NI PXIe-8880 Octa-Core Embedded Controller RAM

NI PXIe-8880 Octa-Core Embedded Controller RAM offers up to 24 GB/s of system bandwidth (PCI Express Gen 3 technology), 8 GB standard / 24 GB maximum DDR4 ECC memory, a 240 GB SSD, and a rich array of front panel peripherals including 2 x USB 3.0, 4 x USB 2.0, 2 x Gigabit Ethernet, DisplayPort v1.2, GPIB, and SMB trigger/watchdog.

The core value of the PXIe-8880 lies in the fusion of "server-class processing performance + compact embedded PXI form factor." Through deep collaboration between NI and Intel, server-class Intel Xeon processors are brought to the test and measurement field. Compared to its predecessor, the PXIe-8135 based on the Intel Core i7-3610QE, its CPU Mark performance is improved by 76%, and it can process 91% more LabVIEW FFTs in the same amount of time (thanks to the deep utilization of its 8 cores). This controller supports Windows 7 64-bit or NI Linux Real-Time (LabVIEW RT) operating systems, and comes pre-installed with the operating system, drivers, and recovery image, making it ready to use for automated test, measurement, and control applications out of the box.

The NI PXIe-8880 Octa-Core Embedded Controller RAM is designed for high-throughput, compute-intensive test and measurement applications, typically covering scenarios such as semiconductor testing (multi-site parallel processing to improve PTE), 5G prototyping, wireless communication testing, and RF signal processing. Combined with the PXIe-1085 24 GB/s hybrid chassis and the PXIe-8830mc coprocessor module, a zero-compromise PXI test and measurement system can be built. This controller also features a TPM v1.2 hardware security chip and Intel AMT remote active management technology, ensuring the security and maintainability of the test system.

MXTD Wholesaler

Xi'an Mingxi Taida Information Technology Co., Ltd. (MXTD) is an elite, multi-disciplinary technology supplier backed by a distinguished 12-year track record of driving industrial excellence. Operating as a primary turnkey innovation partner to global smart factories and high-stakes operations, our corporate ecosystem seamlessly unifies avant-garde hardware R&D, state-of-the-art precision manufacturing, and responsive localized field engineering under a highly integrated, client-centric framework.

With a robust logistical and distribution infrastructure spanning North America, South America, Europe, and Africa, MXTD commands a highly resilient international commercial reach. To complement our extensive in-house engineering and customization capabilities, we maintain authorized distribution mandates for premier multinational brands, establishing our enterprise as a highly efficient, single-source procurement hub for specialized industrial programs. Our operations are governed by an uncompromising, multi-tier quality assurance matrix and rigorous verification protocols, guaranteeing that every equipment deployment yields absolute operational reliability, flawless data continuity, and total peace of mind in severe deployment environments.

The NI PXIe-8880 Octa-Core Embedded Controller RAM is a PXI Express embedded system controller, part of NI's mature PXI embedded controller product line. It is one of NI's onboard embedded computing solutions for PXI/PXI Express test and measurement systems. As an embedded controller, it is installed in the leftmost system controller slot (slot 1) of the PXI chassis, integrating a CPU, hard drive, memory, Ethernet, video, serial port, USB, and other peripherals. It provides complete embedded computing and control capabilities within the chassis, thus eliminating the need for an external PC to drive the entire PXI test system.

Within NI's PXI embedded controller product line, the PXIe-8880 is positioned in the high-performance segment, featuring an Intel Xeon E5-2618L v3 eight-core processor and targeting compute-intensive, high-throughput test and measurement applications. NI's current PXIe embedded controller family includes:

With its 8-core Xeon processor performance, the PXIe-8880 occupies a high-end position in the family, providing powerful processing capabilities for compute-intensive testing applications.

The core positioning of the NI PXIe-8880 Octa-Core Embedded Controller RAM is a high-performance PXI controller featuring "eight-core Xeon server-class processing + 24 GB/s high bandwidth + embedded control". Its value proposition focuses on three points:

• Eight-core Xeon server-class performance: The industry's first Xeon 8-core PXI Express embedded controller, offering 76% higher CPU Mark performance and 91% more LabVIEW FFT processing capabilities compared to its predecessor, the PXIe-8135, doubling the processing power.
• 24 GB/s system bandwidth: PCI Express Gen 3 technology + 24 PCIe lanes provide up to 24 GB/s system bandwidth (in each direction) to the PXI Express chassis backplane, an unprecedented data transfer rate for the PXI platform.
• Complete embedded control solution: Integrating the CPU, SSD, memory, and all standard peripherals (USB/Ethernet/DisplayPort/GPIB/serial) within a compact PXI chassis, eliminating reliance on an external PC and reducing system costs.

