The PXIe-8861 is a PXI Embedded Controller from National Instruments, designed for processor-intensive RF test, modular instrumentation, data acquisition, and automated measurement systems. As a high-performance controller for PXI Express systems, the NI PXIe-8861 provides the processing power and connectivity needed to manage multiple PXI and PXIe modules in a single chassis. It features an Intel Xeon 4-core processor with a 2.8 GHz base frequency, making it suitable for demanding PXI Express test platforms.
The NI PXIe-8861 is used as the main system controller inside a PXI Express chassis. Instead of controlling the chassis with an external desktop computer, engineers can install the PXIe-8861 directly into the chassis to create a more compact, integrated, and reliable test system. This design helps reduce external cabling, simplify system setup, and improve system stability in automated test environments.
For connectivity, the PXIe-8861 PXI Controller includes two 10/100/1000BASE-TX Gigabit Ethernet ports, two USB 3.0 ports, four USB 2.0 ports, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, an integrated hard drive, a serial port, and other peripheral I/O. These interfaces allow users to connect external storage devices, network systems, USB peripherals, serial instruments, displays, and other test equipment.
The National Instruments PXIe-8861 is suitable for controlling a wide range of PXI and PXI Express modules, including digitizers, oscilloscopes, vector signal transceivers, RF signal analyzers, signal generators, switch modules, source measure units, digital I/O modules, and multifunction DAQ modules. Its processing capability makes it useful for applications where large amounts of data must be acquired, analyzed, stored, or transferred in real time.
The PXIe-8861 is especially useful for RF test, high-channel-count data acquisition, modular instrumentation, and processor-intensive automated test systems. Engineers can use it to run test software, control multiple instruments, process measurement data, and manage communication between the PXI chassis and external systems. The controller’s Thunderbolt 3 and Gigabit Ethernet interfaces also make it practical for systems that require high-speed peripheral connections and network communication.
The PXIe-8861 Embedded Controller is available under multiple NI part numbers, including 786986-01, 785831-33, 785831-0118, 785831-01, 787567-01, and 787567-33. This allows users to select different configurations based on operating system, storage, memory, GPIB, or regional supply options.
In system integration, the NI PXIe-8861 provides a strong control platform for large PXI Express test systems. It can be used in semiconductor testing, aerospace and defense validation, wireless communication testing, production test stations, laboratory automation, and industrial measurement systems. For users who need a higher-performance PXI controller than entry-level models, the PXIe-8861 offers more processing capability and better connectivity for complex modular test platforms.
Overall, the NI PXIe-8861 PXI Embedded Controller is a high-performance controller for PXI Express systems. With its 2.8 GHz Intel Xeon 4-core processor, dual Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, Thunderbolt 3, serial port, integrated storage, and PXI Express platform compatibility, the PXIe-8861 is well suited for RF measurement, modular instrumentation, data acquisition, and advanced automated test applications.
