NI PXIe-1078 PXI Express Chassis Overview
The NI PXIe-1078 is a 9-slot PXI Express chassis designed to provide a high-performance, robust, and flexible platform for a wide range of automated test and measurement applications. It integrates PCI Express connectivity into each slot via its backplane, allowing for high-bandwidth communication between the PXI Express modules.
Product Detailed Description
Function: The PXIe-1078 serves as the fundamental building block for PXI and PXI Express test systems. It provides the necessary power, cooling, and high-speed communication infrastructure for PXI Express and PXI hybrid-compatible modules. Essentially, it's a modular instrument enclosure where various PXI/PXIe instrument modules (like oscilloscopes, DMMs, arbitrary waveform generators, DAQ cards, etc.) are inserted to create a custom test and measurement system.
Chassis Architecture:
9 Slots: It features 9 peripheral slots.
Hybrid Slots: Out of the 9 slots, 5 are PXI Express hybrid-compatible slots. This means they can accept both PXI Express modules and standard PXI (CompactPCI) modules. This provides excellent backward compatibility and flexibility for users with existing PXI modules.
PXI Express Slots: The remaining 3 slots are dedicated PXI Express slots, optimized for the higher bandwidth of PXI Express modules. One slot is typically designated as the system controller slot.
Integrated PCI Express Backplane: The core of the chassis is its integrated PCI Express backplane, which enables high-speed data transfer between modules (up to 1.75 GB/s system bandwidth). This is crucial for applications requiring high-throughput data acquisition and generation.
Cooling System: It features an integrated cooling system to ensure optimal operating temperatures for the installed modules, contributing to measurement accuracy and system longevity.
System Reference Clock: Provides a highly stable 10 MHz system reference clock (PXI_CLK10) for synchronization across modules, crucial for high-precision and synchronized measurements.
Robust Design: Built for industrial environments, ensuring reliable operation in various test settings.
Product Parameters
Slot Count: 9 total slots
System Bandwidth: Up to 1.75 GB/s (Gigabytes per second)
Slot-to-Slot Bandwidth: Varies depending on the specific slot type and module.
Per-Slot Cooling Capacity: Typically up to 38.25 W per slot.
System Reference Clock (PXI_CLK10): 10 MHz
Accuracy: ±25 ppm max (guaranteed over operating temperature range)
Maximum Slot-to-Slot Skew: 500 ps
RMS Phase Jitter: 3 ps RMS (10 Hz to 12 kHz), 2 ps RMS (12 kHz to 20 MHz)
AC Input Voltage Range: 100 VAC to 240 VAC
AC Input Operating Frequency Range: 47 Hz to 63 Hz
Dimensions (H x W x D): Approx. 6.97 x 14 x 8.43 inches (or similar for compact desktop form factor)
Weight: Varies, but typically in the range of a few kilograms (e.g., 5-7 kg without modules).
Operating Temperature: Typically 0 °C to 55 °C.
Storage Temperature: Typically -40 °C to 70 °C.
Humidity: 10% to 90% RH, non-condensing.
Compliance: Designed to meet relevant EMC and safety standards for industrial use.
Product Advantages
High Performance: The PXI Express backplane provides significantly higher data throughput compared to standard PXI, enabling faster measurements and complex data processing.
Flexibility and Expandability: 9 slots allow for a wide variety of PXI and PXI Express modules to be integrated, creating highly customized test systems. Hybrid slots ensure backward compatibility.
Synchronization Capabilities: The integrated 10 MHz system reference clock and advanced timing and synchronization features of PXI/PXIe enable precise synchronization across multiple modules, critical for high-channel-count or mixed-signal applications.
Robustness: Designed for demanding industrial and laboratory environments, ensuring reliable and stable operation.
Integrated Cooling: Effective cooling per slot ensures optimal performance and longevity of the inserted modules.
Compact Form Factor: The relatively small size of PXI chassis makes them suitable for benchtop use or integration into larger test setups.
Ecosystem and Software Support: Benefits from the extensive NI PXI ecosystem, including a vast array of modular instruments and comprehensive software support (LabVIEW, TestStand, VeriStand, etc.), which simplifies development and deployment.
Precautions
Proper Installation and Ventilation: Ensure the chassis is installed in a well-ventilated area with adequate clearance for airflow. Blocked vents can lead to overheating and performance degradation.
Power Supply: Connect the chassis to a stable power source within the specified voltage and frequency ranges. Avoid power surges.
Module Insertion/Removal: Always ensure the chassis is powered off and unplugged before inserting or removing any PXI/PXIe modules to prevent damage to the modules or the chassis.
ESD Protection: Take electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions when handling modules and the chassis to prevent damage to sensitive electronic components. Use an ESD-safe workstation and wrist strap.
EMC Compliance: To ensure specified electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) performance, operate the chassis only with shielded cables and accessories. Avoid unauthorized modifications.
Intended Use: The NI PXIe-1078 is intended for industrial locations. Use in residential areas may cause interference to radio/TV broadcasts, and users might need to take special measures to mitigate this.
System Failure Risk: As with any electronic system, system failures can occur. For applications where a system failure could create a risk of harm to property or persons, supplemental protection (e.g., backup or shutdown mechanisms) should be implemented. NI products are generally not designed for life or safety-critical systems where failure could lead to death, personal injury, or severe property/environmental harm.
Product Applications
The NI PXIe-1078 chassis is a versatile platform used in a multitude of demanding test and measurement applications across various industries:
