PXIe-7868 Kintex-7 325T FPGA Multifunction RIO Module
The PXIe-7868 is a high-performance PXI Express multifunction reconfigurable I/O module designed for applications requiring extensive FPGA processing and a large number of synchronized analog outputs.
It combines a user-programmable Kintex-7 325T FPGA, 8 analog inputs, 18 analog outputs, 48 bidirectional digital I/O lines and 512 MB of onboard DRAM. This configuration is well suited for hardware-in-the-loop testing, multichannel sensor simulation, actuator control and deterministic waveform generation.
Key Features of the PXIe-7868
- Kintex-7 325T user-programmable FPGA
- 512 MB onboard DRAM
- 8 simultaneously sampled analog input channels
- 16-bit analog input resolution
- 1 MS/s maximum analog input sampling rate
- 18 FPGA-controlled analog output channels
- 16-bit analog output resolution
- 1 MS/s maximum analog output update rate
- 48 bidirectional digital I/O lines
- 80 MHz maximum digital clock rate
- 3.3 V single-ended digital signaling
- Independent channel timing and triggering
- Support for multirate operation
- PXI peer-to-peer data streaming
PXIe-7868 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PXIe-7868 |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 785571-01 |
| Product Type | PXI Express Multifunction Reconfigurable I/O Module |
| FPGA | Kintex-7 325T |
| Onboard Memory | 512 MB DRAM |
| Analog Inputs | 8 |
| Analog Input Resolution | 16 bit |
| Maximum Analog Input Rate | 1 MS/s per channel |
| Analog Input Ranges | ±1 V, ±2 V, ±5 V and ±10 V |
| Analog Outputs | 18 |
| Analog Output Resolution | 16 bit |
| Maximum Analog Output Rate | 1 MS/s per channel |
| Analog Output Range | ±10 V |
| Digital I/O | 48 bidirectional lines |
| Maximum Digital Clock Rate | 80 MHz |
| Digital Logic Level | 3.3 V |
| Digital Signaling | Single-ended |
| Bus Type | PXI Express |
| Peer-to-Peer Streaming | Supported |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C |
PXIe-7868 Part Number and Accessories
| Item | Part Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PXIe-7868 | 785571-01 | Kintex-7 325T FPGA multifunction RIO module |
| SCB-68A | 782536-01 | Shielded screw-terminal block for the RMIO connector |
| SCB-68 HSDIO | 782914-01 | Shielded connector block for reconfigurable digital I/O |
| SHC68-68-RMIO | 189588-01 | 1 m shielded cable for the multifunction RIO connector |
| SHC68-68-RMIO | 189588-02 | 2 m shielded cable for the multifunction RIO connector |
| SHC68-C68-RDIO2 | 156166-01 | 1 m shielded high-speed digital I/O cable |
| SHC68-C68-RDIO2 | 156166-02 | 2 m shielded high-speed digital I/O cable |
The additional analog output connector does not use a standard connector block or cable. Review the PXIe-7868 pinout when designing a custom wiring interface or test fixture.
Kintex-7 325T FPGA Processing
The PXIe-7868 uses a large Kintex-7 325T FPGA for custom signal processing, waveform generation, timing, triggering and control. FPGA logic executes directly in hardware for deterministic and low-latency operation.
Compared with the Kintex-7 160T FPGA used in the PXIe-7867, the 325T device provides additional resources for larger FPGA designs, more parallel processing and complex custom communication protocols.
512 MB Onboard DRAM
The module includes 512 MB of onboard DRAM for waveform storage, data buffering and FPGA-based block processing. Large waveform sequences can be stored locally and generated without continuous host interaction.
The DRAM can also buffer acquired information before transferring it to the PXI controller or another compatible PXI Express module.
18 FPGA-Controlled Analog Outputs
The PXIe-7868 provides 18 analog output channels with 16-bit resolution and update rates up to 1 MS/s per channel. Every channel can be controlled directly by FPGA logic for precise, deterministic waveform generation.
This high output channel count is ideal for simulating sensors, generating actuator commands and reproducing multiple control signals simultaneously in hardware-in-the-loop systems.
