PXI-1042

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NI PXI-1042 8-Slot, Quiet, Universal AC PXI Chassis

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National Instruments PXI-1042 8-Slot Universal AC PXI Chassis | NI

PXI-1042 8-Slot Universal AC PXI Chassis

The NI PXI-1042 is an eight-slot, 3U PXI chassis designed for automated test, measurement, data acquisition and control systems. It provides one system-controller slot and seven PXI peripheral slots in a compact bench-top or rack-mountable enclosure.

The chassis combines a conventional PCI-based PXI backplane with universal AC input, 132 MB/s maximum system bandwidth, 25 W per-slot cooling, a low-jitter 10 MHz reference clock and PXI trigger resources. These capabilities make it suitable for integrating digitizers, digital multimeters, waveform generators, data acquisition modules, switches and communication interfaces.

The PXI-1042 belongs to the conventional PXI platform and does not provide native PXI Express data links. It is intended for compatible 3U PXI and CompactPCI modules rather than PXI Express-only instruments.

Key Features of the PXI-1042

  • Eight-slot 3U PXI chassis
  • One system-controller slot
  • Seven PXI peripheral slots
  • Dedicated star-trigger functionality in slot 2
  • 132 MB/s maximum system bandwidth
  • Conventional PCI-based PXI backplane
  • Eight PXI trigger lines shared across the chassis
  • Thirteen-line local bus between adjacent peripheral slots
  • Low-jitter 10 MHz PXI reference clock
  • Less than 250 ps reference-clock skew between slots
  • Rear-panel 10 MHz REF IN and REF OUT BNC connectors
  • Universal 100–240 VAC nominal input
  • 25 W cooling capacity per slot
  • Two 60 cfm chassis cooling fans
  • HIGH and temperature-controlled AUTO fan modes
  • Removable power-supply shuttle
  • Remote power inhibit and voltage monitoring
  • Compatible with supported PXI and CompactPCI modules
  • Bench-top carrying handle and adjustable tilt feet
  • Optional front and rear rack-mount kits
  • 0°C to 55°C operating-temperature range

Compact Eight-Slot PXI Architecture

The PXI-1042 provides a practical balance between module capacity and enclosure size. Its seven peripheral positions can accommodate a complete test system while using less rack width than an 18-slot chassis.

A typical system can combine a PXI controller, digital multimeter, waveform generator, digitizer, switch module, data acquisition device and communication interface in one chassis. The exact configuration depends on module width, power consumption, cooling requirements and software compatibility.

The built-in carrying handle and tilt feet support portable bench-top use. Optional rack-mount hardware allows the same chassis to be installed in a production station or laboratory instrument rack.

Conventional PXI Backplane

The PXI-1042 uses a conventional PCI-based PXI backplane with maximum system bandwidth of 132 MB/s. This bandwidth is shared by the controller and installed peripheral modules.

The architecture is appropriate for many data acquisition, switching, digital multimeter, waveform generation and control applications. Systems involving several high-speed streaming instruments should calculate the total data-transfer requirement before selecting the chassis.

Because the PXI-1042 is not a PXI Express chassis, it does not support PXIe-only modules or PCI Express peer-to-peer data transfers.

System-Controller Slot

Slot 1 is the dedicated PXI system-controller slot. It accepts a compatible embedded PXI controller or PXI remote-control interface that performs PCI bus arbitration, enumeration and communication with the installed peripheral modules.

Three controller expansion positions are provided to the left of slot 1. These positions allow a multi-slot controller to expand without consuming any of the seven peripheral slots.

A system controller must be installed only in the designated controller slot. Installing a controller in an ordinary peripheral slot can damage the controller, chassis backplane or both.

Seven Peripheral Slots

The PXI-1042 provides seven peripheral slots, including the star-trigger position in slot 2. Each slot accepts compatible 3U PXI or CompactPCI hardware.

Peripheral modules can include data acquisition devices, oscilloscopes, signal generators, digital instruments, communication interfaces and switching modules. Modules must match the backplane voltage, connector and software requirements.

