NI PXI Modular Instrumentation

PXI systems provide high-performance modular instruments that feature specialized synchronization and key software features for test and measurement applications from research to device characterization and validation to production test. A PXI chassis provides power, cooling, and a communication bus to modular instruments that can be controlled from either an embedded controller or an external PC. 

The shared PCI or PCI Express bus enables faster data throughput and lower latency than box instruments can achieve, while integrated timing and synchronization signals help users improve the accuracy of measurements, apply advanced triggering schemes, or synchronize multiple devices for high-channel-count applications. PXI instruments contain only the relevant instrumentation circuitry by designating processing and control functions to a shared controller, so the instruments offer a compact form factor that saves space on the benchtop or manufacturing floor.

PXI instrument users work in various roles throughout the product design cycle, like researchers in both commercial and academic settings, test engineers in characterization and validation labs providing results to R&D, and test engineers creating production test systems for end-of-line device manufacturing.

NI modular instruments like oscilloscopes, waveform generators, DMMs, power supplies, SMUs, and switches can be called directly from MATLAB using Instrument Control Toolbox. The toolbox connects to these instruments through the relevant NI instrument drivers to let users configure, control, acquire, and analyze data all within MATLAB.

For more information on specific instrument support, refer to the Instrument Control Toolbox supported hardware page for NI.