Product Introduction
Земля NI PXIe-7972 is a high-performance PXI Express FPGA module for FlexRIO designed for customizable high-speed data acquisition, signal processing, digital interfacing, hardware-in-the-loop testing, communications research, and advanced automated test applications.
The PXIe-7972 combines a Xilinx Kintex-7 325T FPGA, 2 GB of onboard DRAM, high-throughput PXI Express connectivity, and 136 configurable FPGA digital I/O lines. When paired with compatible NI FlexRIO adapter modules, it can form a user-programmable instrument for specialized analog and digital measurement applications.
With LabVIEW FPGA, engineers can customize the FPGA logic to implement real-time signal processing, custom triggering, protocol interfaces, high-speed control, data reduction, and application-specific measurement functionality directly in hardware.
Product Overview
Земля National Instruments PXIe-7972 belongs to the NI FlexRIO FPGA Module family and is designed for applications requiring greater hardware flexibility than conventional fixed-function PXI instruments.
Its FPGA architecture allows engineers to combine programmable processing resources with interchangeable FlexRIO adapter modules.
Key capabilities include:
- Xilinx Kintex-7 325T FPGA
- 2 GB onboard DRAM
- 1.7 GB/s data bandwidth
- 136 configurable single-ended digital I/O lines
- Up to 68 differential I/O pairs
- 50,950 FPGA slices
- 840 DSP slices
- 16,020 kbit block RAM
- PCI Express Gen2 x4 interface
- Peer-to-peer streaming
- LabVIEW FPGA programmability
Key Features
Xilinx Kintex-7 325T FPGA
At the center of the PXIe-7972 is a Xilinx Kintex-7 325T FPGA.
The FPGA provides programmable hardware resources that can be used to implement application-specific measurement, processing, triggering, control, and communication functionality.
FPGA processing is particularly useful for:
- Real-time signal processing
- Parallel processing
- Low-latency control
- Custom triggering
- Protocol implementation
- Data reduction
- Симуляция с аппаратным входом
- Custom instrumentation
50,950 FPGA Slices
The Kintex-7 325T FPGA provides 50,950 FPGA slices that can be used to implement configurable logic blocks and application-specific FPGA functionality.
These programmable resources allow complex algorithms and parallel processing architectures to be implemented directly in hardware.
840 DSP Slices
The PXIe-7972 provides 840 DSP slices for implementing signal-processing functions within the FPGA.
Typical DSP applications can include:
- Digital filtering
- FFT processing
- Digital mixing
- Signal detection
- Real-time mathematical operations
- Custom modulation and demodulation
16,020 kbit Block RAM
The FPGA includes 16,020 kbit of block RAM (BRAM).
FPGA block RAM provides high-speed local memory that can be used for buffering, lookup tables, signal-processing pipelines, temporary data storage, and other FPGA algorithms.
2 GB Onboard DRAM
The PXIe-7972 provides 2 GB of onboard DRAM.
This memory can support applications requiring large data buffers and high-throughput data processing.
Typical uses include:
- High-speed waveform buffering
- Data acquisition buffering
- Signal processing
- Continuous streaming applications
- Temporary measurement storage
1.7 GB/s Data Bandwidth
The PXIe-7972 supports high-throughput data transfer with bandwidth up to 1.7 GB/s.
This capability makes the module suitable for demanding applications where large quantities of measurement data must be transferred between FPGA resources and other components of the PXI system.
136 Configurable Digital I/O Lines
The PXIe-7972 provides 136 general-purpose FPGA digital I/O channels.
These channels can be configured as:
- 136 single-ended I/O lines
- 68 differential I/O pairs
- A combination of single-ended and differential I/O
The actual electrical behavior and I/O standard depend on the FPGA configuration and attached FlexRIO adapter module.
Up to 68 Differential Pairs
The 136 FPGA I/O channels can be configured as up to 68 differential pairs.
Differential signaling is useful for high-speed digital interfaces where signal integrity and noise immunity are important.
High-Speed Digital I/O
The FPGA I/O architecture supports high-speed digital communication when used with compatible adapter hardware.
Maximum FPGA I/O data rates can reach:
- Up to 400 Mb/s for applicable single-ended I/O
- Up to 1 Gb/s for applicable LVDS differential I/O
Actual performance depends on the selected I/O standard, FlexRIO adapter module, FPGA design, and system configuration.
Peer-to-Peer Streaming
The PXIe-7972 supports одноранговый потоковый вещание, allowing data to be transferred directly between compatible FPGA or PXI Express modules without first routing all data through the host processor.
This architecture can provide important advantages for:
- High-throughput data processing
- Reduced host CPU workload
- Lower system latency
- FPGA-to-FPGA communication
- High-speed digitizer processing
- Distributed FPGA algorithms
PCI Express Gen2 x4 Interface
The PXIe-7972 uses a PCI Express Gen2 x4 backplane interface.
