Calibration Executive Controller and Chassis Requirements

Updated May 19, 2026

Reported In

Hardware

  • PXI Chassis
  • PXI Controller
  • MXI-Express Cable

Software

  • Calibration Executive

Operating System

  • Windows

Issue Details

I plan to use Calibration Executive to calibrate many different NI modules, including PXIe equipment, and I'm unsure of what system I need to support this.  Some NI Calibration Executive procedures require more PXI or PXI Express (PXIe) modules than can physically fit in a single chassis. Other procedures do not specify a required controller or chassis layout at all.  How do I properly configure my system in these situations so that all required modules are available to Calibration Executive during the calibration process?

Solution

You can run any Calibration Executive procedure using any combination of PC/controller, PXI/PXIe chassis, and MXI/expansion connections as long as the configuration satisfies both of the following requirements:
 

1. All required modules enumerate in the same Windows system.

  • Calibration Executive must detect all modules simultaneously.  You can accomplish this by:
    • Using a single embedded controller in the primary chassis with a PXI/PXIe MXI expansion link to additional chassis.
    • Using a PC host connected through MXI(e) to multiple chassis.
    • Using daisy‑chained PXI/PXIe chassis if supported by your expansion hardware.

2. The expansion setup supports the required software and bandwidth.

  • Ensure the connection method (MXI, PCIe expansion, etc.) supports:
    • The driver stack for the modules being calibrated
    • Required triggering and timing routes
    • Sufficient PCIe bandwidth for modules used in high‑speed or simultaneous calibration steps

Additional Information

  • Calibration Executive does not require a specific model of PXI/PXIe chassis or controller unless explicitly stated in the procedure.
  • Procedures that appear to “require” more slots than your chassis provide can always be completed by expanding the system using PXI/PXIe MXI or similar expansion.
  • If a recommended configuration is listed in a procedure, it is only meant to provide a reference layout, alternate configurations are acceptable as long as module availability and timing/triggering requirements are met.

Related Links

Calibration Executive - Download page

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