Product Introduction
Земля NI PXIe-8623 is a 4-port, 100/1000BASE-T PXI Express Ethernet interface module designed for automotive Ethernet testing, electronic control unit (ECU) validation, network monitoring, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) systems, and automated vehicle communication testing.
The PXIe-8623 provides four Ethernet ports supporting 100 Mbit/s and 1 Gbit/s Ethernet communication. It can operate as up to four independent Ethernet endpoints or as up to two network Terminal Access Points (TAPs), providing a flexible platform for communicating with and monitoring automotive Ethernet networks.
With onboard hardware timestamping, IEEE 802.1AS synchronization capabilities, PXI Express integration, and support for the NI-XNET driver, the PXIe-8623 is particularly suitable for synchronized automotive network testing and ECU validation.
Product Overview
Земля National Instruments PXIe-8623 is a specialized PXI Ethernet interface module for applications that require deterministic network measurement, accurate packet timestamping, and synchronization between Ethernet networks and PXI instrumentation.
Unlike a conventional Ethernet network interface card used primarily for general computer networking, the PXIe-8623 is designed specifically for test and measurement applications.
It can interface automotive ECUs and Ethernet networks with a modular PXI test system while providing precise timing information required for network analysis and synchronized validation.
Key Features
Four Ethernet Ports
The PXIe-8623 provides four independent Ethernet ports on a single PXI Express module.
- 4 Ethernet ports
- Multiple independent network interfaces
- Automotive Ethernet connectivity
- ECU communication testing
- Network monitoring
- Automated test integration
Advantage: Multiple Ethernet interfaces allow one PXI module to communicate with several network devices or monitor multiple Ethernet links within an automotive test system.
100/1000BASE-T Ethernet
The PXIe-8623 supports 100BASE-T and 1000BASE-T Ethernet over unshielded twisted-pair cabling.
| Ethernet Standard | Data Rate |
|---|---|
| 100BASE-T | 100 Mbit/s |
| 1000BASE-T | 1 Gbit/s |
This provides compatibility with 100 Mbit/s and Gigabit Ethernet networks used in compatible automotive and embedded communication applications.
Up to Four Independent Endpoints
The PXIe-8623 can operate as up to four separate Ethernet endpoints.
Each endpoint can participate in an Ethernet network as an independent interface, allowing the PXI test system to communicate directly with multiple network devices.
Typical endpoint applications include:
- ECU communication
- Automotive Ethernet simulation
- Network traffic generation
- ECU functional validation
- Multi-network test systems
Up to Two Network TAPs
The PXIe-8623 can also provide up to two network Terminal Access Points (TAPs).
A network TAP allows traffic passing between two Ethernet devices to be monitored by the test system.
A simplified configuration can be represented as:
ECU A → PXIe-8623 TAP → ECU B
The PXI system can observe network traffic flowing between the devices for analysis, validation, and troubleshooting.
Onboard Hardware Timestamping
The PXIe-8623 features onboard hardware timestamping for Ethernet traffic.
Hardware timestamping provides precise timing information associated with network frames and is particularly important when engineers need to analyze the timing relationships between network events.
- Accurate Ethernet frame timing
- Network latency analysis
- Message timing verification
- Event correlation
- Automotive network validation
- Synchronized test measurements
IEEE 802.1AS Time Synchronization
The PXIe-8623 supports IEEE 802.1AS time synchronization.
The module can operate as up to four separate 802.1AS masters or slaves, allowing the PXI test system to synchronize with an external Ethernet network.
- 802.1AS synchronization
- Master operation
- Slave operation
- External network synchronization
- PXI system synchronization
- Time-aware automotive testing
Advantage: Network communication events can be correlated with measurements performed by other instruments in the PXI system.
Synchronization with PXI Instruments
One of the major advantages of the PXIe-8623 is its ability to integrate Ethernet communication with the timing architecture of a PXI test system.
This allows engineers to correlate network events with:
- Analog measurements
- Digital measurements
- CAN связь
- LIN-коммуникация
- Sensor simulation
- RF measurements
- DUT stimulus
This capability is particularly useful in ECU and HIL validation systems where communication and physical I/O events must be analyzed on a common time base.
NI-XNET Driver Support
The PXIe-8623 is designed for application development using the NI-XNET driver.
