PXI-4072 6½-Digit FlexDMM, LCR Meter and Digitizer
Земля NI PXI-4072 is a multifunction PXI digital multimeter that combines a 6½-digit FlexDMM, an LCR meter and a 1.8 MS/s isolated waveform digitizer in a single 3U PXI module. It is designed for automated production testing, electronic component characterization, research laboratories and validation systems requiring multiple precision measurement functions.
The PXI-4072 measures AC and DC voltage, AC and DC current, two-wire and four-wire resistance, frequency, period, temperature, capacitance and inductance. Its isolated digitizer can acquire voltage and current waveforms with flexible resolution from 10 to 23 bits, enabling both traditional DMM readings and waveform-based analysis from one instrument.
Key Features of the PXI-4072
- 6½-digit PXI digital multimeter
- Integrated LCR measurement capability
- Capacitance and inductance measurements
- 1.8 MS/s isolated waveform digitizer
- 10-bit to 23-bit flexible digitizer resolution
- ±300 VDC and 300 Vrms measurement capability
- Up to ±1 A DC and AC current measurements
- Two-wire and four-wire resistance measurements
- Frequency, period and diode test functions
- Temperature measurements with RTDs and thermistors
- Up to 10,000 DC readings per second
- Up to 40 LCR measurements per second
- Approximately 0.25% basic inductance and capacitance accuracy
- AC-coupled and DC-coupled waveform acquisition
- ±300 V isolation from chassis ground
- Built-in self-calibration
- Hardware triggering and PXI synchronization
- NI-DMM driver support
- Single-slot 3U PXI format
PXI-4072 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PXI-4072 |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 778270-01 |
| Product Type | PXI FlexDMM, LCR meter and isolated digitizer |
| DMM Resolution | 6½ digits |
| Integrated Functions | Digital multimeter, LCR meter and waveform digitizer |
| Maximum Digitizer Sample Rate | 1.8 MS/s |
| Digitizer Resolution | 10 to 23 bits, depending on sample rate |
| DC Voltage Range | Up to ±300 VDC |
| AC Voltage Range | Up to 300 Vrms or 425 V peak |
| DC Current Range | Up to ±1 A |
| AC Current Range | Up to 1 Arms |
| Resistance Measurements | Two-wire and four-wire resistance |
| LCR Measurements | Capacitance and inductance |
| LCR Basic Accuracy | Approximately 0.25% for capacitance and inductance |
| Maximum LCR Reading Rate | Up to 40 readings/s |
| Maximum DC Reading Rate | Up to 10 kS/s at 4½-digit resolution |
| 6½-Digit Reading Rate | Up to 100 readings/s |
| 5½-Digit Reading Rate | Up to 3,000 readings/s |
| Input Coupling | AC or DC coupling in digitizer mode |
| Изоляция | ±300 VDC or Vrms from input to chassis ground |
| Measurement Functions | Approximately 20 built-in measurement functions |
| Self-Calibration | Gain, offset and temperature self-calibration |
| External Calibration Interval | 2 years |
| Software Driver | NI-DMM |
| Шинный интерфейс | PXI |
| Module Format | 3U, one-slot PXI module |
| Maximum Power Consumption | Less than 12 W from the PXI backplane |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C |
| Storage Temperature | −40°C to 70°C |
PXI-4072 Part Number and Connectivity
| Item | Part Number | Описание |
|---|---|---|
| PXI-4072 | 778270-01 | 6½-digit PXI FlexDMM with LCR measurements and 1.8 MS/s digitizer |
| Low-Thermal Test Leads | Configuration dependent | Test leads for precision voltage and resistance measurements |
| Four-Wire Resistance Cable | Configuration dependent | Kelvin connection cable for four-wire resistance measurements |
| LCR Measurement Cable | Configuration dependent | Shielded fixture connection for capacitance and inductance measurements |
| ПХИ-4022 | 779614-01 | Guard and current amplifier for six-wire resistance and low-current measurements |
The required cables and fixtures depend on whether the application measures voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, inductance, temperature or waveforms. Verify connector type, voltage rating, current capacity, shielding and Kelvin connection requirements before ordering accessories.
