PXIe-1090 USB-C?

[dsweeney]

Hello.  I am trying to connect a Pxie-1090 to a USB-C port on a Windows 11 machine.  I can see the chassis in Device Manager and I can see some information about it in the NI-MAX software but it's the serial number is not correct and other information the documentation references is not showing.  The MXI LED is solid amber.  I understand the differences between USB-C and Thunderbolt and I believe this device requires Thunderbolt and that USB-C will not work but haven't been able to find documentation explicitly stating this.  Can anyone confirm if I could expect this device to work in some capacity over USB-C or is there a hard requirement for it to be connected to a machine that supports Thunderbolt? 

[Robert__R]

Hi dsweeney,

The PXIe-1090 absolutely requires Thunderbolt (or the USB4 version of Thunderbolt) -- no functionality with standard USB.

- Robert

[santo_13]

As Robert pointed out, you need at least Thunderbolt 3 - refer to the documentation here

This should be evident from the product page too

Yes, it is an absolute requirement for Thunderbolt for this to function as both Thunderbolt and PXIe are built on top of the PCIe bus.

[ahebert]

If the port specifically says it is USB4, does that mean the PXIe-1090 will work on it?

If not, can you shed any light on how to tell if a USB4 port supports Thunderbolt on any given PC?

-Arthur

[santo_13]

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@ahebert wrote:

If the port specifically says it is USB4, does that mean the PXIe-1090 will work on it?

If not, can you shed any light on how to tell if a USB4 port supports Thunderbolt on any given PC?

-Arthur

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Sharing the computer model or link to it will help to check if it has Thunderbolt 3 or 4.

[ahebert]

Thank you for your reply, Santhosh!

Here is a PC with USB4 I am considering for the task: Minisforum Venus UM790 Pro. I don't see the Thunderbolt trademark anywhere in the specs.

I have read mixed messages about whether Thunderbolt 3 devices can be used on USB4 ports. 

On this information page from Intel, https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/architecture-and-technology/thunderbolt/thunderbolt-3-vs-4.h... one section sounds promising:

"USB4 Specification Compliant

Both Thunderbolt™ 4 and Thunderbolt™ 3 technologies are compatible with the USB4 specification, allowing users to use Thunderbolt™ 4 and Thunderbolt™ 3 products with USB4 ports."

But other readings around the internet indicate that supporting certain Thunderbolt features is optional, including PCI Express tunneling, which I am guessing is an important feature for the NI PXIe-1090, since PXI is an extension of PCI. But I don't know how to tell from reading the specs which features are supported on a port labeled "USB4."

-Arthur

[santo_13]

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@ahebert wrote:

But other readings around the internet indicate that supporting certain Thunderbolt features is optional, including PCI Express tunneling, which I am guessing is an important feature for the NI PXIe-1090, since PXI is an extension of PCI. But I don't know how to tell from reading the specs which features are supported on a port labeled "USB4."

-Arthur

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Based on what I read at https://www.tomsguide.com/features/thunderbolt-4-vs-usb4-whats-the-difference, USB4 is not exactly Thunderbolt 4 and manufacturers cut corners.

As you pointed out, it is impossible to find out where the manufacturer cut the corner and whether PXIe-1090 communication will be impacted by that or not.

In short, it is a bet you would be wagering, if Minisforum Venus is good, things should work just fine with PXIe-1090 or you may need to scramble to find another PC or return it.

[ahebert]

Thank you again for your reply, Santhosh.

I just found a review of this UM790 Pro PC, which specifically names that its USB4 ports work with Thunderbolt 3 devices, so I'm feeling safer about making the wager. If I end up getting the hardware, then I'll post back here on the results.

Here are a couple more links I found helpful, for anyone else who finds this thread because they have similar questions:

• https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/test/hlk/testref/742e3340-ca3f-43ea-9044-57b9e5d7...
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6aCCp-Umcw

-Arthur

[anujsaini]

can we use any third party converter PCIe to Thunderbolt

https://www.asus.com/motherboards-components/motherboards/accessories/thunderboltex-4/ 

[ZYOng]

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@anujsaini wrote:

can we use any third party converter PCIe to Thunderbolt

https://www.asus.com/motherboards-components/motherboards/accessories/thunderboltex-4/ 

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From Connect PXIe System With Thunderbolt™ Interface Card

Our Thunderbolt™ devices are primarily designed to work with third version Thunderbolt™ and/or ports that are built-in on the motherboard. Therefore, please be aware that all third-party PCI/PCIe add-ons are not officially supported and recommended by NI.