PXI-8101
May 27, 2026

PXI-8101

The PXI‑8101 (part number 780955‑01) is a 2‑slot 3U PXI embedded controller manufactured by National Instruments (NI, now Emerson). It integrates a complete PC architecture into a compact, rugged PXI form factor, designed to serve as the system controller for PXI/CompactPCI-based test, measurement, and industrial control systemsNI. Equipped with an Intel Celeron 575 2.0 GHz single-core processor, onboard storage, and standard peripheral I/O, it eliminates the need for an external PC, enabling standalone, portable, and highly integrated PXI systems. This model is obsolete

Description

Model Nomenclature

  • PXI: Compliant with PXI (PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation) modular instrumentation bus

  • 8101: Controller series identifier; 81xx denotes PXI embedded controllers, 01 indicates the entry‑level single‑core model

  • Full meaning: PXI bus, 81xx series, entry‑level single‑core embedded controller

Technical Specifications

Basic Specifications
  • Form factor: 3U, 2‑slot PXI module

  • Part number: 780955‑01 (standard), 780955‑33 (RT flash)

  • Processor: Intel Celeron 575, 2.0 GHz single‑core, 667 MHz FSB

  • Memory: 1 GB DDR2 800 MHz (max 4 GB)

  • Storage: 80 GB HDD (standard); 4 GB+ flash (RT version)

  • PXI bandwidth: Up to 132 MB/s system/slot

  • Power consumption: ~18 W (from PXI backplane)

  • Operating temperature: 0 °C to 55 °C

  • Storage temperature: −40 °C to 71 °C

  • OS support: Windows XP/Vista/7, NI Real‑Time OS

I/O Interfaces
  • Video: DVI‑I (digital + analog)

  • Serial: 1 × RS‑232

  • Parallel: 1 × IEEE 1284 ECP/EPP

  • USB: 2 × Hi‑Speed USB 2.0

  • Ethernet: 1 × Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000BASE‑TX)

  • Front panel: Reset button, PXI trigger I/O

Interface and Communication Configuration

Internal Bus
  • PXI/CompactPCI interface: System controller slot, supports PXI trigger and RTSI synchronization buses

  • DMA: Integrated bus mastering for high‑speed data transfer between PXI modules and system memory

Software Communication
  • Drivers: NI‑PXI, NI‑DAQmx, NI‑VISA

  • Programming environments: LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, C/C++, .NET

  • Communication protocols: TCP/IP, UDP, Modbus, CAN (via add‑on modules)

Core Features

  1. Integrated PXI System Controller
    Combines CPU, memory, storage, and I/O in a 2‑slot PXI module, enabling standalone PXI systems without external PCsNI.
  2. Standard PC Peripheral Connectivity
    DVI‑I, USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, RS‑232, and parallel port provide full compatibility with standard peripherals and easy integration into existing workflows.
  3. Real‑Time Operation Support
    Optional flash‑based RT version runs NI Real‑Time OS for deterministic control, hard real‑time I/O, and reliable long‑term operation.
  4. High‑Speed PXI Data Transfer
    Up to 132 MB/s PXI bandwidth ensures fast data acquisition, signal processing, and instrument control across multiple PXI modules.
  5. Rugged and Portable Design
    Compact 3U form factor, industrial temperature range, and backplane‑powered operation suit mobile, field, and industrial environmentsNI.

Applications

  1. Automated Test Equipment (ATE)
    Semiconductor test, functional test of electronic assemblies, and end‑of‑line production test systems.
  2. Data Acquisition and Monitoring
    High‑speed data logging, environmental monitoring, and distributed sensor systems in industrial and research settings.
  3. Industrial Control and Embedded Systems
    Machine control, process monitoring, and embedded controller for real‑time machinery and automation.
  4. Aerospace and Defense
    Avionics test, radar data processing, and ruggedized field test systems requiring high reliability.
  5. Portable/Field Test Systems
    Compact, battery‑powered PXI systems for on‑site maintenance, vehicle diagnostics, and remote monitoring.

Usage and Maintenance

Installation and Power‑on
  • Install in a standard 3U PXI chassis, occupying 1 system slot + 1 expansion slot.

  • Power supplied exclusively via PXI backplane; ensure chassis provides ≥20 W per slot.

  • Connect peripherals (monitor, keyboard, network) to front‑panel I/O before power‑on.

Software Setup
  • For Windows: Install NI‑PXI, NI‑DAQmx, and application software (LabVIEW, etc.).

  • For Real‑Time: Use NI MAX to deploy RT OS to flash and configure network settings.

  • Configure BIOS (access via front‑panel reset during boot) for boot order and hardware settings.

Thermal and Environmental
  • Operating temperature: 0 °C to 55 °C. Maintain chassis airflow; avoid blocking fan vents.

  • Humidity: 10%–90% RH (non‑condensing). Keep in dry, dust‑free environment.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting
  • Clean front‑panel connectors and chassis filters quarterly (power off, use dry cloth).

  • Storage issues: Check HDD/SSD health via OS tools; RT flash corruption requires OS redeployment.

  • Boot failures: Verify PXI backplane power, reseat controller, or reset BIOS defaults.

  • Long‑term storage: Power off and store in dry area; power on for 1 hour monthly to prevent moisture damage.

Safety and Compliance
  • For indoor industrial use only, altitude ≤2000 m, pollution degree 2.

  • Dispose of electronic waste per local regulations; do not discard in general trash.


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