Tips to Help You Successfully Use NI MXI-Express Controllers
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National Instruments MXI-Express controllers provide control of PXI and PXI Express chassis through personal computers (PCs), laptops, or motherboards. The controller ensures proper detection and operation of the chassis. There are several system configurations for MXI-Express. This document explains the different options and helps you find the right system that is compatible with MXI-Express hardware and software.
Table of Contents
Choosing the Right Computer for MXI-Express Controllers
Dell
National Instruments works closely with Dell to ensure that the basic input/output system (BIOS) for the current generation desktop PCs, laptops, and workstations works with MXI-Express. Before using MXI-Express products with Dell or other name brand computers, make sure that the BIOS is updated to the current version to benefit from the latest BIOS improvements.
Other Name Brand Computers
MXI-Express is successfully used on a variety of name brand PCs, laptops, and motherboards containing a PCI Express or ExpressCard slot. However, more complex MXI-Express configurations may pose a challenge for the BIOS of the systems to correctly enumerate all of the resources necessary, which may cause the system to freeze during the boot process. This symptom, known as a BIOS incompatibility, occurs in only specific situations. To benefit from the latest BIOS improvements and reduce the chances for incompatibility, always make sure that the BIOS on the system is the latest version from the vendor.
If you encounter problems with your MXI-Express system, refer to the following KnowledgeBase article for troubleshooting steps with solutions:
KnowledgeBase 4C5ISO8P: MXI-Express General Setup/Compatibility Issues and Solutions
Other Controller Options
If you cannot use a Dell computer or find another computer that does not have BIOS incompatibilities, an alternative option is to use a PXI embedded controller. PXI embedded controllers from National Instruments have a BIOS that is written to handle the most complex chassis expansion configurations allowed by the PCI and PCI Express specification. In contrast to MXI-Express, these controllers are compact enough to fit inside the chassis.
View the PXI embedded controller options
Installing MXI-Express Driver Software
Prior to installing your MXI-Express kit, you will need to install the appropriate software to gain full functionality of MXI-Express. Typically, any NI driver that is required for PXI peripheral products such as NI-DAQmx or NI-VISA will install everything that is needed for MXI-Express support. These drivers are included on the NI Driver CD, which is shipped with all PXI products from National Instruments. You can also find these on ni.com/support.
Note for Advanced MXI-Express Users
If you do not wish to install these NI drivers and need only the minimum software necessary to gain full MXI-Express support and NI chassis identification and configuration, then only PXI Platform Services is required. You can install this software either manually from any PXI peripheral driver from National Instruments or by visiting ni.com/support and select the Drivers and Updates option. Then search for “PXI Platform Services” in the Search Within Results search bar.
For more information on how to install an MXI-Express product, refer to the shipping documentation that is included with the product.
Additional Questions and Information
If you would like further explanation or have additional questions, contact National Instruments technical support at ni.com/support.
Related Resources
To learn more about the PXI platform and the differences between PXI and PXI Express, read the Developer Zone Tutorial: What Is PXI?
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