PXIe-8523 4-Port Automotive Ethernet Interface
The PXIe-8523 is a four-port PXI Express Automotive Ethernet interface designed for testing 100BASE-T1 and 1000BASE-T1 networks. It can operate as four independent network endpoints or as two bidirectional network terminal access points for monitoring traffic between connected automotive devices.
The module combines single-pair Ethernet physical interfaces with hardware timestamping, IEEE 802.1AS network synchronization, PXI trigger integration and NI-XNET software support. It is suitable for automotive ECU validation, in-vehicle network analysis, restbus simulation, protocol testing and hardware-in-the-loop systems.
Key Features of the PXIe-8523
- Four independent Automotive Ethernet ports
- 100BASE-T1 and 1000BASE-T1 link support
- Four-endpoint operating mode
- Two network TAP operating mode
- Onboard hardware timestamping
- IEEE 802.1AS network-time synchronization
- Raw Ethernet, TCP/IP and UDP/IP support
- AVB and AVTP protocol support
- Four independently disciplined network timebases
- PXI trigger-line integration
- 1 MHz and 1 PPS clock export capability
- Gen 2 x4 PXI Express interface
- NI-XNET software support
- Compatible with LabVIEW and VeriStand test systems
PXIe-8523 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PXIe-8523 |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 787311-01 |
| Product Type | PXI Automotive Ethernet interface module |
| Number of Ports | 4 |
| Supported Physical Layers | 100BASE-T1 and 1000BASE-T1 |
| Endpoint Configuration | Up to four independent endpoints |
| TAP Configuration | Up to two bidirectional network TAPs |
| Typical TAP Latency at 100 Mb/s | 2 µs |
| Typical TAP Latency at 1 Gb/s | 5.55 µs |
| Supported Protocols | IEEE 802.3 Raw Ethernet, TCP/IP, UDP/IP, AVB, AVTP and IEEE 802.1AS |
| Ethernet PHY | Broadcom BCM89881 |
| Local Timebase | 100 MHz shared by all ports |
| Network Timebases | Four 125 MHz timebases, one per port |
| Hardware Timestamps | Four timestamp resources, one per port |
| Time Triggers | Four, generated from local or network time |
| Trigger Lines | PXI_Trig 0 through PXI_Trig 7 |
| Exported Clocks | 1 MHz and 1 PPS per port |
| Bus Interface | PXI Express Gen 2 x4 |
| Front Connectors | Four Weidmüller BLF 3.50 three-position connectors |
| Dimensions | 160 mm × 100 mm, 3U CompactPCI format |
| Weight | Approximately 200 g |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C |
| Software Driver | NI-XNET |
PXIe-8523 Part Number and Connectivity
| Item | Part Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PXIe-8523 | 787311-01 | Four-port 100/1000BASE-T1 Automotive Ethernet interface |
| Three-Position Spring Connector | Verify replacement quantity when ordering | Provides TRX_P, TRX_M and optional shield connections |
| Automotive Ethernet Cable | Application dependent | Single-pair cable selected for 100BASE-T1 or 1000BASE-T1 fixtures |
The front connector provides transceiver-plus, transceiver-minus and optional shield connections. Use automotive-grade twisted-pair cable and maintain the required characteristic impedance throughout the fixture.
Four-Endpoint Mode
In endpoint mode, each PXIe-8523 port acts as an independent Automotive Ethernet network interface. A port can communicate directly with an ECU, sensor, gateway, camera or another network endpoint.
Each endpoint can be independently configured for 100 Mb/s or 1 Gb/s operation. This allows one module to communicate with devices using different Automotive Ethernet link speeds.
Two-TAP Monitoring Mode
In TAP mode, two ports form one inline monitoring pair. Traffic passes between the two connected devices while the PXIe-8523 captures and timestamps Ethernet frames.
Using all four ports allows the module to create two separate TAPs. This is useful for observing ECU-to-ECU communication without changing the logical network structure.
The TAP introduces finite latency, so timing-sensitive systems should account for approximately 2 µs at 100 Mb/s or 5.55 µs at 1 Gb/s.
Hardware Timestamping
Hardware timestamps record frame timing closer to the physical network interface than software-based timestamps. This improves repeatability when measuring packet latency, message periodicity, synchronization behavior or network jitter.
Each port has a timestamp resource that can capture both local and network time. PXI trigger lines can also initiate timestamp capture.
IEEE 802.1AS Synchronization
The PXIe-8523 supports IEEE 802.1AS time synchronization for applications requiring a shared network-time reference. Each port has an independently disciplined 125 MHz network timebase.
A port can follow an external grandmaster when operating as a time slave. If synchronized network time is unavailable, it can fall back to the module’s local timebase.
