MXI-Express Setup and Compatibility Guide

Hardware: PXI/CompactPCI>>Controllers>>ExpressCard-8360, PXI/CompactPCI>>Controllers>>PXI-8360

Problem:
Summary of MXI-Express general setup issues as well as PC compatibility issues and solutions

Solution:

Red Link on PXI MXI Express Card

There are generally two LEDs on a MXI card, one to represent power and the other a link establishment with its counterpart. These LEDs can be used to diagnose hardware type issues that may occur in the system.

The MXI Express kit is connected and none of the devices show up in Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX). The Power LED on my PXI 8360 (or on the 1033 chassis) is either not illuminating or is flickering red.

Solution Information: KnowledgeBase 45LEQ47N: MXI Express Link LED Not Turning On or Flickering Red

Problems Booting into Windows or Incorrect Behavior Once Booted into Windows

National Instrument's PXI MXI products for PXI extension or remote control extend the host PC's PCI or PCI Express bus to allow for high-speed communication to a PXI chassis. NI PXI MXI products look like standard PCI or PCI Express bridges and resources to the host PC. The PCI specification governed by the PCI-SIG allows for up to 256 PCI busses for a single host. Most PXI systems do not approach this limit, even with many PCI-based motherboard resources and PXI chassis in use.

It is the computer BIOS's responsibility to traverse the PCI bus at boot to assign memory, I/O space, and device numbers to the attached devices. Though the specification allows for 256 PCI busses, some motherboard and laptop vendor BIOS's may not assign resources properly in a complex PCI system.

Error message at the BIOS screen that says Alert. Error initializing PCI Express slot x. NIC failure. with the NI PCIe-8361.
The computer hangs during POST or does not boot into Windows.

Solution Information: KnowledgeBase 3U7CI4D8: Unable to Boot Past BIOS when Using MXI Express

Windows Locks Up During Booting

While the BIOS is responsible for enumerating resources to PCI devices, Windows must utilize these resources. If there was an issue seen at the BIOS, but for other reasons the process was able to complete, issues can arise after loading Windows.

You may encounter the computer freezing while Windows boots or after Windows has loaded.

Computer hangs on BIOS screen or does not boot.

Solution Information: KnowledgeBase 4W9CHL3Q: Windows Locks up When Using MXI Express

Errors in Device Manager

On some machines if the BIOS is unable to allocate enough resources, instead of hanging during the BIOS or locking up Windows as mentioned previously above, the Operating System will load correctly. The issue arises when trying to access/use the card, as in Device Manager will show it with an error.

PCI Board Shows:

This Device Cannot Find Enough Free Resources (Error Code 12)
Device Cannot Start (Error Code 10)

Solution Information: KnowledgeBase 49EGFO0D: "This Device Cannot Find Enough Free Resources" (Error Code 12) with MXI-Express

Half Devices Fail to show up in MAX

When booting the computer and going to MAX, only able to see half of the MXI-Express interfaces. All of the MXI-Express interfaces appear in Device Manager.

Solution Information: KnowledgeBase 4UADDKR7: MXI-Express System Not Showing up Properly in MAX

How Can I Be Sure My PC Will Work With PXI MXI Products?

National Instruments is testing motherboards and laptops to the PCI Specification so we can comment on compatibility with our MXI products. The list for laptops compatible with NI's ExpressCard-8360 MXI product can be found in this Developer Zone Tutorial and is linked off of the product page at ni.com. For information on motherboards, desktops, and workstations compatible with MXI products, contact National Instruments PXI Controller Support group at ni.com/support.

Note: National Instruments can provide testing for a system you wish to use with PXI MXI products. If you have a system you wish to submit to National Instruments for testing, please contact National Instrument's PXI Controller Support group at ni.com/support.

What is NI Doing to Improve Compatibility in Future Systems?

National Instruments is working with the PCI-SIG, Microsoft, and PC Vendors to actively test for compatibility and institute standards for testing that improve compatibility in future systems with complex PCI topologies. We are also working to formalize PCI topology testing so 3rd parties can replicate our testing with standard PCI testing boards. For more information, contact National Instrument's PXI Controller Support group at ni.com/support.

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Report Date: 08/06/2007
Last Updated: 04/24/2009
Document ID: 4C5ISO8P

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