Product Overview
The National Instruments PXI-4071 is a 7.5 digit FlexDMM digital multimeter module for PXI platforms. It is built for automated test, calibration, production verification, and laboratory measurement applications where both accuracy and throughput matter. The module combines a traditional digital multimeter architecture with a fast isolated digitizer, allowing one instrument to serve two important roles in a test system.
The PXI-4071 provides high resolution measurement for DC and AC voltage, DC and AC current, two wire and four wire resistance, diode tests, and temperature sensors. Its FlexDMM design allows engineers to switch between precision multimeter measurements and digitized signal acquisition without adding a separate instrument to the chassis. This helps reduce system size, wiring complexity, and integration effort.
High Resolution Measurement
The module offers 7.5 digit resolution, which supports fine measurement steps for low level signals and precise calibration work. The FlexDMM architecture provides up to 26 bits of effective resolution in digitizer mode, making it suitable for capturing small changes in voltage over time. The high resolution is useful in semiconductor characterization, sensor validation, battery testing, and precision power supply measurement.
Voltage measurement ranges cover low level signals through high voltage inputs. Current measurement supports both low current and higher current ranges, while resistance measurement covers a wide span from low ohm values to high megohm and gigohm values. Four wire resistance measurement helps remove lead resistance errors when testing low resistance devices, connectors, and conductive materials.
Isolated Digitizer Mode
In addition to traditional DMM functions, the PXI-4071 includes an isolated digitizer with a maximum sampling rate of 1.8 MS/s. This mode is useful for capturing transient events, power supply startup behavior, pulse waveforms, and other signals that change faster than a standard DMM reading rate. The digitizer can be triggered and synchronized with other PXI modules, which makes it practical for mixed signal test systems.
The isolated digitizer architecture helps protect the host system and improves signal integrity in electrically noisy environments. Engineers can use the digitizer mode for time domain analysis and then return to high precision DMM measurements on the same module. This dual role reduces instrument count and simplifies test sequencing.
Accuracy and Stability
The PXI-4071 is designed for stable, repeatable measurements. Its basic DC voltage accuracy is in the 0.001 percent range, which supports demanding calibration and production test tasks. A stable internal reference and self calibration features help maintain measurement confidence over time. The module also supports external calibration, which is important for metrology and regulated test environments.
Low noise input design and careful thermal management contribute to reliable low level measurements. The module can measure temperature with resistive sensors such as RTDs and thermistors, making it useful for environmental chambers, thermal validation, and device characterization.
Software and System 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, sequencing, and data logging.
The module fits into standard PXI chassis and shares the timing and synchronization resources of the PXI platform. This makes it suitable for high channel count systems, automated production lines, and laboratory benches that require consistent measurement results across multiple test points.
Typical Applications
Precision voltage, current, and resistance measurement in automated test equipment
Calibration and metrology benches that require 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 is a practical choice for engineers who need a compact PXI multimeter that can move between precision measurement and high speed signal capture. Its combination of resolution, accuracy, digitizer speed, and PXI integration makes it a flexible building block for modern automated test systems.
