National Instruments PXIe-8840 User Manual
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National Instruments PXIe-8840 User Manual

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PXI Express
PXIe-8840 User Manual
PXIe-8840 User Manual
April 2018
374236B-01

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  • Page 1 PXI Express PXIe-8840 User Manual PXIe-8840 User Manual April 2018 374236B-01...
  • Page 2 11500 North Mopac Expressway Austin, Texas 78759-3504 USA Tel: 512 683 0100 For further support information, refer to the NI Services appendix. To comment on National Instruments documentation, refer to the National Instruments Web site at ni.com/info enter the Info Code feedback ©...
  • Page 3 National Instruments Corporation. National Instruments respects the intellectual property of others, and we ask our users to do the same. NI software is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. Where NI software may be used to reproduce software or other materials belonging to others, you may use NI software only to reproduce materials that you may reproduce in accordance with the terms of any applicable license or other legal restriction.
  • Page 4 ™ The ExpressCard word mark and logos are owned by PCMCIA and any use of such marks by National Instruments is under license. The mark LabWindows is used under a license from Microsoft Corporation. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
  • Page 5 Operation of this hardware in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference. Users are required to correct the interference at their own expense or cease operation of the hardware. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by National Instruments could void the user’s right to operate the hardware under the local regulatory rules.

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Introduction Benefits of PXI Express ....................1-1 PXIe-8840......................... 1-2 Description........................ 1-2 Functional Overview ....................1-2 PXIe-8840 Functional Description................... 1-3 National Instruments Software ..................1-4 Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration Installing the PXIe-8840....................2-1 How to Remove the Controller from the PXI Express Chassis........ 2-3 BIOS Setup Utility......................
  • Page 7 Contents Hard Drive Diagnostic Utility................... 2-14 Memory Diagnostic Utility..................2-14 System CMOS ........................2-14 LabVIEW RT Installation....................2-15 LabVIEW RT Software Installation ................. 2-15 LabVIEW RT Configuration Switches..............2-17 Drivers and Software ......................2-18 PXI Express Features......................2-19 PXI Express Trigger Connectivity................2-19 PXI Express Chassis Configuration..................
  • Page 8 PXIe-8840 User Manual Appendix A Specifications Appendix B NI Services © National Instruments | ix...

  • Page 9: About This Manual

    Instruments PXIe-8840 embedded computer kit. How to Use the Documentation Set Begin by reading the PXIe-8840 Installation Guide, a brief quick-start guide that describes how to install and get started with your controller. This manual, the PXIe-8840 User Manual, contains more details about changing the installation or configuration from the defaults and using the hardware.

  • Page 10: Introduction

    Differential timing and synchronization signals provide PXI Express systems with increased noise immunity and the ability to transmit clock signals at higher frequencies. © National Instruments | 1-1...

  • Page 11: Pxie-8840

    Hi-Speed USB ports, two SuperSpeed USB ports, two Gigabit Ethernet, a reset button, and a PXI trigger. Functional Overview This section contains functional descriptions of each major logic block on the PXIe-8840 embedded computer. Available on the PXIe-8840 ExpressCard variant only.

  • Page 12: Pxie-8840 Functional Description

    PXIe-8840 User Manual PXIe-8840 Functional Description The PXIe-8840 is a modular PC in a PXI Express 3U-size form factor. Figure 1-1 is a functional block diagram of the PXIe-8840. Following the diagram is a description of each logic block shown.

  • Page 13: National Instruments Software

    National Instruments Software National Instruments has developed several software tools you can use with the PXIe-8840. National Instruments hardware and software work together to help you make the most of your ™ ™ PXI Express system. The LabVIEW, Measurement Studio, and LabWindows...
  • Page 14 NI-Sync. For more information visit ni.com/pxi NI-VISA is the National Instruments implementation of the VISA specification. VISA is a uniform API for communicating and controlling USB, Serial, GPIB, PXI, VXI, and various other types of instruments. This API aids in the creation of portable applications and instrument drivers.

