Product Introduction
The NI PXIe-8246 is a 4-port GigE Vision PXI Express frame grabber module designed for high-throughput image acquisition in machine vision, automated inspection, scientific imaging, and industrial test systems.
The PXIe-8246 integrates four RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) camera ports into a compact single-slot PXI Express module. Each port can be used with compatible GigE Vision cameras, allowing multiple cameras to be connected to a PXI-based vision system.
The module also supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), allowing compatible cameras to receive both data connectivity and power through Ethernet cabling. This can simplify camera installation and reduce the amount of external power wiring required in machine vision systems.
The PXIe-8246 includes NI Vision Acquisition Software, providing the software infrastructure required to acquire images from compatible cameras and integrate image acquisition into automated test and machine vision applications.
Product Overview
The National Instruments PXIe-8246 is designed for applications requiring multiple GigE Vision cameras and high image-data throughput within a modular PXI Express system.
Its four-camera-port architecture makes it suitable for systems that need to acquire images from several viewpoints, inspection stations, sensors, or imaging devices.
Typical applications include:
- Machine vision
- Automated optical inspection
- Scientific imaging
- Multi-camera image acquisition
- Production inspection
- Industrial automation
- Electronic manufacturing inspection
- Research imaging systems
- Automated test equipment
- High-throughput vision systems
Key Features
Four GigE Vision Camera Ports
The PXIe-8246 provides four Gigabit Ethernet camera interfaces using standard RJ45 connectors.
This allows a single PXI Express module to connect multiple compatible GigE Vision cameras.
A typical architecture can be represented as:
GigE Vision Cameras → PXIe-8246 → PXI Express System → Vision Software
The four-port design is particularly useful for applications requiring images from multiple cameras or viewing angles.
GigE Vision Interface
The PXIe-8246 supports the GigE Vision camera interface standard.
GigE Vision is widely used in industrial machine vision because it combines standardized camera communication with Ethernet-based connectivity.
Typical advantages include:
- Standard Ethernet cabling
- Flexible camera placement
- Broad industrial camera availability
- High image-data throughput
- Multi-camera system support
- Software-based camera configuration
Power over Ethernet
The PXIe-8246 provides Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability for compatible cameras.
PoE allows electrical power and Ethernet data to be delivered through the camera’s Ethernet connection, helping reduce additional camera power cables and external power supplies.
This can simplify:
- Machine wiring
- Camera installation
- Test fixture construction
- Multi-camera system integration
- System maintenance
Four RJ45 Connectors
The front panel provides four standard RJ45 Ethernet connectors.
Each port includes Ethernet status indicators for monitoring link/activity and link speed, along with PoE status indication.
This provides convenient visual confirmation of camera connectivity and network status during system installation and troubleshooting.
Single-Slot PXI Express Architecture
The PXIe-8246 integrates four GigE camera interfaces into a 3U, one-slot PXI Express module.
The compact architecture helps conserve valuable chassis space while providing connectivity for multiple cameras.
This makes it possible to combine image acquisition with other PXI instruments within the same automated system.
High-Throughput Image Acquisition
The PXIe-8246 is designed for machine vision and scientific imaging applications that require high image-data throughput.
Multiple cameras can generate substantial amounts of image data, especially when using:
- High-resolution cameras
- High-frame-rate cameras
- Multiple simultaneous camera streams
- Continuous image acquisition
- High-speed production inspection
The PXI Express architecture provides a suitable platform for transferring acquired image data to the host controller for processing, analysis, display, or storage.
Vision Acquisition Software Included
The PXIe-8246 includes an NI Vision Acquisition Software (VAS) perpetual license.
Vision Acquisition Software provides drivers and tools for acquiring images from supported cameras and integrating camera acquisition into NI software environments.
This helps engineers configure cameras, acquire images, and build automated image acquisition applications.
Designed for Machine Vision
The PXIe-8246 can function as the image acquisition interface within a complete machine vision system.
A typical system may include:
Camera → Lighting → Optics → PXIe-8246 → Vision Processing Software → Inspection Result
Depending on the application, the resulting system can inspect dimensions, positioning, assembly quality, defects, markings, presence/absence, and other visual characteristics.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Type | PXI Frame Grabber Module |
| Model | NI PXIe-8246 |
| Part Number | 787314-01 |
| Platform | PXI Express |
| Camera Interface | GigE Vision |
| Number of Camera Ports | 4 |
| Connector Type | RJ45 |
| Ethernet Interface | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Power over Ethernet | Supported |
| PoE Maximum Operating Power | 16 W |
| PoE Absolute Maximum Power | 32 W |
| PoE Nominal Voltage | +51 V DC |
| PoE Current | 0.314 A |
| Reconfigurable FPGA | No |
| TTL Inputs | 0 |
| Quadrature Encoder Inputs | 0 |
| Isolated Digital Inputs | 0 |
| Form Factor | 3U, 1-Slot PXI Express |
| Dimensions | 21.6 × 2.0 × 13.0 cm |
| Weight | Approximately 360 g |
| Included Software | NI Vision Acquisition Software |
| Primary Applications | Machine Vision, Scientific Imaging and Automated Inspection |
What Is a PXI Frame Grabber?
