PXIe-1092

PXIe-1092 10-Slot PXI Express Chassis

The NI PXIe-1092 is a high-performance 10-slot PXI Express chassis designed for automated test, RF measurement, semiconductor validation, high-speed data acquisition, hardware-in-the-loop testing and synchronized multichannel instrumentation systems.

The chassis provides up to 24 GB/s maximum system bandwidth and supports as much as 8 GB/s of dedicated single-direction bandwidth for compatible PCI Express Gen 3 instruments. Its flexible backplane includes seven PXI Express hybrid peripheral slots and one PXI Express system timing slot.

PXI Express modules can be installed in every functional peripheral position, while compatible conventional PXI modules can be installed in the seven hybrid slots. Slot 10 is a peripheral expansion position that provides power and mechanical space for supported multi-slot-wide instruments but does not provide an independent data connection.

The PXIe-1092 also provides selectable 38 W, 58 W and 82 W cooling profiles, up to 988 W of available power, low-jitter 10 MHz and 100 MHz reference clocks and an optional Timing and Synchronization configuration with an oven-controlled crystal oscillator.

Key Features of the PXIe-1092

• 10-slot 3U PXI Express chassis
• One PXI Express system controller slot
• Seven PXI Express hybrid peripheral slots
• One PXI Express system timing slot
• One power-only peripheral expansion slot
• PXI Express module support in every functional peripheral position
• PXI hybrid-compatible module support in seven slots
• Up to 24 GB/s maximum system bandwidth
• PCI Express Gen 3 backplane architecture
• Up to 8 GB/s dedicated bandwidth to supported slots
• 38 W, 58 W and 82 W cooling profiles
• 82 W per-slot cooling from 0°C to 40°C
• 58 W per-slot cooling from 0°C to 55°C
• 988 W maximum total available power
• Universal 90 VAC to 264 VAC operating range
• Low-jitter 10 MHz and 100 MHz reference clocks
• Optional high-accuracy OCXO
• Optional external clock and trigger connections
• PXI trigger bus and PXI star triggering
• PXI Express differential star triggering
• Remote inhibit and chassis monitoring with timing option
• Power-supply replacement in less than one minute
• Suitable for benchtop and rack-mounted systems

PXIe-1092 Technical Specifications

The 24 GB/s specification represents the chassis’s maximum theoretical aggregate bandwidth. Actual data-transfer performance depends on the controller, slot connection, module interface, driver, DMA implementation, memory architecture and data-storage system.

The 82 W rating refers to cooling available for an individual peripheral slot under the specified environmental conditions. The complete configuration must also remain within the 988 W total power limit and the current limit of every supply rail.

PXIe-1092 Part Number and Accessories

Part number 784781-01 identifies the standard chassis with a VCXO reference oscillator. Part number 786991-01 identifies the Timing and Synchronization version with an OCXO and integrated external clock, trigger, remote-inhibit and monitoring connections.

Power cords are selected separately according to the destination country and facility voltage. Confirm the plug type, voltage rating, current capacity and local certification before ordering.

Understanding the 10-Slot Configuration

The PXIe-1092 is marketed as a 10-slot PXI Express chassis. The physical positions include the system controller slot, seven hybrid peripheral slots, one system timing slot and one peripheral expansion slot.

The peripheral expansion position in Slot 10 is not an independent instrument slot. It supplies power and mechanical space for supported multi-slot-wide modules whose primary backplane connection is established through an adjacent functional slot.

This distinction is important when calculating usable instrument capacity. The chassis provides eight functional peripheral positions, while Slot 10 is intended to support wide-module installation.

Seven Hybrid Peripheral Slots

The seven hybrid positions accept compatible PXI Express modules and PXI hybrid-compatible instruments. This provides greater flexibility than a chassis containing separate groups of PXI-only and PXIe-only slots.

Engineers can position PXI Express digitizers, RF instruments, FPGA modules and source measure units according to their bandwidth requirements while retaining selected conventional PXI switching or communication modules.

Some older PXI modules cannot be installed in a hybrid slot because of their connector construction or local-bus requirements. Verify compatibility using the module documentation before purchase or installation.

