Intel Core i7-860 quad-core processor 2.8 GHz base frequency (3.46 GHz single-core Turbo frequency) 1/2 GB of 1333 MHz DDR3 RAM standard 16 GB of 1333 MHz DDR3 RAM maximum Up to 4 x 500 GB SATA 3.5 in. hard drives (2 TB total storage maximum) Support for RAID-0/1/5 hard-drive configurations	Single PCI Express expansion slot (x16 Gen2, unpopulated) Built-in DVD-ROM standard, with optional DVD-RW available Optimized for installation in 1U height in a 19 in. rack Universal AC power supply OS, drivers, and hard-drive based recovery software preinstalled MXI-Express remote control kits not included

Overview

The NI RMC-8354 is a high-performance, Intel Core i7 quad-core processor-based, server-class controller for use in PXI or PXI Express systems. In addition to high-computing performance, these controllers provide high sustainable I/O bandwidth when bundled with an NI MXI-Express remote control kit. With support for redundant array of independent disk (RAID)-configured hard drives for Windows-based systems, these controllers are ideal for high-end test and measurement applications.

Requirements and Compatibility

OS Information PharLap Windows 7 Windows 7 64-bit Windows XP

Application and Technology

NI RMC-8354 Detailed Features

Features	NI RMC-8354
Processor	Intel Core i7-860
CPU Cores	4
Base Frequency	2.8 GHz
Single-Core Turbo Frequency	3.46 GHz
L2 Cache	8 MB
Memory Standard	1 or 2 GB
Memory Maximum	16 GB
Memory Type	DDR3 1333 MHz
Hard Drive	1 or 4 x 500 GB SATA II 3.5 in.
Removable Hard Drive	Yes
Gigabit Ethernet	2
High-Speed USB	4
PS/2 Ports	2
Video	VGA
Expansion Slot	1
Expansion Slot Type	x16 Gen2
Rack-Mount Rails	Yes
Installed OS Options	Windows 7 (32-,64-Bit), Windows XP FES (32-Bit), LabVIEW Real-Time

Connectivity to PXI or PXI Express Systems

The NI RMC-8354 controller features an empty x16 Gen 2 PCI Express expansion slot. You can populate this slot with a MXI-Express remote controller to create a software-transparent link, which requires no programming, to a PXI or PXI Express chassis. Refer to the PXI advisor for all possible configurations at ni.com/pxiadvisor. 

Quad-Core Processor

The RMC-8354 includes the quad-core Intel Core i7-860QM processor. Quad-core processors contain four cores, or computing engines, in one physical package. To increase the number of threads that you can process, the RMC-8354 takes advantage of Intel Hyper-Threading Technology that takes each of the four physical cores and splits them into two virtual cores, for a total of eight virtual cores. These eight virtual cores can execute eight computing tasks, which is advantageous in multitasking environments such as Windows 7. Multithreaded system development environments, such as NI LabVIEW, can take full advantage of the processing cores on the RMC-8354 by automatically separating their tasks into independent threads. 

Intel Turbo Boost Technology

Previously, to fully exercise all the physical cores on a multicore CPU, applications had to be architected to create four independent execution threads by implementing programming strategies such as task parallelism, data parallelism, and pipelining. However, Intel introduced Turbo Boost Technology to provide performance benefits for all types of applications without requiring the application to be optimized for multicore processors. The RMC-8354 has a 2.8 GHz base clock frequency, and, with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, the frequency automatically increases based on the application type. For example, when running applications that generate only a single processing thread, the CPU places the three unused cores into an idle state and increases the active core’s clock frequency from 2.8 to 3.46 GHz.¹ For applications that are processing two threads, the CPU places the two unused cores into an idle state and increases the active core’s clock frequency from 2.8 to 3.3 GHz.¹ For applications using four threads, the CPU increases from 2.8 to 2.93 GHz.¹ Turbo Boost provides performance increases for all types of applications and can significantly reduce test times for applications that are processor-intensive.