A PXI frame grabber is a modular image acquisition interface installed in a PXI or PXI Express system.
Its primary function is to connect compatible industrial or scientific cameras to the PXI system and transfer acquired image data to the host controller for processing.
A typical image acquisition path is:
Camera → Frame Grabber → PXI Controller → Vision Software → Image Analysis
The PXIe-8246 performs this function for compatible GigE Vision cameras.
What Is GigE Vision?
GigE Vision is an industrial camera interface standard based on Gigabit Ethernet technology.
It is commonly used in machine vision, industrial inspection, scientific imaging, and automated production systems.
GigE Vision cameras are attractive for applications requiring:
- Industrial camera connectivity
- Standard Ethernet infrastructure
- Flexible camera placement
- Multi-camera acquisition
- High-resolution imaging
- Automated camera control
Why Use Four Camera Ports?
Many machine vision systems require more than one camera to inspect a product or process.
The four-port PXIe-8246 architecture allows multiple cameras to be integrated through a single PXI Express module.
For example:
Camera 1 → Top Inspection
Camera 2 → Side Inspection
Camera 3 → Bottom Inspection
Camera 4 → Detail Inspection
The resulting image streams can be processed by the PXI controller or other computing resources according to the requirements of the inspection application.
Multi-Camera Machine Vision Systems
Multi-camera architectures are frequently used when one camera cannot capture all required product surfaces or features.
A four-camera PXIe-8246 system can support applications such as:
- Multi-angle product inspection
- 360-degree inspection systems
- Assembly verification
- Dimensional inspection
- Surface inspection
- Label and marking verification
- Component presence detection
- Scientific multi-camera experiments
Power over Ethernet Advantages
PoE can simplify machine vision system architecture because compatible cameras do not require a separate local DC power connection.
A conventional camera installation may require:
Ethernet Cable + Camera Power Cable
A compatible PoE camera installation can instead use:
PoE Ethernet Connection → Data + Power
This can reduce wiring complexity, especially in systems containing several cameras.
Automated Optical Inspection
The PXIe-8246 can be used as the camera acquisition interface for automated optical inspection systems.
A typical AOI workflow can include:
- Detect the product or DUT.
- Trigger or initiate image acquisition.
- Acquire images from one or more GigE Vision cameras.
- Transfer the image data to the host system.
- Perform image processing and analysis.
- Compare inspection results with programmed limits.
- Generate a pass/fail result.
- Store images and inspection data when required.
Electronic Manufacturing Inspection
Machine vision systems can be used throughout electronics manufacturing to inspect components, assemblies, connectors, labels, and mechanical features.
Typical applications include:
- PCB inspection
- Connector inspection
- Component presence verification
- Assembly verification
- Label inspection
- Barcode and code reading
- Mechanical alignment inspection
- Final product inspection
Scientific Imaging Applications
The PXIe-8246 is also designed for scientific imaging applications requiring high data throughput.
Scientific applications may use industrial or scientific GigE Vision cameras to capture images for:
- Research experiments
- Motion analysis
- Laboratory automation
- Microscopy systems
- Material inspection
- Experimental monitoring
- Multi-camera research platforms
Production Inspection
In production environments, the PXIe-8246 can acquire images as part of an automated quality-control system.
Vision inspection can help identify:
- Missing components
- Incorrect assembly
- Surface defects
- Position errors
- Orientation errors
- Incorrect labels
- Dimensional deviations
- Visible manufacturing defects
PXIe-8246 in a Complete Machine Vision System
The PXIe-8246 is one component of a complete machine vision architecture.
A typical system can include:
- GigE Vision cameras
- Camera lenses
- Industrial lighting
- PXIe-8246 frame grabber
- PXI Chassis
- PXI Controller
- NI Vision Acquisition Software
- Vision processing software
- Automation and control hardware
The camera captures the image, the PXIe-8246 provides image acquisition connectivity, and the host system processes the resulting image data.
PXIe-8246 in a Complete PXI Test System
Because the PXIe-8246 uses the PXI Express platform, machine vision can be integrated with electrical measurements and automated test functions within the same system.
A complete platform may include:
- PXI Chassis
- PXI Controller
- PXIe-8246 frame grabber
- PXI Modules
- PXI data acquisition modules
- PXI digital I/O
- PXI oscilloscopes or digitizers
- PXI switching modules
- Programmable power supplies
- Source measurement units
This allows visual inspection and electrical testing to be performed within the same automated test platform.
