Description
NI PXI-1031
Technical Specifications
- Brand: National Instruments
- Model: PXI-1031
- Chassis Type: 4-slot 3U PXI chassis
- Module Compatibility: 3U PXI and CompactPCI modules
- Backplane Type: 32-bit PCI PXI backplane with +5 V V(I/O)
- System Controller Slot: Slot 1
- Trigger Lines: 8 PXI trigger lines available to all slots
- Star Trigger Slot: Available as defined by the PXI specification
- System Reference Clock: Built-in 10 MHz clock
- Clock Accuracy: ±25 ppm over the operating temperature range
- Maximum Clock Skew Between Slots: 250 ps
- AC Input Voltage Range: 100 to 240 VAC
- AC Operating Voltage Range: 90 to 264 VAC
- Input Frequency: 50/60 Hz
- Operating Frequency Range: 47 to 63 Hz
- Power Supply Rating: 300 W universal AC power supply
- Maximum Total Usable Power: 230 W
- Maximum Combined +3.3 V and +5 V Power: 125 W, derating to 100 W between 45 °C and 50 °C ambient
- Per-Slot Cooling Capacity: 25 W
- Airflow Direction: Bottom intake, top-to-module airflow
- Cooling Control: AUTO/HIGH temperature-controlled fan speed
- Acoustic Noise: As low as 35 dBA
- Height: 177 mm / 6.97 in
- Width: 257.1 mm / 10.12 in
- Depth: 212.8 mm / 8.38 in
- Weight: 5 kg / 11.0 lbs
- Backplane Material: UL 94 V-0 recognized
- Backplane Connectors: Compliant with IEC 917 and IEC 1076-4-101
Functional Features
- Accepts both 3U PXI and CompactPCI modules.
- Provides a built-in 10 MHz system reference clock with low slot-to-slot skew.
- Supports 8 PXI trigger lines for multi-module synchronization.
- Includes AUTO/HIGH fan speed control to reduce acoustic noise.
- Provides universal AC input from 100 to 240 VAC.
- PXI-1031DC variant supports optional DC power input through the rear panel.
- Supports rack mounting with optional kits.
- Supports carrying handle for portable configurations.
- Provides front-panel power switch for easy operation.
- Allows filler panels in unused openings to improve cooling performance.
Application Scenarios
- Laboratory test and measurement systems
- Educational PXI training platforms
- Automated test equipment development
- Data acquisition and signal conditioning platforms
- Prototype validation systems
- Industrial control interface systems
- Portable PXI instrumentation
- Multi-module synchronized measurement systems
Performance Parameters
- 4-slot PXI backplane with 32-bit PCI architecture.
- 10 MHz reference clock accuracy of ±25 ppm.
- Maximum clock skew between slots of 250 ps.
- Per-slot cooling capacity of 25 W.
- Maximum total usable power of 230 W.
- Combined +3.3 V and +5 V power limited to 125 W.
- Low acoustic noise operation suitable for office and lab environments.
- Universal AC input supports global power systems.
Material Composition
- Sheet aluminum chassis structure
- Extruded aluminum components
- Cold rolled steel structural parts
- Nylon components for internal mechanical parts
- Clear chromate conversion coating on aluminum
- Electrodeposited nickel plate on cold rolled steel
- Polyester urethane powder paint finish
- UL 94 V-0 recognized backplane material
Structural Features
- Compact 4-slot desktop chassis.
- Front-panel power switch.
- Bottom fan intake for module cooling.
- Exhaust openings along the rear, top, and sides.
- Three-position AC power inlet with chassis ground connection.
- Optional DC power input connector on PXI-1031DC models.
- Mounting holes for optional rack-mount kits.
- Optional carrying handle attachment points.
- Filler panel positions for unused openings.
- Status LEDs for power and system operation.
Working Principle
The PXI-1031 supplies regulated DC voltages to installed PXI and CompactPCI modules through its backplane. The internal power supply converts universal AC input into +3.3 V, +5 V, +12 V, and -12 V rails. The backplane provides PCI data transfer paths, PXI trigger lines, and a 10 MHz system reference clock. Modules inserted into the chassis communicate through the PXI/CompactPCI bus and can be synchronized using trigger lines and the system clock. Cooling air enters from the bottom and flows upward through the module slots to maintain safe operating temperatures.
Installation Requirements
- Place the chassis on a stable, level surface with adequate ventilation.
- Maintain clearance around intake and exhaust openings.
- Connect the AC power cable to a grounded outlet.
- For PXI-1031DC, connect DC power only through the designated rear-panel DC input.
- Install modules into the correct slots according to system controller and peripheral requirements.
- Insert filler panels into unused openings when improved cooling is required.
- Install optional rack-mount kits if the chassis is mounted in an instrument rack.
- Use NI Measurement and Automation Explorer to verify chassis and module recognition.
- Ensure the chassis ground connection is properly established.
Precautions for Use
- Do not exceed the per-slot cooling capacity of 25 W.
- Do not exceed the maximum total usable power of 230 W.
- Do not block the bottom air intake or rear and top exhaust openings.
- Verify module compatibility with a 32-bit PXI/CompactPCI backplane.
- Do not force modules into slots.
- Use only the correct power cable for the local mains supply.
- Disconnect the power cable before moving or servicing the chassis.
- Keep the chassis away from conductive dust, moisture, and corrosive gases.
- Observe electrostatic discharge precautions when handling modules.
- Refer to the official NI PXI-1031 user manual for detailed specifications and slot assignments.
