PXIe-4051 Specifications

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Updated2024-10-01
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PXIe-4051 Specifications

Definitions

Warranted specifications describe the performance of a model under stated operating conditions and are covered by the model warranty.

Characteristics describe values that are relevant to the use of the model under stated operating conditions but are not covered by the model warranty.

Typical specifications describe the performance met by a majority of models.
Nominal specifications describe an attribute that is based on design, conformance testing, or supplemental testing.

Specifications are Warranted unless otherwise noted.

Conditions

Specifications are valid under the following conditions unless otherwise noted.

Chassis with ≥ 58 W slot cooling capacity.
Note For more information on maximum sinking power chassis dependencies, refer to Instrument Capabilities.
Calibration interval of 2 years.
Warm-up time of 30 minutes.
Self-calibration performed within the last 24 hours.
Ambient temperature of 23 °C ± 5 ºC.
NI-DCPower Aperture Time is set to 2 power-line cycles (PLC).

Instrument Capabilities

DC voltage ranges	6 V, 60 V
DC current ranges	4 A, 40 A

Note For more information on operation at voltages below V_min, refer to the following figure.

Figure 1. Expanded View of Minimum Resistance Limited Region

Note The PXIe-4051 electronic load is a single quadrant instrument operating in quadrant IV (sink power). To match historical industry behavior of electronic loads, all other sections of the PXIe-4051 documentation and the NI-DCPower driver use a positive sign convention for current levels/limits and measurements. For code compatibility with SMU instruments, use the Instrument Mode property to determine the sign convention being used by NI-DCPower.

Table 1. Minimum Resistance Limited Region
Minimum Operating Voltage (V_min)	500 mV at 40 A, typical
Minimum Force Resistance (R_min)	12.5 mΩ, typical

Note Operation below V_min is possible when current is limited to levels below V_input / R_min. Configuring levels outside the curve in Figure 2 will result in a loss of regulation as the result of the power stage saturating at R_min.

Table 2. DC Sinking Power
Chassis Type	Max DC Sinking Power
PXIe-1084^[1]¹ The PXI Platform Services driver must be updated to version 2023 Q2 or later., PXIe-1092, PXIe-1095	300 W
58 W Slot Cooling Capacity	150 W
38 W Slot Cooling Capacity	Not Supported

Voltage

Table 3. Voltage Programming and Measurement Accuracy/Resolution
Range	Resolution (Noise Limited)	Noise (0.1 Hz to 10 Hz, peak-to-peak, typical)	Accuracy ± (% of Voltage + Offset) ^[2]² Refer to the Remote Sense section for additional accuracy derating and conditions.	Tempco^[3]³ Temperature coefficient applies beyond 23 °C ± 5 °C ambient within ± 5 °C of T_cal. ± (% of Voltage + Offset)/°C
Range	Resolution (Noise Limited)	Noise (0.1 Hz to 10 Hz, peak-to-peak, typical)	T_ambient23 °C ± 5 °C, T_cal^[4]⁴ T_cal is the internal device temperature recorded by the PXIe-4051 at the completion of the last self-calibration. ± 5 °C	T_ambient 0 °C to 40 °C, T_cal ± 5 °C
6 V	1 μV	6 μV	0.03% + 600 μV	0.0005% + 1 μV
60 V	10 μV	60 μV	0.03% + 6 mV	0.0005% + 1 μV

Current

Table 4. Current Programming and Measurement Accuracy/Resolution
Range	Resolution (Noise Limited)	Noise (0.1 Hz to 10 Hz, peak-to-peak, typical)	Accuracy ± (% of Current + Offset)	Tempco^[5]⁵ Temperature coefficient applies beyond 23 °C ± 5 °C ambient within ± 5 °C of T_cal. ± (% of Current + Offset)/°C
Range	Resolution (Noise Limited)	Noise (0.1 Hz to 10 Hz, peak-to-peak, typical)	T_ambient23 °C ± 5 °C, T_cal^[6]⁶ T_cal is the internal device temperature recorded by the PXIe-4051 at the completion of the last self-calibration. ± 5 °C	T_ambient 0 °C to 40 °C, T_cal ± 5 °C
4 A	10 μA	60 μA	0.05% + 700 μA	0.003% + 2 μA
40 A	100 μA	350 μA	0.07% + 13 mA	0.0039% + 20 μA

Noise

The following figure illustrates measurement noise as a function of measurement aperture time for the PXIe-4051.

