NI NI8260

PXI Express In-Chassis Data Streaming Module
NI 8260 NEW!
◾◾ 3-slot 3U PXI Express module
◾◾ x4 PCI Express interface
◾◾ Solid-state drive option available
Supported Configurations
◾◾ Software RAID-0
◾◾ JBOD
Hard-Disk Drive
◾◾ Four 250 GB 2.5 in. SATA II hard drives
◾◾ 1 TB total storage
◾◾ 200 MB/s read and write
(sustainable for 800 GB)
Operating Systems
◾◾ Windows Vista/XP
Overview
The NI 8260 is a x4 PXI Express/CompactPCI high-speed data storage module
for use in PXI Express systems. It contains four 2.5 in. SATA drives and offers
the option between hard-disk drives (HDDs) for extended storage space or
solid-state drives (SSDs) for increased ruggedness.
not tolerant to drive failure. JBOD, often referred to as spanned, links all four
drives together to create one disk space. In this configuration, the data fills the
first drive and continues through each consecutive drive. JBOD also does not
implement redundancy and is not tolerant to drive failure. These configurations
for the NI 8260 are implemented through the Windows OS.
The module provides a compact and portable data storage option that suits
a variety of applications such as the following:
◾◾ Signal record and playback
◾◾ Field data acquisition
◾◾ Extended data storage
Hardware
The NI 8260 is a compact, 3U, PXI Express/CompactPCI data storage module
that uses only three slots of the PXI Express chassis. This module requires a
PXI Express peripheral slot and two consecutive slots. The NI 8260 in this small
form factor consists of four 2.5 in. laptop serial ATA (SATA) II drives. With the
HDD option, it contains four 250 GB drives featuring a total of 1 TB of data
storage space. It is capable of sustaining read and write rates at 200 MB/s
A PXI Express Chassis with an NI 8260 High-Speed Data Storage Module
for up to 800 GB of the total storage space. Because of these features, the
Theory of Operation
module provides high-speed data storage for applications that require a portable
After installing the provided driver software, you can configure the NI 8260
high-speed data streaming solution.
hard drive in either JBOD or RAID-0 using the Windows Disk Management
Software
utility. With this utility, you assign the NI 8260 a logical drive letter that you
The NI 8260 offers two options for configuration, software RAID-0 and JBOD
(Just a Bunch of Disks). RAID-0, also referred to as striped, distributes the
data across the four disks without redundancy, providing high data throughput
and maximum storage capacity. RAID-0 delivers the highest performance for
streaming data to and from disk as it distributes data evenly across a set of
hard drives. Because this configuration does not implement redundancy, it is
can easily access from the application software. Once you have configured the
NI 8260, you have access similar to a standard hard drive in Windows – you
can programmatically access the module using standard file I/O application
programming interfaces (APIs) in development environments.
PXI Express In-Chassis Data Streaming Module
Streaming Performance
RAID-0 provides the highest standard Redundant Array of Independent Disks
(RAID) performance for streaming data to and from disk because data is evenly
distributed among all of the hard drives in the array. However, the streaming
performance of an HDD array is not consistent across the entire storage capacity
because of its mechanical components. The performance is highest at the outer
rim of the drives and decreases as the drive heads approach the inner rims. Thus,
using standard RAID configurations, the same level of streaming performance is
not possible across the entire RAID volume. The NI 8260, configured as RAID-0,
Ordering Information
NI 8260, 4-drive, 1 TB HDD (4 x 250 GB HDD)
high-speed data storage module...............................................780980-01
250 GB 2.5 in. SATA spare hard drive.............................................781070-01
BUY NOW
For complete product specifications, pricing,and accessory information,
call 800 813 3693 (U.S.) or go to ni.com/pxi.
can sustain reading and writing at 200 MB/s for 800 GB when using HDDs.
When using the SSD option, you achieve a better deterministic and constant
performance across the entire disk due to the lack of mechanical parts. In many
cases, you also see an improved data transfer rate. It is important to consider
which drive is the most appropriate for the streaming application based on
factors such as data transfer rates, the frequency of writing to disk, and the
environment that you are storing data to and from disk.
