NI PXI-1031

Product Parameters and Specifications

The NI PXI-1031 comes with the following technical specifications:

• Product Type: 3U PXI Chassis

• Slot Configuration: 3 slots total (1 system controller slot + 2 peripheral slots)

• Form Factor: 3U PXI/CompactPCI compliant

• Backplane: PXI compliant with PXI Trigger Bus and Star Trigger support

• System Compatibility: Compatible with all 3U PXI modules and CompactPCI modules

• Power Supply: 200W AC input (100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz)

• Output Voltages: +3.3V (@ 15A), +5V (@ 15A), +12V (@ 6A), -12V (@ 1A)

• Cooling: Dual 60mm fans with positive pressure airflow (52 CFM total)

• Peripheral Slot Cooling Capacity: 25W per slot minimum

• Timing and Synchronization: PXI Trigger Bus (8 lines), Star Trigger, 10 MHz system reference clock

• Local Bus: PXI Local Bus segment between adjacent slots

• Slot Numbering: Slot 1 (system controller), Slots 2-3 (peripheral)

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 55°C (32°F to 131°F)

• Storage Temperature: -20°C to 70°C (-4°F to 158°F)

• Relative Humidity: 10% to 90%, non-condensing

• Altitude: Up to 2000 meters

• Dimensions: 214mm x 168mm x 177mm (8.4″ x 6.6″ x 7.0″) – Width x Height x Depth

• Weight: 3.2 kg (7.0 lbs)

• Mounting: Benchtop or rack-mountable with optional kit

• Chassis Grounding: Front panel grounding screw

• Certifications: CE, UL, FCC Part 15 Class A, IEC 61010

Advantages and Key Features

The NI PXI-1031 offers numerous advantages for test and measurement applications:

Compact Footprint: With only 3 slots, the NI PXI-1031 is significantly smaller than standard 8-slot or 18-slot PXI chassis, making it ideal for portable test systems, educational laboratories, and applications where bench space is at a premium. This compact design of the NI PXI-1031 enables deployment in field test vans, aircraft, and other space-constrained environments where traditional rack-mount instruments cannot fit.

Seamless PXI Integration: The NI PXI-1031 provides full compliance with PXI specifications, ensuring compatibility with over 1,500 PXI modules from NI and third-party vendors. This extensive ecosystem allows users of the NI PXI-1031 to configure systems for virtually any measurement application, from high-speed digitizers to precision DMMs and RF analyzers.

Integrated Timing and Triggering: Despite its small size, the NI PXI-1031 includes the full PXI timing and triggering infrastructure, including an 8-line trigger bus, star trigger routing, and a 10 MHz system reference clock. These features enable precise synchronization between modules in the NI PXI-1031 for applications requiring coherent multi-channel measurements.

Robust Power and Cooling: The 200W power supply of the NI PXI-1031 provides ample capacity for demanding instrumentation modules, with 25W cooling capacity per peripheral slot ensuring stable operation even with power-hungry digitizers or RF modules installed in the NI PXI-1031.

Remote Monitoring Capabilities: The NI PXI-1031 includes front panel LEDs for power supply status, temperature, and fan operation, enabling operators to quickly verify system health. An optional remote monitoring connector provides additional status signals for integration into larger test system control schemes.

Rugged Construction: Built with an aluminum chassis and steel-reinforced card guides, the NI PXI-1031 withstands the rigors of portable use and vibration encountered in transportation and field applications. This durability ensures that the NI PXI-1031 maintains reliable connections with installed modules even under challenging conditions.

Low Acoustic Noise: The NI PXI-1031 utilizes temperature-controlled fans that operate at minimal speed when thermal loads are low, reducing acoustic emissions in laboratory and educational environments where quiet operation is valued.

Easy Module Access: The NI PXI-1031 features a hinged front panel that provides quick access to installed modules without removing the chassis from its mounting location, simplifying module changes and system reconfiguration.

Application Fields and Use Cases

The NI PXI-1031 finds widespread application across numerous test and measurement sectors:

Educational Laboratories: Universities and technical schools utilize the NI PXI-1031 to teach instrumentation and measurement concepts, with the compact chassis allowing multiple student stations in limited laboratory space. The NI PXI-1031 provides hands-on experience with industry-standard PXI instrumentation at a fraction of the cost of full-sized systems.

Portable Test Systems: Field service engineers deploy the NI PXI-1031 in rugged transit cases for on-site troubleshooting of industrial equipment, avionics systems, and telecommunications infrastructure. The small size and weight of the NI PXI-1031 make it practical for carry-on luggage and field deployment.

Production Test Fixtures: Manufacturing facilities integrate the NI PXI-1031 into automated test equipment for circuit board and subassembly testing, where the compact footprint allows multiple test stations within limited production floor space. The NI PXI-1031 reliability ensures minimal downtime in high-volume production environments.

Aerospace and Defense: The NI PXI-1031 supports aircraft maintenance operations, with portable systems configured for specific aircraft types enabling rapid troubleshooting of avionics, communication systems, and sensors. The rugged construction of the NI PXI-1031 withstands the hangar environment while providing laboratory-grade measurement capability.

Automotive Electronics Testing: Automotive engineers employ the NI PXI-1031 for developing and testing ECUs, sensors, and infotainment systems, with the compact chassis fitting easily on crowded development benches. Multiple NI PXI-1031 chassis can be synchronized for applications requiring more than 2 measurement slots.

