Description
Product Overview
The NI PXIe-5105 is an eight-channel PXI Express oscilloscope designed for applications that require simultaneous analog signal acquisition across multiple measurement points. It combines 60 MHz analog bandwidth, a maximum real-time sampling rate of 60 MS/s, and 12-bit vertical resolution in a compact PXI Express module. All eight channels are sampled simultaneously, making the instrument suitable for comparing signal timing, amplitude, and waveform behavior across related circuits or test points. This is particularly useful in automated test environments where measurements must be collected under consistent operating conditions rather than sequentially from individual channels.
Each input channel provides configurable coupling, input impedance, voltage range, and filtering. The selectable 50 Ω and 1 MΩ input impedance settings support different signal-source requirements, while AC and DC coupling allow engineers to configure measurements according to the signal’s frequency content and offset characteristics. The NI PXIe-5105 also supports triggering, onboard acquisition memory, and synchronized operation within a PXI system. These capabilities help test engineers capture transient events, compare multiple analog signals, and coordinate measurements with other instrumentation modules.
The module is commonly applied in electronics development, automated production testing, component characterization, and validation systems that require repeatable waveform measurements. NI-SCOPE provides the instrument-driver interface for application development and acquisition control, with integration options that include LabVIEW-based test environments. When purchasing a NI PXIe-5105, engineers should verify the exact memory configuration, chassis compatibility, driver version, and calibration status. The PXIe-5105 name alone does not identify the onboard memory capacity or establish the condition of a used unit. Confirming the complete part number before replacement helps prevent configuration mismatches and unnecessary test-system downtime.
Product Introduction
When a test fixture monitors several related signals, sequential measurements can make timing comparisons difficult. The PXIe-5105 addresses this requirement with eight simultaneously sampled analog inputs, allowing engineers to capture related waveforms on a shared acquisition timeline.
For replacement projects, the memory configuration deserves attention alongside the model number. NI lists 16 MB, 128 MB, and 512 MB versions. A replacement should match the original acquisition requirements, chassis interface, and software environment rather than being selected by model name alone.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Model | PXIe-5105 |
| Manufacturer | National Instruments (NI) |
| Product Type | PXI Express Oscilloscope |
| Number of Channels | 8 analog input channels |
| Channel Sampling | Simultaneous sampling |
| Analog Bandwidth | 60 MHz |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 60 MS/s |
| Vertical Resolution | 12 bits |
| Input Voltage Range | -15 V to +15 V |
| Input Impedance | 50 Ω / 1 MΩ |
| Input Coupling | AC / DC |
| Onboard Memory | 16 MB / 128 MB / 512 MB, depending on orderable part number |
| Bus Interface | PXI Express |
| Instrument Driver | NI-SCOPE |
| FPGA | No user-programmable FPGA |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C |
| Installation | Compatible PXI Express chassis |
| Protection Rating | Not verified as an IP-rated device |
Memory configuration and orderable part numbers
| NI Part Number | Onboard Memory |
|---|---|
| 783590-01 | 16 MB |
| 783590-02 | 128 MB |
| 783590-03 | 512 MB |
These are listed configurations for the PXIe-5105. Confirm the complete part number on the module label before ordering.
PXIE-5105
Major Features and Advantages
Eight simultaneous analog input channels
The module acquires eight signals at the same time. This is useful when evaluating phase relationships, timing differences, or transient behavior across several points in a circuit. It avoids the measurement uncertainty that can arise when related signals are captured sequentially.
60 MHz analog bandwidth
The 60 MHz bandwidth supports waveform measurements in electronic test systems where signal frequency content exceeds the range of basic low-speed data acquisition hardware. Engineers should still consider probe characteristics, input configuration, and signal integrity when defining measurement limits.
12-bit vertical resolution
The 12-bit ADC provides 4,096 nominal quantization levels across the configured measurement range. Actual measurement accuracy also depends on input range, calibration, noise, and operating conditions.
