PXISA PXI Systems Alliance

The PXISA (PXI Systems Alliance) is an industry consortium that develops and promotes the PXI (PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation) standard. PXI is a modular instrumentation platform used for automated test and measurement applications. The PXISA was founded in 1997 and is comprised of more than 70 member companies, including test and measurement instrument manufacturers, software providers, and system integrators.

The main goal of the PXISA is to ensure interoperability and compatibility among PXI products from different vendors. It achieves this by defining and maintaining the PXI standard, which encompasses the mechanical, electrical, and software aspects of PXI systems. This standardization allows users to mix and match PXI modules and chassis from different manufacturers, creating customized test and measurement systems tailored to their specific requirements.

The PXI standard is based on the CompactPCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) standard, which is a rugged and modular computer bus designed for industrial applications. PXI extends the CompactPCI standard by adding additional features and specifications specific to instrumentation and measurement. Some of the key features of PXI include:

1. Compact Size: PXI modules are designed to fit into compact 3U or 6U form factor slots within a PXI chassis. This allows for high-density integration of multiple instruments within a single chassis.
2. High Performance: PXI utilizes the PCI bus technology, which provides fast and reliable data transfer between modules and the host computer. This enables high-speed data acquisition and signal generation capabilities.
3. Synchronization and Triggering: PXI defines a trigger bus and clock bus that enable precise synchronization and triggering among multiple modules. This is essential for applications that require precise timing and coordination between instruments.
4. Software Compatibility: PXI systems are typically controlled using software environments such as LabVIEW, MATLAB, or C/C++. The PXI standard ensures that software developed for one PXI module or vendor can be seamlessly used with other PXI modules from different vendors.
5. Scalability and Expandability: PXI systems can be easily expanded by adding additional modules to the chassis. This scalability allows users to start with a basic system and gradually expand it as their needs evolve.

The PXISA works closely with its member companies to develop new specifications, release updates to the PXI standard, and ensure compliance with the standard among member products. It also organizes events, conferences, and training programs to educate users about the benefits and capabilities of PXI and promote its adoption in various industries.

Overall, the PXISA plays a crucial role in driving the adoption and advancement of PXI technology, fostering collaboration among industry players, and providing users with a standardized and interoperable platform for their test and measurement needs.