PXI 6143 Reference Trigger with SCXI1520

[Brian S]

I have 12 PXI 6143 modules connected in parallel to 12 SCXI 1520 modules using a cable directly from the 68pin connector on the 6143 to the 50pin connector on the back of the 1520.  I need to trigger all the channels using a reference trigger.  From what I understand of the PXI 6143 module the best way to do that is to use the PFI 1 terminal.  The problem is that the cable  connecting the 6143 and the 1520 prevents me from accessing the PFI terminal without a breakout box.  Is there an easy way to send a reference trigger to the 6143s without creating a breakout box to access the PFI terminals on the front of the 6143 module?

[hoffiz]

Hi Brian,

One way you can acces the PFI line by the way you system configure is by using the breakout box like you already said. A workaround is explained here in this knowdledge base, which tells how to do it using a SCXI-1180 to access the DIO. Basically you are going to be able to access those lines from the SCXI-1180 make sure to very carefully check the reserved PFI lines.  Even if this is for M and E series just make sure that you are not using PFI lines that are reserve for other events like PFI0/Start Trigger.  Also take a look at this KB.  Another way is to use the PXI_TRIG lines in the backplane to trigger all the channels, please refer to this link:  and just for reference if you can take a look to this link also: Also another option is to use a PXI-6651 and use the StartTrigger to trigger all you channel in the scxi-1520. I hope I was able to help you.