Physical slot count alone does not guarantee compatibility. System designers should also verify module width, adjacent connector clearance, required cooling capacity and total power demand.

PXI and CompactPCI Interoperability

The PXI-1042 backplane supports compatible PXI products and standard CompactPCI modules. CompactPCI modules can use the applicable PCI and power connections, while PXI instruments can additionally use PXI-specific timing, triggering and local-bus resources.

This interoperability can be useful when a system requires a specialized CompactPCI network, storage or communication module that does not implement the complete PXI feature set.

Before installation, confirm the module’s mechanical keying, V(I/O) requirements, backplane compatibility and operating-system support. PXI Express modules cannot be installed in this conventional PXI chassis.

PXI-1042 Technical Specifications

Product ModelPXI-1042
Product TypeUniversal AC PXI chassis
Chassis Form Factor3U PXI
Total Physical Slots8
System-Controller Slots1
Controller Expansion Positions3 positions to the left of the controller slot
Peripheral Slots7, including the star-trigger slot
Star-Trigger SlotSlot 2
PXI Express Slots0
PXI Express Hybrid Slots0
Backplane TypeConventional PCI-based PXI backplane
Maximum System Bandwidth132 MB/s
PXI Trigger Lines8 shared trigger lines
Local Bus13 lines between adjacent peripheral slots
Local-Bus Signal CapabilityHigh-speed TTL or analog signals up to 42 V
System Reference Clock10 MHz PXI_CLK10
Built-In Clock Accuracy±25 ppm over the operating-temperature range
Maximum Built-In Clock Jitter5 ps RMS from 10 Hz to 1 MHz
Maximum Clock Skew Between Slots250 ps
External Clock InputsRear-panel BNC or slot 2 J2 clock input
External Clock Frequency10 MHz ±100 ppm or better
Rear Clock Input Amplitude200 mVpp to 5 Vpp, sine or square wave
Rear Clock Input Impedance50 Ω ±5 Ω
Slot 2 Clock Input5 V or 3.3 V, 10 MHz TTL
Maximum Backplane-Introduced Jitter1 ps RMS from 10 Hz to 1 MHz
External Clock OutputRear-panel BNC
Clock Output Amplitude1 Vpp ±20% into 50 Ω; 2 Vpp into an open circuit
Clock Output Impedance50 Ω ±5 Ω
Nominal AC Input100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Operating AC Range90–264 VAC, 47–63 Hz
Input Current Rating8 A
AC Overcurrent Protection10 A circuit breaker
Power-Supply Efficiency70% typical
+3.3 V Capacity at 0°C to 50°C20 A
+3.3 V Capacity at 0°C to 55°C18 A
+5 V Capacity at 0°C to 50°C29 A
+5 V Capacity at 0°C to 55°C25 A
+12 V Peripheral-Slot Capacity3.5 A
+12 V System-Slot Capacity0.5 A
−12 V Capacity2 A
Per-Slot Cooling Capacity25 W for the standard 778636-01 configuration
Module CoolingPositive-pressure forced-air circulation
Chassis Cooling Fans2 × 60 cfm fans
Fan ModesHIGH and temperature-controlled AUTO
Airflow DirectionBottom to top, from P1 toward P2
Module Cooling IntakeLower rear of the chassis
Module Cooling ExhaustUpper sides and top of the chassis
Sound Pressure in AUTO Mode50.5 dBA at 25°C ambient
Sound Pressure in HIGH Mode58.7 dBA
Operating Temperature0°C to 55°C
Storage Temperature−20°C to 70°C
Operating Humidity10% to 90%, noncondensing
Storage Humidity5% to 95%, noncondensing
Maximum Operating Altitude2,000 m at 25°C ambient
Operational Shock30 g peak, half-sine, 11 ms pulse
Operational Random Vibration5 to 500 Hz, 0.3 grms
Nonoperational Random Vibration5 to 500 Hz, 2.4 grms
Dimensions Without Feet177 × 271.3 × 396.5 mm
Weight8.4 kg
InstallationBench-top or 19-inch equipment rack

Configuration note: NI lists multiple PXI-1042 orderable configurations. The standard 778636-01 chassis is specified with 25 W per-slot cooling, while certain OEM or backplane configurations are listed with 30 W cooling. Confirm the complete part number and installed power-supply assembly before relying on a specific thermal rating.