This high-speed interface provides the data path between the FPGA module and the PXI Express system.
PXI Timing and Synchronization
The PXIe-7972 can access PXI timing and synchronization resources, allowing it to participate in synchronized multi-module measurement and control systems.
Available PXI resources include:
- PXI triggers
- PXI_CLK10
- PXI star trigger
- PXIe_DStarA
- PXIe_DStarB
- PXIe_DStarC
- PXIe_Sync100
LabVIEW FPGA Programmability
The PXIe-7972 is designed for use with LabVIEW FPGA, allowing engineers to develop custom hardware functionality for the FPGA.
Engineers can create FPGA applications for:
- Signal processing
- Digital protocol communication
- Симуляция с аппаратным входом
- Rapid control prototyping
- Custom triggering
- Высокоскоростной сбор данных
- Real-time control
Technical Specifications
| Параметр | Описание |
|---|---|
| Product Type | PXI FPGA Module for FlexRIO |
| Модель | NI PXIe-7972 |
| Part Number | 782954-01 |
| Platform | PXI Express / FlexRIO |
| ФПГА | Xilinx Kintex-7 325T |
| FPGA Slices | 50,950 |
| DSP Slices | 840 |
| Block RAM | 16,020 kbit |
| Onboard DRAM | 2 GB |
| Data Bandwidth | Up to 1.7 GB/s |
| General-Purpose FPGA I/O | 136 Channels |
| Single-Ended Configuration | Up to 136 Lines |
| Differential Configuration | Up to 68 Pairs |
| Maximum Single-Ended I/O Data Rate | Up to 400 Mb/s |
| Maximum Differential I/O Data Rate | Up to 1 Gb/s for LVDS |
| PXI Backplane Link | PCI Express Gen2 x4 |
| Peer-to-Peer Streaming | Supported |
| FPGA Programming | LabVIEW FPGA |
| Primary Applications | Custom Instrumentation, Signal Processing, HIL, Digital Protocols and High-Speed Data Acquisition |
What Is NI FlexRIO?
NI FlexRIO is a reconfigurable instrumentation platform that combines user-programmable FPGA modules with application-specific adapter modules.
The FPGA module provides processing, timing, synchronization, memory, and programmable logic resources, while the adapter module provides the physical analog or digital I/O interface.
A typical FlexRIO architecture can be represented as:
External Signal → FlexRIO Adapter Module → PXIe-7972 FPGA → PXI Express System → Host Software
PXIe-7972 and FlexRIO Adapter Modules
The PXIe-7972 can be paired with compatible FlexRIO adapter modules to create customized measurement instruments.
Depending on the selected adapter module, a FlexRIO system can provide:
- High-speed analog input
- High-speed analog output
- Digital input/output
- High-speed serial communication
- Custom protocol interfaces
- Application-specific measurement interfaces
Adapter compatibility should always be verified before configuring a PXIe-7972 system.
Real-Time FPGA Processing
One of the primary advantages of the PXIe-7972 is the ability to process measurement data directly in FPGA hardware.
Instead of transferring every raw sample to the host CPU, the FPGA can perform calculations before transferring the results.
Например:
Raw Data → FPGA Filtering → Event Detection → Data Reduction → Host
This architecture can reduce data-transfer requirements and improve system response time.
Digital Signal Processing
The Kintex-7 FPGA and 840 DSP slices make the PXIe-7972 suitable for custom digital signal processing.
Potential FPGA DSP functions include:
- FIR filtering
- IIR filtering
- FFT processing
- Frequency analysis
- Decimation
- Interpolation
- Digital mixing
- Signal detection
- Real-time mathematical processing
High-Speed Data Acquisition
When combined with an appropriate FlexRIO adapter module, the PXIe-7972 can form a high-speed data acquisition instrument.
The FPGA can process acquired signals in real time before sending data to the host computer.
Typical processing functions include:
- Filtering
- Запуск
- Peak detection
- Data reduction
- Frequency analysis
- Custom measurements
Custom Digital Protocol Interfaces
Because the FPGA behavior is programmable, the PXIe-7972 can be used to implement specialized digital interfaces and protocols when paired with compatible adapter hardware.
This capability is useful for:
- Proprietary digital protocols
- Device communication testing
- Protocol emulation
- Protocol validation
- Custom digital interfaces
- Research applications
Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing
FPGA-based deterministic execution makes the PXIe-7972 suitable for hardware-in-the-loop applications requiring fast and predictable responses.
Typical HIL functions can include:
- Sensor simulation
- Custom digital communication
- Real-time control loops
- Fault simulation
- Signal processing
- Hardware triggering
Rapid Control Prototyping
The programmable FPGA can also support rapid control prototyping applications requiring deterministic control logic and low-latency hardware interaction.