NI-XNET provides a software interface for developing automotive and embedded network test applications.
- NI-XNET integration
- Automated network communication
- Programmatic Ethernet testing
- ECU validation applications
- Automotive test automation
Front-Panel Network LEDs
The PXIe-8623 includes front-panel LEDs that provide visual indication of network link and activity.
- Network link indication
- Network activity monitoring
- System troubleshooting
- Quick connection verification
These indicators help engineers quickly determine whether the Ethernet connections are active during system setup and troubleshooting.
PXI Express Architecture
The PXIe-8623 uses a PXI Express interface for integration into modular automated test systems.
PXI Express allows the Ethernet interface to operate alongside measurement, stimulus, communication, switching, and control instruments within the same chassis.
Technical Specifications
| Параметр | Описание |
|---|---|
| Product Type | PXI Ethernet Interface Module |
| Модель | NI PXIe-8623 |
| Part Number | 787992-01 |
| Bus Connection | PXI Express |
| Number of Ethernet Ports | 4 |
| Ethernet Interface | 100/1000BASE-T |
| Ethernet Bandwidth | 100 Mbit/s and 1 Gbit/s |
| Physical Network Type | Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) |
| Independent Endpoints | Up to 4 |
| Network TAPs | Up to 2 |
| Hardware Timestamping | Supported |
| IEEE 802.1AS | Supported |
| 802.1AS Roles | Up to 4 Separate Masters or Slaves |
| Driver | NI-XNET |
| Front-Panel Link/Activity LEDs | Supported |
| Operating Temperature | от 0 °C до 55 °C |
| Supported Hardware Platform | PXI |
| Primary Applications | Automotive Ethernet, ECU Testing, Network Monitoring, HIL Validation and Automated Test |
What Is an Automotive Ethernet Interface?
Automotive Ethernet interfaces allow test systems to communicate with electronic control units and other vehicle network devices that use Ethernet-based communication.
Modern vehicles increasingly use Ethernet to support applications requiring higher network bandwidth than traditional automotive communication buses.
Typical automotive Ethernet test requirements include:
- ECU communication testing
- Network traffic monitoring
- Message timing analysis
- Network synchronization
- Gateway testing
- HIL validation
- Automated ECU testing
Endpoint Mode Explained
When configured as an endpoint, a PXIe-8623 Ethernet port actively participates in the network as a communication interface.
A simplified configuration can be represented as:
PXI Test System / PXIe-8623 → Ethernet Network → ECU
Endpoint mode is useful when the test system needs to generate or receive Ethernet communication directly with the DUT.
Network TAP Mode Explained
A network TAP is used when engineers need to observe communication between devices on an existing Ethernet connection.
Например:
ECU / Gateway A ↔ PXIe-8623 TAP ↔ ECU / Gateway B
The PXIe-8623 can monitor the communication traffic passing through the network connection while the test application analyzes the captured frames and timing information.
Because each TAP requires a pair of Ethernet ports, the four-port PXIe-8623 can provide up to two network TAPs.
Hardware Timestamping Explained
Precise timing is critical in automotive communication testing.
Software-based timestamps can include timing uncertainty caused by the operating system, driver stack, and data transfer. Hardware timestamping records timing information closer to the actual network interface.
This makes hardware timestamps particularly useful for:
- Packet timing analysis
- Latency measurements
- Message sequence verification
- Network synchronization testing
- Event correlation
802.1AS Synchronization Explained
IEEE 802.1AS provides precise timing synchronization across compatible Ethernet networks.
The PXIe-8623 can operate as an 802.1AS master or slave, enabling synchronization between the external network and the PXI measurement system.
This creates a common timing relationship between:
- Ethernet messages
- ECU events
- Analog measurements
- Digital I/O events
- CAN or LIN messages
- Other PXI instrument measurements
This capability is especially valuable when engineers need to determine exactly when an ECU network event occurred relative to a physical measurement or control event.
Automotive ECU Testing
Automotive electronic control units increasingly combine Ethernet communication with analog sensors, digital I/O, CAN, LIN, and other interfaces.
The PXIe-8623 can provide Ethernet connectivity as part of a comprehensive ECU test platform.
