PXIe-4080 6½-Digit PXI Digital Multimeter
The PXIe-4080 is a high-performance, 6½-digit PXI digital multimeter that combines precision DMM measurements with an onboard isolated digitizer. It supports AC and DC voltage, AC and DC current, 2-wire and 4-wire resistance, frequency, period, temperature and diode measurements.
In digitizer mode, the PXIe-4080 can acquire isolated voltage and current waveforms at sampling rates up to 1.8 MS/s. This combination allows one module to perform precision scalar measurements and analyze transient waveforms within an automated PXI test system.
With ±300 V input capability, 25 ppm basic DC voltage accuracy and reading rates up to 20 kS/s, the PXIe-4080 is suitable for automated production testing, electronic validation, power measurements, component characterization and high-channel-count switching systems.
Key Features of the PXIe-4080
- 6½-digit measurement resolution
- ±300 V maximum voltage measurement range
- ±1 A maximum current measurement range
- 25 ppm basic DC voltage accuracy on the 10 V range
- Up to 20 kS/s maximum DMM reading rate
- 1.8 MS/s isolated voltage and current digitizer
- AC and DC voltage measurements
- AC and DC current measurements
- 2-wire and 4-wire resistance measurements
- Frequency and period measurements
- Diode testing
- RTD, thermistor and thermocouple temperature measurements
- AC- or DC-coupled digitizer input
- Software-selectable input ranges
- PXI Express interface
- Hardware triggering and switch handshaking
- NI-DMM driver and InstrumentStudio support
PXIe-4080 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PXIe-4080 |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 783129-01 |
| Product Type | PXI Digital Multimeter and Isolated Digitizer |
| DMM Resolution | 6½ digits |
| Basic DC Voltage Accuracy | 25 ppm on the 10 V range, 2-year calibration cycle |
| DC Voltage Ranges | 100 mV, 1 V, 10 V, 100 V and 300 V |
| AC Voltage Ranges | 50 mV, 500 mV, 5 V, 50 V and 300 V RMS |
| DC Current Ranges | 20 mA, 200 mA and 1 A |
| AC Current Ranges | 10 mA, 100 mA and 1 A RMS |
| Resistance Ranges | 100 Ω to 100 MΩ |
| Resistance Measurement | 2-wire and 4-wire |
| Frequency Range | 15 Hz to 500 kHz |
| Period Measurement Range | 2 µs to 66.67 ms |
| Maximum DMM Reading Rate | 20 kS/s |
| Digitizer Sampling Range | 10 S/s to 1.8 MS/s |
| Digitizer Voltage Ranges | ±100 mV to ±300 V |
| Digitizer Current Ranges | ±20 mA to ±1 A |
| Voltage Digitizer Bandwidth | Up to 240 kHz typical, −3 dB |
| Current Digitizer Bandwidth | Up to 300 kHz typical, −3 dB |
| Input Coupling | AC or DC |
| Measurement Category | CAT II |
| Maximum Common-Mode Voltage | 300 VDC or AC RMS |
| Calibration Interval | 2 years |
| Warm-Up Time | 60 minutes for rated accuracy |
| Form Factor | 3U, one-slot PXI Express |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C |
| Driver | NI-DMM |
Precision 6½-Digit Measurements
The PXIe-4080 provides 6½-digit resolution for detecting small signal changes across a wide measurement range. Its 10 V DC range offers basic two-year accuracy of 25 ppm of reading under the specified calibration and temperature conditions.
Measurement resolution, aperture time, auto-zero operation and noise rejection can be configured according to the application. Longer aperture times provide higher precision and improved power-line noise rejection, while shorter apertures increase measurement throughput.
The module also provides onboard self-calibration to compensate for temperature-related drift between external calibration intervals. For rated accuracy, NI specifies a 60-minute warm-up period and a two-year external calibration interval.
AC and DC Voltage Measurements
The PXIe-4080 supports DC voltage ranges from 100 mV to 300 V and AC voltage ranges from 50 mV to 300 V RMS. The selectable ranges allow the instrument to measure low-level electronic signals as well as higher-voltage power and industrial signals.
On lower DC voltage ranges, the input can be configured for high input resistance to reduce loading on sensitive circuits. The module also provides strong common-mode and power-line noise rejection for precision measurements in automated test environments.
The maximum input and common-mode voltage is 300 VDC or AC RMS. The PXIe-4080 is rated for Measurement Category II and must not be used for measurements classified as CAT III or CAT IV.
AC and DC Current Measurements
Current measurements are supported up to ±1 A using software-selectable current ranges. The PXIe-4080 provides DC current ranges of 20 mA, 200 mA and 1 A, along with AC current ranges of 10 mA, 100 mA and 1 A RMS.
A user-replaceable time-lag fuse protects the current input. When the module does not measure current, inspect the current fuse and confirm that the test leads are connected to the correct terminals before continuing troubleshooting.
