Product Introduction
The NI PXI-5900 is a two-channel differential amplifier designed for precision signal conditioning and measurement applications in PXI-based oscilloscope and digitizer systems. It extends the input capability of compatible PXI oscilloscopes by providing differential signal measurement, selectable input impedance, and flexible AC, DC, and ground coupling.
Featuring two differential input channels, a ±20 V differential input range, 6 MHz small-signal bandwidth, software-selectable 50 Ω or 1 MΩ input impedance, and NI-SCOPE software integration, the PXI-5900 is particularly useful for electronic validation, differential measurements, power electronics testing, laboratory research, and automated PXI measurement systems.
Product Overview
The PXI-5900 belongs to the NI PXI signal-conditioning and differential amplifier family. It is designed primarily for use with PXI oscilloscopes and digitizers, particularly the NI PXI-5922.
Many electronic systems contain differential or floating signals that cannot be measured optimally using a conventional single-ended oscilloscope input. The PXI-5900 provides differential signal conditioning before the signal reaches the digitizer, allowing engineers to measure differential voltage while rejecting common-mode components.
The module provides BNC input connectors and SMB output connections, allowing it to integrate directly into modular PXI measurement systems while maintaining a compact single-slot form factor.
Key Features
2-Channel Differential Input
The PXI-5900 provides two independent differential measurement channels for acquiring signals where the voltage difference between two points is the primary measurement of interest.
- 2 differential input channels
- Independent signal conditioning
- Differential voltage measurement
- Common-mode signal rejection
- Dual-channel automated testing
Advantage: Enables differential measurements that can be difficult to perform accurately using standard single-ended oscilloscope inputs.
±20 V Differential Input Range
The PXI-5900 supports differential input voltages up to ±20 V, corresponding to 40 V peak-to-peak.
- ±20 V differential input range
- 40 V peak-to-peak capability
- Electronic circuit measurement
- Power electronics signal acquisition
- Higher-voltage differential testing
Advantage: Extends the usable input range of compatible PXI oscilloscope measurement systems.
6 MHz Small-Signal Bandwidth
The NI PXI-5900 provides a small-signal bandwidth of approximately 6 MHz for dynamic signal measurements.
- 6 MHz small-signal bandwidth
- Dynamic waveform acquisition
- Electronic signal characterization
- Frequency-response testing
- Automated waveform measurement
Advantage: Provides sufficient bandwidth for a wide variety of low- and medium-frequency electronic measurement applications.
AC, DC and GND Input Coupling
The PXI-5900 provides selectable input coupling modes to accommodate different measurement requirements.
- AC coupling
- DC coupling
- Ground coupling
- Flexible waveform measurement
- Software-controlled configuration
Advantage: Engineers can select the appropriate coupling mode depending on whether DC components should be measured or removed from the acquired signal.
Software-Selectable Input Impedance
The PXI-5900 supports software-controlled selection between high-impedance and 50 Ω input configurations.
- 50 Ω input impedance
- 1 MΩ high-impedance input
- Software-selectable configuration
- Flexible instrument matching
- Laboratory and automated test integration
Advantage: Allows the same amplifier to interface with both 50 Ω measurement systems and high-impedance signal sources.
0.25 Vertical Gain
The PXI-5900 uses a nominal vertical gain of 0.25 to condition higher-voltage differential input signals for compatible downstream digitizers.
- 0.25 nominal vertical gain
- Signal attenuation and conditioning
- Extended voltage measurement capability
- Digitizer input compatibility
- Precision signal scaling
Advantage: Allows larger differential signals to be measured using compatible high-resolution PXI digitizers.
High Common-Mode Rejection
Differential measurement architecture helps reject signals that appear simultaneously on both input terminals.
- Approximately 70 dB CMRR at 60 Hz typical
- Common-mode noise rejection
- Differential sensor measurements
- Floating signal acquisition
- Power system testing
Advantage: Improves measurement quality when useful differential signals are combined with unwanted common-mode interference.
BNC Input and SMB Output Connections
The PXI-5900 provides measurement-oriented front-panel connectivity for integration with oscilloscopes and digitizers.
