Product Overview
The National Instruments PXI-4130 is a source measure unit for PXI systems. It combines voltage and current sourcing with voltage and current measurement in a single PXI module. The module is designed for automated test applications that require programmable power and precise electrical measurement.
The PXI-4130 is often described as a power SMU because it can deliver higher power than some precision source measure units while still providing measurement capability. It is used in semiconductor test, electronic device validation, power supply testing, and production verification. The PXI form factor allows it to be integrated into a multi instrument test chassis.
Source and Measure Functions
The module can source voltage and current under software control. It can also measure voltage and current to verify device behavior. This source and measure combination is useful for current voltage characterization, leakage measurement, and power consumption testing. The module supports programmable output levels and measurement ranges for different test requirements.
Remote sense connections help compensate for lead resistance when testing devices with low resistance or high current. This improves measurement accuracy at the device under test. The module includes protection features to help prevent damage from overvoltage, overcurrent, and overtemperature conditions during automated test.
PXI Integration and Timing
The PXI-4130 installs in a compatible PXI chassis and communicates with the controller over the PXI backplane. It can be synchronized with switches, DMMs, digitizers, and other PXI instruments through trigger lines and timing resources. This allows source and measure operations to be coordinated with signal routing and measurement steps.
The module is supported by NI software and drivers for instrument control. Engineers can program it with LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, Measurement Studio, and other compatible development environments. Automated test sequences can be built to source a voltage or current, wait for settling, measure the response, and log the result.
Test System Benefits
A PXI source measure unit can reduce the number of separate instruments in a test rack. By combining sourcing and measurement in one module, the PXI-4130 can simplify wiring and test sequencing. This is useful in high channel count systems where multiple test points must be biased and measured.
The module is designed for automated production test and laboratory validation. It can be used with switching systems to route signals to multiple devices under test. The PXI platform provides a common software and timing environment for the SMU and other instruments, which helps improve system integration and repeatability.
Typical Applications
Semiconductor device current voltage characterization
Leakage current and power consumption measurement
Electronic component and circuit validation
Power supply and battery test
Automated production test with signal switching
Laboratory research and device evaluation
The PXI-4130 provides programmable source and measure capability in a PXI module. Its power SMU architecture, remote sense, protection features, and PXI integration make it suitable for automated semiconductor and electronic test applications.
