PXI-8175
May 27, 2026

PXI-8175

The PXI‑8175 is a 3U PXI/CompactPCI embedded controller from National Instruments’ 8171 series, built around an Intel Celeron 866 MHz processor. It integrates a complete PC system into a compact 3U form factor, acting as the system controller for PXI/CompactPCI test, measurement, and industrial automation platforms. It occupies 1 system slot + 3 expansion slots in a PXI chassis, delivering balanced performance while preserving full PXI backplane bandwidth for peripheral modules. This model is obsolete

Description

Model Nomenclature

  • PXI: PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation, denoting compliance with the PXI modular instrumentation bus standard.

  • 8175: Belongs to the 8171 series (8174/8175/8176) of PXI embedded controllers; 75 indicates a mid‑range Celeron‑based model in the series.

  • Full meaning: PXI bus, 8171 series, Celeron embedded controller.

Technical Specifications

Basic Specifications

  • Form factor: 3U, 4‑slot width (1 system + 3 expansion slots).

  • Processor: Intel Celeron 866 MHz, 100 MHz FSB.

  • Chipset: Intel 815.

  • Memory: 64 MB SDRAM (standard), max 512 MB via two 144‑pin SO‑DIMM sockets.

  • Storage: Internal 2.5‑inch Ultra ATA100 HDD (15 GB minimum), 3.5‑inch 1.44 MB floppy drive.

  • Video: Integrated Super VGA (2 MB SGRAM), supports CRT and TFT LCD.

  • PXI bandwidth: 132 MB/s (reserved for PXI modules).

  • Power consumption: ~30 W (from PXI backplane).

  • Operating temperature: 0 °C to 50 °C.

  • Storage temperature: −20 °C to 60 °C.

  • OS support: Windows 2000, Windows XP, DOS, LabVIEW Real‑Time.

  • MTBF: 180,000 hours (Belcore method).

Onboard I/O Interfaces

  • Video: 1×VGA (DB‑15).

  • Serial: 2×RS‑232 (DB‑9).

  • Parallel: 1×IEEE 1284 (DB‑25).

  • USB: 2×USB 1.1.

  • Ethernet: 1×10/100 Mbps (RJ‑45).

  • PS/2: Keyboard and mouse ports.

  • Front panel: Reset button, POWER OK/DRIVE LEDs, floppy drive bay.

Interface and Communication Configuration

Internal Bus

  • PXI/CompactPCI: System controller slot, supports PXI trigger bus and RTSI synchronization.

  • PCI: Direct connection without bridge chip, maintaining full 132 MB/s bandwidth for PXI modules.

  • ISA: Integrated for legacy I/O compatibility.

Software Communication

  • Drivers: NI‑PXI, NI‑DAQ, NI‑VISA, NI‑488.2M.

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

  • Protocols: TCP/IP, UDP, Serial, GPIB (via add‑on modules).

Core Features

  1. Balanced Celeron Performance
    The 866 MHz Celeron delivers cost‑effective, reliable performance for mid‑range test and control applications, supporting multitasking and algorithm execution.
  2. Full PXI Bandwidth Preservation
    Direct PCI connection without a bridge chip reserves the full 132 MB/s PXI backplane bandwidth for peripherals, maximizing data throughput.
  3. Dual Serial Ports & Rich I/O
    Two RS‑232 ports plus VGA, parallel, USB 1.1, Ethernet, and PS/2 enable broad compatibility with legacy and modern peripherals/instruments.
  4. Ultra ATA100 Storage
    High‑speed internal HDD interface supports fast data streaming and logging for dynamic signal acquisition applications.
  5. Rugged Industrial Design
    Compact 3U form factor, industrial temperature range (0–50 °C), and backplane‑powered operation suit harsh industrial and field environments.

Applications

  1. Mid‑Range Automated Test Equipment (ATE)
    Functional test of electronic assemblies, semiconductor test systems, and production lines with moderate computing demands.
  2. Industrial Control & Monitoring
    Factory automation, process control, and machinery monitoring requiring stable, long‑term operation.
  3. Data Acquisition & Logging
    Medium‑speed data logging, sensor monitoring, and dynamic signal analysis in industrial/research settings.
  4. Portable/Field Test Systems
    Compact, rugged PXI systems for on‑site maintenance, vehicle diagnostics, and remote monitoring.
  5. Educational & Research Labs
    Academic labs using legacy PXI systems for teaching, research, and small‑scale test applications.

Usage and Maintenance Instructions

Installation and Power‑On

  • Install in a standard 3U PXI chassis (e.g., PXI‑1020/1025), occupying 4 consecutive slots.

  • Power supplied via PXI backplane; ensure chassis provides ≥30 W per slot.

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

Software Setup

  • Install supported OS (Windows 2000/XP) and NI drivers (NI‑PXI, NI‑DAQ, NI‑VISA).

  • Access BIOS via front‑panel reset during boot to adjust boot order, display settings, and hardware parameters.

  • Install application software (LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI) for test/control development.

Environmental Requirements

  • Operating temperature: 0 °C to 50 °C. Maintain chassis airflow; avoid blocking fan vents.

  • Humidity: 20%–80% RH (non‑condensing). Keep in dry, dust‑free environment.

Daily Maintenance & Troubleshooting

  • Power off before maintenance; clean front‑panel connectors and chassis filters quarterly with a dry cloth.

  • Storage issues: Check HDD health via OS tools; replace faulty Ultra ATA100 HDD with compatible model.

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

  • Memory upgrade: Power off, install compatible 144‑pin SO‑DIMM SDRAM (max 512 MB).

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

Safety Notice

  • 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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