PXIe-8399

The PXIe-8399 is a high-performance MXI-Express remote controller module developed by National Instruments for extending PXI Express (PXIe) systems to an external workstation or server through high-speed PCI Express communication.

Instead of using an embedded PXI controller, the PXIe-8399 enables engineers to leverage the processing power, memory capacity, GPU acceleration, and storage resources of modern desktop workstations while maintaining deterministic communication with PXI instrumentation.

The PXIe-8399 is ideal for applications requiring high data throughput, low latency, and scalable modular instrumentation.

Typical applications include:

• Automated Test Equipment (ATE)
• Semiconductor testing
• RF and wireless communication validation
• High-speed data acquisition
• Aerospace and defense testing
• FPGA-based measurement systems
• Radar and electronic warfare research
• Multi-chassis PXI systems

High-Speed MXI-Express Architecture

The PXIe-8399 extends the PCI Express bus from the host PC directly into the PXI Express chassis.

Key Features

This architecture allows PXI modules to appear as local PCI Express devices to the operating system.

Workstation-Class Computing Performance

One of the primary advantages of the PXIe-8399 is the ability to use external computing resources.

Benefits include:

Powerful Multi-Core CPUs

Run complex automated test sequences efficiently.

GPU Acceleration

Support AI inference, image processing, and RF signal analysis.

Large Memory Capacity

Process and buffer high-speed data streams.

High-Speed Storage

Record large waveform datasets directly to NVMe SSDs.

This flexibility makes the PXIe-8399 ideal for compute-intensive applications.

High-Bandwidth Data Streaming

The PXIe-8399 is designed for continuous high-speed communication between the host PC and PXI instrumentation.

Advantages include:

High PCIe Throughput

Transfer large datasets efficiently.

Low Communication Latency

Improve synchronization between instruments.

Stable Continuous Streaming

Support long-duration measurements.

Deterministic Performance

Maintain timing accuracy for automated testing.

These capabilities are especially valuable when using high-speed digitizers, oscilloscopes, and RF instruments.

Multi-Chassis PXI Expansion

The PXIe-8399 supports scalable test system architectures.

Applications include:

Semiconductor Production Testing

Expand measurement capacity with multiple PXI chassis.

RF Validation Systems

Connect numerous RF instruments under one controller.

Large Switching Systems

Manage hundreds of switching channels.

Data Acquisition Systems

Synchronize distributed measurement hardware.

Multi-chassis capability allows engineers to expand systems without redesigning software.

RF and High-Speed Instrumentation

The PXIe-8399 is commonly deployed with:

• PXIe-5841
• PXIe-5172
• PXIe-7976R
• PXIe oscilloscopes
• PXIe arbitrary waveform generators

Typical applications include:

5G and 6G Research

Wideband RF signal generation and analysis.

Radar Development

Real-time waveform capture and processing.

FPGA-Based Signal Processing

Custom hardware acceleration.

Electronic Intelligence

Wideband RF monitoring and recording.

Software Integration

The PXIe-8399 supports:

• NI MAX
• PXI Platform Services
• LabVIEW
• TestStand
• Python
• C/C++
• .NET

The software ecosystem provides:

• Automatic hardware discovery
• Simplified system configuration
• Deterministic instrument synchronization
• Rapid automated test development

Comparison with Similar NI MXI-Express Controllers

Compared with embedded PXI controllers, the PXIe-8399 provides greater computing flexibility by utilizing modern external workstations. It is particularly well suited for applications requiring high processing performance and scalable instrumentation.

Why Engineers Choose PXIe-8399

Engineers select the PXIe-8399 because it offers:

• High-speed PCI Express communication
• Low-latency PXI control
• Workstation-class computing performance
• Multi-chassis scalability
• Reliable RF data streaming
• Excellent compatibility with PXI Express instruments
• Easy integration with the NI software ecosystem
• Long-term platform scalability

Conclusion

The PXIe-8399 is a powerful remote PXI Express controller that combines high-bandwidth PCI Express communication with the flexibility of external workstation computing.

Its combination of:

• High-speed MXI-Express connectivity
• Low-latency communication
• Multi-chassis expansion
• Excellent RF and FPGA compatibility
• Seamless NI software integration
• Scalable PXI Express architecture
• Reliable automated test performance

makes it an excellent solution for semiconductor testing, RF validation, aerospace research, industrial automation, and large-scale automated measurement systems.