PXI-1042 Part Number and Accessories

ItemPart NumberDescription
PXI-1042 Standard Chassis778636-01Eight-slot 3U PXI chassis with universal AC power supply
PXI-1042 OEM Chassis778636-03OEM configuration of the eight-slot PXI-1042 chassis
PXI-1042 Backplane Assembly780034-01Eight-slot 3U PXI-1042 backplane-only configuration
PXI-1042 Power-Supply ShuttleConfiguration dependentReplaceable assembly containing the power supply and cooling components
Front Rack-Mount KitConfiguration dependentMounting brackets for installation in a 19-inch instrument rack
Rear Rack-Mount KitConfiguration dependentAdditional rear chassis support for rack-mounted installations
EMC Filler Panel KitConfiguration dependentCovers unused chassis slots and supports proper airflow and EMC performance
Slot Blocker KitConfiguration dependentDirects cooling air toward installed modules when slots are unoccupied
Regional AC Power CableCountry dependentGrounded AC cable selected for the destination power standard

The standard complete PXI-1042 chassis is commonly identified by part number 778636-01. Part number 778636-03 identifies an OEM chassis configuration, while 780034-01 refers to a backplane-only configuration.

Because many available PXI-1042 units are refurbished or removed from operating systems, verify whether the chassis includes the power-supply shuttle, handle, feet, filler panels, rack-mount brackets and AC cable before ordering.

PXI-1042 and PXI-1042Q Power Supplies

The PXI-1042 and PXI-1042Q use different power-supply shuttle assemblies. The shuttles are not interchangeable, even though both chassis belong to the PXI-1042 Series and share a similar physical format.

Always verify the chassis model label and replacement-shuttle compatibility before service. Installing the incorrect power assembly can damage the chassis or create an electrical safety hazard.

Removable Power-Supply Shuttle

The PXI-1042 incorporates a modular power-supply shuttle that can be removed from the rear of the chassis. This design simplifies maintenance and reduces the time required to replace a failed power or cooling assembly.

NI specifies a mean time to repair of less than five minutes for power-supply shuttle replacement by qualified service personnel. AC power must be disconnected before the assembly is removed.

Universal AC Input

The chassis accepts nominal power from 100 VAC to 240 VAC at 50 Hz or 60 Hz. The wider guaranteed operating range of 90 VAC to 264 VAC and 47 Hz to 63 Hz supports deployment in different countries without changing the internal power supply.

The AC input incorporates a rear-panel circuit breaker. DC outputs include overload, short-circuit and overvoltage protection.

Remote Inhibit and Voltage Monitoring

A rear-panel nine-pin D-Sub connector allows an external system to control the chassis power-supply inhibit function and monitor the DC voltage rails.

This interface is useful in integrated test racks that require centralized power sequencing, emergency shutdown or system-health monitoring. Wiring must follow the documented pinout and electrical limits.

Rack-Mount Accessories

Optional front and rear rack-mount kits allow the PXI-1042 to be installed in a standard 19-inch equipment cabinet. The chassis includes symmetrical mounting locations so rack hardware can support the required orientation.

Rear support is recommended for transportable racks or environments exposed to vibration. Ventilation clearance must be maintained around the top, sides and rear of the chassis.

Filler Panels and Slot Blockers

Filler panels should be installed over every unused slot. In addition to improving appearance and electromagnetic compatibility, filler panels help maintain the intended pressure and airflow through installed modules.

Optional slot blockers reduce airflow through empty positions and redirect cooling air toward occupied slots. They are useful when the chassis contains several high-power modules but is not fully populated.

Star-Trigger Architecture

Slot 2 is the PXI star-trigger slot. It provides an equal-length dedicated trigger connection to each of the remaining peripheral slots, enabling compatible instruments to receive closely matched trigger signals.

