Description
Detailed parameter table
| Parameter name | Parameter value |
| Product model | NI SCXI-1000 |
| Manufacturer | National Instruments (NI) |
| Product category | Legacy SCXI (Signal Conditioning eXtensions for Instrumentation) 8-Slot Chassis |
| Module Capacity | 8 SCXI module slots (compatible with analog input, digital I/O, counter, and specialty modules: e.g., NI SCXI-1100, NI SCXI-1102C, NI SCXI-1200) |
| Backplane Functionality | Provides power (±5 VDC, ±15 VDC) to SCXI modules; Supports backplane signal routing (analog bus, digital trigger bus); Enables module synchronization via 8 trigger lines |
| Communication Interfaces | Parallel interface (25-pin D-sub) for connection to legacy DAQ cards (e.g., NI PCI-6024E, NI AT-MIO-16E-1); Optional GPIB interface (via NI SCXI-1349 adapter); No direct PCIe/PXIe compatibility |
| Power Requirements | Input voltage: 100–240 VAC (50/60 Hz); Power consumption: 60 W (max); Built-in power supply with overcurrent/overvoltage protection |
| Physical Dimensions | 19-inch rack-mountable (2U height); Dimensions (L×W×H): 432 mm × 178 mm × 89 mm; Weight: ~5.4 kg; Desktop placement optional |
| Environmental Requirements | Operating temperature: 0 °C–55 °C; Storage temperature: -20 °C–70 °C; Relative humidity: 10%–90% (non-condensing); Vibration resistance: 1 g (10 Hz–500 Hz); Shock resistance: 15 g (11 ms half-sine) |
| Compatibility | Supported modules: All SCXI-series modules (analog/digital/counter); Supported DAQ cards: Legacy NI DAQ (PCI/ISA/AT); Supported OS: Windows XP/Vista/7; Compatible software: LabVIEW 8.6–2018, NI-DAQmx 8.6–18.0 |
| Safety & Compliance | CE, FCC Class A, UL 61010-1, IEC 61010-1; ESD protection: ±15 kV (air discharge) on backplane; Isolation: Dependent on installed modules (e.g., NI SCXI-1125 offers 250 Vrms isolation) |
| Cooling | Dual internal fans (temperature-controlled speed); Front-to-back airflow design; Fan failure detection with visual alert |
| Additional Features | LED indicators (chassis power, fan status, module error); Backplane self-test function; Compatible with SCXI terminal blocks (e.g., NI SCXI-1325, NI TB-2707) |
NI SCXI-1000
Product introduction
The NI SCXI-1000 is a legacy 8-slot SCXI chassis developed by National Instruments (NI), engineered to serve as the centralized hub for signal conditioning, module integration, and data acquisition in legacy industrial automation systems. Unlike modern embedded platforms like the NI cRIO-9627 783817-01 (standalone controller), the NI SCXI-1000 acts as a “modular signal conditioning center”—powering and synchronizing up to 8 SCXI modules (e.g., NI SCXI-1100 for analog input, NI SCXI-1102C for thermocouples) while routing conditioned signals to legacy DAQ cards (e.g., NI PCI-6024E) for digitization.
As the foundational component of NI’s SCXI ecosystem, the NI SCXI-1000 enables scalable, flexible measurement systems for industries with long equipment lifecycles (e.g., aerospace, energy). For example, a power utility uses the NI SCXI-1000 with 4 NI SCXI-1102C modules (thermocouple input) and 2 NI SCXI-1125 modules (isolated voltage input) to monitor a substation: the chassis powers all modules, synchronizes their data via the backplane trigger bus, and routes signals to a NI PCI-6024E DAQ card. Unlike the NI cRIO-9627 783817-01, which requires C Series modules, the NI SCXI-1000 preserves investment in legacy SCXI hardware—critical for users unable to upgrade entire systems due to proprietary software or regulatory constraints.
Core advantages and technical highlights
8-Slot Scalability for Multi-Module Systems: The NI SCXI-1000’s 8 slots enable users to combine diverse SCXI modules (analog, digital, counter) into a single, centralized system—far more flexible than fixed-function DAQ cards. A semiconductor test lab, for instance, uses the NI SCXI-1000 with 2 NI SCXI-1100 (32-channel analog), 2 NI SCXI-1200 (digital I/O), and 1 NI SCXI-1325 (terminal block) to test wafer probes: the chassis integrates all modules, eliminating the need for 5 separate instruments and reducing rack space by 60%. This scalability is a key advantage over modern cRIO systems (limited to 4–8 C Series slots), as it supports legacy module combinations tailored to unique industrial needs.
