Memory max? NI 8176 Embedded Controller

[The_ROG]

What is the max memory that can be installed in the NI 8176 Embedded controller? The manual says 256K but can it handle more? What type?

[David_Pratt]

Hey ROG,

National Instruments recommends the amount of 256MB for maximum memory size upgrade, per stick, so upgrading to anything beyond that is not supported and will void your warranty or support.  Therefore, our maximum amount of memory specified would be 512Mb total.

However, the true limitation on many systems is in the architecture behind the hardware and software.  For example, a 32-bit hardware architecture and a 32-bit operating system will provide you with the capabilities of recognizing between 3 to 4 Gb of data.  This is due to the memory allocation abilities of 32-bit computing.  64-bit, obviously, has much more capabilities and can support RAM amounts much higher, such as 8Gb, 16Gb, etc...  So realistically, you can install any amount of RAM you want into your embedded controller that can physically fit, but your main concern should be what operating system your controller is running.  But once again, anything above the recommended amount will not be supported.

[Josh_KNH]

Hi ROG,

In the case of the NI PXI-8176, the chipset of that controller is limited to 512MB max, so DavidP is correct that using 2 sticks of RAM each 256MB in size is the largest supported configuration.  For reference:

http://www.intel.com/design/chipsets/embedded/273428.htm

Regards,

JoshH