A timing or synchronization module can be installed in slot 2 to coordinate operations across the chassis. When star-trigger capability is not required, slot 2 can accept an ordinary compatible PXI peripheral module.

PXI Trigger Bus

All peripheral slots share eight PXI trigger lines. Instruments can use these lines to exchange start, stop, reference and event signals without requiring separate front-panel trigger cables.

The actual trigger functions depend on the installed instrument and its driver. System designers must ensure that incompatible devices do not attempt to drive the same trigger line simultaneously.

PXI Local Bus

A 13-line local bus connects each peripheral slot to its adjacent slots. Compatible modules can use this path for analog signals up to 42 V or as a high-speed digital sideband connection.

The local bus does not consume conventional PCI bandwidth, but its use depends on module-specific compatibility. Before connecting modules through the local bus, confirm their pin assignments and supported electrical signal levels.

10 MHz Reference Clock

The PXI-1042 distributes an independently buffered 10 MHz PXI_CLK10 signal to every peripheral position. The maximum clock skew between slots is 250 ps, helping compatible instruments maintain a shared frequency reference.

The built-in clock has ±25 ppm accuracy across the operating-temperature range and maximum jitter of 5 ps RMS over a 10 Hz to 1 MHz measurement range.

External Clock Input and Output

The rear-panel 10 MHz REF IN BNC accepts a sine or square-wave reference between 200 mVpp and 5 Vpp. A compatible 10 MHz TTL reference can also be supplied through the designated slot 2 backplane connection.

The REF OUT BNC provides a buffered version of the selected chassis reference. It can be connected to another chassis or compatible instrument to create a shared frequency-reference architecture.

If valid external clocks are present at both the rear BNC and slot 2 input, the slot 2 reference receives priority.

Cooling System

The PXI-1042 uses two 60 cfm fans to provide positive-pressure forced-air cooling. Air enters through the lower rear of the chassis, moves upward through installed modules and exits through openings along the upper sides and top.

The HIGH fan setting provides maximum cooling and is recommended for demanding module configurations. AUTO mode controls fan speed according to chassis intake temperature and reduces acoustic output under lighter thermal loads.

PXI-1042 Applications

  • Automated production testing
  • Electronic device validation
  • Data acquisition and monitoring
  • Mixed-signal functional testing
  • PXI switching systems
  • Laboratory instrument automation
  • Hardware-in-the-loop testing
  • Automotive electronic testing
  • Aerospace and defense test systems
  • Power electronics validation
  • Communication-interface testing
  • Research and development laboratories
  • Educational measurement systems
  • Portable PXI test stations
  • Maintenance of established PCI-based PXI systems

Automated Test Equipment

The PXI-1042 can combine multiple instrument functions in one software-controlled platform. A production test system can install a controller, digital multimeter, data acquisition module, switch, waveform source and communication interface within the same chassis.

The shared trigger bus and 10 MHz reference help coordinate compatible instruments during automated test sequences. This can reduce external cabling and improve measurement repeatability.

Data Acquisition Systems

PXI data acquisition modules can be installed for voltage, current, temperature, strain, vibration and digital-state monitoring. Several modules can operate together to create a mixed-signal measurement platform.

The required aggregate data rate should be compared with the chassis’ 132 MB/s conventional PCI bandwidth. High-speed continuous streaming from multiple instruments may exceed the practical throughput available to the controller.

Functional Test Systems

The chassis can host measurement instruments, programmable signal sources and switching modules used to validate electronic assemblies. Software can automatically establish signal paths, apply stimulus and compare measured values against test limits.

This architecture is useful for PCB testing, power-supply validation, sensor testing, actuator control and production quality assurance.

Signal Switching and Routing

Multiple PXI switch modules can be combined with a digital multimeter or DAQ module to measure many DUT test points with a smaller number of instruments.

When designing switching systems, account for relay voltage, current, bandwidth, contact resistance and settling-time limitations. Chassis synchronization does not eliminate signal errors introduced by cables and fixtures.

Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing

The PXI-1042 can support established HIL systems using conventional PXI analog I/O, digital I/O, communication and fault-insertion modules. Trigger and clock resources help coordinate simulated inputs with captured DUT responses.

New HIL applications requiring high-speed FPGA data streaming or PCI Express peer-to-peer transfers may be better served by a modern PXI Express chassis.

Portable Laboratory Systems

The built-in carrying handle, compact width and adjustable feet make the PXI-1042 suitable for movable laboratory and engineering workstations.

Before transporting an assembled system, protect the modules and front-panel connectors from impact. Heavier installations may require a dedicated transit case.

Legacy PXI System Sustainment

The PXI-1042 is particularly useful for maintaining test systems that depend on conventional PXI instruments, legacy operating systems, validated software or specialized test fixtures.

Replacing a failed chassis with the same model can reduce the software redevelopment and validation effort associated with migrating the complete system to PXI Express.

PXI-1042 Installation Workflow

Step 1: Verify the Complete Model and Part Number

Confirm that the chassis is a PXI-1042 rather than a PXI-1042Q. Record the complete part number and inspect the installed power-supply shuttle, rear-panel connections and included accessories.

Step 2: Inspect the Chassis

Check the chassis, backplane connectors, power cable, handle, feet and ventilation openings for damage or contamination. Do not energize a chassis with damaged connectors, loose components or signs of liquid exposure.

Step 3: Select the Installation Location

Place the unit on a stable bench or install it in a compatible instrument rack. Keep other equipment at least 76.2 mm from the rear air intake.

For rack installations, maintain at least 44.5 mm of ventilation clearance above and along the sides. High-power systems may require additional clearance.

Step 4: Establish Protective Grounding

Connect the chassis to a properly grounded AC outlet. If an appropriate protective earth is not available through the power connection, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using the rear chassis-ground terminal.

Step 5: Calculate the Power Budget

Add the power requirements of the controller and all peripheral modules on each DC rail. Account for the reduction in available +3.3 V and +5 V current at ambient temperatures above 50°C.

Step 6: Check Cooling Requirements

Verify that every module can operate within the applicable per-slot cooling capacity. Install high-power modules where airflow will not be obstructed by cables or adjacent equipment.

Step 7: Install the Controller

Disconnect AC power and install the compatible embedded controller or remote-control module in system slot 1. Secure the controller using its front-panel mounting screws.

Step 8: Install Peripheral Modules

Install compatible PXI or CompactPCI modules in slots 2 through 8. Place a timing or star-trigger module in slot 2 when dedicated equal-length trigger distribution is required.

Step 9: Install Filler Panels

Cover all unused front openings with filler panels. Install optional slot blockers when additional airflow control is needed.

Step 10: Select the Fan Mode

Set the rear selector to HIGH for maximum cooling. Use AUTO when reduced sound is important and the installed module load remains safely within thermal limits.

Step 11: Connect Clock and Control Cables

Connect an external 10 MHz reference to the rear REF IN connector when required. Attach remote inhibit and voltage-monitoring wiring only if the system uses these functions.

Step 12: Apply Power

Connect the grounded AC power cable and switch the chassis on. Confirm that the fans operate and that the front power LED remains steady green.

Step 13: Configure the PXI System

Start the controller and use NI Measurement & Automation Explorer to verify that the controller and peripheral modules are detected. Install the appropriate driver for each instrument.

Step 14: Validate System Operation

Run instrument self-tests and a known measurement sequence. Verify trigger routing, reference-clock selection, data throughput and chassis temperature under the maximum anticipated workload.

Bench-Top Installation

For bench use, the carrying handle can be positioned for transport and the front feet can be extended to tilt the chassis. Ensure that the selected orientation does not obstruct the air intake or exhaust openings.

Rack Installation

Optional front rack brackets secure the chassis to a standard 19-inch rack. Rear mounting support should be considered when the rack will be transported or exposed to vibration.

Cables should be routed so they do not block the chassis exhaust or place excessive mechanical force on instrument connectors.

