PXI-6542
May 27, 2026

PXI-6542

I. Product Introduction PXI-6542 (Part Number 778953-01/02/03) is a 3U single-slot, 32-channel, 100 MHz high-speed digital waveform generator/analyser from NI (Emerson), belonging to the 654x series of top-level DIO, designed for ultra-high-speed digital protocols, FPGA/chip verification, high-end mixed-signal ATE, supporting 1.8/2.5/3.3/5.0 V multi-level, each channel independent direction, deep onboard memory. It has been discontinued (EOL).

Description

II. Model Interpretation

PXI: 3U single-slot PXI module, compatible with PXI/PXIe mixed slots.

6542: 654x (high-speed digital waveform instrument); 2 = 100 MHz (6541 = 50 MHz).

Core Identifier: 32-way bidirectional, multi-level, 100 MHz, SMC synchronous core, onboard deep memory, ultra-high-speed timing.

III. Technical Parameters (25℃) General

Channel: 32 single-ended bidirectional I/O, each channel has independent input/output NI.

Level: Software selectable 1.8/2.5/3.3/5.0 V TTL/CMOS.

Drive: Each channel **±24 mA**, direct drive high-speed logic devices, bus interface.

Memory: 1/8/64 Mbit / channel (depending on model), supports ultra-long waveforms / complex sequences.

Rate and Timing

Clock: Maximum 100 MHz (internal / external / reference clock), range 48 Hz to 100 MHz.

Edges: Rising / Falling / Delayed edges selectable, channel skew ±600 ps (typical).

Trigger: PXI trigger bus, STAR trigger, 4-channel PFI, minimum pulse width 20 ns NI.

Synchronization: SMC (Synchronous and Storage Core), multi-module nanosecond-level synchronization.

Jitter: Typical 20 ps rms (cycle), 35 ps rms (cycle interval).

Physical and Environmental

Size: 3U single slot (160×100 mm).

Power consumption: Typical 15 W, maximum 20.5 W.

Connectors: 68-pin VHDCI (I/O) + 3×SMB (clock / trigger).

Temperature: 0 to 55℃ (commercial); extended grade -40℃ to +85℃.

IV. Interface and Communication Configuration

Hardware Interface

I/O: 68-pin VHDCI, recommended cable SHC68-C68-D4 (1 m, ensuring 100 MHz performance).

Clock / Trigger: 3×SMB (CLK IN/OUT, PFI), supports external 100 MHz clock input.

Bus: PXI bus, DMA bus master mode, low CPU usage.

Software and Drivers

Driver: NI-HSDIO, paired with Digital Waveform Editor waveform editing software.

Development Environment: LabVIEW, Python, C#, TestStand, supports scripted sequences, PRBS generation.

Synchronization: PXI trigger / RTSI/STAR, mixed-signal synchronization with digitizers, AWGs, etc.

V. Core Functions

32-level multilevel ultra-high-speed bidirectional I/O: 1.8 to 5 V software switching, suitable for FPGA/MCU/DDR/high-speed interfaces; each channel has independent direction, flexible configuration of bus / control signals.

100 MHz waveform generation / acquisition: generate / capture ultra-high-speed digital timing, protocol signals (such as SPI, I2C, UART, parallel bus, LVDS); ±600 ps skew, meets high-speed timing verification.

Deep memory + advanced sequences: each channel up to 64 Mbit, stores ultra-long waveforms; supports looping, branching, conditional triggering, PRBS, simulates complex workflows.

SMC synchronization core: multi-module synchronization expanded to hundreds of channels, nanosecond-level timing alignment; seamless integration with digitizers, AWGs, power supplies, builds a complete mixed-signal ATE.

Rich triggers and filtering: edge / level / mode-matched triggers; software programmable input filtering, suppresses noise, improves stability.

VI. Application Scenarios

Ultra-high-speed digital chip verification: FPGA/CPLD, MCU, high-speed interface chips (USB3, PCIe, DDR) timing / function testing, boundary scan, protocol simulation. High-end mixed-signal ATE/FCT: PCB functional testing, simulation of ultra-high-speed digital interfaces, acquisition/generation of control signals, synchronization of analog measurements (voltage/current).

High-speed memory testing: Read/write timing verification of DDR3/DDR4, SRAM/Flash, data integrity testing, high-speed bus simulation.

Communication and protocol testing: Master/slave simulation of SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, LVDS, PCIe and other protocols, timing compliance testing.

Automotive electronics and industrial control: High-speed digital I/O testing of on-board high-end ECU, ADAS, and autonomous driving modules, communication bus verification.

VII. Installation and Maintenance Instructions

Installation and Power On

Installation: Power off, insert the 3U slot of the PXI chassis, ensure reliable grounding of the chassis, and perform electrostatic protection operation.

Power On: After powering on, NI-HSDIO automatically self-checks without preheating; avoid frequent cold-hot restarts.

Environment: Keep the air duct unobstructed, 0-55℃; avoid strong electromagnetic interference (motors, frequency converters).

Connection and Operation

Connection: Avoid frequent plugging and unplugging of the VHDCI interface, use SHC68-C68-D4 cable (1 m); use shielded twisted pair for long distances, single-ended grounding.

Level Configuration: Strictly set the voltage of DUT to 1.8/2.5/3.3/5 V, to prevent overvoltage damage to components.

High-speed Design: Strict impedance matching of 100 MHz signals, short traces, complete ground plane, to reduce reflection and crosstalk.

Daily Maintenance

Interfaces: Regularly clean the VHDCI/SMB interfaces, prevent dust and moisture; install dust covers when idle.

Software: Update NI-HSDIO drivers and firmware to obtain function optimization and bug fixes.

Calibration: Digital circuits do not require regular calibration; check the tightness of wiring and cable integrity annually.


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