Типичные применения включают:
- ECU functional validation
- Automotive Ethernet communication testing
- Gateway ECU testing
- Network timing validation
- ECU regression testing
- Automated production testing
Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing
The PXIe-8623 can be incorporated into hardware-in-the-loop systems where a physical ECU operates within a simulated vehicle environment.
A typical HIL architecture may include:
- Automotive Ethernet interfaces
- CAN interfaces
- LIN interfaces
- Analog input and output modules
- Digital I/O modules
- Programmable resistor modules
- Fault insertion hardware
- Sensor simulation hardware
The PXIe-8623 provides the Ethernet communication interface while other PXI hardware reproduces additional electrical and communication interfaces required by the ECU.
Automotive Gateway Testing
Vehicle gateway modules transfer information between different networks and electronic subsystems.
The PXIe-8623 can be used in test systems designed to validate Ethernet communication through compatible automotive gateways.
Testing may include:
- Network communication verification
- Packet timing
- Gateway forwarding behavior
- Latency analysis
- Network synchronization
- Automated regression testing
Network Monitoring
Using TAP configurations, the PXIe-8623 can monitor Ethernet traffic exchanged between network devices.
This capability is useful for:
- Protocol analysis
- ECU troubleshooting
- Communication validation
- Timing verification
- Network development
- System debugging
PXIe-8623 vs Standard Ethernet NIC
| Функция | PXIe-8623 | Standard PC Ethernet NIC |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Automotive Test and Measurement | General Networking |
| Ethernet-порты | 4 | Model Dependent |
| 100/1000BASE-T | Supported | Commonly Supported |
| Hardware Timestamping | Integrated for Test Applications | Model Dependent |
| 802.1AS Synchronization | Supported | Model Dependent |
| Network TAP Operation | Up to 2 TAPs | Typically Not Designed for This Function |
| PXI Integration | Native | No |
| NI-XNET | Supported | No |
| Best Application | Automotive ECU and Network Validation | General Computer Networking |
PXIe-8623 and CAN/LIN Interfaces
Automotive Ethernet does not necessarily replace all traditional vehicle communication networks. Many ECU test systems require Ethernet, CAN, and LIN interfaces simultaneously.
A PXI automotive test system can therefore combine the PXIe-8623 with compatible NI-XNET CAN and LIN interface modules.
This allows engineers to create test systems capable of validating communication across multiple automotive network technologies.
PXIe-8623 in a Complete PXI Test System
The PXIe-8623 can operate as the Ethernet communication component of a larger modular PXI automated test system.
A typical system may include:
- PXI Express chassis
- PXI embedded or remote controller
- PXIe-8623 Ethernet interface
- CAN / LIN interfaces
- Multifunction DAQ modules
- Digital I/O modules
- Programmable resistor modules
- PXI switching modules
- Programmable power supplies
- Oscilloscopes and digitizers
This modular architecture allows communication, measurement, stimulus, switching, and DUT control to be integrated into one automated platform.
Software and Driver Support
The PXIe-8623 is designed to work with the NI-XNET driver.
NI-XNET enables engineers to develop automated applications for automotive and embedded network communication and testing.
Typical software-controlled operations include:
- Network configuration
- Ethernet communication
- Frame transmission
- Frame reception
- Timestamp processing
- Network monitoring
- Automated ECU validation
Industries
- Automotive Electronics
- Electric Vehicles
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
- Automotive ECU Development
- Vehicle Network Validation
- Transportation Systems
- Electronic Manufacturing
- Research and Development
- Automated Test Equipment
Applications
Automotive Ethernet Testing
The PXIe-8623 provides 100/1000BASE-T connectivity for compatible automotive Ethernet communication and validation applications.
ECU Validation
The module can communicate with Ethernet-enabled ECUs as part of automated functional, regression, and design validation systems.
Network TAP Monitoring
Four Ethernet ports can be configured to provide up to two network TAPs for monitoring traffic between Ethernet devices.
Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing
The PXIe-8623 can provide Ethernet communication within HIL systems that combine real ECUs with simulated sensors, vehicle networks, and electrical interfaces.
Gateway Testing
The module can be integrated into test systems for validating compatible automotive gateway communication, packet timing, and network behavior.
Network Timing and Synchronization
Hardware timestamping and IEEE 802.1AS capabilities support applications requiring precise correlation between Ethernet communication and other test-system events.
