PXIe-8821

The PXIe-8821 is a PXI Embedded Controller from National Instruments, designed for PXI Express automated test, industrial control, data acquisition, and modular measurement systems. As an Intel Core i3-based embedded controller, the NI PXIe-8821 provides a compact PC-based control platform inside a PXI Express chassis. It features a 2.6 GHz dual-core processor, making it suitable for general-purpose PXI system control, test automation, and measurement applications. NI lists the PXIe-8821 as no longer available and suggests the PXIe-8822 as a replacement model.

The NI PXIe-8821 is used as the main controller in a PXI Express chassis. Instead of using an external desktop computer to control the chassis, engineers can install the PXIe-8821 directly into the PXI system to create a more compact, integrated, and portable test platform. This design helps reduce external cabling, simplify system setup, and improve reliability in automated test environments.

For connectivity, the PXIe-8821 PXI Controller includes a 10/100/1000BASE-TX Gigabit Ethernet port, two Hi-Speed USB ports, two USB 3.0 ports, an integrated hard drive, a serial port, and other peripheral I/O. These interfaces allow users to connect network systems, USB peripherals, external instruments, serial devices, and other test accessories. The Gigabit Ethernet port is useful for remote communication, network-based test systems, and industrial control integration.

The National Instruments PXIe-8821 is suitable for controlling PXI and PXI Express modules installed in the same chassis. It can be used with digitizers, oscilloscopes, signal generators, switch modules, source measure units, RF instruments, digital I/O modules, and multifunction DAQ modules. By using an embedded controller, engineers can build a self-contained PXI system for synchronized measurement, signal generation, switching, and automated control.

According to NI’s PXI Express embedded controller comparison table, the PXIe-8821 uses an Intel Core i3-4110E processor, has 2 processor cores, 2 GB standard memory, up to 8 GB maximum memory, 2 GB/s system bandwidth, and 320 GB HDD storage. This places the PXIe-8821 as an entry-level to mid-range PXI controller for systems that require stable control performance but do not need the highest processing power.

The PXIe-8821 Embedded Controller is well suited for applications such as production test stations, laboratory automation, industrial data acquisition, electronic functional test, research measurement, and compact PXI-based control systems. Compared with higher-performance controllers, the PXIe-8821 is more appropriate for moderate workloads, standard DAQ applications, and test systems where cost, compatibility, and compact integration are important.

Overall, the NI PXIe-8821 PXI Embedded Controller is a reliable controller for PXI Express systems that require compact system control, network connectivity, USB peripheral support, and integrated storage. With its 2.6 GHz dual-core Intel Core i3 processor, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, Hi-Speed USB, serial port, integrated hard drive, and PXI Express platform compatibility, the PXIe-8821 is suitable for automated test, industrial control, data acquisition, and modular measurement applications.