Product Overview
The National Instruments PXI-4071 is a 7.5 digit FlexDMM digital multimeter module for PXI systems. It is designed for automated test, calibration, metrology, and laboratory measurement applications that require high resolution and stable readings. The module combines a precision digital multimeter with a fast isolated digitizer, giving engineers two measurement modes in one PXI instrument.
The FlexDMM architecture allows the module to switch between traditional DMM measurements and high speed waveform capture. This dual capability reduces the number of instruments needed in a test chassis and simplifies test sequencing. The PXI-4071 is suitable for production test systems, calibration benches, and research setups where both accuracy and throughput are important.
Precision Multimeter Functions
The PXI-4071 measures DC and AC voltage, DC and AC current, two wire and four wire resistance, and temperature with resistive sensors. The 7.5 digit resolution supports fine measurement steps for low level signals and precision calibration work. Four wire resistance measurement removes lead resistance errors when testing low resistance devices, connectors, and conductive materials.
The module provides a wide set of measurement ranges to cover small sensor signals and higher voltage or current levels. Low noise input circuitry and a stable internal reference help maintain measurement confidence. The module supports self calibration and external calibration, which are important for regulated test environments and long term measurement stability.
Isolated Digitizer Mode
In addition to DMM functions, the PXI-4071 includes an isolated digitizer with a maximum sampling rate of 1.8 MS/s. The digitizer provides up to 26 bits of effective resolution, which is useful for capturing small voltage changes over time. This mode can record transients, power supply startup behavior, pulse waveforms, and other signals that change faster than standard DMM reading rates.
The isolated digitizer architecture helps protect the host system and improves signal integrity in noisy environments. The digitizer can be triggered and synchronized with other PXI modules, allowing time domain capture to be correlated with other test events. Engineers can use the digitizer for waveform analysis and then return to precision DMM measurement on the same module.
Accuracy and Stability
The PXI-4071 is designed for stable and repeatable measurements. Its basic DC voltage accuracy is in the 0.001 percent range, supporting demanding calibration and production test tasks. The module uses careful thermal design and low noise input paths to maintain performance across its operating range. These features are important when measuring low level signals or comparing devices with tight tolerances.
Temperature measurement with RTDs and thermistors expands the module beyond electrical parameters. This is useful in environmental chambers, thermal validation, and device characterization. The module can also measure diode voltage and perform continuity checks, making it a versatile tool for bench and automated test use.
Software and PXI Integration
The PXI-4071 is supported by NI-DMM driver software and can be programmed with LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, Measurement Studio, and other development environments. PXI trigger lines and synchronization features allow the module to work with switches, signal generators, digitizers, and other instruments in a unified test system. Measurement automation can be built around defined test steps and data logging.
The module fits into standard PXI chassis and shares timing and synchronization resources with other PXI modules. This makes it suitable for high channel count systems, automated production lines, and laboratory benches that require consistent measurement results across multiple test points. The PXI-4071 can serve as the precision measurement core of a PXI based test system.
Typical Applications
Precision voltage, current, and resistance measurement
Calibration and metrology benches requiring 7.5 digit resolution
Semiconductor device characterization and parametric test
Power supply, battery, and electronic load validation
Temperature measurement with RTD and thermistor sensors
Transient capture using the isolated 1.8 MS/s digitizer
The PXI-4071 combines 7.5 digit multimeter accuracy with an isolated high speed digitizer in a PXI module. Its measurement range, calibration features, and PXI integration make it a flexible instrument for precision automated test and measurement systems.
