PXIE-1086DC
May 27, 2026

PXIE-1086DC

The PXIe‑1086DC is an 18‑slot PXI Express chassis manufactured by National Instruments, designed for high‑availability test, measurement, and control systems. It features a DC‑powered architecture, 16 hybrid slots, 1 dedicated PXI Express slot, and a total system bandwidth of up to 12 GB/s. Equipped with hot‑swappable redundant DC power supplies and front‑accessible redundant cooling fans, it delivers enhanced reliability and maintainability for applications requiring continuous operation.

Description

Model Nomenclature

  • PXIe: PCI Express extensions for Instrumentation, denoting the PXI Express platform.

  • 1086: Product series identifier for NI’s high‑slot‑count PXIe chassis.

  • DC: Indicates direct‑current power supply configuration, optimized for industrial and mobile environments.

  • Key configuration: 18 slots total (16 hybrid + 1 PXIe), Gen 2 PCIe backplane, redundant DC power and cooling.

Technical Specifications

  • Form Factor: 3U PXI Express chassis, 18 slots.

  • Slot Configuration: 16 hybrid slots (compatible with PXI, PXIe, CompactPCI, and CompactPCI Express modules); 1 dedicated PXI Express system timing slot.

  • Backplane Bandwidth: Up to 12 GB/s system bandwidth; up to 4 GB/s per PXIe slot (Gen 2 x8 PCIe).

  • Power Supply: Redundant, hot‑swappable DC power supplies; supports wide‑range DC input; 38.25 W cooling per slot.

  • Cooling System: Hot‑swappable, front‑access redundant fans; intelligent speed control; monitored airflow and temperature.

  • Isolation & Protection: Over‑voltage, over‑current, and reverse‑polarity protection; remote inhibit and fault monitoring via front‑panel connector.

  • Monitoring: Real‑time monitoring of supply voltages, intake temperature, fan speed, and health status; front‑panel LEDs for power, fan, and system fault indication.

  • Clock & Timing: Onboard VCXO; 10 MHz and 100 MHz reference clocks; supports external clock and trigger synchronization.

  • Operating Environment: 0 °C to 55 °C; compliant with PXI‑5 PXI Express Hardware Specification.

  • Part Number: 787137‑01.

Interface and Communication Configuration

  • Front Panel: Status LEDs for power, fans, and system health; 4‑pin remote inhibit/fault monitoring connector; module ejectors and slot indicators.

  • Backplane: High‑speed PXI Express backplane with integrated timing and synchronization; supports peer‑to‑peer communication between modules.

  • Power Input: DC power input terminals with redundant feed capability; no internal AC‑to‑DC conversion.

  • Synchronization: System timing slot provides centralized clock and trigger distribution; compatible with PXIe timing protocols.

  • Software Configuration: Recognized by NI‑MAX; supports remote monitoring and control via NI‑Industrial Communications and LabVIEW APIs.

Core Features

  • High Availability: Redundant hot‑swappable DC power supplies and cooling fans minimize downtime; improved MTBF and MTTR.

  • Hybrid Slot Flexibility: 16 hybrid slots accept PXI, PXIe, and legacy CompactPCI modules, maximizing hardware reuse.

  • High‑Speed Backplane: 12 GB/s system bandwidth and 4 GB/s per‑slot dedicated bandwidth support high‑throughput data acquisition and processing.

  • Robust Monitoring & Protection: Comprehensive health monitoring with LED and remote fault indication; over‑voltage and reverse‑polarity protection safeguard modules.

  • Industrial‑Grade DC Operation: DC power input suits factory floors, vehicles, and outdoor installations where AC power is unstable or unavailable.

  • Advanced Timing: Onboard VCXO and system timing slot deliver low‑jitter clocks and precise triggering for synchronized measurements.

Application Scenarios

  • Industrial Automation: High‑uptime test systems for manufacturing lines, including functional test of electronics, automotive components, and aerospace assemblies.

  • Defense & Aerospace: Ruggedized DC‑powered test benches for avionics, radar, and communication systems requiring continuous operation.

  • Automotive Test: In‑vehicle or factory‑floor measurement systems for engine, powertrain, and body electronics testing.

  • Continuous Monitoring: Environmental monitoring, power grid analysis, and distributed data acquisition systems needing 24/7 operation.

  • High‑Channel‑Count Systems: Large‑scale test setups with multiple PXIe modules, such as simultaneous data logging and signal generation.

Usage and Maintenance Instructions

Installation and Configuration

  1. Mount the chassis in a standard 19‑inch rack using the provided brackets; ensure adequate front and rear airflow.

  2. Connect redundant DC power sources to the rear input terminals; verify correct polarity and voltage range.

  3. Insert PXI/PXIe modules into hybrid or dedicated slots; secure with front‑panel ejectors.

  4. Connect external clock or trigger signals to the system timing slot if required.

  5. Power on the chassis; check that all status LEDs indicate normal operation.

  6. Install NI‑MAX and required drivers; configure chassis settings, timing, and synchronization parameters.

  7. Develop and deploy test applications using LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, or C/C++ APIs.

Daily Maintenance

  • Inspect front‑panel LEDs daily for power supply, fan, or system faults.

  • Check DC power cables and connections monthly for wear, corrosion, or loose terminals.

  • Verify fan operation and airflow; clean fan filters periodically to prevent dust buildup.

  • Ensure all modules are securely seated; tighten loose ejectors or mounting screws.

  • Monitor chassis temperature via NI‑MAX; keep ambient temperature within 0 °C to 55 °C.

  • For long‑term storage, power off the chassis, disconnect DC inputs, and store in a dry, temperature‑controlled environment.

Safety Notice

  • Do not exceed the specified DC input voltage range; incorrect voltage may damage the chassis and modules.

  • Avoid hot‑swapping modules or power supplies unless the system is designed for such operation.

  • Disconnect all power sources before servicing the chassis or replacing components.

  • Follow local electrical safety regulations and ESD guidelines when handling modules or internal components.

  • Recycle or dispose of the chassis in accordance with local electronic waste management directives at end‑of‑life.


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