We have used a PXI based oscilloscope in an application that requires specialized capabilities over and above what a traditional scope offers in terms of number of channels, combination of hardware and software triggering, and high bandwidth data transfer from the scope to the PC processor, and found this to be significantly superior to traditional scope based solutions with GPIB. We used the RTSI bus to synchronize measurements between multiple oscilloscopes, which is not convenient to do with traditional scopes. We see more of these specialized applications for PXI based oscilloscopes. We are also using National Instruments LabVIEW RT on PXI for control applications and applications that require round-the-clock operation with very high reliability. Image acquisition support on PXI running LabVIEW RT will allow us to address industrial inspection requirements where closed loop control is implemented using the information derived from image processing. PXI certainly stands out when it comes to integration of multiple measurement devices into a single platform (Vision & Motion, DAQ, Instrument Control, CAN, etc.). Another advantage is the availability of PXI chassis with SCXI (signal conditioning) from National Instruments and also PXI chassis with integrated display and keyboard for compact portable solutions. PXI is certainly more cost effective than VXI, and in cases where high bus bandwidth is required, it is superior in performance. GPIB-based solutions using traditional instruments cannot be integrated as well as PXI and the size advantages are very clear. I expect many of the new technologies in the horizon to augment PXI's position as a preferred platform for cost-effective, high-performance, and scalable measurement and automation solutions.
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