Three Instruments in One PXI Module
The PXI-4072 integrates the capabilities of three commonly used instruments: a precision digital multimeter, an LCR meter and an isolated waveform digitizer. This multifunction architecture reduces the number of PXI slots and external instruments required in an automated test system.
Applications can change between measurement functions through the NI-DMM software interface. A test sequence can measure DC voltage, evaluate resistance, characterize capacitance and then acquire a transient waveform without manually reconnecting separate bench instruments.
6½-Digit FlexDMM Measurements
The FlexDMM architecture allows users to balance measurement resolution, noise rejection and acquisition speed. Higher-resolution settings are appropriate for precision measurements, while lower-resolution modes provide faster readings for production testing and scanning applications.
The PXI-4072 supports approximately 100 readings per second at 6½ digits, 3,000 readings per second at 5½ digits and as many as 10,000 readings per second at 4½ digits. Actual throughput depends on range changes, aperture, auto-zero settings, triggering, switching and device-under-test settling time.
DC Voltage Measurements
The PXI-4072 measures DC voltages as high as ±300 V. It can be used for power-supply validation, battery testing, circuit-board inspection, sensor measurements and general electronic characterization.
For low-level DC measurements, use low-thermal connections and allow the system to reach a stable temperature. Connector materials, air movement and temperature gradients can create thermoelectric voltages that affect sensitive readings.
AC Voltage Measurements
The module measures AC signals up to 300 Vrms or 425 V peak within its specified input limits. AC voltage measurements are useful for power-supply ripple, mains-frequency testing, amplifier output verification and automated functional testing.
Accuracy depends on signal frequency, waveform shape, crest factor, amplitude and selected measurement configuration. Nonsinusoidal or transient signals may be better evaluated using the isolated digitizer.
DC and AC Current Measurements
The PXI-4072 supports current measurements up to ±1 A DC and 1 Arms AC. Typical applications include power-consumption testing, standby-current analysis, actuator monitoring and electronic load verification.
Before measuring current, connect the circuit to the correct current terminal and select a suitable range. Connecting a current input directly across a voltage source can overload the instrument or damage the test fixture.
Two-Wire and Four-Wire Resistance
Two-wire resistance measurement is suitable for general-purpose applications where test-lead resistance is small compared with the device under test. It provides a simple connection using the same leads for the excitation current and voltage measurement.
Four-wire resistance uses separate force and sense connections. This Kelvin method removes most lead and contact resistance from the result, making it more appropriate for low-resistance components, connectors, cables and conductive assemblies.
Capacitance Measurements
The PXI-4072 incorporates direct capacitance measurement capability without requiring a separate LCR instrument. It can characterize capacitors, cable capacitance, sensor elements, electronic assemblies and production components.
Parasitic capacitance from cables and fixtures can affect the result, particularly when measuring small capacitors. Use shielded fixtures, keep connections short and perform compensation according to the selected measurement arrangement.
Inductance Measurements
Integrated inductance measurement allows the PXI-4072 to test coils, transformers, inductors, relays and other magnetic components. The instrument evaluates the component using an internally generated test signal and an appropriate equivalent-circuit model.
Measured inductance can vary with test frequency, excitation level, DC bias and the selected series or parallel model. Compare results only when the PXI-4072 and the reference instrument use compatible measurement conditions.
LCR Measurement Performance
The PXI-4072 provides approximately 0.25% basic accuracy for capacitance and inductance measurements, with reading rates up to 40 measurements per second under supported conditions.
This performance supports automated component inspection and production testing where a dedicated high-frequency impedance analyzer is not required. For specialized RF impedance measurements or frequency sweeps, a dedicated LCR meter or impedance analyzer may remain more appropriate.
1.8 MS/s Isolated Digitizer
In digitizer mode, the PXI-4072 acquires AC- or DC-coupled voltage and current waveforms at rates up to 1.8 MS/s. This capability helps engineers examine signals that cannot be described completely by a single scalar DMM reading.
