NI PXIe Oscilloscopes

NI PXIe oscilloscopes combine waveform acquisition with the speed, synchronization, and modularity of PXI Express. These National Instruments modules capture changing electrical signals for automated testing, troubleshooting, and characterization. Instead of relying on a standalone instrument with its own display, engineers operate the oscilloscope through software and a compatible controller. Multiple instruments can share one chassis, helping consolidate measurement systems for aerospace, defense, electronics manufacturing, and research.

The portfolio covers different priorities in bandwidth, sampling speed, vertical resolution, and channel density. The PXIe-5110, PXIe-5111, and PXIe-5113 provide two channels with 8-bit resolution. Their respective analog bandwidths are 100 MHz, 350 MHz, and 500 MHz. The PXIe-5110 samples at up to 1 GS/s, while the PXIe-5111 and PXIe-5113 reach up to 3 GS/s. These models support programmable measurement settings for applications requiring repeatable waveform acquisition. Some ordering variants include CableSense technology for identifying signal path changes or discontinuities. Feature availability depends on the exact ordering part number, so it should not be assumed from the instrument model name alone.

For faster signals, the PXIe-5162 combines 1.5 GHz bandwidth, 10-bit resolution, and sampling rates up to 5 GS/s. Two-channel and four-channel configurations are available. The PXIe-5164 emphasizes higher vertical resolution, providing two 14-bit channels, 400 MHz bandwidth, and sampling up to 1 GS/s. Always check the selected channel configuration and acquisition mode before assuming that a headline sampling rate applies to every channel simultaneously.

The PXIe-517x family adds options for applications requiring higher channel density and customizable acquisition. The PXIe-5172 offers four-channel or eight-channel configurations with 14-bit resolution, 100 MHz bandwidth, and sampling up to 250 MS/s. Its programmable FPGA supports custom triggering, signal processing, and data streaming. FPGA customization is an option for specialized requirements, not a prerequisite for conventional acquisition through supported NI software.

Selecting the right module requires more than comparing maximum sampling rates. Consider signal bandwidth, pulse rise time, voltage range, input impedance, probe loading, memory capacity, and record length. Higher nominal resolution provides finer voltage quantization, but actual measurement quality also depends on noise and effective resolution. Chassis bandwidth, controller performance, and storage throughput influence sustained streaming, while onboard memory determines how much waveform data can be buffered.

NI-SCOPE provides configuration, acquisition, and analysis capabilities for supported oscilloscopes. InstrumentStudio enables interactive measurements on compatible hardware, while LabVIEW supports automated test development. Shared timing and triggering resources help coordinate supported instruments. A PXIe module requires a compatible PXI Express slot or hybrid slot; it cannot operate in a legacy PXI-only slot.

For replacement planning, provide Apex Waves with the complete model, ordering part number, memory option, channel count, and software requirements. Confirm probe compatibility and calibration needs before selecting hardware for an existing system.