The PXIe-8245 is a four-port Gigabit Ethernet interface module designed to add network connectivity to PXI Express systems. It provides four independent RJ45 ports supporting 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX and 1000BASE-T Ethernet communication.
Installed in a single PXI Express slot, the PXIe-8245 enables communication between PXI hardware and Ethernet-based instruments, industrial devices, networks and external computers. Its four-port architecture is well suited for test systems that require multiple dedicated network connections without relying on an external network interface card.
Key Features of the PXIe-8245
- Four independent Ethernet ports
- Standard RJ45 front-panel connectors
- Supports 10BASE-T Ethernet
- Supports 100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet
- Supports 1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet
- Maximum speed of 1 Gbit/s per port
- IEEE 802.3 Ethernet compatibility
- Intel I210-IT Ethernet controller architecture
- PCI Express Gen2 x4 backplane interface
- Compatible with x4, x8 and x16 PXI Express slots
- Individual link, activity and speed indicators
- Single-slot 3U PXI Express form factor
PXIe-8245 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PXIe-8245 |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 787313-01 |
| Product Type | PXI Ethernet Interface Module |
| Supported Platform | PXI Express |
| Ethernet Standard | IEEE 802.3 |
| Supported Ethernet Types | 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX and 1000BASE-T |
| Number of Ethernet Ports | 4 |
| Connector Type | RJ45 |
| Supported Speeds | 10 Mbit/s, 100 Mbit/s and 1,000 Mbit/s |
| Maximum Speed | 1 Gbit/s per port |
| Ethernet Controller | Intel I210-IT |
| PXI Express Interface | PCI Express Gen2 x4 |
| Compatible Slots | x4, x8 and x16 PXI Express or hybrid slots |
| Form Factor | 3U, single-slot PXI Express module |
| Power Requirement | 3 A at +3.3 V; 0.5 A at +12 V |
| Dimensions | 21.6 cm × 2.0 cm × 13.0 cm |
| Weight | 153 g (5.4 oz) |
| LED Indicators | Link/activity and link speed indicators for each port |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C |
| Operating Humidity | 10% to 90%, noncondensing |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to 71°C |
| Storage Humidity | 5% to 95%, noncondensing |
| Maximum Operating Altitude | 2,000 m |
PXIe-8245 Part Number and Configuration
| Part Number | Ports | Connector | Maximum Port Speed | Backplane Interface |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 787313-01 | 4 | RJ45 | 1 Gbit/s | PCI Express Gen2 x4 |
The standard package includes the PXIe-8245 module and safety, environmental and regulatory documentation. Ethernet cables, PXI Express chassis, controllers, switches and external instruments should be selected separately.
Four Independent Ethernet Ports
The PXIe-8245 provides four RJ45 Ethernet interfaces in a single PXI Express slot. Multiple ports allow a test system to communicate with several Ethernet instruments or network segments without adding an external Ethernet adapter.
Each port can be configured independently with its own IP address, subnet mask and network settings. This makes it possible to isolate instruments on different subnets or maintain separate connections for control, data transfer and facility networking.
10/100/1000BASE-T Support
Each PXIe-8245 port supports automatic connection at 10 Mbit/s, 100 Mbit/s or 1,000 Mbit/s, depending on the capabilities of the connected instrument, switch and Ethernet cable.
This backward compatibility allows the module to communicate with older industrial devices while also supporting modern Gigabit Ethernet instruments and networks.
Standard RJ45 Connectivity
The PXIe-8245 uses standard RJ45 Ethernet connectors, simplifying integration with widely available twisted-pair network cables. For reliable Gigabit Ethernet performance, use properly terminated Cat 5e or higher-category cables suitable for the required installation distance and environment.
RJ45 connectivity makes the module suitable for laboratories, production systems and industrial networks where standard copper Ethernet infrastructure is preferred over optical or direct-attach interfaces.
PCI Express Gen2 x4 Interface
The module communicates with the PXI Express chassis through a PCI Express Gen2 x4 backplane connection. It can be installed in compatible x4, x8 or x16 PXI Express peripheral slots and suitable PXI Express hybrid slots.
