Product Introduction
The NI PXIe-5160 is a high-speed PXI Express oscilloscope designed for automated electronic test, waveform acquisition, transient analysis, device characterization, production validation, and high-channel-count measurement systems.
The PXIe-5160 combines 500 MHz analog bandwidth, a maximum sample rate of 2.5 GS/s, and 10-bit vertical resolution. Depending on the selected configuration, the module provides either 2 or 4 analog input channels and up to 2 GB of onboard acquisition memory.
With selectable 50 Ω and 1 MΩ input impedance, AC/DC coupling, flexible voltage ranges, advanced triggering, PXI synchronization, and high-speed data streaming, the PXIe-5160 is well suited for both interactive waveform measurements and fully automated test systems.
Product Overview
The National Instruments PXIe-5160 is a modular high-speed oscilloscope optimized for signals requiring up to 500 MHz of analog bandwidth.
Unlike a conventional benchtop oscilloscope, the PXIe-5160 operates inside a PXI Express chassis and can be tightly integrated with other modular instruments such as waveform generators, RF instruments, digital multimeters, source measurement units, programmable power supplies, switches, and digital I/O modules.
This architecture makes the PXIe-5160 particularly useful for:
- Automated functional test
- High-speed waveform acquisition
- Electronic design validation
- Production test
- Transient signal analysis
- High-channel-count oscilloscope systems
- Signal integrity measurements
- Device characterization
- Aerospace and defense testing
- Semiconductor validation
Key Features
500 MHz Analog Bandwidth
The PXIe-5160 provides up to 500 MHz analog bandwidth on its oscilloscope input channels.
The 500 MHz bandwidth makes the module suitable for measuring relatively fast electronic signals, digital transitions, pulse waveforms, clocks, communication signals, and transient events.
Typical applications include:
- High-speed digital waveform measurements
- Pulse characterization
- Clock measurements
- Electronic switching analysis
- Transient capture
- Signal integrity testing
- Power electronics waveform analysis
2.5 GS/s Maximum Sample Rate
The PXIe-5160 provides a maximum real-time sample rate of 2.5 GS/s.
At 2.5 billion samples per second, the instrument can capture detailed waveform information from signals containing fast transitions and high-frequency components.
High sample rate is especially important when measuring:
- Fast rise and fall times
- Short-duration pulses
- Transient events
- Clock edges
- High-frequency periodic signals
- Electronic switching waveforms
10-Bit Vertical Resolution
The PXIe-5160 uses a 10-bit analog-to-digital converter architecture.
A 10-bit digitizer provides 1,024 theoretical quantization levels across the selected input range, offering four times the number of quantization levels available from a conventional 8-bit oscilloscope.
| Resolution | Theoretical Quantization Levels |
|---|---|
| 8 Bit | 256 |
| 10 Bit | 1,024 |
| 12 Bit | 4,096 |
| 14 Bit | 16,384 |
Higher vertical resolution can provide improved voltage granularity when characterizing small waveform variations, although actual measurement performance also depends on noise, input range, bandwidth, calibration, and other instrument specifications.
2-Channel and 4-Channel Configurations
The PXIe-5160 is available with either 2 analog input channels or 4 analog input channels.
| Configuration | Typical Application |
|---|---|
| 2 Channels | General High-Speed Waveform Measurement |
| 4 Channels | Multi-Signal and High-Channel-Count Testing |
The two-channel configuration is suitable when only a small number of high-speed signals must be measured, while the four-channel configuration provides greater channel density within the same modular PXI architecture.
Up to 2 GB Onboard Memory
Depending on the selected PXIe-5160 configuration, the module provides either 64 MB or 2 GB of onboard memory.
Deep acquisition memory allows the oscilloscope to capture longer waveform records while maintaining high sample rates.
This capability is particularly useful for:
- Long-duration transient recording
- Rare-event capture
- Protocol waveform analysis
- High-speed data logging
- Long acquisition windows
- Detailed post-processing
50 Ω and 1 MΩ Input Impedance
The PXIe-5160 supports both 50 Ω and 1 MΩ analog input impedance.