Figure 1. Current RMS Noise Versus Aperture Time, Nominal

Note When the aperture time is set to two power-line cycles (PLCs), measurement noise differs slightly depending on whether the Power Line Frequency property is set to 50 Hz or 60 Hz.

Note Use the DC Noise Rejection property to configure normal or second-order DC noise rejection.

Inputs

Programmable Conduction Voltage

Table 5. Conduction Voltage Threshold (Von / Voff) Programming Accuracy/Resolution
Accuracy	± (6% of threshold setpoint + 50 mV), typical
Resolution	30 mV, typical

Note For more information, refer to Vload_min, Turn-on Behavior, and Conduction Voltage Settings in the PXIe-4051 User Manual.

Protection

Channel protection
Overtemperature	Automatic shutdown
Overpower	Automatic shutdown
Overcurrent	Automatic shutdown

Series and Parallel Operation

Identically rated electronic load modules can be used in parallel in constant current modes. NI does not recommend using load modules in series.

Transient Response

Table 6. DC Current Transient Response Performance
Transient Response Setting	Rise Time^[7]⁷ Measured as the time to transition from 10% to 90% of setpoint transition.	Slew Rate^[8]⁸ Measured as change in current divided by time between the 10% and 90% points of the setpoint transition.	Setpoint Step Conditions
Slow	443 μs rise time	0.07 A/μs	1 A to 39 A
Normal	53 μs rise time	0.59 A/μs
Fast	10 μs rise time	3 A/μs

Table 7. DC Voltage Transient Response Performance
Transient Response Setting	Rise Time^[9]⁹ Measured as the time to transition from 10% to 90% of setpoint transition.	Slew Rate^[10]¹⁰ Measured as change in current divided by time between the 10% and 90% points of the setpoint transition.	Setpoint Step Conditions
Slow	26.4 ms, typical	0.001 V/μs	1 V to 50 V
Normal	1.2 ms, typical	0.033 V/μs
Fast	103 μs, typical	0.38 V/μs

Note These rates are typical of the SourceAdapt presets. Depending on the setup and configuration, using custom transient response can increase the slew rates beyond the performance shown. Setting a higher Gain Bandwidth than your system and setup physically allows (due to cables, inductances, capacitances, and so on.) may result in instability.

Table 8. Setpoint Slew Rate Programmable Range
NI-DCPower Property	Current Level Range	Programmable Range
Current Level Rising Slew Rate / Current Level Falling Slew Rate	4 A	10 nA/μs - 2.4 A/μs
	40 A	10 nA/μs - 24 A/μs

Note

Maximum realizable slew rates are constrained by the programmed Gain Bandwidth and the limitations of the setup and system. Use programmable slew rate to obtain slower slew rates, independent rising and falling slew rates, or unique slew rates for each step in a sequence.
If the slew rates are programmed to be slower than the sequence/step time then you will not be able to achieve the steady state programmed current or voltage within that step timing.
Programmable Slew rates are available for Constant Current Mode only.
For more information, refer to Transient Response in the PXIe-4051 User Manual.

Remote Sense

Voltage accuracy	Add 5 ppm of voltage measurement per 1 Ω of sense lead resistance if the maximum sense lead resistance specification is exceeded.
Maximum sense lead resistance	1 Ω

Measurement and Update Timing Characteristics

Note In the following section, any references in the NI-DCPower API to a source actually refers to the sink functionality of the electronic load.

Available sample rates^[11]¹¹ When sourcing while measuring, both the Source Delay and Aperture Time affect the sampling rate. When taking a measure record, only the Aperture Time affects the sampling rate.

