National Instruments gigabit Ethernet adapters are based on the
Intel 82540-compatible Ethernet controller.
This document explains how to install and troubleshoot the Ethernet drivers
for your PCI/PXI board. Some boards also contain additional functionality
(for example, GPIB). Refer to the documentation that came with your kit to
install the software for the other functionality.
Installing Your PXI Board
Complete the following steps to install the Ethernet adapter:
1.Shut down Windows, if it is running, by selecting Start»Shut Down.
2.Power off your PXI or CompactPCI chassis. Keep the chassis plugged
in so that it remains grounded as you install the adapter.
3.Remove the filler panel from a PXI peripheral bus master slot. The
adapter requires a bus master slot to take advantage of the onboard
DMA and Ethernet controllers. All PXI chassis and most CompactPCI
chassis contain only bus master slots. Refer to your chassis
documentation to verify you are using a bus master slot.
4.Touch a metal part on your chassis to discharge any static electricity
that might be on your clothes or body.
5.Insert the adapter into the selected bus master slot. Use the
injector/ejector handle to fully inject the device into place.
6.Screw the front panel of the adapter to the front panel mounting rail
of the PXI or CompactPCI chassis.
Installing Your PCI Board
Complete the following steps to install the Ethernet adapter:
1.Shut down Windows, if it is running, by selecting Start»Shut Down.
2.Power off the computer and unplug the power cord.
3.Remove the cover to give yourself access to the expansion slots.
4.Choose an empty PCI slot and remove the slot cover by unscrewing
the screw that secures it.
5.Insert the adapter into the PCI slot and push until it is firmly seated.
Reinstall the screw you removed in step 4.
6.Replace the cover and plug in the power cord.
Connect the Network Cable
Complete the following steps to connect the network cable:
1.Connect a Twisted Pair Ethernet (TPE) network cable to the adapter,
as shown in the following figure.
•For 1000BaseT (gigabit over copper), use Category 5 (must be
4-pair wiring). Be sure to use Category 5 cable that complies with
the TIA-568 wiring specification. For more information on this
specification, refer to the Telecommunications Industry
Association Web site,
Caution If using less than 4-pair cabling, you must manually configure the speed and
duplex setting of the adapter and the link partner. In addition, with 2- and 3-pair cabling,
the adapter can achieve speeds of up to only 100 MB/s.
2.To configure Ethernet for your adapter, continue with the procedure
Install the Drivers
Follow the installation instructions for your operating system. The adapter
works with the following operating systems:
•Windows Me/98
•Windows 2000/XP
•Windows NT 4.02
•For 10BaseT, use Category 3 wiring or better.
•To use this adapter in a residential environment (at any speed), use
Category 5 wiring. If the cable runs between rooms or through
walls and/or ceilings, it should be plenum rated for fire safety.
•The cable length is limited to 100 m.
•The adapter must be connected to a compatible link partner,
preferably set to auto-negotiate speed and duplex.
•The PCI-8232 and PXI-8231/8232 automatically accommodate
either MDI or MDI-X connections. The auto-MDI-X feature
allows you to directly connect two adapters without using a
crossover cable.
specific to your operating system outlined later in this guide.
Complete the following steps to install the drivers:
1.Shut down, then power off the computer, as shown in the following
figure.
2.Install the hardware and cables, then power on the computer, as shown
in the following figure.
3.Install the PCI-PCI bridge driver.
Windows automatically detects the new hardware.
Follow the prompts in the Wizard. Select the recommended options
when given a choice. If Windows asks where to search for a new driver,
clear all checkboxes and click Next.
Windows automatically detects the new hardware and displays an Add
New Hardware Wizard window, as shown in the following figure.
Insert the PCI/PXI Gigabit Ethernet Adapters CD-ROM and follow
the instructions presented. Choose the Recommended options when
given a choice and click Next.
Windows 98
Windows automatically detects the new hardware and displays an Add
New Hardware Wizard window, as shown in the following figure.
Insert the PCI/PXI Gigabit Ethernet Adapters CD-ROM and follow
the instructions presented. Choose the Recommended options when
given a choice and click Next.