PCI-MXI-2: Product OverviewThe National Instruments PCI-MXI-2 is a high-performance interface controller that establishes a transparent bridge between PCI-based computer systems and VXI or VME instrument chassis via the MXI (Multisystem eXtension Interface) bus. This card functions as a system controller, enabling a standard desktop or server computer to directly control and communicate with instruments housed in VXI or VME mainframes. The device serves as the critical link that extends the computer’s bus architecture to remote chassis, allowing for centralized control of distributed instrument systems while maintaining high-speed data transfer capabilities.Installed in a host computer’s PCI slot, this interface controller utilizes the MXI-2 parallel bus architecture to create a seamless extension between the computer’s local bus and remote VXI/VME backplanes. The implementation provides full 32-bit addressing and data transfer capabilities, making the remote chassis appear as local resources to the host operating system. This architecture allows instruments in VXI/VME mainframes to be accessed with the same latency and bandwidth as locally installed PCI cards, while providing the physical separation and specialized instrumentation capabilities of the VXI/VME platforms.As part of the MXI interface family, this controller maintains software transparency, requiring no special programming considerations for accessing remote resources. VXI/VME instruments appear in the system as standard memory-mapped or I/O-mapped devices, enabling use of standard driver software and application programming interfaces. The controller handles all bus protocol conversions and timing synchronization automatically, supporting both VXI’s message-based communication and VME’s register-based programming models. This capability is particularly valuable in mixed-system environments where instruments from multiple vendors need to be integrated into a cohesive test and measurement solution.
NI PCI-MXI-2
PCI-MXI-2: Technical Specifications
• Model Number: PCI-MXI-2
• Manufacturer: National Instruments
• Product Type: PCI-to-MXI Interface Controller
• Host Interface: 32-bit PCI
• Target Interface: MXI-2 parallel bus
• Compatibility: VXI, VME, and VXI/VME hybrid systems
• Data Transfer Rate: Up to 20 MB/s sustained
• Address Space: 32-bit addressing (4 GB)
• Interrupt Support: VXI/VME interrupt handling
• Cable Connection: 3-meter MXI cable (standard)
• Maximum Cable Length: 20 meters with extension
• Bus Mastering: Full bus mastering capability
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C
• Power Consumption: 5W typical (from PCI bus)
• Software Support: NI-VXI/VISA, standard VXI plug&play drivers
NI PCI-MXI-2
Core Features & Customer ValueTransparent Bus Extension: The MXI-2 implementation creates a seamless bridge that makes remote VXI/VME instruments appear as local system resources to the host computer. This transparency eliminates the need for specialized programming interfaces or custom driver development when integrating VXI/VME instruments into PC-based test systems. Engineers can utilize standard programming tools and familiar APIs, significantly reducing system development time and complexity while improving long-term maintainability.High-Speed Data Transfer: The 20 MB/s sustained transfer rate enables efficient data movement between the host computer and instruments in remote chassis, supporting bandwidth-intensive applications such as digital signal processing, high-speed data acquisition, and real-time control systems. The bus mastering capability allows direct memory access between VXI/VME instruments and host memory without CPU intervention, minimizing processor overhead and ensuring deterministic performance for time-critical applications.Flexible System Architecture: The ability to control VXI and VME systems from a standard PCI-based computer provides significant architectural flexibility, allowing engineers to leverage the extensive instrument selection available for VXI/VME platforms while using modern computer hardware for system control and data processing. This approach extends the useful life of existing VXI/VME instrument investments while providing a migration path to newer computing technologies.Typical ApplicationsIn automated test systems for defense and aerospace, the interface enables control of specialized VXI-based instruments for radar testing, communications system validation, and component qualification. The high-speed data transfer capability supports the large dataset requirements of modern electronic warfare and signal intelligence testing applications.For manufacturing test systems, the controller integrates rack-and-stack VXI instruments with PC-based test executives, providing a unified platform for production testing of complex electronic assemblies. The transparent bus architecture allows legacy VXI instruments to be incorporated into modern test sequences without requiring instrument replacement or software rewrites.In research and development laboratories, the bridge enables sophisticated measurement systems combining VXI-based RF instruments with PCI-based data acquisition cards for mixed-signal testing applications. The system can coordinate high-speed digital stimulus with precision analog measurements for comprehensive device characterization.
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