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Chapter 2
Installation and Configuration
MXI-Express Gen II x8 Series User Manual
2-8
ni.com
Cabling
Table 2-2 shows the various MXI-Express x8 copper cables available from
National Instruments.
Connect the MXI-Express x8 cable to both MXI-Express Gen II x8 cards.
The cables have no polarity, so either end may be connected to either card.
Caution
Do
not
remove the cable after the system is powered on. Doing so can hang
or cause errors in applications communicating with devices behind MXI-Express Gen II
x8. If a cable becomes unplugged, plug it back into the system. You will need to restart your
computer.
Powering On the MXI-Express Gen II x8 System
1.
Power on all of the expansion chassis in any order you choose.
2.
Power on the host.
Connected chassis that are controlled by a NI PXIe-8381 will
automatically power on.
The NI PXIe-8381 has a built in feature that powers on/off the chassis
that it is controlling when the host system is powered on/off. This feature
can be avoided by manually powering on the downstream chassis prior
to the host system.
Note
There are no requirements for how expansion chassis are powered up relative to each
other, as long as they are all on before the computer is powered on.
Observe the LED status on the NI PCIe-8381, NI PXIe-8381, and
NI PXIe-8384 where applicable. A properly connected and powered up
system should report a valid link and power status on
all
of these boards
once the host PC is powered on. Refer to the
section for
more information.
Table 2-2.
National Instruments MXI-Express x8 Copper Cables
Cable Length
(Meters)
Description
Part Number
3 m
MXI-Express x8 copper cable
782317-03
5 m
MXI-Express x8 copper cable
782317-05