National Instruments SCXI-1140 – 8‑Channel Low‑Pass Filtering and Signal Conditioning for Clean, Measurable Analog Inputs

The NI SCXI-1140 is a multi-channel analog signal conditioning module designed for SCXI chassis. From my experience, it’s the kind of module you drop in when raw sensor or transducer signals are too noisy or too wideband for your DAQ to capture reliably. You get per‑channel low-pass filtering and amplification so your measurement device sees a clean, bandwidth-limited signal—exactly what you want to avoid aliasing and to stabilize readings in dynamic tests.

Typical use cases include conditioning general‑purpose voltage signals from fixtures, fixtures with embedded sensors, benchtop prototypes, or production lines where you want to strip high-frequency noise before routing signals into your DAQ. One thing I appreciate is how it slots into standard SCXI chassis and works smoothly with NI DAQ devices and NI‑DAQmx software in most setups.

Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days
• Delivery: typically 1 week if in stock; no more than 1 month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance; full payment prior to delivery
• Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL

Key Features

• Eight conditioned input channels – Consolidates multiple sensor or fixture signals into one SCXI slot, which simplifies wiring.
• Per‑channel low‑pass filtering – Selectable cutoff filters that remove unwanted high‑frequency components to reduce aliasing.
• Signal amplification – Onboard gain helps bring low‑level voltages into the optimal input range of your DAQ device.
• High channel-to-channel isolation (conditioning) – Reduces crosstalk so adjacent channels typically don’t contaminate each other.
• SCXI backplane routing – Conditioned signals route directly through the chassis to your NI DAQ hardware for clean acquisition.
• Compatible terminal options – Works with standard SCXI terminal blocks (e.g., SCXI‑1302/1303/1305) for BNC or screw‑terminal wiring.
• Software integration – Supported in NI‑DAQmx in many cases; legacy systems may use Traditional NI‑DAQ.

Technical Specifications

Application Fields

• R&D benches – filter and scale prototype sensor signals before high‑resolution acquisition.
• Production test – stabilize noisy fixture signals so functional tests are more repeatable.
• Durability and environmental testing – bandwidth‑limit channels to match sampling rates and reduce aliasing.
• Education and labs – a straightforward way to demonstrate practical anti‑alias filtering in DAQ setups.

“We swapped in the SCXI‑1140 to tame a set of chattery voltage signals from our end‑of‑line tester; the repeatability improved immediately.” — Manufacturing Test Engineer

Advantages & Value

• Reliability – Proven SCXI hardware that typically runs for years with minimal intervention.
• Compatibility – Plays well with NI DAQ cards and NI‑DAQmx; reduces custom filtering hardware.
• Cost Efficiency – Eight conditioned channels per slot often cut panel component counts and wiring time.
• Lower Risk – Conditioning at the module means fewer nuisance failures due to noise and aliasing.
• Scalability – Add more SCXI modules as channel counts grow without redesigning your rack.

Installation & Maintenance

• Cabinet/chassis – Mount in an SCXI chassis (e.g., SCXI‑1000/1001). Keep 50 mm clearance for airflow; avoid heat sources.
• Wiring – Use shielded twisted pair for low‑level signals. Terminate to SCXI‑1302/1303/1305 as appropriate; maintain consistent grounds.
• Filter/Gain setup – Set cutoff and gain per channel according to your sampling rate and expected signal amplitude.
• Safety – Power down the chassis before inserting/removing modules or terminal blocks. Observe ESD precautions.
• Routine care – Inspect connectors quarterly, clean dust with dry air, and verify channel calibration annually (or per quality plan).
• Software – Keep NI‑DAQmx at a stable, validated version for your system; update only after test validation.

Quality & Certifications

• Manufacturer typically conforms to ISO 9001 quality systems
• CE marking and safety compliance applicable to SCXI series
• UL/CSA safety standards (module and chassis dependent)
• 365‑day warranty coverage from shipment