Engineers can implement control algorithms in FPGA hardware and interface them with compatible analog and digital I/O through FlexRIO adapter modules.
Peer-to-Peer Data Streaming
Peer-to-peer streaming is an important capability of the PXIe-7972.
In a conventional architecture, measurement data may travel from an instrument to the host processor before being transferred to another instrument.
With compatible peer-to-peer configurations, data can instead move directly between modules:
PXI Instrument → Peer-to-Peer Stream → PXIe-7972 FPGA
This can reduce host involvement and provide a more efficient architecture for high-throughput processing.
FPGA-to-FPGA Processing
Computationally demanding applications can distribute processing across multiple compatible FPGA modules.
The PXIe-7972 peer-to-peer streaming capability enables FPGA algorithms to be expanded across multiple modules when additional processing resources are required.
Potential applications include:
- Large DSP pipelines
- Multi-channel processing
- High-throughput protocol processing
- Distributed signal analysis
- Advanced research systems
PXIe-7972 vs PXIe-7971
The PXIe-7972 and PXIe-7971 use the same Kintex-7 K325T FPGA architecture, but a major difference is onboard DRAM.
| Функция | PXIe-7972 | PXIe-7971 |
|---|---|---|
| ФПГА | Kintex-7 K325T | Kintex-7 K325T |
| FPGA Slices | 50,950 | 50,950 |
| DSP Slices | 840 | 840 |
| Block RAM | 16,020 kbit | 16,020 kbit |
| DRAM | 2 GB | 0 GB |
| Platform | PXI Express | PXI Express |
Choose the PXIe-7972 when the application requires the K325T FPGA together with substantial onboard DRAM for waveform buffering and high-throughput processing.
PXIe-7972 vs PXIe-7976
The PXIe-7972 and PXIe-7976 are both PXI Express FlexRIO FPGA modules with 2 GB DRAM, but the PXIe-7976 provides a larger FPGA.
| Функция | PXIe-7972 | PXIe-7976 |
|---|---|---|
| ФПГА | Kintex-7 K325T | Kintex-7 K410T |
| FPGA Slices | 50,950 | 63,550 |
| DSP Slices | 840 | 1,540 |
| Block RAM | 16,020 kbit | 28,620 kbit |
| DRAM | 2 GB | 2 GB |
| Primary Selection Factor | Balanced FPGA Resources | Higher FPGA Processing Capacity |
The PXIe-7976 is more appropriate when an FPGA design requires additional logic, DSP, or block-memory resources. The PXIe-7972 can be a suitable choice when the K325T provides sufficient resources for the intended FPGA application.
PXIe-7972 in a Complete PXI System
The PXIe-7972 can operate as the FPGA processing core of a larger PXI Express automated test platform.
A complete system may include:
- PXI Express chassis
- PXI embedded or remote controller
- PXIe-7972 FPGA module
- FlexRIO adapter module
- Высокоскоростные цифровизаторы
- RF instruments
- Digital instruments
- Programmable power supplies
- PXI switching modules
- High-speed storage
Software and Driver Support
The PXIe-7972 is designed for development using the NI FlexRIO software environment and LabVIEW FPGA.
LabVIEW FPGA allows engineers to create FPGA VIs that combine direct access to I/O with user-defined hardware logic.
Applications can include:
- Digital protocol communication
- Симуляция с аппаратным входом
- Rapid control prototyping
- Real-time DSP
- Custom triggering
- Data processing
- Custom measurement systems
Industries
- Аэрокосмическая и оборонная промышленность
- Wireless Communications
- Тестирование полупроводников
- Automotive Electronics
- Industrial Research
- Scientific Research
- Electronic Validation
- Automated Test Equipment
- High-Performance Measurement
Applications
Custom Instrumentation
The PXIe-7972 can be combined with compatible FlexRIO adapter modules to create application-specific reconfigurable instruments.
High-Speed Data Acquisition
Compatible analog input adapter modules can provide high-speed acquisition while the PXIe-7972 FPGA performs real-time processing and triggering.
Real-Time Signal Processing
The Kintex-7 FPGA can implement parallel DSP and measurement algorithms directly in programmable hardware.
Digital Protocol Communication
Configurable FPGA I/O can support custom digital communication and protocol applications when paired with suitable adapter hardware.
Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing
Deterministic FPGA processing supports timing-critical HIL simulation, control, and signal-processing applications.
Rapid Control Prototyping
The PXIe-7972 can provide low-latency FPGA processing for compatible control prototyping systems.
