Apex Waves is proud to announce that we are now officially an executive member of the PXISA! The PXI Systems Alliance is an organization that maintains and promotes the PXI (PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation) standard. Membership signifies dedicated collaboration with this institution, which maintains the functional, electrical, and mechanical properties of PXI systems and modules. Read on to learn more about what this achievement means for our customers!
What makes PXI so popular in the first place? The system’s modular design allows users to combine different tools and features like building blocks—allowing unique configurations that fit specific requirements. PXI systems also offer high-performance and accurate timing synchronization with quick data transfer rates, helping even the fastest signals be accurately evaluated and recorded.
National Instruments (NI) played a key role in establishing the PXI Systems Alliance (PXISA) in 1998 following the decision to make PXI an open standard. This decision has led to the platform becoming the industry leader for applications such as process automation, data acquisition, and functional testing! This open standard for development created an advantage for PXI over other test and measurement architectures, allowing PXI modules from many vendors to avoid compatibility issues and be integrated into a single system with ease.
As stated on their website, the goals of the PXISA are to:
Promote the PXI Standard,
Ensure Interoperability,
and
Maintain the PXI Specification.
The PXISA is composed of leading businesses from the sectors that produce, market, and integrate PXI-based hardware and software solutions into their business models.
The three main components of a PXI system are a chassis, controller, and modules. These crucial parts work together to produce precise, reliable, and high-performance measurements. The chassis provides cooling and power distribution to each module so that they can operate at optimal temperatures within specified parameters. The controller acts as the “brain” of a PXI system, managing data flow, timing measurements, and synchronizing modules. The modules are available in a wide range of specific types such as function generators, RF and microwave modules, digital I/O, and analog I/O.
After starting up a PXI system, the controller begins communicating with each module, which is powered by the chassis. Many of these modules collect data and convert them into digital data (or binary signals, depending on the module type). The controller helps to process and synchronize this gathered data in order to ensure both correctness and efficiency. In addition, users are able to configure the modules using software, ensuring that these systems provide correct measurements in real-time. PXI systems are incredibly adaptable tools in modern test and measurement environments!
There are three tiers of membership with the PXISA: sponsor members, executive members, and associate members. As a newly appointed executive member, Apex Waves now has voting rights within the organization, allowing us to have a voice in the matters that impact our customers most.
PXISA members are also given the advantages of participating in technical committees, developing marketing campaigns, attending seminars or tradeshows, and being among the first to receive news and updates in the monthly newsletter.
To be selected as an executive member of the PXISA, Apex Waves had to submit an application that was thoroughly reviewed by the board of the organization. The approval of our application shows that the PXISA board recognizes Apex Waves as a valuable and active participant in the technical “ecosystem” of PXI modules and systems.
For our customers, this official membership symbolizes our continued dedication to the quality standards and extended lifecycle support services that have made us a top choice for users dealing with mature and end-of-life PXI hardware. With membership voting rights, we have a seat at the table working directly with the groups that shape the future of modular instrumentation, addressing the needs of our customers in a whole new way.
Going forward, Apex Waves will continue to shine with our commitment to bridging the gap between obsolete hardware and the needs of end users!
Need help designing your PXI system? Our PXI Configurator is currently the only one on the market to include legacy modules. With specialized pricing packages and calibration options available, it’s a one stop shop for all your modular test system needs.
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