Power-Budget Considerations

The chassis power supply provides different current limits on the +3.3 V, +5 V, +12 V and −12 V rails. A configuration can remain within its total wattage while exceeding the maximum current available on one individual rail.

Review each module’s power specification by voltage rail rather than adding only its total power consumption.

PXI-1042 Troubleshooting

The PXI-1042 Does Not Power On

Verify that the AC cable is connected to a grounded outlet and that the input voltage falls within the 90–264 VAC operating range. Confirm that the front power switch is in the recessed ON position.

Inspect the rear circuit breaker. If it has tripped, disconnect AC power before resetting it.

The Circuit Breaker Trips Again

Turn off the chassis, disconnect the AC cable and remove all installed modules. Test the empty chassis according to the service procedure.

If the empty chassis operates normally, verify the module power requirements and reinstall devices individually. A repeated trip can indicate an overloaded power rail, defective module or faulty power-supply shuttle.

The Power LED Is Not Steady Green

A normal power-on state should produce a steady green front-panel power indicator. An abnormal indication can point to a power-supply or chassis problem.

Disconnect the chassis from AC power and inspect the removable power-supply shuttle. Internal service should be performed only by qualified personnel.

The Controller Is Not Detected

Confirm that the controller is installed in system slot 1 and is fully seated in the backplane connectors. Verify controller compatibility with the conventional PXI platform and installed operating system.

A Peripheral Module Is Not Detected

Power down the system and reseat the module. Check its mechanical keying, backplane compatibility, driver installation and position in the chassis.

If multiple modules are missing, verify the controller, PCI resource allocation and backplane condition.

A PXIe Module Does Not Fit

The PXI-1042 has no PXI Express or hybrid slots. PXIe-only instruments are not compatible and must be installed in an appropriate PXI Express chassis.

The Modules Run Too Hot

Set the fan switch to HIGH, clean the intake filters and remove any obstruction around the rear, top or sides. Install filler panels over empty slots and add slot blockers when required.

Check that each module remains within the 25 W standard slot-cooling capacity and that ambient temperature does not exceed 55°C.

The Fans Are Too Loud

Verify that maximum cooling is not required by the installed modules. AUTO mode can reduce fan speed according to intake temperature.

Dirty filters and restricted rack ventilation can increase fan speed and noise. Clean the filters and improve airflow before changing thermal settings.

Trigger Signals Do Not Reach Another Module

Confirm that both instruments support the selected PXI trigger line and that only one device is configured as the source. Review the route and terminal names in the applicable instrument drivers.

The Star Trigger Does Not Work

Verify that the timing or synchronization module is installed in slot 2 and that the target instruments support PXI star-trigger connections. Standard trigger-bus routes and dedicated star-trigger lines are separate resources.

The External 10 MHz Clock Is Not Selected

Check that the external signal is 10 MHz within ±100 ppm and that its amplitude is between 200 mVpp and 5 Vpp at the rear BNC input. Use suitable 50 Ω cabling and termination.

If slot 2 also supplies a valid external reference, the slot 2 clock source takes priority over the rear input.

System Throughput Is Lower Than Expected

The 132 MB/s figure is the theoretical maximum conventional PCI system bandwidth. Actual throughput depends on module behavior, bus sharing, controller performance, DMA configuration and software overhead.

Reduce simultaneous transfer rates or consider a PXI Express chassis when the application requires sustained high-bandwidth streaming.

The Chassis Is Not Listed as an Instrument in NI MAX

The PXI-1042 primarily provides the backplane, power, cooling and synchronization infrastructure. NI MAX normally identifies the controller and installed peripheral instruments. Chassis visibility depends on the installed PXI platform software.

A Replacement Power Supply Does Not Fit

Confirm that the replacement shuttle is specifically intended for the PXI-1042. The PXI-1042 and PXI-1042Q power-supply shuttle assemblies are not interchangeable.

Preventive Maintenance

Inspect and clean the rear fan filters regularly. Disconnect AC power before removing or servicing filters, modules or the power-supply shuttle.

Check for unusual fan noise, damaged cables, loose rack hardware, contaminated backplane connectors and blocked ventilation openings. The required maintenance interval depends on the amount of dust and contamination in the operating environment.