Combining Vision and Electrical Test
One advantage of using a PXI-based vision system is the ability to combine image inspection with other measurement technologies.
For example, an automated electronic test station could perform:
- Visual inspection of the DUT.
- Barcode or identification-code reading.
- Connector and component verification.
- Electrical functional testing.
- Voltage and current measurements.
- Waveform acquisition.
- Final pass/fail evaluation.
This architecture can reduce the need for separate visual and electrical test stations.
PXIe-8246 Software
The PXIe-8246 includes NI Vision Acquisition Software.
Vision Acquisition Software provides the software components required for compatible camera acquisition and configuration.
Depending on the application, engineers may combine the acquisition software with:
- LabVIEW
- NI Vision Development Module
- Compatible machine vision applications
- Custom automated test software
Vision Acquisition Software vs Vision Development Module
Vision Acquisition Software and the Vision Development Module perform different roles within an NI machine vision system.
| Software | Primary Function |
|---|---|
| Vision Acquisition Software | Camera Configuration and Image Acquisition |
| Vision Development Module | Image Processing, Analysis and Machine Vision Development |
The PXIe-8246 includes Vision Acquisition Software. Applications requiring advanced image-processing and inspection algorithms may also require additional vision-development software.
PXIe-8246 vs Standard Ethernet Interface
| Feature | PXIe-8246 | General Ethernet Interface |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | GigE Vision Image Acquisition | General Network Connectivity |
| Camera Ports | 4 | Device Dependent |
| GigE Vision | Designed for Vision Applications | Configuration Dependent |
| PoE | Supported | Often Not Available |
| Vision Acquisition Software | Included | Not Typically Included |
| PXI Express Integration | Yes | Interface Dependent |
| Primary Application | Machine Vision and Scientific Imaging | General Networking |
PXIe-8246 vs Camera Link Frame Grabber
The appropriate frame grabber depends primarily on the interface used by the selected camera.
| Feature | PXIe-8246 | Camera Link Frame Grabber |
|---|---|---|
| Camera Interface | GigE Vision | Camera Link |
| Connector | RJ45 | Camera Link Connector |
| Ethernet-Based | Yes | No |
| PoE Capability | Yes | Architecture Dependent |
| Camera Compatibility | Compatible GigE Vision Cameras | Compatible Camera Link Cameras |
The camera interface should therefore be verified before selecting a PXI frame grabber.
Physical Characteristics
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | 3U PXI Express |
| Slots Required | 1 |
| Dimensions | 21.6 × 2.0 × 13.0 cm |
| Weight | Approximately 360 g |
| Camera Connectors | 4 × RJ45 |
| Ethernet Indicators | Link/Activity and Link Speed LEDs per Port |
| PoE Indicators | 1 Status LED per Port |
Power Requirements
| Power Rail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| +3.3 V | 3 A |
| +12 V | 2 A |
| PoE Maximum Operating Power | 16 W |
| PoE Absolute Maximum Power | 32 W |
| PoE Nominal Voltage | +51 V DC |
| PoE Current | 0.314 A |
Power requirements depend on the application and connected PoE devices. The selected PXI Express chassis should provide sufficient power for the PXIe-8246 and all other installed modules.
Important Camera Selection Considerations
Before selecting cameras for use with the PXIe-8246, engineers should verify the complete vision-system requirements.
- GigE Vision compatibility
- Camera resolution
- Frame rate
- Pixel format
- Image-data bandwidth
- PoE requirements
- Lens mount
- Sensor size
- Exposure requirements
- Working distance
- Lighting conditions
- Required image-processing performance
Industries
- Machine Vision
- Electronic Manufacturing
- Automated Test Equipment
- Industrial Automation
- Automotive Manufacturing
- Semiconductor Manufacturing
- Scientific Research
- Medical Device Manufacturing
- Robotics
- Production Quality Control
Applications
Machine Vision
The PXIe-8246 provides four GigE Vision interfaces for integrating industrial cameras into PXI-based machine vision systems.
Automated Optical Inspection
Multiple cameras can acquire images from different angles for automated defect detection, assembly verification, and dimensional inspection.
Scientific Imaging
The PXIe-8246 can acquire images from compatible GigE Vision cameras in research and scientific imaging systems requiring high data throughput.
Production Quality Inspection
The module can be incorporated into automated production lines for visual quality verification and pass/fail inspection.
Multi-Camera Acquisition
Four RJ45 GigE camera ports allow several compatible cameras to operate within a compact single-slot PXI Express architecture.
Combined Vision and Functional Test
PXI integration allows machine vision to be combined with electrical measurements, data acquisition, switching, and other automated test functions.
