NI Programmable Power Supply for PXI Improves Accuracy and Reduces Test Times in Automated Test Applications; New Module's Precision Source Capability a First for the PXI Platform.

AUSTIN, Texas -- Engineers now can source voltage or current with high accuracy from a single PXI slot with the new National Instruments (Nasdaq:NATI) PXI-4110 programmable DC power supply. The new power supply exceeds the accuracy of other PXI power supplies with high-resolution setpoints and readback measurement capability while reducing test times with programming speeds less than 1 ms. It is ideal for applications such as I-V curve tracing, device characterization or device power sourcing in a variety of industries, including semiconductor, consumer electronics and communications.

The NI PXI-4110 is a programmable, triple-output precision DC power supply in a single-slot, 3U PXI module. It has two isolated channels, one from 0 to +20 V and the other from 0 to -20 V, and a single non-isolated 0 to 6 V supply -- all capable of outputting up to 1 A per channel. Engineers can use the module's 16-bit resolution setpoints, selectable 20 mA current range and readback measurements to program 0.12 mV changes in voltage and 0.4 microamps changes in current to meet the most rigid test specification requirements. With less than 1 ms programming speeds, engineers can perform fast voltage/current sweeps across a device, reducing total test time compared to traditional GPIB or serial controlled power supplies by more than 10 times. The module offers 9 W of output power when operating from the PXI backplane supply, and up to 46 W of power (maximum of 20 W per channel) when connected to an auxiliary power supply through the module's front panel.

With the 20 mA current range and its built-in measurement of both terminal voltage and current, this power supply is the first PXI module to source and measure current with a resolution better than 1 microamps. Engineers can take advantage of this functionality not only in power supply applications, but also in many applications that typically require a separate precision source-measure unit. This additional functionality can reduce the cost of test systems in applications such as I-V curve tracing, where small current changes are required to fully characterize a device.

The new power supply works with all NI modular instruments as well as the NI LabVIEW graphical development environment, the LabWindows/CVI ANSI C development environment and Microsoft Visual Basic/C++. When combined with digital multimeters, digitizers, arbitrary waveform generators, high-speed digital devices, switches and other modular instruments, the new power supply can help form a complete functional test system in a single PXI chassis. The module also includes a test panel and Express VI for simple troubleshooting and fast application development.

About NI Modular Instruments

NI offers essential technologies for test, which combine high-performance hardware, flexible software and innovative timing and synchronization technology for test and design applications. NI modular instruments offer accurate, high-throughput measurements from DC to 2.7 GHz. The product family includes:

--Digitizers/PC-based oscilloscopes (up to 24 bits, up to 250 MS/s)

--Signal generators (up to 16 bits, 200 MS/s)

--Digital waveform generator/analyzers (up to 400 Mb/s)

--RF vector signal generators and analyzers (up to 2.7 GHz)

--Digital multimeters (up to 7 1/2 digits, LCR)

--Programmable power supplies (up to 20 W, 16-bit)

--Dynamic signal analyzers (up to 24 bits, 500 kS/s)

--Switching (multiplexers, matrices, general purpose and RF)

About PXI

PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation (PXI) is an open specification governed by the PXI Systems Alliance (www.pxisa.org) that defines a rugged, CompactPCI-based platform optimized for test, measurement and control. It is supported by more than 70 member companies and more than 1,150 products are available. PXI products are compatible with the CompactPCI and CompactPCI Express industrial computer standards and offer additional features such as environmental specifications, standardized software and built-in timing and synchronization.

About National Instruments

For 30 years, National Instruments (www.ni.com) has been a technology pioneer and leader in virtual instrumentation -- a revolutionary concept that has changed the way engineers and scientists in industry, government and academia approach measurement and automation. Leveraging PCs and commercial technologies, virtual instrumentation increases productivity and lowers costs for test, control and design applications through easy-to-integrate software, such as NI LabVIEW, and modular measurement and control hardware for PXI, PCI, PCI Express, USB and Ethernet. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, NI has more than 3,800 employees and direct operations in nearly 40 countries. For the past seven years, FORTUNE magazine has named NI one of the 100 best companies to work for in America. Readers can obtain investment information from the company's investor relations department by calling 512-683-5090, e-mailing [e-mail] or visiting www.ni.com/nati.

Pricing and Contact Information

NI PXI-4110 programmable DC power supply
Priced from $1,499
Web: www.ni.com/modularinstruments

11500 N Mopac Expwy, Austin, Texas 78759-3504
Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

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