PXI-1042 Comparison

ModelPlatform and SlotsKey DifferenceBest Suited For
PXI-10428-slot conventional PXI0°C to 55°C operation and 25 W standard slot coolingCompact conventional PXI test systems
PXI-1042Q8-slot conventional PXILower acoustic output and 0°C to 40°C operationOffice, classroom and low-noise laboratories
PXI-104518-slot conventional PXI17 peripheral slotsHigh-channel-count legacy PXI systems
PXIe-1062Q8-slot PXI Express chassisPXI Express bandwidth with reduced acoustic noiseMixed PXI/PXIe laboratory systems
PXIe-10828-slot PXI Express chassisHigher PXI Express throughputModern modular instrumentation systems

PXI-1042 vs PXI-1042Q

The PXI-1042 and PXI-1042Q share an eight-slot conventional PXI architecture, 132 MB/s maximum bandwidth, 25 W per-slot cooling and external clocking capabilities.

The PXI-1042 provides a wider 0°C to 55°C operating range and uses two 60 cfm module-cooling fans. The PXI-1042Q is optimized for reduced acoustic emissions, uses two 51 cfm fans and is specified for operation from 0°C to 40°C.

At 25°C ambient, PXI-1042 sound pressure is specified at 50.5 dBA in AUTO mode, compared with 43.4 dBA for the PXI-1042Q. Choose the standard PXI-1042 for wider-temperature operation and the PXI-1042Q when lower noise is more important.

PXI-1042 vs PXI-1045

The PXI-1042 provides seven peripheral slots, while the PXI-1045 provides 17. Both chassis support conventional PXI modules, universal AC input, a 10 MHz reference clock and 132 MB/s maximum system bandwidth.

Select the PXI-1042 for a compact bench or rack system. Select the PXI-1045 when the application requires additional measurement, switching or communication modules in one chassis.

PXI-1042 vs PXIe-1062Q

The PXI-1042 uses a conventional PCI-based PXI backplane. The PXIe-1062Q adds PXI Express connectivity, substantially greater bandwidth and compatibility with suitable PXIe instruments.

The PXI-1042 is useful for maintaining existing conventional PXI systems. The PXIe-1062Q is a better choice for new applications that require PXI Express modules while retaining a compact, low-noise chassis format.

PXI-1042 vs PXIe-1082

The PXIe-1082 is a newer PXI Express chassis intended for higher-throughput test systems. It supports native PCI Express data paths that are not available in the PXI-1042.

Migration requires checking every conventional PXI module for hybrid-slot compatibility. Mechanically similar PXI and PXIe hardware is not automatically interchangeable.

Selecting the Right Chassis

Choose the PXI-1042 when the application requires seven conventional PXI peripheral slots, universal AC power, external 10 MHz clocking and reliable operation across a 0°C to 55°C temperature range.

Choose the PXI-1042Q when reduced acoustic noise is the primary requirement. Select the PXI-1045 for additional conventional PXI capacity or a PXI Express chassis for high-throughput modern instrumentation.

Recommended Related Products

Why Choose the PXI-1042?

  • Provides seven peripheral slots in a compact chassis
  • Supports compatible conventional PXI instruments
  • Accepts supported 3U CompactPCI modules
  • Offers 132 MB/s maximum system bandwidth
  • Provides dedicated star-trigger connections
  • Includes eight shared PXI trigger lines
  • Distributes a low-jitter 10 MHz reference clock
  • Supports external reference-clock input and output
  • Operates from universal AC mains
  • Provides 25 W standard cooling capacity per slot
  • Supports operation from 0°C to 55°C
  • Includes a removable power-supply shuttle
  • Supports bench-top and rack-mounted use
  • Helps maintain validated legacy PXI systems

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PXI-1042?

The PXI-1042 is an eight-slot conventional PXI chassis used to power, cool and connect PXI instruments in automated test, measurement and control systems.

How many peripheral slots does the PXI-1042 provide?

It provides seven peripheral slots in addition to the dedicated system-controller slot.