PXI Express System Timing Slot

The dedicated system timing slot provides point-to-point timing and trigger resources for compatible PXI Express timing modules. These resources can distribute clocks and precisely aligned triggers across the backplane.

A system timing module can replace or discipline the chassis clock, generate synchronized trigger events and coordinate instruments across multiple PXI Express chassis.

If a dedicated timing module is not required, the slot can accept compatible PXI Express peripheral modules according to the instrument and chassis documentation.

Power-Only Peripheral Expansion Slot

Slot 10 provides power and mechanical space but does not contain a complete independent PCI Express instrument interface. It is intended for supported modules that occupy two or more physical positions.

A wide module uses an adjacent functional slot for PCI Express communication while occupying the expansion position for physical width, cooling and power distribution.

A single-slot instrument installed only in the expansion position will not operate as an independently addressable PXI Express device.

24 GB/s PCI Express Gen 3 Backplane

The PXIe-1092 provides up to 24 GB/s of theoretical aggregate system bandwidth. PCI Express Gen 3 connections allow large volumes of data to move between compatible instruments and the system controller.

Selected positions support as much as 8 GB/s of dedicated single-direction bandwidth through x8 Gen 3 links. This capacity is useful for wideband RF transceivers, high-speed digitizers, FlexRIO FPGA modules and data-streaming instruments.

Lower-bandwidth instruments remain compatible, but their performance is limited by the module’s own interface and the backplane link assigned to its slot.

High-Speed Data Streaming

The chassis can support high-throughput DMA transfers between PXI Express instruments and the system controller. Compatible devices may also support peer-to-peer transfers across the PCI Express backplane.

Peer-to-peer streaming can reduce host processor loading by allowing one instrument to transfer data directly to another compatible module. This is useful for FPGA processing, waveform playback and closed-loop test systems.

Support depends on the controller, module, driver and software environment. Installing two high-speed modules does not automatically enable peer-to-peer operation.

988 W Available Power

The PXIe-1092 provides up to 988 W of total available DC power. This capacity supports configurations containing high-performance controllers and several power-intensive PXI Express instruments.

The +12 V rail provides as much as 74 A and is particularly important for modern PXI Express modules. The chassis also supplies +5 V, +3.3 V, −12 V and auxiliary power for compatible hardware.

A proper system power budget must check the total wattage and every individual voltage rail. A configuration can remain below 988 W while still exceeding the current available from a particular rail.

Serviceable Power Supply

The chassis power supply is designed for rapid service replacement, with a specified mean time to repair of less than one minute. This reduces maintenance time in production and laboratory systems.

The PXIe-1092 does not provide the dual-power-supply redundancy available in larger chassis such as the PXIe-1095. Power must be removed according to the service instructions before the single installed supply is replaced.

38 W Cooling Profile

The 38 W profile supports modules dissipating up to 38 W per slot and provides the lowest acoustic-noise operating mode. It is appropriate for many conventional DAQ, switching, communication and measurement instruments.

In Auto fan mode and at ambient temperatures up to 30°C, the specified sound pressure level is approximately 35.9 dBA at the operator position.

58 W and 82 W Cooling Profile

The higher cooling profile supports modules dissipating up to 58 W per slot from 0°C to 55°C. It can support modules dissipating more than 58 W and up to 82 W when the ambient temperature remains between 0°C and 40°C.

This profile is intended for high-performance FPGA, RF, digitizer and power instruments. It produces more acoustic noise because the chassis must maintain higher airflow.

PXI Platform Services can identify the cooling requirements of supported NI modules. Cooling profiles that do not meet the installed hardware requirements may be unavailable or overridden.

Advanced Forced-Air Cooling

Two 210 CFM fans provide positive-pressure cooling through the controller and peripheral modules. Air enters at the rear, passes from the bottom to the top of each module and exits through the top of the chassis.

A separate 70 CFM fan supports secondary cooling. The power supply includes integrated fans, while the Timing and Synchronization hardware has an additional side-to-top airflow path.

Unused positions should be covered with filler panels. Open slots change chassis pressure and allow air to bypass the installed modules, reducing cooling effectiveness.

