NI PXIe Digitizers

NI PXIe digitizers convert analog waveforms into digital data for automated testing, signal analysis, and troubleshooting. Built for the PXI Express platform, these modular instruments combine waveform acquisition with PCI Express data transfer and chassis timing resources. Engineers use them to characterize electronic assemblies, investigate transient events, and develop synchronized measurement systems for aerospace, defense, communications, and research applications.

NI offers several digitizer and oscilloscope model groups with different performance priorities. The PXIe-5122 provides two channels, 14-bit resolution, 100 MS/s sampling, and 100 MHz bandwidth. Available part numbers include 779967-01, 779967-02, and 779967-03. It suits measurements that prioritize amplitude detail and low noise. For faster signals, the PXIe-5162 offers 10-bit resolution and up to 1.5 GHz bandwidth. Its maximum real-time sampling rate is 5 GS/s with one channel enabled; enabling additional channels reduces the maximum rate. Part number 782622-01 is one configuration in this model range.

The PXIe-5164, part number 784183-01, combines two channels, 14-bit resolution, 1 GS/s sampling, and 400 MHz bandwidth. Applications needing greater channel density can consider the PXIe-517x family. Within this family, the PXIe-5172 provides four- or eight-channel configurations, 14-bit resolution, 250 MS/s sampling, and 100 MHz bandwidth. Its ordering numbers include 784224-01, 784225-01, and 784226-01. Configuration differences include channel count, onboard memory, and FPGA resources, making the complete part number important when sourcing replacements.

Software turns these modules into configurable measurement instruments. NI-SCOPE provides acquisition control, triggering, waveform retrieval, and analysis capabilities for supported devices. Supported development environments include LabVIEW and C/C++, depending on the driver and operating system. Compatible instruments can use NI-TClk to coordinate sampling and triggering across modules. Reconfigurable models such as the PXIe-5164 and PXIe-5172 also allow custom FPGA processing, but this capability should not be assumed for every PXIe digitizer.

Selecting hardware requires more than comparing headline sample rates. Evaluate analog bandwidth, resolution, noise, input impedance, voltage limits, coupling, channel count, and acquisition memory. Match the chassis slot, available power, cooling, and controller throughput to the selected instrument. PXIe modules require PXI Express or compatible hybrid slots rather than conventional PXI-only slots. Sustained streaming also depends on the complete data path, so maximum acquisition speed does not automatically equal continuous recording performance.

Onboard memory determines how much waveform data can be captured before transfer or processing is required. Appropriate trigger settings isolate relevant events, while appropriate input ranges improve use of the converter’s resolution. Calibration and sound signal connections remain essential to measurement confidence.

For existing test systems, review driver compatibility, calibration requirements, cables, probes, and software dependencies before changing models. Contact Apex Waves with the model and complete part number to discuss sourcing a replacement or expanding an established PXIe measurement system.