Product Introduction
The NI PXIe-8861 is a high-performance embedded controller designed for PXI Express automated test and measurement systems. Powered by an Intel® Core™ processor and featuring PCI Express Gen3 connectivity, the PXIe-8861 delivers outstanding computing performance for RF testing, high-speed data acquisition, semiconductor validation, aerospace applications, and industrial automation.
With integrated Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, DisplayPort video outputs, and support for Windows operating systems, the PXIe-8861 serves as the central processing unit of modern PXI Express systems, providing reliable control of modular instrumentation while maintaining deterministic system timing.
Product Overview
The PXIe-8861 installs directly into the controller slot of a PXI Express chassis and communicates with all installed PXI Express modules through the high-speed PCI Express Gen3 backplane.
Designed for demanding automated test environments, it combines a powerful Intel multi-core processor, high-speed memory architecture, solid-state storage support, and extensive I/O interfaces into a compact embedded platform. It is fully compatible with National Instruments software, including LabVIEW, TestStand, NI MAX, and the complete NI driver ecosystem.
Key Features
High-Performance Intel Core Processor
The PXIe-8861 delivers exceptional processing capability for demanding automated test applications.
- Intel Core processor architecture
- Multi-core processing
- High clock frequency
- Large cache memory
- Excellent multitasking performance
Advantage: Accelerates data processing, automated testing, and real-time measurement applications.
PCI Express Gen3 System Bandwidth
The controller communicates with PXI Express modules through a high-speed PCI Express Gen3 interface.
- PCI Express Gen3 architecture
- High backplane bandwidth
- Low communication latency
- Fast instrument control
- Optimized data transfer
Advantage: Maximizes throughput for RF instruments, digitizers, oscilloscopes, and high-speed DAQ modules.
Comprehensive Connectivity
Integrated interfaces simplify system integration and peripheral connectivity.
- Gigabit Ethernet
- USB 3.0 ports
- DisplayPort outputs
- Serial interface
- Peripheral expansion
Advantage: Easily connects external storage, displays, networks, and engineering peripherals.
Optimized for Automated Test Systems
Designed specifically for PXI Express measurement platforms.
- RF testing
- DAQ applications
- Semiconductor testing
- Production validation
- Laboratory automation
Advantage: Provides reliable system control for complex automated measurement environments.
Full NI Software Compatibility
The PXIe-8861 supports the complete NI software ecosystem.
- LabVIEW
- TestStand
- NI MAX
- NI-DAQmx
- NI-RF drivers
- NI-SWITCH
Advantage: Simplifies application development while ensuring compatibility with existing NI hardware.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Type | PXI Express Embedded Controller |
| Processor | Intel® Core™ Processor |
| Processor Cores | Multi-Core Architecture |
| Bus Interface | PXI Express Gen3 |
| System Memory | DDR4 RAM |
| Storage | Solid-State Drive (SSD) |
| Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet |
| USB | USB 3.0 |
| Video Output | DisplayPort |
| Operating System | Windows Supported |
| Software Support | LabVIEW, TestStand, NI MAX, NI Drivers |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to 55 °C |
Software Ecosystem
The PXIe-8861 supports the complete National Instruments software platform for automated testing and measurement.
- LabVIEW – Graphical application development for automated measurement.
- TestStand – Automated production test sequencing.
- NI MAX – Hardware configuration and diagnostics.
- NI System Configuration – Remote controller management.
- NI-DAQmx – Data acquisition driver support.
- NI-RFSA / NI-RFSG / NI-SWITCH / NI-DMM – Instrument driver support.
- C/C++, C#, Python, .NET – Supported programming environments.
Industries
- Automated Test Equipment (ATE)
- Semiconductor Testing
- Wireless Communications
- Aerospace and Defense
- Automotive Electronics
- Industrial Automation
- Research Laboratories
- Electronic Manufacturing
Applications
Automated Test Systems
Provide centralized control for modular PXI Express instrumentation.
- Production testing
- Electronic validation
- Functional verification
- System automation
RF and Wireless Testing
Support high-speed RF analyzers, signal generators, and vector signal processing.
- 5G validation
- Wireless communication
- Radar testing
- Spectrum analysis
High-Speed Data Acquisition
Control synchronized DAQ modules and digitizers.
- Sensor acquisition
- Mixed-signal testing
- Dynamic signal analysis
- Long-duration measurements
Industrial Automation
Manage measurement, switching, motion, and communication modules within a single PXI platform.
- Machine automation
- Industrial control
- Communication testing
- Process monitoring
Comparison with Similar Products
| Model | Main Difference | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| NI PXIe-8861 | High-performance embedded controller for modern PXI Express systems. | General-purpose PXIe automation |
| NI PXIe-8842 | Previous-generation embedded controller for mainstream PXIe systems. | General PXIe testing |
| NI PXIe-8880 | Higher-end controller offering increased processing performance. | High-performance RF and semiconductor testing |
| NI PXIe-8862 | Enhanced embedded controller with newer processor options. | Advanced automated measurement systems |
Recommended Related Products
| NI PXIe-1095 | 18-slot high-performance PXI Express chassis. |
| NI PXIe-1092 | Compact PXI Express chassis for laboratory systems. |
| NI PXIe-6368 | High-speed multifunction DAQ module. |
| NI PXIe-5775 | FlexRIO digitizer adapter module for high-speed acquisition. |
| NI PXIe-5840 | Vector Signal Transceiver for RF validation applications. |
Why Choose PXIe-8861?
- High-performance Intel® Core™ processor
- PCI Express Gen3 high-speed communication
- Fast DDR4 memory architecture
- Integrated Gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0
- Optimized for automated PXI Express systems
- Excellent compatibility with NI software
- Reliable long-term industrial operation
- Ideal for RF, semiconductor, and DAQ applications
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PXIe-8861 primarily used for?
The PXIe-8861 serves as the embedded controller for PXI Express systems, providing centralized processing for automated testing, RF measurements, semiconductor validation, industrial automation, and data acquisition.
Which operating systems are supported?
The PXIe-8861 supports Microsoft Windows operating systems and integrates fully with the National Instruments software ecosystem.
Which PXI chassis are compatible with the PXIe-8861?
The PXIe-8861 is compatible with supported National Instruments PXI Express chassis, including models such as the PXIe-1095, PXIe-1092, PXIe-1088, PXIe-1078, and other PXIe systems with compatible controller slots.
Conclusion
The NI PXIe-8861 Embedded Controller delivers the computing performance, high-speed PCI Express connectivity, and software compatibility required for modern PXI Express automated test systems. Whether deployed in RF testing, semiconductor validation, industrial automation, or laboratory research, it provides a reliable and scalable control platform for demanding measurement applications.