¹Processor should not throttle CPU frequency under reasonable, worst-case processor workloads in high operating temperatures.

High Data and Memory Bandwidth

To create high-performance test and measurement systems, two system controller features, data and memory bandwidth, are critically important. The RMC-8354 features a x16 Gen 2 PCI Express expansion slot that, when paired with National Instruments high-bandwidth remote controllers, allows high data throughput from PXI Express chassis. The RMC-8354 also features up to 16 GB of dual-channel DDR3 1333 MHz RAM that perfectly complements the high-throughput expansion slot by providing sufficient memory capacity and fast memory access rates. 

RAID Configurations

Redundant array of independent disk (RAID) data storage schemes divide and/or replicate data among multiple hard drives. They are used to provide increased data reliability and/or increased I/O performance. The RMC-8354 (Windows version) works with a variety of RAID configurations such as RAID-0/1/5/10 with multiple SATA II hard drives. A RAID-0 configuration increases the rate at which a computer can write data to and read data from disk by evenly distributing data among multiple hard drives. This is beneficial in applications that require high-speed data streaming to/from disk. RMC-8354 controller versions with multiple hard drives are shipped with factory-configured RAID-5 configurations. 

Deterministic Performance With Real-Time OS 

National Instruments offers a version of the RMC-8354 rack-mount controller that works with the LabVIEW Real-Time OS. With this development platform, you can build real-time measurement and control applications with high determinism. You develop your LabVIEW application with the LabVIEW Real-Time Module on Windows and download the program to your RMC-8354 real-time controller via Ethernet. The embedded code executes on a real-time OS, so you can use powerful and flexible LabVIEW development tools to build reliable, real-time solutions.

Better Acoustic Performance 

Rack-mount controllers from National Instruments are designed with powerful quad-core processors that typically have high heat dissipation. Using these processors in their specified operating environments requires the controller to provide sufficient air cooling. The RMC-8354 features a new cooling design that the older-generation NI 8353 rack-mount controllers do not offer. This new design allows for significantly reduced acoustic emission, making it much quieter during operation than an NI 8353.

RMC-8354 Kits

Kit Part Number	Operation System	Default System RAM	Default Hard Drives
781650-01	Windows XP FES (32-Bit)	1 GB	1 x 500 GB
781651-01	Windows XP FES (32-Bit)	2 GB	4 x 500 GB (RAID-5)
781650-04	Windows 7  (32-Bit)	1 GB	1 x 500 GB
781651-04	Windows 7  (32-Bit)	2 GB	4 x 500 GB (RAID-5)
781652-04	Windows 7  (64-Bit)	2 GB	4 x 500 GB (RAID-5)
781650-33	LabVIEW Real-Time	1 GB	1 x 500 GB

RMC-8354 Images

Figure 1. RMC-8354 Front View With Bezel

 

Figure 2. RMC-8354 Front View Without Bezel

Figure 3. RMC-8354 Rear View

Support and Services

System Assurance Programs

NI system assurance programs are designed to make it even easier for you to own an NI system. These programs include configuration and deployment services for your NI PXI, CompactRIO, or Compact FieldPoint system. The NI Basic System Assurance Program provides a simple integration test and ensures that your system is delivered completely assembled in one box. When you configure your system with the NI Standard System Assurance Program, you can select from available NI system driver sets and application development environments to create customized, reorderable software configurations. Your system arrives fully assembled and tested in one box with your software preinstalled. When you order your system with the standard program, you also receive system-specific documentation including a bill of materials, an integration test report, a recommended maintenance plan, and frequently asked question documents. Finally, the standard program reduces the total cost of owning an NI system by providing three years of warranty coverage and calibration service. Use the online product advisors at ni.com/advisor to find a system assurance program to meet your needs.

Technical Support

Get answers to your technical questions using the following National Instruments resources.

