Selecting the Correct DC Chassis for Your Application

Selecting the Correct DC Chassis for Your Application
For many applications, deployment is not feasible in the absence of an AC power source. For remote testing, in-vehicle data acquisition systems, or portable solutions, engineers do not have the luxury of AC power. For these situations National Instruments offers two AC/DC combination chassis that offer the flexibility of either AC or DC power inputs in either a 4 or 8-slot chassis.

When selecting a DC chassis for your application there are three main questions:
1. What is the DC input range required?
2. How many PXI modules are in the system?
3. Will a combination AC/DC input be required?

Three or Less PXI Modules and 12 VDC Input

If your DC input requirement is 12 VDC, there are two options, either the PXI-1031DC (4-slot) or the PXI-1000B DC (8-slot). For applications that require three modules or less, the PXI-1031DC with a combination universal AC and 11 to 30 VDC input is a compact solution for applications that require the flexibility of AC input at your office and deployment to DC input for remote locations. It is also ideal for applications requiring a smaller footprint (bench or floor space) when deployed.

More than Three PXI Modules and 12 VDC Input

For applications that require more than three PXI modules, the PXI-1000B DC offers a universal AC and 10 to 32 VDC input range in an 8-slot chassis. The PXI-1000B DC is compatible with the PXI 2.0 Specification. National Instruments recommends calculating a power budget if you are using the latest PXI high-power modules (such as PXI-5122 and PXI-4472) that require extra power on the -12 V rails. The PXI-1000B DC is an ideal solution for applications that require more than three modules and it accepts a wide range of data acquisition and measurement modules. For more information on power budgeting, please see "Determining the Power Consumption for a PXI System"

Combination AC/DC Input Required

A benefit of a combination AC/DC input is flexibility. Engineers can develop on a bench-top or rack-mount system and then easily deploy to a DC power source. When deploying the PXI-1031DC to remote locations, simply connect a DC source and the chassis will switch to DC input without interrupting system operation. When both the AC and DC power inputs are connected, the power supply will draw power from both the AC and DC source. For this reason, when DC power is connected, NI recommends disconnecting the AC power cord.

DC Power Cord Options

The PXI-1031DC and PXI-1000B DC offer a DC power cord. The PXI-1031DC DC cable (763419-01) shown in Figure 1, consists of a DC power connector, 18 feet of 10 AWG cable, and a high-heat, impact-resistant, watertight fuse holder with a 30 A fuse installed. The cable length can be customized; please refer to the PXI-1031DC DC Cable Kit Installation Guide on ni.com/manuals. The PXI-1000B DC also offers an 18 foot DC cable with an 20 A fuse installed, please refer to the NI PXI-1000B DC DC Cable Kit Installation Guide on ni.com/manuals.


Figure 1. PXI-1031DC DC Cable

Conclusion

National Instruments offers a wide range of chassis including 4, 8, 14, and 18-slot general-purpose chassis with AC power supplies. For applications that require flexibility of input options, National Instruments now offers 4 and 8-slot chassis with combination AC/DC power supplies to meet your system requirements with PXI.
Related Links:
Determining the Power Consumption of a PXI System
Evaluating PXI Chassis for Test Control and Design Applications
NI PXI-1031DC (4-Slot PXI Chassis AC/DC Powered )
NI PXI-1000B (8-slot 3U PXI Chassis with 10-32 VDC )
How do I Install my DC cable from National Instruments?

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