Applications- NI PXIe-8880 Octa-Core Embedded Controller RAM

The PXIe-8880 embedded controller is suitable for the following typical applications:

• Semiconductor Testing: As the controller for NI's Semiconductor Test System (STS), it significantly improves multi-site parallel testing efficiency (PTE/parts per hour) through an 8-core Xeon processor and multi-core test management software (such as TestStand).
• 5G Prototyping and Wireless Testing: Meets the intensive signal processing, strict synchronization, control functions, and multi-Gbps data rate I/O requirements of 5G cellular system prototyping.
• High-Throughput RF/Communication Testing: Computationally intensive applications in RF signal processing and wireless communication testing.
• Computationally Intensive Automated Testing: General-purpose automated test and measurement applications that are signal processing-intensive and computationally intensive, such as FFT.
• High-Bandwidth Data Streaming Disks: Data acquisition and streaming disk applications requiring high system bandwidth (24 GB/s).

The Key Characteristics of The NI PXIe-8880

The NI PXIe-8880 Octa-Core Embedded Controller RAM represents a significant technological upgrade for NI's Intel Xeon processors on the PXI platform, offering a substantial performance leap compared to its predecessor, the flagship PXIe-8135 (quad-core Intel Core i7-3610QE):

The core upgrade of the NI PXIe-8880 Octa-Core Embedded Controller RAM lies in the doubled processing power and doubled bandwidth brought by the eight-core Intel Xeon processor and PCIe Gen 3. Since LabVIEW is a native multi-threaded application software, it can fully utilize the multi-core advantage of the PXIe-8880's eight-core Xeon processor, resulting in a particularly significant performance improvement in the LabVIEW environment (91% more FFT processing).

Within the PXIe embedded controller product line, the main differences between the PXIe-8880 and other models lie in processing performance and peripheral configuration:

The NI PXIe-8880 Octa-Core Embedded Controller RAM is the product line's high-performance tiered controller, offering an eight-core Xeon processor and up to 24 GB/s bandwidth, targeting compute-intensive and high-throughput applications; mid-range/entry-level models offer 4-core/2-core processors and lower bandwidth to meet more cost-sensitive applications.

The Key Functions of The NI PXIe-8880

• Onboard Embedded Computing: Equipped with an 8-core Intel Xeon E5-2618L v3 processor and DDR4 ECC memory, serving as the central processing and control core of the PXI system, eliminating the need for an external PC.

• High-Bandwidth Backplane Connectivity: Provides up to 24 GB/s system bandwidth to the PXI Express chassis backplane via PCI Express Gen 3 technology, supporting high-speed data exchange and data stream disks.

• Abundant Peripheral Interfaces: The front panel integrates 2×USB 3.0, 4×USB 2.0, 2×Gigabit Ethernet, DisplayPort v1.2 (daisy-chainable), GPIB, and external SMB trigger/watchdog, providing complete human-machine interaction and peripheral connectivity capabilities.

• System Security Management: Built-in TPM v1.2 hardware security chip protects encryption and signing keys from software attacks; supports Intel AMT remote active management technology.

• Dual System Selection: Supports either Windows 7 64-bit (general operating system) or NI Linux Real-Time (LabVIEW RT, real-time operating system), meeting the different needs of general testing and deterministic real-time applications.

The NI PXIe-8880 Octa-Core Embedded Controller RAM uses a physical architecture of a 4-width 3U PXI Express module:

• Processor subsystem: Computing core consisting of an Intel Xeon E5-2618L v3 eight-core processor and triple-channel DDR4 ECC memory (8GB standard/24GB maximum)

• Storage subsystem: 240 GB (or larger) 1.8-inch SATA solid-state drive for storing the operating system, applications, and data.

• Backplane Interface: The PXI Express backplane connects via a 4-link configuration (4×x4) or a 2-link configuration (1×x8 + 1×x16), providing up to 24 GB/s of system bandwidth.

