Model Nomenclature

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

• 51: NI PXI oscilloscope and digitizer series identifier.

• 86: Denotes the top-tier 8-bit module with 5 GHz bandwidth and 12.5 GS/s sampling rate, superseding the 3 GHz PXIe-5185NI.

Technical Specifications

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

• Channels: 2 fully independent analog input channels.

• Bandwidth: 5 GHz (50 Ω); 500 MHz (1 MΩ).

• Sampling Rate: 12.5 GS/s (1 channel), 6.25 GS/s (2 channels); 250 GS/s random interleaved sampling (RIS) equivalent.

• Resolution: 8-bit vertical resolution.

• Input Impedance: Software-selectable 50 Ω or 1 MΩ.

• Voltage Range (Full-Scale): 110 mVpp to 10 Vpp (50 Ω); up to 50 Vpp (1 MΩ).

• Onboard Memory: 32 MB/channel (782058-01) or 1 GB/channel (782058-02).

• Rise Time: ~70 ps (50 Ω, typical).

• SFDR: >40 dBc (typical at 2 GHz).

• Coupling: AC/DC software-selectable.

• Filters: 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 CH0/CH1 analog inputs, REF CLK, CLK IN, and TRIG I/ONI.

Interface and Communication Configuration

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

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

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

• Synchronization: PXI trigger bus, star trigger, NI-TClk (picosecond-level alignment).

• Clock: External 10 MHz reference input/output.

• Data Transfer: DMA for continuous waveform streaming; multi-record acquisition (up to 100,000 segments).

Core Features

• 5 GHz Ultra-Wideband: Captures microwave, mmWave, and high-speed digital signals with minimal attenuation.

• 12.5 GS/s Real-Time Sampling: Resolves fast transient events and high-frequency harmonics accurately.

• Dual Impedance Flexibility: 50 Ω for RF/microwave matching; 1 MΩ for general-purpose probing.

• Deep Memory Options: 1 GB/channel enables long-duration acquisition without host intervention.

• Advanced Triggering: Edge, pulse, window, video, pattern, and RF trigger for complex waveform stabilization.

• Precision Synchronization: NI-TClk aligns multiple PXIe instruments for multi-channel and mixed-signal test.

• Built-In Self-Calibration: Corrects DC drift and gain errors to maintain accuracy between external calibrations.

Application Scenarios

• Aerospace & Defense: Radar pulse characterization, electronic warfare (EW) signal capture, satellite communication RF/IF testing.

• High-Speed Digital: 100G/400G Ethernet, PCIe 6.0, DDR6 timing and signal integrity validation.

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

• Wireless Communication: 5G/6G massive MIMO, mmWave transceiver validation, wideband IF signal analysis.

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

Usage and Maintenance Instructions

Installation & Configuration

Operation

Daily Maintenance