Pickering Interfaces Launches High-Density PXI/PXIe Arbitrary Waveform Generators
Pickering Interfaces has launched its new high-density PXI/PXIe arbitrary waveform generators, the 41-621 PXI and 43-621 PXIe. These modules debuted at electronica 2026 in Munich, Germany, to meet the growing need for compact, affordable, and supported test systems that can reproduce complex signals.
This new product family combines complex stimulus generation with lower per-channel costs and long-term product support. A key differentiator is its ability to deliver up to four channels in a single 3U slot, offering the highest PXI/PXIe channel density for arbitrary waveform generators operating above 20 MHz.
By providing twice as many channels per slot compared to comparable two-channel solutions, the four-channel models significantly help engineers reduce chassis space and overall system cost. Pickering estimates a per-channel cost advantage of approximately 40% for the four-channel version over competing solutions, making them a practical foundation for both new test systems and upgrades to legacy automated test equipment.
Source Link: Press Release
Specifications
| Product | Function | Channels | Platform | DAC Resolution | Sampling Rate | Onboard Memory | Max Output Amplitude | Sine Wave Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41-621 PXI / 43-621 PXIe | Arbitrary Waveform Generator | 2 or 4 | PXI, PXIe (PXI models also LXI/USB) | 16-bit | Up to 250 MSamples/s | 128 MSamples/channel | Up to 20 Vpp (high impedance) | Up to 40 MHz |
Key Features
- Offers the highest PXI/PXIe channel density for arbitrary waveform generators operating above 20 MHz.
- Provides up to four channels in a single 3U slot, reducing chassis space and system cost.
- Achieves an estimated per-channel cost advantage of approximately 40% for the four-channel version.
- Each channel features a 16-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC).
- Supports sampling rates of up to 250 MSamples/s.
- Includes 128 MSamples of onboard waveform memory per channel.
- Delivers output amplitudes of up to 20 Vpp into a high-impedance load.
- Generates sine waves up to 40 MHz.
- Supports both standard and arbitrary waveforms for complex signal reproduction.
- Built-in capabilities include AM, FM, chirp, frequency-shift keying (FSK), phase-shift keying (PSK), pulse-width modulation (PWM), and frequency sweeps.
- Channels can be synchronised and phase-aligned within a module and across multiple modules.
- Available in PXI or PXIe platforms; PXI models also operate in Pickering's LXI and LXI/USB modular chassis for Ethernet or USB control.
- Software support includes LabVIEW, Python, C#, and a soft front panel.
- Includes a standard three-year warranty and long-term product support, typically spanning 15–20 years or more.
Applications
- Avionics functional test
- Full authority digital engine control (FADEC) testing
- Multi-channel sensor simulation
- Legacy automated test equipment (ATE) upgrades
- New test system development
- Coordinated stimulus generation for multi-channel test applications
Availability
The Pickering 41-621 PXI and 43-621 PXIe Arbitrary Waveform Generator is available through Pickering Interfaces. The product is offered in PXI and PXIe formats, with the 41-621-002 model listed as a two-channel module. According to Pickering's product page, the estimated shipping time is 20 to 40 working days, and pricing is available upon request.
