National Instruments PCIE-8361 MXI-Express x1 PXI Host Interface Card | MXI-Express Platform
Engineering Background
The NI PCIE-8361 is a PCIe x1 host interface card developed by National Instruments as part of the MXI-Express product family. It establishes a high-speed, low-latency PCIe link between a standard desktop PC and a PXI or PXI Express chassis, enabling the host PC to control PXI instruments as if they were locally installed boards. This architecture is the industry standard for distributed test systems, ATE platforms, and real-time industrial automation where chassis-based modularity is required.
Product Positioning
Designed for procurement engineers and system integrators who need a reliable, NI-validated PCIe-to-PXI bridge, the PCIE-8361 eliminates the need for an embedded PXI controller while preserving full software compatibility with NI-VISA, LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, and TestStand. It is the preferred choice for legacy PXI chassis upgrades and new ATE deployments requiring PC-hosted control.
Complete Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Part Number | PCIE-8361 |
| NI Order Number | 779689-01 |
| Form Factor | PCIe x1 (half-length, low-profile bracket included) |
| Host Interface | PCI Express Gen 1 x1 (2.5 Gb/s per lane) |
| MXI-Express Link | x1 PCIe, up to 110 MB/s sustained throughput |
| Cable Connector | MXI-Express cable (SHC68-C68-A2, sold separately) |
| Max Cable Length | 3 m (standard); 7 m with MXI-Express x1 extender |
| Compatible Chassis | NI PXIe-1062Q, PXIe-1065, PXIe-1071, PXIe-1075, PXI-1042, PXI-1045, and compatible NI PXI/PXIe chassis |
| OS Support | Windows 10/11 (32/64-bit), Windows 7, LabVIEW RT (with compatible chassis) |
| Driver Requirement | NI-MXI 3.x or later; NI-VISA 5.x or later |
| Power Consumption | ≤ 3.5 W (from PCIe slot) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to 55 °C |
| Storage Temperature | -20 °C to 70 °C |
| Relative Humidity | 10% to 90%, non-condensing |
| Dimensions (card) | 167.65 mm × 68.9 mm (standard PCIe half-length) |
| Weight | Approx. 120 g (card only) |
| RoHS Compliance | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year (NI standard hardware warranty) |
Proven Application Environments
- Automated Test Equipment (ATE): PC-hosted PXI instrument control for semiconductor, aerospace, and defense test systems
- Industrial Automation: Real-time data acquisition and motion control via PXI chassis linked to production-floor PCs
- R&D Laboratories: Flexible bench-top PXI system control without requiring an embedded PXI controller
- Signal Simulation & HIL Testing: Hardware-in-the-loop platforms requiring deterministic PC-to-chassis communication
- Legacy System Upgrades: Replacing MXI-4 or MXI-3 links with PCIe-based high-speed connectivity
- Multi-Chassis Topologies: Star or daisy-chain configurations using multiple PCIE-8361 cards in a single host PC
Engineering Advantages
- Zero-slot controller alternative: Frees all PXI slots for instruments — no embedded controller occupies a chassis slot
- PCIe Gen 1 x1 native: Compatible with virtually all modern desktop and workstation motherboards; no special PCIe x4/x8/x16 slot required
- Transparent bus extension: PXI instruments appear as local PCIe devices to the host OS — no proprietary middleware layer
- Low-profile bracket included: Fits standard ATX and small-form-factor industrial PCs
- NI-VISA compliant: Full compatibility with VISA resource strings; drop-in replacement for embedded controller workflows
- Deterministic latency: PCIe fabric ensures consistent round-trip latency for time-sensitive measurement loops
System Architecture & Signal Flow
The PCIE-8361 installs into any available PCIe x1 (or wider) slot on the host PC. The MXI-Express cable connects the card’s rear-panel SHC68 connector to the system controller slot (Slot 1) of the target PXI or PXIe chassis. Upon driver installation (NI-MXI), the host PC enumerates all PXI instruments in the chassis as standard PCIe endpoints. The NI-VISA layer maps each instrument to a VISA resource string (e.g., PXI1::CHASSIS1::SLOT3::INSTR), making them accessible to LabVIEW VIs, C/C++ VISA calls, or TestStand sequences without modification.
For multi-chassis configurations, additional PCIE-8361 cards can be installed in the same host PC, each driving an independent PXI chassis. NI MAX (Measurement & Automation Explorer) provides a unified device tree for all connected chassis and instruments.
Sourcing & Quality Verification
- Source: Konmask.com sources PCIE-8361 units from authorized NI distribution channels and verified secondary-market suppliers with full traceability documentation
- Inspection: Each unit undergoes visual inspection, connector integrity check, and functional power-on verification prior to shipment
- Authenticity: NI part label, serial number, and revision markings are verified against NI’s published hardware revision history
- Condition: New (factory-sealed) and refurbished (tested, cleaned, re-certified) options available — please specify at inquiry
- Documentation: Certificate of conformance and test report available upon request for regulated industries
Procurement Process
- Submit RFQ: Contact [email protected] with quantity, required condition (new/refurbished), and delivery timeline
- Quotation: Receive a formal quotation with unit price (HKD/USD), lead time, and shipping options within 1 business day
- Order Confirmation: Place order via Konmask.com checkout or purchase order (PO) for qualified B2B accounts
- Inspection & Dispatch: Unit inspected, packed with ESD protection, and dispatched with tracking number
- After-Sales: 30-day return window for DOA units; technical support available via email and phone
Technical FAQ
Q: Can the PCIE-8361 work with PXI Express (PXIe) chassis?
A: Yes. The PCIE-8361 connects to the system controller slot of PXIe chassis (e.g., NI PXIe-1062Q, PXIe-1075). However, it provides a PCIe x1 link, so PXIe instruments requiring x4 or x8 bandwidth may be bandwidth-limited. For full PXIe bandwidth, consider the NI PCIE-8374 (x4 link).
Q: Is a separate PXI controller required in the chassis?
A: No. The PCIE-8361 replaces the embedded PXI controller. The host PC acts as the system controller via the MXI-Express link. Slot 1 of the chassis must be occupied by the MXI-Express chassis interface card (e.g., NI PXIe-8360).
Q: Which LabVIEW versions are supported?
A: LabVIEW 8.5 and later (32-bit and 64-bit). NI-MXI 3.x driver must be installed. LabVIEW RT is supported when paired with a compatible RT chassis.
Q: Can I use this card in a PCIe x4 or x16 slot?
A: Yes. PCIe is backward compatible — the PCIE-8361 (x1 card) will operate in any PCIe x1, x4, x8, or x16 slot at x1 link speed.
Q: What is the maximum number of PCIE-8361 cards per host PC?
A: Limited by the number of available PCIe slots and the host PC’s PCIe lane budget. Typically 2–4 cards per workstation. NI MAX supports multiple chassis in a single device tree.
Q: Is the MXI-Express cable included?
A: No. The MXI-Express cable (NI part SHC68-C68-A2 or equivalent) must be ordered separately. Please specify cable length at inquiry.
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