NI PXI-5105

Description

Detailed parameter table

NI PXI-5105

Product introduction

The NI PXI-5105 is a high-speed PXI digitizer developed by National Instruments (NI), engineered for precise capture of high-frequency and transient analog signals—filling a critical gap between analog output modules like the NI CFP-AO-200 (control-focused) and multifunctional DAQ cards like the NI PXI-6255 (general-purpose I/O). Unlike the NI CFP-AO-200, which outputs analog signals for actuation, the NI PXI-5105 specializes in capturing signals (up to 30 MHz bandwidth, 100 MS/s sampling) to analyze waveform characteristics, validate components, or troubleshoot electrical systems.

In PXI-based test setups, the NI PXI-5105 acts as a “high-speed signal recorder” for applications requiring detailed waveform analysis. For example, in an automotive radar test rig, paired with a NI PXIe-8861 controller, the NI PXI-5105 captures 2-channel radar return signals (14-bit resolution, 50 MS/s) to measure range and Doppler shift. Its 30 MHz bandwidth ensures it captures the full radar frequency spectrum, while its 86 dB SFDR minimizes signal distortion—critical for validating radar accuracy. Unlike the NI PXI-6255 (limited to 1.25 MS/s and lower bandwidth), the NI PXI-5105 handles the fast, high-frequency signals common in RF, aerospace, and industrial automation testing.

Core advantages and technical highlights

30 MHz Bandwidth & 100 MS/s Sampling for High-Frequency Signals: The NI PXI-5105’s 30 MHz bandwidth and 100 MS/s sampling rate enable it to capture signals far beyond the capabilities of the NI PXI-6255 (1.25 MS/s, ~100 kHz bandwidth) or NI CFP-AO-200 (output-only). This makes it ideal for RF component testing, such as validating 5G base station filters: the NI PXI-5105 captures 25 MHz filter output signals (100 MS/s) to measure insertion loss and return loss, ensuring compliance with 5G standards. Without this bandwidth, slower DAQ cards would alias high-frequency signals, producing misleading test results.

Exceptional Signal Integrity for Accurate Analysis: With 74 dB SNR, -85 dB THD, and 86 dB SFDR, the NI PXI-5105 delivers lab-grade signal integrity—far superior to the NI PXI-6255 (designed for general measurement, not high-fidelity capture). In a medical device lab, for instance, the NI PXI-5105 captures 1 MHz ultrasound transducer signals (±1 V range) with < 12 µVrms noise, enabling engineers to analyze subtle waveform distortions that indicate transducer wear. This level of precision ensures the device meets FDA requirements for diagnostic accuracy, a standard the NI CFP-AO-200 (an output module) cannot support.

Flexible Triggering & Onboard Memory for Transient Capture: The NI PXI-5105 offers advanced triggering (analog edge/level, digital, external) and 16 MB onboard memory per channel—critical for capturing rare transient events (e.g., voltage spikes, component faults). In a power electronics test, for example, the NI PXI-5105 uses analog edge triggering (1 mV sensitivity) to capture a 10 µs voltage surge in a power inverter, with 50% pre-trigger memory to view the waveform leading up to the surge. This capability lets engineers diagnose the root cause of the surge, whereas the NI PXI-6255’s basic triggering would miss the transient or lack pre-trigger context.

Seamless PXI Synchronization for Multi-Module Tests: The NI PXI-5105 integrates with the PXI trigger bus and star trigger, enabling sub-10 ns synchronization with other PXI modules (e.g., NI PXI-5412 AWGs, NI PXIe-8861 controllers). In an aerospace avionics test, the NI PXI-5105 (capturing avionics bus signals) synchronizes with a NI PXI-5412 (generating test stimuli) via PXI trigger—ensuring the captured signal aligns with the stimulus to validate avionics response times. This synchronization is far more precise than the NI CFP-AO-200’s serial-based coordination, making the NI PXI-5105 essential for multi-instrument test systems.

Typical application scenarios

In aerospace avionics testing, the NI PXI-5105 validates flight control system signal integrity. A test rig uses the NI PXI-5105 (paired with a NI PXIe-8861 controller) to capture 2-channel analog signals from an aircraft’s fly-by-wire system: 1 channel captures elevator control signals (20 kHz, ±5 V), and 1 channel captures aileron feedback signals (15 kHz, ±2 V). The NI PXI-5105’s 100 MS/s sampling rate and 30 MHz bandwidth ensure it captures high-frequency noise or glitches in the signals, while its 86 dB SFDR ensures the noise does not obscure critical waveform details. Engineers use LabVIEW to analyze the captured data, verifying the signals meet DO-160 avionics standards—something the NI CFP-AO-200 (output-only) or NI PXI-6255 (lower bandwidth) cannot achieve.

In industrial power electronics, the NI PXI-5105 troubleshoots variable frequency drive (VFD) faults. A manufacturing plant uses the NI PXI-5105 to capture 2-channel VFD output signals (3-phase AC, 60 Hz fundamental frequency with 5 kHz switching noise). The digitizer’s 30 MHz bandwidth captures the high-frequency switching components, while its analog level triggering (set to 110% of nominal voltage) detects voltage surges caused by motor load changes. The NI PXI-5105 stores 10 seconds of pre/post-surge data in its onboard memory, allowing engineers to trace the surge to a faulty capacitor—reducing VFD downtime by 60% compared to manual oscilloscope testing.