2-Wire and 4-Wire Resistance Measurements
The PXIe-4080 measures resistance using either 2-wire or 4-wire configurations. Its standard resistance ranges extend from 100 Ω to 100 MΩ, with additional typical measurement capability available above the highest specified range.
Two-wire measurement is convenient for general testing. Four-wire resistance measurement removes most test-lead resistance from the result and is preferred for low-resistance components, cable testing, relay contacts and precision production measurements.
Offset-compensated ohms can further reduce errors caused by thermal electromotive forces and small unwanted DC voltages in the measurement path.
Frequency, Period and Diode Measurements
The PXIe-4080 supports frequency measurements from 15 Hz to 500 kHz and period measurements from 2 µs to 66.67 ms. These functions are useful for checking clocks, control signals, oscillators, switching circuits and repetitive electronic waveforms.
Diode mode provides multiple selectable test currents for evaluating semiconductor junctions. It can be used for diode testing, continuity-related diagnostics and checking the forward-voltage behavior of electronic components.
Temperature Measurements
The PXIe-4080 can acquire temperature measurements from common RTDs, thermistors and thermocouples when used with the appropriate sensor, connections and software configuration.
Supported thermocouple types include J, K, N, T, E, R, S and B. Sensor accuracy, cold-junction compensation and connection quality must be included when determining total temperature measurement uncertainty.
1.8 MS/s Isolated Digitizer
In digitizer mode, the PXIe-4080 acquires voltage or current waveforms at rates from 10 S/s to 1.8 MS/s. Unlike a conventional DMM measurement that returns one calculated reading, digitizer mode returns a series of samples representing the input waveform over time.
This mode can be used to examine:
- Power supply start-up and shutdown behavior
- Voltage and current transients
- Battery load profiles
- Relay switching behavior
- Inrush current
- Sensor response
- Power consumption over time
- Waveform distortion
- Dynamic device-under-test behavior
Digitizer voltage ranges extend from ±100 mV to ±300 V, while current ranges extend from ±20 mA to ±1 A. Voltage acquisition provides typical −3 dB bandwidth up to 240 kHz, and current acquisition provides typical −3 dB bandwidth up to 300 kHz.
Continuous Waveform Acquisition
The digitizer supports records as short as two samples, with the maximum record length determined by available host memory and application configuration. Data can be transferred through the PXI Express interface for continuous acquisition, analysis and storage.
Because the digitizer uses the PXI Express chassis clock as its timebase reference, chassis clock quality should be considered when accurate sample timing or synchronization with other PXI instruments is required.
Hardware Triggering and Switch Integration
The PXIe-4080 supports hardware triggering and DMM-to-switch handshaking. This allows it to coordinate measurements with PXI multiplexer and matrix switch modules without requiring software control for every scan step.
In a scanning system, the switch connects each signal to the DMM, waits for the measurement path to settle and then advances after the DMM completes its reading. This architecture is suitable for high-channel-count cable testing, battery testing and production-line validation.
Total scan speed depends on DMM resolution, selected range, aperture time, switch relay operating time and signal-settling requirements.
Typical PXIe-4080 Applications
- Automated production testing
- Electronic device validation
- AC and DC power measurements
- Battery voltage and current testing
- Power supply characterization
- Semiconductor functional testing
- Component resistance measurements
- Cable and connector testing
- High-channel-count switch scanning
- Transient voltage and current acquisition
- Temperature measurement
- Research and laboratory automation
Software and Driver Support
The PXIe-4080 is controlled using the NI-DMM instrument driver. NI-DMM provides configuration, triggering, acquisition, self-calibration and measurement functions for automated test applications.
The module can be operated interactively using InstrumentStudio or programmed through supported versions of LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, C/C++, .NET and other compatible development environments.
NI TestStand can be used to integrate PXIe-4080 measurements into production test sequences, manage pass/fail limits, generate reports and coordinate other instruments in a complete automated test system.
PXIe-4080 Chassis Compatibility
The PXIe-4080 is a one-slot, 3U PXI Express module. It requires a compatible PXI Express peripheral or hybrid slot and cannot operate in a traditional PXI-only peripheral slot.
Before purchasing, confirm the chassis slot type, embedded or remote controller compatibility, operating system and required NI-DMM driver version. Systems using multiple digitizers or high-speed modules should also consider available backplane bandwidth.
PXIe-4080 Troubleshooting
Measurements Are Unstable or Noisy
Increase the measurement aperture, enable auto zero and select the appropriate power-line noise rejection setting. Use shielded test leads and keep measurement wiring away from switching power supplies, motors and RF sources.
DC Voltage Accuracy Is Lower Than Expected
Allow the module to warm up for at least 60 minutes, perform self-calibration and select the lowest appropriate measurement range. Also verify that the external calibration interval has not expired.
Resistance Measurements Include Test-Lead Resistance
Use offset nulling for 2-wire measurements or change to a 4-wire configuration. Four-wire resistance measurement is recommended when measuring low resistance.
The Current Input Does Not Measure
Verify the selected current range, test-lead connection and condition of the user-replaceable current fuse. Do not exceed the rated current or voltage limits.
