PXIe-8280 Getting Started

This document provides reference information and instructions for installing and configuring your PXIe-8280 module.

Unpacking

The PXIe-8280 ships in an antistatic package to prevent electrostatic discharge from damaging device components. To prevent such damage when handling the device, ground yourself using a grounding strap or by holding a grounded object, such as your computer chassis, and complete the following steps:

  1. Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of the chassis before removing the device from the package.
    Caution Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.
  2. Remove the device from the package and inspect the device for loose components or any other sign of damage.
  3. Notify NI if the device appears damaged in any way. Do not install a damaged device into your chassis.

What You Need to Get Started

To set up and use your module, you need the items shown in the following figure.

Figure 1. PXIe-8280 Installation Supply List

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  1. PXIe-8280 Module (Included in Kit)
  2. Documentation (Included in Kit and Online)
  3. PXI Platform Services Driver
  4. Mellanox WinOF-2 Driver
  5. NI-RDMA Driver
  6. PXI Express Chassis and Controller
  7. Screwdriver
  8. Mellanox-Compatible Active Optical or Passive Direct Attach Copper QSFP28 Cable
Note The PXIe-8280 requires a chassis with slot cooling capacity ≥58 W. Not all chassis with slot cooling capacity ≥58 W can achieve the rated ambient temperature range. Refer to PXI chassis specifications to determine the ambient temperature ranges your chassis can achieve.

Software Installation and Configuration

The PXIe-8280 requires driver software to enable its features. NI recommends that you install the latest driver software for your module on your system controller.

Table 1. PXIe-8280 Windows Driver Support
Driver Earliest Version Support
PXI Platform Services 21.5
Mellanox WinOF-2 2.70.51000
NI-RDMA 21.5
Table 2. PXIe-8280 Linux Real-Time Driver Support
Driver Earliest Version Support
PXI Platform Services 21.5
NI-RDMA 21.5
Note Visit www.mellanox.com to download the Mellanox WinOF-2 driver package.

You must be an Administrator to install NI software on your system controller.

  1. (Optional) Install an ADE, such as LabVIEW or LabWindows™/CVI™.
  2. Download the driver software installer from ni.com/downloads.

    NI Package Manager downloads with the driver software to handle the installation. Refer to the NI Package Manager Manual for more information about installing, removing, and upgrading NI software using NI Package Manager.

  3. Follow the instructions in the installation prompts.
    Note Windows users may see access and security messages during installation. Accept the prompts to complete the installation.
  4. When the installer completes, select Restart in the dialog box that prompts you to restart, shut down, or restart later.
  5. Download the Mellanox WinOF-2 driver package from www.mellanox.com and follow the instructions in the installation prompts.

Installing the PXIe-8280

Notice To prevent damage to the PXIe-8280 caused by ESD or contamination, handle the module using the edges or the metal bracket.
  1. Ensure the AC power source is connected to the chassis before installing the module.
    The AC power cord grounds the chassis and protects it from electrical damage while you install the module.
  2. Power off the chassis.
  3. Inspect the slot pins on the chassis backplane for any bends or damage prior to installation. Do not install a module if the backplane is damaged.
  4. Remove the black plastic covers from all the captive screws on the module front panel.
  5. Identify a supported slot in the chassis. The following table shows the symbols that indicate the slot types.
    Table 3. PXIe-8280 Slot Type Compatibility
    NI PXI Express Product PXI Express Chassis Markings
    Controller 1378 Peripheral 1378 Hybrid 1378
    PXIe-8280
  6. Touch any metal part of the chassis to discharge static electricity.
  7. Place the module edges into the module guides at the top and bottom of the chassis. Slide the module into the slot until it is fully inserted.
  8. Secure the module front panel to the chassis using the front-panel mounting screws.
    Note Tightening the top and bottom mounting screws increases mechanical stability and also electrically connects the front panel to the chassis, which can improve the signal quality and electromagnetic performance.
  9. Cover all empty slots using either filler panels (standard or EMC) or slot blockers with filler panels, depending on your application.
    Note For more information about installing slot blockers and filler panels, go to ni.com/r/pxiblocker.
  10. Power on the chassis.

Powering On the PXIe-8280

The PXIe-8280 powers on automatically when the chassis is powered on. To power on the PXIe-8280, turn on the chassis.

Functional Overview

The PXIe-8280 is a peripheral module in a 1-slot 3U PXI Express form factor. The RDMA-enabled Ethernet module provides up to 50 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) connectivity on one QSFP28 port for a PXI Express system. It can attach to a PXI Express system through a high-bandwidth, low-latency PXI Express backplane Gen3 x8 link.

With the 50 Gb Ethernet port, it allows offloading data from a PXI Express system to an external storage solution or a server for further analysis. It also allows data exchange and aggregation across two or more PXI Express systems.

The following figure is a functional block diagram of the PXIe-8280. Following the diagram is a description of each logic block shown.

Figure 2. PXIe-8280 Block Diagram

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The PXIe-8280 consists of the following logic blocks on two circuit card assemblies (CCA):

  • PXI Express Connectors—Connects the module to the PXI Express/CompactPCI Express backplane.
  • PCI Express Switch—Links the PXI Express backplane to the Ethernet controller on the NVIDIA ConnectX Ethernet adapter card with PCI Express x8 links.
  • NVIDIA ConnectX Ethernet Adapter Card—Consists of the Ethernet controller and the QSFP28 connector that provides the 50 GbE connectivity and efficient low-latency RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE) v2 technology.

Front Panel

Figure 3. Front Panel

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ETH 0 Connector

The PXIe-8280 front panel features one QSFP28 Ethernet port, which supports up to 50 GbE. You can connect a Mellanox-compatible active optical QSFP28 cable or passive direct attach copper QSFP28 cable to the ETH 0 connector.

LEDs

The front panel features two LEDs.

Table 4. LED Status
LED Status Description
SPEED Off Link is not established
Lit, Green 50 GbE (maximum) link speed
Lit, Amber <50 GbE link speed
LINK/ACT Off No link
Lit, Green Linked, No activity
Blinking, Green Linked, Activity

Powering Off the PXIe-8280

The PXIe-8280 powers off automatically when the chassis is powered off. You can power off the chassis by shutting down the system controller or by pressing the chassis power button.

Removing the PXIe-8280 from a PXI Express Chassis

To remove the PXIe-8280 from a PXI Express chassis, complete the following steps.
  1. Power off the chassis.
  2. Remove any cables that may be attached to the module front panel.
  3. Unscrew the two bracket-retaining screws in the front panel.
  4. Press the injector/ejector handle down.
  5. Slide the module out of the chassis.

Maintenance

Use a dry, low-velocity stream of air to clean the PXIe-8280 module. If needed, use a soft, nonmetallic brush for cleaning around components.

Make sure the module is completely dry and free from contaminants before returning it to service.

Where to Go Next

The following documents contain information that you might find helpful as you read this document. You can find all publications for your module by going to ni.com/docs and searching for PXIe-8280.

  • PXIe-8280 Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory Information —Packaged with your module, includes important compliance precautions and connection information for your module.
  • PXIe-8280 Specifications —Lists all specifications for your module.
  • NI-RDMA API Reference
  • NI-RDMA Readme
  • Your chassis documentation
  • PXI Express Hardware Specification, Revision 2.0
  • PXI-6 PXI Express Software Specification
  • PICMG CompactPCI Express EXP.0 R1.0 Specification
  • PCI Express Base Specification, Revision 3.0, PCI Special Interest Group