How Do I Cascade Multiple PXI-4110 or PXI-4130 Modules to Produce a Higher Voltage Output?

Hardware: Modular Instruments>>Power Supplies>>PXI-4110

Problem:
I would like to use a PXI-4110 but I noticed that its maximum output is 46 volts. Can I cascade multiple modules together to achieve a higher voltage output?

Solution:
Cascading Multiple PXI-4110 Modules

It is possible to cascade two PXI-4110 modules to achieve as high as 80 VDC, but care must be taken because you cannot exceed 60 VDC from any terminal to ground. The key is to connect the earth ground terminal in such a way, that the common mode specification is not violated. The following diagram shows how to cascade two PXI-4110 modules and safely achieve 80 VDC.

The potential between Mod1_ch1 and Mod2_ch2 is 80V but no channel is greater than 40V from earth ground.

It is not possible to use the 6 volt sources on the modules to increase the voltage range even further. The 6 volts can be used to provide volts at a different terminal. It is also very important to remember you cannot exceed 60 VDC from any terminal to ground, as a result creating a voltage range of 120 V requires two additional modules. If you only used one module and biased one a full 40 V you will place a terminal 80 volts from ground and damage the module. An example program is linked below that shows how to use the DMM driver to control these voltages. It only one of many possible ways to implement the high voltage power source.

Cascading Multiple PXI-4130 Modules

Because CH 1 on the NI PXI-4130 is an isolated output, it can be cascaded in series with other output channels to generate larger output voltages. For safety reasons, all terminals must be <60 VDC from ground. Please note however that the NI PXI-4130 does not provide isolation when using CH 0. Therefore although it is possible to cascade multiple PXI-4130 modules together to for greater voltage values, it is more cost effective to achieve higher voltages by cascading multiple PXI-4110 modules together.

Related Links:
KnowledgeBase 45FDQOZN: What is the Maximum Voltage and Current that the NI PXI-4110 can Source when Cascading Outputs?
Developer Zone Example: Stacking Two PXI-4110 Modules as an 80 Volt Power Supply
Developer Zone Example: Parallel Channels for Higher Current

Attachments:

- Terminal_Potential.JPG

- Cascade4110_80V2.JPG

Report Date: 02/06/2007
Last Updated: 05/05/2009
Document ID: 465CUS7E

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