NI PXI-5105

Related model recommendations

NI PXIe-8861: A high-performance PXIe controller that pairs with the NI PXI-5105. The NI PXIe-8861 manages the digitizer’s data capture, processes 100 MS/s waveform data, and streams results to a database—ideal for CPU-intensive signal analysis beyond the capabilities of basic PXI controllers.

NI PXI-5412: A PXI arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) complementary to the NI PXI-5105. The NI PXI-5412 generates test stimuli (e.g., radar chirps, avionics signals), while the NI PXI-5105 captures the DUT’s response—forming a closed-loop test system for component validation.

NI PXI-6255: A multifunctional PXI DAQ card that works with the NI PXI-5105 in mixed-signal tests. The NI PXI-5105 captures high-frequency signals, while the NI PXI-6255 handles low-speed analog/digital I/O (e.g., sensor temperature, relay control)—expanding system versatility.

NI PXIe-5160: A higher-performance PXIe digitizer and upgrade of the NI PXI-5105, offering 1 GS/s sampling, 16-bit resolution, and 1 GHz bandwidth. It replaces the NI PXI-5105 for ultra-high-frequency applications (e.g., 5G mmWave testing).

NI PXIe-1085: An 18-slot PXIe chassis compatible with the NI PXI-5105. It provides power, cooling, and synchronization for the digitizer and other PXI modules (e.g., NI PXI-5412), enabling large-scale test systems.

NI-SCOPE Driver: The core driver for the NI PXI-5105, optimizing waveform capture, triggering, and data transfer. It includes tools for configuring sampling rates, trigger conditions, and memory allocation—ensuring the digitizer performs at peak efficiency.

NI LabVIEW 2024: Essential software for programming the NI PXI-5105. It includes pre-built VIs for waveform visualization, FFT analysis, and signal filtering—reducing development time for test applications by 40%.

NI PXI-6674T: A PXI timing/synchronization module that enhances the NI PXI-5105’s multi-chassis sync. It distributes a 10 MHz reference clock to multiple NI PXI-5105 units across chassis, ensuring sub-10 ns alignment for large-scale tests (e.g., aerospace system validation).

Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing the NI PXI-5105, power off the PXI chassis (e.g., NI PXIe-1085) and wear an ESD wristband (±15 kV) to protect the digitizer’s precision circuits. Align the NI PXI-5105 with an empty 3U PXI slot, ensuring the guide pins match the chassis rails. Push the module firmly until the backplane connector seats fully, then secure it with the front-panel screw. Connect analog signals to the BNC connectors using 50 Ω coaxial cables (for RF signals) or 1 MΩ shielded cables (for low-frequency signals). Power on the chassis and host PC (e.g., with NI PXIe-8861), install the latest NI-SCOPE driver and LabVIEW, then use NI Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) to detect the NI PXI-5105. Run the “Signal Integrity Test” in MAX to verify SNR, THD, and bandwidth using a calibrated signal generator (e.g., NI PXI-5412).

Maintenance suggestions: Calibrate the NI PXI-5105 annually using a NIST-traceable signal generator (e.g., NI PXI-5412) and NI-SCOPE’s calibration utility to maintain 74 dB SNR and ±0.1% amplitude accuracy. Inspect the BNC connectors quarterly: clean contacts with isopropyl alcohol (99.9% purity) and a lint-free swab to remove oxidation—corroded contacts degrade signal integrity. If the NI PXI-5105 captures distorted waveforms, check cable impedance (ensure 50 Ω/1 MΩ match) or update its firmware via JTAG. Avoid exposing the module to temperatures above 55 °C or humidity above 90%—extreme conditions can damage its analog front-end and ADC. Store spare coaxial cables in a dry environment to prevent shielding degradation.

Service and guarantee commitment

National Instruments (NI) provides a 2-year standard warranty for the NI PXI-5105, covering defects in the analog front-end, ADC, trigger circuits, and PXI interface—matching the warranty of the NI PXIe-8861 and longer than the NI CFP-AO-200’s 1-year legacy warranty. For extended protection, the ServicePlus Premium Plan extends coverage to 5 years, including annual factory calibration (traceable to NIST) for SNR, THD, and bandwidth, priority technical support (2-hour response time for aerospace/automotive customers), and expedited repairs (turnaround time < 3 business days).

NI’s global technical team includes digitizer specialists, offering 24/7 support for the NI PXI-5105—assisting with trigger configuration, signal integrity troubleshooting, and software integration (e.g., LabVIEW-NI-SCOPE compatibility). Customers gain free access to exclusive resources: application notes on RF signal capture with the NI PXI-5105, LabVIEW example code for transient analysis, and a user community for sharing high-speed test best practices. For out-of-warranty repairs, NI’s Precision Digitizer Restore Service replaces aged components (e.g., ADC, analog amplifiers) and verifies all performance metrics—restoring the NI PXI-5105 to factory specs. This commitment reflects NI’s confidence in the digitizer’s durability and dedication to supporting users’ high-frequency test workflows.