The PXIe-5163 is a 2-channel, 14-bit PXI Express oscilloscope designed for automated test, waveform analysis and high-resolution signal measurement. It combines a maximum real-time sampling rate of 1 GS/s with 200 MHz analog bandwidth, providing the speed and measurement resolution required for characterizing electronic devices and mixed-signal systems.
With selectable 50 Ω and 1 MΩ input impedance, programmable voltage ranges, AC/DC coupling and deep onboard memory, the PXIe-5163 can accommodate a broad range of signal sources. Its PXI Express architecture also supports synchronized, multi-instrument test systems with high-speed data transfer and precise timing.
Key Features of the PXIe-5163
- Two simultaneously sampled analog input channels
- 200 MHz analog input bandwidth
- Up to 1 GS/s real-time sampling rate
- 14-bit vertical resolution
- 512 MB onboard waveform memory
- Selectable 50 Ω or 1 MΩ input impedance
- AC and DC input coupling
- Full-scale input ranges from 0.25 Vpp to 100 Vpp
- Programmable 20 MHz, 30 MHz and 150 MHz bandwidth filters
- Edge, window, hysteresis, digital and software triggering
- Flexible pretrigger and post-trigger acquisition
- PXI trigger and synchronization support
- Compatible with NI-SCOPE and InstrumentStudio
PXIe-5163 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PXIe-5163 |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 785182-01 |
| Product Type | PXI Express Oscilloscope |
| Number of Channels | 2 simultaneously sampled channels |
| Analog Bandwidth | 200 MHz |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 1 GS/s |
| Vertical Resolution | 14 bits |
| Onboard Memory | 512 MB shared between enabled channels |
| Input Configuration | Referenced single-ended |
| Input Impedance | 50 Ω or 1 MΩ |
| Input Coupling | AC or DC |
| 50 Ω Input Ranges | 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2.5 and 5 Vpp |
| 1 MΩ Input Ranges | 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 Vpp |
| Bandwidth-Limiting Filters | 20 MHz, 30 MHz and 150 MHz |
| Sample Clock Sources | Internal clock, CLK IN or PXIe-DSTAR_A |
| Timebase Frequency | 1 GHz |
| Timebase Accuracy | ±5 ppm |
| Front-Panel Analog Connectors | BNC |
| Bus Interface | PXI Express |
High-Resolution 14-Bit Waveform Acquisition
The PXIe-5163 provides 14-bit vertical resolution, allowing it to distinguish smaller signal changes than conventional 8-bit oscilloscopes. This additional resolution is valuable when analyzing low-level signal components, power-supply ripple, sensor outputs and other waveforms containing both large and small amplitude characteristics.
The instrument combines high resolution with a 1 GS/s sampling rate, enabling accurate time-domain capture without sacrificing the vertical detail needed for demanding measurement applications.
200 MHz Bandwidth and 1 GS/s Sampling
With 200 MHz analog bandwidth, the PXIe-5163 is suitable for measuring a wide range of analog and digital signals. Its maximum 1 GS/s sample rate provides multiple samples per cycle for signals within the supported bandwidth, helping preserve waveform shape, timing characteristics and transient behavior.
The real-time sample rate can be adjusted for longer acquisitions or lower-frequency measurements. This flexibility allows users to balance time resolution, record length and acquisition duration according to the application.
Selectable 50 Ω and 1 MΩ Inputs
The selectable input impedance makes the PXIe-5163 suitable for both high-frequency signal paths and traditional oscilloscope probing:
- 50 Ω mode supports impedance-matched RF and high-speed signal connections while minimizing reflections.
- 1 MΩ mode provides high input impedance for general-purpose measurements and helps reduce loading on the circuit under test.
The 50 Ω input supports full-scale ranges up to 5 Vpp. The 1 MΩ input expands the available ranges up to 100 Vpp. When measuring higher-voltage signals, users must observe the specified input limits, probe attenuation and frequency-dependent voltage derating.
Programmable Coupling and Bandwidth Filters
Each PXIe-5163 input channel supports AC or DC coupling. DC coupling preserves both AC and DC waveform components, while AC coupling removes the DC component to make smaller variations easier to examine.
Programmable bandwidth-limiting filters can reduce unwanted high-frequency noise. The 20 MHz, 30 MHz and 150 MHz filter settings are useful when measurement bandwidth does not need to extend to the instrument’s full 200 MHz capability.
Deep Onboard Memory
The PXIe-5163 includes 512 MB of onboard memory, shared between enabled channels. Deep memory enables long-duration waveform capture at high sample rates and supports multi-record acquisitions for efficiently collecting repeated events.
Flexible pretrigger and post-trigger positioning allows users to capture waveform activity before and after a trigger event. This is particularly useful for fault investigation, transient analysis and intermittent-event detection.
Flexible Triggering Options
The PXIe-5163 supports several hardware and software trigger modes for repeatable waveform acquisition:
- Edge triggering
- Window triggering
- Hysteresis triggering
- Digital triggering
- Immediate triggering
- Software triggering
- Programmable trigger delay
Trigger sources can include the analog input channels, front-panel PFI connections, auxiliary PFI lines, PXI trigger lines and software commands. These options help integrate the oscilloscope into automated and synchronized test systems.
Typical PXIe-5163 Applications
- Automated electronic device validation
- Power-supply ripple and transient measurement
- Analog and mixed-signal waveform analysis
- Semiconductor component characterization
- Production-line functional testing
- Sensor and transducer signal measurement
- High-speed serial and parallel interface testing
- Embedded system validation
- Physics and scientific research
- Multi-instrument PXI test systems
NI-SCOPE and InstrumentStudio Support
The PXIe-5163 is supported by the NI-SCOPE instrument driver. NI-SCOPE provides configuration, acquisition, triggering, waveform transfer and measurement functions for supported programming environments.