  • Page 15: Installation And Configuration

    This section contains general installation instructions for the PXIe-8840. Consult your PXI Express chassis user manual for specific instructions and warnings. Plug in your chassis before installing the PXIe-8840. The power cord grounds the chassis and protects it from electrical damage while you install the module.
  • Page 16 Raise the injector/ejector handle until the module firmly seats into the backplane receptacle connectors. The front panel of the PXIe-8840 should be even with the front panel of the chassis. Tighten the four bracket-retaining screws on the top and bottom of the front panel to secure the PXIe-8840 to the chassis.

  • Page 17: How To Remove The Controller From The Pxi Express Chassis

    12. Verify that the controller boots. If the controller does not boot, refer to the What if the PXIe-8840 does not boot? section of Chapter 5, Troubleshooting. Figure 2-2 shows an PXIe-8840 installed in the system controller slot of a PXIe-1082 chassis. Figure 2-2. PXIe-8840 Controller Installed in a PXI Express Chassis...

  • Page 18: Bios Setup Utility

    The BIOS setup program includes menus for configuring settings and enabling PXIe-8840 controller features. Most users do not need to use the BIOS setup program, as the PXIe-8840 controller ships with default settings that work well for most configurations.

  • Page 19: Main Setup Menu

    • Processor Type, Base Processor Frequency, and Maximum Processor Core Count—These values indicate the type of processor used in the PXIe-8840 controller, the speed of the processor, and the maximum number of processor cores. • Total Memory—This value indicates the size of system RAM detected by the BIOS.

  • Page 20: Sata Configuration Submenu

    Enabled. Enabling Turbo Boost allows CPU cores to run at higher than their base frequency for short durations, while other cores are idle. Enabling Turbo Boost can also increase application jitter, so be careful when enabling this setting on a Real Time system. Available on the PXIe-8840 ExpressCard variant only. 2-6 | ni.com...

  • Page 21: Video Configuration Submenu

    When set to Normal, the OS controls the power button. When set to Disabled, pressing the power button has no effect. The Disabled option should only be used in conjunction with the PXI Express chassis’ inhibit mode switch. © National Instruments | 2-7...

  • Page 22: Expresscard Configuration Submenu

    ALERT# signal. The default value is Disabled. ExpressCard Configuration Submenu This submenu is available on the PXIe-8840 ExpressCard variant only. Note Use this submenu to apply alternate settings to the ExpressCard configuration. These settings...

  • Page 23: Usb Configuration Submenu

    • Serial Port Configuration—Use this setting to access the Serial Port Configuration submenu. The submenu includes the following items: – Base Address—This item displays the current base address for the onboard serial port. © National Instruments | 2-9...

  • Page 24: Labview Rt Setup Menu

    Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration – Interrupt Request (IRQ)—This item displays the interrupt request (IRQ) for the onboard serial port. LabVIEW RT Setup Menu Use this menu to configure boot options for LabVIEW RT if it is installed on the controller. If you are not using LabVIEW RT, you should leave these settings at default.

  • Page 25: Boot Setup Menu

    BBS Priorities Submenu section for more information. • Network Device BBS Priorities—Use this setting to access the Network Device BBS Priorities submenu to re-order or disable bootable network devices. Refer to the Network Device BBS Priorities Submenu section for more information. © National Instruments | 2-11...

  • Page 26: Boot Settings Configuration Submenu

    Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration Boot Settings Configuration Submenu Use this submenu to apply alternate configurations to boot settings. Normally, you do not need to modify these settings, as the factory default settings provide the most compatible and optimal configuration. •...

  • Page 27: Save & Exit Menu

    You can test the hard drive and memory of your controller with the included BIOS diagnostic utilities. Accessing BIOS Diagnostic Utilities Complete the following steps to start the BIOS Diagnostic Utility. Power on or reboot your controller. © National Instruments | 2-13...

  • Page 28: Hard Drive Diagnostic Utility

    Note instructed to turn off the controller and replace the memory. System CMOS The PXIe-8840 contains memory backed up by a battery to store BIOS configuration information. Complete the following steps to clear the CMOS contents: Power off the chassis.

