Timing controller improves synchronisation in PXI systems

National Instruments has released the latest additions to its timing tools portfolio including what the company claims is the industry's first PXI Express timing and synchronisation controller and a PXI module that synchronises PXI systems over GPS, Inter-Range Instrumentation Group (IRIG) and IEEE 1588. These products are said to improve synchronisation and timecode capabilities in PXI systems, which is important for synchronising multiple systems, precisely timestamping events and measurement accuracy in automated test and DAQ applications.

The PXIe-6672 controller makes it easy to synchronise PXI Express systems with GPIB, VXI and other measurement and instrumentation systems. This system timing controller generates high-resolution clocks from DC to 105MHz for clocking instruments at precise frequencies and includes a high-stability TCXO reference with 1ppm stability. With the controller's onboard routing of internal and external clocks and triggers, engineers have complete control over the PXI trigger bus, star trigger lines and system reference clock. They also can use this controller to implement complex synchronisation schemes in a single PXI Express chassis.

The NI PXI-6682 module provides GPS time, location and velocity, IRIG-B decoding, and IEEE 1588 synchronisation. The module is designed for timestamping and triggering measurements or events across large physical objects such as airplanes and bridges or geographically distributed systems such as power grids and accelerators. Engineers can also use the module as a grandmaster in an IEEE 1588 network. The IEEE 1588 precision time protocol (PTP) provides a standard method to synchronise PXI, LXI and other IEEE 1588-based devices on an Ethernet network. The NI PXI-6682 also features complete PXI system timing controller functionality including the capability to control the PXI trigger bus, star trigger lines and system reference clock.

The NI PXIe-6672 is priced from Rs.80,856.13 ($1,999) and the NI PXI-6682 is priced from Rs.60,631.99 ($1,499).

- Gina Roos
eeProductCenter