Home Shop PXI Systems What Are NI PXI Controllers?

What Are NI PXI Controllers?

A PXI controller is the central processor of a PXI system, managing communication and data flow between modules. NI PXI controllers can be embedded, operating independently without an external PC, or remote, allowing control from a desktop, laptop, or server.

Built for Automated Test

The image shows three PXI Embedded controllers arranged in a row. Each module has various ports and connectors, including USB ports, Ethernet ports, and other specialized connectors. The internal circuitry of the modules is visible from the sides, showing green circuit boards and electronic components.

​NI controllers offer high-performance, reliable computing for PXI systems. With preconfigured OS options, rugged design, and long-term support, they accelerate deployment and ensure dependable operation from design validation to production test.

Key Benefits

  • ​Choose the operating system: NI PXI embedded controllers support multiple OS options—choose Windows for a familiar, industry-standard workspace, NI Linux Real-Time for reliable, deterministic performance, or purchase without an OS for full customization of your embedded system. 

  • Streamline software development: NI PXI embedded controllers support NI LabVIEW, Python, and more, providing flexibility to work in your preferred programming environment. Access to hundreds of drivers ensures compatibility and a unified software workflow—from setup to deployment.
  • ​Ensure long-term performance: Our partnerships with leading processor manufacturers enable integration of the latest computing technologies, ensuring high performance today and scalability tomorrow. Standard I/O allows controller upgrades with minimal changes to systems or code.
  • Protect data and secure systems: Select NI PXI controllers feature TPM 2.0 for hardware-based encryption and platform authentication. Models such as the NI PXIe-8862 include removable hard drives, ideal for secure environments where data must be protected or easily declassified. Learn more about NI PXI data security.
  • ​Control remotely and expand systems: PXI remote controllers offer the benefits of the PXI platform while enabling chassis control through desktop PCs, rack-mounted controllers, laptops, or other PXI systems. MXI-Express enables streaming, synchronization, and multichassis communication. Download the NI PXI Remote Control brochure.

Featured PXI Controllers

​The image shows two PXI Embedded controllers arranged in a row. Each module has various ports and connectors, including USB ports, Ethernet ports, and other specialized connectors. The internal circuitry of the modules is visible from the sides, showing green circuit boards and electronic components.​

Core Performance​

​Designed for everyday test and measurement needs, these controllers offer a balance of capability and value. Featuring Intel® Core™ i3 and i5 processors, up to 8 GB/s bandwidth, and 512 GB of storage, they’re ideal for automated test setups, lab environments, and small- to mid-sized systems.

​​The image shows three PXI Embedded controllers arranged in a row. Each module has various ports and connectors, including USB ports, Ethernet ports, and other specialized connectors. The internal circuitry of the modules is visible from the sides, showing green circuit boards and electronic components.​

​High Performance

Engineered for high-throughput and data-intensive systems, these controllers feature Intel® Core™ i7 and server-grade processors with up to 16 GB/s of bandwidth and up to 912 GB of storage. These controllers are ideal for applications that require high-speed data acquisition and high-speed instruments.​

The image shows three PXI remote control modules arranged in a row. The internal circuitry of the modules is visible from the sides, showing green circuit boards and electronic components.​​​

Remote Control and System Expansion

​Control your PXI system through desktop PCs, rack-mount controllers, laptops, or other PXI systems. You can also expand your system with multi-chassis configurations, enabling a single controller to manage multiple PXI chassis for high-channel-count or distributed test setups.

Build a system with the NI System Advisor

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Use the NI advisor to configure your PXI system, including chassis, controller, modules, software, services, and accessories. Check compatibility, save your setup, share it with your team, and streamline quoting and purchasing.

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Fundamentals of Building a Test System

 

Defining a test strategy and planning system investments are critical to reducing cost, optimizing your test-investment life cycle, and maximizing efficiency. Learn test strategies, best practices, and design trade-offs for your test systems.

Featured Content

The image shows two PXI Embedded controllers arranged in a row. Each module has various ports and connectors, including USB ports, Ethernet ports, and other specialized connectors. The internal circuitry of the modules is visible from the sides, showing green circuit boards and electronic components.​

NI PXI Embedded Controller Design Advantages

Discover the design features behind NI PXI embedded controllers that power reliable, high-speed performance systems.

The image shows a person working with electronic equipment, using probes to test or measure a blue circuit board. The board is connected to a PXI system.

Philips Rethinks Functional Test, Shortening Time to Market

Philips used NI PXI and LabVIEW to standardize test systems, decrease development resources by 80 percent, improve cycle time by 10X, and improve overall test coverage.

​Software interface for "Pump Monitoring and Control" developed using LabVIEW RT, showing gauges for pressure, temperature, and RPM, plus vibration analysis graphs and control buttons.​ ​

What Is a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS)?

Learn about real-time operating systems, why they are useful for measurement and control applications, and how they differ from standard general-purpose operating systems.

The registered trademark Linux® is used pursuant to a sublicense from LMI, the exclusive licensee of Linus Torvalds, owner of the mark on a worldwide basis.