  • Page 29: Labview Rt Installation

    Boot the NI PXI Express embedded controller into the real-time operating system. Refer to the LabVIEW RT Configuration Switches section or the LabVIEW RT Setup Menu section in this manual to configure the controller for booting into LabVIEW RT. © National Instruments | 2-15...
  • Page 30 Remote Systems branch. MAX lists the PXI Express controller as the model name of the controller followed by the MAC address (for example, NI-PXIe-8840 00802f108562). The other computer must have LabVIEW, LabVIEW RT, and any desired Note drivers installed.

  • Page 31: Labview Rt Configuration Switches

    If you are not using LabVIEW RT, these switches should remain in the OFF position. The controller reads these switches only after a system reset. The PXIe-8840 controller includes the following LabVIEW RT configuration switches: • Switch 1—Boot LabVIEW RT: Set this switch to ON to boot LabVIEW RT.

  • Page 32: Drivers And Software

    Chapter 2 Installation and Configuration Figure 2-4 shows the location of the LabVIEW RT configuration switches. The switches are shown in the OFF position. Figure 2-4. LabVIEW RT Configuration Switches Switch 1—Boot LabVIEW RT Switch 3—Disable Startup VI Switch 2—Boot Safe Mode Switch 4—Reset IP Address Drivers and Software If you purchased a system preinstalled with Windows, your hard drive includes a directory called...

  • Page 33: Pxi Express Features

    PXI Express Features PXI Express Trigger Connectivity The SMB connector on the PXIe-8840 front panel can connect to or from any PXI Express backplane trigger line. A trigger allocation process is needed to prevent two resources from connecting to the same trigger line, resulting in the trigger being double-driven and possibly damaging the hardware.

  • Page 34: Upgrading Ram

    PXI Express specification at www.pxisa.org Upgrading RAM You can change the amount of installed RAM on the PXIe-8840 by upgrading the SO-DIMM. National Instruments offers the following SO-DIMMs for use with the PXIe-8840 controller. • 1600 MHz DDR3L PC3-12800 4 GB, 512 MB × 64, 1.18 in. max (NI part number 782341-4096) •...

  • Page 35: Hard Drive Recovery

    Note you want to keep. Installing an OS PXIe-8840 controllers may include a preinstalled OS. In some cases, you may want to install a different OS. When doing so, consider the following guidelines. Installing from a USB CD/DVD-ROM The PXIe-8840 supports the installation of Windows 7 from a USB CD/DVD-ROM. As an alternative to a USB CD/DVD-ROM drive, you can use an external SCSI CD/DVD-ROM with a PXI-SCSI adapter.

  • Page 36: Installing An Expresscard

    Installation and Configuration Installing an ExpressCard You can install an ExpressCard module while the PXIe-8840 is running. The PXIe-8840 automatically detects the card. ExpressCards are generally marked with a symbol or a label to indicate which end to insert into the slot. The cards are keyed to prevent incorrect insertion.

  • Page 37: I/0 Information

    I/0 Information Front Panel Connectors Table 3-1 lists various peripherals and their corresponding PXIe-8840 external connectors, bus interfaces, and functions. Table 3-1. PXIe-8840 Peripherals Overview Peripheral External Connector Description Video DisplayPort Intel ® HD Graphics controller Serial COM1 (9-pin DSUB)

  • Page 38: Front Panel

    Chapter 3 I/0 Information Front Panel Figure 3-1 shows the front panel layout and dimensions of the PXIe-8840. Dimensions are in inches (millimeters). Figure 3-1. PXIe-8840 Front Panel Layout and Dimensions 4.393 in. (111.58 mm) 3.750 in. (95.25 mm) 3.554 in. (90.27 mm) 3.289 in.

  • Page 39: Displayport

    PXIe-8840 User Manual DisplayPort Figure 3-2 shows the location and pinouts for the DisplayPort connector on the PXIe-8840. Table 3-2 lists and describes the DisplayPort connector signals. Figure 3-2. DisplayPort Connector Location and Pinout NI PXIe-8840 Embedded Controller Table 3-2. DisplayPort Connector Signals...

  • Page 40: Com1

    AUX CH (n) Hot Plug Detect Return DP_PWR COM1 Figure 3-3 shows the location and pinouts for the COM1 connector on the PXIe-8840. Table 3-3 lists and describes the COM1 connector signal. Figure 3-3. COM1 Connector Location and Pinout COM1 NI PXIe-8840 Embedded Controller 3-4 | ni.com...
  • Page 41 RXD# Receive Data TXD# Transmit Data DTR# Data Terminal Ready Ground DSR# Data Set Ready RTS# Ready to Send CTS# Clear to Send Ring Indicator Note: The pound symbol (#) indicates an active low signal. © National Instruments | 3-5...

