Electronic Test Instruments

NI oscilloscopes and digitizers are precision modular instruments for capturing and analyzing electrical signals in automated test and high-channel count systems. Oscilloscopes provide interactive, real-time visualization and measurement, ideal for debugging and design validation, while digitizers deliver high-speed, deep-memory data acquisition for advanced analysis and long-duration recording via software control with fully user-programmable FPGA.

NI waveform generators produce electrical signals with defined shapes, frequencies, and amplitudes as standard or arbitrary waveforms. These signals can be generated in sequence or streamed in real time to stimulate and test electronic circuits in design, validation, or production test.

Digital multimeters perform high-precision voltage, current, resistance, temperature, inductance, capacitance, and frequency/period measurements, as well as diode tests. Some DMMs have an isolated digitizer mode for capturing and analyzing waveforms. Digital multimeters are used across a wide range of applications from validation to production.

NI PXI Source Measure Units (SMUs) are high-precision, high-accuracy DC instruments that can both source and measure voltage and current simultaneously. SMUs are widely used for characterizing and testing electronic devices and components where precise control and measurement of electrical parameters are required.

NI LCR Meters measure the inductance (L), capacitance (C), and resistance (R) of electronic components. They apply an AC signal to the device under test and analyze the response to determine these values. LCR meters are essential for evaluating passive components and ensuring they meet design specifications.

NI power supplies deliver precise, programmable DC voltage and current to devices under test (DUTs), ensuring safe and repeatable operation. They support advanced features like dynamic power delivery, sequencing, and software-defined control. With flexible configurations for integration into automated test systems, they enable engineers and technicians to simulate real-world conditions, validate designs, and ensure reliable device performance.

Electronic loads draw current from devices under test (DUTs) to simulate the real-world performance of batteries, power supplies, fuel cells, solar panels, and other electronics. These programmable test instruments operate in modes such as constant current, constant voltage, constant resistance, and constant power to meet a variety of testing needs. Electronic loads help validate performance and troubleshoot electrical issues and are common components of automated test systems.

NI digital I/O products can acquire and generate digital signals and patterns at multiple logic levels, including TTL, CMOS, and 24 V. They enable circuit characterization, device control, and flexible automation. Used in test, measurement, industrial control, and prototyping, NI DIO integrates with NI software for configuration, automation, and advanced data analysis.

NI frequency counter hardware measures signal characteristics including frequency, period, time interval, phase, and more.

NI FlexRIO instruments combine user‑programmable FPGAs with high‑performance I/O to create application‑specific instruments. Engineers can implement custom digital logic, timing, and protocol processing in software, accelerating validation, emulation, and high‑throughput test in PXI or PCIe systems.

Switches are hardware components used to route electrical signals between instruments and devices under test (DUTs). Essential for automating connections, expanding measurement coverage, and increasing throughput without manual rewiring, they are critical for efficient, scalable automated test systems.