• Peripheral Subsystem: Connects peripherals such as USB, Ethernet, DisplayPort, GPIB, and SMB triggers to the system via PCIe/PCI bridge for use on the front panel.

• Power management: Powered by +3.3V, +5V, +12V, and +5VAUX.

Real-time and Remote Management Functions

NI PXIe-8880 Octa-Core Embedded Controller RAM offers the following advanced features:

• NI Linux Real-Time support: Reliable, standalone real-time applications can be deployed on the PXIe-8880 via the LabVIEW Real-Time module. The NI Linux Real-Time operating system provides industrial-grade, real-time capabilities while offering the ease of use of a desktop OS, ensuring accurate and reliable timing in test, monitoring, and control applications.
• Intel AMT (Active Management Technology) allows system administrators to remotely monitor, maintain, and update systems, including remotely booting the system, tracking hardware and software assets, and remotely troubleshooting and recovery. When a system malfunctions, AMT can remotely diagnose problems and access debug screens without on-site intervention.

• PXI Platform Services: This driver is pre-installed on the controller at the factory, and users can monitor the controller's health status (temperature, CPU load, memory, disk capacity, etc.) in NI-MAX.

Specifiactions- NI PXIe-8880 Octa-Core Embedded Controller RAM

Environment

Note: 

The NI PXIe-8880 Octa-Core Embedded Controller RAM operates at a temperature limit of 0°C to 45°C in certain chassis, including the NI PXIe-1071, NI PXIe-1078 (part part number 158034A-01 required), and NI PXIe-1086 chassis; in other standard chassis, the operating temperature is 0°C to 55°C. When encountering CPU frequency fluctuations at high operating temperatures, the fan speed selection switch (High) on the back of the chassis can be used to activate the fan to stabilize the CPU frequency.

Processor and Computing Performance Metrics

Memory and Storage Metrics

The NI PXIe-8880 Octa-Core Embedded Controller RAM delivers server-class computing power with an 8-core Intel Xeon E5-2618L v3 processor (16 logical cores, 20MB cache). Leveraging PCIe Gen 3 and 24 GB/s system bandwidth, it overcomes the data transfer bottleneck of the PXI platform. Combined with 8GB/24GB DDR4 ECC memory and a 240GB SSD, it becomes the high-performance controller core for computationally intensive, high-throughput PXI test systems. Its TPM v1.2 and Intel AMT further ensure system security and remote manageability.

Liberating System Design from Commodity Constraints

Conventional, mass-produced hardware components should never impose boundaries on your proprietary system architecture. Our premier development division delivers comprehensive, build-to-specification OEM and ODM engineering services structurally configured to align critical technical infrastructure with your exact operational thresholds.

Operating as an extension of your internal R&D, we specialize in the modification and custom fabrication of mission-critical hardware assets—expertly managing:

• Signal Fidelity Optimization: Precision-tuned frequency adjustments and low-latency, specialized triggering circuitry.
• Mechanical & Form Engineering: Application-specific structural enclosures designed to withstand extreme industrial stress.

Through a highly transparent, agile co-development framework, we collaborate directly with your technical teams from initial proof-of-concept design to final regulatory validation. This collaborative lifecycle eliminates your most complex integration bottlenecks while enforcing absolute compliance with global industrial metrics and zero-defect quality benchmarks.

The MXTD Advantage: Driving Enterprise Security & Value

• A Decade of Validated Industry Tenure: Capitalize on over 12 years of deep-tier specialized expertise in the design, optimization, and deployment of complex metrology and automation architectures.
• Elite Technical & R&D Capability: Benefit from an agile research and development division that systematically shatters conventional technical boundaries to keep your enterprise ahead of emerging industry standards.
• Rigorous Quality Architecture: Mitigate operational vulnerabilities through our exacting manufacturing methodologies and extensive, multi-tier environmental stress-testing designed for harsh industrial settings.
• Full-Lifecycle Technical Consultation: Gain seamless access to continuous, end-to-end engineering counsel and rapid expert intervention at every evolutionary phase of your program.
• Insured Global Supply Continuity: Experience complete operational certainty with our highly traceable international distribution networks, airtight cross-border logistics, and end-to-end cargo insurance.
• Client-First Collaborative Synergy: Leverage an adaptive, solution-oriented service framework structurally engineered to harmonize with and accelerate your long-term commercial goals.