Waveform acquisition can reveal startup behavior, switching transients, ripple, intermittent faults and time-dependent current consumption. The digitized data can be processed in software to calculate additional parameters or correlate electrical events with other PXI instruments.
Flexible 10-Bit to 23-Bit Resolution
The digitizer provides flexible resolution from 10 to 23 bits. Higher sample rates use lower effective resolution, while reduced acquisition rates allow additional resolution and improved noise performance.
This flexibility enables users to configure the measurement according to whether speed, dynamic detail or precision is the primary requirement.
Isolated High-Voltage Acquisition
The measurement input is isolated from the PXI chassis ground by as much as ±300 VDC or Vrms within the specified safety limits. Isolation reduces ground-loop problems and allows measurements on circuits that are not referenced directly to the chassis.
Isolation must not be confused with unlimited common-mode protection. Verify the maximum terminal voltage, input-to-ground voltage and measurement-category requirements of every connection before energizing the test system.
Built-In Self-Calibration
The PXI-4072 includes self-calibration functions for gain, offset and temperature-related errors. Self-calibration adjusts the instrument for its current operating temperature and helps maintain measurement performance between external calibration services.
Self-calibration does not replace traceable external calibration. NI specifies a two-year external calibration interval, although quality procedures or demanding applications may require a shorter interval.
Hardware Triggering and Synchronization
The module supports software and hardware triggering for coordinating readings or waveform acquisition with the device under test. PXI trigger lines allow the DMM to operate alongside switch modules, power supplies, signal generators and other measurement instruments.
Hardware synchronization improves repeatability when a measurement must occur at a defined point in a production sequence, power cycle or stimulus waveform.
NI-DMM Software Support
The PXI-4072 is controlled through the NI-DMM instrument driver. NI-DMM provides a common programming interface for configuring measurement functions, ranges, resolution, triggers, LCR parameters and waveform acquisitions.
The driver can be used with LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI and supported text-based programming environments. The NI-DMM soft front panel can also be used for interactive setup, troubleshooting and basic measurements.
Switch-System Integration
The PXI-4072 can be combined with PXI switch modules to create high-channel-count automated measurement systems. A switch matrix or multiplexer routes the DMM to multiple test points, reducing the number of measurement instruments required.
For example, the module can work with a PXI-2535 high-speed matrix switch for electronic test systems that require automated routing among many device-under-test nodes.
When selecting a switch, consider its voltage, current, path resistance, bandwidth, leakage and thermal offset. The switch and external wiring can limit the total performance of the measurement system.
PXI-4022 Guard Amplifier Integration
For guarded six-wire resistance or extremely low-current measurements, the PXI-4072 can be paired with the PXI-4022 guard and current amplifier.
The PXI-4022 provides guard control and sensitive current-amplifier ranges, while the PXI-4072 measures the conditioned output. This combination is suitable for in-circuit resistance, insulation leakage and high-impedance component testing.
Typical PXI-4072 Applications
- Automated production testing
- Electronic device validation
- Capacitor and inductor testing
- Printed circuit board functional testing
- Power-supply voltage and current measurements
- Battery and energy-storage testing
- High-channel-count switched measurements
- Sensor and transducer characterization
- Cable and connector resistance testing
- Relay and coil measurements
- Temperature measurements
- Waveform and transient acquisition
- Research and laboratory automation
- Semiconductor component testing
- Aerospace and automotive electronics validation
Production Functional Testing
The PXI-4072 is well suited for production systems that must measure multiple electrical parameters while maintaining high throughput. One module can verify supply voltages, operating current, resistance, frequency and passive-component values during the same test sequence.
When combined with PXI switching, a single PXI-4072 can service numerous test points or multiple devices. This reduces instrument count while maintaining software-controlled repeatability.
Component Characterization
The integrated LCR functions allow engineers to characterize resistors, capacitors and inductors without installing a separate LCR module. Digitizer mode can then capture transient behavior or evaluate how the component responds over time.