(1.8 MS/s)/N where N = 1, 2, 3, … 2²⁴, nominal

Sample rate accuracy

Equal to PXIe_CLK100 accuracy, nominal

Maximum measure rate to host

1.8 MS/s per channel, continuous, nominal

Maximum update rate^[12]¹² As the Source Delay is adjusted, or if advanced sequencing is used, maximum update rates vary.
Sequence mode	100,000 updates/s (10 μs/update), nominal

Input trigger to
Source event delay	10 μs, nominal
Source event jitter	4 μs peak-to-peak, nominal
Measure event jitter	2 μs peak-to-peak, nominal

Using NI SourceAdapt to Optimize Transient Response

NI SourceAdapt optimizes system transient response and interconnects for the following conditions:

Faster slew rates
Reduced overshoots
Ringing

Long cables and high inductance between the DUT and the electronic load can lead to an unstable or oscillatory system. The following graph is an example of how SourceAdapt can be used to optimize a system with long cable length or high cable inductance and high required current setpoints.

Before tuning with SourceAdapt, set the slew rate (if adjustable) to the maximum so that the slew rate limits do not mask the optimum rise times that you could possibly have with your system.

The following graph is an example of an initial transient response in a system with constant current mode and a long cable. The ringing and slew rate is limited by the inductance of the system.

Use the Gain Bandwidth (GBW) property to decrease the bandwidth of the system until the oscillations are acceptable with no overshoots.

NI recommends using the GBW of the system inductance limited rise time from the above graph with the following formula:

G B W = \frac{.35}{2 * R i s e T i m e}

The rise time must stay within certain limits determined by the given slew rate and the resonant frequency of the system. These limits are influenced by the natural inductance of the cable. Balancing these factors is essential to ensuring the system works well and remains stable. If the system is in full oscillation, you can begin by setting a low GBW (1kHz or less) to gain stability prior to further tuning.

Tune the response by adjusting the compensation frequency and the pole-zero ratio to place additional pole and zero into the system. For example, by adjusting the compensation frequency to equal the GBW and slowly reducing the pole-zero ratio to less than unity (<1), you can optimize the step response.

Note During the tuning process, thread slowly. Overcompensation can result in overshoot and/or oscillations.

Pole frequency and zero frequency are derived by the following equations.

Pole frequency = Compensation frequency * \sqrt{Pole-zero ratio}

Zero frequency = \frac{Compensation frequency}{Pole-zero ratio}

These settings can be accessed through the Source: Transient Response set to Custom and Source: Transient Response. The Voltage or Current setting depends on the source mode in the property node.

Trigger Characteristics

Note In the following section, any references in the NI-DCPower API to a source actually refers to the sink functionality of the electronic load.

Input triggers

Types

Start, Source, Sequence Advance, Measure

Sources (PXI trigger lines <0...7>)
Polarity	Active high (not configurable)
Minimum pulse width	100 ns, nominal

Destinations^[13]¹³ Pulse widths and logic levels are compliant with PXI Express Hardware Specification Revision 1.0 ECN 1.^,^[14]¹⁴ Input triggers can be re-exported. (PXI trigger lines <0...7>)
Polarity	Active high (not configurable)
Pulse width	>200 ns, typical

Output triggers (events)
Types	Source Complete, Sequence Iteration Complete, Sequence Engine Done, Measure Complete

Destinations^[15]¹⁵ Pulse widths and logic levels are compliant with PXI Express Hardware Specification Revision 1.0 ECN 1.^,^[16]¹⁶ Output triggers can be re-exported. (PXI trigger lines <0...7>)
Polarity	Active high (not configurable)
Pulse width	>230 ns, typical

Fault

Connector	AUX I/O
Direction	Output
Logic type	3.3 V CMOS
Polarity	Active low (not configurable)

Safety Voltage and Current

Notice The protection provided by the PXIe-4051 can be impaired if it is used in a manner not described in the user documentation.