When several ports transfer data simultaneously, overall performance also depends on the chassis backplane, PXI controller, operating system, connected equipment and application software.
Intel I210-IT Ethernet Controller
The PXIe-8245 uses Intel I210-IT Ethernet controller technology. With the correct driver installed, the operating system recognizes the module as additional Ethernet network interfaces.
The controller architecture supports standard Ethernet communication and makes the PXIe-8245 suitable for connecting instruments that use TCP/IP, UDP, LXI, Modbus TCP or other Ethernet-based protocols.
Network Segmentation and Instrument Isolation
The four-port configuration allows engineers to place different instruments on separate networks. For example, one port can connect to an Ethernet oscilloscope, another to a programmable power supply, a third to an industrial controller and the fourth to a server or facility network.
Using separate network interfaces can simplify IP address management and reduce unnecessary traffic between instruments. However, the PXIe-8245 does not provide electrical isolation between the Ethernet ports and the PXI system.
Link and Activity Indicators
Each Ethernet port includes a link/activity indicator and a link-speed indicator. These LEDs help confirm that the physical connection is established and show whether data is being transferred.
If an instrument cannot be reached, the indicators provide a quick way to distinguish a physical cable or link problem from an IP configuration or software issue.
Typical Applications
- Ethernet instrument control
- LXI test system integration
- Automated production testing
- Multiple network segment connections
- Industrial Ethernet communication
- Test equipment configuration and monitoring
- Data transfer between PXI and external computers
- Modbus TCP device communication
- Laboratory network integration
- Distributed measurement systems
Software and Driver Compatibility
The PXIe-8245 requires a compatible Ethernet driver for its Intel I210-IT controller. In supported Windows systems, the ports are managed through standard operating-system network settings.
For supported Phar Lap real-time controllers, the Intel 1000e Ethernet driver may be required. On supported NI Linux Real-Time systems, Ethernet drivers are included in the Linux kernel, while NI PXI Platform Services may be required for the ports to appear correctly in NI Measurement & Automation Explorer.
Always verify the PXI controller operating system, NI software version and driver compatibility before purchasing or installing the module.
Programming and Instrument Communication
Because the PXIe-8245 functions as a standard Ethernet interface, applications can use common network communication protocols. LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, Measurement Studio, Python, C, C++ and other supported environments can communicate with connected equipment through appropriate network or instrument drivers.
NI-VISA can be used with compatible Ethernet and LXI instruments. Devices using manufacturer-specific protocols may require their own instrument driver or direct TCP/IP and UDP communication.
PXI Express Chassis Integration
The PXIe-8245 occupies one 3U PXI Express peripheral slot. It is compatible with x4, x8 and x16 PXI Express or suitable hybrid slots, providing flexibility when selecting a chassis position.
Before installation, review the chassis slot map, cooling capacity and controller compatibility. Maintain unobstructed chassis airflow, especially when the Ethernet ports are used continuously in high-traffic applications.
PXIe-8245 Installation Guidance
- Power off the PXI Express chassis before installing the module.
- Install the module in a compatible x4, x8 or x16 PXI Express slot.
- Secure the front panel using the module retaining screws.
- Install the appropriate Ethernet controller driver.
- Restart the PXI controller after driver installation.
- Connect instruments using suitable Ethernet cables.
- Configure the IP address and subnet for each interface.
- Verify communication with one connected device at a time.
PXIe-8245 Troubleshooting
The module does not appear in the operating system
Confirm that the module is installed in a compatible PXI Express slot and that the required Intel I210-IT driver is installed. Restart the controller after installing or updating the driver.
The ports do not appear in NI MAX
Verify the controller operating system and install the required NI PXI Platform Services. Real-time systems may also require the appropriate Ethernet driver package.
An instrument cannot be reached
Check that the PXIe-8245 port and instrument are configured on compatible IP subnets. Confirm the IP address, subnet mask, cable connection and instrument network settings.
