Product Overview
The National Instruments PXI-5124 is a high resolution digitizer and oscilloscope module for PXI systems. It provides two analog input channels with 12 bit resolution, a maximum sampling rate of 200 MS/s, and 150 MHz analog bandwidth. The module is designed for signal capture, time domain analysis, and frequency domain measurement in automated test and laboratory applications.
The PXI-5124 is part of the NI digitizer and oscilloscope product family. It is used in electronic design validation, power electronics test, communication signal analysis, and research applications that require more resolution than an 8 bit oscilloscope can provide. As a PXI module, it can be synchronized with signal generators, switches, and DMMs in the same chassis.
Resolution and Bandwidth
Twelve bit analog to digital conversion provides four times the amplitude resolution of a typical 8 bit oscilloscope. This is significant when measuring small signal details on larger waveforms, such as ripple on a power rail, low level modulation, or subtle distortion in an analog circuit. Higher resolution also improves the dynamic range available for spectral analysis.
With 200 MS/s sampling and 150 MHz bandwidth, the module captures fast edges and high frequency content within its specified range. Good probing practice, short ground leads, and proper termination are important at these frequencies. Input range selection should be matched to the signal so that the available resolution is used effectively without clipping.
Triggering and Memory
The PXI-5124 supports analog and digital triggering for capturing specific events. Trigger conditions can isolate a fault, align capture with an external stimulus, or start acquisition when a signal crosses a threshold. Trigger signals can be shared with other PXI modules so that digitizer capture is coordinated with signal generation and switching.
Onboard memory allows long records to be captured at high sample rates before transfer to the host. Engineers can choose record length based on the required duration and time resolution. This is useful for capturing startup transients, communication bursts, and modulation patterns that occur over extended intervals.
Signal Analysis
The module is commonly used with NI software for oscilloscope operation and signal analysis. Engineers can apply filtering, spectral computation, histogram analysis, and statistical measurement to captured waveforms. Because the instrument is software controlled, tests can be repeated automatically and results can be logged for trend analysis.
For frequency domain work, the 12 bit resolution and anti alias filtering support measurement of harmonic content and spurious signals. Engineers should verify the noise floor and dynamic range for the specific input range and sampling configuration. Averaging and windowing choices should be documented so that results are comparable across test runs.
PXI Integration and Software
The PXI-5124 is supported by NI instrument 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 through the driver. The module can be synchronized with other PXI instruments through trigger lines and clocks.
Within a PXI chassis, the digitizer can be combined with source measure units, switches, and DMMs for complete device test. This integration supports sequences that apply power, generate a stimulus, capture the response, and evaluate pass or fail criteria. The PXI platform provides a common timing and software environment for these instruments.
Typical Applications
High resolution waveform capture and analysis
Power supply ripple and transient measurement
Communication signal and modulation analysis
Electronic design validation and debug
Automated oscilloscope testing in PXI systems
Research and laboratory signal measurement
The PXI-5124 provides two 12 bit channels with 200 MS/s sampling and 150 MHz bandwidth in a PXI module. Its resolution, triggering, and software support make it suitable for demanding signal capture and analysis applications.
