The PXI-8145RT is a 3U PXI real-time embedded controller engineered for deterministic, high-performance applications within PXI systems. Operating as the primary processing unit, it occupies one system slot and one controller expansion slot, interfacing directly with the PXI backplane for low-latency command of integrated modules. The controller delivers predictable loop rates and minimal jitter—critical for production test, condition monitoring, and hardware-in-the-loop deployments. Its embedded architecture supports headless operation in unattended environments.
Technical Specifications
Processor & Memory
• Intel Pentium 266 MHz with MMX instruction set
• 32 MB SDRAM standard; upgradeable to 256 MB SDRAM
• 32 MB CompactFlash nonvolatile storage; upgradeable to 256 MB
Operating System & Software
• LabVIEW Real-Time (Phar Lap ETS kernel)
• Requires LabVIEW Real-Time Module with LabVIEW Professional or Full Development System
• Compatible with NI-DAQ driver software and NI-VISA
Connectivity
• 1 × RS-232 serial port (front panel)
• 1 × 10/100Base-T Ethernet port (front panel)
• PCI interface to PXI backplane
• External VGA connector for setup and diagnostics
Timing & Reliability
• User-programmable watchdog timer with countdown capability
• Watchdog reset triggered via backplane trigger line
• Automatic controller reset upon watchdog timeout (software crash protection)
Power
• +3.3 V @ 2.8 A typical, 5.0 A maximum
• Powered exclusively via PXI chassis backplane; no external supply required
Physical
• Dimensions: 1.6 × 5.1 × 8.5 inches (4.06 × 12.95 × 21.59 cm)
• Weight: 0.75 lbs (340 g)
Environmental
• Operating: 0 to 50 °C (0 to 122 °F)
• Storage: –20 to 70 °C (–4 to 158 °F)
• High shock and vibration resistance via nonvolatile CompactFlash architecture
– Key Features
• Six status LEDs (Power OK, Drive, 10/100 Ethernet, LabVIEW RT, User1, User3)
• User-programmable LED indicators for real-time system state visibility
• Deterministic real-time execution with minimal timing jitter
• Master/slave PXI system capability
• Compact 3U form factor for space-constrained chassis deployments
– Typical Applications
• Production test automation and ATE systems
• Condition monitoring and predictive maintenance
• Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation
• Real-time data acquisition and control requiring low-latency response
– Compatibility & Integration
The PXI-8145RT integrates into NI PXI chassis architectures, providing central processing control with direct backplane access to measurement, switching, and I/O modules. LabVIEW Real-Time programming enables deterministic loop-rate execution without OS jitter.
