The National Instruments part number 778957-01 corresponds to the PXI-8336, a high-performance MXI-4 Interface Module equipped with a fiber optic cable capable of reaching lengths up to 200 meters. This module facilitates communication between two distinct bus systems, offering data transfer speeds of up to 1.5 Gb/s. It can be seamlessly integrated with either the PCI-8336 or another PXI-8336 card, allowing users to effectively control a CompactPCI/PXI backplane from a PCI-based computer. The 778957-01 is designed to operate within a single slot and features automatic detection capabilities that adjust its configuration based on whether it is installed in a controller or non-controller slot.

This MXI-4 interface supports PCI standards, enabling the simultaneous operation of up to 255 bus segments within a single PCI hierarchy. By utilizing multiple MXI-4 pairs, users can easily expand their PXI/CompactPCI/PCI systems. The 778957-01 also plays a critical role in creating extensive systems by providing additional PXI or CompactPCI slots for user applications, effectively separating automation and measurement systems from the host PC. The system allows for flexible configurations, enabling connections between multiple PXI chassis in either a star or daisy-chain arrangement. To connect two PXI chassis, users need to install a PXI-8331 (copper) or PXI-8336 (fiber-optic) module in a peripheral slot of the master chassis and link it to a corresponding module in the slave chassis. The 778957-01 is fully compatible with PXI Hardware Specification 2.1 and PCI Specification 2.2, operates within an ambient temperature range of 0 to 55 °C, and requires +3.3 V at 0.4 A and +5 V at 1.7 A for power.