Updating PXI Chassis Firmware

Updated May 2, 2023

Environment

Hardware

  • PXI Chassis

Operating System

  • Windows

In this document, you will find the instructions on how to update the firmware of your PXI/PXIe chassis. 

 

  1. Download and save the firmware image for your PXI Chassis to the system containing the chassis needing to be updated. If the system containing the chassis is running LabVIEW RT, save the firmware image onto the host machine.
  2. On the host system, use NI Measurement & Automation Explorer (NI MAX) to upgrade the firmware. You must run NI MAX with administrator privileges.
    1. For Windows Systems: Open NI MAX and expand Devices and Interfaces under the My System tab.
    2. For RT systems: Open NI MAX and Expand Remote Systems. Right-click the target system and select Web Configuration.
  3. Each chassis must be updated separately. For each chassis to be updated:
    1. Locate and expand the chassis needing the firmware update.
    2. Select the chassis in the leftmost pane, then click the Update Firmware button in the right pane.
    3. Navigate to and select the firmware image file saved in step 1, then click the Open button.
      • A dialog box should open containing information about the firmware image selected.
    4. Confirm the version number displayed is as you expected.
      • If the version is as expected, select the Begin Update button.
      • If the version is not as you expected, select the Cancel button and confirm the download in step 1.
  4. After a few moments, a dialog box should appear. If the dialog states The firmware update completed successfully, power cycle the remote controller. The power cycle will require a proper shutdown. After shut down, a disconnect of the AC power from the back of the chassis will be required after the system has successfully been shut down properly.
    • If the dialog states that an issue occurred, record the error number/message and Contact National Instruments.

On the other hand, as a side note, if you require to update the firmware of your PXI/PXIe card, the procedure is almost the same: 
1. On NI MAX, select your card
2. On the Settings tab, there will be an Update Firmware button

3. Select the corresponding firmware file and follow step 4 on the previous set of instructions.