- BNC input connectors
- SMB output connectors
- Professional measurement cabling
- PXI oscilloscope integration
- Compact modular configuration
Advantage: Provides straightforward integration into laboratory and automated PXI measurement systems.
Designed for PXI Oscilloscopes
The PXI-5900 is specifically designed to extend the measurement capability of compatible NI PXI oscilloscopes and digitizers.
- PXI oscilloscope integration
- Designed particularly for PXI-5922 systems
- Differential front-end signal conditioning
- Automated waveform acquisition
- High-resolution measurement systems
Advantage: Provides a dedicated differential measurement front end for compatible PXI oscilloscope platforms.
NI-SCOPE Software Support
The PXI-5900 is configured and controlled through the NI-SCOPE driver environment.
- NI-SCOPE driver support
- LabVIEW integration
- LabWindows/CVI support
- Measurement Studio support
- Visual C/C++ programming support
Advantage: Allows the PXI-5900 to be incorporated into automated measurement and test applications using the established NI oscilloscope software ecosystem.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Type | PXI Differential Amplifier |
| Part Number | 780166-01 |
| Number of Channels | 2 Differential Channels |
| Input Connector | BNC |
| Output Connector | SMB |
| Input Coupling | AC, DC, GND |
| Input Impedance | Software Selectable 50 Ω or 1 MΩ |
| Differential Input Range | ±20 V (40 Vpk-pk) |
| Single-Ended Output Range | ±5 V (10 Vpk-pk) |
| Common-Mode Input Range | ±10 V |
| Small-Signal Bandwidth | 6 MHz |
| Passband Flatness | 1 dB, DC to 5 MHz |
| Vertical Gain | 0.25 |
| CMRR | 70 dB at 60 Hz, Typical |
| Slew Rate | 100 V/μs Typical |
| Platform | PXI |
| Module Width | 1 Slot |
| Driver | NI-SCOPE |
| Primary Applications | Differential Signal Measurement, Oscilloscope Signal Conditioning and Automated Test |
Software Ecosystem
The NI PXI-5900 integrates with the NI oscilloscope software ecosystem for configuration, measurement, calibration, and automated test development.
- NI-SCOPE: Provides APIs for configuration, control, and calibration of the PXI-5900 and compatible NI oscilloscope hardware.
- LabVIEW: Enables development of waveform acquisition, visualization, signal analysis, and automated measurement applications.
- NI MAX: Provides hardware detection, configuration, and diagnostic functionality.
- LabWindows/CVI: Supports development of C-based automated test and measurement software.
- Measurement Studio and Visual C/C++: Provide additional programming environments for customized measurement applications.
Industries
- Electronic Validation
- Power Electronics
- Automated Test
- Aerospace and Defense
- Automotive Electronics
- Semiconductor Testing
- Research and Development
- Scientific Laboratories
Applications
Differential Voltage Measurement
The PXI-5900 is particularly useful when measuring voltage differences between two circuit nodes rather than signals referenced directly to ground.
- Differential circuit measurements
- Floating voltage measurement
- Electronic subsystem testing
- Precision waveform acquisition
PXI Oscilloscope Signal Conditioning
The PXI-5900 can be placed ahead of a compatible PXI oscilloscope to extend differential measurement capability.
- PXI-5922 signal conditioning
- Input voltage scaling
- Differential waveform acquisition
- Automated oscilloscope testing
Power Electronics Testing
Differential measurement capability makes the module useful for electronic power conversion and switching applications within its voltage and bandwidth limits.
- Power converter testing
- Switching waveform measurement
- Power supply characterization
- Electronic control circuit validation
Common-Mode Noise Rejection
The differential architecture can improve measurements where the desired signal is accompanied by significant common-mode voltage or interference.
- Noise-sensitive measurements
- Floating circuit testing
- Ground-related interference reduction
- Differential sensor acquisition
Automated Electronic Testing
The PXI-5900 can be incorporated into automated PXI platforms requiring differential waveform measurements.
- Functional testing
- Production validation
- Electronic characterization
- Automated waveform analysis
Research and Laboratory Measurement
The module provides researchers with a programmable differential front end for compatible PXI digitizers and oscilloscopes.
