Determine Ground Reference for PXIe-6535, PXIe-6536, and PXIe-6537

Updated Sep 9, 2026

Issue Details

I am using a PXIe-6537 Digital I/O Module and need to understand how the device is grounded. I want to know whether the digital I/O signals are isolated from the PXI/PXIe chassis or referenced to chassis ground. I am unable to find documentation that explicitly describes the relationship between the module I/O signals, signal ground, and chassis ground.

Solution

The digital output ground pins (GND) on the PXIe-6537 are referenced to the module ground. The module ground is connected through the PXI backplane to the PXI chassis ground. In a standard installation where the PXI chassis is powered using a properly grounded three-prong AC power cord, the chassis ground is connected to earth ground. Therefore, under normal operating conditions, the PXIe-6537 digital ground can be considered referenced to earth ground through the chassis grounding path.
 
The same grounding architecture applies to the following devices:
  • PXIe-6535
  • PXIe-6536
  • PXIe-6537

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