The National Instruments PXIe-1071 system with PXIe-5160 digitizers and a PXIe-8379 remote controller is a compact PXI Express configuration for high speed signal acquisition and automated test. The PXIe-1071 chassis provides power, cooling, and backplane resources. The PXIe-5160 modules provide high speed digitizer channels. The PXIe-8379 connects the chassis to a host computer over a high speed remote link. The NI-SD200 system component supports the configuration as part of the overall kit.
This type of system is used when engineers need multiple high speed acquisition channels in a small chassis and want the host computer separated from the measurement hardware. The remote controller allows the PXI Express chassis to be placed near the device under test while the computer remains in a control area. This architecture supports flexible test station layout and centralized computing.
PXIe-1071 Chassis Platform
The PXIe-1071 is a compact PXI Express chassis. It provides slots for a controller and several PXI Express modules. The chassis supplies power and cooling and supports backplane timing and triggering. Engineers should verify slot compatibility, power budget, and airflow when configuring the system.
The compact format is suitable for benchtop and rack mounted test systems. Cable management and module placement affect access and thermal performance. Documentation of slot assignments helps maintenance and upgrades.
PXIe-5160 Digitizer Modules
The system includes two PXIe-5160 digitizer modules. These modules provide high speed analog acquisition for transient capture, waveform analysis, and electronic validation. Multiple modules increase channel count for multi point measurements. Engineers should configure input range, coupling, and triggering for each signal.
High speed acquisition requires attention to cabling, termination, and grounding. Probes and cables should match the signal bandwidth. Trigger routing should be planned for correlated measurements across modules. Data throughput and storage should be sized for the expected sample rate and record length.
PXIe-8379 Remote Controller
The PXIe-8379 provides a high speed remote connection between the host computer and the PXI Express chassis. This allows the measurement hardware to be separated from the computer. Remote control supports centralized computing, easier host upgrades, and flexible test cell layout.
Engineers should plan cable routing, link bandwidth, and software configuration. The remote link should be secure and strain relieved. System documentation should include controller settings and network details.
Timing and Synchronization
The PXI Express backplane supports timing and triggering resources for compatible modules. In this system, the digitizers can share triggers and clocks for synchronized acquisition. This is important when comparing multiple signals or capturing events across channels.
Timing configuration should include sample clock selection, trigger source, and record length. Software should manage task synchronization and data storage. For large data sets, streaming and disk performance should be planned.
Applications
This system is suited to high speed electronic validation, transient capture, ultrasound, radar intermediate frequency analysis, and automated test. In a test station, it can capture responses from a device under test while the host computer runs analysis and logging. In a laboratory, it supports multi channel waveform studies.
The compact chassis and remote controller support flexible installation. Engineers can add compatible PXI Express modules when requirements grow. This modular path supports changing test needs while preserving the chassis and software framework.
Installation and Maintenance
Installation requires mounting the chassis, connecting power and the remote link, and inserting modules according to the slot plan. Signal cables should be routed to reduce noise and strain. The chassis should be placed where airflow is not blocked and ambient conditions are within the operating range.
Maintenance includes checking module seating, inspecting cables, verifying trigger settings, and confirming calibration status. For critical measurements, periodic verification against known references is recommended. Documentation of channel assignments and test configuration helps maintain repeatable operation.
Summary
The National Instruments PXIe-1071 system with PXIe-5160 digitizers and PXIe-8379 remote controller provides a compact PXI Express platform for high speed multi channel acquisition. It supports synchronized measurement, remote host connection, and modular expansion. This configuration is a practical choice for automated test and laboratory signal analysis.
