The NI PXIe-4051 is a single-channel PXI programmable electronic load designed for power-supply characterization, design validation and automated manufacturing test. It can sink up to 300 W of DC power with operating capability up to 60 V and 40 A.
The PXIe-4051 supports constant current, constant voltage, constant resistance and constant power operation. High-speed measurements, hardware triggering, four-wire remote sensing and NI SourceAdapt technology make it suitable for testing dynamic power sources in automotive, aerospace, defense, semiconductor and industrial applications.
Key Features of the NI PXIe-4051
- Single-channel PXI programmable electronic load
- 300 W maximum input power
- 60 V maximum operating voltage
- 40 A maximum load current
- Constant current operation
- Constant voltage operation
- Constant resistance operation
- Constant power operation
- Maximum sampling rate of 1.8 MS/s
- Source update rate up to 100 kS/s
- 1 µV maximum voltage measurement resolution
- 10 µA maximum current measurement resolution
- NI SourceAdapt transient response control
- Four-wire remote sensing
- Hardware timing and triggering
- Output disconnect functionality
- No external auxiliary power supply required
- Three-slot 3U PXI Express form factor
PXIe-4051 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PXIe-4051 |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 788179-01 |
| Product Type | PXI Programmable DC Electronic Load |
| Number of Channels | 1 isolated channel |
| Operating Quadrant | Quadrant IV sinking operation; Quadrant II with manually inverted connections |
| Maximum Input Power | 300 W |
| Maximum Voltage | 60 V |
| Maximum Current | 40 A |
| Operating Modes | Constant current, voltage, resistance and power |
| Maximum Sampling Rate | 1.8 MS/s |
| Maximum Update Rate | 100 kS/s |
| Maximum Voltage Resolution | 1 µV |
| Voltage Measurement Accuracy | 0.03% + 600 µV |
| Maximum Current Resolution | 10 µA |
| Current Measurement Accuracy | 0.05% + 700 µA |
| Remote Sense | Four-wire remote sensing |
| Transient Response Control | NI SourceAdapt technology |
| Output Disconnect | Supported |
| Hardware Triggering | Supported |
| Auxiliary Power Supply | Not required |
| Bus Interface | PXI Express |
| Form Factor | 3U, three-slot PXI Express module |
| Weight | Approximately 1,010 g |
| Product Status | Active |
PXIe-4051 Part Number and Configuration
| Part Number | Configuration | Maximum Power | Maximum Voltage | Maximum Current |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 788179-01 | Single-channel PXI programmable electronic load | 300 W | 60 V | 40 A |
The voltage, current and power limits define a combined operating envelope. Not every voltage-current combination is available simultaneously; the total absorbed power must remain within the module’s specified operating region.
Programmable Electronic Load Operation
The PXIe-4051 absorbs current and power from a connected device under test. It can simulate the electrical load presented by an electronic system, battery-powered device or power-consuming component.
Unlike a programmable power supply, the PXIe-4051 does not normally deliver power to the DUT. It is connected to a power source and controls the amount of current or power absorbed from that source.
Constant Current Mode
In constant current mode, the PXIe-4051 sinks the programmed current while the DUT voltage changes. This mode is commonly used to evaluate power-supply regulation, current capacity, protection behavior and transient response.
Engineers can program different current levels and transition rates to simulate standby, normal operation and peak-load conditions.
Constant Voltage Mode
Constant voltage mode adjusts the absorbed current to maintain a programmed voltage at the electronic-load terminals. This operating mode is useful for testing current sources, battery chargers and other devices whose output is controlled by terminal voltage.
Constant Resistance Mode
In constant resistance mode, the module varies the load current in proportion to the applied voltage. It therefore simulates a programmable resistive load without requiring separate high-power resistors.
Constant Power Mode
Constant power mode adjusts current as the input voltage changes to maintain the programmed power level. It can simulate electronic equipment and power converters that consume approximately constant power over their input-voltage range.