The connection operates below 1 Gbit/s
Verify that the connected device, network switch and cable support 1000BASE-T. Damaged or lower-category Ethernet cables may cause the connection to negotiate at 100 Mbit/s or 10 Mbit/s.
The port numbers do not match the operating-system order
The operating system may enumerate the Ethernet interfaces in an order different from the front-panel layout. Connect one port at a time and monitor its link indicator to identify the corresponding network interface.
Multiple ports have communication conflicts
Check for duplicate IP addresses and overlapping network configurations. When using separate instrument networks, assign each port to a distinct subnet unless network bridging or routing is intentionally configured.
PXIe-8245 Compared with Related Ethernet Modules
| Model | Ports | Maximum Port Speed | Connector | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PXIe-8245 | 4 | 1 Gbit/s | RJ45 | Multiple standard Ethernet instrument connections |
| PXIe-8238 | 2 | 10 Gbit/s | SFP+ | Higher-bandwidth dual-port Ethernet networking |
| PXIe-8240 | 2 | 40 Gbit/s | QSFP+ | High-volume data streaming and storage connections |
| PXIe-8285 | 2 | 25 Gbit/s | SFP28 | High-performance RDMA and RoCE networks |
Recommended Related Products
- NI PXIe-8238 10 Gigabit Ethernet Module – Recommended when higher network bandwidth is more important than having four RJ45 ports.
- NI PXIe-8240 40 Gigabit Ethernet Module – Suitable for high-throughput data transfer using QSFP+ copper or optical connections.
- NI PXIe-8285 25 Gigabit RDMA Ethernet Module – Designed for high-performance SFP28 networking with RDMA over Converged Ethernet.
- NI PXIe-1092 PXI Express Chassis – A compact chassis option for building Ethernet-connected PXI test systems.
How to Select the Correct PXI Ethernet Module
Choose the PXIe-8245 when the application requires up to four standard RJ45 Ethernet connections and a maximum speed of 1 Gbit/s per port. It is a practical choice for instrument control, network segmentation and industrial Ethernet communication.
Select the PXIe-8238, PXIe-8240 or PXIe-8285 when the application requires substantially higher network throughput. These models use SFP+, QSFP+ or SFP28 connections rather than standard RJ45 cabling.
Why Choose the PXIe-8245?
- Adds four Ethernet ports in one PXI Express slot
- Uses widely available RJ45 network cables
- Supports 10, 100 and 1,000 Mbit/s devices
- Allows independent network configuration for each port
- Supports Windows and selected real-time environments
- Integrates Ethernet instruments into modular PXI systems
- Suitable for both new and existing test platforms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PXIe-8245 used for?
The PXIe-8245 adds four Ethernet ports to a PXI Express system for communicating with instruments, industrial equipment, networks and external computers.
What is the part number for the PXIe-8245?
The standard NI part number is 787313-01.
How many Ethernet ports does it provide?
The module provides four independent RJ45 Ethernet ports.
What Ethernet speeds are supported?
Each port supports 10 Mbit/s, 100 Mbit/s and 1,000 Mbit/s Ethernet communication.
Does the PXIe-8245 provide PoE?
No. The PXIe-8245 is a standard Ethernet interface and does not provide Power over Ethernet to connected devices.
Can the ports use different IP addresses?
Yes. Each Ethernet interface can be configured independently with its own IP address and network settings.
Which PXI Express slots are compatible?
The module is compatible with x4, x8 and x16 PXI Express peripheral slots and suitable PXI Express hybrid slots.
Does it support NI real-time controllers?
It supports selected real-time environments when the correct driver and NI PXI Platform Services are installed. Compatibility should be verified for the specific controller and operating-system version.
What cables are required?
Use standard twisted-pair Ethernet cables. Cat 5e or higher-category cables are recommended for Gigabit Ethernet operation.
Request a Quote for the PXIe-8245
Contact us for current availability, lead time and project pricing for the PXIe-8245 Four-Port Gigabit Ethernet Interface Module. We can also help identify compatible PXI Express chassis, controllers, Ethernet cables and higher-bandwidth network interface modules.
