Why Automate PXI Deployment?

PXI-based test systems are often deployed across production lines, labs, and remote validation setups. Manual setup of each PXI controller—installing drivers, configuring static IPs, deploying LabVIEW runtimes or Python packages—can waste hours. Ansible solves this via **zero-touch deployment**, ensuring every system is consistently configured and production-ready.

What Is Ansible?

Ansible is an agentless IT automation engine that uses YAML playbooks over SSH or WinRM. It’s ideal for configuring PXI controllers running Windows or Linux RT, managing updates, installing software, and applying configuration changes programmatically. You don’t need to install any agent on the PXI side—just enable SSH or WinRM and connect from a control machine.

Zero-Touch PXI Setup: Key Workflow

Here’s a typical zero-touch PXI provisioning pipeline:

1. ???? PXI unit receives DHCP lease or static IP
2. ???? SSH or WinRM access configured via boot image or PXE
3. ???? Ansible playbook connects and pushes configuration
4. ???? Software installed: LabVIEW Runtime, NI-VISA, Python, packages
5. ???? Test agent registered with CI/CD or MES

Everything above can be triggered when a PXI rack is connected to the network—zero keyboard or monitor required.

Sample Ansible Playbook for PXI Controller

- name: Configure PXI controller
  hosts: pxi_group
  become: yes
  tasks:
    - name: Set static IP
      win_dns_client:
        adapter_names: ['Ethernet']
        ipv4_addresses:
          - address: 10.10.10.21
            subnet_mask: 255.255.255.0
            gateway: 10.10.10.1
    - name: Install NI-VISA
      win_package:
        path: '\\share\nivisa_setup.exe'
        product_id: 'NI-VISA'
        arguments: '/quiet'
    - name: Copy Python test agent
      win_copy:
        src: 'test_agent.py'
        dest: 'C:\\Test\\test_agent.py'
    

Supported PXI OS Types

Ansible supports:

• Windows-based PXI controllers (PXIe-8880, PXIe-8840, etc.) via WinRM
• Linux RT PXI systems via SSH (PXIe-8135 with NI Linux RT)

Windows controllers may require enabling WinRM and firewall rules; Linux targets need SSH and sudo access.

Best Practices for Zero-Touch Provisioning

• ???? Use PXE boot with preconfigured image (or golden image USB stick)
• ???? Use SSH keys or secure credentials vault (e.g., Ansible Vault)
• ???? Store inventory and playbooks in Git for version control
• ???? Run playbooks after every hardware replacement or test plan change

Using tools like GitLab CI/CD or Jenkins, you can even automate PXI provisioning as part of your factory deployment pipeline.

Integration with Test Environments

Ansible can also trigger LabVIEW EXEs, Python scripts, or configure system services to launch your test software on boot. With DAQ & Control modules or completion hardware, PXI units become fully autonomous test machines on the first power-up.

FAQs

Can I deploy PXI software updates with Ansible?

Yes. You can push software, patches, and registry settings remotely.

Is it safe for production labs?

Yes, with secure credential handling and read-only playbooks for sensitive targets.

What if the PXI controller fails?

Provision a new one identically in minutes using the same playbook.

Using Ansible for PXI controller deployment ensures fast, reliable, and repeatable configuration of your entire test system fleet. Whether you’re managing 3 units or 300, zero-touch setup saves time, reduces errors, and fits into modern DevOps workflows. Explore more automation tools on our PXI Platform and Data Acquisition pages.