Low-Jitter Reference Clocks

The PXIe-1092 distributes a 10 MHz PXI_CLK10 reference and the differential 100 MHz PXIe_CLK100 and PXIe_SYNC100 signals to compatible modules.

The standard VCXO provides ±25 ppm maximum frequency accuracy. PXI_CLK10 has maximum slot-to-slot skew of 250 ps and maximum phase jitter of 5 ps RMS.

PXIe_CLK100 provides maximum slot-to-slot skew of 100 ps, with specified phase jitter of 3 ps RMS from 10 Hz to 12 kHz and 2 ps RMS from 12 kHz to 20 MHz.

Optional OCXO Timing

The Timing and Synchronization version replaces the standard timing architecture with a higher-accuracy oven-controlled crystal oscillator. The OCXO provides specified accuracy of ±80 ppb within one year of calibration after the required warm-up period.

Long-term stability is specified at ±50 ppb per year. This makes the OCXO configuration appropriate for precision frequency measurements, RF testing and systems that must minimize reference-clock drift.

External Reference Clocking

The Timing and Synchronization version provides rear-panel external reference clock input and output connections. The 10 MHz reference input accepts compatible sine- or square-wave signals from 100 mVpp to 5 Vpp.

When a valid external reference is selected, the chassis clocks can be synchronized to a laboratory standard or another measurement system. Proper 50 Ω cabling and termination are necessary to preserve signal integrity.

PXI and PXIe Trigger Resources

The PXIe-1092 provides the standard PXI trigger bus, PXI star trigger and PXI Express differential star trigger connections.

The PXI star trigger offers maximum slot-to-slot skew of 250 ps. PXIe-DSTAR connections provide maximum slot-to-slot skew of 150 ps and maximum differential skew of 25 ps.

These resources support synchronized acquisition, waveform generation, RF measurements and deterministic stimulus-and-response testing.

Remote Inhibit and Chassis Monitoring

The Timing and Synchronization model provides a rear-panel interface for remote power inhibit, chassis fault reporting and programmable function I/O.

Remote inhibit can be integrated into rack-level safety systems or automated shutdown controls. The fault signal can notify external equipment when the chassis detects a qualifying power, cooling or monitoring condition.

Benchtop and Rack Integration

The PXIe-1092 is narrower than an 18-slot PXI chassis and is suitable for benchtop systems requiring high bandwidth and substantial module capacity without occupying a full rack width.

Optional rack-mount hardware can be used for installation in a compatible 19-inch equipment rack. Adequate mechanical support and cooling clearance must be maintained.

PXIe-1092 Applications

• Automated electronic test equipment
• Semiconductor characterization
• RF and wireless device testing
• Wideband signal generation and analysis
• High-speed digitizer systems
• FPGA-based signal processing
• Peer-to-peer data streaming
• Hardware-in-the-loop simulation
• Automotive ECU validation
• Aerospace and defense testing
• Radar and electronic-warfare validation
• Electronic power testing
• Multichannel synchronized acquisition
• Production functional testing
• Laboratory research and development

Compact High-Performance ATE Systems

The PXIe-1092 provides a balance between high bandwidth, module capacity and chassis size. It can combine measurement, stimulus, switching and communication instruments in a compact automated test platform.

Its seven hybrid positions are useful when a system must integrate modern PXI Express instruments with supported conventional PXI modules.

Semiconductor Characterization

The chassis can host source measure units, digital pattern instruments, waveform generators, digitizers and switching modules for semiconductor characterization and validation.

High power and cooling capacity help support dense source-and-measure configurations, while the 24 GB/s backplane moves test data efficiently to the controller.

RF and Wireless Testing

Vector signal transceivers, RF generators, analyzers and RF switch modules can be integrated into a software-controlled PXI Express test system.

The optional OCXO improves frequency-reference stability, while external clock and trigger connections help coordinate the chassis with other RF equipment.

High-Speed Data Acquisition

PXI Express oscilloscopes and digitizers can use the Gen 3 backplane to transfer waveform data to the controller. Multiple synchronized instruments can be used for transient capture, physics research and multichannel recording.

Sustained recording performance also depends on controller memory, DMA buffers and storage speed. A suitable NVMe or RAID architecture may be required for long-duration high-rate acquisition.