- Experimental measurements
- Prototype characterization
- Signal analysis
- Laboratory instrumentation
Comparison with Related PXI Measurement Products
| Model | Main Difference | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| NI PXI-5900 | 2-channel differential amplifier with ±20 V differential input range and 6 MHz bandwidth. | Differential oscilloscope signal conditioning |
| NI PXI-5922 | High-resolution flexible-resolution PXI oscilloscope/digitizer that can be paired with the PXI-5900. | High-resolution waveform digitization |
| NI PXI-6133 | 8-channel simultaneous-sampling multifunction DAQ module for higher-speed multi-channel acquisition. | High-speed synchronized data acquisition |
| NI PXI-6280 | 18-bit high-accuracy multifunction DAQ module for precision general-purpose analog measurement. | High-accuracy multifunction DAQ |
Recommended Related Products
| NI PXI-5922 | High-resolution PXI oscilloscope particularly suited for use with the PXI-5900 differential amplifier. |
| NI PXI-6133 | High-speed simultaneous-sampling DAQ module for applications requiring multiple synchronized analog input channels. |
| NI PXI-6280 | High-accuracy multifunction DAQ module for precision voltage, sensor, and automated measurement applications. |
| NI PXI-4070 | Precision PXI digital multimeter for DC and AC electrical measurement applications. |
Why Choose PXI-5900?
- 2 differential measurement channels
- ±20 V differential input range
- 6 MHz small-signal bandwidth
- AC, DC, and GND coupling
- Software-selectable 50 Ω and 1 MΩ input impedance
- High common-mode rejection
- BNC input and SMB output connectivity
- Designed for compatible PXI oscilloscopes
- NI-SCOPE software integration
- Ideal for precision differential signal measurement
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NI PXI-5900?
The NI PXI-5900 is a two-channel PXI differential amplifier designed to provide differential signal conditioning for compatible PXI oscilloscopes and digitizers.
Is the PXI-5900 an oscilloscope?
No. The PXI-5900 is a differential amplifier rather than a standalone oscilloscope or digitizer. It is designed to condition signals before they are measured by compatible PXI oscilloscope hardware.
How many channels does the PXI-5900 have?
The PXI-5900 provides two differential input channels.
What is the input range of the PXI-5900?
The PXI-5900 provides a differential input voltage range of ±20 V, corresponding to 40 V peak-to-peak.
What is the bandwidth of the PXI-5900?
The PXI-5900 has a specified small-signal bandwidth of 6 MHz for a 1 V peak-to-peak input signal.
What input impedance does the PXI-5900 support?
The PXI-5900 provides software-selectable input impedance of either 50 Ω or 1 MΩ. The high-impedance configuration is specified as 1 MΩ in parallel with approximately 60 pF.
Does the PXI-5900 support AC and DC coupling?
Yes. The PXI-5900 provides AC, DC, and GND input coupling options that can be selected according to the measurement requirement.
Can the PXI-5900 be used with the PXI-5922?
Yes. The PXI-5900 is specifically designed for use with PXI oscilloscopes and is particularly associated with the NI PXI-5922 high-resolution digitizer.
What software supports the PXI-5900?
The PXI-5900 is supported by NI-SCOPE. NI-SCOPE provides configuration, control, and calibration APIs for LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, Measurement Studio, and compatible C/C++ development environments.
What is the difference between PXI-5900 and PXI-5922?
The PXI-5900 is a differential amplifier that conditions and scales input signals. The PXI-5922 is a digitizer/oscilloscope that converts analog waveforms into digital measurement data. They can be used together when a test system requires high-resolution waveform acquisition with differential signal conditioning.
Conclusion
The NI PXI-5900 differential amplifier provides a dedicated signal-conditioning solution for differential waveform measurements in PXI oscilloscope systems. With two differential channels, ±20 V input capability, 6 MHz bandwidth, selectable AC/DC/GND coupling, software-selectable 50 Ω or 1 MΩ impedance, strong common-mode rejection, and NI-SCOPE integration, the PXI-5900 is well suited for electronic validation, power electronics testing, automated measurement, and laboratory applications.