• Support - Visit ni.com/support to access the NI KnowledgeBase, example programs, and tutorials or to contact our applications engineers who are located in NI sales offices around the world and speak the local language.
• Discussion Forums - Visit forums.ni.com for a diverse set of discussion boards on topics you care about.
• Online Community - Visit community.ni.com to find, contribute, or collaborate on customer-contributed technical content with users like you.

Repair

While you may never need your hardware repaired, NI understands that unexpected events may lead to necessary repairs. NI offers repair services performed by highly trained technicians who quickly return your device with the guarantee that it will perform to factory specifications. For more information, visit ni.com/repair.

Training and Certifications

The NI training and certification program delivers the fastest, most certain route to increased proficiency and productivity using NI software and hardware. Training builds the skills to more efficiently develop robust, maintainable applications, while certification validates your knowledge and ability.

• Classroom training in cities worldwide - the most comprehensive hands-on training taught by engineers.
• On-site training at your facility - an excellent option to train multiple employees at the same time.
• Online instructor-led training - lower-cost, remote training if classroom or on-site courses are not possible.
• Course kits - lowest-cost, self-paced training that you can use as reference guides.
• Training memberships and training credits - to buy now and schedule training later.

Visit ni.com/training for more information.

Extended Warranty

NI offers options for extending the standard product warranty to meet the life-cycle requirements of your project. In addition, because NI understands that your requirements may change, the extended warranty is flexible in length and easily renewed. For more information, visit ni.com/warranty.

OEM

NI offers design-in consulting and product integration assistance if you need NI products for OEM applications. For information about special pricing and services for OEM customers, visit ni.com/oem.

Alliance

Our Professional Services Team is comprised of NI applications engineers, NI Consulting Services, and a worldwide National Instruments Alliance Partner program of more than 700 independent consultants and integrators. Services range from start-up assistance to turnkey system integration. Visit ni.com/alliance.

