PXI Legacy System Configuration and Installation Services

At Extend Test, we stand out with our fanatical customer service and unmatched technical expertise. Here’s an example of how we helped a customer who needed a PXI system to function as an EtherCAT master.

The customer was searching for a PXI demonstration unit compatible with their company’s EtherCAT slave devices. However, their marketing budget was tight, especially for a system that wouldn’t be used daily. A brand new PXIe RT system with EtherCAT capability was quoted at $10k USD, far beyond their budget. Additionally, the new PXIe Linux RT controller couldn’t be configured as a dual-boot controller with Windows, further limiting its value. So, the customer turned to Extend Test for a more cost-effective, secondhand solution.

One might think finding a secondhand PXI controller capable of running EtherCAT would be easy—just grab one from the warehouse, and it should work, right?  In reality, the right combination of PXI chassis, controller, modules, and NI software stack is incredibly nuanced. For the PXI system to work as an EtherCAT master, several specific criteria needed to be met:

1. The PXI controller must be supported by NI-IndCom for EtherCAT.

2. The PXI controller needs to have a secondary Ethernet port, or an appropriate PXI Ethernet module in the chassis, such as PXI-8231.

3. We needed a suitable EtherCAT slave, in order to check the function of the PXI EtherCAT master and prove that it is working.

Fortunately, we identified an old PXI-8106 controller that met all the criteria. We configured it to serve as a PXI EtherCAT master and validated this configuration by connecting it to a NI-9144 slave chassis.

PXI Real-Time EtherCAT master system, pre-configured for the customer

To add even more value, we configured the PXI controller for dual-booting into Windows 7 or NI RT PharLap OS. This allows the customer to boot up into Windows, if they need to do a technical demo under Windows OS.  The entire PXI system was pre-configured and shipped to the customer, ready to operate with just a press of the power button. All this was provided for less than $5k USD, and with extended warranty for the customer’s peace of mind.

Formatting the hard disk to enable LabVIEW Real-Time and Windows 7 dual-boot on legacy PXI-8106 controller

With this PXI demo unit, the customer was prepared for upcoming trade shows, where they could showcase the capabilities of their EtherCAT products and show how well they integrate into the PXI ecosystem.

Extend Test was proud to deliver a versatile and robust PXI solution, all while staying within the customer's budget!

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Looking to slash costs for your PXI systems by 50%?  Consider secondhand PXI equipment for your next purchase.  If you need a specific NI system configuration or product combination, reach out to us at sales@extendtest.co and we will make sure that your system is 100% working when you order!