AVB and Time-Sensitive Applications
Support for IEEE 802.1Qav, AVTP and IEEE 802.1AS makes the module suitable for audio, video and other time-sensitive Automotive Ethernet applications.
The PXIe-8523 can capture AVB traffic, inspect packet timing and help verify how an ECU responds to time synchronization and traffic scheduling.
Raw Ethernet, TCP and UDP Communication
The module supports raw IEEE 802.3 Ethernet frames as well as TCP/IP and UDP/IP communication. Raw frame access is useful for protocol validation, custom Ethernet traffic and negative testing.
TCP provides connection-oriented transport, while UDP can support lower-overhead real-time traffic. The correct protocol depends on the DUT and test requirements.
PXI Trigger Integration
PXI trigger lines 0 through 7 can coordinate Ethernet events with other instruments in the chassis. For example, an Ethernet frame can be correlated with analog measurements, CAN traffic or ECU power events.
The module can export network-disciplined 1 MHz clocks, 1 PPS signals and time triggers onto supported PXI trigger lines.
Typical PXIe-8523 Applications
- Automotive ECU validation
- 100BASE-T1 and 1000BASE-T1 testing
- Automotive Ethernet traffic monitoring
- Network TAP applications
- Restbus simulation
- ADAS sensor and camera-network testing
- Automotive gateway validation
- AVB and time-sensitive network testing
- Hardware-in-the-loop simulation
- Packet-latency measurement
- Production end-of-line testing
- Multi-bus vehicle-network correlation
NI-XNET Software Support
The PXIe-8523 is configured and controlled through NI-XNET. NI-XNET provides interfaces for Ethernet communication, hardware timestamps, network time, frame transfer and integration with other supported automotive networks.
The module can be used from LabVIEW and incorporated into NI VeriStand hardware-in-the-loop systems. Confirm driver and operating-system compatibility before deployment, especially when using NI Linux Real-Time.
PXIe-8523 Troubleshooting
An Automotive Ethernet link does not establish
Verify that both devices use the same 100BASE-T1 or 1000BASE-T1 speed. Check master/slave configuration, cable polarity, cable impedance and connector wiring.
TAP traffic is not captured
Confirm that the two physical ports are assigned to the same TAP and that the monitoring application is reading the correct interface.
Packet timestamps do not match other instruments
Verify whether the application uses local time or IEEE 802.1AS network time. Confirm the grandmaster connection and PXI trigger routing.
The link works at 100 Mb/s but not at 1 Gb/s
Check that the DUT, transceiver and fixture all support 1000BASE-T1. Inspect cable length, twisting, connector quality and electromagnetic interference.
The module is detected but no operating-system Ethernet adapter appears
The PXIe-8523 is primarily an NI-XNET automotive interface. Verify the selected port mode, driver version and whether an OS-adapter mode is supported in the installed environment.
PXIe-8523 vs PXIe-8522
| Feature | PXIe-8523 | PXIe-8522 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Ports | 4 | Model-specific configuration |
| Supported Link Speeds | 100 and 1000 Mb/s | Configuration dependent |
| TAP Operation | Up to two TAPs | Check selected hardware configuration |
| Best Suited For | High-density endpoint and TAP testing | Automotive Ethernet applications with different channel requirements |
Recommended Related Products
- PXIe-8522 Automotive Ethernet Interface
- PXIe-8520 Automotive Ethernet Interface
- PXI-8531 CANopen Interface
- PXI-8532 DeviceNet Interface
- PXIe-1488 FPD-Link Interface
- PXIe-1489 Automotive Video Interface
- View More NI PXI Modules
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PXIe-8523?
The PXIe-8523 is a four-port 100BASE-T1 and 1000BASE-T1 Automotive Ethernet interface for endpoint communication, network monitoring and automated testing.
How many endpoints can it provide?
It can provide as many as four independent Automotive Ethernet endpoints.
How many network TAPs can it create?
Its four ports can be arranged as two bidirectional network TAPs.
Does it support hardware timestamping?
Yes. Each port provides hardware-timestamp resources associated with local and network time.
Does the PXIe-8523 support IEEE 802.1AS?
Yes. It supports IEEE 802.1AS network-time synchronization.
Which driver controls the module?
The PXIe-8523 is controlled through NI-XNET.
What is the PXIe-8523 part number?
The NI ordering part number is 787311-01.
Request a Quote for the PXIe-8523
Contact us for current availability, lead time and project pricing for the PXIe-8523 4-Port Automotive Ethernet Interface. We can also help identify compatible spring connectors, 100/1000BASE-T1 cables, PXI Express chassis and related automotive test modules.
