ADLINK PXIe-3987 Installation and Configuration Programming Guide

ADLINK PXIe-3987 Embedded Controller: Hardware Installation, BIOS Configuration, and Trigger I/O Programming Practice Guide

In modern automated testing and data acquisition systems, the PXI Express platform plays a central role. ADLINK PXIe-3987 as a seventh generation Intel based device ®  Core ™  The 3U PXI Express embedded controller with i7 processor provides powerful computing power and rich I/O interfaces for complex testing and measurement applications. This article aims to provide a comprehensive operation guide for system integrators and test engineers on the PXIe-3987 controller, from hardware installation, key component replacement, BIOS optimization to advanced trigger I/O programming, to help engineers quickly deploy and solve technical problems encountered in practical applications.

Product Overview and Hardware Architecture

The ADLINK PXIe-3987 PXI Express embedded controller is designed specifically for high-performance hybrid testing systems, with its core competitiveness derived from Intel ®  Core ™  I7-7820EQ processor (3.0GHz, single core Turbo frequency up to 3.7GHz) and mobile Intel ®  QM175 chipset. This controller supports dual channel DDR4 SODIMM memory, with a maximum capacity of 32GB and a frequency support of 2400MHz, ensuring smoothness in multitasking and large data throughput.

In terms of PCIe link capability, PXIe-3987 provides a highly flexible configurable switching architecture that supports two link modes: four link configuration (x4 x4 x4 x4) and dual link configuration (x16 x8), with a maximum system throughput of up to 16GB/s (based on PCIe 3.0 specifications).

Core I/O interface layout

The front panel of the controller integrates rich I/O interfaces, with specific functions as shown in the table below:

Interface Type Quantity/Specification Function Description

DisplayPort supports dual independent displays with a maximum resolution of 3840x2160 @ 60Hz

USB 3.0 2-channel high-speed data transfer, backward compatible with USB 2.0

USB 2.0 4-way support for external USB devices and operating system installation and booting

Gigabit Ethernet 2-channel based on Intel I210/I219 controller, supporting WoL (Wake on LAN)

GPIB (IEEE488) 1-channel (Micro-D 25P) onboard GPIB controller, compatible with NI-488.2 driver, with a speed of 1.5MB/s

COM Port 1-channel (D-sub 9P) BIOS can be configured for RS-232/422/485 mode

Trigger I/O 1-channel (SMB) programmable trigger signal input/output, connected to PXI trigger bus

Note: If using a 32-bit operating system, the addressable memory space will be limited and it will not be possible to fully utilize more than 4GB of physical memory. It is recommended to deploy a 64 bit operating system (such as Windows 10 64 bit) to maximize performance.

Hardware installation and maintenance of key components

2.1 Controller installation process

When installing PXIe-3987 into the PXIe chassis (usually slot 1 system slot), standardized procedures should be followed to prevent damage to the backplane connectors:

Physical positioning: Remove the dust cover from the corresponding slot of the chassis, ensure that the upper and lower edges of the controller are aligned with the chassis rail, and smoothly push it in.

Locking mechanism: Press down on the red locking rod to fully engage the controller with the backplate. Pay attention to aligning the positioning pin at the back of the pull rod with the positioning hole on the chassis guide rail to ensure even force distribution on the connector.

Tightening: Use a screwdriver to lock the four fixing screws on the panel to ensure stable operation of the controller in a vibrating environment.

2.2 Storage Device (HDD/SSD) Replacement Guide

PXIe-3987 comes pre installed with a 2.5-inch SATA hard drive or solid-state drive (supporting SATA 6.0 Gb/s and AHCI mode). If you need to upgrade or replace, please follow the steps below:

Disconnect the power and unplug the controller from the chassis, placing it on an anti-static workbench.

Remove the five screws that secure the hard drive bracket and gently lift the bracket.

Remove the four screws that secure the hard drive on both sides of the bracket and take out the old hard drive.

Install a new hard drive (maximum supported capacity depends on market supply, interface standard is SATA 3.0) and perform reverse operation reset.

Reinsert the controller, power on to enter BIOS (press DEL key), and check the hard disk recognition status in 【 Advanced 】 ->【 Onboard Devices Configuration 】 ->【 SATA Configuration 】.

2.3 On board battery replacement and CMOS clearing

Battery replacement (CR2032): When the system time is abnormal or the BIOS settings cannot be saved, the battery needs to be replaced. Use a small flat head screwdriver to gently pry up the old battery from the negative buckle. When installing the new battery, make sure the positive pole (+) is facing upwards. First, insert the positive buckle, and then press the negative buckle to lock it in place.

CMOS reset: If the system cannot start due to overclocking or incorrect settings, the onboard SW1 switch can be used. Turn the switch from Normal to Clear and wait for 5 seconds before resetting to restore the BIOS to its factory default values.