  • Page 42: Ethernet

    Chapter 3 I/0 Information Ethernet Figure 3-4 shows the location and pinouts for the Ethernet connector on the PXIe-8840. Table 3-4 lists and describes the Ethernet connector signals. Table 3-5 lists and describes the 10/100/1000 LAN connector LED states. The Wake On LAN feature is only supported by Ethernet Port 1.
  • Page 43 On (brighter and The controller is communicating with pulsing) another computer on the LAN. Unlit 10 Mbit/sec data rate is selected. Bottom Green 100 Mbit/sec data rate is selected. Amber 1000 Mbit/sec data rate is selected. © National Instruments | 3-7...

  • Page 44: Universal Serial Bus

    Figure 3-5 shows the location and pinouts for the Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors on the PXIe-8840. Each controller has four USB 2.0 ports and two USB 3.0 ports on the front panel. Table 3-6 lists and describes the USB 2.0 connector signals. Table 3-7 lists and describes the USB 3.0 connector signals.
  • Page 45 PXIe-8840 User Manual Table 3-7. USB 3.0 Connector Signals (Continued) Signal Name Signal Description StdA_SSRX- USB Data Receive- StdA_SSRX+ USB Data Receive+ GND_DRAIN Ground StdA_SSTX- USB Data Transmit- StdA_SSTX+ USB Data Transmit+ © National Instruments | 3-9...

  • Page 46: Trigger

    The TRIG connector is the software-controlled trigger connection for routing PXI triggers to or from the backplane trigger bus. Figure 3-6 shows the TRIG connector location on the PXIe-8840. Table 3-8 lists and describes the trigger connector signals. Refer to PXI Express Trigger Connectivity in Chapter 2, Installation and Note Configuration, for more information about the SMB trigger.

  • Page 47: Gpib (Ieee 488.2)

    PXIe-8840 User Manual GPIB (IEEE 488.2) Figure 3-7 shows the location and pinouts for the GPIB connector on the PXIe-8840. Table 3-9 lists and describes the GPIB connector signals. National Instruments provides a GPIB mating connector, part number 183285-0R2. Figure 3-7. GPIB Connector Location and Pinout...
  • Page 48 Chapter 3 I/0 Information Table 3-9. GPIB Connector Signals (Continued) Signal Name Signal Description ATN# Attention SHIELD Chassis ground DIO5# Data Bit 5 DIO6# Data Bit 6 DIO7# Data Bit 7 DIO8# Data Bit 8 REN# Remote Enable 18 to 25 Logic Ground Note: The pound symbol (#) indicates an active low signal.

  • Page 49: Expresscard/34 Slot

    I/O expansion and options for removable storage, Ethernet, and a variety of other I/O. Figure 3-8 shows the location and pinouts for the ExpressCard/34 slot on the PXIe-8840. Table 3-10 lists and describes the ExpressCard connector signals.
  • Page 50 Chapter 3 I/0 Information Table 3-10. ExpressCard Connector Signals (Continued) Signal Name Signal Description +1.5V Power WAKE# PE Wake +3.3VAUX Power PERST# PE Reset +3.3V Power +3.3V Power CLKREQ# Clock Request CPPE# PE Presence REFCLK- Reference Clock - REFCLK+ Reference Clock + Ground PERn0 PE Data Receive -...

  • Page 51: Front Panel Features

    The USER2 LED is a bi-color green/yellow LED. You can define the USER2 LED to meet the needs of your LabVIEW application. Data Storage The PXIe-8840 has the following data storage features: • 2.5 in. SATA notebook internal hard drive •...

  • Page 52: Common Configuration Questions

    Refer to the LED status descriptions in the Front Panel Features section of Chapter 3, I/0 Information. After shutting down my PXIe-8840 controller, the Ethernet LEDs continue to blink. Is it safe to remove my controller or disconnect power? The PXIe-8840 controller Ethernet device remains powered even after shutdown to support the Wake On LAN feature.