High-Speed Sampling and Update Rates
The PXIe-4051 can acquire voltage and current measurements at rates up to 1.8 MS/s. This allows engineers to capture fast voltage deviations, current transitions and other dynamic DUT behavior.
A source update rate up to 100 kS/s supports rapidly changing load profiles. These capabilities help evaluate power-supply overshoot, undershoot, recovery time and response to sudden load changes.
NI SourceAdapt Technology
SourceAdapt technology allows the transient response of the PXIe-4051 to be adjusted for the DUT, test fixture and cable characteristics. The control response can be optimized to balance speed, stability and overshoot.
This is valuable when testing power sources with different output capacitance, control-loop bandwidth or protection characteristics.
Four-Wire Remote Sensing
The PXIe-4051 provides HI Sense and LO Sense connections for four-wire remote sensing. These connections measure the voltage directly at the DUT and compensate for voltage drops in the high-current load cables.
Remote sensing is particularly important when operating near 40 A, because even small cable and contact resistances can create significant voltage measurement errors.
Output Disconnect Functionality
The integrated output disconnect feature electrically disconnects the load channel from the DUT when required. This helps automate connection states, isolate the DUT between tests and reduce the need for an external high-current switching device.
Hardware Timing and PXI Synchronization
The PXIe-4051 supports hardware-timed operation and triggering through PXI Express system resources. Load changes and measurements can be synchronized with programmable power supplies, oscilloscopes, digital instruments and other PXI modules.
This synchronization helps create repeatable tests without relying on operating-system or software timing.
Typical PXIe-4051 Applications
- AC/DC and DC/DC power-supply validation
- Automotive power-rail testing
- Aerospace and defense power-system testing
- Semiconductor component characterization
- Voltage regulator testing
- Power-management IC validation
- Battery and charger evaluation
- Transient load-response testing
- Current-limit and protection testing
- Power-converter efficiency testing
- Automated manufacturing test
- Reliability and burn-in systems
NI-DCPower Software Support
The PXIe-4051 is controlled using the NI-DCPower instrument driver. Engineers can program its load mode, level, range, transient response, measurement aperture, sequence and trigger configuration.
Compatible software options include LabVIEW, InstrumentStudio, TestStand and programming environments supported by the installed NI-DCPower driver. Verify operating-system and software-version compatibility before system integration.
PXI Chassis Compatibility
The PXIe-4051 occupies three PXI Express slots and draws its required operating power from the chassis. It does not require a separate auxiliary power supply.
For full 300 W load capability, NI specifies compatible high-power chassis such as the PXIe-1095, PXIe-1092 and PXIe-1084. Confirm the chassis slot-cooling capacity and module placement before installation.
PXIe-4051 Connectors and Wiring
The standard package includes a backshell kit, a four-power and six-signal hybrid plug, and a DFMC auxiliary connector plug. The primary connections include HI, LO, HI Sense, LO Sense and shield terminals.
Use appropriately rated wiring for the expected current. The HI and LO power terminals accept larger conductors than the sense and auxiliary connections. Keep high-current wiring short to reduce resistance, heat and voltage drop.
PXIe-4051 Troubleshooting
Why does the module not sink the programmed current?
Confirm that the DUT is supplying sufficient voltage, the load input is enabled and the selected operating point is within the 60 V, 40 A and 300 W limits. Also check polarity, cable connections and any active protection conditions.
Why is the measured DUT voltage lower than expected?
High current can produce voltage drops in the output cables and fixture connections. Use four-wire remote sensing and suitably sized conductors to measure voltage directly at the DUT.
Why is the full 300 W load capacity unavailable?
Verify the PXI chassis model, slot-cooling capacity, module location and fan settings. Full power requires a chassis capable of providing the necessary power and cooling.
Why does the module shut down during a high-power test?
The module may have reached a current, voltage, power or temperature protection limit. Reduce the load, inspect the DUT and wiring, and confirm that the chassis airflow is unobstructed.