Selectable input impedance and coupling
The 50 Ω and 1 MΩ input options allow the module to accommodate different source and termination requirements. AC or DC coupling can be selected according to the signal being measured. Incorrect impedance selection can load a signal source or distort the measurement, so input configuration should be checked during test setup.
Multiple onboard memory configurations
The available 16 MB, 128 MB, and 512 MB versions provide different acquisition-storage capacities. Memory size can affect record length and the amount of data retained during an acquisition. Do not assume that all PXIe-5105 units have identical memory.
PXI synchronization and software integration
The module supports PXI timing and synchronization features and uses the NI-SCOPE instrument driver. These capabilities support integration into automated test systems that coordinate multiple instruments and measurement tasks.
Related Products
The following NI instruments may be relevant when designing or maintaining PXI-based test systems. They are not asserted to be direct replacements for the PXIe-5105.
- PXI-5105 – Earlier PXI version of the 5105 oscilloscope family; check chassis and bus compatibility carefully.
- PXIe-5108 – PXI Express oscilloscope in the NI 5100 family.
- PXIe-5122 – Two-channel high-speed digitizer for different acquisition requirements.
- PXIe-5160 – Higher-bandwidth PXI Express oscilloscope for more demanding signal measurements.
- PXIe-5172 – Reconfigurable oscilloscope platform for applications requiring FPGA-based processing.
- PXIe-5114 – PXI Express oscilloscope for general-purpose waveform acquisition.
Verify channel count, bandwidth, sampling rate, driver support, and chassis requirements before considering any alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the NI PXIe-5105 used for?
It is an eight-channel PXI Express oscilloscope used to acquire and analyze analog waveforms. Common applications include automated test systems, electronics validation, circuit characterization, and multichannel signal monitoring.
Q2: Can the PXIe-5105 replace a PXI-5105?
Not automatically. The PXI-5105 and PXIe-5105 have different bus interfaces. Before replacing a PXI version with a PXIe version, check the chassis slot type, mechanical compatibility, system controller, and software configuration.
Q3: Can I hot-swap this module?
Do not assume hot-swap support. Follow the chassis and module installation instructions, and power down the system before removing or installing the module unless the specific system documentation explicitly permits powered insertion.
Q4: Does the PXIe-5105 support firmware v3.1?
A blanket firmware v3.1 compatibility claim cannot be confirmed from the model number alone. The relevant software component is NI-SCOPE, and compatibility depends on the installed driver version, operating system, and application environment. Check the driver documentation for the actual system configuration.
Q5: Are all PXIe-5105 modules equipped with 512 MB memory?
No. NI lists 16 MB, 128 MB, and 512 MB configurations. The memory capacity must be verified against the module’s complete orderable part number.
Q6: What should I check before installing a replacement PXIe-5105?
Confirm the chassis supports PXI Express, verify the required memory capacity, check NI-SCOPE compatibility, and review the test application’s channel and acquisition settings. Calibration status should also be checked before returning the module to measurement service.
Q7: How can I verify the condition of a used PXIe-5105?
Inspect the connector and board condition, check the serial and part number labels, and request evidence of power-up and channel testing. A useful inspection report should identify the channels tested, input configurations, trigger operation, acquisition stability, and calibration status. A successful power-up alone does not establish measurement accuracy.
Procurement and Quality Inspection Notes
Before purchasing an NI PXIe-5105, confirm:
- Exact part number and onboard memory capacity.
- PXI Express chassis compatibility.
- Connector condition and signs of physical damage.
- NI-SCOPE driver and operating-system compatibility.
- Successful acquisition testing on all eight channels.
- Input impedance and AC/DC coupling operation.
- Triggering and synchronization function.
- Calibration history and available test documentation.
- Warranty and return conditions.
Important procurement distinction: The PXIe-5105 is an active NI product family, while the older PXI-5105 has a separate lifecycle and interface status. Do not treat the two model names as interchangeable.
