PXI PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation

PXI (PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation) is a modular instrumentation platform that combines the advantages of PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) and CompactPCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect-CompactPCI) technologies. It was developed by the PXI Systems Alliance (PXISA), a consortium of companies, to provide a standardized platform for measurement and automation systems.

PXI leverages the high-speed and low-latency capabilities of the PCI bus and the ruggedness and flexibility of the CompactPCI form factor. It is widely used in various applications, including test and measurement, data acquisition, control systems, and automated test equipment.

Key Features of PXI:

1. CompactPCI form factor: PXI modules are physically compatible with CompactPCI slots, which allows PXI systems to be easily integrated with existing CompactPCI chassis and systems.
2. PCI bus: PXI utilizes the PCI bus as its primary communication interface. The PCI bus provides high-speed data transfer between the PXI controller and the PXI modules, ensuring efficient and reliable data acquisition and control.
3. Timing and synchronization: PXI includes a dedicated bus called the PXI Trigger Bus, which enables precise timing and synchronization between multiple PXI modules. This feature is crucial for applications requiring synchronization of measurements or control actions across multiple channels or instruments.
4. Triggering capabilities: PXI supports a variety of trigger types, such as software triggers, external triggers, and bus triggers. These triggers allow precise control over the start and stop conditions for measurements and operations performed by the PXI system.
5. Hot-swappability: PXI modules are designed to be hot-swappable, meaning they can be inserted or removed from the system without shutting down the entire system. This feature allows for easy maintenance and reconfiguration of PXI systems, minimizing downtime.
6. Built-in instrumentation features: Many PXI modules include built-in instrumentation features, such as signal conditioning, amplification, filtering, and digital signal processing (DSP). These features simplify system design and reduce the need for external components.
7. Software compatibility: PXI systems are typically controlled using software frameworks, such as LabVIEW or other programming environments that support PXI modules. This software compatibility allows users to develop custom measurement and control applications or use off-the-shelf software packages.
8. Wide range of module types: PXI supports various types of modules, including analog input/output (I/O) modules, digital I/O modules, communication modules (such as GPIB and Ethernet), RF and microwave modules, and specialized modules for specific applications.
9. System integration: PXI systems can be easily integrated with other instrumentation and automation platforms, such as VXI (VME eXtensions for Instrumentation) and LXI (LAN eXtensions for Instrumentation), through the use of compatible interfaces and protocols.

In summary, PXI (PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation) is a modular instrumentation platform that combines the benefits of PCI and CompactPCI technologies. It provides a standardized and versatile platform for building measurement and automation systems with high-speed data transfer, precise timing and synchronization, hot-swappability, and a wide range of module options.