Warning Take precautions to avoid electrical shock when operating this product at hazardous voltages.

Caution Isolation voltage ratings apply to the voltage measured between any channel pin and the chassis ground. When operating channels in series or floating on top of external voltage references, ensure that no terminal exceeds this rating.

Attention Les tensions nominales d'isolation s'appliquent à la tension mesurée entre n'importe quelle broche de voie et la masse du châssis. Lors de l'utilisation de voies en série ou flottantes en plus des références de tension externes, assurez-vous qu'aucun terminal ne dépasse cette valeur nominale.

DC voltage

60 V

Channel-to-earth ground isolation
Continuous	150 VDC, CAT I
Withstand	800 Vpk

Caution Do not connect the PXIe-4051 to signals or use for measurements within Measurement Categories II, III, or IV.

Attention Ne connectez pas le PXIe-4051 à des signaux et ne l'utilisez pas pour effectuer des mesures dans les catégories de mesure II, III ou IV.

Measurement Category I is for measurements performed on circuits not directly connected to the electrical distribution system referred to as MAINS voltage. MAINS is a hazardous live electrical supply system that powers equipment. This category is for measurements of voltages from specially protected secondary circuits. Such voltage measurements include signal levels, special equipment, limited-energy parts of equipment, circuits powered by regulated low-voltage sources, and electronics.

Note Measurement Categories CAT I and CAT O are equivalent. These test and measurement circuits are for other circuits not intended for direct connection to the MAINS building installations of Measurement Categories CAT II, CAT III, or CAT IV.

DC current range

4 A

40 A

Physical

Dimensions

3U, three-slot, PXI Express/CompactPCI Express module

6.0 cm × 13.0 cm × 23.7 cm (2.4 in. × 5.1 in. × 9.3 in.)

Weight
PXIe-4051	1010 g (35.6 oz)

Front Panel Connectors
Input Channels	OMNIMATE Hybrid, 7.62 mm (4 position), 2.54 mm (6 position)
AUX I/O	MICRO COMBICON - DFMC 0, 5, 2.54 mm (8 position)

Calibration Interval

Recommended calibration interval

2 years

Power Requirement

PXI Express power requirement
PXIe-4051	1 A from the 3.3 V rail and 1.7 A from the 12 V rail

Environmental Characteristics

Temperature
Operating	0 °C to 40 °C
Storage	-40 °C to 71 °C

Humidity
Operating	10% RH to 90% RH, noncondensing
Storage	5% RH to 95% RH, noncondensing

Pollution Degree

Maximum Altitude

2000 m

Shock and Vibration
Operating Vibration	5 Hz to 500 Hz, 0.3 g RMS
Non-Operating Vibration	5 Hz to 500 Hz, 2.4 g RMS
Operating Shock	30 g, half-sine, 11 ms pulse

Examples of Calculating Accuracy

Note Specifications listed in examples are for demonstration purposes only and do not necessarily reflect specifications for this device.

Example 1: Calculating 5 °C Accuracy

Calculate the programming / measurement accuracy of a 20 A input in the 40 A range under the following conditions:


Ambient temperature	28 °C
Internal device temperature	Within T_cal^[17]¹⁷ T_cal is the internal device temperature recorded by the PXIe-4051 at the completion of the last self-calibration. ± 5 °C
Self-calibration	Within the last 24 hours.

Solution

Since the device internal temperature is within T_cal^[18]¹⁸ T_cal is the internal device temperature recorded by the PXIe-4051 at the completion of the last self-calibration. ± 5 °C and the ambient temperature is within 23 °C ± 5 °C, the appropriate accuracy specification is:

0.07%+ 13 mA

Calculate the accuracy using the following equation:

Accuracy = 20 A * 0.07 % + 13 mA

= 14 mA + 13 mA

= 27 mA

Therefore, the actual input will be within 27 mA of 20 A.