For meaningful comparison, record the test frequency, excitation level, equivalent-circuit model, range, fixture compensation and environmental conditions together with each result.
Power and Battery Testing
The voltage, current and digitizer functions are useful for measuring battery output, power-supply regulation, startup behavior, standby current and transient loading. Software can acquire both precision readings and waveform data during the same automated procedure.
External current shunts or suitable probes may be required when current exceeds the module’s direct input rating. Verify isolation and transient limits before connecting to high-energy power systems.
PXI-4072 Troubleshooting
The PXI-4072 is not detected in NI MAX
Confirm that the module is fully inserted into a compatible PXI or hybrid slot. Check chassis power, controller communication and NI-DMM installation, then restart NI Measurement & Automation Explorer and rescan the system.
Resistance readings are higher than expected
Check test-lead and contact resistance. Use four-wire resistance mode for low-value components, confirm the force and sense wiring and inspect the fixture for oxidized or loose contacts.
Capacitance readings are unstable
Keep cables short, use shielding and verify that the component is fully discharged before connection. Perform fixture compensation when required and isolate the setup from nearby noise sources.
Inductance differs from another LCR meter
Compare the test frequency, excitation level and equivalent-circuit model used by both instruments. Inductors can produce different results when measured under different test conditions.
AC measurements are inaccurate
Verify the signal frequency, amplitude, crest factor and selected range. Allow adequate settling after changing ranges and use digitizer mode when the waveform is irregular or transient.
Digitizer data appears clipped
Select a larger voltage or current range and confirm that the waveform remains within the peak input limit. Check for excessive common-mode voltage relative to chassis ground.
The measurement rate is lower than expected
Review aperture, resolution, auto-zero, autoranging, trigger delay and range-change settings. Switch settling and device-under-test stabilization can also limit complete system throughput.
Measurements drift as the chassis warms up
Allow adequate warm-up time and perform self-calibration at the operating temperature. Check chassis airflow and avoid placing high-power modules immediately beside the DMM when possible.
PXI-4072 Comparison with Similar Digital Multimeters
| Модель | Primary Configuration | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| PXI-4065 | 6½-digit DMM, general-purpose measurements | Cost-effective voltage, current and resistance testing |
| PXI-4070 | 6½-digit FlexDMM with 1.8 MS/s digitizer | Precision DMM and waveform measurements without LCR functions |
| PXI-4071 | 7½-digit, 26-bit DMM with 1.8 MS/s digitizer | Higher-resolution precision voltage and resistance measurements |
| PXI-4072 | 6½-digit FlexDMM, LCR meter and 1.8 MS/s digitizer | Multifunction DMM, capacitance and inductance testing |
| PXIe-4080 | 7½-digit PXI Express DMM with 1.8 MS/s digitizer | Modern high-precision PXI Express measurement systems |
| PXIe-4081 | 7½-digit PXI Express DMM with expanded voltage capability | High-resolution automated tests requiring wider voltage coverage |
PXI-4072 vs PXI-4071
The PXI-4072 provides 6½-digit resolution and integrated capacitance and inductance measurements. The PXI-4071 provides higher 7½-digit resolution but does not offer the same integrated LCR capability.
Choose the PXI-4072 when passive-component measurements and multifunction flexibility are priorities. Select the PXI-4071 when higher DC measurement resolution is more important than built-in inductance and capacitance functions.
PXI-4072 vs PXI-4070
Both instruments use the FlexDMM architecture and provide 6½-digit measurements with 1.8 MS/s isolated digitization. The primary advantage of the PXI-4072 is its additional capacitance and inductance measurement capability.
Select the PXI-4070 for conventional DMM and waveform measurements. Choose the PXI-4072 when the test sequence must also characterize capacitors, inductors or other passive components.
PXI-4072 vs PXIe-4080
The PXI-4072 is a conventional PXI module with integrated LCR capability. The PXIe-4080 is a newer PXI Express DMM offering 7½-digit resolution and updated system support, but product configuration should be checked when capacitance and inductance measurements are required.
