Is It Possible to Mix Fiber Optic and Copper Cables for MXI-Express Gen 3 Modules?

Updated Nov 15, 2024

Reported In

Hardware

  • PCIe-8398
  • PXIe-8398
  • PXIe-8399
  • PXIe-8394

Issue Details

I would like to connect multiple pxi chassis to one PCIe-8398 but use a copper cable for one system connection and a optical fiber connection to the other system.

Solution

Yes, it is possible to connect different types of cables to the same PCIe-839x and PXIe-839x module. The boards read each cable individually and configure the port for that cable type. 

Additional Information

There are a few restrictions that you need to consider when using Fiber Optic cables with MXI-Express Gen 3 controllers:
  • You can only connect a maximum of two Fiber Optic cables to each controller. The article attached in the Related Links section expands on this topic. 
  • The MXI controllers will only support a x4 link with the Fiber Optic cables. You can't stack cables to increase the link. 

Related Links

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