Product Introduction
The NI PXIe-8820 is a reliable PXI Express embedded controller designed for modular automated test systems, industrial measurement, data acquisition, and laboratory applications. Powered by an Intel® Core™ i3 processor, the PXIe-8820 delivers dependable computing performance, high-speed PCI Express communication, and seamless integration with National Instruments PXI Express platforms.
Installed directly into a PXI Express chassis, the PXIe-8820 provides centralized system control for oscilloscopes, multifunction DAQ modules, RF instruments, switch modules, SMUs, and other PXI Express hardware while maintaining excellent performance for engineering development and automated testing.
Product Overview
The PXIe-8820 is an entry-level to mid-range PXI Express embedded controller within the National Instruments controller family. Designed for engineers requiring a balance between performance and cost, it supports Windows operating systems and integrates easily with the complete NI software ecosystem.
With PCI Express architecture and modern Intel processing technology, the PXIe-8820 offers fast instrument communication, responsive system performance, and stable operation for production testing, laboratory measurement, and industrial automation.
Key Features
Intel Core i3 Processor
The integrated Intel Core processor provides reliable performance for modular instrumentation systems.
- Intel Core i3 processor
- Multi-core architecture
- High processing efficiency
- Reliable system performance
- Low power consumption
Advantage: Delivers stable computing performance for automated measurement and test applications.
PXI Express System Controller
Designed specifically for National Instruments PXI Express chassis.
- PXI Express compatibility
- Embedded controller architecture
- Centralized instrument management
- High-speed communication
- Easy installation
Advantage: Simplifies system integration while maximizing overall PXI Express performance.
PCI Express High-Speed Communication
Supports fast communication between the controller and installed PXI Express instruments.
- PCI Express interface
- High-bandwidth communication
- Low-latency operation
- Fast data transfer
- Optimized instrument control
Advantage: Enables efficient control of high-speed measurement hardware.
Industrial Reliability
Designed for continuous operation in demanding engineering environments.
- Industrial-grade design
- Continuous operation
- Stable performance
- Long service life
- Reliable system management
Advantage: Suitable for production testing, laboratory automation, and long-term deployment.
Flexible Software Compatibility
Supports the complete National Instruments software ecosystem.
- Windows operating system
- LabVIEW support
- TestStand compatibility
- NI MAX integration
- Multiple programming languages
Advantage: Accelerates application development and simplifies hardware configuration.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Type | PXI Express Embedded Controller |
| Processor | Intel® Core™ i3 Processor |
| Architecture | PCI Express |
| Operating System | Windows |
| Memory | DDR3 Memory |
| Storage | Solid-State Drive (SSD) |
| Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet |
| USB | USB 3.0 / USB 2.0 |
| Video Output | DisplayPort |
| Compatible Chassis | PXI Express Chassis |
| Software Support | LabVIEW, TestStand, NI MAX, Windows |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to 55 °C |
Software Ecosystem
The PXIe-8820 integrates seamlessly with National Instruments software for automated testing and modular instrumentation.
- LabVIEW – Automated measurement and instrument control.
- TestStand – Automated production test sequencing.
- NI MAX – Hardware discovery and configuration.
- SystemLink – Remote deployment and asset management.
- NI Device Drivers – Complete driver support for PXI Express instruments.
- Python, C/C++, C#, and .NET – Supported through NI hardware APIs.
Industries
- Automated Test Equipment (ATE)
- Industrial Automation
- Electronics Manufacturing
- Semiconductor Testing
- Automotive Electronics
- Research Laboratories
- Education
- Aerospace and Defense
Applications
Automated Functional Testing
Operate modular PXI Express instruments for electronic product validation.
- Production testing
- Functional verification
- Quality control
- Manufacturing validation
Data Acquisition Systems
Manage synchronized measurement systems using multifunction PXI Express modules.
- Sensor acquisition
- Signal monitoring
- Industrial measurement
- Data logging
RF and Electronic Measurement
Control RF analyzers, oscilloscopes, and signal generators within one platform.
- RF testing
- Spectrum analysis
- Signal generation
- Communication validation
Engineering Laboratories
Develop flexible modular instrumentation systems for research and education.
- Engineering research
- Prototype validation
- Laboratory automation
- Instrument control
Comparison with Similar Products
| Model | Main Difference | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| NI PXIe-8820 | Intel Core i3 embedded controller for entry-level PXI Express systems. | General PXI Express automation |
| NI PXIe-8840 | Intel Core i5 processor offering higher overall computing performance. | Industrial measurement systems |
| NI PXIe-8861 | Intel Core i7 embedded controller for demanding automated testing. | High-performance PXI systems |
| NI PXIe-8880 | Intel Xeon flagship embedded controller for enterprise-level PXI Express applications. | Large automated test systems |
Recommended Related Products
| NI PXIe-1092 | 8-slot PXI Express chassis. |
| NI PXIe-1095 | 18-slot high-performance PXI Express chassis. |
| NI PXIe-6378 | High-performance multifunction DAQ module. |
| NI PXIe-5164 | High-speed PXI Express oscilloscope. |
| NI PXIe-5840 | Vector Signal Transceiver for RF testing. |
Why Choose PXIe-8820?
- Intel Core i3 processor for dependable performance
- Optimized for PXI Express modular instrumentation
- High-speed PCI Express communication
- Supports Windows and NI software ecosystem
- Excellent balance of performance and cost
- Reliable industrial-grade design
- Easy integration with PXI Express chassis
- Ideal for laboratory, education, and production testing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PXIe-8820 primarily used for?
The PXIe-8820 is designed for automated test equipment, industrial measurement, modular instrumentation, data acquisition, electronics manufacturing, and laboratory research.
Which PXI Express chassis are compatible with the PXIe-8820?
The PXIe-8820 is compatible with National Instruments PXI Express chassis, including the PXIe-1095, PXIe-1092, PXIe-1088, PXIe-1075, PXIe-1065, and other supported PXIe systems.
Which software supports the PXIe-8820?
The PXIe-8820 supports LabVIEW, TestStand, NI MAX, Windows, SystemLink, Python, C/C++, C#, .NET, and National Instruments hardware drivers.
Conclusion
The NI PXIe-8820 PXI Express Embedded Controller delivers reliable computing performance, PCI Express communication, and seamless integration with National Instruments modular instrumentation platforms. Its balance of performance, flexibility, and industrial reliability makes it an excellent choice for automated testing, laboratory measurement, industrial automation, and data acquisition systems.
