MXI-Express Gen-3 x16 extends PCI Express communication over a cable up to 3 m. With MXI-Express Gen-3 x16, you can do the following:

  • Control a PXI Express or CompactPCI Express backplane with a PCI Express-based PC.
  • Physically separate the measurement or automation system from a host PC.
  • Control multiple PXI Express or CompactPCI Express chassis with a single PCI Express-based PC or PXI Express embedded controller. (The PXIe-8398 and PXIe-8399 controllers also can control multiple chassis in a daisy-chain configuration.)

The following table lists the models and their features for comparison.

Table 2. Feature Comparison of Available MXI-Express Gen-3 x16 Interfaces
Model Slot Type Number of Lanes Cable Support
PCIe-8398 PCI Express Gen-3 x16 16 MXI-Express x8, MXI-Express x4
PXIe-8394 PXI Express Peripheral Expansion Module 16 MXI-Express x8, MXI-Express x4
PXIe-8398 PXI Express Controller 16 MXI-Express x8, MXI-Express x4
PXIe-8399 PXI Express Controller With One Expansion Slot 32 MXI-Express x8, MXI-Express x4
Tip For optimum link widths and performance, use the PXIe-8394, PXIe-8398, and PXIe-8399 in chassis that support Gen 3 links.