NI PXI-8186

Description

Introduction to the NI PXI-8186

Product Description

The NI PXI-8186 is a high-performance embedded controller from National Instruments, designed specifically for the PXI (PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation) modular instrumentation platform. This controller is the central computing brain of a PXI system, housing the processor, memory, and operating system to execute test, measurement, and control applications. The NI PXI-8186 integrates a powerful Intel processor and standard PC interfaces into a rugged, compact form factor that slides directly into a PXI chassis, enabling the creation of robust, integrated automated systems. As a key component of NI’s modular instrumentation strategy, this controller allows engineers to build sophisticated data acquisition, automated test, and real-time control systems with high determinism and throughput. The reliability and processing power of the NI PXI-8186 make it suitable for demanding applications in R&D and production environments. The design of the NI PXI-8186 emphasizes both computational performance and seamless integration within the PXI ecosystem.

Product Parameters

• Product Platform: National Instruments PXI

• Model: PXI-8186

• Device Type: Embedded Controller

• Processor: Features a high-performance Intel Core 2 Duo or similar mobile processor (specific to the revision).

• Memory: Typically equipped with DDR2 RAM, configurable up to a specified maximum (e.g., 2 GB).

• Storage: Includes an internal hard disk drive for operating system and application storage.

• Operating System: Originally shipped with Microsoft Windows XP Professional for deterministic operation.

• PXI Connectivity: Integrates via the system slot of a PXI chassis, providing PCI and PXI bus control.

• External Interfaces: Includes standard ports such as Ethernet (LAN), USB, serial (RS-232), GPIB (IEEE 488), and video output.

• Form Factor: Standard 3U or 6U PXI module size.

Advantages and Features

The primary advantage of the NI PXI-8186 is its role in creating a fully integrated, turn-key measurement and control system. It eliminates the need for an external desktop PC connected via a cable, improving system reliability, compactness, and noise immunity. The controller provides a high-performance, deterministic computing environment optimized for running NI’s software suites like LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, and TestStand. Its ruggedized design is built to withstand the vibrations and shocks common in industrial and military test environments, unlike standard commercial computers. The inclusion of instrument control interfaces like GPIB and serial on the NI PXI-8186 itself further consolidates system architecture.

Application Cases in Industry

This embedded controller is widely used in automated test and data-intensive measurement applications. In the automotive industry, it is the core of end-of-line (EOL) test stands for engine control units (ECUs) and infotainment systems. In aerospace and defense, the NI PXI-8186 powers mobile test systems for avionics, radar, and satellite communication equipment. For consumer electronics manufacturing, it drives high-speed functional test racks for smartphones and circuit boards. It is also extensively used in industrial research and development for high-speed data acquisition, motion control, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation systems.

Comparison with Competing Products

Competing products include embedded controllers from other PXI vendors like Keysight or Adlink, as well as solutions using a standard PC with a PCI/PXI interface card. Compared to a desktop PC solution, the NI PXI-8186 offers superior mechanical integration, better cooling in a rack-mount format, and a validated, support-hardened configuration for NI’s software drivers. Against other PXI controllers, the NI PXI-8186 benefits from deep, native integration with NI’s software and driver ecosystem (NI-DAQmx, NI-VISA, etc.), ensuring optimal performance and simplified configuration. Its long-term availability and support as part of a complete NI platform are significant advantages.

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

When selecting the NI PXI-8186, first verify its compatibility with the specific PXI chassis (ensuring correct slot type and backplane connectivity) and the performance requirements of your application. Consider the processing power and memory needs relative to the complexity of your test routines or data processing algorithms. Ensure the installed or intended operating system (like Windows XP) is compatible with your application software, keeping in mind modern security and support considerations for older OS versions.

Precautions:

• The NI PXI-8186 is a legacy product; confirm software and driver compatibility with modern operating systems and application versions before integration into a new system.

• Due to its age, the internal hard drive is a potential point of failure; for critical systems, consider proactive replacement with a modern SSD (if compatible) or ensure regular backups.

• Installation and removal should be performed with the PXI chassis powered off and properly grounded.

• Ensure adequate ventilation and do not exceed the chassis’s power and cooling specifications when installing this controller alongside other power-hungry modules.

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