Simultaneous Analog Input Acquisition
Eight 16-bit analog input channels provide simultaneous sampling at rates up to 1 MS/s per channel. Each channel uses a dedicated ADC, eliminating channel-to-channel delays associated with multiplexed acquisition systems.
The FPGA architecture supports independent channel timing, individual triggers and multirate sampling for application-specific measurement sequences.
Programmable Analog Input Ranges
The analog inputs support programmable voltage ranges of ±1 V, ±2 V, ±5 V and ±10 V. Selecting the smallest suitable range helps improve measurement resolution for lower-amplitude signals.
Proper signal grounding, shielding and cable routing should be used to maintain measurement accuracy in systems containing multiple high-speed digital and analog signals.
48 Bidirectional Digital I/O Lines
The PXIe-7868 provides 48 bidirectional digital I/O lines with 3.3 V single-ended signaling. Individual lines can be configured for input, output, triggering, handshaking or custom communication protocols.
The digital channels support clock rates up to 80 MHz, enabling high-speed communication and precise synchronization with analog acquisition and waveform generation.
Independent Timing and Triggering
Custom timing and triggering functions can be implemented directly in the FPGA. Analog inputs, analog outputs and digital I/O groups can operate at different rates while remaining deterministically synchronized.
Engineers can implement custom trigger qualification, event sequencing, waveform branching, pulse generation and low-latency closed-loop responses.
PXI Peer-to-Peer Streaming
The PXIe-7868 supports PXI peer-to-peer streaming, allowing direct data transfers between compatible PXI Express modules without routing every transfer through the host controller.
This can reduce latency and host processor load when integrating the module with digitizers, signal generators, FPGA modules and other high-performance PXI instruments.
Typical Applications
- Hardware-in-the-loop simulation
- Multichannel sensor simulation
- Actuator and control signal generation
- Automotive electronic control unit testing
- Aerospace system validation
- Power electronics and inverter testing
- Motor control development
- Custom digital protocol implementation
- FPGA-based waveform generation
- Automated production testing
Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing
The PXIe-7868 is designed for HIL systems that require many synchronized analog stimulus channels. Its 18 analog outputs can simulate multiple sensors and command signals while the eight analog inputs monitor responses from the device under test.
The 48 digital I/O lines can manage status signals, triggers and protocol communication, allowing multiple test functions to operate from the same FPGA application.
LabVIEW FPGA Programming
The PXIe-7868 can be programmed using the LabVIEW FPGA Module and compatible NI-RIO software. Developers can create custom FPGA applications for waveform generation, measurement, triggering, communication and control.
After compilation, the FPGA bitfile executes directly on the module and provides deterministic hardware operation independent of host operating-system timing.
Connectivity and Signal Wiring
The module provides separate connector groups for multifunction analog I/O, reconfigurable digital I/O and additional analog outputs. Compatible shielded cables and connector blocks are available for the RMIO and RDIO connections.
The additional analog output connector may require a custom interface. Verify all pin assignments, ground connections and maximum signal ratings before connecting external devices.
PXI Express System Integration
The PXIe-7868 requires a compatible PXI Express chassis and controller. Chassis selection should consider slot compatibility, cooling capacity, backplane bandwidth, synchronization and total system power consumption.
Visit the NI PXI Modules category to explore related PXI hardware for building a complete automated test system.
Troubleshooting the PXIe-7868
The module is not detected by the system
Confirm that the PXIe-7868 is installed in a compatible PXI Express slot. Check the PXI chassis controller, PXI Platform Services and NI-RIO driver installation.
The FPGA bitfile cannot be downloaded
Verify that the bitfile was compiled specifically for the PXIe-7868. Confirm that the installed LabVIEW FPGA and NI-RIO versions support the module.
An analog output does not generate the expected voltage
Check the FPGA output value, channel assignment, connector pinout, load impedance and analog ground connection. Confirm that the commanded voltage is within the supported range.
Analog input measurements contain excessive noise
Review signal grounding, shielding, input range and cable routing. Keep sensitive analog wiring separated from power cables and high-speed digital signals.
Digital signals are not recognized correctly
Confirm that the connected device uses compatible 3.3 V logic. Check the FPGA line direction, connector pin assignment and shared digital ground.