Research and Development: R&D laboratories utilize the NI PXI-1031 for prototype testing and characterization, where the ability to quickly reconfigure measurement systems with different modules accelerates development cycles. The NI PXI-1031 serves as a versatile platform for exploring new measurement requirements.

Remote Monitoring Installations: The NI PXI-1031 is deployed in remote locations for long-term environmental monitoring, structural health monitoring, and equipment condition assessment, where its compact size and reliable operation minimize site visit requirements.

Comparison with Competing Products

When compared to similar offerings from competitors like Keysight, VTI Instruments, or ADLINK:

vs. Keysight M9018A PXIe Chassis: Keysight offers high-performance PXIe chassis, but the NI PXI-1031 provides a cost-effective entry point for applications that do not require the higher bandwidth of PCI Express. The NI PXI-1031 also offers broader compatibility with legacy PXI modules, protecting investments in existing instrumentation.

vs. VTI Instruments EX1200 Series: VTI’s EX1200 series provides similar functionality in a 3U form factor, but the NI PXI-1031 benefits from NI’s extensive software ecosystem, including LabVIEW integration and comprehensive driver support that simplifies system development compared to VTI’s more hardware-focused approach.

vs. ADLINK PXIS-2506: ADLINK offers competitive PXI chassis at attractive price points, but the NI PXI-1031 provides superior timing and triggering capabilities, including the full PXI trigger bus implementation that ADLINK sometimes simplifies in entry-level chassis. The NI PXI-1031 also offers better cooling capacity for demanding instrumentation modules.

vs. Pickering 60-104 Series: Pickering’s switching-focused chassis serve specific applications well, but the NI PXI-1031 provides a more general-purpose platform suitable for mixing measurement, switching, and control modules in a single chassis, offering greater flexibility for evolving test requirements.

Key Differentiator: The primary advantage of the NI PXI-1031 lies in its seamless integration with NI’s software ecosystem, particularly LabVIEW, which dramatically reduces development time compared to competing chassis that require more manual programming effort for synchronization and data management.

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

When selecting the NI PXI-1031 for your application, consider these important factors:

Slot Count Requirements: Carefully evaluate your current and future module requirements before selecting the NI PXI-1031. With only 2 peripheral slots, this chassis is suitable for applications with modest I/O requirements. If you anticipate needing more than 2 modules, consider the NI PXI-1031 for initial development with plans to migrate to larger chassis, or evaluate the NI PXI-1033 (4-slot) or NI PXI-1042 (8-slot) alternatives.

Module Power Consumption: Verify that the power-hungriest modules you plan to install in the NI PXI-1031 do not exceed the per-slot cooling capacity of 25W. High-performance digitizers, RF downconverters, or FPGA modules may require more cooling than the NI PXI-1031 can provide, necessitating a larger chassis with higher airflow capacity.

System Controller Selection: The NI PXI-1031 requires an external controller connected via MXI interface or a PXI embedded controller installed in slot 1. Ensure your chosen controller is physically compatible with the NI PXI-1031 and that you have the necessary cabling and interface hardware for your specific configuration.

Application Software Compatibility: Verify that your application software (LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, TestStand, etc.) supports the NI PXI-1031 and the specific modules you plan to install. NI provides comprehensive driver support, but confirming compatibility before purchasing prevents integration delays.

Environmental Considerations: Assess the installation environment for the NI PXI-1031. While rated for 0-55°C operation, continuous operation at high temperatures may reduce component life. Ensure adequate ventilation around the NI PXI-1031 and avoid placing heat-generating equipment directly adjacent to the chassis.

Rack Mount vs. Benchtop: Determine whether your application requires rack mounting of the NI PXI-1031. If rack mounting is anticipated, order the optional rack-mount kit with the chassis to ensure proper fit and support in standard 19-inch racks.

Future Expansion Planning: If you anticipate growing your measurement system beyond 2 modules, consider whether multiple NI PXI-1031 chassis synchronized together or a single larger chassis better suits your needs. Multiple NI PXI-1031 chassis can be synchronized using PXI trigger cables, but this adds complexity compared to a single larger chassis with all modules in one backplane.

Power Quality: Ensure the AC power supplied to the NI PXI-1031 is stable and within specified voltage ranges. In industrial environments with frequent power disturbances, consider an uninterruptible power supply to protect the NI PXI-1031 and installed modules from damage and data loss.

Module Installation Sequence: When populating the NI PXI-1031, follow proper installation procedures, including powering off the chassis before inserting or removing modules, using appropriate ESD protection, and securing module faceplates to maintain proper airflow and EMI shielding.

Calibration and Maintenance: Establish a regular calibration schedule for modules installed in the NI PXI-1031 based on your application accuracy requirements. The chassis itself requires minimal maintenance beyond periodic cleaning of air filters and verification of fan operation.

Software Configuration: Before deploying the NI PXI-1031 in production applications, thoroughly test the software configuration, including driver versions, firmware revisions, and application code, to ensure reliable operation. NI’s Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) provides comprehensive tools for verifying NI PXI-1031 configuration and module functionality.

Spare Parts Strategy: For critical applications, maintain spare NI PXI-1031 power supplies and fan assemblies on-site to minimize downtime in case of failure. While the NI PXI-1031 is highly reliable, having critical spares available ensures rapid recovery from unexpected failures.