Why is the dynamic load response unstable?
The SourceAdapt response may not be optimized for the power source, cable inductance or DUT output capacitance. Adjust the transient response settings and review the physical connection layout.
Why can NI-DCPower not detect the PXIe-4051?
Confirm that the module is installed in a compatible PXI Express slot, the chassis and controller are operating correctly, and a supported NI-DCPower driver version is installed.
PXIe-4051 Comparison with Related Electronic Loads
| Model | Form Factor | Channels | Maximum Power | Maximum Voltage | Maximum Current |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PXIe-4051 | 3-slot PXI Express | 1 | 300 W | 60 V | 40 A |
| RMX-4003 | Standalone electronic load | 2 | 100 W per channel | 80 V | 20 A per channel |
| RMX-4004 | Standalone electronic load | 2 | 250 W and 30 W | 80 V | 40 A and 5 A |
| RMX-4005 | Standalone electronic load | 1 | 350 W | 80 V | 70 A |
| RMX-4006 | Standalone electronic load | 1 | 350 W | 500 V | 10 A |
Recommended Related Products
- NI PXIe-4151 Programmable Power Supply – provides a 300 W, 20 V, 25 A PXI power source for integrated source-and-load testing.
- NI RMX-4005 Electronic Load – offers 350 W, 80 V and 70 A capability in a standalone format.
- NI RMX-4006 Electronic Load – supports applications requiring electronic-load operation up to 500 V.
- NI PXIe-4138 System SMU – combines precision sourcing and measurement with ±60 V and ±3 A operation.
- NI PXIe-1095 PXI Express Chassis – provides high slot count and compatible cooling for integrated PXI test systems.
- NI PXI and PXI Express Modules – browse additional modules for building a synchronized automated test system.
How to Select the Right Electronic Load
Choose the PXIe-4051 when the application requires up to 300 W, 60 V and 40 A with high-speed measurement, SourceAdapt and direct PXI synchronization.
Choose a standalone RMX electronic load when a PXI chassis is unavailable or when higher voltage or current is required. The RMX-4005 provides up to 70 A, while the RMX-4006 supports voltage inputs up to 500 V.
Why Choose the NI PXIe-4051?
The PXIe-4051 integrates a high-power programmable load, precision measurements, high-speed acquisition and hardware synchronization into the PXI platform. It reduces the need to combine standalone electronic loads with PXI instruments and simplifies the development of repeatable automated power tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum power of the PXIe-4051?
The PXIe-4051 can absorb up to 300 W from a connected power source when installed in a compatible chassis with sufficient power and cooling.
What are its maximum voltage and current?
The module supports operating capability up to 60 V and 40 A within its specified 300 W power envelope.
Which electronic-load modes are supported?
It supports programmable constant current, constant voltage, constant resistance and constant power operation.
What is the maximum sampling rate?
The PXIe-4051 supports voltage and current measurements at rates up to 1.8 MS/s.
Does the PXIe-4051 support remote sensing?
Yes. It provides four-wire remote sensing to compensate for voltage drops in high-current cables and test fixtures.
Does the PXIe-4051 require an auxiliary power supply?
No. The module draws its required power from a compatible PXI Express chassis.
How many PXI slots does the module occupy?
The PXIe-4051 is a three-slot, 3U PXI Express module.
What is the PXIe-4051 part number?
The NI orderable part number is 788179-01.
Is the PXIe-4051 still an active product?
Yes. NI currently classifies the PXIe-4051 as an active product.
What is included with the PXIe-4051?
The standard package includes the module, backshell kit, hybrid power and signal plug, DFMC plug, and safety, environmental and regulatory documentation.
Request a Quote for the NI PXIe-4051
Contact us for current availability, lead time and project pricing for the NI PXIe-4051 300 W PXI Electronic Load. We can also help verify compatible PXI Express chassis, controllers, connector kits, wiring and programmable power supplies for your test system.