Recommended Related Products
| NI PXIe-8246 | 4-port GigE Vision PXI Express frame grabber with RJ45 connectivity and PoE for machine vision and scientific imaging. |
| NI PXIe-8238 | PXI Express Gigabit Ethernet interface module for applications requiring high-performance Ethernet connectivity. |
| NI PXIe-8267 | High-speed PXI Express storage module for applications requiring large-volume local data recording. |
| NI PXI Modules | PXI and PXI Express modules for image acquisition, data acquisition, switching, waveform measurement, communications, and automated test. |
Why Choose NI PXIe-8246?
- 4-port GigE Vision frame grabber
- Four RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces
- Power over Ethernet support
- Single-slot PXI Express architecture
- Designed for high-throughput image acquisition
- Supports multi-camera machine vision systems
- Suitable for scientific imaging
- Suitable for automated optical inspection
- Suitable for production quality control
- Vision Acquisition Software included
- Can be integrated with other PXI measurement modules
- Part number 787314-01
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NI PXIe-8246?
The NI PXIe-8246 is a four-port GigE Vision PXI Express frame grabber designed for image acquisition in machine vision, automated inspection, and scientific imaging applications.
What is the part number of the PXIe-8246?
The NI ordering part number for the PXIe-8246 is 787314-01.
How many camera ports does the PXIe-8246 have?
The PXIe-8246 provides four camera input ports.
What camera interface does the PXIe-8246 support?
The PXIe-8246 is designed for compatible GigE Vision cameras.
What connectors does the PXIe-8246 use?
The module provides four RJ45 connectors for Gigabit Ethernet camera connectivity.
Does the PXIe-8246 support Power over Ethernet?
Yes. The PXIe-8246 supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) for compatible cameras.
What is the advantage of PoE for machine vision?
PoE allows compatible cameras to receive both Ethernet connectivity and electrical power through the camera connection, helping reduce external camera power wiring and simplify system installation.
Does the PXIe-8246 include Vision Acquisition Software?
Yes. NI specifies that the PXIe-8246 includes an NI Vision Acquisition Software perpetual license.
Does the PXIe-8246 include the Vision Development Module?
Vision Acquisition Software is included with the PXIe-8246. The Vision Development Module is a separate software product used for developing more advanced machine vision and image-processing applications.
Can the PXIe-8246 connect four cameras simultaneously?
The module provides four independent GigE camera ports for compatible camera connections. Actual multi-camera acquisition performance depends on camera resolution, frame rate, image format, data throughput, software configuration, and overall system resources.
Is the PXIe-8246 reconfigurable?
No. NI lists the PXIe-8246 as a non-reconfigurable product; it does not provide a user-programmable FPGA.
Does the PXIe-8246 have TTL trigger inputs?
NI lists zero dedicated TTL inputs, zero quadrature encoder inputs, and zero isolated digital inputs for the PXIe-8246. Applications requiring external trigger or digital I/O functionality may need additional compatible PXI hardware or camera-level triggering.
How many PXI slots does the PXIe-8246 require?
The PXIe-8246 is a 3U, one-slot PXI Express module.
What are the dimensions of the PXIe-8246?
The module measures approximately 21.6 × 2.0 × 13.0 cm, excluding connectors.
How much does the PXIe-8246 weigh?
The PXIe-8246 weighs approximately 360 g.
Can the PXIe-8246 be used for automated optical inspection?
Yes. Multi-camera GigE Vision connectivity makes the PXIe-8246 suitable for compatible automated optical inspection, assembly verification, defect detection, dimensional inspection, and production quality-control systems.
Can the PXIe-8246 be used for scientific imaging?
Yes. NI specifically positions the PXIe-8246 for machine vision and scientific imaging applications requiring high data throughput.
Can the PXIe-8246 be combined with other PXI instruments?
Yes. Because it is a PXI Express module, the PXIe-8246 can be installed in a compatible PXI Express system alongside oscilloscopes, DAQ modules, digital I/O, switching modules, source measurement units, and other PXI instrumentation.
What should I check before purchasing a PXIe-8246?
Before purchasing a PXIe-8246, verify GigE Vision camera compatibility, required number of cameras, camera resolution and frame rate, expected aggregate image-data throughput, PoE requirements, Ethernet cabling, PXI Express chassis compatibility, controller performance, storage requirements, Vision Acquisition Software requirements, and whether additional vision-processing software is required.
Conclusion
The NI PXIe-8246 4-Port GigE Vision PXI Frame Grabber Module provides four RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet camera interfaces, Power over Ethernet capability, high-throughput image acquisition, and integrated PXI Express connectivity in a compact single-slot module. With NI Vision Acquisition Software included, the PXIe-8246 is particularly well suited for multi-camera machine vision, automated optical inspection, production quality control, scientific imaging, and integrated vision and electrical test systems.
