Description
| Product model | PXI-4462 |
| Manufacturer | National Instruments (NI) |
| Product category | PXI Dynamic Signal Acquisition (DSA) Module |
| Number of channels | 8 differential input channels |
| ADC resolution | 24-bit sigma-delta |
| Sampling rate | Up to 102.4 kS/s per channel (shared clock) |
| Simultaneous sampling | Yes (all channels sampled simultaneously) |
| Input voltage range | ±5 V (software selectable to ±1 V, ±0.2 V, ±0.04 V) |
| Input impedance | 100 kΩ |
| Frequency bandwidth | DC to 45 kHz (-1 dB), up to 51.2 kHz usable |
| Anti-aliasing filter | Analog elliptic filter, automatically switched based on sample rate |
| AC/DC coupling | Software-selectable AC or DC coupling |
| IEPE/constant current excitation | 4 mA per channel (programmable on/off), for powering accelerometers and microphones |
| Sensor types supported | Accelerometers (IEPE), microphones, hydrophones, vibration sensors, low-level analog signals |
| Dynamic range | >103 dB (typical) |
| THD + Noise | <-95 dB (typical) |
| Connector type | BNC (8 front-panel BNC connectors) |
| Timing and synchronization | Onboard 8 MHz and 10.24 MHz clocks, TTL I/O, SCXI trigger bus, supports T-Clock for multi-module sync |
| Compatible chassis | PXI or PXI-Express chassis with PXI-1 (e.g., PXI-1031, PXI-1045) |
| Power consumption | < 5 W |
| Operating temperature | 0°C to 55°C |
| Storage temperature | -20°C to 70°C |
| Certifications | CE, FCC, UL, CSA, IEC 61010-1 |
| Warranty | 1 year (standard, when purchased new) |
PXI-4462 NI
Product introduction
The NI PXI-4462 is a high-performance, 8-channel dynamic signal acquisition (DSA) module from National Instruments (NI), designed for precision measurement of acoustic, vibration, and audio signals. Built on sigma-delta ADC technology, the PXI-4462 delivers 24-bit resolution and a maximum sampling rate of 102.4 kS/s per channel, making it ideal for noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) testing, structural dynamics, and sound quality analysis.
This module is optimized for use with IEPE (Integrated Electronics Piezo-Electric) sensors, such as accelerometers and microphones, which require constant current excitation (4 mA) and AC coupling. The PXI-4462 provides onboard IEPE power for each channel, eliminating the need for external signal conditioners and simplifying setup.
All 8 channels are simultaneously sampled, ensuring excellent phase matching and amplitude consistency across channels—critical for modal analysis, beamforming, and multi-point vibration studies. The anti-aliasing filter is automatically configured based on the selected sampling rate, ensuring accurate frequency domain measurements.
The module features software-selectable input ranges (±5 V, ±1 V, ±0.2 V, ±0.04 V) and AC/DC coupling, providing flexibility for a wide range of signal types. Its high dynamic range (>103 dB) and low distortion (<-95 dB THD+N) ensure high-fidelity signal capture, even in noisy environments.
The PXI-4462 connects directly via 8 front-panel BNC connectors, enabling quick and reliable sensor attachment. It integrates seamlessly with NI-DAQmx driver software and LabVIEW, and is fully compatible with the NI Sound and Vibration Measurement Suite for advanced analysis such as order tracking, FFT, and octave analysis.
Core advantages and technical highlights
A key advantage of the PXI-4462 is its simultaneous sampling across all 8 channels, which eliminates inter-channel timing errors and ensures phase coherence—a critical requirement for multi-channel coherence and cross-channel phase measurements.
The integrated IEPE current supply (4 mA per channel) simplifies sensor connectivity and reduces system complexity, especially in large-scale vibration test setups.
Its high dynamic range and low noise floor enable the detection of small amplitude signals in the presence of larger ones, essential for fault detection in rotating machinery and acoustic signature analysis.
The T-Clock synchronization feature allows multiple PXI-4462 modules (or other DSA modules) to be tightly synchronized across a PXI chassis or even multiple chassis, enabling scalable systems with 64+ channels while maintaining sub-nanosecond inter-channel timing alignment.
The automatically switched anti-aliasing filter ensures that no frequency components above the Nyquist frequency are aliased into the measurement, preserving data integrity.
Designed for industrial reliability, the PXI-4462 operates in harsh environments and meets international safety and EMC standards.
Typical application scenarios
The PXI-4462 is widely used in automotive NVH testing to measure engine vibration, cabin noise, and brake squeal using arrays of accelerometers and microphones.
In aerospace and defense, it is employed for aircraft structural testing, jet engine monitoring, and sonar signal acquisition.
For industrial machinery health monitoring, the PXI-4462 captures vibration data from motors, gearboxes, and turbines to detect imbalance, misalignment, and bearing wear.
It is also used in audio equipment testing, building acoustics, and university research in mechanical and acoustical engineering.
Due to its compatibility with LabVIEW and the Sound and Vibration Toolkit, it is a popular choice for custom automated test systems requiring real-time signal processing and analysis.
PXI-4462 NI
Related model recommendations
- NI PXIe-4464: 8-channel DSA module with8 kS/s, DC to 92 kHz bandwidth, PXIe interface.
- NI PXIe-4487: 8-channel DSA with512 kS/s, higher dynamic range, ideal for ultrasonic and high-frequency applications.
- NI PXI-4461: 4-channel DSA withsame specs as 4462 but fewer channels.
- NI PXI-4472: Older 8-channel DSA with 102.4 kS/s but different filtering.
- NI 9234 (C-Series): 4-channel IEPE input for CompactDAQ/CompactRIO.
- NI 9246: 4-channel dynamic strain input.
- Brüel & Kjær LAN-XI: High-end modular data acquisition for sound and vibration.
- HBM QuantumX MX440A: 8-channel DSA with IEPE support.
- Siemens SCADAS: High-channel-count data acquisition for NVH.
- Oros OR3x: Portable DSA with advanced analysis features.
Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions
Install the PXI-4462 in a PXI chassis (e.g., PXI-1031) and secure it. Connect IEPE accelerometers or microphones to the 8 BNC inputs. Ensure sensors are properly grounded and cables are shielded.
In NI MAX (Measurement & Automation Explorer), detect the module and configure channels: enable IEPE power, select AC coupling, and set the input range based on expected signal levels.
Use DAQ Assistant in LabVIEW to create a multi-channel acquisition task. For synchronized multi-module setups, enable T-Clock on the master module and route the clock to slave modules via the SCXI trigger bus.
Perform a self-calibration or external calibration periodically (recommended annually) to maintain accuracy. Avoid exposing BNC connectors to moisture or physical stress. Clean with electronic contact cleaner if necessary.