Choose the PXI-4072 for existing PXI systems that specifically require integrated LCR measurements. Consider the PXIe-4080 for newer PXI Express platforms requiring higher precision and longer-term hardware support.
Recommended Related Products
- PXI-4022 Guard and Current Amplifier Module
- PXI-4065 6½-Digit Digital Multimeter
- PXI-4070 6½-Digit FlexDMM
- PXI-4071 7½-Digit FlexDMM
- PXIe-4080 7½-Digit PXI Express Digital Multimeter
- PXIe-4081 7½-Digit PXI Express Digital Multimeter
- PXI-2535 High-Speed Matrix Switch Module
- View More NI PXI and PXI Express Modules
Selecting the Right PXI Digital Multimeter
Choose the PXI-4072 when the application requires 6½-digit DMM measurements, capacitance and inductance testing and isolated waveform acquisition in one PXI slot. It is particularly useful for automated systems that test both active circuits and passive components.
Select the PXI-4071 or PXIe-4080 when greater DC resolution is the primary requirement. Consider the PXI-4065 for general-purpose applications that do not require high-speed digitization or integrated LCR measurements.
Because the PXI-4072 is a mature product, verify product condition, calibration status, NI-DMM compatibility and operating-system support before adding it to an existing test system.
Why Choose the PXI-4072?
- Combines three measurement instruments in one PXI slot
- Provides 6½-digit precision DMM measurements
- Measures capacitance and inductance directly
- Acquires isolated waveforms at up to 1.8 MS/s
- Supports voltage and current inputs up to ±300 V and ±1 A
- Provides flexible resolution from 10 to 23 bits
- Includes built-in self-calibration
- Supports fast production-test reading rates
- Integrates with PXI switching and trigger systems
- Uses the NI-DMM software interface
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PXI-4072?
The PXI-4072 is a 6½-digit PXI FlexDMM that combines digital multimeter measurements, capacitance and inductance measurements and a 1.8 MS/s isolated digitizer.
What is the PXI-4072 part number?
The standard NI part number for the PXI-4072 is 778270-01.
Can the PXI-4072 measure capacitance?
Yes. It includes integrated capacitance measurement capability and can perform as many as 40 LCR measurements per second under supported conditions.
Can the PXI-4072 measure inductance?
Yes. The module measures inductance and supports equivalent-circuit models appropriate for different types of inductive components.
What is the maximum digitizer sample rate?
The isolated digitizer can acquire voltage or current waveforms at up to 1.8 MS/s.
What is the maximum voltage input?
The module supports DC voltage measurements up to ±300 V and AC measurements up to 300 Vrms or 425 V peak, subject to the complete input and safety specifications.
What is the maximum current input?
The PXI-4072 measures current up to ±1 A DC or 1 Arms AC within its specified range and protection limits.
Does the PXI-4072 support four-wire resistance?
Yes. It supports both two-wire and four-wire resistance measurements. Four-wire mode compensates for lead and contact resistance when measuring low-value resistors.
Does the PXI-4072 support self-calibration?
Yes. Built-in self-calibration compensates for gain, offset and temperature-related changes at the instrument’s current operating temperature.
Which driver controls the PXI-4072?
The PXI-4072 is controlled through the NI-DMM instrument driver, which supports DMM, LCR and waveform-acquisition configuration.
Can the PXI-4072 work with the PXI-4022?
Yes. The PXI-4022 can extend a compatible PXI-4072 system with guarded six-wire resistance measurements and sensitive current-amplifier ranges.
Is the PXI-4072 suitable for production testing?
Yes. Its high reading rates, multifunction architecture, hardware triggering and switch-system integration make it suitable for automated production and functional test systems.
Request a Quote for the PXI-4072
Contact us for current availability, condition, calibration status, lead time and project pricing for the PXI-4072 6½-Digit FlexDMM, LCR Meter and 1.8 MS/s Isolated Digitizer. We can also help identify compatible PXI chassis, controllers, test leads, switching modules and precision measurement accessories.