Hardware-in-the-Loop Validation

The chassis can combine FPGA modules, analog I/O, digital I/O, vehicle communication interfaces and fault-insertion switches for real-time controller testing.

Hardware trigger and clock resources help coordinate simulation execution, fault application, waveform generation and DUT response acquisition.

Radar and Electronic-Warfare Testing

High-bandwidth RF instruments and FPGA coprocessors can use the chassis for real-time waveform generation, signal capture and inline processing.

Dedicated PCI Express links and compatible peer-to-peer streaming reduce the need to send every data block through the host processor.

Electronic Power Testing

The 988 W supply and 82 W cooling profile support configurations using high-performance source measure units and other power-intensive PXI Express instruments.

Power testing still requires appropriate external wiring, interlocks, fusing and fixture protection. Chassis capacity does not replace application-level electrical safety controls.

PXIe-1092 Installation Workflow

Step 1: Inspect the Chassis

Inspect the enclosure, backplane connectors, fan openings, power supply and included filler panels. Do not power the chassis if there is evidence of mechanical damage or contamination.

Step 2: Prepare the Installation Location

Place the PXIe-1092 on a stable surface or install it using compatible rack-mount hardware. Account for the chassis weight, controller, instruments and connected cables.

Rear Clearance

Provide at least 101.6 mm behind the chassis for cooling-air intake, power connections and cable access.

Top Clearance

Provide at least 44.45 mm above the chassis because the module and power-supply exhaust vents are located on the top.

Side Clearance

Provide at least 44.45 mm on each side for secondary cooling and Timing and Synchronization airflow.

Step 3: Connect Protective Earth

Connect the chassis to a properly grounded AC outlet using a correctly rated power cord. The protective-earth connection should be established before modules and signal cables are installed.

Do not position the chassis so that the AC power cord cannot be disconnected quickly. Removing the cord is the main method of completely disconnecting power.

Step 4: Plan the Slot Assignment

Create a slot map based on controller width, module interface, bandwidth, cooling, power consumption and timing requirements.

System Controller Slot

Install the embedded controller or compatible remote-control interface in the system slot. Reserve adjacent expansion positions if the controller requires additional width.

Hybrid Peripheral Slots

Use the seven hybrid slots for PXI Express modules and supported hybrid-compatible PXI instruments.

System Timing Slot

Reserve the system timing position for a compatible timing module when advanced clock and differential trigger control are required.

Peripheral Expansion Slot

Use Slot 10 only as the power and mechanical expansion position for a supported multi-slot-wide instrument. Do not count it as an independent data slot.

Step 5: Calculate Power Requirements

Add the maximum consumption of the controller and every installed module. Confirm that total power remains below 988 W.

Check the required current on the +12 V, +5 V, +3.3 V, −12 V and auxiliary rails. Also verify the current limit applicable to each individual slot.

Step 6: Select the Cooling Profile

Choose the 38 W or 58 W/82 W profile according to the highest cooling requirement among the installed instruments.

If any module requires more than 58 W, maintain the ambient temperature between 0°C and 40°C. Do not use the broader 55°C limit for an 82 W module configuration.

Step 7: Install the Controller and Modules

Turn off the chassis and use appropriate electrostatic-discharge protection. Align each module with the chassis guides and slide it evenly toward the backplane.

Use the injector/ejector handle to fully engage the connectors, then tighten the module retaining screws. Do not force an incompatible PXI module into a hybrid position.

Step 8: Install Filler Panels

Cover every unused position with the supplied filler panels. This preserves positive air pressure, forces cooling air through the installed modules and supports electromagnetic compatibility.

Step 9: Connect Timing and Trigger Signals

For the Timing and Synchronization model, connect the external reference clock, trigger interface and remote-inhibit signals according to the system design.

Use compatible 50 Ω clock cabling and verify every connector before applying external signals.

Step 10: Power On the Chassis

Connect AC power and turn on the chassis. Confirm normal power, temperature and fan indications before starting the controller.

Step 11: Configure the System in NI MAX

Open NI Measurement & Automation Explorer and confirm that the chassis, controller and installed instruments appear in the expected slot positions.