This provides flexibility for different signal sources and measurement setups.
| Input Impedance | Typical Application |
|---|---|
| 50 Ω | High-Frequency and RF-Like Signal Paths |
| 1 MΩ | General Oscilloscope Probing and Higher-Impedance Sources |
AC and DC Coupling
The PXIe-5160 provides both AC and DC input coupling.
DC coupling passes both AC waveform components and DC offset, while AC coupling can be used when engineers need to block the DC component of a signal and focus on its time-varying portion.
Flexible Voltage Ranges
The PXIe-5160 provides configurable voltage ranges for different signal amplitudes.
NI specifies an overall analog input capability up to approximately 50 V peak-to-peak under applicable input settings.
Selecting the appropriate input range is important for maximizing effective measurement resolution while keeping the input signal within the instrument’s specified limits.
High-Precision Triggering
The PXIe-5160 includes a high-precision triggering circuit designed for repeatable waveform acquisition.
Triggering allows the instrument to begin acquisition when specific signal conditions occur.
Typical applications include:
- Edge-triggered acquisition
- Transient capture
- Pulse measurements
- Synchronized DUT stimulus and response
- Rare-event acquisition
- Automated test sequencing
PXI Triggering and Synchronization
One of the key advantages of the PXIe-5160 compared with many standalone oscilloscopes is integration with the PXI timing and synchronization architecture.
Multiple instruments can share timing and trigger resources, enabling synchronized measurements across several PXI modules.
This is particularly useful for:
- Multi-channel oscilloscope systems
- Synchronized stimulus-response testing
- Mixed-signal test systems
- Multi-instrument automated validation
- High-channel-count waveform acquisition
High-Speed Data Streaming
The PXIe-5160 provides PXI Express data streaming capabilities for transferring acquired waveform data to the host system.
Streaming can be useful when measurement applications require:
- Continuous waveform transfer
- Automated waveform analysis
- Large dataset processing
- High-speed data recording
- Software-based signal processing
CableSense Technology
Selected PXIe-5160 configurations support NI CableSense™ technology.
CableSense can help detect and locate changes, faults, or discontinuities in the signal path connected to the oscilloscope.
This functionality is useful for test systems where cables, connectors, fixtures, and other interconnects can affect measurement reliability.
Potential applications include:
- Test cable diagnostics
- Fixture connection verification
- Signal path fault detection
- Production test maintenance
- Automated connection monitoring
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Type | PXI Express Oscilloscope |
| Model | NI PXIe-5160 |
| Bus Interface | PXI Express |
| Maximum Analog Bandwidth | 500 MHz |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 2.5 GS/s |
| Vertical Resolution | 10 Bit |
| Number of Analog Input Channels | 2 or 4, Configuration Dependent |
| Input Impedance | 50 Ω / 1 MΩ |
| Input Coupling | AC / DC |
| Maximum Voltage Class | Up to 50 Vpk-pk, Configuration Dependent |
| Onboard Memory | 64 MB or 2 GB, Configuration Dependent |
| Triggering | High-Precision Hardware Triggering |
| PXI Synchronization | Supported |
| Data Streaming | Supported |
| CableSense | Available on Selected Configurations |
| Primary Applications | High-Speed Waveform Acquisition, Automated Test, Electronic Validation and Production Test |
PXIe-5160 Part Numbers and Configurations
The PXIe-5160 is available in multiple ordering configurations. The primary differences include channel count, onboard memory, and CableSense support.
| Part Number | Channels | Onboard Memory | CableSense |
|---|---|---|---|
| 782621-01 | 2 | 64 MB | No |
| 782621-02 | 2 | 2 GB | No |
| 782621-03 | 4 | 2 GB | No |
| 782621-11 | 2 | 64 MB | Yes |
| 782621-12 | 2 | 2 GB | Yes |
| 782621-13 | 4 | 2 GB | Yes |
All of these configurations belong to the PXIe-5160 family and provide 500 MHz bandwidth, 2.5 GS/s maximum sampling, and 10-bit resolution.
What Is a PXI Oscilloscope?
A PXI oscilloscope is a modular high-speed waveform digitizer installed within a PXI or PXI Express test system.
It performs many of the same core measurements as a traditional digital oscilloscope but is optimized for software automation, modular expansion, high-channel-count systems, and synchronization with other instruments.