InstrumentStudio provides an interactive interface for configuring the oscilloscope and viewing acquired waveforms. Automated systems can control the module through supported APIs, including LabVIEW and common text-based programming environments supported by the installed NI-SCOPE version.
PXI Express System Integration
The PXIe-5163 installs in a compatible PXI Express chassis and requires a PXI Express controller or connected external computer. PXI timing and trigger resources allow the oscilloscope to coordinate acquisitions with waveform generators, digital instruments, switches and other modular instruments.
For multi-module systems, verify chassis slot compatibility, cooling capacity, controller bandwidth and trigger routing before selecting the final configuration. Proper airflow is important for maintaining measurement performance and reliable operation.
PXIe-5163 Troubleshooting
Why is the PXIe-5163 not detected?
Confirm that the module is installed in a compatible PXI Express slot and that the chassis and controller are powered correctly. Install a supported NI-SCOPE driver, then check the module status in NI Measurement & Automation Explorer.
Why does the waveform appear clipped?
Select a larger input range or reduce the signal amplitude with an appropriate attenuating probe. Also verify the configured input impedance and vertical offset.
Why does the measured amplitude appear incorrect?
Check whether the signal source requires 50 Ω termination. A source calibrated for a 50 Ω load can produce an unexpected amplitude when connected to a 1 MΩ input. Also confirm the probe attenuation setting and input coupling.
How can waveform noise be reduced?
Select the narrowest bandwidth filter that still passes the signal of interest. Signal averaging, correct grounding, shorter cables and appropriate 50 Ω termination can also improve measurement quality.
Why are long acquisitions transferred slowly?
Large records require additional transfer and processing time. Reduce the record length, number of records or enabled channels when the full acquisition depth is unnecessary. Controller and chassis bandwidth can also affect sustained transfers.
PXIe-5163 Product Comparison
| Model | Channels | Bandwidth | Maximum Sample Rate | Resolution | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PXIe-5163 | 2 | 200 MHz | 1 GS/s | 14-bit | High-resolution general-purpose measurements |
| PXIe-5164 | 2 | 400 MHz | 1 GS/s | 14-bit | Higher bandwidth and FPGA-based processing |
| PXIe-5162 | 2 or 4 | Up to 1.5 GHz | Up to 5 GS/s | 10-bit | Faster signals and higher-bandwidth applications |
| PXIe-5172 | 8 | 100 MHz | 250 MS/s | 14-bit | High-channel-count synchronized acquisition |
Recommended Related Products
- PXIe-5164 – Recommended when 400 MHz bandwidth, additional memory or an onboard user-programmable FPGA is required.
- PXIe-5162 – Suitable for applications requiring bandwidth up to 1.5 GHz and sampling rates up to 5 GS/s.
- PXIe-5172 – An eight-channel option for synchronized, high-resolution waveform acquisition.
- PXIe-5171 – A reconfigurable oscilloscope option for multi-channel measurement and FPGA-based processing.
How to Select the Right PXI Oscilloscope
Choose the PXIe-5163 when the application requires two channels, 14-bit resolution, 200 MHz bandwidth and flexible 50 Ω or 1 MΩ inputs. Consider the PXIe-5164 when additional bandwidth or onboard FPGA processing is necessary. For signals above 400 MHz, the PXIe-5162 provides substantially higher bandwidth and sample rate.
For systems requiring four or eight synchronized channels, a PXIe-517x model may provide a better channel-density configuration. Selection should also consider voltage range, memory depth, trigger requirements, chassis compatibility and software environment.
Why Choose the PXIe-5163?
- Combines 14-bit resolution with a 1 GS/s sampling rate
- Supports both 50 Ω and 1 MΩ signal connections
- Provides a wide selection of programmable input ranges
- Includes deep memory for long and multi-record acquisitions
- Integrates with PXI timing, triggering and synchronization resources
- Supports interactive measurements and automated test applications
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PXIe-5163?
The PXIe-5163 is a two-channel, 14-bit PXI Express oscilloscope with 200 MHz bandwidth and a maximum sampling rate of 1 GS/s.
What is the part number for the PXIe-5163?
The standard NI part number is 785182-01.
How many channels does the PXIe-5163 provide?
It provides two analog input channels that can be sampled simultaneously.
What input impedance options are available?
Each channel can be configured for either 50 Ω or 1 MΩ input impedance.
What is the maximum input range?
The maximum full-scale range is 5 Vpp in 50 Ω mode and 100 Vpp in 1 MΩ mode. Input overload limits and frequency derating must also be observed.
How much onboard memory does it have?
The PXIe-5163 includes 512 MB of onboard waveform memory shared among the enabled channels.
Does the PXIe-5163 have an onboard user-programmable FPGA?
No. The PXIe-5163 is a conventional PXI oscilloscope. Applications requiring onboard FPGA processing should consider a reconfigurable oscilloscope such as the PXIe-5164.
Can the PXIe-5163 operate independently?
No. It must be installed in a compatible PXI Express chassis and used with an embedded PXI controller or an externally connected computer.
Which driver supports the PXIe-5163?
The module is supported by the NI-SCOPE instrument driver. Driver-version compatibility should be verified for the selected operating system and programming environment.
Is the PXIe-5163 suitable for automated testing?
Yes. Its programmable acquisition settings, trigger options, PXI synchronization and software APIs make it suitable for automated validation and production test systems.
Request a Quote for the PXIe-5163
Contact us for current availability, lead time and project pricing for the PXIe-5163 PXI Express Oscilloscope. We can also help confirm compatible PXI chassis, controllers, probes, cables and related instrumentation for your test system.