Recommended Related Products
| NI PXIe-8623 | 4-port 100/1000BASE-T PXI Ethernet interface for automotive Ethernet, ECU testing, network monitoring, and synchronization applications. |
| NI PXI-8513 | Automotive CAN interface suitable for test systems requiring CAN communication alongside Ethernet-based ECU testing. |
| NI PXIe-8520 | Automotive communication interface for vehicle network testing and ECU validation applications. |
| NI PXIe-2727 | Programmable resistor module for resistance-based sensor simulation in ECU and HIL validation systems. |
| NI PXIe-6381 | Multifunction I/O module for analog measurement, stimulus generation, digital I/O, and counter/timer functions. |
Why Choose NI PXIe-8623?
- 4 Ethernet ports
- 100BASE-T and 1000BASE-T support
- Up to 1 Gbit/s Ethernet bandwidth
- Up to four independent endpoints
- Up to two network TAPs
- Onboard hardware timestamping
- IEEE 802.1AS synchronization
- Up to four separate 802.1AS masters or slaves
- NI-XNET driver support
- Front-panel link and activity LEDs
- Архитектура PXI Express
- Designed for automotive Ethernet testing
- Suitable for ECU validation
- Suitable for HIL systems
- Designed for synchronized automated testing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NI PXIe-8623?
The NI PXIe-8623 is a 4-port, 100/1000BASE-T PXI Express Ethernet interface module designed primarily for automotive Ethernet, ECU testing, network monitoring, synchronization, and automated validation applications.
What is the part number of the PXIe-8623?
The NI PXIe-8623 part number is 787992-01.
How many Ethernet ports does the PXIe-8623 have?
The PXIe-8623 provides four Ethernet ports.
What Ethernet speeds does the PXIe-8623 support?
The PXIe-8623 supports 100 Mbit/s and 1 Gbit/s Ethernet through 100/1000BASE-T interfaces.
Is the PXIe-8623 designed for automotive Ethernet?
Yes. One of the primary applications of the PXIe-8623 is Ethernet-based automotive ECU testing and validation.
How many independent Ethernet endpoints can the PXIe-8623 provide?
The PXIe-8623 can provide up to four independent Ethernet endpoints.
Can the PXIe-8623 operate as a network TAP?
Yes. The PXIe-8623 can provide up to two network Terminal Access Points (TAPs) for monitoring Ethernet communication between network devices.
Does the PXIe-8623 support hardware timestamping?
Yes. The PXIe-8623 features onboard hardware timestamping for precise timing of Ethernet network events.
Does the PXIe-8623 support IEEE 802.1AS?
Yes. The PXIe-8623 supports IEEE 802.1AS synchronization and can operate as up to four separate 802.1AS masters or slaves.
What driver does the PXIe-8623 use?
The PXIe-8623 is designed for application development using the NI-XNET driver.
Can the PXIe-8623 be synchronized with other PXI instruments?
Yes. Its hardware timestamping and synchronization capabilities allow Ethernet network events to be correlated with other measurements and events within a PXI test system.
Can the PXIe-8623 be used for ECU testing?
Yes. Automotive ECU test and validation is one of the primary applications identified by NI for the PXIe-8623.
Can the PXIe-8623 be used in a HIL system?
Yes. The PXIe-8623 can provide Ethernet communication and network timing functions within a hardware-in-the-loop system that also includes CAN, LIN, analog I/O, digital I/O, sensor simulation, and other PXI hardware.
What is the operating temperature range of the PXIe-8623?
NI specifies an operating temperature range of от 0 °C до 55 °C.
What should I check before purchasing a PXIe-8623?
Before purchasing a PXIe-8623, verify the required Ethernet speed, number of ports, endpoint or TAP configuration, IEEE 802.1AS synchronization requirements, NI-XNET software compatibility, PXI Express chassis compatibility, Ethernet cabling, and the network architecture of the ECU or DUT.
Заключение
Земля NI PXIe-8623 4-Port 100/1000BASE-T PXI Ethernet Interface Module provides four Ethernet ports, up to four independent endpoints or two network TAPs, onboard hardware timestamping, IEEE 802.1AS synchronization, and NI-XNET integration. These capabilities make it particularly suitable for automotive Ethernet testing, ECU validation, gateway testing, network monitoring, hardware-in-the-loop systems, and synchronized automated test applications.
