Solution
Operating PXIe-1090 in a vertical or upright orientation is not supported and can lead to unequal cooling and localized hotspots. The forced air-cooling architecture of PXI/PXIe systems is designed with highly specific airflow pathways. These pathways depend directly on internal chassis geometry and rear fan placement to distribute air evenly across all module slots.
Placing the chassis in an upright position alters these pathways and can cause thermal unequal cooling. Even if the system continues to run without triggering visible temperature errors or immediate shutdowns, operating outside the recommended orientation degrades long-term component reliability.
To ensure proper cooling performance and system reliability, follow these instructions.
- Position the PXIe-1090 chassis horizontally on a flat, stable workbench or secure it within a standard equipment rack as described in the user manual.
- Maintain a minimum of 44.5 mm of clearance above and on the sides of the chassis for air exhaust, and 76.2 mm of clearance behind the chassis for the rear air intake.
- Keep the ambient intake temperature within specifications: 0 °C to 50 °C for systems containing only modules requiring ≤38 W cooling capacity, or 0 °C to 40 °C if any module requires between 38 W and 58 W cooling capacity per slot.
- Install filler panels or slot blockers in all unused slot locations to prevent air bypass and maximize active airflow through populated slots.
- Set the chassis fan speed selector on the rear panel to HIGH to maximize cooling airflow if your modules are operating close to their maximum thermal boundaries.