The National Instruments 778636-01 PXI Chassis is a high-performance 8-slot 3U chassis designed for the PXI-1042 model series, making it an ideal solution for laboratory, office, and educational environments requiring low acoustic noise levels. This chassis is engineered to meet the stringent cooling and power demands of modern PXI applications, providing a robust 8-slot PXI backplane and a high-output power supply that ensures reliable operation across a variety of applications.

The chassis features a modular design that promotes easy maintenance and minimizes mean time to repair (MTTR). Compliant with PXI Specification Revision 2.0, it supports both PXI and CompactPCI (PICMG 2.0 R 3.0) modules. It accommodates a universal AC input range of 100 to 240 VAC at 50/60 Hz, achieving a typical efficiency of 70%. Safety is enhanced by a 10 A circuit breaker for over-current protection, while a front-panel power switch allows straightforward control of the internal power supply. A D-SUB 9-pin connector on the rear panel also enables remote voltage monitoring and control.

The chassis employs a forced air cooling mechanism using dual 60 cfm fans that adjust speed based on air intake temperature, effectively minimizing audible noise while ensuring adequate heat dissipation through exhaust at both sides and the top. Additionally, the power supply cooling system operates under a similar forced air principle, with the left side designated for exhaust and the right side for intake. An integrated LED indicator on the front panel provides immediate notification of any power supply failures, enhancing user troubleshooting capabilities.