NI PXI series PXI-6542 Module for Test Measurement & Automation Systems

The NI PXI-6542 is a high-performance digital waveform generator and analyzer module designed for use in PXI-based test, measurement, and automation systems.

Here is a detailed introduction:

General Features

Channel Configuration: The PXI-6542 is equipped with 32 channels, and each channel can be individually configured as an input or output, providing flexibility in designing digital communication systems.

Voltage Levels: It can interface with common transistor-to-transistor logic (TTL) voltage levels, including 5V, 3.3V, 2.5V, and 1.8V logic, making it compatible with a wide range of digital devices.

Memory: The module comes with 8MB/channel SDRAM, which allows for the storage and playback of complex digital waveforms.

Timing and Synchronization

Clock Sources: The PXI-6542 can be clocked from multiple sources, including an onboard clock, an external clock input (CLK IN), the PXI Star trigger bus, or a strobe signal. The onboard clock can generate frequencies ranging from 48Hz to 100MHz and can be configured to 200MHz/n (where 2 ≤ n ≤ 4,194,304). The external clock input accepts frequencies from 20kHz to 100MHz, and the PXI Star and strobe signals can operate from 48Hz to 100MHz.

Delay Adjustment: It provides fine-grained control over the relative delay between channels, with a resolution of 10ps. This is useful for applications where precise timing alignment is critical, such as in high-speed digital communication systems or when interfacing with multiple devices that require synchronized operation.

Exported Sample Clock: The module can export the sample clock to external devices, allowing for synchronization with other instruments in a test setup. The exported sample clock can be routed to the DDC CLK OUT connector or the CLK OUT SMB jack connector.

Triggering and Pattern Sequencing

Trigger Sources: The PXI-6542 supports multiple trigger sources, including software triggers, external triggers, and internal triggers based on the state of the digital channels. This allows for precise control over the timing of waveform generation and acquisition, enabling synchronization with other events in a test system.

Pattern Sequencing: It has the ability to sequence through different waveform patterns, allowing for the generation of complex digital waveforms with programmable sequences. This is useful for testing digital circuits that require specific input patterns or for generating test stimuli for digital communication protocols.

Applications

Digital Circuit Testing: The PXI-6542 can be used to test the functionality of digital circuits, such as integrated circuits (ICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and printed circuit boards (PCBs). It can generate digital waveforms with specific patterns and timings to stimulate the circuit under test and capture the resulting responses for analysis.

Digital Communication Systems: It is suitable for testing and characterizing digital communication systems, including serial communication interfaces (such as RS-232, RS-485, and USB), parallel communication interfaces, and Ethernet interfaces. The module can generate and analyze digital signals according to the specific protocols and standards of these interfaces.

Automotive Electronics Testing: In the automotive industry, the PXI-6542 can be used to test the electronic control units (ECUs) and other digital components in vehicles. It can simulate the digital signals that are exchanged between different ECUs and test their functionality and communication protocols.

Aerospace and Defense Testing: The module is also applicable in the aerospace and defense sectors for testing avionics systems, satellite communication equipment, and other digital hardware. It can provide the necessary digital waveform generation and analysis capabilities to ensure the reliability and performance of these systems.