PXI Platform Overview

The PXI (PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation) platform is a modular, high-performance hardware standard that forms the core of many modern HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) systems. Developed for test, measurement, and automation applications, PXI combines the electrical features of the PCI bus with a rugged, compact form factor and integrated timing and synchronization capabilities. For HIL applications, PXI provides a flexible, scalable, and well-supported foundation for building reliable test systems that can evolve with product requirements.

Benefits of PXI for HIL Testing

PXI is particularly well-suited for HIL testing due to its combination of performance, modularity, and software integration.

Feature	Description
High Throughput, Low Latency	PXI Express provides high-speed backplane communication, enabling low-latency data exchange and high bandwidth — ideal for real-time simulation and control in HIL systems.
Modularity and Scalability	Engineers can build systems with only the I/O modules they need and scale up easily by adding slots or chassis. This supports everything from small R&D setups to large production test systems.
Deterministic Timing and Synchronization	PXI’s integrated timing and triggering resources allow sub-microsecond synchronization across modules, ensuring precise, repeatable signal coordination for closed-loop testing.
Rich Ecosystem of I/O Modules	PXI supports a wide range of COTS modules from NI and third-party vendors, covering analog/digital I/O, communication buses (CAN, LIN, FlexRay, etc.), and instrumentation (DMMs, scopes, signal generators).
Seamless Software Integration	PXI integrates with NI software like LabVIEW, VeriStand, and TestStand. Real-time controllers support deterministic model execution using tools like Simulink Real-Time or NI VeriStand.
Compact, Industrial-Grade Design	PXI systems are rugged and space-efficient, making them suitable for lab benches, production test cells, and embedded validation environments where reliability and maintainability are key.