5-e cables connecting the NI PXI-8310 expansion card to the NI CardBus-8310. The system uses 0.25 A at 3.3 V on average, and it can use up to 0.30 A at 3.3 V. Up to 50 MB/s of input and up to 10 MB/s of output can be processed continuously. The temperature and relative humidity in the working environment vary from 0 to 40 °C and 10% to 90%, respectively.