FAQs:

Q: The controller fails to power on (screen not displayed/black screen). How can I perform initial troubleshooting using the indicator lights on the front panel?

A:  

• First, observe the PWR OK/FAULT indicator light status on the front panel: Solid Green: Indicates normal power supply and backplane physical connection. If the screen remains black, first check the DisplayPort video cable and monitor, or try unplugging all unnecessary peripherals (such as unnecessary USB mice, keyboards, and other PXI capture cards) and then performing a cold restart.

• Blinking Red: The controller detected a system power rail fault during startup. Check the main power supply, blown fuses, or unplug and replug the controller.

• Solid Red: A serious overheat protection fault has been triggered, and the system has been forcibly shut down automatically. Check if dust accumulation on the chassis filter is obstructing airflow, if the chassis fans are not running at "High" speed, or if the ambient temperature exceeds the controller's 0°C to 50°C operating range.

Q: If the controller's BIOS hardware configuration is messed up and the computer cannot boot, how can I restore it to factory defaults?

A: 

• Software Recovery: Press the <Delete> key repeatedly while the controller is powered on to enter the BIOS setup interface. Then press the <F9> key to load the BIOS default settings. Finally, press <F10> to save and restart.

• Hardware Recovery: If you cannot even access the BIOS interface, remove the controller from the case, open the side panel, temporarily remove the CMOS button battery for a few minutes, and then reinstall it to complete a hardware-level discharge and reset.

Q: If the original internal solid-state drive (SSD) of the PXIe-8880 is faulty or has insufficient capacity, can I buy a commercially available NVMe M.2 solid-state drive to replace it?

A: 

No, their physical interfaces are incompatible.

The PXIe-8880's internal motherboard design is very compact, using a relatively rare 1.8-inch Micro SATA interface hard drive (NI officially recommends a thickness of no more than 8.5 mm to prevent physical interference that would prevent it from being inserted back into the chassis).

In contrast, only the newer PXIe-8881 or PXIe-8861 natively support standard M.2 NVMe SSDs. If the PXIe-8880's internal hard drive fails or needs expansion, official channels typically recommend a dedicated replacement through NI's after-sales service, or using an external/in-chassis dedicated PXIe storage card/RAID array card to achieve high-volume data transfer.

Q: The controller originally comes with Windows 10. How can I change/flash it to the NI Linux Real-Time operating system?

A: 

The NI PXIe-8880 Octa-Core Embedded Controller RAM fully supports dual systems (Windows or NI Linux RT).

Prepare a system recovery USB flash drive (Bootable USB) created with NI MAX software and insert it into the USB port on the front of the controller.

Power on the controller and press <Delete> repeatedly to enter the BIOS. Navigate to Advanced/Boot >> LabVIEW RT Configuration >> LabVIEW RT Operating System, manually switch it to NI Linux Real-Time, save, and reboot.

If the system is used entirely as a real-time system, it can also be controlled by adjusting the onboard DIP switches: Set Switch 1 to the ON position, and the controller will automatically boot and start the embedded LabVIEW RT real-time kernel after a reset.

Q: How many slots does the PXIe-8880 module occupy when inserted into the chassis? What are its chassis requirements?

A: 

Slot Occupancy: The PXIe-8880 is a standard 4-slot (Four-wide) 3U PXI Express core controller module. This means it must be installed in the leftmost slot (System Slot) of the PXIe chassis, and its large chassis and internal heatsinks will physically cover and occupy the space of four slots from left to right.

Backplane Bandwidth: It fully complies with the PXI Express 1.0 specification and integrates a high-performance PCIe Gen 3 switching structure. When paired with a high-bandwidth chassis (such as the classic NI PXIe-1085 or higher), it can fully unleash the massive throughput performance between acquisition cards and between the acquisition cards and the main control CPU.

Contact Us

Ready to integrate reliable Embedded Controller control into your system? Our team is here to help you select the right configuration and provide ongoing support.

Contact our technical specialists at manager03@mxtdinfo.com  / manager02@mxtdinfo.com for detailed specifications, pricing information, or to discuss your custom requirements. We're committed to delivering the perfect NI PXIe-8880 Octa-Core Embedded Controller RAM ​​​​​​​counter /timing solution for your application needs.