The Digitizer Waveform Is Clipped
Select a wider voltage or current range and confirm that the signal does not exceed the permitted input rating. Clipping occurs when the waveform is larger than the configured digitizer range.
Switch Scanning Is Slower Than Expected
Check the selected DMM resolution, aperture, auto-zero setting, switch relay time and required settling delay. Maximum reading rate is achieved only with short aperture times and selected correction functions disabled.
PXIe-4080 Compared with Similar PXI Digital Multimeters
| Model | Resolution | Maximum Voltage | Digitizer Rate | Special Capability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PXIe-4080 | 6½ digits | ±300 V | 1.8 MS/s | Precision DMM and isolated digitizer |
| PXIe-4081 | 7½ digits | ±1,000 V | 1.8 MS/s | Higher resolution and voltage range |
| PXIe-4082 | 6½ digits | ±300 V | 1.8 MS/s | Inductance and capacitance measurements |
| PXI-4070 | 6½ digits | ±300 V | 1.8 MS/s | Legacy PXI interface |
| PXI-4071 | 7½ digits | ±1,000 V | 1.8 MS/s | Legacy high-resolution PXI DMM |
The PXIe-4080 is suitable for general precision DMM and waveform acquisition applications up to 300 V. Choose the PXIe-4081 when higher resolution or measurements up to 1,000 V are required. Choose the PXIe-4082 when the application also requires inductance and capacitance measurements.
Recommended Related Products
- PXIe-4081 7½-Digit PXI Digital Multimeter – Provides higher resolution and a maximum voltage range of ±1,000 V.
- PXIe-4082 6½-Digit PXI LCR Digital Multimeter – Adds basic inductance and capacitance measurement capabilities.
- PXI-4070 6½-Digit PXI Digital Multimeter – A legacy PXI option with DMM and isolated digitizer functions.
- PXI-4071 7½-Digit PXI Digital Multimeter – A legacy high-resolution option for measurements up to 1,000 V.
- PXIe-2531 Multiplexer Switch Module – Can be combined with the PXIe-4080 for automated multichannel scanning.
How to Select the Correct PXI Digital Multimeter
Choose the PXIe-4080 when the application requires 6½-digit measurements, input voltages up to 300 V and isolated waveform acquisition at up to 1.8 MS/s. It provides a practical balance of accuracy, measurement speed and digitizer performance.
Before ordering, confirm the following:
- Required measurement resolution and accuracy
- Maximum AC and DC input voltage
- Maximum current range
- 2-wire or 4-wire resistance requirements
- Required digitizer sample rate and bandwidth
- Need for inductance or capacitance measurements
- PXI Express chassis slot compatibility
- Switch-module and multiplexer requirements
- NI-DMM driver and operating-system support
- Probe, cable and terminal accessory requirements
Why Choose the PXIe-4080?
The PXIe-4080 combines the precision of a 6½-digit DMM with the waveform acquisition capabilities of an isolated digitizer. It can measure steady-state values and capture transient behavior without requiring separate DMM and digitizer modules.
Its PXI Express form factor, hardware triggering and switch handshaking make it particularly useful for scalable automated test systems requiring repeatable measurements across many channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PXIe-4080?
The PXIe-4080 is a 6½-digit PXI Express digital multimeter with an integrated 1.8 MS/s isolated voltage and current digitizer.
What is the part number for the PXIe-4080?
The standard NI part number is 783129-01.
What is the maximum voltage range?
The PXIe-4080 measures AC and DC voltages up to 300 V within its specified measurement and safety limits.
What is the maximum current range?
The module supports AC and DC current measurements up to 1 A.
How fast can the PXIe-4080 acquire waveforms?
Its isolated digitizer can acquire voltage and current waveforms at sampling rates up to 1.8 MS/s.
What is the maximum DMM reading rate?
The maximum reading rate is 20 kS/s for voltage, current and resistance under the specified high-speed configuration.
Does the PXIe-4080 measure resistance?
Yes. It supports both 2-wire and 4-wire resistance measurements across ranges from 100 Ω to 100 MΩ.
Can the PXIe-4080 measure capacitance or inductance?
No. Select the PXIe-4082 if basic capacitance and inductance measurement capabilities are required.
Does the PXIe-4080 support temperature measurements?
Yes. It can perform temperature measurements using supported RTDs, thermistors and thermocouples with the appropriate connections and software configuration.
Can the PXIe-4080 be installed in a standard PXI slot?
No. It is a PXI Express module and requires a compatible PXI Express peripheral or hybrid slot.
Which software controls the PXIe-4080?
The module uses the NI-DMM driver and can be operated with InstrumentStudio or programmed through supported development environments such as LabVIEW.
Request a Quote for the PXIe-4080
Contact us for current availability, lead time and project pricing for the PXIe-4080 6½-Digit PXI Digital Multimeter and Isolated Digitizer, part number 783129-01.
We can also help verify compatible PXI Express chassis, controllers, multiplexer modules, probes and cables for your automated measurement system.
