NI PXIe-8840 – High-Performance Quad-Core PXI Express Embedded Controller

Description

1. Product Title

NI PXIe-8840 – High-Performance Quad-Core PXI Express Embedded Controller

2. Product Overview

The PXIe-8840 is an embedded controller for PXI Express systems, designed to serve as the “PC” or brain within a PXI chassis. It is a rugged, compact solution that replaces the need for an external laptop or desktop to control your test and measurement hardware.

This module solves the problem of data latency and synchronization in automated test environments. By sitting directly on the PXI Express backplane, the PXIe-8840 can move data from high-speed instruments (like digitizers or RF analyzers) to its CPU at much higher speeds than a standard USB or Ethernet connection would allow. It is ideal for complex automated test, data acquisition, and real-time control applications.

3. Technical Specifications

• Brand: National Instruments (NI)
• Model: PXIe-8840
• Processor: Intel Core i7-5700EQ (2.6 GHz Quad-Core) or Intel Core i5-4400E (Dual-Core), depending on version.
• Memory: Up to 8 GB (standard) or 16 GB DDR3L RAM.
• Storage: 250 GB (or larger) SSD or HDD.
• Bandwidth: Up to 2 GB/s system bandwidth and 2 GB/s slot bandwidth.
• I/O Ports:
  • 2x Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000BASE-T)
  • 2x USB 3.0 and 4x USB 2.0
  • 1x DisplayPort (video)
  • 1x RS-232 Serial Port
  • 1x Micro-D GPIB (optional)
• Operating System: Windows 7/10 or NI LabVIEW Real-Time.

4. Key Features & Benefits

• Integrated Design: Combines a high-end processor, hard drive, and peripheral I/O in a single PXI slot, saving rack space and simplifying cable management.
• High Bandwidth: Leveraging PXI Express technology, it supports high-speed data streaming, which is essential for RF applications and structural health monitoring.
• Real-Time Capability: Can be configured with the LabVIEW Real-Time Module for deterministic control and “headless” operation, ensuring your test loop never skips a beat.
• Ruggedized for Industry: Built to withstand higher vibration and temperature ranges than a standard consumer PC, making it suitable for factory floors or field testing.

5. Application Scenarios

• Automated Production Testing: Used in electronics manufacturing to run high-speed pass/fail sequences on circuit boards.
• Aerospace & Defense: Handling hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations for flight control systems.
• Semiconductor Characterization: Coordinating multiple SMUs (Source Measure Units) to test chip performance under varying loads.
• Wireless Research: Prototyping 5G or Wi-Fi 6 signals where massive amounts of raw IQ data must be processed in real-time.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Can I use this in a standard PXI (non-Express) chassis?
  • A: No. The PXIe-8840 has the “Express” connector and is only compatible with PXI Express or PXI Hybrid chassis.
• Q: Does it support dual monitors?
  • A: While it has one DisplayPort, you can often use a DisplayPort-to-Dual-DisplayPort adapter or utilize the USB ports for additional display adapters, depending on the graphics driver configuration.
• Q: How do I recover the OS if the drive fails?
  • A: NI controllers usually come with a hidden recovery partition accessible during boot-up (typically by pressing F4 or F10) to restore the factory Windows image.

Are you looking to integrate this into a specific PXIe chassis, or do you need help determining if your current LabVIEW version supports this hardware?