National Instruments PXIe-8133 embedded controller

The PXIe-8133 embedded controller features the quad-core Core i7-820QM processor.

It is said to be the first PXI Express quad-core controller available. By combining the latest technology from Intel and advancements in the PCI Express bus, the controller helps engineers reduce test time with double the processing performance and data throughput compared with previous NI controllers.

The processor offers a 1.73 GHz base clock frequency and uses Turbo Boost technology to automatically increase the clock frequency based on the application type.

For example, when running applications that generate only a single processing thread, the CPU places the three unused cores into an idle state and increases the active core’s clock frequency from 1.73 to 3.06 GHz.

This removes the requirement that software applications need to be multithreaded to use the latest CPU developments.

The controller uses the advancements of PCI Express to offer four x4 Gen 2 PCI Express links for interfacing to the PXI chassis backplane.

Using the device with a PXI Express chassis, such as the PXIe-1082, doubles the total system data throughput from 4 to 8 GBps. With this, engineers can simultaneously stream a larger set of I/O channels, allowing them to create larger and more complex data record-and-playback applications.

The controller is supplied with 2 GB of DDR3-1333 MHz RAM and the option of Windows XP or Windows 7 32-bit OSs. For memory-intensive applications, engineers can upgrade to 8 GB of system RAM and the Windows 7 64-bit OS.

The device is also available with an extended temperature option and solid-state hard drives for harsh environments.

The controller provides support for LabVIEW and the LabVIEW Real-Time module.