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

santo_13_1-1663104304473.png

This should be evident from the product page too

santo_13_3-1663104364418.png

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.