NI 6.5-digit multimeter reads at 100Sa/s

National Instruments has released the PXI-4070 6.5-digit digital multimeter (DMM) in a single-slot 3U PXI module. The device achieves a reading rate of 100Sa/s - claimed to be at least three times faster than traditional GPIB-controlled DMMs.

Suited for automated tests on production floors and in an R&D environment, the device can also read 5.5 digits at 2kSa/s, 4.5 digits at 50kSa/s, and 3 digits at 1.8MSa/s. By using the company's LabVIEW and NI-DMM driver software, engineers can further read 7 digits at 5Sa/s.

The FlexDMM device delivers a basic 24h Vdc accuracy of 6ppm and sub 5V sensitivity. It incorporates a 1.8MSa/s isolated digitizer that enables the device to acquire both ac- and dc-coupled waveforms up to 1300V input at a maximum sampling rate of 1.8MSs/s.

By combining the NI LabVIEW software with the isolated digitizer mode, the FlexDMM can analyze transients, flyback signals, or other nonrepetitive high-voltage ac waveforms in both the time and frequency domain.

The PXI-4070 uses a digital algorithm that automatically rejects the dc component of the signal, making it possible to offer a dc-coupled ac voltage mode that completely bypasses the slow-settling input coupling capacitor required with traditional methods.

The company claims that the device's PXI platform combines the PCI bus with integrated timing and triggering to deliver >10x performance improvement compared to older architectures.