PXI (PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation)
What does PXI mean?
PXI (PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation) is an open, industrial standard for modular test and measurement systems. It is based on the PCI or PCIe bus, well known from the PC world, which is implemented in a standardised chassis with multiple slots. Different PXI or PXIe modules can be plugged into these slots – for example digitizers, function and arbitrary waveform generators, switching and matrix cards, digital I/O modules or high-voltage and RF modules.
The major advantage of PXI lies in the combination of high channel density and precise synchronisation: shared trigger, clock and timing signals in the chassis enable reproducible measurements with multiple modules operating in parallel. This makes PXI particularly suitable for automated functional tests, end-of-line test stands, hardware-in-the-loop applications and modular lab systems in electronics development and production.
PXI systems are highly scalable:
- Users often start with a few modules and expand the system step by step with additional measurement or switching functions.
- Via controller cards or MXI/PCIe links, the PXI chassis connects directly to an industrial PC or an external computer.
In many modern test architectures, PXI operates together with LXI instruments or PC-based interface cards, forming a powerful platform for automated testing and measurement.
For companies, PXI offers a high level of investment protection: standardised mechanics and electrical interfaces ensure that modules from different manufacturers work together in a single system. At the same time, users benefit from a broad selection of modules, extensive software support (e.g. LabVIEW, .NET, Python, test sequencers) and the ability to adapt test systems flexibly to new requirements over many product generations.