The PXI Configurator from Apex Waves
February 26, 2025

How To Configure Your PXI System with Apex Waves

You are the one who understands your testing setup requirements the best, but sorting through all of the possibilities for chassis, controllers, and modules makes it difficult and time-consuming for even the most seasoned user to build up their PXI system. To help address this issue, Apex Waves is pleased to introduce our newest online tool, the PXI System Configurator! This comprehensive and easy-to-use system building tool will allow end users to find the exact parts they want more quickly than ever.

The first step to configuring your build is to select a PXI Chassis that best suits your needs. This can be changed at any time, but the chassis you choose determines the amount and types of modules you add later. As a result, going back and changing your chassis choice will reset any controllers or modules you have selected up until that point. If you cannot locate the specific module you are looking for by scrolling through the list, try inputting your query into the search bar located to the right of the “Summary” tab. When selecting any model throughout this process, the option will appear to request a specific part number. This is optional, but helps us better meet your exact specification needs.

The "Selections" column and Chassis graphic of the PXI Part Configurator

As you continue adding items to your system build, you will see your choices listed out on the right side of the screen under “Selections”. Divided by category, this convenient summary of your system so far allows you to quickly check over what you have so far and easily delete any items you no longer want. In addition, the chassis graphic to the left of the Selections column will fill in as you go along, giving you a visual guide to how complete or incomplete your build is at any given point.

The next step in the building process is choosing a controller. Options for controllers include high-performance embedded controllers and remote control modules, allowing the PXI system to be controlled from a server, desktop, workstation, or other computer. Each build is equipped with a single controller in the leftmost slot which serves as the “central hub” for controlling the modules in the chassis.

The Module tab and selection options on the Apex Waves PXI System Configurator

Next, it’s time to add modules. The number of slots in the chassis chosen in the first step determines how many modules can be selected. In addition, the chassis may have specific slot types that are made to fit specific modules. If, for any reason, your module selection is incompatible with your chosen chassis, a message will appear to let you know there is an error. Because there are so many options available for PXI modules, this section is designed with convenient filtering options on the left side of the screen. Choosing one or more of these filter categories will narrow down the available options to fit those parameters. 

Once the chassis of your PXI system build has been filled with a controller and modules, you have the option to add on any desired accessories with the “Accessories” tab. These help ensure compatibility within your PXI system, and the options consist of a high quality assortment of cables, terminal blocks, adapters, and power supplies. If you don’t see a specific accessory you need, feel free to list it in the text field underneath the checklist so it can be calculated into the final quote. If no additional accessories are needed, simply move on to the next step.

If needed, the “OS” tab allows you to choose either a Windows or RealTime operating system. Apex Waves does not sell software licenses or keys, but offers free Driver Downloads on our website. If this step is unnecessary for your build, move on to the next step or select the “None” option. 

The “Calibrations” tab allows you to select which, if any, of your selected modules you would like to have calibrated. Calibrations can be done either In-House with Apex Waves (basic unaccredited calibration to the manufacturer specifications before shipping), or NIST Traceable Calibration from NI. 

The service plans available from Apex Waves when using the configurator

Ready to complete your system build? Every Apex Waves purchase comes with the benefits of a 2 year warranty, free ground shipping, an official Certificate of Conformity, and Apex Waves Test Reports that are signed and stamped by one of our in-house technician. Now starting with our PXI System Configurator tools, we are offering three Service Plans that include benefits beyond our normal offerings. Choose any of these choices on the “Services” tab.

The Green Package is ideal for all the necessities. In addition to all of our standard benefits, this package includes a One Year NIST Traceable Calibration Certificate- providing optimal quality and accuracy assurance.

The Blue Package offers even more, featuring all of the benefits of the Green Package plus an extra year of warranty protection and free 2-day delivery to help you get your system up and running as quickly as possible. 

The Apex Package is our most comprehensive! With five-year warranty assurance, on-call technical support, and free next-day delivery, it provides complete peace of mind for your system. An extra benefit of this package is LabVIEW Life Support, which offers remote help from a qualified LabVIEW Architect with 15 years of NI expertise. 

Check over all of your selections on the “Summary” tab. Once you are satisfied with your build, submit your name, personal information, and any additional notes you have to officially request a quote! You also have the option to download your selections as a PDF for your personal records, or the share your build with either a link or the provided QR Code. If you want to revisit your build in the future without making each individual selection again, input the build number into the field at the top of the page. If you have any questions about this process, feel free to reach out to us at support@apexwaves.com! We will be glad to assist you.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter!

    A monthly email packed with valuable content—industry news, tutorials, obsolescence updates, and more. No sales pitches, just insights we think you'll find helpful!

    Posts You May Like
    Setup and Optimize the National Instruments PXI-5441 Waveform Generator

    The National Instruments PXI-5441 is a powerful PXI waveform generator designed to support high-speed waveform downloads up...

    October 25, 2024
    How NVIDIA Jetson Systems are Revolutionizing AI Applications

    Companies in almost every industry are being transformed by artificial intelligence, and autonomous machines are...

    March 2, 2023
    How to Use a NI Spectrum Analyzer with an RF Signal Generator

    The PXIe Platform from National Instruments offers an incredibly valuable toolset for test and measurement innovation. Its...

    October 16, 2024
    Simulating Circuits With SPICE

    It is no secret that simulation and testing is an important part of designing circuits....

    February 16, 2023