National Instruments PXIe-5164 Product Overview

The National Instruments PXIe-5164 is a high-speed PXI Express digitizer module designed for precision waveform acquisition, automated test systems, and advanced measurement applications. As part of the NI PXI Express modular instrumentation platform, the National Instruments PXIe-5164 provides four analog input channels with high-resolution digitizing capability, enabling engineers to capture and analyze rapidly changing electrical signals in real time. The module is built for demanding applications that require accurate waveform recording, high bandwidth measurement, and synchronized multi-channel data acquisition.

The National Instruments PXIe-5164 belongs to the NI PXIe-5100 Series high-speed digitizer family and integrates directly into PXI Express chassis architectures. It combines high sampling performance, onboard memory resources, and FPGA-based processing capabilities to support applications such as semiconductor testing, aerospace verification, RF measurement, power electronics analysis, and automated production test systems. The module operates with NI software platforms, including LabVIEW, NI-SCOPE driver software, and PXI-based test frameworks, allowing engineers to develop customized measurement and control solutions.

In practical engineering environments, the National Instruments PXIe-5164 provides a flexible measurement solution for capturing transient signals, repetitive waveforms, and complex analog behavior that conventional data acquisition modules cannot handle effectively. Its PXI Express interface allows integration with timing modules, signal generators, switching systems, and other test instruments to create synchronized automated test platforms. For maintenance or system expansion projects, engineers should verify chassis compatibility, software driver versions, clock synchronization configuration, and application requirements before deployment.

Technical Specifications

Main Features and Advantages

High-speed waveform acquisition capability

The National Instruments PXIe-5164 is designed for applications requiring fast and accurate signal capture. With 1 GS/s sampling capability and 14-bit resolution, the module provides detailed waveform measurement for transient events, high-frequency signals, and complex analog behaviors. This makes it suitable for engineers working on validation, troubleshooting, and production testing tasks.

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Four-channel synchronized measurement

The module provides four simultaneously sampled analog input channels, allowing engineers to compare multiple signals within the same measurement cycle. This capability is valuable for applications involving phase analysis, power electronics testing, communication verification, and multi-channel device characterization.

PXI Express platform integration

Built for PXI Express systems, the National Instruments PXIe-5164 benefits from high-speed data transfer, precise timing synchronization, and integration with other modular instruments. Engineers can combine the digitizer with waveform generators, switches, digital I/O modules, and RF instruments to create complete automated test systems.

FPGA-based processing support

The module supports onboard FPGA processing functions, allowing users to perform real-time signal analysis, triggering, filtering, and custom measurement algorithms closer to the hardware. This reduces processing delays and improves system response in applications requiring immediate decision-making.

Software and system compatibility

The National Instruments PXIe-5164 works with NI-SCOPE driver software and LabVIEW development environments, providing programming flexibility for research laboratories, manufacturing test stations, and engineering validation systems. Existing NI PXI users can integrate the module into established test architectures with appropriate software configuration.

Maintenance and deployment considerations

For replacement or expansion projects, engineers should confirm PXI Express chassis availability, slot compatibility, driver versions, calibration status, and measurement requirements. High-speed digitizer systems depend heavily on correct timing configuration and software integration, so verification before installation is essential.

Application Fields

The National Instruments PXIe-5164 is widely used in automated test and measurement environments where high-speed analog signal acquisition is required. In aerospace and defense testing, the module supports validation of electronic systems, radar components, avionics equipment, and high-speed communication devices by capturing precise waveform data during development and qualification testing.

In semiconductor manufacturing and electronics production, the digitizer is used for device characterization, functional testing, failure analysis, and automated inspection systems. Its high sampling performance enables engineers to evaluate fast electrical transitions and identify signal integrity issues during product development.

In automotive and transportation industries, the National Instruments PXIe-5164 can be integrated into hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing systems for evaluating electronic control units, sensors, and power electronics. It supports measurement tasks involving transient signals, switching behavior, and communication interface validation.

In power electronics and energy systems, the module assists with inverter testing, motor drive analysis, battery system evaluation, and electrical waveform monitoring. Its synchronized multi-channel acquisition capability allows engineers to study relationships between voltage and current signals.

Research laboratories and industrial development centers also use the National Instruments PXIe-5164 for advanced measurement applications requiring flexible software control, precise timing, and modular PXI Express integration.

Related Products

• NI PXIe-5162 – High-speed PXI Express digitizer with similar architecture, designed for applications requiring different bandwidth and channel configurations.
• NI PXIe-5163 – Related PXIe digitizer model providing alternative sampling and measurement performance options.
• NI PXIe-5122 – PXI Express digitizer module for high-speed waveform acquisition and automated testing applications.
• NI PXIe-5171R – Reconfigurable digitizer module with FPGA-based customization capability for advanced measurement systems.
• NI PXIe-5185 – High-speed digitizer module designed for demanding signal acquisition and test applications.
• NI PXIe-1082 – PXI Express chassis supporting installation and operation of PXIe measurement modules.
• NI PXIe-8880 – High-performance embedded controller used for PXI Express automated test systems.
• NI PXIe-5413 – PXI Express arbitrary waveform generator commonly paired with digitizers for signal generation and analysis systems.