PXI Systems

Build high-performance, mixed-measurement systems with NI’s easy-to-scale PXI platform.

Configure a custom system Download the catalog

What Is PXI?

PXI is an advanced test and measurement solution that combines hardware and software components, including chassis, controllers, and modules, to tackle complex measurement and automation challenges. Renowned for its flexibility and reliability, engineers use this platform to build high-performance, mixed-measurement systems for validation and production test.

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Flexible and Scalable

Delivers unparalleled accuracy, reliability, and timing-sync capabilities, with the ability to synchronize across multiple modules or chassis for system expansion. Customize and scale test systems as tech and requirements change.

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High Performance

Experience unparalleled instrument performance, data throughput, and latency throughout your test and measurement applications.

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Software Defined

Leverage the platform’s open architecture to develop application-specific measurement and analysis programs using NI LabVIEW, Python, and other languages.

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Vibrant Ecosystem

Connect with a global network of vendors, integrators, and consultants for unlimited customization and support.

Why Choose PXI?

blowout view of ni pxi chassis

PXI offers engineers high performance while reducing test time and cost compared to traditional box instruments. The combination of modularity and software connectivity is ideal for advanced test applications that require precise, large-channel count, mixed-measurement solutions.

Best for:

  • Production test systems for electronic devices
  • Automated validation test
  • High-channel, high-speed test applications
  • Combining instruments, sensor, and electrical measurements
component view of PXI

PXI System Components

PXI systems are composed of three main hardware components: a chassis, a controller, and modules. System software is customizable and helps you configure, visualize, and automate measurements, analyze your data, and share reports.

Chassis

Controller

Modules

Software

Services

Chassis

pxi chassis are available in various sizes, from 4 to 18 slots

The chassis is the backbone of a PXI system and is comparable to a PC’s mechanical enclosure and motherboard. It provides power, cooling, and a communication bus to the system, and synchronizes the instrument modules. Chassis range in size from two to 18 slots to fit the needs of your application, whether you require a portable, benchtop, rack-mount, or embedded system.

Controller

integrated pxi controllers contain everything you need to run your pxi system without an external pc

NI PXI controllers are either embedded or remote. Embedded controllers contain everything you need to run your PXI system without an external PC, while remote controllers let you control your PXI system from a desktop, laptop, or server computer.

 NI Software for Your PXI System

LabVIEW+ suite front panel, block diagram, and project window with code appearing on a desktop computer monitor
Monitor displaying test data using InstrumentStudio
Monitor showing a completed mobile device test on TestStand

Get started with a PXI Instrument Bundle

PXI Instrument Bundles include a 5-slot Thunderbolt™ controlled PXI chassis, with an instrument in one slot and 4 remaining slots for future upgrades

PXI Instrument bundles are preconfigured sets of NI’s most popular, high-quality instruments. Each bundle includes a PXI module in a five-slot Thunderbolt™ controlled PXI chassis, so you can get started with ease.

Services

felix ano, calibration technical manager, ni

From the moment you unbox your hardware to deployment and lifecycle maintenance, NI is here to help you get started quickly and operate efficiently.

Overcome your challenges with:

  • Repair Services

  • Lifecycle Services 

  • Configuration

  • Calibration 

“The move to a COTS approach using PXI and LabVIEW was critical to this production-test success at Philips. The combination of best-in-class modular hardware along with industry-standard software was pivotal to the millions of dollars and hundreds of hours saved in production test engineering.”

Neil Evans

Senior Manager

Philips

Additional PXI Resources

A PXI Oscilloscope Bundle with a monitor displaying InstrumentStudio.

Timing and Synchronization with NI-TClk

Dive into best practices to synchronize high-speed signal acquisition and generation between devices in one or more PXI chassis with picosecond-level precision.

close up of NI PXI module

Fundamentals of Building a Test System

Often, a PXI system is only one component of a full automated test setup. Learn best practices for building a complete test system from start to finish.