NI PCI-8361 MXI-Express x1 PCI Host Card | Replacement, Equivalent & Selection Guide
The NI PCI-8361 is a single-slot MXI-Express x1 PCI Host Interface Card manufactured by National Instruments (NI). It enables high-speed, transparent communication between a desktop PC (PCI bus) and NI MXI-Express chassis such as the PXI/PXIe systems. This page serves as a comprehensive selection, replacement, and compatibility reference for B2B industrial buyers and system integrators.
Technical Specifications
- Part Number: NI PCI-8361
- Interface: MXI-Express x1 (PCIe Gen 1)
- Bus Type: PCI (32-bit, 33 MHz)
- Form Factor: Standard PCI card (half-length)
- Bandwidth: Up to 110 MB/s (MXI-Express x1)
- Connector: MXI-Express cable connector (proprietary NI)
- Operating Temperature: 0 °C to 55 °C
- OS Support: Windows, Linux (NI-VISA / NI-MXI driver)
- Power Consumption: Typical PCI slot power (≤ 10 W)
- RoHS Compliant: Yes
Compatible Replacement & Equivalent Models
The following models are functionally equivalent or serve as direct replacements for the NI PCI-8361 in MXI-Express system architectures:
- NI PCIe-8361 — PCIe x1 host card; drop-in upgrade for PCIe-slot PCs; same MXI-Express cable compatibility
- NI PCI-8360 — Earlier-generation MXI-3 PCI host card; compatible with legacy PXI chassis via MXI-3 cable
- NI PCIe-8374 — PCIe x4 host card; higher bandwidth (up to 800 MB/s); suitable for data-intensive applications
- NI PXIe-8360 — PXIe remote controller module; used on the chassis side in conjunction with PCI-8361
- Third-party MXI-Express adapters — Verify NI-VISA driver compatibility before substitution
Note: Always verify chassis-side module compatibility (e.g., NI PXIe-8360 or NI PXI-8360) when selecting a replacement host card.
Why Choose the Original NI PCI-8361
- ✅ Guaranteed compatibility with all NI PXI/PXIe chassis supporting MXI-Express x1
- ✅ Full NI-VISA and NI-MXI software stack support — no driver workarounds
- ✅ Transparent PCI bus extension — chassis slots appear as local PCI devices
- ✅ Proven reliability in 24/7 industrial test & measurement environments
- ✅ NI calibration and warranty support available
Typical Applications
- Automated Test Equipment (ATE) — connecting PC controllers to PXI instrument chassis
- Industrial control systems using NI CompactRIO or PXI platforms
- Data acquisition systems requiring high-throughput PC-to-chassis links
- R&D laboratories with mixed PCI/PXI infrastructure
- Semiconductor test, RF/microwave measurement, and power electronics validation
System Compatibility
| Component | Compatible Models |
|---|---|
| Host PC Slot | Standard PCI 32-bit / 33 MHz slot |
| Chassis-Side Module | NI PXIe-8360, NI PXI-8360 |
| Supported Chassis | NI PXIe-1062Q, PXIe-1075, PXI-1042, PXI-1045, and compatible NI PXI/PXIe chassis |
| Cable | NI MXI-Express Cable (SHC68-C68-MXIE series) |
| Driver Software | NI-MXI 3.x+, NI-VISA 5.x+, NI-DAQmx (where applicable) |
Selection Guide
Use the following criteria to select the correct host card for your system:
- PC has PCI slot only → NI PCI-8361 (this model) is the correct choice
- PC has PCIe x1 slot → Upgrade to NI PCIe-8361 for same bandwidth with modern slot
- PC has PCIe x4/x8/x16 slot → Consider NI PCIe-8374 for maximum throughput
- Legacy PXI chassis (non-Express) → Use NI PCI-8360 (MXI-3 interface)
- Multi-chassis or long-distance link → Consult NI for fiber-optic MXI solutions
Quality Assurance & Sourcing
All NI PCI-8361 units available through Konmask.com are sourced from verified industrial supply channels. Each unit undergoes:
- Visual inspection and label verification (part number, revision, serial)
- Functional power-on test where applicable
- Anti-static packaging and secure international shipping
- Documentation of origin and traceability records
We supply both new surplus and refurbished tested units. Condition is clearly stated on each listing.
How to Order
- Confirm your PC slot type (PCI vs PCIe) and chassis-side module model
- Select quantity and add to cart, or contact us for bulk/project pricing
- Provide your project specs for compatibility pre-check (optional but recommended)
- We ship worldwide — DHL, FedEx, UPS available; lead time typically 3–7 business days
📧 Email: support@konmask.com
📞 Phone/WhatsApp: +0086 19859288691
Replacement & Compatibility FAQ
Q: Can the NI PCIe-8361 replace the PCI-8361?
A: Yes, if your PC has a PCIe x1 (or larger) slot. The PCIe-8361 uses the same MXI-Express cable and chassis-side module, offering identical bandwidth.
Q: Is the PCI-8361 compatible with NI LabVIEW?
A: Yes. The PCI-8361 is fully supported under NI-MXI and NI-VISA drivers, which integrate seamlessly with LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, and TestStand.
Q: What cable is required?
A: The NI SHC68-C68-MXIE MXI-Express cable is required. Cable length options include 0.5 m, 1 m, 2 m, and 4 m.
Q: Can I use a third-party PCIe-to-PCI bridge to use this card in a modern PC?
A: Technically possible with some PCIe-to-PCI bridge cards, but NI does not officially support this configuration. We recommend using the NI PCIe-8361 instead.
Q: Do you offer warranty on used units?
A: Yes — refurbished units carry a 90-day functional warranty. New surplus units carry a 12-month warranty.
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Contact: support@konmask.com | +0086 19859288691