Review the configured fan mode, cooling profile and chassis monitoring information where supported.

Step 12: Validate System Performance

Run module self-tests, verify external reference lock and test the required backplane trigger routes. Execute a representative data-transfer test to confirm the expected application throughput.

PXIe-1092 Troubleshooting

Chassis Power Problems

The PXIe-1092 does not power on

Check the AC outlet, power cord and facility circuit. On the timing-enabled model, verify that the remote-inhibit connection is not preventing startup.

The chassis shuts down under load

Review total wattage and individual voltage-rail current. Remove nonessential modules and test again. Check for an overloaded or incorrectly installed multi-slot module.

The power supply reports a fault

Turn off the system and inspect airflow, module loading and the power-supply assembly. Replace the supply only with the correct compatible part and according to the service instructions.

Module Detection Problems

A module does not appear in NI MAX

Power off the chassis and verify that the module is fully installed in a compatible functional slot. Check the driver version and refresh the hardware list.

A module installed in Slot 10 is not detected

Slot 10 is a power-only expansion position and does not provide an independent PCI Express data connection. Install single-slot instruments in a hybrid or system timing position.

A conventional PXI module does not fit

Confirm that the module supports PXI Express hybrid-slot installation. The PXIe-1092 does not contain dedicated conventional PXI-only slots.

Cooling Problems

A module reports excessive temperature

Confirm that the selected profile meets the module’s cooling requirement. Inspect the rear, top and side clearances and cover all empty positions with filler panels.

The fans are louder than expected

The 58 W/82 W profile intentionally produces higher airflow and acoustic noise. Check whether the installed modules require this profile and whether high intake temperature is increasing fan speed.

Chassis temperature rises in a rack

Prevent hot exhaust air from recirculating into the rear intake. Improve rack ventilation, increase clearance and separate the chassis from nearby heat-generating equipment.

Bandwidth Problems

Data transfer is below 24 GB/s

The 24 GB/s value is an aggregate theoretical rating. Check the module link width, controller, DMA configuration, processor utilization and destination storage performance.

Streaming stops during a long acquisition

Increase software buffers and review controller memory and disk throughput. High-speed continuous recording may require NVMe or RAID storage.

Peer-to-peer streaming does not work

Confirm that both instruments, their assigned slots, installed drivers and application software support peer-to-peer data transfer.

Clock and Trigger Problems

The external 10 MHz reference does not lock

Verify that the source is 10 MHz within the permitted tolerance and provides the specified amplitude. Inspect the SMA cable, 50 Ω termination and selected clock source.

Measurements drift between instruments

Confirm that every instrument is configured to use the same reference clock. A shared frequency reference reduces drift but does not automatically align acquisition start events.

Trigger timing is inconsistent

Use PXI star or PXIe differential star connections when low skew is required. Check the trigger route and confirm that the modules support the selected timing resource.

Remote-Control Problems

The external host cannot detect the chassis

Check the PXI Express remote-control module, host interface and cable. Follow the specified power-on order and verify driver and operating-system compatibility.

The chassis remains remotely inhibited

Disconnect the remote-inhibit cable and test normal front-panel operation. If the chassis then powers on, inspect the external control circuit and connector wiring.

PXIe-1092 Comparison

PXIe-1092 vs PXIe-1095

The PXIe-1092 provides similar backplane bandwidth and per-slot cooling in a smaller chassis. The PXIe-1095 is preferred when the system requires substantially more instrument positions or dual hot-swappable power supplies.

PXIe-1092 vs PXIe-1082

PXIe-1092 vs PXIe-1092 Timing and Synchronization

Selecting the Right PXI Express Chassis

Choose the PXIe-1092 when the application requires a compact chassis with seven hybrid slots, up to 24 GB/s system bandwidth, 82 W cooling and support for a power-only expansion position.

Choose the Timing and Synchronization version when OCXO accuracy, external reference clocking, external trigger routing or remote chassis monitoring is required.

Select the PXIe-1095 when the system requires more functional peripheral slots, a second power supply or a larger total power capacity.

Why Choose the PXIe-1092?