Example 2: Calculating Remote Sense Accuracy

Calculate the remote sense accuracy of measuring 15 V in the 60 V range. Assume the same conditions as in Example 1, with the following differences:


HI sense lead resistance	5 Ω
LO sense lead resistance	1.5 Ω

Solution

Since the device internal temperature is within T_cal^[19]¹⁹ T_cal is the internal device temperature recorded by the PXIe-4051 at the completion of the last self-calibration. ± 5 °C and the ambient temperature is within 23 °C ± 5 °C, the appropriate accuracy specification is:

0.03% + 6 mV

Since the device is using remote sense and the sense lead resistance exceeds the maximum sense lead resistance spec, use the remote sense accuracy specification.

Add 5 ppm of voltage measurement per 1 Ω of sense lead resistance.

Calculate the remote sense accuracy using the following equation:

Accuracy = (15 V * 0.03 % + 6 mV) + (15 V * 5 ppm/Ω) * (5 Ω + 1.5 Ω - 1 Ω)

= 10.5 mV + 488 μV

= 10.988 mV

Therefore, the actual input will be within 10.988 mV of 15 V.

Example 3: Calculating Accuracy with Temperature Coefficient

Calculate the accuracy of 10 A loading in the 40 A range. Assume the same conditions as in Example 1, with the following differences:


Ambient temperature	15 °C

Solution

Since the device internal temperature is within T_cal^[20]²⁰ T_cal is the internal device temperature recorded by the PXIe-4051 at the completion of the last self-calibration. ± 5 °C, the appropriate accuracy specification is:

0.07% + 13 mA

Since the ambient temperature falls outside of 23 °C ± 5 °C, use the following temperature coefficient per degree Celsius outside the 23 °C ± 5 °C range:

0.0039% + 20 µA

Calculate the accuracy using the following equation:

Temperature Variation = (23 ° C - 5 ° C) - 15 ° C = 3 ° C

Accuracy = (10 A * 0.07 % + 13 mA) + (10 A * 0.0039 % / ° C + 20 µA / ° C) * 3 ° C

= 20 mA + 1.23 mA

= 21.23 mA

Therefore, the actual input will be within 21.23 mA of 10 A.

¹ The PXI Platform Services driver must be updated to version 2023 Q2 or later.

² Refer to the Remote Sense section for additional accuracy derating and conditions.

³ Temperature coefficient applies beyond 23 °C ± 5 °C ambient within ± 5 °C of T_cal.

⁴ T_cal is the internal device temperature recorded by the PXIe-4051 at the completion of the last self-calibration.

⁵ Temperature coefficient applies beyond 23 °C ± 5 °C ambient within ± 5 °C of T_cal.

⁶ T_cal is the internal device temperature recorded by the PXIe-4051 at the completion of the last self-calibration.

⁷ Measured as the time to transition from 10% to 90% of setpoint transition.

⁸ Measured as change in current divided by time between the 10% and 90% points of the setpoint transition.

⁹ Measured as the time to transition from 10% to 90% of setpoint transition.

¹⁰ Measured as change in current divided by time between the 10% and 90% points of the setpoint transition.

¹¹ When sourcing while measuring, both the Source Delay and Aperture Time affect the sampling rate. When taking a measure record, only the Aperture Time affects the sampling rate.

¹² As the Source Delay is adjusted, or if advanced sequencing is used, maximum update rates vary.

¹³ Pulse widths and logic levels are compliant with PXI Express Hardware Specification Revision 1.0 ECN 1.

¹⁴ Input triggers can be re-exported.

¹⁵ Pulse widths and logic levels are compliant with PXI Express Hardware Specification Revision 1.0 ECN 1.

¹⁶ Output triggers can be re-exported.

¹⁷ T_cal is the internal device temperature recorded by the PXIe-4051 at the completion of the last self-calibration.

¹⁸ T_cal is the internal device temperature recorded by the PXIe-4051 at the completion of the last self-calibration.

¹⁹ T_cal is the internal device temperature recorded by the PXIe-4051 at the completion of the last self-calibration.

²⁰ T_cal is the internal device temperature recorded by the PXIe-4051 at the completion of the last self-calibration.

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