Product Overview
The National Instruments PXIe-5172 is an oscilloscope and digitizer module for PXI Express systems. It provides eight analog input channels with 14 bit resolution, a maximum sampling rate of 250 MS/s, and 100 MHz analog bandwidth. The module is designed for applications that need many synchronized channels at high resolution rather than the two or four channels typical of bench oscilloscopes.
The PXIe-5172 is used in power electronics test, multi phase motor and inverter measurement, high channel count signal integrity work, and research applications that require time and frequency domain analysis. Because it is a PXI Express instrument, it shares the chassis backplane, triggering, and synchronization resources with other modules, which supports coordinated multi instrument test systems.
Resolution and Bandwidth
The 14 bit analog to digital conversion provides finer amplitude resolution than common 8 bit oscilloscopes. This is significant when measuring small variations superimposed on larger signals, such as switching ripple on a power rail, low level sensor output, or subtle distortion in an analog circuit. Higher resolution also improves the usefulness of frequency domain analysis by lowering the quantization noise floor.
With 100 MHz analog bandwidth and 250 MS/s sampling, the module captures fast edges, transients, and periodic waveforms within its specified range. Engineers should apply good probing practice, short ground returns, and appropriate termination to preserve signal fidelity at these frequencies. Input range selection and vertical scaling should be matched to the signal to use the available resolution effectively.
Eight Synchronized Channels
The eight channels sample together, which preserves phase relationships between signals. This is particularly useful in three phase power measurement, where voltage and current channels must be compared precisely, and in multi sensor tests where relative timing carries meaning. Simultaneous acquisition removes the channel skew that sequential scanning would introduce.
Multiple modules can be synchronized through the PXI Express backplane to build systems with more than eight channels. Shared sample clocks and trigger lines allow large arrays of channels to be captured coherently, which is valuable in phased array measurement, multi point structural testing, and complex power conversion development.
Triggering and Onboard Memory
The module supports analog and digital triggering, allowing acquisition to start or stop on a specific event. Trigger configuration can be used to capture rare transients, isolate fault conditions, or align capture with an external stimulus. Trigger signals can also be routed between PXI Express modules so that a digitizer, signal generator, and switch operate in a defined sequence.
Onboard memory allows long records to be captured at high sample rates without immediate transfer to the host. Engineers can define record length based on the duration and resolution required by the measurement, then transfer data for analysis. This approach is useful for capturing startup sequences, fault events, and modulation patterns.
Software and Analysis
The PXIe-5172 is supported by NI driver software and can be programmed with LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, Measurement Studio, and other compatible development environments. Engineers can configure channels, ranges, sample clocks, and triggers, and then apply analysis such as filtering, spectral computation, and statistical measurement.
The module is commonly used with NI oscilloscope and signal analysis software for interactive viewing and automated test. Because the instrument is programmed rather than manually operated, tests can be repeated exactly and results can be logged automatically. This supports design validation and production test workflows that require consistent data collection.
Typical Applications
Three phase power and inverter waveform measurement
Power supply ripple, transient, and stability testing
High channel count signal integrity analysis
Multi sensor dynamic response measurement
Motor drive and power electronics development
Automated oscilloscope testing in PXI Express systems
The PXIe-5172 provides eight synchronized channels with 14 bit resolution, 250 MS/s sampling, and 100 MHz bandwidth in a PXI Express module. Its channel density, triggering, and software support make it suitable for demanding multi channel waveform capture applications.
