Product Introduction
The NI PXI-1042 is a compact 8-slot PXI chassis designed for modular automated test, industrial measurement, electronic validation, and laboratory data acquisition systems. Featuring a dedicated controller slot, seven peripheral PXI slots, integrated timing resources, and a robust cooling architecture, the PXI-1042 provides a dependable platform for building scalable measurement and automation systems.
As part of the National Instruments PXI platform, the PXI-1042 supports a broad range of PXI instruments including multifunction DAQ modules, oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, switch modules, motion controllers, communication interfaces, and RF instruments, enabling engineers to develop complete automated test solutions.
Product Overview
The PXI-1042 is built on the industry-standard PXI architecture and offers excellent synchronization capabilities through its integrated timing and trigger resources. The chassis includes one system controller slot and seven peripheral slots for flexible system expansion.
Designed for continuous laboratory and production environments, the PXI-1042 incorporates an efficient cooling system and high-reliability power distribution to ensure stable operation of installed PXI modules during long-duration testing.
Its modular design allows users to combine measurement, switching, control, communication, and signal generation modules into a single compact platform.
Key Features
8-Slot PXI Modular Architecture
The PXI-1042 provides a flexible modular platform for automated measurement systems.
- 8-slot PXI chassis
- Dedicated controller slot
- Seven peripheral slots
- Scalable modular architecture
- Industry-standard PXI platform
Advantage: Supports numerous PXI instrumentation modules while maintaining a compact footprint.
Integrated Timing and Synchronization
Built-in PXI timing resources simplify synchronized multi-module measurements.
- 10 MHz reference clock
- PXI trigger bus
- Star trigger architecture
- System synchronization
- Deterministic timing
Advantage: Enables precise synchronization between oscilloscopes, DAQ devices, RF instruments, and switch modules.
Reliable Power Distribution
Designed to provide stable power for multiple installed PXI instruments.
- Integrated power supply
- Stable voltage distribution
- Continuous operation
- High system reliability
- Industrial-grade design
Advantage: Supports long-term automated testing without compromising measurement stability.
Efficient Thermal Management
The chassis incorporates intelligent airflow for effective cooling.
- Forced-air cooling
- Optimized airflow
- Temperature stability
- Reliable thermal management
- Extended module lifespan
Advantage: Maintains stable operating temperatures for high-performance PXI modules.
Broad PXI Module Compatibility
Supports a comprehensive range of National Instruments PXI instruments.
- DAQ modules
- Switch modules
- Digital multimeters
- Oscilloscopes
- Motion controllers
- Communication interfaces
- RF instruments
Advantage: Allows users to build customized automated measurement systems tailored to specific applications.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Type | PXI Chassis |
| Total Slots | 8 Slots |
| System Controller Slot | 1 |
| Peripheral Slots | 7 |
| Architecture | PXI |
| Timing Resources | 10 MHz Reference Clock, PXI Trigger Bus, Star Trigger |
| Cooling System | Forced-Air Cooling |
| Power Supply | Integrated High-Reliability Power Supply |
| Rack Mount Support | Yes (Optional Kit) |
| Compatible Modules | PXI Instrumentation Modules |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to 50 °C |
Software Ecosystem
The PXI-1042 works seamlessly with National Instruments software for system configuration, automation, and measurement.
- NI MAX – Detects and configures PXI chassis and installed modules.
- LabVIEW – Develop automated measurement and control applications.
- TestStand – Create automated production and validation test sequences.
- NI System Configuration – Remote chassis management and configuration.
- NI-DAQmx, NI-SWITCH, NI-DMM, NI-RFSA, NI-RFSG – Driver support for installed PXI modules.
Industries
- Automated Test Equipment (ATE)
- Electronics Manufacturing
- Semiconductor Testing
- Industrial Automation
- Aerospace and Defense
- Automotive Electronics
- Research Laboratories
- Education
Applications
Automated Functional Testing
Host multiple PXI instruments for automated production testing.
- Electronic validation
- Functional testing
- Manufacturing verification
- Quality assurance
Data Acquisition Systems
Integrate DAQ modules and signal conditioning hardware into a synchronized platform.
- Sensor acquisition
- Signal monitoring
- Mixed-signal testing
- Long-term measurements
Laboratory Measurement
Build flexible engineering measurement systems using modular PXI instruments.
- Research experiments
- Prototype validation
- Instrument integration
- Signal analysis
Industrial Automation
Support machine control and industrial communication within PXI automation systems.
- Machine diagnostics
- Industrial control
- Communication testing
- System validation
Comparison with Similar Products
| Model | Main Difference | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| NI PXI-1042 | 8-slot PXI chassis for modular measurement and automation systems. | General-purpose PXI platforms |
| NI PXI-1042Q | Quiet-operation version with reduced acoustic noise for laboratory environments. | Noise-sensitive laboratories |
| NI PXIe-1078 | PXI Express chassis providing higher PCI Express bandwidth. | High-speed PXI Express applications |
| NI PXIe-1092 | Compact PXI Express chassis with hybrid slot architecture. | Modern PXIe measurement systems |
Recommended Related Products
| NI PXI-8108 | Embedded PXI controller for automated measurement systems. |
| NI PXI-4071 | High-precision PXI digital multimeter. |
| NI PXI-2564 | Relay switch module for automated signal routing. |
| NI PXI-6259 | Multifunction M Series DAQ module. |
| NI PXI-8512 | CAN communication interface for automotive and industrial applications. |
Why Choose PXI-1042?
- Compact 8-slot PXI chassis design
- Reliable PXI timing and synchronization architecture
- Efficient forced-air cooling system
- Stable integrated power supply
- Supports a wide range of PXI instrumentation modules
- Easy integration with NI software
- Ideal for automated test and measurement systems
- Long-term industrial reliability
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of modules are compatible with the PXI-1042?
The PXI-1042 supports standard PXI modules including multifunction DAQ devices, oscilloscopes, switch modules, digital multimeters, communication interfaces, motion controllers, and RF instruments.
What is the difference between the PXI-1042 and PXI-1042Q?
The PXI-1042Q is designed with low-noise cooling technology for quieter laboratory operation, while the PXI-1042 is the standard version intended for general automated test and industrial environments.
Which software supports the PXI-1042?
The PXI-1042 is compatible with NI MAX, LabVIEW, TestStand, NI System Configuration, and all National Instruments drivers required by the installed PXI modules.
Conclusion
The NI PXI-1042 8-Slot PXI Chassis provides a reliable modular platform for automated testing, industrial measurement, and laboratory research. With integrated synchronization resources, efficient cooling, stable power distribution, and broad PXI module compatibility, it offers an excellent foundation for scalable measurement and automation systems.
