The NI PXI-8250 is a PXI System Monitoring Module that delivers real-time health monitoring for NI PXI chassis systems. It continuously tracks voltage rail integrity, intake temperature, and fan operation, surfacing critical parameters through front panel LEDs and an alert relay. The module provides immediate visual status indication and programmable alerting when any monitored parameter deviates from specification, ensuring reliable operation of PXI test systems.
Technical Specifications
Voltage Rail Monitoring
• Monitors +5 V, +3.3 V, +12 V, and -12 V rails
• Measurement accuracy: ±100 mV
• +5 V and +3.3 V data presented to two significant figures
• +12 V and -12 V data presented to one significant figure
• Status LEDs: green within ±5% of chassis specification, red otherwise
Temperature Monitoring
• Single intake thermistor measurement in chassis power supply shuttle
• Range: 0–50 °C
• Accuracy: within 1 °C
• Status LED: green for in-range, red for out-of-range
Fan Speed Monitoring
• RPM measurement of all rear-facing chassis fans
• NI PXI-1042/1042Q: two fans monitored
• NI PXI-1045: three fans monitored
• Accuracy: ±50 RPM
• Status LED: green above 1500 RPM (normal operation), red at or below threshold
Alerting and Status Indication
• 12 front panel LEDs: 6 system status LEDs, 6 user-configurable LEDs
• System status LEDs for four power rails, temperature, and combined fan status
• Boot sequence: all LEDs flash orange during configuration, then off for 7 seconds until first valid data sample acquired
• Alert relay toggles when any monitored parameter falls outside specified operating range
– Key Features
• Real-time voltage, temperature, and RPM measurements with specified accuracy
• Dedicated status indication for each monitored parameter
• Programmable alert relay for external system integration
• User-configurable LED alerts for custom monitoring logic
• NI System Monitor software with driver and API for programmatic access
– Compatibility & Integration
Designed for installation in NI PXI-1042, NI PXI-1042Q, and NI PXI-1045 chassis. Integrates with NI System Monitor software for data acquisition and alerting control.
