PXIe-8361

The PXIe-8361 is a PXI Remote Control Module from National Instruments, designed for remote control of PXI and CompactPCI systems from a host PC. As an x1 MXI-Express interface module, the NI PXIe-8361 provides a transparent PCI Express connection between a computer and a PXI chassis. It is installed in a PXI chassis and works with a compatible PCI-8361 installed in the host PC through a copper x1 MXI-Express cable. NI lists the PXIe-8361 with part number 779700-02.

The NI PXIe-8361 allows users to control a PXI or CompactPCI chassis without using an embedded PXI controller. Instead, the system can be controlled by an external desktop PC equipped with a PCI-8361 interface. This architecture is useful for test systems where the user wants to keep the processing computer separate from the PXI chassis, reduce controller cost, or use a standard PC for software development, data processing, and instrument control.

One of the main advantages of the PXIe-8361 PXI Remote Control Module is its transparent MXI-Express link. This link allows the PXI chassis to appear to the host computer as if the PXI modules were installed locally on the PCI bus. Because of this transparent connection, engineers can use PXI instruments in the chassis while running software on the external host PC. NI describes the PXIe-8361 as using a PCI Express-to-PCI bridge to interface with the PCI-8361 through a copper x1 MXI-Express cable.

The National Instruments PXIe-8361 provides a 214 MB/s PXI remote control interface, making it suitable for general PXI instrumentation control, data acquisition, automated test, and modular measurement systems. It is especially useful for applications where users need remote chassis control but do not require the higher bandwidth of newer MXI-Express or Thunderbolt-based PXI controllers.

In system integration, the PXIe-8361 can be used to connect an external PC to a PXI chassis for controlling modules such as DAQ cards, digital I/O modules, switch modules, source measure units, waveform generators, and other PXI or CompactPCI instruments. This makes it a practical solution for laboratory test systems, production test stations, industrial automation setups, and legacy PXI platforms that require PC-based control.

The PXIe-8361 MXI-Express Remote Control Module uses an x1 PCI Express copper cable connection and supports high-speed communication between the host PC and the PXI chassis. Third-party technical listings describe the PXIe-8361 as supporting 2.5 Gb/s transmission in both directions, dual-simplex communication, and plug-and-play operation with PXI Express systems.

For environmental and physical specifications, technical listings describe the PXIe-8361 as operating from 0 °C to 55 °C, with a storage temperature range of -40 °C to 71 °C. The module dimensions are listed as approximately 10.0 cm × 16.0 cm / 3.9 in. × 6.3 in., making it a standard 3U PXI-style module suitable for installation in compatible PXI chassis.

Overall, the NI PXIe-8361 PXI Remote Control Module is a practical remote-control solution for PXI and CompactPCI systems. With its x1 MXI-Express interface, 214 MB/s remote control bandwidth, PCI Express-to-PCI bridge architecture, copper cable connection, and compatibility with PCI-8361 host interfaces, the PXIe-8361 is well suited for PC-based PXI control, modular instrumentation, automated test, and legacy PXI system integration.