The PXIe-8240 is a dual-port 40 Gigabit Ethernet interface module designed for high-throughput PXI Express systems. Based on the Intel XL710 Ethernet controller, it provides two QSFP+ ports in a compact, single-slot 3U PXI Express module.
Each Ethernet port supports data rates up to 40 Gbit/s and is compatible with supported copper direct-attach and 40GBASE-SR4 optical connections. The PXIe-8240 is suitable for transferring large test datasets to external servers, network storage systems and other PXI Express platforms.
Key Features of the PXIe-8240
- Two 40 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- QSFP+ front-panel connectors
- Up to 40 Gbit/s data rate per port
- Intel XL710 40 Gigabit Ethernet controller
- Supports 40GBASE-SR4 optical connections
- Supports compatible copper direct-attach cables
- 10 Gigabit and 40 Gigabit link operation
- PCI Express Gen3 x8 backplane connection
- High-bandwidth, low-latency PXI Express communication
- Automatic crossover capability
- Link speed and activity LED indicators
- Single-slot 3U PXI Express form factor
PXIe-8240 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PXIe-8240 |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 784977-01 |
| Product Type | PXI Ethernet Interface Module |
| Supported Platform | PXI Express |
| Ethernet Controller | Intel XL710 |
| Number of Ethernet Ports | 2 |
| Connector Type | QSFP+ |
| Maximum Data Rate | 40 Gbit/s per port |
| Supported Link Speeds | 10 Gbit/s and 40 Gbit/s |
| Supported Physical Media | 40GBASE-SR4 optical and copper direct attach |
| PXI Express Link | PCI Express Gen3 x8 |
| Slot Requirement | One PXI Express peripheral slot |
| Form Factor | Single-slot 3U PXI Express module |
| Typical Power Consumption | 15.31 W |
| Maximum Power Consumption | 22.97 W |
| Typical Weight | 246.2 g (0.54 lb) |
| 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-8240 Part Number and Configuration
| Part Number | Ports | Maximum Speed | Connector | Backplane Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 784977-01 | 2 | 40 Gbit/s per port | QSFP+ | PCI Express Gen3 x8 |
The standard package includes the PXIe-8240 module and safety, environmental and regulatory documentation. QSFP+ transceivers, optical assemblies, copper direct-attach cables, PXI chassis and controllers should be ordered separately.
Dual-Port 40 Gigabit Ethernet Connectivity
The PXIe-8240 provides two independent QSFP+ Ethernet ports, each supporting data rates up to 40 Gbit/s. The dual-port design allows engineers to connect a PXI system to storage, servers, switches or another PXI system through separate network paths.
Actual sustained throughput depends on the selected cable or transceiver, network configuration, PXI Express backplane bandwidth, controller performance, storage speed, packet size and software implementation.
Intel XL710 Ethernet Controller
The PXIe-8240 is based on the Intel XL710 40 Gigabit Ethernet controller. This established Ethernet architecture enables the module to function as a high-speed network interface within a compatible PXI Express system.
Once the required driver is installed, the operating system can enumerate the module as additional Ethernet network interfaces. Each port can then be configured with an appropriate static or automatically assigned IP address.
QSFP+ Copper and Optical Connectivity
The module supports compatible QSFP+ copper direct-attach connections and 40GBASE-SR4 optical media. Copper direct-attach cables are generally suitable for short connections within a rack, while optical connections are useful when longer cable distances or electrical isolation between systems are required.
QSFP+ modules and cables must be compatible with the Intel XL710 Ethernet adapter architecture. Connector type alone does not guarantee electrical, optical or firmware compatibility.
PCI Express Gen3 x8 Backplane Interface
The PXIe-8240 communicates with the PXI Express chassis through a PCI Express Gen3 x8 link. For maximum performance, install it in a PXI Express peripheral slot that provides a complete Gen3 x8 connection to the system controller.
The module may not achieve its maximum network throughput if it is installed in a slot with fewer PCI Express lanes, a lower PCI Express generation or a shared backplane path with insufficient bandwidth.
High-Speed Data Streaming
The PXIe-8240 can transfer large volumes of measurement data from a PXI Express system to an external server or network-attached storage solution. This is useful when onboard controller storage cannot accommodate continuous high-speed recording.
It can also support data exchange and aggregation between multiple PXI Express systems, allowing distributed test platforms to move measurement results through a high-bandwidth Ethernet infrastructure.
Link Speed and Activity Indicators
Each Ethernet port includes front-panel indicators for connection speed and network activity. A green speed indicator represents a 40 Gbit/s link, while a yellow speed indicator represents a 10 Gbit/s link.
The link and activity indicator remains illuminated when a network connection is established and flashes during data transfer. These indicators provide a quick way to identify connection and link-speed problems.
Typical Applications
- High-speed measurement data streaming
- PXI-to-server data transfer
- Network-attached storage integration
- Distributed PXI test systems
- Multichassis data aggregation
- RF signal recording systems
- High-speed digitizer data transfer
- Semiconductor test data collection
- Automated validation systems
- Research and laboratory data infrastructure
Software and Driver Requirements
The PXIe-8240 requires the appropriate Ethernet controller driver for the operating system used by the PXI controller. After installation, network settings can generally be configured through the operating system in the same manner as other Ethernet adapters.
Applications can use standard network communication methods, including TCP/IP and UDP, depending on system requirements. LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, Measurement Studio and supported third-party programming environments can communicate through standard operating-system network interfaces.
The PXIe-8240 is not supported as an Ethernet interface under certain legacy Phar Lap real-time configurations. Verify controller operating-system and driver compatibility before purchasing the module.
PXI Express Chassis Compatibility
The PXIe-8240 requires one compatible PXI Express peripheral slot. For the highest throughput, the selected slot should provide a dedicated PCI Express Gen3 x8 backplane connection.