Recommended Related Products
| NI PXIe-7972 | Kintex-7 K325T FlexRIO FPGA module with 2 GB DRAM for high-performance programmable instrumentation. |
| NI PXIe-7971 | Kintex-7 K325T FlexRIO FPGA module without onboard DRAM for applications that do not require large local data buffers. |
| NI PXIe-7976 | Higher-performance FlexRIO FPGA module featuring a larger Kintex-7 K410T FPGA and 2 GB DRAM. |
| NI PXIe-5745 | High-speed FlexRIO digitizer suitable for advanced waveform acquisition and FPGA-based signal-processing applications. |
Why Choose NI PXIe-7972?
- Xilinx Kintex-7 325T FPGA
- 50,950 FPGA slices
- 840 DSP slices
- 16,020 kbit FPGA block RAM
- 2 GB onboard DRAM
- Up to 1.7 GB/s data bandwidth
- 136 configurable FPGA I/O lines
- Up to 68 differential pairs
- High-speed single-ended and LVDS I/O capability
- PCI Express Gen2 x4 interface
- Peer-to-peer streaming
- PXI timing and synchronization
- LabVIEW FPGA programmability
- Compatible with FlexRIO adapter modules
- Suitable for custom high-performance instrumentation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NI PXIe-7972?
The NI PXIe-7972 is a PXI Express FPGA module for FlexRIO featuring a Xilinx Kintex-7 325T FPGA, 2 GB DRAM, high-throughput PXI connectivity, and 136 configurable FPGA I/O lines.
What is the part number of the PXIe-7972?
The NI PXIe-7972 part number is 782954-01.
What FPGA does the PXIe-7972 use?
The PXIe-7972 uses a Xilinx Kintex-7 325T FPGA.
How much DRAM does the PXIe-7972 have?
The PXIe-7972 provides 2 GB of onboard DRAM.
What is the PXIe-7972 data bandwidth?
NI specifies the PXIe-7972 as a 1.7 GB/s PXI FPGA module for FlexRIO.
How many FPGA I/O lines does the PXIe-7972 have?
The PXIe-7972 provides 136 general-purpose FPGA I/O channels. They can be configured as 136 single-ended channels, 68 differential pairs, or a combination of both.
How many FPGA slices does the PXIe-7972 provide?
The Kintex-7 325T FPGA provides 50,950 FPGA slices.
How many DSP slices does the PXIe-7972 provide?
The PXIe-7972 provides 840 DSP slices for implementing signal-processing functions.
How much block RAM does the PXIe-7972 have?
The PXIe-7972 provides 16,020 kbit of FPGA block RAM.
Does the PXIe-7972 support peer-to-peer streaming?
Yes. Peer-to-peer streaming allows compatible PXI Express and FPGA modules to transfer data directly without routing every transfer through the host processor.
Does the PXIe-7972 require a FlexRIO adapter module?
For applications requiring application-specific external analog or digital I/O, the PXIe-7972 is paired with a compatible FlexRIO adapter module. The FPGA module and adapter together form a reconfigurable instrument.
Does the PXIe-7972 support LabVIEW FPGA?
Yes. LabVIEW FPGA is used to develop user-defined FPGA functionality for the PXIe-7972.
What is the difference between PXIe-7972 and PXIe-7971?
Both use the Kintex-7 K325T FPGA and provide similar FPGA logic resources. A major difference is memory: the PXIe-7972 provides 2 ГБ ОЗУ, while the PXIe-7971 does not provide onboard DRAM.
What is the difference between PXIe-7972 and PXIe-7976?
The PXIe-7976 uses a larger Kintex-7 K410T FPGA with more FPGA slices, DSP slices, and block RAM. Both provide 2 GB DRAM, but the PXIe-7976 is better suited to FPGA applications requiring greater programmable processing resources.
Can the PXIe-7972 be used for hardware-in-the-loop testing?
Yes. The programmable FPGA and deterministic hardware execution make the PXIe-7972 suitable for compatible HIL simulation and control applications.
What should I check before purchasing a PXIe-7972?
Before purchasing a PXIe-7972, verify the required FPGA resources, FlexRIO adapter module compatibility, PXI Express chassis slot compatibility, I/O requirements, data throughput, DRAM requirements, peer-to-peer streaming requirements, LabVIEW FPGA version, FlexRIO driver compatibility, and FPGA development environment.
Заключение
Земля NI PXIe-7972 FlexRIO FPGA Module combines a Xilinx Kintex-7 325T FPGA, 50,950 FPGA slices, 840 DSP slices, 16,020 kbit block RAM, 2 GB onboard DRAM, 1.7 GB/s data bandwidth, and 136 configurable FPGA I/O lines. With LabVIEW FPGA programmability, peer-to-peer streaming, PXI timing resources, and compatibility with FlexRIO adapter modules, the PXIe-7972 provides a flexible platform for custom instrumentation, high-speed data acquisition, digital protocol communication, real-time signal processing, HIL testing, and advanced automated test systems.