  • Page 53: Cables And Connections

    How do I plug both a PS/2 mouse and PS/2 keyboard into the controller? The PXIe-8840 has no PS/2 connector, and you need to use a USB Y-splitter cable as shown in Figure 4-1, or a similar device, to connect both a PS/2 mouse and PS/2 keyboard. National Instruments part number 778713-01 is such a cable and is available through the online catalog ni.com/products...

  • Page 54: Software Driver Installation

    Device Manager. If you need more assistance, refer to ni.com/support/install How do I install software from a CD? The compact size of the PXIe-8840 does not allow for an integrated USB CD/DVD-ROM drive. You have the following options: • USB CD/DVD-ROM—You can install from a USB CD/DVD-ROM using a bootable installation CD.

  • Page 55: Upgrade Information

    Common Configuration Questions Upgrade Information How do I upgrade system memory? You can change the amount of installed RAM on the PXIe-8840 by upgrading the DDR3L SO-DIMM. To upgrade the RAM, remove the PXIe-8840 from the PXI chassis. National Instruments offers the following types of SO-DIMMs for use with the PXIe-8840 controller.

  • Page 56: Pxi Express Configuration

    PXIe-8840 User Manual Where do I get the latest software drivers? The latest National Instruments software is available from ni.com/downloads PXI Express Configuration How do I use the SMB trigger on the front panel? For details, refer to the PXI Express Features section of Chapter 2, Installation and Configuration.

  • Page 57: Troubleshooting

    This chapter answers common troubleshooting questions you may have when using the PXIe-8840 embedded computer. What if the PXIe-8840 does not boot? Several problems can cause a controller not to boot. Here are some things to look for and possible solutions.
  • Page 58 Chapter 5 Troubleshooting My controller boots fine until I get to Windows, at which point I cannot read the screen. This may include garbled output, white screen, black screen, or an out of synch message from the monitor. This problem usually results from having the video card output set past the limits of the monitor. You will need to boot Windows in Safe Mode.
  • Page 59 PXIe-8840 User Manual Figure 5-1. Clearing the CMOS Contents Push-Button Switch S1 © National Instruments | 5-3...
  • Page 60 Yes (2) ExpressCard/34 Slot (available on the PXIe-8840 Duo-Core ExpressCard variant only) PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Connector PXI Trigger Bus Input/Output Installed Operating System Windows 7 Professional Extended-temperature 24/7 option provides 80 GB minimum SATA solid-state drive. © National Instruments | A-1...
  • Page 61 Maximum altitude..........2,000 m (800 mbar) (at 25 °C ambient temperature) Pollution Degree ..........2 Indoor use only. Clean the PXIe-8840 with a soft nonmetallic brush. Make sure that the Caution device is completely dry and free from contaminants before returning it to service. Operating Environment Ambient temperature range ......5 to 50 °C...
  • Page 62 • IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1 • UL 61010-1, CSA 61010-1 For UL and other safety certifications, refer to the product label or the Online Note Product Certification section. © National Instruments | A-3...
  • Page 63 Appendix A Specifications Electromagnetic Compatibility This product meets the requirements of the following EMC standards for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use: • EN 61326-1 (IEC 61326-1): Class A emissions; Basic immunity • EN 55011 (CISPR 11): Group 1, Class A emissions •...

  • Page 64: Ni.com

    At the end of the product life cycle, all products must be sent to EU Customers a WEEE recycling center. For more information about WEEE recycling centers, National Instruments WEEE initiatives, and compliance with WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste and Electronic Equipment, visit ni.com/environment/...
  • Page 65 • System Integration—If you have time constraints, limited in-house technical resources, or other project challenges, National Instruments Alliance Partner members can help. To learn more, call your local NI office or visit ni.com/alliance © National Instruments | B-1...
  • Page 66 Appendix B NI Services • Training and Certification—The NI training and certification program is the most effective way to increase application development proficiency and productivity. Visit for more information. ni.com/training – The Skills Guide assists you in identifying the proficiency requirements of your current application and gives you options for obtaining those skills consistent with your time and budget constraints and personal learning preferences.

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