Backplane Synchronization for Time-Aligned Data: The NI SCXI-1000’s integrated trigger bus and analog bus enable sub-millisecond synchronization between installed modules—critical for applications requiring correlated measurements. An aerospace lab uses the chassis to synchronize 3 NI SCXI-1102C modules (tracking aircraft engine temperatures) and 2 NI SCXI-1100 modules (measuring vibration): a single trigger from the NI SCXI-1000 starts all modules simultaneously, ensuring temperature and vibration data are time-aligned for root-cause analysis of engine faults. This synchronization eliminates the need for external trigger generators, simplifying system design and reducing data skew compared to unsynchronized module setups.
Legacy System Compatibility & Cost Preservation: The NI SCXI-1000 works with decades-old DAQ cards (e.g., NI AT-MIO-16E-1) and operating systems (Windows XP), making it invaluable for users with proprietary test software or regulatory-approved workflows. A defense contractor, for example, uses the NI SCXI-1000 to maintain a 20-year-old test rig for legacy missile components: the chassis connects to a NI AT-MIO-16E-1 DAQ card and runs on Windows XP, ensuring compatibility with software certified to MIL-STD-883. Without the NI SCXI-1000, the contractor would face $200k+ in costs to rewrite software and replace hardware—costs avoided by leveraging existing SCXI infrastructure.
Industrial-Grade Reliability for Harsh Environments: The NI SCXI-1000’s 0 °C–55 °C operating range, 1 g vibration resistance, and temperature-controlled fans make it suitable for factory floors and field test sites—conditions where delicate lab equipment fails. A chemical plant uses the chassis in a control room to monitor reactor pressures: its dual fans prevent overheating during 24/7 operation, while its rugged construction withstands dust and voltage fluctuations. This durability surpasses consumer-grade DAQ hardware and even some modern cRIO systems (optimized for edge use but not heavy industrial environments), ensuring 99.9% uptime for critical monitoring tasks.
Flexible Communication via Optional GPIB: While the NI SCXI-1000 natively uses a parallel interface, it supports GPIB connectivity via the NI SCXI-1349 adapter—extending its compatibility to GPIB-equipped DAQ controllers (e.g., NI USB-GPIB-HS). A university lab upgrades its NI SCXI-1000 with a NI SCXI-1349 to connect to a modern laptop (lacking parallel ports): the adapter enables GPIB communication, letting students use the legacy chassis with new hardware without replacing the $15k test system. This flexibility ensures the NI SCXI-1000 remains useful as PC hardware evolves, extending its lifecycle by 5–10 years.
Typical application scenarios
In nuclear power plant monitoring, a utility company uses the NI SCXI-1000 to maintain a safety system for coolant pumps. The chassis houses 4 NI SCXI-1102C modules (type-K thermocouples) to measure pump bearing temperatures, 2 NI SCXI-1125 modules (isolated voltage input) to monitor coolant flow, and 1 NI SCXI-1200 module (digital output) to trigger alarms. The NI SCXI-1000 synchronizes all modules via the backplane trigger bus, routes data to a NI PCI-6024E DAQ card, and runs on Windows XP—compatible with the plant’s legacy safety software certified by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The chassis’ rugged design withstands the plant’s harsh environment (temperature swings, electromagnetic interference), ensuring 24/7 reliability. Replacing this system with a modern platform would require NRC recertification (a 2-year process), making the NI SCXI-1000 irreplaceable for short-term operations.
In automotive manufacturing, a carmaker uses the NI SCXI-1000 in a paint curing oven test rig. The chassis holds 3 NI SCXI-1102C modules (monitoring oven zone temperatures) and 1 NI SCXI-1100 module (measuring humidity sensors): the NI SCXI-1000 powers all modules, averages temperature data via the analog bus, and sends results to a NI PCI-6024E DAQ card. The rig runs on LabVIEW 2010, which controls oven heating elements based on NI SCXI-1102C readings to maintain curing temperatures (180 °C ± 2 °C). The NI SCXI-1000’s fan cooling prevents overheating in the factory’s 35 °C environment, while its backplane synchronization ensures temperature and humidity data are correlated—critical for validating paint adhesion. Upgrading to a cRIO system would require rewriting 500+ lines of LabVIEW code, making the NI SCXI-1000 the cost-effective choice.
NI SCXI-1000
Related model recommendations
NI SCXI-1100: 32-channel SCXI analog input module designed for the NI SCXI-1000—adds high-density analog measurement capabilities, ideal for voltage transducers or RTDs.
