The backplane of this PXI Chassis is interoperable with PXI-compatible items and standard CompactPCI items. This is an imperative element, since certain PXI frameworks may necessitate parts that do not actualize PXI-specific highlights. For instance, the user might need to utilize a standard CompactPCI interface card in a PXI chassis. The signals on the backplane P1 connector meet the necessities of the CompactPCI specification for the system and peripheral modules. The PXI-specific signals are on the P2 connector and are located solely on the signal lines reserved or not utilized as a part of the CompactPCI 64-bit specification. Thus, all modules that meet the necessities of the CompactPCI 64-bit specification will work in the PXI-1042 National Instruments Chassis. The device is equipped with a male 9-pin D-SUB connected on its rear panel, and 2 BNC connectors also on its rear.
In the NI PXI-1042, all slots share eight trigger lines. The user can employ these trigger lines in a variety of ways. For instance, they can utilize triggers to synchronize the operation of a few diverse PXI peripheral modules. In different applications, one module can control deliberately timed sequences of operations performed on different modules in the framework. Modules can pass triggers to one another, enabling precisely timed reactions to asynchronous outside events the framework is observing or controlling. The NI device has a recommended operating temperature range of 0 to 55 °C. The device weighs 18.6 lbs., and has the dimensions: 6.97 x 10.68 x 15.61 in.