Which slot is the star-trigger slot?

Slot 2 is the star-trigger slot. It has dedicated equal-length trigger connections to the other six peripheral positions.

Is the PXI-1042 a PXI Express chassis?

No. It is a conventional PCI-based PXI chassis and provides no native PXI Express or hybrid peripheral slots.

Can PXIe modules be installed in the PXI-1042?

No. PXI Express-only modules require a compatible PXI Express chassis. The PXI-1042 accepts supported conventional PXI and 3U CompactPCI modules.

What is the PXI-1042 maximum system bandwidth?

The maximum system bandwidth is 132 MB/s. Actual sustained throughput depends on the controller, installed instruments, DMA operation and software configuration.

What is the slot-cooling capacity?

The standard 778636-01 PXI-1042 configuration provides 25 W of cooling per slot. Certain OEM or backplane configurations are listed by NI with 30 W cooling, so the complete part number should be checked.

What is the operating-temperature range?

The standard PXI-1042 operates from 0°C to 55°C. This differs from the quieter PXI-1042Q, which is specified from 0°C to 40°C.

What AC voltage does it accept?

The chassis accepts nominal 100–240 VAC at 50/60 Hz. Its guaranteed operating range is 90–264 VAC and 47–63 Hz.

Does the PXI-1042 provide a reference clock?

Yes. It distributes a low-jitter 10 MHz PXI_CLK10 reference to every peripheral slot.

Can an external 10 MHz clock be used?

Yes. An external 10 MHz reference can enter through the rear-panel BNC connector or through the designated clock input in slot 2.

Can the PXI-1042 synchronize with another chassis?

Yes. The rear REF IN and REF OUT BNC connectors can distribute a common 10 MHz frequency reference between compatible chassis and instruments.

Does the PXI-1042 support PXI trigger lines?

Yes. All peripheral slots share eight PXI trigger lines, and slot 2 also provides dedicated star-trigger connections.

Can the PXI-1042 be rack mounted?

Yes. Optional front and rear rack-mount kits support installation in a standard 19-inch instrument cabinet.

Does it support remote power control?

Yes. A rear nine-pin D-Sub connector supports power-supply inhibit control and DC voltage monitoring.

Is the power supply replaceable?

Yes. The rear power-supply shuttle can be replaced by qualified service personnel. The PXI-1042 and PXI-1042Q shuttle assemblies are not interchangeable.

What is the standard PXI-1042 part number?

The standard complete chassis is part number 778636-01. Additional official configurations include the 778636-03 OEM chassis and 780034-01 backplane assembly.

Is the PXI-1042 still available from NI?

NI identifies the PXI-1042 as no longer available for standard new purchase and assigns it limited-support status. Refurbished or surplus availability depends on supplier inventory.

When should the PXI-1042 be replaced with PXI Express?

A PXI Express chassis should be considered when the test system requires PXIe-only instruments, multi-gigabyte-per-second throughput, peer-to-peer transfers or current high-speed modular hardware.

Request a Quote for the PXI-1042

Contact us for current availability, condition, lead time and project pricing for the NI PXI-1042 8-Slot Universal AC PXI Chassis. We can also help verify the complete part number, power-supply shuttle, rack-mount accessories, PXI controller and module compatibility for your test system.

Part Number(s): 780034-01丨778636-01丨778636-03

Specifications

Brand

National Instruments

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We can provide new and original products sourced through reliable supply channels. Depending on availability and customer requirements, selected models may also be available in used or refurbished condition. Please confirm the required condition when requesting a quotation.

Please contact us with the required model number, quantity, and application requirements. We provide competitive quotations and project-based pricing according to your purchasing needs.

Stock availability changes regularly. Some models are available for immediate shipment, while others require factory ordering or sourcing. Contact us with the exact model and part number for the latest availability.

Yes, we provide worldwide shipping solutions for customers in different countries and regions. We can arrange reliable logistics services based on your destination and delivery requirements.

Yes, our technical team can help verify specifications, system compatibility, accessories, and product selection based on your application requirements.