Typical measurements include:
- Waveform amplitude
- Frequency
- Period
- Rise time
- Fall time
- Pulse width
- Duty cycle
- Peak voltage
- RMS voltage
- Transient behavior
500 MHz Bandwidth and Signal Measurement
Oscilloscope bandwidth determines the highest-frequency signal components that can pass through the input path with the specified amplitude response.
The PXIe-5160’s 500 MHz bandwidth makes it suitable for many high-speed electronic signals that exceed the capabilities of conventional multifunction data acquisition hardware.
However, engineers should consider both signal frequency and waveform rise time when selecting oscilloscope bandwidth.
Why 2.5 GS/s Matters
Sample rate determines how frequently the oscilloscope converts the analog waveform into digital samples.
At a maximum sample rate of 2.5 GS/s, the PXIe-5160 can acquire one sample approximately every 400 picoseconds under applicable operating conditions.
High sample rate helps preserve waveform detail for:
- Fast pulses
- Clock signals
- Digital transitions
- Transient events
- Electronic switching
10-Bit vs 8-Bit Oscilloscope Resolution
| Feature | 10-Bit PXIe-5160 | Typical 8-Bit Oscilloscope |
|---|---|---|
| Theoretical ADC Levels | 1,024 | 256 |
| Relative Quantization Levels | 4× More | Baseline |
| Small Voltage Detail | Potentially Improved | Lower Quantization Resolution |
| High-Speed Acquisition | 2.5 GS/s | Instrument Dependent |
Actual measurement accuracy should not be inferred from ADC resolution alone. Noise, bandwidth, input range, gain error, offset error, calibration, and signal quality also affect measurement performance.
Deep Memory Applications
The 2 GB versions of the PXIe-5160 provide substantial onboard waveform memory.
Deep memory is important because high-speed oscilloscopes generate extremely large quantities of data.
At high sample rates, deeper memory allows engineers to capture longer time intervals without reducing sample rate.
This is useful for:
- Long waveform acquisitions
- Protocol activity
- Rare transient events
- Startup sequences
- Power sequencing
- Long-duration device behavior
High-Channel-Count Oscilloscope Systems
The modular PXI architecture allows multiple PXIe-5160 modules to be installed in the same chassis.
This makes it possible to create synchronized high-channel-count oscilloscope systems.
For example:
Multiple DUT Signals → Multiple PXIe-5160 Modules → PXI Timing and Synchronization → Common Acquisition System
NI identifies the four-channel PXIe-5160 as suitable for architectures that can scale to dozens of high-speed synchronized channels within a PXI chassis.
Automated Functional Testing
The PXIe-5160 is particularly suited to automated electronic functional test systems.
A typical automated workflow can include:
- Configure the DUT operating condition.
- Apply stimulus from a waveform generator or other source.
- Configure the PXIe-5160 input channels.
- Arm the hardware trigger.
- Acquire the DUT waveform.
- Analyze waveform parameters.
- Compare results with test limits.
- Record the pass/fail result.
Electronic Design Validation
Engineers can use the PXIe-5160 during electronic design validation to capture and analyze signals from prototypes, circuit boards, and subsystems.
Typical validation measurements include:
- Startup waveform analysis
- Clock verification
- Pulse characterization
- Switching behavior
- Timing measurements
- Transient capture
- Signal quality verification
Production Test Applications
PXI oscilloscopes are particularly valuable in production test systems because they can be fully controlled through software and integrated with other automated instruments.
The PXIe-5160 can be used for:
- PCB functional testing
- Electronic assembly validation
- Waveform pass/fail testing
- Timing verification
- Pulse measurements
- Automated transient testing
- End-of-line validation
Transient Signal Acquisition
Electronic systems can produce short-duration events during startup, shutdown, switching, fault conditions, or mode changes.
The PXIe-5160’s high sample rate and deep memory make it suitable for capturing these transient events for analysis.
Typical examples include:
- Power rail startup
- Voltage overshoot
- Current switching events
- Control transitions
- Fault pulses
- Clock anomalies
Signal Integrity Measurements
The PXIe-5160 can be used for compatible signal integrity measurements within its bandwidth and input specifications.