A high-bandwidth chassis such as the NI PXIe-1085 PXI Express Chassis is suitable for applications that need to utilize the module’s maximum backplane performance. Always verify the chassis slot diagram because available lane width can vary between slots.
PXIe-8240 Installation Guidance
- Power off the PXI Express chassis before installing the module.
- Select a PXI Express peripheral slot with Gen3 x8 connectivity.
- Secure the module using the front-panel retaining screws.
- Install the required Intel XL710-compatible Ethernet driver.
- Use a supported QSFP+ cable or optical transceiver.
- Configure the IP address, subnet and other network parameters.
- Verify the negotiated link speed using the front-panel LEDs.
- Test network throughput before beginning critical acquisition tasks.
PXIe-8240 Troubleshooting
The module is not detected
Confirm that the PXIe-8240 is fully seated in a compatible PXI Express peripheral slot. Check Windows Device Manager or the relevant operating-system interface and install the required driver for the Intel XL710 Ethernet controller.
The Ethernet link does not become active
Verify that the QSFP+ module or direct-attach cable is compatible with the Intel XL710 controller. Inspect both ends of the connection and confirm that the connected switch, server or storage device supports the selected network standard.
The module connects at only 10 Gbit/s
Check the speed indicator and verify the capabilities of the connected equipment, transceiver and cable. A yellow speed LED indicates a 10 Gbit/s connection, while green indicates a 40 Gbit/s link.
Network throughput is lower than expected
Confirm that the module is installed in a Gen3 x8 PXI Express slot. Also check the controller, storage device, packet size, network switch, processor load and software settings. Maximum link speed does not guarantee the same sustained application throughput.
The ports appear in an unexpected order
Operating systems may enumerate Ethernet interfaces in an order that does not correspond directly to their front-panel positions. Identify each interface by connecting one port at a time and observing its link status.
The module is unavailable in a real-time controller
Verify driver and operating-system support. The Intel XL710 controller used by the PXIe-8240 is not supported by certain legacy Phar Lap real-time systems.
PXIe-8240 Compared with Related Ethernet Modules
| Model | Ports | Maximum Port Speed | Connector | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PXIe-8240 | 2 | 40 Gbit/s | QSFP+ | High-throughput Ethernet and external storage connections |
| PXIe-8238 | 2 | 10 Gbit/s | SFP+ | Dual-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet applications |
| PXIe-8245 | 4 | 1 Gbit/s | RJ45 | Multiple standard Gigabit Ethernet connections |
| PXIe-8285 | 2 | 25 Gbit/s | SFP28 | New systems requiring RDMA and RoCE connectivity |
Recommended Related Products
- NI PXIe-8238 10 Gigabit Ethernet Module – Suitable when two SFP+ ports and 10 Gigabit Ethernet bandwidth meet the system requirements.
- NI PXIe-8245 Four-Port Gigabit Ethernet Module – Recommended for systems requiring multiple RJ45 connections rather than QSFP+ networking.
- NI PXIe-8285 25 Gigabit RDMA Ethernet Module – An active alternative for new systems requiring SFP28 connectivity and RDMA over Converged Ethernet.
- NI PXIe-1085 PXI Express Chassis – A high-bandwidth chassis option with slots suitable for demanding PXI Express data-transfer applications.
How to Select the Correct PXI Ethernet Module
Choose the PXIe-8240 when the system requires dual-port QSFP+ connectivity and Ethernet speeds up to 40 Gbit/s. It is particularly suitable for moving large datasets between a PXI system, external storage and high-performance servers.
Choose the PXIe-8238 for 10 Gigabit SFP+ networks, or the PXIe-8245 when several standard RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet ports are required. For new systems requiring RDMA or RoCE, consider the PXIe-8285 and verify that its 25 Gigabit SFP28 interface matches the network infrastructure.
Why Choose the PXIe-8240?
- Provides two high-speed 40 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Supports both copper and optical network connections
- Uses an established Intel XL710 Ethernet controller
- Offers a high-bandwidth PCI Express Gen3 x8 interface
- Occupies only one PXI Express peripheral slot
- Supports data transfer to servers and external storage
- Integrates high-speed networking into modular PXI systems
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PXIe-8240?
The PXIe-8240 is a dual-port 40 Gigabit Ethernet interface module for PXI Express systems.
What is the PXIe-8240 part number?
The standard NI part number is 784977-01.
How many Ethernet ports does it provide?
The module provides two QSFP+ Ethernet ports.
What is the maximum data rate?
Each port supports a data rate of up to 40 Gbit/s. Actual application throughput depends on the complete system configuration.
Which Ethernet controller does it use?
The PXIe-8240 is based on the Intel XL710 40 Gigabit Ethernet controller.
Does it support optical cables?
Yes. It supports compatible 40GBASE-SR4 optical connections as well as supported copper direct-attach cables.
Which PXI Express slot is recommended?
A PCI Express Gen3 x8 PXI Express peripheral slot is recommended for maximum performance.
Can it transfer data to external storage?
Yes. A primary application of the PXIe-8240 is transferring high-volume measurement data from a PXI Express system to external servers or network storage.
Is the PXIe-8240 recommended for new designs?
NI currently classifies the PXIe-8240 as a mature product and does not recommend it for new designs. The PXIe-8285 may be considered for new systems, but its 25 Gigabit SFP28 and RDMA architecture is not a direct connection-compatible replacement for every PXIe-8240 application.
Request a Quote for the PXIe-8240
Contact us for current availability, lead time and project pricing for the PXIe-8240 Dual-Port 40 Gigabit Ethernet Interface Module. We can also help verify compatible PXI Express chassis, controllers, QSFP+ cables, optical transceivers and alternative Ethernet modules.
