NXI Measurement & Test Systems

NXI measurement and test systems provide a modular platform for data acquisition, signal generation, switching, communication, and device-under-test (DUT) control. Different functional modules can be combined within one chassis to create compact and scalable solutions for automated test equipment (ATE), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), production testing, and research applications.

The NXI portfolio includes measurement and control chassis, measurement and DAQ modules, digital I/O modules, power source and load modules, communication modules, and simulation and switching modules. Available functions include analog and digital I/O, voltage and current measurement, temperature acquisition, relay switching, multiplexers, resistance simulation, and CAN communication.

The appropriate NXI configuration is selected according to the required signals, measurement range, channel count, resolution, sampling rate, isolation, switching capacity, synchronization, interfaces, and available chassis slots. Its modular architecture allows the test system to be configured for the current application and expanded when additional measurement or control functions are required.

How to Configure an NXI Measurement and Test System

Configuring a suitable NXI system starts with the signals that must be measured, generated, switched, or communicated. The required channel count, measurement range, accuracy, sampling rate, isolation, synchronization, switching capacity, interfaces, and future expansion should then be considered.

• Chassis size and system architecture: Define how many modules are required and how many slots should remain available for future expansion. The NXI modular chassis is available in different sizes. Check slot isolation, module compatibility, trigger distribution, and cascading options.
• Master controller and data bandwidth: Select a controller according to the number of modules, sampling rates, data volume, and required network performance. The NXI-1000 Gigabit LAN master is suitable for standard systems, while the NXI-1100 10-Gigabit controller supports applications with higher data throughput.
• Analog measurement and data acquisition: Measurement and DAQ modules should be selected according to input voltage, channel count, resolution, accuracy, sampling rate, bandwidth, and channel isolation. High-speed acquisition and precision measurement usually require different module types.
• Voltage and current measurement: Define the expected measurement range, required basic accuracy, resolution, input impedance, and overload conditions. High-voltage or high-current measurements may require dedicated dividers, current sensors, or isolated input modules.
• Temperature measurement: Check the required sensor type, such as thermocouples, PT100, or PT1000, as well as channel count, wiring method, measurement accuracy, cold-junction compensation, and isolation.
• Digital I/O and PWM signals: Choose digital I/O modules according to logic level, input and output current, channel count, frequency, PWM range, sampling rate, and synchronization requirements.
• Switching, relay, multiplexer, and matrix functions: Define the required switching topology, number of paths, voltage, current, power, contact resistance, bandwidth, and expected switching cycles. Multiplexer and matrix modules can route several signals to shared measurement equipment.
• Resistance and sensor simulation: For ECU, BMS, and sensor testing, determine the required resistance range, resolution, channel count, voltage rating, current rating, and switching speed. High-voltage resistance simulation requires dedicated modules and appropriate safety measures.
• Power source and load functions: NXI power modules can supply or load individual DUT circuits within the modular system. Check voltage, current, power, operating modes, accuracy, dynamic response, and whether several channels are required.
• Communication interfaces: Choose communication modules according to the DUT protocol, number of buses, baud rate, isolation, termination, timestamping, and required conversion between CAN and Ethernet.
• Synchronization and triggering: Determine whether measurements, outputs, switching events, and communication must occur simultaneously. Check trigger inputs and outputs, timestamp accuracy, inter-module synchronization, latency, and deterministic behaviour.
• Accuracy and calibration: Consider complete-system accuracy rather than only the module specification. Cabling, sensors, dividers, shunts, switching modules, temperature effects, and calibration uncertainty can influence the final measurement result.
• Software and automation: Verify available drivers, APIs, command protocols, SCPI or Modbus support, data logging, sequence functions, configuration management, and integration into the existing HIL, PLC, or test-executive environment.
• Isolation and safety: Check channel-to-channel isolation, channel-to-ground voltage, maximum common-mode voltage, connector protection, grounding concept, interlocks, emergency shutdown, and protection against accidental contact.
• Scalability: Plan sufficient chassis capacity, controller bandwidth, network connections, and power reserves for later additions. Cascading several chassis may be useful for systems with a high channel count.

ET System can configure the NXI platform together with power supplies, electronic loads, battery cell simulators, switching equipment, safety technology, and control software through test system integration. For support with selecting a chassis and suitable modules, contact our technical sales team.