Detailed Specifications

This appendix lists the NI RMC-8354 electrical, mechanical, and environmental specifications.
Electrical
AC Input
Input voltage range		100 –240 VAC
Operating voltage range 1		90 –264 VAC
Input frequency		50/60 Hz
Operating frequency range 1		47–63 Hz
Input current rating		5 A max
Power disconnect		The AC power cable provides main power disconnect. Depressing the front panel power switch enables or inhibits the internal power supply.
Power Requirements
Measured, peak inrush (power ON)		197 W
Measured, idle		92 W
Measured, active (100% CPU)		203 W
Mainboard
Socket		LGA 1156
Chipset		Intel 3420 chipset
Memory Slots		Four 240-pin DIMM slots, three per channel, 1066/1333 16 GB max memory
PCI Express		One PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot
SATA		Six SATA ports compliant with the Serial-ATA 2.0 specification.
USB ports		Four USB 2.0 ports
Keyboard		PS/2 keyboard port
Mouse		PS/2 mouse port
Video		VGA port, onboard Matrox G200eW 16 MB DDR2 (max resolution 1280 × 1024)
Serial		One RS-232 serial port
LAN		Two RJ45 LAN jacks
Onboard LAN controller		Intel 82574L Gigabit Ethernet controller
CPU
CPU		Intel i7 860 Quad Core
Clock speed		2.86 GHz
Max turbo frequency (single core)		3.46 GHz
Intel Smart Cache		8 MB
Package		LGA 1156
Hard Disk Drive
Capacity		500 GB in one, two, or four-drive configurations for maximum capacity of 2 TB (maximum usable capacity shown by Windows in RAID 5 is 1.36 TB)
Interface		Serial-ATA
Memory
Standard memory		1/2 × 1 GB (128 M × 72 bit), DDR-III SDRAM, ECC 1333 MHz
4 GB memory upgrade		2 × 2 GB (128 M × 72 bit), DDR-III SDRAM, ECC 1333 MHz
8 GB memory upgrade (64-bit OS)		4 × 2 GB (128 M × 72 bit), DDR-III SDRAM, ECC 1333 MHz
16 GB memory upgrade (64-bit OS)		4 × 4 GB (512 M × 72 bit), DDR-III SDRAM, ECC 1333 MHz
Mechanical
Overall dimensions (standard chassis)
Height		1U
Width		437 mm (17.2 in.)
Depth		503 mm (19.8 in.)
Weight (with four 500 GB drives)		10.75 kg (23.7 lbs)
Environmental
Caution If installed in a closed or multiunit rack assembly, the rack environment operating ambient temperature may be greater than room ambient temperature. Therefore, install the equipment in an environment compatible with the maximum ambient temperature (Tma) the manufacturer specifies.
Operating temperature		5 to 35 °C (Tested in accordance with IEC-60068-2-1.)
Storage temperature		–40 to 70 °C (Tested in accordance with IEC-60068-2-1 and IEC-60068-2-2.)
Relative humidity (tested in accordance with IEC-60068-2-56)
Operating		10 to 90% noncondensing
Nonoperational (storage)		5 to 95% noncondensing
Operating location		Indoor use
Altitude		2,000 m
Installation Category		II
Pollution Degree		2
Acoustic Emissions 2
Sound pressure level (at operator position)
Minimum		53.9 dBA
Maximum		64.9 dBA
Sound power
Minimum		61.6 dBA
Maximum		72.0 dBA
Safety
This product is designed to meet the requirements of the following standards of safety for information technology equipment: IEC 60950-1, EN 60950-1 UL 60950-1, CSA 60950-1 Caution Overloading the circuits may damage supply wiring. Do not exceed the ratings on the equipment nameplate when connecting equipment to the supply circuit. Note For UL and other safety certifications, refer to the product label or the Online Product Certification section.
Electromagnetic Compatibility
This product meets the requirements of the following EMC standards for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use: EN 61326-1 (IEC 61326-1): Class A emissions; Basic immunity EN 55011 (CISPR 11): Group 1, Class A emissions AS/NZS CISPR 11: Group 1, Class A emissions FCC 47 CFR Part 15B: Class A emissions ICES-001: Class A emissions Note For EMC declarations and certifications, refer to the Online Product Certification section. Note When operating this product, use shielded cables and accessories.
CE Compliance
This product meets the essential requirements of applicable European Directives, as amended for CE marking, as follows: 2006/95/EC; Low-Voltage Directive (safety) 2004/108/EC; Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)
Online Product Certification
To obtain product certifications and the DoC for this product, visit ni.com/certification, search by model number or product line, and click the appropriate link in the Certification column.
Environmental Management
NI is committed to designing and manufacturing products in an environmentally responsible manner. NI recognizes that eliminating certain hazardous substances from our products is beneficial not only to the environment but also to NI customers. For additional environmental information, refer to the NI and the Environment Web page at ni.com/environment. This page contains the environmental regulations and directives with which NI complies, as well as other environmental information not included in this document.
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
EU Customers At the end of the product life cycle, all products must be sent to a WEEE recycling center. For more information about WEEE recycling centers, National Instruments WEEE initiatives, and compliance with WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment, visit ni.com/environment/weee.htm.
Battery Replacement and Disposal
Battery Directive This device contains a long-life coin cell battery. If you need to replace it, use the Return Material Authorization (RMA) process or contact an authorized National Instruments service representative. For more information about compliance with the EU Battery Directive 2006/66/EC about Batteries and Accumulators and Waste Batteries and Accumulators, visit ni.com/environment/batterydirective.

Pinouts/Front Panel Connections

PS/2 Connector Location and Pinout

PS/2 Connector Signals Pin Signal Name Signal Description 1 DATA Data Keyboard 2 NC Data Mouse 3 GND Ground 4 VCC VCC 5 CLK Clock Keyboard 6 NC Clock Mouse

USB Connector Location and Pinout

Serial Connector Location and Pinout

VGA Connector Location and Pinout

Ethernet Connector Location and Pinout