Understanding BIOS Compatibility Software and DIP Switch Settings for PCIe‑8363

Updated Mar 6, 2026

Reported In

Driver

  • MXI-Express BIOS Compatibility

Issue Details

What is the purpose of the MXI‑Express BIOS Compatibility Driver, what happens if it is not installed, and what are the functions of the DIP switches on the PCIe‑8363?

Solution

1. Purpose of the MXI‑Express BIOS Compatibility Driver

The MXI‑Express BIOS Compatibility Driver is designed to address situations where a PC BIOS cannot properly enumerate PXI/PXIe devices connected through MXI. It bypasses the BIOS PCIe resource allocation and instead enables software‑based resource assignment handled by MXI hardware and Windows. This ensures that systems with BIOS limitations can still boot and reliably detect all PXI/PXIe modules.

 

2. What happens if the driver is not installed?

If the PC correctly detects and operates the PXI/PXIe chassis without errors, the BIOS Compatibility Software should not be installed.

NI explicitly states that installing it unnecessarily may:
→ Increase system complexity
→ Introduce avoidable errors

In short, install it only when the BIOS fails to enumerate MXI‑connected devices.

 

3. Functions of the DIP switches on the PCIe‑8363

The PCIe‑8363 has three DIP switches, but only SW1 is functional. SW2 and SW3 have no assigned function and must remain in their default positions.