Important Facts When Considering
the Solid-State Option
With the SSD, it is important to consider the different types of solid-state device
designs that are commonly available. These are the single-level cell (SLC) and
the multilevel cell (MLC) designs. Consider a cell as a low-level electronic
storage component. An SLC-based SSD stores one bit of data in each cell,
leading to faster transfer speeds, lower power consumption, and higher cell
endurance. An MLC-based SSD stores three or more bits in each cell. By storing
more bits per cell, this type of SSD exhibits slower transfer speeds, higher power
consumption, and lower cell endurance than an SLC device but offers higher
capacity. SLC-based SSDs also offer longer life compared to MLC-based SSDs.
When determining whether SSD is the appropriate data storage option,
keep in mind that there is a limited number of program/erase cycles for a logic
cell. A logic cell used in an MLC drive wears out after approximately 5,000
program/write cycles, whereas a logic cell used in an SLC drive wears out after
approximately 100,000 program/write cycles. National Instruments provides
the SLC-based SSD option to ensure the reliability and life span of the drive
for customer applications. For high-speed data streaming applications, it is
important to know the amount of data and how frequently it is written to disk
when choosing the appropriate storage solution.
BUY ONLINE at ni.com or C ALL 800 813 36 93 (U.S.)
2
PXI Express In-Chassis Data Streaming Module
Specifications
Shock and Vibration
Specifications subject to change without prior notice.
Operating shock..................................... 30 g peak, half-sine, 11 ms pulse
Features
SATA chipset.......................................... Marvel 88SX7042
Hard-disk drive capacity........................ 250 GB in four-drive configurations
Hard-disk drive interface....................... Serial ATA
Supported configurations....................... Software RAID-0 and JBOD
Board dimensions.................................. 3-slot 3U PXI Express module,
6 by 13 by 21.6 cm (2.4 by 5.1 by 8.5 in.)
Slot requirements.................................. 1 PXI Express module slot plus
(tested in accordance with
IEC-60068-2-27; test profile developed
in accordance with MIL-PRF-28800F)
Random vibration
Operating........................................... 5 to 500 Hz, 0.3 grms
(with solid-state hard drive)
Nonoperating..................................... 5 to 500 Hz, 2.4 grms (tested in
Physical
2 module expansion slots
Compatibility.......................................... CompactPCI Express spec component
Weight
250 GB × 4 HDDs............................... 770 g
accordance with IEC-60068-2-64;
nonoperating test profile exceeds the
requirements of MIL-PRF-28800F, Class 3)
Safety Compliance
◾◾ IEC 61010-1, EN 61010-1
◾◾ UL 61010-01, CSA 61010-1
32 GB × 4 SSDs................................. 601 g
Electromagnetic Compatibility
Environment
◾◾ EN 55011 (CISPR 11): Group 1, Class A emissions
◾◾ EN 61326 (IEC 61326): Class A emissions; Basic immunity
Maximum altitude.................................. 2,000 m (800 mbar)
◾◾ AS/NZS CISPR 11: Group 1, Class A emissions
Pollution degree..................................... 2
◾◾ FCC 47 CFR Part 15B: Class A emissions
Indoor use only.
◾◾ ICES-001: Class A emissions
Note: For EMC compliance, operate this device according to
Operating Environment
Ambient temperature range.................. 5 to 50 °C
product documentation.
(tested in accordance with
CE Compliance
IEC-60068-2-1 and IEC-60068-2-2;
This product meets the essential requirements of applicable European
meets MIL-PRF-28800F Class 3
high temperature limit)
Directives as follows:
◾◾ 2006/95/EC; Low-Voltage Directive (safety)
Relative humidity range......................... 10 to 90% noncondensing
◾◾ 2004/108/EC; Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)
(tested in accordance
Note: Refer to the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for this product for any
with IEC-60068-2-56)
additional regulatory compliance information. To obtain the DoC for this product,
visit ni.com/certification, search by model number or product line, and click
Storage Environment
Ambient temperature range.................. -40 to 71 °C
the appropriate link in the Certification column.
(tested in accordance with
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
IEC-60068-2-1 and IEC-60068-2-2;
EU Customers: At the end of their life cycle, all products must be sent to a
meets MIL-PRF-28800F Class 3 limits)
WEEE recycling center. For more information about WEEE recycling centers and
Relative humidity range......................... 5 to 95% noncondensing
(tested in accordance
with IEC-60068-2-56)
National Instruments WEEE initiatives, visit ni.com/environment/weee.htm.
BUY ONLINE at ni.com or C ALL 800 813 36 93 (U.S.)
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