Product Introduction
The NI PXIe-5172 is a high-performance PXI Express digitizer designed for automated test, signal analysis, electronic validation, and advanced measurement applications. It combines oscilloscope functionality, high-speed analog acquisition, and onboard FPGA processing in a compact PXI Express module.
Featuring 4 analog input channels, 100 MHz bandwidth, high-resolution ADC technology, onboard FPGA resources, and NI-SCOPE software support, the PXIe-5172 provides a flexible platform for capturing, analyzing, and processing complex analog signals.
Product Overview
The PXIe-5172 belongs to the NI PXI Oscilloscope and Digitizer product family and is designed for engineers who need high-speed waveform acquisition in automated test systems.
Unlike traditional standalone oscilloscopes, the PXIe-5172 integrates directly into PXI Express test platforms, allowing synchronization with other PXI instruments such as signal generators, RF instruments, switching modules, and data acquisition devices.
With onboard FPGA processing capability, users can perform real-time signal analysis, custom triggering, and hardware acceleration for demanding measurement applications.
Key Features
4-Channel High-Speed Digitizer
The PXIe-5172 provides multiple analog input channels for simultaneous waveform acquisition.
- 4 analog input channels
- High-speed waveform digitization
- Simultaneous signal acquisition
- Multi-channel oscilloscope operation
- Automated measurement support
Advantage: Enables engineers to capture multiple signals simultaneously in complex test environments.
100 MHz Analog Bandwidth
The PXIe-5172 provides wide bandwidth for measuring high-frequency electronic signals.
- 100 MHz input bandwidth
- Fast transient capture
- High-frequency signal analysis
- Electronic validation support
- Waveform characterization
Advantage: Supports accurate analysis of modern electronic circuits and communication signals.
High-Resolution ADC Acquisition
The PXIe-5172 uses advanced analog-to-digital conversion technology for precise measurements.
- High-resolution digitization
- Low-noise signal capture
- Accurate waveform reproduction
- Improved measurement reliability
- Precision signal analysis
Advantage: Provides detailed waveform information for engineering analysis.
Onboard FPGA Processing
The integrated FPGA enables real-time hardware processing and customization.
- Real-time signal processing
- Custom triggering logic
- Hardware acceleration
- Digital filtering
- Low-latency analysis
Advantage: Reduces processing delay and enables application-specific measurement functions.
PXI Express High-Bandwidth Interface
The PXIe-5172 uses PXI Express architecture for fast data transfer and synchronization.
- High-speed PCI Express communication
- Fast waveform transfer
- Multi-instrument synchronization
- Scalable PXI architecture
- Low-latency operation
Advantage: Supports demanding automated test systems requiring high throughput.
NI-SCOPE Software Support
The PXIe-5172 integrates with NI oscilloscope software tools.
- NI-SCOPE driver support
- LabVIEW integration
- TestStand compatibility
- Automated waveform measurement
- Advanced triggering functions
Advantage: Simplifies oscilloscope programming and automated measurement development.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Type | PXI Express Digitizer / Oscilloscope Module |
| Analog Input Channels | 4 Channels |
| Bandwidth | 100 MHz |
| Function | High-Speed Waveform Acquisition |
| Processing | Onboard FPGA Processing |
| Interface | PXI Express |
| Driver | NI-SCOPE |
| Programming Support | LabVIEW, Python, C/C++, .NET |
Software Ecosystem
The PXIe-5172 works with NI software tools for digitizer control, waveform analysis, and automated test development.
- NI-SCOPE: Provides oscilloscope configuration, acquisition control, triggering, and waveform analysis.
- LabVIEW: Enables graphical development of measurement applications.
- LabVIEW FPGA: Supports custom FPGA-based processing and hardware acceleration.
- TestStand: Supports automated production testing workflows.
- NI MAX: Provides hardware configuration and diagnostics.
Industries
- Semiconductor Testing
- Aerospace and Defense
- Automotive Electronics
- Communication Systems
- Electronic Design Validation
- Research Laboratories
- Automated Test Equipment
- Embedded System Development
Applications
Electronic Design Validation
The PXIe-5172 provides accurate waveform capture for electronic product development.
- Circuit verification
- Signal integrity analysis
- Prototype testing
- Hardware debugging
Automated Production Testing
The digitizer integrates into PXI automated test systems.
- Functional testing
- Manufacturing validation
- High-volume testing
- Component verification
Semiconductor Characterization
The PXIe-5172 supports high-speed waveform measurement in semiconductor applications.
- Device testing
- Signal analysis
- Electrical characterization
- ATE system integration
Research and Development
The module provides flexible acquisition capability for advanced experiments.
- Transient measurement
- Custom signal analysis
- Experimental systems
- High-speed data capture
Comparison with Similar Products
| Model | Main Difference | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| NI PXIe-5172 | 4-channel 100 MHz PXI Express digitizer with FPGA processing. | General high-speed waveform acquisition |
| NI PXIe-5164 | Higher-bandwidth PXI Express digitizer for advanced signal capture. | High-frequency measurement applications |
| NI PXIe-4492 | Dynamic signal acquisition module optimized for IEPE sensors. | Vibration and acoustic testing |
| NI PXIe-6537 | High-speed digital I/O module instead of analog digitizer. | Digital pattern testing |
Recommended Related Products
| NI PXIe-1095 | PXI Express chassis for high-performance measurement systems. |
| NI PXIe-8880 | High-performance PXI Express controller. |
| NI PXIe-5164 | High-speed digitizer for advanced waveform analysis. |
| NI PXIe-4303 | Precision analog input module for PXI Express DAQ systems. |
Why Choose PXIe-5172?
- 4-channel PXI Express digitizer
- 100 MHz analog bandwidth
- High-resolution waveform acquisition
- Onboard FPGA processing
- NI-SCOPE software support
- PXI Express high-speed architecture
- Ideal for automated test and validation
- Flexible oscilloscope replacement solution
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PXIe-5172 used for?
The PXIe-5172 is used for waveform acquisition, electronic validation, semiconductor testing, automated measurement, and high-speed signal analysis.
How many channels does PXIe-5172 provide?
The PXIe-5172 provides 4 analog input channels for simultaneous waveform measurement.
Does PXIe-5172 support LabVIEW?
Yes. The PXIe-5172 supports NI-SCOPE, LabVIEW, LabVIEW FPGA, TestStand, and other NI software environments.
Conclusion
The NI PXIe-5172 digitizer module provides a powerful PXI Express solution for high-speed waveform acquisition, electronic validation, and automated test applications. With 4 analog input channels, 100 MHz bandwidth, FPGA processing capability, and NI software integration, it is an ideal platform for engineers developing advanced measurement and validation systems.