Typical measurements include:
- Rise time
- Fall time
- Overshoot
- Undershoot
- Pulse width
- Amplitude
- Timing relationships
- Clock quality
Power Electronics Testing
The PXIe-5160 can also be incorporated into power electronics validation systems for measuring compatible voltage waveforms and switching events.
Applications may include:
- Converter switching waveforms
- Power supply startup
- PWM signal analysis
- Transient response
- Control signal verification
- Power sequencing
Appropriate probes, attenuation, grounding, isolation, and input voltage limits must be used for the specific power electronics measurement.
PXIe-5160 with Waveform Generators
A PXI waveform generator and PXIe-5160 can be combined to create an automated stimulus-response measurement system.
A typical architecture is:
PXI Waveform Generator → DUT → PXIe-5160 → Automated Analysis
PXI triggering allows signal generation and waveform acquisition to be coordinated using hardware timing.
PXIe-5160 with PXI Switching
In automated test applications, a PXI switch can dynamically route different DUT signals to the PXIe-5160.
This can reduce the number of oscilloscope channels required when signals can be measured sequentially rather than simultaneously.
A typical architecture is:
Multiple DUT Signals → PXI Switch → PXIe-5160 → Test Software
PXIe-5160 vs PXIe-5162
The PXIe-5160 and PXIe-5162 are both 10-bit high-speed PXI oscilloscopes, but the PXIe-5162 provides substantially higher bandwidth and sampling performance.
| Feature | PXIe-5160 | PXIe-5162 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Bandwidth | 500 MHz | 1.5 GHz |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 2.5 GS/s | 5 GS/s |
| Resolution | 10 Bit | 10 Bit |
| Channels | 2 or 4 | 2 or 4 |
| Maximum Onboard Memory | 2 GB | 2 GB |
| Primary Advantage | 500 MHz High-Speed Automated Test | Higher Bandwidth and Sample Rate |
Choose the PXIe-5160 when 500 MHz bandwidth and 2.5 GS/s sampling provide sufficient performance. Choose the PXIe-5162 when the application requires substantially higher frequency coverage or faster sampling.
PXIe-5160 vs PXIe-5171R
The PXIe-5160 and PXIe-5171R target different priorities in high-speed measurement.
| Feature | PXIe-5160 | PXIe-5171R |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 10 Bit | 14 Bit |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 2.5 GS/s | 250 MS/s |
| Bandwidth | 500 MHz | 250 MHz |
| Primary Strength | Higher-Speed Acquisition | Higher Resolution and Reconfigurability |
The PXIe-5160 is more appropriate when acquisition speed and analog bandwidth are priorities, while the PXIe-5171R is attractive for applications requiring higher resolution and FPGA-based reconfigurable instrumentation.
PXIe-5160 vs Multifunction DAQ
| Feature | PXIe-5160 | Typical Multifunction DAQ |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | High-Speed Oscilloscope | General-Purpose Data Acquisition |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 2.5 GS/s | Typically Much Lower |
| Analog Bandwidth | 500 MHz | Typically Much Lower |
| Waveform Triggering | Advanced | DAQ-Oriented |
| Deep Acquisition Memory | Up to 2 GB | Architecture Dependent |
| Analog Output | No | Often Available |
| Digital I/O | Not Primary Function | Often Included |
| Best Application | Fast Electronic Waveforms | General Sensors and Control |
CableSense vs Standard PXIe-5160
Some PXIe-5160 ordering options include CableSense technology while others provide the standard oscilloscope configuration.
| Feature | CableSense Version | Standard Version |
|---|---|---|
| 500 MHz Bandwidth | Yes | Yes |
| 2.5 GS/s | Yes | Yes |
| 10-Bit Resolution | Yes | Yes |
| Waveform Acquisition | Yes | Yes |
| Signal Path Diagnostic Capability | CableSense Supported | Standard Configuration |
| Best Application | Automated Systems Requiring Cable Diagnostics | General Oscilloscope Measurements |
PXIe-5160 in a Complete PXI System
The PXIe-5160 can operate as the high-speed waveform measurement instrument within a complete PXI automated test platform.
A typical system may include:
- PXI Chassis
- PXI Controller
- PXIe-5160 oscilloscope
- PXI Modules
- PXI waveform generator
- PXI digital multimeter
- PXI switching modules
- Programmable power supplies
- Digital I/O modules
- RF instrumentation
The instruments can be coordinated using software and PXI timing resources to perform complete automated DUT validation sequences.
