The National Instruments (NI) PXI-1042 (Part Number: 188079J-01L) is a high-performance 8-slot PXI chassis designed for a wide range of test, measurement, and control applications. Built to comply with PXI and CompactPCI specifications, it provides a robust, high-bandwidth backplane ideal for demanding industrial and laboratory environments.

Technical Specifications

Application Areas

• 🧪 Automated Test Equipment (ATE)

• 📡 Signal Processing and Telecommunications

• 🏭 Industrial Automation Monitoring

• 🧬 Research and Development Labs

• 🚀 Aerospace and Defense Testing

Product Usage Guide

To begin, ensure the chassis is placed on a stable, flat surface with at least 3 inches of clearance on both the intake and exhaust sides to allow for proper airflow. Connect the power cable to a grounded AC outlet and ensure the voltage setting matches your facility’s power supply.

Install your PXI modules by sliding them along the card guides into the desired slots. Ensure the module connectors are fully seated into the backplane, and tighten the front panel screws on the module to lock it securely in place. The System slot must always be occupied by a valid PXI controller or an interface bridge to initialize the backplane.

Once all modules are seated, power on the unit using the power switch located on the front panel. The chassis will perform a cooling fan check; you should feel airflow coming from the exhaust vents. Verify that your system software (such as NI MAX) detects the chassis and the modules installed within the respective slots.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: Can I use standard CompactPCI cards in this chassis?

A: Yes, the PXI-1042 is backplane-compatible with standard 3U CompactPCI modules, though they will not benefit from the specific PXI trigger bus or star trigger features.

Q: Why are my fans running at maximum speed?

A: The chassis features intelligent cooling control. If the internal temperature sensors detect high heat, the fans will increase speed automatically. Ensure the intake filters are clean and not blocked by dust.

Q: Does this chassis support remote control?

A: Yes, it can be controlled via an embedded PXI controller in the System slot or through a PXI-to-PCI/PCIe remote control interface card connecting to an external computer.

Recommended Similar Models

• PXI-1042Q (Quiet Version)

• PXI-1033

• PXI-1045

• PXIe-1073

• PXIe-1082