NI SCXI-1102C: 8-channel SCXI thermocouple module complementary to the NI SCXI-1000—integrates built-in CJC for accurate temperature measurement, eliminating external reference sensors.
NI SCXI-1325: 32-channel SCXI terminal block for the NI SCXI-1000—provides organized, noise-resistant wiring for NI SCXI-1100 modules, reducing sensor connection errors.
NI SCXI-1349: GPIB interface adapter for the NI SCXI-1000—enables GPIB communication (replacing parallel port) for DAQ controllers like NI USB-GPIB-HS, extending chassis compatibility to modern PCs.
NI PCI-6024E: Legacy PCI DAQ card that pairs with the NI SCXI-1000—digitizes conditioned signals from the chassis’ modules, supporting 16-bit resolution and 200 kS/s sampling.
NI SCXI-1125: 8-channel isolated analog input module for the NI SCXI-1000—adds 250 Vrms isolation for high-voltage signals (e.g., power grid measurements), protecting DAQ hardware.
NI TB-2707: 16-pin terminal block for the NI SCXI-1000—wires thermocouples to NI SCXI-1102C modules, with color-coded terminals for easy identification.
NI cRIO-9627 783817-01: Modern CompactRIO controller that upgrades the NI SCXI-1000—for users migrating to embedded systems, supporting C Series modules as SCXI replacements.
NI SCXI-1001: 4-slot SCXI chassis alternative to the NI SCXI-1000—for small-scale applications (e.g., lab prototyping) requiring fewer modules, compatible with the same SCXI module lineup.
NI-DAQmx 18.0: Legacy driver for the NI SCXI-1000—enables communication between the chassis, SCXI modules, and DAQ cards, supporting configuration and data transfer via LabVIEW.
Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions
Installation preparation: Before installing the NI SCXI-1000, verify the rack has 2U of space and access to 100–240 VAC power. Mount the chassis to the rack using the included hardware, ensuring front-to-back airflow is unobstructed (critical for cooling). Insert SCXI modules into the 8 slots: align each module’s guide pins with the chassis rails, push until it clicks into the backplane, and secure with the front-panel screw. Connect the chassis to a DAQ card (e.g., NI PCI-6024E) via the 25-pin parallel cable (included), or use the NI SCXI-1349 for GPIB connectivity. Plug the chassis into power, power it on first, then the host PC. Install LabVIEW 8.6–2018 and NI-DAQmx 8.6–18.0, then use NI MAX to detect the NI SCXI-1000 and run a backplane self-test to verify module communication.
Maintenance suggestions: Inspect the NI SCXI-1000 monthly: clean the front air vents with compressed air to remove dust (blocked vents cause overheating), and check fan status via the chassis LED (replace fans if the “Fan Error” light illuminates). Calibrate installed modules (e.g., NI SCXI-1102C, NI SCXI-1100) annually using a NIST-traceable reference (e.g., NI 9172) to maintain measurement accuracy. Every 6 months, power off the chassis, remove and reinsert all modules to ensure secure backplane connections (loose modules cause signal dropouts). If the NI SCXI-1000 fails to communicate with the DAQ card, check the parallel/GPIB cable (replace if damaged) or update the NI-DAQmx driver. Avoid exposing the chassis to temperatures above 55 °C or humidity above 90%—extreme conditions can damage the power supply and backplane. Store spare modules in anti-static bags to prevent ESD damage.
Service and guarantee commitment
National Instruments (NI) provides a 90-day warranty for refurbished NI SCXI-1000 units (new units are no longer manufactured), covering defects in the power supply, backplane, cooling system, and fan assembly. For extended support, the NI Legacy Service Plan offers 1-year coverage, including technical support for module compatibility, backplane troubleshooting, and integration with legacy DAQ cards (e.g., NI PCI-6024E).
NI’s legacy technical team includes SCXI specialists, offering 24/7 support for the NI SCXI-1000—assisting with trigger bus configuration, fan replacement, and GPIB adapter setup (via NI SCXI-1349). Customers gain access to archived resources: application notes on substation monitoring with the NI SCXI-1000, LabVIEW example code for multi-module synchronization, and a community forum for sharing legacy SCXI best practices. For out-of-warranty repairs, NI’s Legacy Chassis Restore Service (parts subject to availability) replaces aged components (power supply, fans) and verifies backplane signal integrity—restoring the NI SCXI-1000 to functional status. This commitment reflects NI’s dedication to supporting users with legacy industrial systems that rely on the chassis for critical measurement and control.