High-Channel-Count Measurement Architecture
Multiple PXIe-5160 modules can be synchronized to create higher-channel-count waveform acquisition systems.
This architecture is useful in applications such as:
- Multi-channel electronic validation
- Aerospace subsystem testing
- Power electronics characterization
- Physics experiments
- Large automated test systems
- Parallel DUT testing
Software and Driver Support
The PXIe-5160 is supported by NI oscilloscope software and instrument drivers designed for programmatic waveform acquisition and automated analysis.
Software applications can configure:
- Input channels
- Input voltage ranges
- Input impedance
- AC/DC coupling
- Sampling parameters
- Record length
- Trigger conditions
- Waveform acquisition
- Data streaming
- Automated measurements
Automated Waveform Analysis
Acquired PXIe-5160 waveform data can be analyzed programmatically to calculate common oscilloscope measurements.
Depending on the application software, measurements may include:
- Frequency
- Period
- Amplitude
- Peak-to-peak voltage
- RMS voltage
- Rise time
- Fall time
- Pulse width
- Duty cycle
- Overshoot
- Undershoot
Industries
- Automated Test Equipment
- Semiconductor Test
- Electronic Manufacturing
- Aerospace and Defense
- Automotive Electronics
- Power Electronics
- Wireless and Communications Research
- Research and Development
- Production Test
Applications
High-Speed Waveform Acquisition
The PXIe-5160 provides 500 MHz bandwidth and 2.5 GS/s sampling for capturing fast electronic waveforms and transient signals.
Electronic Device Characterization
The module can measure waveform amplitude, timing, frequency, pulse, and transient behavior during automated device characterization.
Automated Production Test
Software-controlled oscilloscope measurements make the PXIe-5160 suitable for production environments requiring repeatable waveform pass/fail testing.
Transient Analysis
High sample rate and deep onboard memory enable detailed analysis of short-duration and infrequent electronic events.
High-Channel-Count Testing
Multiple two- or four-channel modules can be integrated into synchronized PXI systems for applications requiring many high-speed oscilloscope channels.
Signal Integrity Testing
The PXIe-5160 can perform compatible rise-time, fall-time, pulse, overshoot, undershoot, and timing measurements within its specified bandwidth.
Power Electronics Validation
The PXIe-5160 can acquire compatible switching and control waveforms in power electronics test systems when appropriate probes and signal conditioning are used.
Comparison with Similar PXI Oscilloscopes
| Model | Resolution | Maximum Sample Rate | Bandwidth | Channels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PXIe-5160 | 10 Bit | 2.5 GS/s | 500 MHz | 2 or 4 |
| PXIe-5162 | 10 Bit | 5 GS/s | 1.5 GHz | 2 or 4 |
| PXIe-5171R | 14 Bit | 250 MS/s | 250 MHz | 8 |
| PXIe-5122 | 14 Bit | 100 MS/s | 100 MHz | 2 |
Recommended Related Products
| NI PXIe-5160 | 500 MHz, 2.5 GS/s, 10-bit PXI Express oscilloscope available with two or four analog input channels. |
| NI PXIe-5162 | Higher-performance 1.5 GHz, 5 GS/s, 10-bit PXI oscilloscope for applications requiring greater bandwidth and sampling speed. |
| NI PXIe-8267 | High-speed PXI Express NVMe storage module for systems requiring large-volume waveform recording and stream-to-disk applications. |
| NI PXIe-6381 | 18-bit multifunction I/O module for lower-speed general-purpose data acquisition, analog generation, digital I/O, and counter/timer applications. |
| NI PXI Modules | PXI and PXI Express modules for measurement, signal generation, switching, communications, and automated test systems. |
Why Choose NI PXIe-5160?
- 500 MHz analog bandwidth
- 2.5 GS/s maximum sample rate
- 10-bit vertical resolution
- Available with 2 or 4 analog input channels
- Up to 2 GB onboard memory
- 50 Ω and 1 MΩ input impedance
- AC and DC input coupling
- Flexible input voltage ranges
- High-precision triggering
- PXI timing and synchronization
- High-speed data streaming
- CableSense available on selected configurations
- Suitable for high-channel-count systems
- Designed for automated waveform measurements
- Suitable for production and electronic validation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NI PXIe-5160?
