{"id":2316,"date":"2023-09-28T12:42:47","date_gmt":"2023-09-28T12:42:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/35.94.173.37\/blog\/?p=2316"},"modified":"2026-03-03T18:40:24","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T18:40:24","slug":"what-is-the-pxi-specification-standard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/what-is-the-pxi-specification-standard\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the PXI Specification Standard?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-audio\"><audio controls src=\"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/What-is-PXI-Specification-Standard-1.mp3\"><\/audio><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong><em>Listen to this post here.<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">To meet the precision and reliability demands of test and measurement, the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pxisa.org\/\">PXI Systems Alliance<\/a>\u00a0(PXISA) created the\u00a0<strong>PXI specification<\/strong>\u00a0standards. These technical requirements, maintained by PXISA, define the mechanical, electrical, and functional characteristics of PXI systems and modules. In this post, we\u2019ll explore these specification standards and examine their significance in the realm of test and measurement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-4.png\" alt=\"A 3U CompactPCI backplane\" class=\"wp-image-3668\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-4.png 768w, https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-4-300x209.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ecd89f6e40cefef45a4edfef704641aa\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong>A Foundation in CompactPCI<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">The PXI specification standards have their roots in the&nbsp;<strong>CompactPCI&nbsp;<\/strong>(CPCI) specification. However, PXI goes beyond CPCI by incorporating features tailored specifically for test and measurement applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><strong>High-Performance PCI Bus<\/strong><br>PXI incorporates a high-performance&nbsp;<strong>PCI bus<\/strong>&nbsp;for data transfer, ensuring rapid and efficient communication between modules. It further enhances this with a dedicated PXI Express bus designed for high-speed data exchange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><strong>Synchronization and Triggering<br><\/strong>For applications that require synchronization, PXI provides a&nbsp;<strong>global synchronization bus<\/strong>&nbsp;that allows multiple PXI modules to work in perfect harmony. A dedicated trigger bus facilitates seamless coordination between various PXI modules, while integrated timing and triggering capabilities offer precision timing control- essential in many test setups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><strong>Rugged Eurocard Mechanical Packaging<\/strong><br>To withstand challenging environments, PXI adheres to a rugged&nbsp;<strong>Eurocard mechanical packaging system<\/strong>, ensuring durability and reliability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Beyond the basics, PXI specification standards encompass a range of requirements, including power specifications to ensure compatibility and reliable module operation within the&nbsp;<strong>PXI ecosystem<\/strong>, considerations for environmental factors that lead to standardized operating conditions for PXI equipment, and provisions for software compatibility, facilitating seamless integration and operation of diverse modules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e6aa2f46d54e281f11263fde23c15051\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong>Key PXI Specification Standards<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">The PXI specification is not just about performance, but also about resilience in demanding conditions. As previously mentioned, it builds on the robust foundation of compactPCI, utilizing high-performance&nbsp;<strong>IEC connectors<\/strong>&nbsp;and a rugged Eurocard packaging system. However, PXI goes further by adding specific cooling and environmental requirements- making it well-suited for industrial environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><strong><em>Browse our PXI models in stock&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/national-instruments\/pxi\">here<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"513\" src=\"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-5.png\" alt=\"An NI PXIe-1062Q Chassis, a PXI controller, and a PXI module\" class=\"wp-image-3669\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-5.png 768w, https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/image-5-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">While all the mechanical specifications from the CompactPCI standard directly apply to PXI systems, PXI introduces additional requirements to simplify systems integration. This includes mandating&nbsp;<strong>forced-air cooling&nbsp;<\/strong>for all chassis and recommending comprehensive environmental testing covering aspects like temperature, shock, vibration, and humidity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">To ensure international standards compliance, the PXI specification also enforces&nbsp;<strong>electromagnetic emissions<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>susceptibility testing<\/strong>, solidifying PXI\u2019s suitability for use in a wide range of test and measurement applications, even in the most challenging settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">PXI harnesses the power of the same advanced&nbsp;<strong>pin-in-socket connector<\/strong>&nbsp;system found in CompactPCI. These connectors, defined by the&nbsp;<strong>International Electrotechnical Commission<\/strong>, offer an impressive 2 mm pitch and deliver unparalleled electrical performance in all conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">In addition to major versions, the&nbsp;<strong>PXISA&nbsp;<\/strong>regularly publishes minor revisions and addenda to address specific issues or introduce new features. This commitment to refinement ensures that PXI remains at the forefront of test and measurement technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">PXI specification standards are the backbone of PXI systems and modules. They guarantee interoperability, allowing engineers to mix and match components from different vendors to create tailored test setups. Understanding these standards is pivotal in the pursuit of precision and reliability in test and measurement applications. Embracing PXI specifications ensures that your equipment is not just compliant, but also&nbsp;<strong>optimized for excellence<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-47550bbde0f09907dd373a6ae379325d\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong>ADDITIONAL INFORMATION<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--1\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pxisa.org\/\">PXISA<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--2\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/iec.ch\/homepage\">IEC<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To meet the precision and reliability demands of test and measurement, the\u00a0PXI Systems Alliance\u00a0(PXISA) created the\u00a0PXI specification\u00a0standards. These technical requirements, maintained by PXISA, define the mechanical, electrical, and functional characteristics of PXI systems and modules. In this post, we\u2019ll explore these specification standards and examine their significance in the realm of test and measurement.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2319,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,1],"tags":[118,138,153,283,393,437,574,648,874,910,921],"class_list":["post-2316","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-national-instruments","category-uncategorized","tag-chassis","tag-compactpci","tag-cpci","tag-iec","tag-national-instruments","tag-ni","tag-pxi","tag-pxisa","tag-standards","tag-technology","tag-test-equipment"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2316","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2316"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2316\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3672,"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2316\/revisions\/3672"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2319"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2316"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2316"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2316"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}