Comprehensive Product Summary: ADLINK PCIe-PXIe-8638 PCI Express-to-PXI Express Expansion Kit

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: PCIe-PXIe-8638 PCI Express-to-PXI Express Expansion Kit
Model Numbers: PCIe-8638 (Host Adapter), PXIe-8638 (Remote Controller)
Series: PCIe-PXIe Expansion Series
Article Number: PCIe-8638
Manufacturer: ADLINK Technology, Inc.
Product Type: PCI Express to PXI Express Extension Card / Expansion Kit
Product Category: PXI/PXIe System Expansion and Control Hardware

The ADLINK PCIe-PXIe-8638 is a high-performance PCI Express-to-PXI Express expansion kit designed to extend the capabilities of a host computer by enabling direct control of PXI Express modules installed in a PXI Express chassis. It provides a transparent, high-bandwidth connection between a PC and PXI Express instrumentation systems, allowing seamless integration and multi-chassis configurations without the need for additional drivers or software.

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### 2. Key Features

- High-Speed PCI Express Connectivity:
Utilizes PCI Express Gen 2 x8 signaling to deliver up to 4 GB/s system throughput, ensuring high data transfer rates between the host and PXI Express chassis.

- PXI Express Hardware Compliance:
Fully compliant with PXI-5 PXI Express Hardware Specification Rev. 1.0, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of PXI Express modules and chassis.

- PCI Express Base Specification Compliance:
Meets PCI Express Base Specification Rev. 1.0a, guaranteeing interoperability with standard PCIe host systems.

- Flexible Link Configurations:
Supports multiple PXI Express link configurations for optimized performance:
- Four-link configuration: x4 x4 x4 x4
- Two-link configuration: x16 x8

- Extended Expansion Distance:
Supports cable lengths of 2 meters or 5 meters, enabling flexible system layouts and remote PXI chassis placement up to 5 meters from the host PC.

- Comprehensive Hardware and Software Transparency:
The system automatically detects PXI modules installed in the chassis, requiring no additional drivers or software installation. This ensures plug-and-play operation and minimal setup time.

- Multi-Chassis Configuration Capability:
Enables control of multiple PXI Express chassis from a single host system, supporting complex test and measurement setups.

- Star Fabrics Architecture:
Employs a high-performance star fabrics topology for efficient data routing and reduced latency across multiple PXI Express segments.

- Shielded Copper Cable with RJ45 Connector:
Uses robust, shielded copper cabling with RJ45-style connectors for reliable, noise-resistant data transmission over extended distances.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

General System Specifications:

| Parameter | Specification |
|------------|----------------|
| PCIe Standard Compliance | PCI Express Base Specification Rev. 1.0a |
| PXI Express Compliance | PXI-5 PXI Express Hardware Specification Rev. 1.0 |
| Maximum Throughput | 4 GB/s (PCIe Gen 2 x8) |
| Link Configurations | x4 x4 x4 x4 or x16 x8 |
| Expansion Distance | Up to 5 meters (2 m or 5 m cable options) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C |
| Storage Temperature | -20°C to 70°C |
| Relative Humidity | 10% to 90%, non-condensing |

PCIe-8638 (Host Adapter) Specifications:

| Parameter | Specification |
|------------|----------------|
| Form Factor | Low-profile PCI Express card |
| PCIe Interface | PCI Express Gen 2 x8 |
| Data Throughput | 4 GB/s |
| Cable Connector | PCIe x8 cable connector |
| Dimensions (W x H) | 142 mm x 69 mm |
| Distance Support | Up to 5 meters via PCIe x8 cable |

PXIe-8638 (Remote Controller) Specifications:

| Parameter | Specification |
|------------|----------------|
| Form Factor | 3U Eurocard PXI Express module |
| PXI Express Compliance | PXI-5 PXI Express Hardware Specification Rev. 1.0 |
| PCIe Interface | PCIe Gen 2 x8 cable connector |
| Data Throughput | 4 GB/s |
| Link Configurations | x4 x4 x4 x4 or x16 x8 |
| Dimensions (W x H) | 175 mm x 107 mm |

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### 4. Functionality

The PCIe-PXIe-8638 expansion kit functions as a transparent bridge between a host computer and a PXI Express chassis. The system consists of two main components:

1. PCIe-8638 Host Adapter: Installed in the host computer’s PCI Express slot, this card provides the interface for communication with the PXI Express chassis.
2. PXIe-8638 Remote Controller: Installed in the PXI Express chassis, this module receives and manages PCIe signals from the host adapter via a high-speed PCIe x8 cable.

Operational Principle:
- The host adapter transmits PCIe signals through the shielded copper cable to the PXIe-8638 module.
- The PXIe-8638 distributes these signals to the PXI Express backplane, enabling the host PC to directly control and communicate with PXI Express modules as if they were installed locally.
- The system supports automatic detection of PXI modules, ensuring full hardware and software transparency.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Automated Test Equipment (ATE): Expands test system capacity by adding PXI Express chassis to a single host.
- Measurement and Instrumentation: Enables high-speed data acquisition and control across multiple PXI Express instruments.
- Research and Development: Facilitates modular test setups for prototyping and validation.
- Industrial and Embedded Systems: Provides scalable expansion for control and monitoring systems requiring PXI Express instrumentation.