The NI PXIe-5160 is a 500 MHz, 2.5 GS/s, 10-bit PXI Express oscilloscope designed for high-speed waveform acquisition, electronic validation, automated test, and production measurement applications.
What is the bandwidth of the PXIe-5160?
The PXIe-5160 provides a maximum analog bandwidth of 500 MHz.
What is the maximum sampling rate of the PXIe-5160?
The PXIe-5160 provides a maximum sampling rate of 2.5 GS/s.
What is the resolution of the PXIe-5160?
The PXIe-5160 provides 10-bit vertical resolution, corresponding to 1,024 theoretical ADC quantization levels.
How many channels does the PXIe-5160 have?
Depending on the selected part number, the PXIe-5160 is available with either 2 or 4 analog input channels.
How much onboard memory does the PXIe-5160 have?
Depending on configuration, the PXIe-5160 provides either 64 MB or 2 GB of onboard acquisition memory.
What input impedance does the PXIe-5160 support?
The PXIe-5160 supports both 50 Ω and 1 MΩ input impedance.
Does the PXIe-5160 support AC and DC coupling?
Yes. The PXIe-5160 provides both AC and DC input coupling.
What is CableSense on the PXIe-5160?
CableSense is available on selected PXIe-5160 configurations and can help detect and locate signal-path faults, changes, or discontinuities associated with cables, connectors, and test fixtures.
Which PXIe-5160 part numbers include CableSense?
NI lists CableSense versions including 782621-11, 782621-12, and 782621-13. The exact channel count and onboard memory differ by configuration.
What is the difference between PXIe-5160 782621-01 and 782621-02?
Both are two-channel 500 MHz, 2.5 GS/s, 10-bit oscilloscopes. The major difference is onboard memory: 782621-01 provides 64 MB, while 782621-02 provides 2 GB.
Which PXIe-5160 configuration has four channels?
NI lists four-channel configurations including 782621-03 and the CableSense-equipped 782621-13. Both provide 2 GB onboard memory.
Can multiple PXIe-5160 modules be synchronized?
Yes. PXI timing and synchronization capabilities allow multiple compatible oscilloscope modules to be incorporated into synchronized high-channel-count measurement systems.
Can the PXIe-5160 be used for production testing?
Yes. Its software-controlled acquisition, hardware triggering, PXI integration, and automated waveform analysis capabilities make it well suited for production and manufacturing test systems.
What is the difference between PXIe-5160 and PXIe-5162?
Both are 10-bit PXI oscilloscopes available with two or four channels. The PXIe-5160 provides up to 500 MHz bandwidth and 2.5 GS/s sampling, while the PXIe-5162 increases performance to 1.5 GHz bandwidth and 5 GS/s.
Can the PXIe-5160 be used for high-channel-count testing?
Yes. Multiple PXIe-5160 modules can be installed and synchronized within a PXI system, making the module suitable for applications requiring many high-speed waveform acquisition channels.
What applications are suitable for the PXIe-5160?
Typical applications include high-speed waveform acquisition, transient analysis, electronic device characterization, signal integrity measurements, automated functional test, production testing, power electronics validation, semiconductor test, and high-channel-count synchronized measurements.
What should I check before purchasing a PXIe-5160?
Before purchasing a PXIe-5160, verify the required channel count, onboard memory, CableSense requirement, 500 MHz bandwidth, 2.5 GS/s sample rate, input impedance, voltage range, triggering requirements, PXI Express chassis compatibility, synchronization requirements, software support, and required probes or signal accessories.
Conclusion
The NI PXIe-5160 500 MHz, 2.5 GS/s, 10-Bit PXI Express Oscilloscope combines high-speed waveform acquisition with two- or four-channel configurations, up to 2 GB onboard memory, 50 Ω and 1 MΩ inputs, advanced triggering, PXI synchronization, and high-speed data streaming. Selected configurations also provide CableSense technology for signal-path diagnostics. These capabilities make the PXIe-5160 particularly suitable for automated electronic validation, production testing, transient analysis, signal integrity measurements, high-channel-count acquisition, and other demanding PXI waveform measurement applications.
