The National Instruments part number 777944-01, also known as the PCI-8330 MXI-3 Interface Board, provides a robust solution for extending the capabilities of PCI systems. This PCI master/slave interface facilitates a PCI-PCI connection, allowing users to connect two separate PCI buses via copper or fiber-optic cables with data transfer rates reaching up to 1.5 Gbit/s. Ideal for applications requiring additional CompactPCI or PXI slots, physical separation of measurement and automation from the host computer, or integration of PCI, CompactPCI, and PXI devices, the 777944-01 can manage up to 255 buses, contingent on BIOS support.

The system configuration can be tailored using either a daisy chain or star topology, enabling a maximum distance of 10 meters for copper connections and 200 meters for fiber-optic links. It ensures signal integrity by managing and retiming signals across buses, thereby maintaining optimal PCI performance. The included setup utility is designed for compatibility with Microsoft Windows operating systems, facilitating straightforward installation and configuration.

For fiber-optic implementations, the module efficiently converts optical signals into digital data through high-speed photodetectors and a serial-to-parallel converter, supporting up to 254 links with peak and sustained data transfer rates of 132 Mbytes/s and 84 Mbytes/s, respectively. With physical dimensions of 4.2 x 6.9 inches and a weight of 0.33 lbs, the board operates with a power requirement of 1.5 A at +5 VDC. The product boasts a mean time between failures (MTBF) of 1,130,000 hours, ensuring reliable performance in demanding environments, while operating at temperatures between 0 to 50 °C and a relative humidity of 10% to 90%. For storage, the module can withstand temperatures from -20 to 70 °C with humidity levels between 5% and 95%.