Compatibility:
- Compatible with standard PXI Express chassis and modules compliant with PXI-5 specifications.
- Works with any host computer supporting PCI Express x8 or higher slots.
- Supports both Windows and Linux operating environments (driverless operation).

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items (per kit):
- PCIe-8638 Host Adapter Card
- PXIe-8638 Remote Controller Module
- PCIe x8 Cable (2 m or 5 m, depending on kit)

Available Kits:
1. PCIe-PXIe-8638 2 Meter Kit
- Includes one PCIe-8638, one PXIe-8638, and one ACL-PCIEX8-2 (2-meter cable)
2. PCIe-PXIe-8638 5 Meter Kit
- Includes one PCIe-8638, one PXIe-8638, and one ACL-PCIEX8-5 (5-meter cable)

Optional Accessories:
- Additional PCIe x8 cables for extended configurations
- Mounting brackets for low-profile or full-height PCIe slots
- PXI Express chassis compatible with PXI-5 specification

Connectors:
- PCIe x8 edge connector (host side)
- PCIe x8 cable connector (chassis side)
- Shielded copper cable with RJ45-style connectors for robust signal integrity

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### 6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Host computer with an available PCI Express x8 slot (Gen 2 or higher)
- PXI Express chassis compliant with PXI-5 specification
- Appropriate PCIe x8 cable (2 m or 5 m)

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the host computer and PXI Express chassis.
2. Install the PCIe-8638 card into an available PCIe x8 slot on the host computer.
3. Install the PXIe-8638 module into an available system controller slot in the PXI Express chassis.
4. Connect the two modules using the provided PCIe x8 cable.
5. Power on the PXI Express chassis, then the host computer.
6. The system automatically detects the PXI Express modules—no additional drivers or configuration required.

Mounting Options:
- The PCIe-8638 supports both low-profile and standard PCIe slot configurations.
- The PXIe-8638 fits standard 3U PXI Express chassis slots.

Configuration:
- Fully plug-and-play; the host system recognizes PXI Express modules as local PCIe devices.
- No BIOS or software configuration necessary.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

Data Throughput:
Up to 4 GB/s sustained bandwidth using PCIe Gen 2 x8 signaling, ensuring high-speed data transfer for demanding test and measurement applications.

Latency:
Low-latency communication enabled by direct PCIe signaling and star fabrics architecture.

Capacity:
Supports multiple PXI Express chassis and modules, depending on system configuration and host resources.

Efficiency:
Hardware-level transparency eliminates software overhead, maximizing data throughput and minimizing setup complexity.

Limitations:
- Maximum cable length limited to 5 meters.
- Requires PXI Express chassis compliant with PXI-5 specification.
- Operates within specified environmental conditions (0°C to 55°C).

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

Industry Standards:
- PXI-5 PXI Express Hardware Specification Rev. 1.0
- PCI Express Base Specification Rev. 1.0a
- PCI Express Gen 2 signaling

Regulatory Compliance:
- Designed and manufactured in accordance with international safety and EMC standards applicable to industrial and laboratory instrumentation.
- RoHS-compliant materials and manufacturing processes.

Interoperability:
- Fully compatible with ADLINK PXI Express chassis and third-party PXI Express systems adhering to PXI-5 standards.

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
- Standard manufacturer warranty provided by ADLINK Technology, Inc. (typically 1–3 years, depending on region and distributor).

Support:
- Comprehensive technical support available through ADLINK’s global service network.
- Online resources include product manuals, datasheets, and firmware updates.

Maintenance:
- No routine maintenance required beyond standard system care.
- Ensure proper ventilation and environmental conditions for optimal performance.

Firmware & Software Updates:
- The PCIe-PXIe-8638 operates with full hardware transparency and does not require dedicated drivers.
- Firmware updates, if applicable, are available through ADLINK’s support portal.

Product Lifecycle & Availability:
- Long-term availability supported for industrial and test system integration.
- Backward compatibility with existing PXI Express infrastructure ensures investment protection.

Manufacturer Contact:
- ADLINK Technology, Inc.
- Website: [www.adlinktech.com](https://www.adlinktech.com)
- Headquarters: Taipei, Taiwan
- Global offices in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific regions.

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### Summary

The ADLINK PCIe-PXIe-8638 PCI Express-to-PXI Express Expansion Kit is a robust, high-performance solution for extending PCI Express control to PXI Express instrumentation systems. With up to 4 GB/s throughput, 5-meter expansion distance, and full hardware/software transparency, it enables seamless integration of PXI Express chassis into host PC environments. Its compliance with PXI-5 and PCIe Base Specification Rev. 1.0a ensures broad compatibility and reliable operation across diverse test, measurement, and automation applications. Designed for scalability, precision, and ease of use, the PCIe-PXIe-8638 is an essential component for engineers and system integrators seeking to expand their PXI Express infrastructure efficiently and reliably.