Automate PCB System-Level Power Tests
Power validation and firmware engineers need to characterize and validate power consumption over a variety of operating states such as sleep, idle, and transmit. Investing in an automated test approach eliminates repetitious manual steps and improves repeatability. Key requirements include:
A measurement capability that scales from minimally powered sleep states to transient inrush currents
Sufficient measurement points to validate and verify power consumption across all power rails and subsystems
Data-logging and file formats that work with preferred analysis tools
A workflow to manage frequent— sometimes daily—test requests from firmware builds
PCB Power Characterization and Performance Test Solution
FlexLoggerTM application software for managing channel configuration, data logging with a real-time UI, alarming, and exporting data to Excel without programming
PXI system hardware with a PXIe-4309 32-chanel PXI analog input module for high-speed voltage measurements and flexible resolution (current measurement using shunt resistor)
CompactDAQ systems with an NI-9220 voltage input module for lower-cost systems that connect to a PC over USB or Ethernet
Interfacing with external applications (such as LabVIEW or Python) to remotely control data logging
Solution Advantages
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Reduces test time for each firmware build with a turnkey automated system
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Improves data management with support for open data formats such as .csv and .tdms
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Optimizes system for cost, performance, and future expansion with modular hardware
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Increases confidence in test repeatability and quality using COTS hardware with multilevel, globally available calibration
“FlexLogger makes it easier to troubleshoot and verify that the raw data from different sensors is correct before I start my test. This helps shorten test development by saving time typically wasted on redoing configurations.”
—Andy Tarman, Lab Test Engineer, CNH Industrial
BUILD YOUR SOLUTION WITH THE NI ECOSYSTEM
NI offers a variety of solution integration options customized to your application-specific requirements. You can use your own internal integration teams for full system control or leverage the expertise of NI and our worldwide NI Partner Network to obtain a turnkey solution.
The NI Partner Network is a global community of domain, application, and overall test development experts working closely with NI to meet the needs of the engineering community. NI Partners are trusted solution providers, systems integrators, consultants, product developers, and services and sales channel experts skilled across a wide range of industries and application areas.
NI works with customers throughout the life of an application, delivering training, technical support, consultation and integration services, and maintenance programs. Teams can discover new skills by participating in NI-specific and geographic user groups and build proficiency with online and in-person training.