Data transfer performance is lower than expected
Review DMA FIFO settings, DRAM buffering, host processing load and PXI Express bandwidth. Peer-to-peer streaming may improve performance when compatible modules are used.
PXIe-7868 Comparison
| Model | FPGA | Analog Inputs | Analog Outputs | Digital I/O | DRAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PXIe-7868 | Kintex-7 325T | 8 | 18 | 48 | 512 MB |
| PXIe-7867 | Kintex-7 160T | 8 | 18 | 48 | 512 MB |
| PXIe-7866 | Kintex-7 325T | 2 | 24 | 32 | 512 MB |
| PXIe-7865 | Kintex-7 160T | 2 | 24 | 32 | 512 MB |
| PXIe-7858 | Kintex-7 325T | 8 | 8 | 48 | 512 MB |
Recommended Related Products
- PXIe-7867 – 18-channel analog output RIO module with a Kintex-7 160T FPGA
- PXIe-7866 – Kintex-7 325T module with 24 analog outputs for larger simulation systems
- PXIe-7865 – Kintex-7 160T module with 24 analog outputs
- PXIe-7858 – balanced Kintex-7 325T module with 8 analog inputs and 8 analog outputs
- PXIe-1092 – PXI Express chassis for modular test and measurement systems
Selecting the PXIe-7868
Choose the PXIe-7868 when the application requires 18 synchronized analog outputs, eight simultaneous analog inputs, 48 high-speed digital lines and substantial FPGA processing capacity.
If the same I/O configuration is required but the FPGA design is less complex, the PXIe-7867 may provide a more economical option. Applications requiring 24 analog outputs can consider the PXIe-7865 or PXIe-7866.
PXIe-7868 vs PXIe-7867
The PXIe-7868 and PXIe-7867 both provide 8 analog inputs, 18 analog outputs, 48 digital I/O lines, 1 MS/s analog operation and 512 MB of onboard DRAM.
The main difference is FPGA capacity. The PXIe-7868 uses a Kintex-7 325T FPGA, while the PXIe-7867 uses a Kintex-7 160T FPGA. The PXIe-7868 is better suited to larger FPGA designs, complex protocols and extensive parallel processing.
Why Choose the PXIe-7868?
- Large Kintex-7 325T FPGA for demanding applications
- 18 FPGA-controlled analog output channels
- Eight simultaneously sampled analog inputs
- 1 MS/s analog input and output operation
- 48 bidirectional digital I/O lines
- 512 MB DRAM for waveform storage and buffering
- Peer-to-peer streaming for PXI system integration
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PXIe-7868 used for?
The PXIe-7868 is used for hardware-in-the-loop testing, multichannel sensor simulation, actuator control, FPGA-based waveform generation and deterministic automated testing.
Which FPGA does the PXIe-7868 use?
It uses a user-programmable Kintex-7 325T FPGA.
How many analog outputs does the PXIe-7868 provide?
The module provides 18 analog output channels with 16-bit resolution and update rates up to 1 MS/s per channel.
How many analog inputs are available?
The PXIe-7868 provides eight simultaneously sampled, 16-bit analog input channels operating at up to 1 MS/s per channel.
How many digital I/O lines does it provide?
The module provides 48 bidirectional 3.3 V digital I/O lines with a maximum clock rate of 80 MHz.
How much onboard memory does the PXIe-7868 include?
It includes 512 MB of onboard DRAM for data buffering and waveform storage.
Does the PXIe-7868 support peer-to-peer streaming?
Yes. It supports direct data transfers to compatible PXI Express modules.
What is the difference between the PXIe-7868 and PXIe-7867?
The PXIe-7868 uses a Kintex-7 325T FPGA, while the PXIe-7867 uses a Kintex-7 160T FPGA. Their principal I/O and memory configurations are otherwise similar.
What is the PXIe-7868 part number?
The standard NI part number for the PXIe-7868 is 785571-01.
Request a Quote for the PXIe-7868
Contact us for current availability, lead time and project pricing for the PXIe-7868 Multifunction Reconfigurable I/O Module. We can also help confirm compatible PXI chassis, controllers, cables and connector accessories for your application.
