Model Nomenclature

• PXIe: PXI Express high-speed modular instrumentation bus.

• 51: Denotes the NI PXI oscilloscope and digitizer series.

• 85: Indicates a high-performance 8-bit module with 3 GHz bandwidth and 12.5 GS/s sampling rate, positioned above the 5162 in performance.

Technical Specifications

• Form Factor: 3U single-slot PXIe module.

• Channels: 2 fully independent analog input channels.

• Bandwidth: 3 GHz (50 Ω); 300 MHz (1 MΩ, on select revisions).

• Sampling Rate: 12.5 GS/s (1 channel), 6.25 GS/s (2 channels).

• Resolution: 8-bit vertical resolution.

• Input Impedance: Software-selectable 50 Ω or 1 MΩ (revision-dependent).

• Voltage Range (Full-Scale): 1 Vpp to 10 Vpp (50 Ω); up to 50 Vpp (1 MΩ).

• Onboard Memory: 1 GB per channel (1024 Mpts) for long-duration acquisition.

• Rise Time: ~117 ps (50 Ω, typical).

• SFDR: >40 dBc (typical at 1 GHz).

• Coupling: AC/DC software-selectable.

• Filters: Built-in programmable low-pass and high-pass filters.

• Environmental: Operating 0 °C to 55 °C; Storage -40 °C to 70 °C.

• Connectors: Front-panel BNC for analog inputs, trigger I/O, and external clock.

Interface and Communication Configuration

• Bus: PXIe Gen2 x4, enabling high-bandwidth data streaming up to 2 GB/s.

• Drivers: NI-Scope, NI-DAQmx, and IVI-COM drivers for Windows.

• Software Support: NI-MAX for configuration and diagnostics; LabVIEW, C/C++, Python, and .NET for custom automationNI.

• Synchronization: PXI trigger bus, star trigger, and NI-TClk for picosecond-level alignment with other PXIe instruments.

• Clock: External 10 MHz reference input/output for system-wide synchronization.

• Data Transfer: Direct Memory Access (DMA) for continuous waveform streaming to host.

Core Features

• Ultra-Wideband Performance: 3 GHz bandwidth and 12.5 GS/s sampling accurately capture high-frequency RF, microwave, and high-speed digital signals.

• Flexible Front-End: Switchable 50 Ω/1 MΩ impedance, AC/DC coupling, and multi-range voltage settings adapt to diverse signal types.

• Deep Memory: 1 GB per channel supports long-record acquisition and multi-record mode (up to 100,000 segments) for burst signal capture.

• Advanced Triggering: Edge, pulse, window, video, and pattern trigger modes stabilize complex waveform capture.

• Precision Synchronization: NI-TClk and PXI star trigger enable tight alignment with PXIe digitizers, generators, and switches.

• Self-Calibration: Built-in self-cal corrects DC drift, maintaining accuracy between annual external calibrations.

Application Scenarios

• Aerospace & Defense: Radar pulse acquisition, electronic warfare (EW) signal analysis, and satellite communication baseband testing.

• High-Speed Digital: 40G/100G Ethernet, PCIe, and DDR5 timing and signal integrity validation.

• Semiconductor Test: High-speed I/O characterization, clock jitter analysis, and power rail transient measurement.

• Wireless Communication: 5G/6G RF front-end testing, wideband IF signal analysis, and transceiver prototype validation.

• Research & Development: Ultrafast laser, physics, and high-energy experiment signal capture.

Usage and Maintenance Instructions

Installation & Configuration

Operation

Daily Maintenance