• Provides high performance in a compact chassis
• Delivers up to 24 GB/s of system bandwidth
• Supports up to 8 GB/s dedicated slot bandwidth
• Provides seven flexible hybrid peripheral slots
• Accepts PXI Express modules in every functional peripheral position
• Supports compatible conventional PXI instruments
• Provides a dedicated system timing slot
• Includes a power-only slot for wide modules
• Provides up to 988 W of available power
• Supports as much as 82 W of cooling per slot
• Offers an optional high-accuracy OCXO
• Supports external clock and trigger routing options
• Works for laboratory, validation and production systems

PXIe-1092 Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PXIe-1092?

The PXIe-1092 is a high-performance PXI Express chassis with a PCI Express Gen 3 backplane, seven hybrid slots, one system timing slot and one power-only expansion position.

Is the PXIe-1092 a 9-slot or 10-slot chassis?

NI markets it as a 10-slot chassis because it has ten physical positions. However, Slot 10 is a power-only peripheral expansion position, so the chassis provides nine backplane-connected positions including the controller slot.

Can a normal PXI Express module operate in Slot 10?

No. Slot 10 does not provide an independent PCI Express data connection. It is intended to provide power and physical space for supported multi-slot-wide modules.

How many hybrid slots does the PXIe-1092 provide?

The chassis provides seven PXI Express hybrid peripheral slots.

Can conventional PXI modules be installed?

Yes. Compatible PXI hybrid-compatible modules can be installed in the seven hybrid slots.

Does the PXIe-1092 have conventional PXI-only slots?

No. It has no dedicated PXI-only slots. Conventional PXI compatibility is provided through the seven hybrid positions.

What is the maximum system bandwidth?

The PXIe-1092 provides up to 24 GB/s of theoretical aggregate system bandwidth.

What is the maximum bandwidth for one slot?

Supported positions can provide up to 8 GB/s of dedicated single-direction bandwidth through an x8 PCI Express Gen 3 connection.

How much power does the chassis provide?

The maximum total available power is 988 W, subject to the current limits of the individual voltage rails and slots.

What is the maximum per-slot cooling?

The PXIe-1092 supports up to 82 W of cooling per slot from 0°C to 40°C.

Can the chassis operate at 55°C?

Yes, when every installed peripheral module requires no more than 58 W of cooling. If any module requires more than 58 W, the maximum ambient temperature is 40°C.

Does the PXIe-1092 use a redundant power supply?

No. It uses one serviceable AC power supply and does not provide the dual-supply redundancy architecture of the PXIe-1095.

Can the power supply be replaced?

Yes. NI specifies a power-supply replacement time of less than one minute when the correct service procedure is followed.

What is the difference between 784781-01 and 786991-01?

Part number 784781-01 is the standard VCXO chassis. Part number 786991-01 adds the OCXO-based Timing and Synchronization option.

What is the OCXO accuracy?

The timing-enabled version specifies ±80 ppb maximum accuracy within one year of calibration after the required warm-up period.

Does the PXIe-1092 support external clocking?

External reference clock input and output are provided with the Timing and Synchronization version.

Does the chassis support external triggers?

The Timing and Synchronization version provides integrated external trigger-routing connections. The standard version retains internal backplane trigger resources.

Can the PXIe-1092 be controlled by an external computer?

Yes. Install a compatible PXI Express remote-control interface in the system controller slot and connect it to the appropriate host-side interface.

Can the PXIe-1092 operate from 400 Hz power?

Yes. Operation up to 440 Hz is supported within the specified 100 VAC to 120 VAC input range.

How much ventilation clearance is required?

Provide at least 101.6 mm behind the chassis and at least 44.45 mm above and on each side.

Which software configures the chassis?

NI Measurement & Automation Explorer and NI PXI Platform Services are used to identify, configure and monitor the PXIe-1092.

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Request a Quote for the PXIe-1092

Contact us for current availability, lead time and project pricing for the NI PXIe-1092 10-Slot PXI Express Chassis. We can supply the standard VCXO configuration or the OCXO-based Timing and Synchronization version.

When requesting a quote, provide the required part number, destination-country power cord, controller model and a list of the instruments that will be installed. This allows the slot compatibility, power requirements, cooling profile and backplane bandwidth to be reviewed before ordering.